Tex appeal march 2016 issue

Rugby Rugby

M A R C H 2 0 1 6

Texas Texas a&M a&M University University

CenTral CenTral Texas Texas

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A tough A tough sport sport forfor theWarriors theWarriors

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Features

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LICENSE TO FLY

CTC trains aspiring pilots

For almost 50 years, instructors at the Aviation Science department at Central Texas College in Killeen have been helping the careers and dreams of aspiring pilots take flight. Whether you’re looking to earn a certificate that permits you to fly a small, single-engine craft for fun, or aspire to make a career piloting large jets for major airlines, CTC can help those ambitions get off the ground.

By FRED AFFLERBACH

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UMHB REACHES OUT

Students, faculty volunteer

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IN TUNE WITH STUDENTS Baker directs at Temple College Sara Harris Baker, Ph.D., director of choral activities at Temple College, stands at a lectern in one of the school’s rehearsal theaters waiting for her two o’clock jazz ensemble class to take their seats.

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

MARCH 2016 | TEX APPEAL

Twice a year, in spring and fall, students and faculty of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor come together for a day of service called Reaching Out to help charitable organizations in Temple and Belton. These two coordinated days of service sometimes bring together more than 300 participants who gather in the early morning to listen to speakers, bow their heads in prayer, then sign up for one of 25 projects to service that day. “Fifteen to 20 people are assigned per project site,” said Tiffany Wurdemann, director of student organizations at UMHB. The purpose of this event, Wurdemann said, is to “create awareness for the inspiration of service.”

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

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RUGGED RUGBY

TAMUCT gets first sport

Rugby has been dubbed a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen and women.

As of last fall, it’s also played by Texas A&M University-Central Texas students.

By FRED AFFLERBACH

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Departments

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TexTalk Neighbors Beverly Hadley runs Bell County Museum

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TexTalk FLAVOURs Sarsaparilla Saloon and Cafe in Belton

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TexTalk BEAUTY Sara Baker opens her bag

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TexTalk SCENE Nashville Nights ALtrusa’s Caring Ball

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TexTalk CALENDAR Upcoming events in March

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Build lower body strength

EDITOR’s LETTER WELL-CONNECTED

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Texas a&M University

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ON the COVER Texas A&M University-Central Texas women’s rugby team with Dr. Tracy Teaff. 41 Photograph by MITCHEL BARRETT

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Contributors

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TexFit

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TexVOLUNTEER UMHB students Reaching Out

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TexADVENTURES

PROFILES

Exploring history at the Gault Site

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX

TexTHERAPY

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From the Editor Dear Readers, We moved up our collegiate issue from September to March this year. There are a lot of exciting things happening at our local colleges and maybe some of these stories will help a graduating high school senior decide which direction to go.

Once again we covered the four main colleges in Bell County — the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas A&M University-Central Texas and Central Texas College in Killeen, and Temple College. Also included is an introduction to the new director of the Bell County Museum, and a reminder of the research library they have available to students; and a trip to the Gault Site, for professional and armchair archaeologists who want to learn more about the prehistory of Central Texas.

When it comes to song, Dr. Sara Harris Baker, director of choral activities at Temple College knows how to turn voices into instruments. She teaches vocal jazz ensemble, vocal point, musical theater ensemble and the Chorale, a chorus of singers made up of traditional and nontraditional students. This month members of the group will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, page 35.

Central Texas College’s aviation department is an award-winning program that trains students to become professional private and commercial pilots. Students get hands-on flying instruction at the college’s hangar at Skylark Field, Page 29.

Rugby has come to Central Texas!

Texas A&M-Central Texas introduced rugby into its curriculum and it is the first group sport at the school. A game of skill and speed, rugby is a tough sport and fits somewhere between basketball and football, Page 41.

Many Bell County college students know what it means to give back to community.

Through campus organizations, students are found helping out at many of the local philanthropic groups in and around Bell County. Students at Mary Hardin-Baylor volunteer their time throughout the year at various charitable and church locations. Its Reaching Out program brings together more than 300 students and faculty one day, twice a year to reach out to community and give back, Page 56.

Meet Beverly Hadley, the new director of the Bell County Museum. Her road to museum director took many different turns before landing her in Belton. For anyone unfamiliar with the museum, Hadley wants students to know that the museum’s research library is available for academic and personal research into Bell County’s history, Page 12.

Travel to the Gault Site for an in-depth look into the prehistoric history of our region. Discovered on the farm of Henry Gault and his wife, Jodie, the site was excavated from 1999-2002, to collect information about the Clovis culture. More than 600,000 specimens were discovered during that time, Page 60.

Whatever you’re doing, take a break, have a seat and pour yourself a glass or cup of your favorite beverage as you meet some of your academic neighbors in the pages of this month’s Tex Appeal Magazine.

Catherine Hosman

Tex Appeal Editor edittexappealmagazine@gmail.com 254-501-7511

MARCH 2016 | TEX APPEAL

Tex Appeal Life & Style in Central Texas

Published by FRANK MAYBORN ENTERPRISES, INC. KILLEEN DAILY HERALD 1809 Florence Rd., Killeen, TX 76540

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM 10 S. Third St., Temple, TX 76501

Publisher SUE MAYBORN Editor CATHERINE HOSMAN Editorial Director ROSE FITZPATRICK Photographers/Graphic Designers

M. CLARE HAEFNER JULIE NABOURS JOSH BACHMAN Contributors FRED AFFLERBACH MITCHEL BARRETT CRAIG LIFTON GABE WOLF Advertising 254-778-4444 254-501-7500

Tex Appeal Magazine is published monthly by Frank Mayborn Enterprises, Inc. 10 S. Third St., Temple, TX 76501. The cover and content of Tex Appeal Magazine is fully protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

Subscriptions: For the United States, $24 per year, 12 issues.

Mail check to P.O. Box 6114, Temple, TX 76503-6114.

Questions about subscriptions, call 254-778-4444.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Tex Appeal Magazine, P.O. Box 6114, Temple, TX 76503-6114.

How to contact us: Advertising: Call 254-778-4444 or 254-501-7500.

Editorial: Contact Catherine Hosman at 254-501-7511 or email edittexappealmagazine@ gmail.com.

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You can read back issues of Tex Appeal Magazine at texappealmag.com.

Log on today to find the current issue and older editions of Tex Appeal.

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Contributors FreD AFFLERBACH is an award-winning writer and novelist, college graduate at age 50, and former long-haul trucker. His stories and columns have been published in daily newspapers across Texas. His novel, “Roll On,” debuted in 2012, and is an interstate odyssey about a man afflicted with an incurable wanderlust despite pressure from family and friends to settle down. Fred lives in Cedar Park with his wife, Diane, and enjoys perusing Central Texas backroads with a keen eye out for roadrunners, old trucks and lipstick sunsets.

MITCHEL BARRETT is an award-winning photographer and owner of Mitchel Barrett Photography. Although originally from the British Virgin Islands, for the past 12 years he has come to call the city of Killeen his home. He developed his love of photography while attending high school and the KISD Career Center, and has enjoyed life behind the lens ever since. When not busy taking photos, you can probably find him at the movies with friends or at home with his family and two dogs.

CRAIG LIFTON is a freelance photographer and has been shooting photographs since his early teen years in Detroit, Mich. A 24-year veteran with the National Guard Service and the Air Force, he now works as an Army civilian in public relations, video broadcasting and journalism at Fort Hood. Craig recently branched out on his own to study more about his interest in photography. A resident of the Central Texas area since 2005, Craig and his family now love the culture and landscapes of their new home.

GABE Wolf is an award-winning photojournalist, with the most recent being the 2015 Barbara Jordan Media Award. He lives in Kempner with wife Stephenie, two dogs, Benny and Joon, three cats, Mouse, Veruca and Augustus, and two horses, Trouble and China.

He’s been a professional photographer for the past 15 years, documenting the Western Lifestyle with his wife and business partner, Stephenie.

JOIN the Tex Appeal TEAM

Tex Appeal Magazine is looking for photographers and freelance writers with experience photographing and/or writing features for a newspaper or magazine. We are seeking candidates from the Central Texas area. Candidates must be detail- and deadline-oriented and good storytellers, and must be familiar with AP style. Ability for writers to take photos is a plus, but not required. Interested candidates may send their resumes and three to five recent stories and/or photographs for consideration to edittexappealmagazine@gmail.com.

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neighbors 12

flavours 16

beauty 18

TexTalk

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Sharing area’s history Beverly Hadley, director of the Bell County Museum, takes a break in the reading corner of the museum’s research library.

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TexTalk neighbors

New museum director shares story of Bell County with visitors

Story by CATHERINE HOSMAN Photos by MITCHEL BARRETT

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MARCH 2016 | TEX APPEAL

ollege students and residents who want to learn more about Bell County can step back in time by visiting the Bell County Museum in Belton.

Permanent exhibits include the Gault Site that dates back to 13,000 years ago when the earliest people lived along the land near Florence. Also represented is the Texas frontier when settlers and Native Americans, who were probably the descendants of the earliest inhabitants, clashed over culture and land dominance.

Volumes of family histories of the settlers who dared to tame the wild country line the shelves in the museum’s research library, waiting to be discovered by students who need to learn more about a topic of local history for a class, families searching for their genealogy, or the curious who want to learn more about this area of Texas so rich in living history.

“There is someone using the library every week,” said Beverly Hadley, the director of the museum since August.

“It could be a student or a family doing research.

“The research is specific to Bell County,” she continued. “If you are looking for information on Sam Houston, you won’t find it at this museum’s library.

But you will find information on the original settlements and a wealth of information on the families who founded the county.”

Adjacent shelves house books that range in topics from American Indian history and culture to African-American cowboys to Texas Rangers.

