Doree Collins and her husband, Travis, opened Rockin’ R Retreat and Event Center in 2021. It helps fund Cultivate Academy-CTX, a micro-school dedicated to leadership, agriculture and wellness. | 30 Photo courtesy of DOREE COLLINS
Sabrina Young feels called to help people through times of loss.| 24
Photo by BECKY STINEHOUR
ENTERTAINMENT
Paul Wall stops at Schoepf’s
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Mental health tips for fall
COMMUNITY
Tanglefoot Festival
COMMUNITY Taste of the Holidays
SCENE
Bell County Comic Con
Rockin’ R Retreat a place for learning and wellness
Vanessa Irino holds a Guinness World Record
TEEN
It’s officially fall, with various shades of orange and red leaves blanketing the ground. Oh, that’s only our fall decorations straight from the craft store! This is Texas after all, so we’ll just have to pretend the weather isn’t in the 90s anymore, and decorate until we feel like we’re festive enough for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Inside this issue of Tex Appeal, we have some wonderfully festive stories, along with some very inspirational people who are making Central Texas a great place to call home.
Sabrina Young is featured on the cover. As the owner of Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center, Young views her role in the community as a calling to serve others. Read all about her inspirational story on page 26.
Another woman using her gifts to help others is Doree Collins, owner of Rockin’ R Retreat and Event Center. The center helps support Cultivate Academy-CTX, a micro-school dedicated to leadership, agriculture, and wellness; as well as the Un-Included Club Urban Farm in East Temple. Collins puts her entire family to work helping others in this feature on page 30.
Vanessa Irino fell in love with the cute Casper the Friendly Ghost when she was only 5 years old. Over the years, she has amassed a sizeable collection, landing herself on the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest collection of Casper the Friendly Ghost memorabilia. Find out why her collection room is her “safe space” on page 36.
If you’re looking for