“We cover the 1850s to the turn of the century. That’s when a lot happened,” she said. “The second point of interest is Fort Hood.”

Growing up seaside Hadley, who holds a master’s degree in speech and audiology, grew up on

Galveston Bay in Kemah when it was still a sleepy fishing village where fishermen sold their catch in an open market.

Growing up on the bay, she recalls those carefree days of summer sailing her Sunfish sailboat, with parental rules, of course. Her father was a Galveston Bay native and owned a shipyard where he and her uncle built ship-going tugboats, barges and river tugboats.

“To this day when I see a rope, I don’t call it a rope,” she said. “I call it a line.”

As a little girl, when not sailing with her family on their 20-foot sailboat, she spent time canoeing and fishing off the pier. She also liked to go wade fishing for trout and redfish with her dad in the summer.

The oldest of five children, one brother and three sisters, Hadley’s life took her from the shores of Galveston Bay to the women’s basketball team at Mississippi University for Women (formerly known as Mississippi State College for Women), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in speech, and to the University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa where she earned her master’s degree in speech with an emphasis in audiology. Her career earned her a spot on NASA’s KC-135 Zero-G “vomit comet” when she was studying the effects of motion sickness.

“All of a sudden, you just come up off the floor,” she recalled of her time in zero gravity. “It’s kind of a unique feeling. I didn’t get ill because I took something.”

Just as her career was taking off, she married a U.S. Army V Corps Surgeon (chief medical officer in charge of the medical care for the corps), and lived in Germany for more than three years before returning to the states. The couple moved to Houston, and she helped her then-husband run a private medical practice. But change was once again on the horizon for Hadley and she moved to Uvalde County and became co-owner of Boers by Hadley, which she described as a “full-blood meat goat operation.” She also

Bell County Museum Director Beverly Hadley, left, answers questions about the temporary exhibit “Deadly Medicine” as she talks with Temple residents Jann Oworsky, center, and Meredith Hatch. BELOW: Volumes of family histories of the pioneers who settled Bell County line the shelves in the museum’s research library.

began volunteering with the Bluebonnet Equine Society, offering rescued horses a foster home, and remains active with that organization, currently fostering two horses on her property in Moody.

But something was still missing in her new life. She was looking for a new direction and started working at the John Nance Garner Museum, a division of the Briscoe Center for American

History at the University of Texas, in Uvalde, which began her journey into the world of museums. After her stint at the Garner Museum, and before moving to Bell County, she worked as the first executive director of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Cuero, and as executive director of the Gillespie County Historical Society in Fredericksburg.

Transitioning from audiologist to museum director may have taken Hadley in different directions, but, she said, “with some similarities.”

“They are both unique in their own rights. Audiology, in my case, dealt with more of a research mode; however, that is very similar to curating an exhibit where you research a topic then build an exhibit around that topic,” she said. “Basically, these were two different times in my life. I would not say that one gives more satisfaction than the other.”

‘Deadly Medicine’ In addition to the permanent exhibits and research library that the Bell Continued TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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County Museum offers to the public, it also offers special traveling exhibits throughout the year. Its most recent exhibit, not for the faint of heart, is called “Deadly Medicine,” and is on loan from the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. It is co-sponsored by the museum and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Christian Studies.

The exhibit relives a time in the not-too-distant past and tells the story of Nazi Germany from 1922 to 1945 when a campaign was created to “cleanse German society of people viewed as biological threats to the nation’s health,” through euthanasia and eugenics. (U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum) “People are responding to this,” Hadley said.

The exhibit is graphic. Because of its subject matter, there is a disclaimer at the sign-in sheet that warns visitors of the horrific topic and that some may find it disturbing. “It needs to be taken in small doses,” she said.

Dr. Timothy Crawford, dean of the College of Christian Studies at UMHB said the information imbued in this exhibit is “still relevant.”

“Though it deals with a lot of issues, the issue of eugenics hasn’t really gone away,” said Crawford, who collaborated with the museum to bring the exhibit to Bell County. “People are still trying to manipulate embryos; there is a lot

The creation of the railroad through Central Texas made way for the transportation of cattle to markets and passengers crossing the continent.

of discussion now whether people want their kids to have certain physical characteristics.”

“The remembrance is that it happened and is as relevant today as it was in the 1930s and 1940s,” Hadley said.

“It (genocide) still happens on a regular basis someplace around the world.”

Crawford said he hopes people will come away from viewing this exhibit with the realization that a lot of the ideas we

The Bell County Museum in Belton offers visitors a unique view of Central Texas in the 1850s.

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struggle with today have been around for a long time.

“It’s a reality check on some things we take for granted in society today,” Hadley said.

Lessons learned With every experience Hadley has had on the road to finding her life’s purpose, she said one of the things she learned is patience.

“As I’ve gotten older, my patience has increased,” she said. “Experience makes me strong, but I wouldn’t be strong if I didn’t have the foundation my parents set; to always strive to be and do the best you can.”

As she moves forward with her role as director of the Bell County Museum, Hadley said her wish list includes increasing and improving the educational outreach, creating a permanent interpretive center for kids in the upstairs exhibit hall that would give visitors a hands-on look at life through the stories of Native Americans, settlers and the history of the Chisholm Trail.

“I enjoy the stories museums tell,” Hadley said. “There are so many untold stories that never make the history books and museums help to fill that void.

“We tell the story of the community and that makes each community unique.”

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TexTalk flavours

Sarsaparilla Saloon and Café serves comfort food for lunch Story by CATHERINE HOSMAN Photos by MITCHEL BARRETT

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Tammy Wilson, owner of Sarsaparilla’s Saloon and Café in downtown Belton.

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oused in a historic building in downtown Belton, the Sarsaparilla Saloon and Café offers diners a unique lunch menu that is ever-changing. Owned and operated by Belton native Tammy Wilson, since 2008, she said she was inspired by her friends to open her own restaurant because she was such a good cook.

“I said, ‘why not,’ I’ll just give it a try.”

Her “try” was a successful formula that offers diners on the go a quick, homemade soup, sandwich and dessert lunch. Some of her regular sandwich items include the always comforting peanut butter and jelly, turkey, BLT, tuna and her very popular chicken salad sandwich.

Soups and hot menu items change daily with Wednesdays being chicken and dumplings day.

Of all her menu items she said the chicken salad sandwich is the most popular. It is made with familiar ingredients, including shredded chicken breast, not too much mayonnaise, eggs, finely chopped celery and relish.

Sandwiches are served on freshly baked bread, rolls and croissants from prepackaged dough she purchases through her purveyor.

The restaurant seats up to 75 people at one time and diners can eat in or take out. All soups are served in easily transportable paper cups and sandwiches are served on a paper-lined plate.

When the doors open at 10 a.m., customers are already waiting.

“We make everything and have it ready to serve when they come in,” Wilson said. “We are not cooking in front of them, we are not cooking to order, everything is ready for them to choose what they like and we dish it out right then, cafeteria style.”

Many of her hot menu items are seasonal, particularly her soups.

“During the fall we do soups like butternut squash, things like that, we just

adjust accordingly,” she said.

During the winter she serves chili every day but that will stop when it gets too warm outside, she said.

Although the occasional student comes into the restaurant for a quick, friendly meal, she said most of her business is geared toward “people working downtown.”

IF YOU GO Sarsaparilla Saloon and Café 106 E. Central Avenue, Belton 254-939-1778 Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday Closed weekends.

PEASANT SOUP Tammy Wilson shared one of her easyto-make comfort soups with us.

12 cups water 6 beef bouillon cubes, or to taste 1 small head of cabbage 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes 5 cups diced potatoes 2 carrots sliced and cooked 1 pound ground beef cooked and drained 2 tablespoons ketchup, or to taste 2 tablespoons parsley Directions: Bring water to a boil. Add potatoes

and carrots to boiling water, cook until tender then remove from heat.

Add beef bouillon cubes to water and stir till dissolved.

In a separate pan, sauté cabbage with a little salt and pepper in 3 tablespoons of butter.

Cook until tender then add it to the potato and carrot soup. Pour can tomatoes with juice in soup.

Add cooked/drained beef.

Add parsley.

Add ketchup to taste.

Optional: Pour the soup into a sixquart or larger slow cookers and keep it warm on low.

Serve with your favorite sandwich.

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Beauty in the Performer’s Bag

beauty TexTalk

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

How do you stay beautiful on the go?

Each month Tex Appeal peeks inside the bag of one busy woman to reveal her best beauty secrets and must-have essentials.

Sara Harris Baker Choral activities director Temple College

The ESSENTIALS she CARRIES In her day-to-day life as a choir director and music professor, Sara Harris Baker, Ph.D., doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, but when she’s performing or directing, she said it becomes more important “that my face doesn’t wash out under the stage lights.”

Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer: My combination skin needs moisture and it also smooths my skin for foundation.

Pür 4-in-1 Liquid Foundation: This gives me full coverage, but blends well with my skin tone.

Pür’s Mineral Glow Bronzer: This adds a little warmth to my makeup.

Kat Von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw: It’s a bright, glamorous red, and once you put it on, it’s never coming off.

Benefit’s They’re Real Push Up Liner

and Roller Lash Mascara: Gives my eyes enhancements that last through the night.

Dove Deodorant: Because no one wants to share the stage with a stinky performer.

Clear Maybelline Express Finish Nail Polish: This can save the day with a run in pantyhose or tights and dries quickly.

Throat Coat Tea: For that night when your voice isn’t quite at its very best.

Wig cap, makeup brushes, spirit gum, and hair white: These are all things most people probably don’t carry in a makeup bag, but they are very useful in theatrical settings as both a performer and director.

Mehron Theatrical Makeup: These cream colors can be used in a variety of ways onstage.

Photographs by MITCHEL BARRETT

Most valuable TOOL in her BAG

List the most essential item in your purse — the one thing you won’t go anywhere without and tell us why you won’t go anywhere without it.

I’ve been blessed to work with some great makeup artists through the years, but I always take my own foundation with me, because I know it’s a good color match and gentle on my skin.

Do you have a helpful hint you can share with readers?

Being a director is like being a musical guide, a cheerleader, and a mom all at once. I try to make sure I have extra of everything so I can help out my students if they need something at a performance. There’s often not time before we’re due onstage to run to a store and buy it, so I keep a stash of essentials in my office.

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MARCH 2016 | TEX APPEAL

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TexTalk scene

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Nashville Nights benefits Temple Cultural Activities Center 2 3

1. The Contemporaries Board, from left, Nashville Nights Chairman Carla Stanley, Corresponding Secretary Hilde Cort, Board President Beverly Kermode, Vice President Joelle Bedwell, Treasurer Jean Thorp, and Recording Secretary Jeannie Milbery.

2. Johnnie Hahn deals blackjack Jan. 30 at the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities Center in Temple during the Contemporaries’ fundraiser.

3. From left, John and Jo Elwood, Nancy Perachioa and Bret Clough.

4. From left, CAC facilities staff Jesse Wyman and Edward Lavan stand with CAC Marketing Director Jane Boone.

Photos by GABE WOLF 20

MARCH 2016 | TEX APPEAL

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5. Les and Carol Koster.

6. Jan Hart, left, and Betty Thrasher.

7. Carla Stanley, center, poses with her daughters, Amber Stanley Weins, left, and Heather Stanley.

8. Marianne and Tom Stringfellow. Marianne holds a caricature of herself drawn by Betsi Chamlee during the event.

9. Violet and Guy Okeson.

10. From left, Shirley Gaines, Mary Steele and Maren Palmer.

11. Stan Simons, left, and Dr. Terry Proctor have a jam session during the Nashville Nights fundraiser.

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TexTalk scene

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Altrusa hosts 22nd annual Caring Ball fundraiser 2

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1. At the 22nd annual Caring Ball on Feb. 13, attendees sample wine and try hors d’oeuvres before dinner was served at The Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple.

2. Emily and Adam Haberer.

3. From left, Elaine and Al Dobos, of Belton, Janice Wilson, of Temple, and John and Joane Elwood, of Temple.

4. Tom Norman and Hellen Pickle.

5. Tara Stafford, of Temple, left, and Marybeth Kelton, of Belton.

Photos by CRAIG LIFTON 22

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10 11 6. From left, Laura Luedeke, Congressman John Carter, Erika Carter, and Shay Luedeke at the Altrusa event.

7. Temple Police Chief Floyd and Rebecca Mitchell.

8. Clinton Hubik, Vanessa Hernandez, and Triston and Debbie Mabry.

9. Rebecca and Michael Moore.

10. Mickey and Dee Kerr.

11. From left, Trent and Pam Lanham, with Taryn Warren and Stephen Maher.

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TexTalk calendar

The French Quarter Band Free Concert Benefitting the Temple Association for Pet Adoption March 1, 6 to 8 p.m.

The French Quarter Band performs a free concert to benefit the APAC, a local nonprofit that works to find homes and medical care for animals at the Temple Animal Shelter. The French Quarter Band plans to host these concerts on the first Tuesday of each month with guest performers featured each month.

Mayborn Auditorium Cultural Arts Activities Center 3011 N. Third St. in Temple For more information, visit cacARTS.org or call 254-773-9926.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration March 2 10 to 11:30 a.m. $7 per child “Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” and “Horton Hears a Who!” are a few great Dr. Seuss classics. Help celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a morning full of activities revolving around different Dr. Seuss stories. Pre-registration required.

Gober Party House 1516 W. Avenue H, Temple For more information, call 254-298-5474.

Belton Senior Activity Center Country Dance Time March 3, Bobby Dean, Timeless Country

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Owner Melvin, left, and JC Lowe of Lowe’s Legs prepare meat during last year’s Food Truck Fest.

March 17, Shorty Grisham & Friends 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Suggested donation: $5 Live country music, tow-step and fantastic dancers. Bring a small food item for the snack table. Check the schedule for your favorite band.

842 Mitchell St., Belton For more information, call 254-939-1170.

Food Truck Fest March 5, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bring the family to the Santa Fe Depot Gardens for a day of great food, live music and family friendly events.

From burgers to Samoan to Korean and then decadent desserts — there is a food

truck to satisfy every appetite.

315 W. Avenue B, Temple For more information, call 254-298-5774.

Gardeners Education Series: Container Gardening, Harker Heights Parks & Recreation March 14, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You don’t need a plot of land to grow vegetables. Come to this FREE class to learn how to grow a garden in a small space while getting the same results as a backyard garden. No RSVP is required.

For more information, email smylcraine@ci.haker-heights.tx.us or call 254-953-5466.

Harker Heights Activities Center 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights

Temple Cultural Activities Center presents The Beautiful Berbers by Martha D. Allen and Observation by Folusha J. Omole Now through March 18 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or by appointment.

Martha Dickson Allen displays watercolor paintings of Berber women from North Africa in Saulsbury Gallery.

Folusho J. Omole’s Observation exhibit reflects the issues of his environment while growing up in West Africa.

On display in the Howard and Upstairs Galleries are submissions and award winners for the Cultural Activities Center’s second annual art competition.

Student entries in various media will be also be on display.

3011 N. Third St. in Temple For more information, visit cacARTS.org or call 254-773-9926.

The Shades of Texas Quilt Show March 18 and 19 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It will feature a judged quilt show with more than 15 categories, a “Quilt of Valor” display, other displays and vendors.

Killeen Civic and Conference Center 3601 S. W.S. Young Drive, Killeen For more information, visit CTTQuiltGuild.org or call 254-681-6159 or 254-289-6382.

calendar TexTalk

The Shades of Texas Quilt Show returns to the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on March 18-19.

Foam Party March 19, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

DJ Foamie Foam will keep the party going with popular hits, while children dance and play in the foam zone.

Ages 10 to 15 $15, pre-registration required West Temple Park 121 Montpark Road, Temple Register online at templeparks.com.

For more information, call 254-298-5474.

Bell County Extension Education Association’s 11th annual Luncheon with Style Show, “Fashion Stars” March 19, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Style show begins at 11 a.m.

Come early to enjoy the pre-show

activities including a baked potato/salad luncheon followed by fashions provided

by Cato. Funds generated from the show are used for community service and education, the support of Bell County 4-H projects, scholarships, and the Bell County Youth Fair.

Advance tickets are available before March 14. For more information or to purchase tickets individually, call the Bell County Extension Office 254-933-5305 or purchase from Education Extension members. For reserved tables of eight, call Kimberly Kennard Marx at 254-931-5657.

Bell County Expo Center Assembly Hall 301 W. Loop 121, Belton Continued

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TexTalk calendar

Hundreds of Easter eggs will be hidden for children to find March 25 in Harker Heights.

21st annual Easter Egg Hunt Harker Heights Parks & Recreation March 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Ages: 8 and younger Free Come hop along with the Easter Bunny. Bring your own basket or bucket to collect the eggs. Don’t forget your cameras. In case of rain, call 254-953-5660.

For more information, visit http:// bit.ly/Heightsevents or call 254-953-5465.

Harker Heights Community Park Ball Fields 1501 E. Farm-to-Market 2410, Harker Heights Trains Around the World The Railroad Photography of Fred Springer Through March 26 Tuesday – Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Museum admission required The photographs included in the Trains Around the World exhibit show railroading during the 20th century on all six inhabited continents. Springer’s photographs offer a global view of an industry in transition.

Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum 315 W. Avenue B, Temple For more information, visit www.rrhm.org or call 254-298-5172.

Bell County Museum Great Garage Sale Mar. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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everything from collectibles to electronic equipment, fabulous antiques, vintage jewelry and textiles, furniture, housewares, and just great all-American junk. Proceeds help the museum fund exhibitions, educational programs, and preserve the collection for residents and visitors.

Bell County Expo Center 301 W. Loop 121, Belton To volunteer and for more information, call 254-933-5243.

Rhett Miller March 26, 7:30 p.m.

Rhett Miller is the front man and main songwriter of the hard-charging rock ‘n’ roll quartet the Old 97’s, as well as an accomplished solo artist.

In addition to his nine studio albums with the 97’s (most recently The Grand Theatre Volume One and The Grand Theatre Vol. 2 in 2011), he has released four solo albums including 1989’s Mythologies, 2002’s The Instigator, 2006’s The Believer, and 2009’s Rhett Miller. His first live cover album, The Interpreter Live at Largo, was released in November 2011.

Advance tickets, $23; at the door, $27.

Temple Cultural Activities Center 3011 N. Third St., Temple For more information, call 254-773-9926.

Email upcoming events to edittexappealmagazine@gmail.com.

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CTC aviation student Mikki Kline reviews the class flight checklist in the cockpit of a Cessna 152 at Skylark Field.

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License to fly

Central Texas College helps students earn their wings Story by FRED AFFLERBACH Photos by JOSH BACHMAN and MITCHEL BARRETT

F

or almost 50 years, instructors at the Aviation Science department at Central Texas College in Killeen have been helping the careers and dreams of aspiring pilots take flight. Whether you’re looking to earn a certificate that permits you to fly a small, single-engine craft for fun, or aspire to make a career piloting large jets for major airlines, CTC can help those ambitions get off the ground.

About two-thirds of the aviation students at CTC earn college credits while they work toward earning a license, said Rick Whitesell, chief flight instructor at CTC. And after earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree, students often pursue a bachelor’s degree in Airway Science at Texas A&M University-Central Texas. Although a two-year degree could help a new pilot land a job at a regional airline, most major air carriers such as Southwest Airlines prefer job candidates who have earned a four-year university degree.

“We have pilots at just about every single airline,” Whitesell said. “Southwest is probably one of the biggest employers as far as our graduates. I think right now, we’re probably up to 230-240 students that work (fly) at Southwest Airlines.

We’ve had a whole family of sons come through, three different boys that have gone through the program.”

While enrolled at CTC, students will study Aviation Meteorology and Aerodynamics along with typical undergraduate courses such as English composition and algebra. But they also log about 200 hours in the air, working their way toward flying solo on trips as far away as San Angelo in West Texas.

Students begin flying single engine

Luke Metheney demonstrates the procedures for preflight in one of Central Texas College’s training planes at Skylar Field in Killeen. Metheney is a second year student and also on the school’s award winning flight team.

planes such as a Cessna 152. As their education and skills progress, they could pilot a multi-engine Cessna 310. Typically, they train over Stillhouse Hollow Lake between 7,000 and 8,000 feet.

Although students earn their certificate with 200 hours flying time, CTC students need to log 1,250 hours total before they can fly for a commercial carrier. To earn those hours, many students become instructors. By the time

they have earned a bachelor’s degree, they have often logged the required number of hours. A college degree and a pilot’s certificate combined attract commercial airline recruiters because scores of pilots are retiring each year.

Looming pilot shortage The online journal, Travel Weekly, reported in January a pilot shortage at Continued TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Chief Flight Instructor Richard E. Whitesell stands among the training planes in the hangar at the Central Texas College Aviation Science Building.

Ryan Collins takes the control as his instructor, Max Wiener, looks on at the CTC Flight School at Skylark Field.

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regional airlines will only increase in the foreseeable future. According to Aviation Week & Space Technology, “large airlines will have to replace more than 18,000 pilots due to mandatory age 65 retirement over the next seven years, along with hiring pilots for newly delivered aircraft.”

Whitesell says some airlines are contacting students before they have earned their license. “There’s a big pilot shortage.

It’s here and now. Regional airlines are fighting over qualified applicants,” Whitesell said. “There’s signing bonuses that regional airlines are doing.”

Fresh out of flight school, pilots could expect to earn about $30,000 a year, Whitesell said. But with more experience, higher salaries typically follow.

In an era where skyrocketing college tuition is saddling students with mountains of debt, Whitesell said the CTC aviation program is the most

Ryan Collins prepares for some time in the flight training device at the Central Texas College flight school.

In an era where skyrocketing college tuition is saddling students with mountains of debt, the CTC aviation program is the most affordable school of its kind in the United States.

One semester’s tuition typically costs about $1,400. affordable school of its kind in the United States. One semester’s tuition typically costs about $1,400.

Over the past quarter-century, CTC aviation students have placed in, or won, so many competitions the glass cases and corridor walls at Skylark Field hangar are overflowing with trophies and plaques.

CTC competes in The National Intercollegiate Flying Association annual

competition, Whitesell said, working their way up from regional to national contests.

Students practice precision landing events in which they have to land in a small box without slipping or skidding. They also must demonstrate planning skills such as calculating the amount of fuel needed for a particular flight and reaching designated checkpoints on time.

“The last 26 years, we’ve placed to go to nationals,” Whitesell said. “We do fairly well. We’ve got trophies galore. I think we’re up to four trophy cases now.”

Starting point At age 20, CTC aviation student Luke Metheney said he wants to fly for FedEx or Southwest Airlines. He’s now learning to fly by instrumentation, which means landing a plane in a cloudbank or in pitch darkness.

“Yes, there’s a lot of schooling, but once you get there (become a professional pilot), you get to fly a plane and get paid to do it,” Metheney said. “I couldn’t live in a box, an office, for eight hours a day.

You feel special sometimes because not many people are pilots.”

Mikki Kline, a lifestyle and wellness coach living in Killeen, and her husband, Matthew, last year enrolled at CTC’s aviation school together. As high school sweethearts, they dueled in a video game called Knights of the Sky. Matthew Continued

Call us at 254-501-7500 or 254-778-4444 today.

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also decorated his bedroom walls with airplanes. After the couple discussed someday buying a plane of their own, Mikki decided it prudent to know what’s going on in the cockpit.

“I realized that I didn’t want to be up there with him and not know how to fly the plane if needed,” Mikki said. “I have always had a sense of adventure and I love to travel, and we decided that the best course of action was to obtain our private 32

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pilot certificates together.”

Because Matthew’s career in the Air Force has required frequent travel (ironically, he’s not a pilot), Mikki has logged more time in the air than her husband. Within a few weeks, she expects to earn her private license.

“Getting that private pilot’s license will be the starting point. Once I have that, you build on it from there,” she said.

“We just feel so blessed to be able to do

the classwork here at CTC. I didn’t realize there was such a history at the program here, like over 40 years of education. It was reassuring to know so many people had been through the program.”

Although CTC flight school is a “great value” and one of the most affordable in the nation, Mikki used scholarship money to help pay her tuition and other fees.

“There are so many resources and encouragement out there for people of

CTC Aviation student Mikki Kline checks the controls in the cockpit of a Cessna 152 at Skylark Field.

ABOVE: Instructor Tanesha Wallace explains the cockpit flight panel of a the Cessna 152 to student Mikki Kline during her aviation class at Skylark Field with Central Texas College. BELOW: Max Wiener, left, checks the progress of student Colton Bumpas in the flight training device. Wiener was a student before becoming an instructor at CTC.

all ages to become pilots,” Mikki said.

“Matthew and I have been overwhelmed with the friendship and encouragement we have received. We are excited to participate in community events such as fly-ins and possibly air races once we obtain our certificates. I hope to be able to inspire and encourage others to join the general aviation community as well.”

For more information, go to www.ctcd.edu.

Opportunities for women pilots According to the Federal Aviation Administration, women comprised about 6 percent of the 593,000 certified pilots in the United States in 2014.

CTC student Mikki Kline, 37, has reached out online and connected with other women pilots via Facebook groups for women pilots. She also won two grants, the Bunny M. Connors Memorial Scholarship and the Diane Endres Ballweg Scholarship.

Another resource for women aviators, The Ninety-Nines (International Organization for Women Pilots) was founded in 1929. Aviation legend and pioneer Amelia Earhart served as first president. The organization “promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.”

For more information, go to ninety-nines.org.

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Educator in tune

with students

Sara Harris Baker, director of choral activities at Temple College, calls for all voices to join in harmony during the jazz ensemble rehearsal.

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Sara Harris Baker and pianist David Perez-Guerra review the music for the jazz ensemble chorus’ rehearsal.

Story by CATHERINE HOSMAN Photos by MITCHEL BARRETT

S

ara Harris Baker, Ph.D., director of choral activities at Temple College, stands at a lectern in one of the school’s rehearsal theaters waiting for her two o’clock jazz ensemble class to take their seats.

One by one students file in, taking up the first three rows. About 16 students, 11 women and five men, get ready to practice their vocals, ultimately blending into a finely tuned chorus.

As the group settles in, Baker steps over to the piano for a quick warmup session before accompanist David Perez-Guerra takes over the bench.

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Back at the lectern the sheet music to “Moonglow,” written by Will Hudson and Irving Mills, with lyrics by Eddie Delange, is open to the first page.

Without taking her eyes off the music, an animated Baker begins the rehearsal. Stepping away from the lectern for just a moment, she focuses on the five men. Using hand directions she calls out, “OK, men only ... and one a two...” The men break out in harmony singing the first few lines of the tune.

She walks back to the lectern and refocuses her eyes on the music. Without missing a beat, and with piano accompaniment in the background, she calls in the women ... “and a one a two” ... and

the female and male voices join in a crescendo of harmony that is hard to step away from.

“Acapella guys...” she said.

“Tenors alone, ready, tenors sing.

“It must have been Moonglow...,” they sing.

“Get a little more point on,” she calls out, snapping her fingers to the beat. “One a two...”

“It must have been Moonglow; Way up in the blue; It must have been Moonglow; That led me straight to you,” the men sing.

Continued

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“Jazz ensemble,” she calls out to the entire group. Looking up at her students, she says, “One a repeat,” then “two a three a four, men and women together ...”

Using terms not known to the non-musically trained ear, the 16 voices know exactly what she means and they blend to create a precision harmony.

Baker is rehearsing her group for the annual Temple College Jazz Festival in April. As the director of choral activities at Temple College, Baker’s role doesn’t end with the jazz ensemble. She also teaches vocal point, private voice lessons and musical theater ensemble, pointing out that she loves anything Broadway and musical theater.

“Last semester we did a 1920s review and this year we are doing a stage performance of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’” she said, both collaborative works with the college’s music department. In addition, she is rehearsing with members of her Tuesday night Chorale who will sing Mozart’s Coronation Mass with the Texas Symphony in April. The Chorale has also been selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York this April as well.

“Anytime we can put something like that on that involves dance, theater, music and orchestra—it is the greatest reward,” said Baker, a wife and mother to a 10-year-old daughter. “I love my job and I enjoy coming to work.”

Getting ready Preparing students for a performance employs a lot of hard work and a lot of trust from both teacher and student. With a sometimes overwhelming schedule, Baker said she prepares students for a production by breaking everything down to manageable rehearsal sizes.

For example, she said

Sara Harris Baker is the director of choral activities at Temple College.

the Chorale learns an enormous amount of music during the semesters.

“We have to break it down, and then we polish it to be selected for the Carnegie Hall trips,” she said.

Selection process for a Carnegie Hall appearance requires high levels of precision and performance.

“Entrance, musicality, phrasing — all of these things we study as musicians, as an ensemble, everyone needs to be on the same page. There can’t be any solo acts,” she said.

This level of excellence requires getting a commitment from the singer, Baker said.

“Will he or she follow you on the journey you are taking them on? You have to trust your vision for a product.

Students will see and follow you through. It’s important to have a really good rapport with students.

“Dr. Baker definitely stays on top of everything that is going on in the theater world,” said student Morgan Hollingsworth. “She makes sure you come into class prepared with your music — not just to learn your music. Also, being prepared with scripts, setting dates to memorize the positions on stage (upstage, downstage, left, right) and making sure you are the best actor you can be on stage with your improved skills and vocal presence.”

“Trust is important and difficulties are rare,” Baker said.

“Dr. Baker is my mentor,” Hollingsworth said. “She is the one I can always go to when I have a question or struggling either vocally, acting-wise or even personal-wise. She has become the one person at the college I can go to who will give me an honest answer and honest advice.”

Hollingsworth, who is actively pursuing auditions for theatrical internships, said Baker helped her prepare with different songs and monologues and gave her the resources to “pursue my dream.”

“Before I got to Temple College I wasn’t very confident in what I wanted to do with my life,” she said.

“Dr. Baker taught me how to find the confidence and pursue my dreams.”

attended all Temple ISD schools. Her late father was the associate pastor of the Assembly of God Church in Dallas. He moved his family to Temple to be near relatives and worked as a state social worker. Her mother retired from Temple ISD. Baker was 5 years old when she began to study piano and sang her first solo in church at the same age.

At Temple High School she studied theater with Natasha Tollson in the theater arts program, but initially she had her sights set on a law career.

When she was in middle school, she said she wanted to be the president of the United States, and in high school, she leaned toward law and took advance academic International Baccalaureate courses.

“High school music and theater became my outlet,” Baker said. “It became my passion.”

In her junior and senior year, she made all-state in the high school choir.

With college just around the corner, she recognized she had the potential to receive a college scholarship for music, and her law aspirations were put on hold.

“When I thought I would go into law, I took political science and college,” she said. “Law and performing arts are

similar, whether you are performing in a theater or a courtroom. Both require analytical skills, the spoken word.”

Baker’s theatrical credits cover three pages, from her earliest performance as Kim in the Temple High School production of “Bye, Bye, Birdie,” to Cunegonde, in the Southern Methodist University production of Candide. She played Clara/Eula in the Palo Duro Canyon summer TEXAS Musical Drama, and Queen of the Night in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” at Southwestern University in Georgetown, and she was the witch in “Into the Woods,” at the Temple Civic Theatre. These are just a few of the dozens of roles she has performed.

In addition, she has directed the Centennial High School’s “Hairspray,” “Hands on a Hardbody,” at Temple College and numerous community theatre productions. The list goes on and on and it’s quite an accomplishment for someone who started out studying law.

When asked why she chose music over a law degree, she responded, “It couldn’t be anything other than music. It is my passion, my heart.

Nothing gave me the adrenaline rush like music.”

From law to performance artist Baker grew up in Temple, the oldest of two siblings, and

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Tracy Teaff was instrumental in bringing rugby to Texas A&M University-Central Texas.

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Rugged rugby comes to Texas A&M-Central Texas Story by FRED AFFLERBACH Photos by MITCHEL BARRETT

R

ugby has been dubbed a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen and women. As of last fall, it’s also played

by Texas A&M University-Central Texas students.

Tracy Teaff, Ph.D., the university’s chief liaison officer, was staring out of her fourth floor window one day in 2014 when a graduate student dropped in unannounced. She pointed to a clearing on the 672-acre campus. Someday, that will be a rugby field (also called the pitch) she said.

Teaff is still searching for ways to secure funds to build that pitch. But the Warriors, led by Coach Ray Vitale, completed their inaugural season last fall playing their home games on a field at Central Texas College.

Vitale, an active U.S. Marine for 25 years before moving to Texas in 2015, had coached rugby in California. The players he recruited here reflect the diversity of the university and affiliated colleges.

Students from area schools — Temple College, Central Texas College and Austin Community College — can play rugby at TAMUCT through an academic agreement.

CTC student Georgiana Beckendorf weighs 99 pounds and stands 5 feet, 3 inches tall. “I’ve seen Georgie flatten people, yes I have,” said Teaff. “You don’t have to be big and brawny to play. I think there’s some misconception. Anybody can play. That’s the great thing. It’s about skill, and speed certainly helps.

Tackling accuracy, conditioning and the ability to work with those

“Anybody can play.

That’s the great thing. It’s about skill, and speed certainly helps.

Tackling accuracy, conditioning and the ability to work with those teammates is really important.”

— Tracy Teaff teammates is really important. I think that’s a big draw for those youths who want to play football but there’s so much about concussions now.”

Sean Urig, an Army veteran who lives in Killeen, played football and wrestled in high school. He compares his Warrior teammates to his Army comrades. “They took me in the first day of practice. They were helping me out. No one looked down on me because I didn’t have as much knowledge as them,” Urig said. “And they’ve done that with everyone. I was extremely impressed. One thing that Coach Ray preaches — it’s your character. It’s a lifestyle. Everyone’s bought into that. We are a family.”

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ABOVE: Tracy Teaff was instrumental in bringing rugby to Texas A&M University-Central Texas.

Members of the men and women’s rugby teams are, back row, from left, Kristen Hutchens, Samantha Jones, Teaff, Emma Mendoza and Cynthia Sandoval; front row, from left, Christian Pineda, Noa Correa, Georgiana Beckendorf, Sean Urig and Daniel Lloyd.

AT RIGHT: Georgiana Beckendorf, left, tackles Kristen Jones.

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Rick Briggs, 55, is a retired Army captain, graduate student and playercoach. “I think we have vision and purpose in this program,” Briggs said.

“We are so fortunate to have Coach Ray Vitale and his wife, Beth, to help us nurture this program. It’s a wonderful sport.”

Sometimes Vitale uses reverse psychology to shock students into at least thinking about rugby. “In reality, most kids I challenge,” Vitale said.

“Rugby players do everything they can to stay on the field to help the team. Soccer players do everything they can to get off the field. Same as football players. I’m not against any other sport. I love guys that are multisport athletes. You have to find the button to challenge everyone. I’m very different at recruiting. I want them to know right off the bat it’s a tough sport and I’m not going to be easy on you at practice. I’m not going to be the guy who sugarcoats anything.”

The Warriors play in the Lone Star Conference, which is governed

by USA Rugby. The 2015 fall teams featured up to 15 players on the field at once. The games last 80 minutes and are broken into 40-minute halves.

Spring rugby is a lightning-fast game with only seven players on each side and 14-minute halves. Unlike football and basketball, players don’t huddle between plays and coaches cannot call time out. Playing a position called “fly-half,” Urig said rugby is not for the timid.

“You have to have a big heart to play. You have to trust that guy next to you. He has to trust you. In football, you know you can take a play off if they’re running around the other side.

You can’t do that in rugby. That ball can come back over, and the other team can score,” Urig said. “You can tell who has that heart. Who wants to win. Who’s going to fight for that extra inch or two.”

The Warriors have also reached out to the community. Posts on the team’s Facebook page depict studentathletes and coaches playing board Continued

Samantha Jones holds a tackle bag while Cynthia Sandoval executes a wrap and drive.

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Emma Mendoza passes the ball to Samantha Jones. In the background are Kristen Hutchens and Georgiana Beckendorf.

games and sharing laughs with seniors at Indian Oaks Retirement Home during Christmastime.

“Those are the things that I love about the group, and I think it helps build that family kind of atmosphere,” Teaff said. “That’s the thing that makes you proud.”

Why Rugby?

Georgiana Beckendorf passes the ball.

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TAMUCT is an upper-level school with 2,400 students that offers junior and senior courses and awards bachelors and masters degrees.

Many students transfer there after completing their first two years at area community colleges.

As TAMUCT grew with a modern campus on Texas 195, on the outskirts of Killeen, school administrators decided it was time to field a team that could be the face of the university.

Athletics compliments academics, administrators said, because it

teaches leadership, sportsmanship, responsibility and ethics.

But popular sports such as football, basketball and baseball would be too expensive. Start up costs for rugby were much lower. A few local business leaders donated seed money and practices began last summer.

“We looked at the fastest-growing youth sports in the country,” Teaff said. “Once we did that, doors just opened. It’s amazing how many people you run into that were wanting rugby here, had played rugby.” According to a 2012 report by the Sport & Fitness Industry Association, rugby participation is growing faster for ages 6-12 than any other sport.

Looking ahead, Teaff said the rugby program would lead the way to additional opportunities for student athletes. “It is a pathway to intercollegiate athletics for us. It is the first.”

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Welcome home

Real estate professionals

Salado area. d on the Fair in Texas the

Frances Yerkes, REALTOR®

RE/MAX Temple-Belton 4016 South 31st Street, Temple | 254-493-4517 | FrancesYerkesRemax.com It is important to find the right real estate agent when focused on a financial investment as substantial and personal as your home. Frances believes whole-heartedly in the unique, personal nature of real estate. She follows through on what she promises as she carefully guides you through the many steps and decisions along the way.

t of my client ause lifelong

said. “I offer m committed e, and home ss to sell or

For 11 years now, Frances has been in real estate, serving Central Texas with a focus on the Temple, Belton and Salado area. She is a member of the Texas Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

She has also served on the Fair Housing Committee and achieved the 2015 Executive Club Award in Sales.

She and her husband have been blessed with two lovely boys and have lived in Texas the majority of their lifetimes. In her spare time, she enjoys decorating and spending time with family and friends. France’s desire and passion is to help others achieve the American Dream of owning a home. “I place the interest of my client FIRST and treat them with fairness, honesty, care and respect through the entire buying or selling process, because lifelong relationships with them means everything to me,” Frances said.

Frances Yerkes, REALTOR®

“You can expect from me personal and knowledgeable service that is genuinely responsive to your needs,” she said. “I offer top professional skills that are continually refined through the process of helping you meet your needs. I am committed to help you in every way possible and save you valuable time and effort in securing home financing, insurance, and home connections. I would consider it an honor and privilege to journey with you in your decision making process to sell or purchase your home.”

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Ryan Smith, The Ryan Smith Home Selling Team

Ryan Smith, REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty 11725 West Adams Avenue, Suite D, Belton 254-213-5335 | RyanSmithHomes.com

How does a young combat veteran from Indiana become one of the top real estate professionals in Temple, Texas?

me to give our patients a world-class experience.’ This is really the model I’ve tried to implement when designing our real estate team.”

After five years on active duty with the U.S. Army and two deployments to the Middle East, Ryan looked for a career in Central Texas that would fulfill his desire to be challenged mentally and physically. The real estate profession seemed to fit the bill while also allowing him to build new relationships and meet new people.

Ryan’s current team allows each of its members to excel individually, and to work together toward a common goal of a world-class experience for their clients while accomplishing truly incredible levels of success. Ryan believes his model will “set the new standard for customer service for the real estate market in Temple.” So far, with a goal of helping more than 300 families in the Temple-Belton area in 2016, this appears to be true. For the second year in a row, Ryan and his team were voted “The People’s Choice” by Temple Daily Telegram readers and continue to have unrivaled client reviews.

As a young real estate agent in a small town, Ryan was met with the typical barriers to success. Most people already knew an agent and new clients were not easy to find. Although most people would find rejection from potential clients to be discouraging, he met the challenge with courage and optimism.

“Being in the military taught me how to work, and work hard. So, when I was met with a few obstacles entering a new profession, perseverance was never really a problem.” Not only has Ryan gained the trust of innumerable new clients, he has sold more homes than any other real estate agent in the Temple-Belton area for the last several years in a row, in turn, leading he and his team to regional and even national acclaim.

When asked how Ryan became so successful so early in his career, he confidently answers, “Focus.” He is constantly perfecting his craft in the real estate market, and he has done this by learning from other successes in various industries. One particular example that impacted Ryan was an interview with a successful surgeon out of California. “This surgeon was No. 1 in his field, nationally known and respected. When asked how he did this, he replied, ‘I focused on the key priorities that had to be done at a very high level, and I became the very best in the world at that. Everything else, was accomplished with the help of excellent professionals around

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To find out how Ryan and his team of professionals can help you sell your home for top dollar in today’s real estate market or help you find the perfect home at the best price, give them a call!

“

”

I truly believe that our model will set the new standard for customer service and client success for the Central Texas real estate market.

Ryan Smith, REALTOR®

Betty Renfro Texas REALTOR®

United Country Central Texas Auction and Realty | 202 Lake Road, Belton 254-742-5508 | brenfro@yahoo.com | ucctar.com Betty has lived in Bell County over 23 years and Central Texas all her life! She is in her fifth year as a Realtor and loving it. It is hard work and she takes her career serious to serve each seller and buyer from contract to close.

Having an extensive background in customer service, sales, and business ownership assists her even more in her real estate career. Her and her husband Lynn have been married for 22 years and have a daughter in college and a son in high school. In 2016 she plans to achieve getting her broker license so she can be more knowledgeable with her clients. *Multi-Million Dollar Producer 2015 & 2014 *Texas Realtor Leadership Program (TRLP) Graduate 2014 *Temple/Belton Board of Realtors *Fort Hood Area Board of Realtors *Temple/Belton Board of Realtors Community Outreach Chairman 2015 *University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Graduate Betty Renfro, REALTOR®

Give her the opportunity to go to work for you and you’ll be glad you did!

Sara Irvine, Broker Associate

Sojourn Real Estate | 1915 W. Avenue M, Temple | 254-760-0007 sarairvine.com Sara Irvine, Broker Associate at Sojourn Real Estate, is a native of Bell County committed to serving buyers, sellers and this great community.

Previously working in accounting, and administration provides a solid foundation to her long established real management and sales career enabling her to readily assist in price comparisons and financing needs of clients. She places great value on her relationships with friends, customers and clients.

Presently Sara serves on the Texas Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards and Member Benefit Committee. She is also a member of Baylor Scott & White Safe Kids Mid Texas.

Sara and husband Michael live in Temple and attend Temple Bible Church. She enjoys cooking, reading and traveling. Sara Irvine says start your real estate journey buying or selling with her!

Sojourn Real Estate - where your journey begins!

Sara Irvine, right, and husband Michael

Marilyn Burres, Sojourn Real Estate

1915 West Avenue M, Temple | 254-760-9795 or 254-771-1211 | sojournrealestate.com In 2002, after 25 years of teaching children with special needs and disadvantaged children, mostly at the junior high level, Marilyn Burres decided to leave education and start a new career in real estate. It was something she had always wanted to do and felt her background had prepared her well for this career change. She also wanted to learn more about the process of buying and/or selling, with the intent of helping others make their moves as easy as possible and educating them on what to expect.

Although she mainly lists homes or has buyers for residential properties, she has closed on land and commercial sales, too. She is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, a Certified Residential Specialist and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, which qualifies her to help buyers, sellers and older adults who may be transitioning into new living situations. As an Army wife of 21 years, she has a special affection for military families, older adults and those with special needs.

Marilyn Burres, REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, SRES

“I strive to be the best I can be, whether in personal matters or in my profession,” Marilyn said. “I am honest with friends and customers when examining their real estate needs and capabilities. I’m conservative, yet realistic in my approach with buyers and sellers, and my advice is based on careful analysis and comparisons of the information available. I am dedicated to serving my clients’ best interests and needs.”

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The Mahler Group

RE/MAX Temple-Belton 4016 S. 31st St., Ste 200, Temple 254-760-3489 | mahler-group.com The Mahler Group of RE/MAX Temple-Belton exists to make the process of buying and selling real estate more profitable, less stressful and more fun. With over 16 years of experience, Mark and Julie Mahler truly enjoys serving clients’ interests and developing long-term, meaningful relationships.

With a strong focus on residential properties, the Mahler Group also offers expertise on land/farm and ranch sales and investment properties. We take the time to understand your objectives and do our best to exceed your expectations. Whether it’s selling your property or helping you purchase a new home, we have the experience and the skill to make it a success.

Transitioning from one home to the next can be a tricky process. We specialize in making multiple real estate transactions smoother and less stressful Mark Mahler, REALTOR® for those we serve. From market positioning and sales negotiating, to home searching and logistics, we enjoy orchestrating these moves. We have the expertise to protect you from contracting errors and we will fight hard for your interests in all negotiations.

It has been our privilege to help thousands of customers during our years of service in Central Texas. This year, we look forward to making many new friends and helping you accomplish your real estate goals. With a proven track record of service and a genuine concern for each family we serve, we would love to have you as our next client.

Ashby Group, REALTORS® 1915 West Avenue M, Temple 254-721-1944, 254-913-3792

Jimmy and Garrett Ashby have often sat on the buyer and seller sides of the table during a real estate transaction. That gives them a perspective that helps them understand the needs of their clients.

The father and son formed Ashby Group Realtors in early 2014. They say they saw “a need in the local market for Realtors who cared about the best interests of their clients over the need to just ‘close the deal.’” They sell residential, farm and ranch, and commercial properties.

“We are a father-son team, so we are able to help each other and also better serve our clients. Two minds are always better than one,” they said. Jimmy Ashby and his wife, Melanie, have nine children, including three who are adopted. He worked at Wilsonart for 11 years before becoming a selfemployed small-business owner for the last 21 years. He bought lake homes, fixed them up and Brokered by Sojourn Real Estate, Jimmy and Garrett Ashby, REALTORS® sold them. He received his real estate license after donating a kidney a year ago. Garrett Ashby also became a Realtor in early 2014. Although he is relatively new to the business, he has extensive knowledge of the local market. “Real estate is not only my career, but a passion as well. My wife and I have spent many a Sunday afternoon driving around looking at houses, getting ideas and dreaming of what is to come. I have a young family with a bright future ahead. I love what I do and it shows in my work.”

Jimmy and Garrett work to make the real estate transaction go as smooth as possible. “Buying or selling your next home will be one of the biggest endeavors you will likely ever face, and you will want someone who has your best interest at heart heading up that transaction,” Garrett said.

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HOMESPEC Real Estate Inspections P.O. Box 1369,Temple | 254-770-8057 | homespec1.com

If you are buying, selling or building a home, HOMESPEC Real Estate Inspections involved will provide essential information.

Founded in 1989 by Brad Phillips, HOMESPEC has been providing real estate, construction and FHA inspections to buyers and sellers for more than 28 years. Kelly Hankins joined HOMESPEC in 1998; HOMESPEC covers all of Central Texas.

“Our goal is to provide exceptional service to our customers who are purchasing an existing home or commercial property, or building a new home or commercial property. We provide them with information about the property so that they can make informed purchasing decisions,” said Phillips.

“Instead of having just one person complete an inspection, HOMESPEC will typically put multiple inspectors on the job, which speeds up the inspection process,” Phillips stated. “We have many repeat customers that use us purchase after purchase. HOMESPEC’s inspectors are involved in continuing education programs so they are up to date on the latest products, building methods and codes.”

Brad Phillips and Kelly Hankins

The company is also involved in state and national trade associations.

Margaret Pleasant, RE/MAX Temple-Belton

4016 South 31st Street, Suite 200, Temple | 254-760-3131 | margaretpleasant.remaxtexas.com Margaret Pleasant, is a mother of three grown children, grandmother to three grandchildren and has been married to her husband, Carl, for 36 years. She has been in real estate for over 12 years. A member of the Temple-Belton Board of Realtors, where she has held the position of director, officer and served on numerous committees. She was Realtor of the Year in 2005.

Margaret is a member of the Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Temple Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of the REALTOR® institute and holds a designation of Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Certified Military Relocation Specialist.

Margaret is known for her compassionate, professional and personalized service. Her goal as a REALTOR® is to give excellent customer service so her clients will feel confident in knowing that they are working with a Christian, honest, pleasant, professional, hardworking, enthusiastic and well-organized agent.

Margaret really enjoys and loves her job, and it shows through her work. Whether buying or selling, give Margaret a call!

Margaret Pleasant, REALTOR®

Purifoy & Company Insurance

14 South 9th Street, Temple | 254.773.6844 | purifoyinsurance.com Purifoy & Company Insurance, located in downtown Temple, has been dedicated to serving clients in the Central Texas area for over 80 years!

The employees of Purifoy & Company Insurance have over 120 years of combined experience. They strive to provide you with the most comprehensive insurance needs from global providers at the most competitive prices. They take pride in providing personalized insurance for all your needs, including business, home, auto and life insurance.

Our lives are constantly changing. Let Purifoy & Company Insurance help you during those times.

Purifoy & Company, your Trusted Choice!

Mack Purifoy, Owner TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Chris Lockett, RE/MAX Temple-Belton 4016 South 31st Street, Temple 254-760-7276 or 254-771-3633 temple-remax.com

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran of the real estate process, let Chris Lockett be the one you trust. There are many moving parts in a real estate transaction, so having an experienced agent by your side will help ease the anxiety of buying/selling a home.

Chris was born and raised in Temple and graduated from Temple High School. He attended Concordia University at Austin and graduated with a BBA in Finance. After college, he worked in the banking/ financial industry for over six years, ending his banking career as a manager of a large regional bank in Austin. His prior banking experience has helped Chris make the transition into real estate. He has a solid financial background for advising clients in the home buying/selling process.

Chris Lockett, REALTOR®

Since becoming an agent, Chris achieved Executive Club status with Re/Max in 2012 and became a member of the 100% club in 2013, 2014 and 2015. He is an active board member, serving as an advocate for the local real estate board during state conventions. Chris has learned that excellent service yields both long-lasting client and friend relationships. He is committed to working for you to provide the information you need to make an educated decision as you buy/sell your home.

If you need assistance in the real estate market, give Chris a call or or email at: chris.lockett@hotmail.com.

Shine Team Realtors

100 S Central Texas Expy # 102, Harker Heights 254-690-4321 | shineteam.com To know Jean Shine is to be her friend and if there is one thing Jean loves it is finding the ideal home for her friends. Getting her real estate license was an opportunity for Jean to expand her reach and help more families discover the great places and people in Central Texas. Today, Jean has a dedicated team of real estate professionals appropriately called Shine Team Realtors that includes her husband, 2 sons and nephew as well as an “adopted family” of real estate professionals. The team has become an industry leader by developing innovative systems that allow them to create unique customer experiences at the highest level.

When the Shine Team says they know the Central Texas area, they mean it! The Shine family tree has roots dating back to the 1870’s when the family settled in the Belton and Temple areas and they strive to continue the “no outsiders” attitude that is unique to the Central Texas community.

The Shine Team Realtors

Service to the community runs deep in the Shine family and they consider it both their duty and their purpose to give back. Mem bers of the Shine family can be found serving the community on school & civic boards, supporting their church, being heavily involved in military activities, establishing cancer research projects and founding the Wreaths for Vets organization.

If excellent customer service, unparalleled knowledge of real estate and the community is what you are looking for in a home buying or selling experience then call the Shine Team Realtors today!

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Sue Lockett, Owner RE/MAX Temple-Belton

4016 South 31st Suite 200, Temple 254-771-3633 | suelockett.remax-texas.com She wanted change. So, in 1992, Sue Lockett decided to become a REALTOR®.

It was a natural fit. “A real estate professional has to have a good character and be worthy of respect.

Service is what I do. I am an advisor, friend and REALTOR®,” she said.

Specializing in the single-family residential segment of the market, Sue mostly work with buyers and sellers, as well as buyers relocating from other areas, or with a referral from a past client. Having a link to the public beyond print and hard selling is important to agents. A lot of her clients get an opportunity to get to know her beyond just a real estate transaction. It builds a level of trust that is personal and sacred. Never afraid to tell the truth, Sue’s primary motivation is to serve her clients. In Sue Lockett, Owner/REALTOR® other words, she wants to make a living, but her priority is the satisfaction of clients. “A satisfied client will tell others and a referral speaks volumes over advertising. It means that I have done my job well. I love the feeling I get when I help someone achieve their dream of homeownership,” Sue said. “I hope that my clients always remember my responsiveness, integrity and willingness to make myself available to them throughout the process. Professionalism, honesty and integrity are so refreshing.”

It is crucial that a REALTOR® gets to know this detail oriented business and understand the many components that will impact their success. “You can’t passively work real estate. It is a tough business and not for the faint of heart.”

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Volunteers reach out

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University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students load a playhouse into a truck for delivery to the child of a soldier at Fort Hood.

TexVolunteer

UMHB students show their heart for serving others Story by CATHERINE HOSMAN Photos courtesy of UMHB

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wice a year, in spring and fall, students and faculty of the University of Mary HardinBaylor come together for a day of service called Reaching Out to help charitable organizations in Temple and Belton.

These two coordinated days of service sometimes bring together more than 300 participants who gather in the early morning to listen to speakers, bow their heads in prayer, then sign up for one of 25 projects to service that day. “Fifteen to 20 people are assigned per project site,” said Tiffany Wurdemann, director of student organizations at UMHB. The purpose of this event, Wurdemann said, is to “create awareness for the inspiration of service.”

Volunteers can choose from a variety of projects that include working with parks and recreation to cleaning up area parks and creeks, packing and reorganizing local food banks, helping with household chores and projects for senior citizens, working at the local Goodwill store, helping out at local animal shelters, spending a day at the Ronald McDonald House, Peaceable Kingdom, Hope for the Hungry, Feed My Sheep or Family Promise, an outreach for the homeless.

“A lot of times students don’t realize what service is, what it looks like,” Wurdemann said. “When you pick up leaves, this is what it looks like to help those in need. It means a lot to people we help, to know that that they are supported by their local university. It’s all about people helping people who help others.”

One of the overall favorite projects that Reaching Out does is the building of playhouses for the children of military personnel. On April 2, 12 houses will be delivered to families who qualified through the selection process set forth

by UMHB. “Houses are geared toward children 2 to 10 years old,” Wurdemann said.

The real only qualification is that

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students prune flower beds during a Reaching Out service day at a Belton park.

the family be military and that at least one parent is deployed, or deceased. The organization sends out emails to military families inviting them to apply for one of the houses. Once the application is received, the selections are based on the needs of that family. ASTRA (Ability Service Training Responsibility Achievement), a campus affiliate of ALTRUSA of Temple, sponsors the playhouse project.

Students in Reaching Out build the playhouses and once they are delivered to a child, they stay behind to help the child decorate their new “home.”

Coordinating service Finding a site to service two days a year takes some effort from students and faculty.

Jonah Fox, a junior Christian studies major and member of the executive cabinet of student government at UMHB, has volunteered and now coordinates the Reaching Out events.

“Together as a board we coordinate Reaching Out each semester and that includes gathering anywhere from 15 to 20 sites across Belton and Temple, to working with the elderly members of the communities at their homes and having

volunteers in food kitchens,” Fox said.

As a volunteer for Reaching Out, Fox said he learned a lot about every aspect of service, including identifying the difficult moments. “What makes it difficult, and what makes it still worth doing?” he asked rhetorically.

“When it comes to an opportunity to serve others, there may be difficult moments, and I may be asked to do something I might not want to do,” he said. “But a positive attitude and commitment to serving and seeing how this (effort) changes someone’s life in a little way is the greatest gift of serving.”

This year, Fox is coordinating the spring and fall Reaching Out events and said coordination is where his heart is aligned.

“It is my gift to be compassionate about equipping other people to find experiences to serve,” he said. “Service has such an incredible impact on life as a Christian, and our spiritual formation. In being a coordinator, I am helping to find these opportunities.”

Finding opportunities to serve takes effort. Wurdemann said the committee makes phone calls to the community to “let them know we would like to come Continued TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Students volunteering for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Reaching Out program spend a day cleaning up a Belton park.

serve at their business or church.”

“Students who have a heart for service will go to every opportunity to be a part of this living tradition, and get a T-shirt — students love their T-shirts,” she said.

Regular volunteers Student volunteers are a regular sight at CTLC, Temple, Hope for the Hurting, led by Director Jim Hornsby.

“When they come they stock, they clean they do about anything we need help with,” Hornsby said. “If it’s on a service day, they will take out the carts, help in the clothing area, intake area, the whole facility and some of them volunteer at Feed my Sheep (a ministry of CTLC, Temple) and help serve, set up and clean up. They are very good workers, very diligent, 15 to 20 of them come at a time.”

Hornsby said considering CTLC of Temple is an all volunteer organization, he said the students accomplish all of the 58

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tasks they need to have done.

“They help us get ready for the next day of service, and we have adequate personnel to set up and serve,” he said.

“It’s a good boost when you can get that many people to come, that’s a great deal.

They bring a beautiful attitude and a real heart.”

As the director of student organizations at UMHB, Wurdemann oversees 60 active academic student organizations. Most of them have a philanthropic aspect that gives students a variety of choices to serve.

“My role is to act as the person to come to for financial needs (for student projects),” she said. “I’m also support staff and will help with whatever the student needs.”

Wurdemann came to UMHB five years ago after graduating from Azusa Pacific University in Washington State. In addition to working on the coordination the semiannual Reaching Out day of service, she is the student adviser for the

UMHB Student Government Association, oversees Stunt Night and Crusader Nights.

Wurdemann said she came to UMHB for the smaller campus size, the personal and professional care students receive and the personal relationships formed with the families.

“I enjoy working with the students on traditions and personal, spiritual and emotional growth,” she said. “Students are shy at first, they’re still trying to figure out who they are,” she said. “The next year you might see them on the stage, speaking to their peers. You see their all inclusive growth.”

Wurdemann said there is a plethora of options for students to get involved because of the size of the campus and said she sees how everyone has a “buy in at the campus, from custodial to upper faculty.”

“People enjoy their job and it flows into the students,” she said. “There is a positive influence here and people believe in it.”

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Clark Wernecke stands in an archaeology excavation pit that is 14 feet deep and about 22 feet wide. After scientists take a few more soil samples, it will be filled in.

Most of the artifacts found at the Gault Site were stone flakes, blades and stone tools for making other tools, which reveal how early Texans hunted and traded.

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TexAdventures

Our prehistoric past

Gault Site in Florence unearths signs of earliest Americans Story and photos by FRED AFFLERBACH

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walk in the woods near the small community of Florence can take you back 15,000 years — no time machine needed.

The Gault School of Archaeological Research — based at Texas State University in San Marcos — shares with visitors on a monthly basis the history of its excavations and what it means to theories of when and how humans first arrived in North America.

Literature published by the Gault School challenges the popular theory that the first Americans were Asians who crossed a land bridge to Alaska and migrated south about 13,000 years ago.

On a recent tour of the dig site, Clark Wernecke, executive director at the Gault School, argued evidence unearthed there and other locations points to humans living in North and South America long before then. How these early migrants arrived is not known, but Wernecke says they may have arrived by boat.

“We have 2.6 million artifacts. We have 65 percent of all excavated Clovis materials, from Canada to Venezuela,” said Wernecke, regarding the body of evidence amassed that is now housed at Texas State University in San Marcos. “It’s been a pretty exciting ride. It’s been a lot of surprises and that’s basically what this tour is going to be about — one surprise after another.”

On a cloudy February morning, about 30 curious folks joined Wernecke on a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the dig site four miles east of Florence.

Barry Lynn, an avid arrowhead hunter who has turned over a little earth looking for artifacts, drove in from Lee County with his son and grandson. Barbara Continued

Clark Wernecke mixes local history with archaeology on tours of the Gault Site near Florence. This boxcar built from cypress, circa 1908, once ran along the Bartlett-Florence Railway and was later home to farm workers.

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Visitors to the Gault Site were surprised monthly tours include discussion and exhibition of how prehistoric people hunted. Clark Wernecke threw this spear about 50 yards on a recent tour.

Lamontagne from Morgan’s Point once helped on an archaeological dig in the Susquehanna Valley in upstate New York.

Taking notes and photographs, she stayed within arm’s reach of Wernecke.

“This is fascinating and it’s in my own backyard. I had no idea this was here,” Lamontagne said. “How did these people come here? What happened to their technology? Still, a lot of questions, but this was very informative.”

Wernecke kept the crowd engaged by mixing humor with history and archaeology. He noted at times they found almost as many beer cans and cigarettes butts as anything else. Regarding property rights and trespassing, he said, “One thing you need to know about archaeologists, despite what every Texas rancher thinks, we don’t have any super powers. We can’t take artifacts or land away from people.”

Wernecke also compared the reality of 62

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what an archaeologist does with popular TV and movie portrayals. “We really like the image of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, but instead of thinking Indiana Jones, think of us as CSI prehistoric. The guys in the background brushing off the skeleton are archaeologists and it irks us to no end they never tell you that. They’re forensic archaeologists. We look at all the clues in context to figure out what happened there.”

Sandy Peck of College Station has volunteered numerous weekends at the Gault Site, bending over a water trough, cleaning rocks that could be important evidence to a prehistoric culture. She would come home exhausted with dried mud on her clothes, yet satisfied with her work. “Washing the rocks, that’s what I like to do. Watching all the dirt fall away, it was like Christmas. It’s dirty, hot and fantastic,” Peck said. “I never missed a

Clark Wernecke leads visitors on a hike to the archaeology pits at the Gault Site. Artifacts such as stone flakes from making prehistoric tools, are easily found.

If you go The Gault Site is closed except through scheduled tours or special appointments.

The Bell County Museum and the Williamson Museum schedule tours the first Saturday of each month on a rotating basis. Visitors should expect to walk about 1.5 miles. Groups of 10 or more, or schools, can book a private tour by contacting Clark Wernecke at cwernecke@gaultschool.org.

A permanent exhibit at The Bell County Museum titled “The Gault Project: An Adventure in Time,” includes a film, murals and interactive exhibits. weekend for a long time.”

Although deciphering clues buried long ago in the clay here along Buttermilk Creek is important, Wernecke said education is a vital part of the school’s mission.

“We have a lot of students who work in our excavations and down in our lab (at TSU in San Marcos). We encourage students who are interested in archaeology to get involved as quickly as possible. We think very strongly about education and outreach. If we dig and don’t tell the public what that means, then every time an archaeologist complains we can’t get funding, it’s our fault. If I dig the rest of my life without telling anybody, then I’ve wasted my life,” Wernecke said. “The

youngest student we ever had here started at 14. We have to get the people who aren’t quite interested involved too.”

Gault history In 1929, a Bell County farmer, Henry Gault, contacted Texas premier archaeologist J.E. Pearce about prehistoric burnt-rock middens (called garbage piles by Wernecke) on his hardscrabble farm. Pearce looked around and noted the site as important, but further study languished because Gault and a subsequent owner opened the site to the public, charging from $2 to $25 to dig, root and keep whatever they found. But in 1991, an amateur archaeologist found two engraved stones and contacted Dr.

Mike Collins, today’s chairman of the Gault School. Collins resumed excavation and found more engraved stones, which represent the earliest art found in the Americas. The property again changed hands, but the new owner struck a deal with Collins and digging resumed for three years. From 1999-2002, 3,000 volunteers unearthed 1.6 million artifacts.

Collins then bought a large portion of the original Gault farm, about 80 acres, which included the most important area.

In 2007, Collins deeded the site to the Archaeological Conservancy, which works closely with the Gault School. Further excavation focused on digging below the level where Clovis artifacts were found to determine who lived there before the Clovis culture.

Looking ahead, Wernecke said any parties wishing to dig at the Gault Site would have to submit a proposal. One day, he would like to see a roadside exhibit with a historic marker up on the highway near the front gate. But for now, the digging is done. “I have 2.6 million artifacts to analyze. I have nine staff members,” Wernecke said. “Do the math.”

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ADVERTISERS INDEX AFC Urgent Care............................................................................. 7 Bell County Museum...................................................................... 59 Blind & Shutter Gallery................................................................. 15 CCA Bartlett State Prison.............................................................. 10 Central Texas Orthodontics........................................................... 45 Cornerstone Home Lending Inc...................................................... 5 Dermatology Associates.................................................................. 37 DocuMaxx/Document Solutions................................................... 25 Dr. Davis........................................................................................... 9 Eagle Home Mortgage.................................................................... 15 Ellis Air Systems.............................................................................. 25 English Maids................................................................................. 62 Extraco Banks-Temple/Local............................................. Back cover Giebel, Dr. Shelley/Healthy Success.............................................. 64 Hallmark Service Co....................................................................... 27 Homespec....................................................................................... 53 Keller Williams/Ryan Smith.......................................................... 50 Killeen Overhead Doors................................................................... 7 Lamar, Rick..................................................................................... 15 Lastovica Jewelers............................................................................ 27 Lochridge Priest Inc........................................................................ 67 Lucky Bebe...................................................................................... 19 LULAC 4535.................................................................................. 37 MB Harrell Law Office....................................................................31 Metroplex.......................................................................................... 3 Purifoy & Company ...................................................................... 53 Railroad & Heritage Museum........................................................ 12 ReMax/Chris Lockett..................................................................... 54 ReMax/Frances Yerkes................................................................... 49 ReMax/Margaret Pleasant.............................................................. 53 ReMax/Mark Mahler...................................................................... 52 ReMax/Temple-Belton................................................................... 55 Renfro, Betty....................................................................................51 Running Right Auto Care.............................................................. 10 Scott’s Lawn Care Central Texas.................................................... 64 Shine, Jean/Coldwell Banker......................................................... 54 Shoppes on Main in Salado............................................................ 12 Sojourn/Jimmy Ashby.................................................................... 52 Sojourn/Marilyn Burres..................................................................51 Sojourn/Sara Irvine.........................................................................51 Solar Centex................................................................................... 45 SWCB Mortgage............................................................................. 59 Temple Area Builders..................................................................... 26 Temple College............................................................................... 27 Texas Farm Bureau......................................................................... 19 Truecore Fitness.............................................................................. 62 Union State Bank........................................................................... 59 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.................................................. 37 Veranda Bloom/The Cottage........................................................... 7 Wayne Benson.................................................................................. 2 Wisener’s Auto Clinic.................................................................... 19 The Advertisers Index is published for reader convenience. Every effort is made to list information correctly. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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Highlight your business with an upcoming profile feature: April: Builders and Designers May: Women in Business June: Attorneys

Call us at 254-501-7500 or 254-778-4444 today.

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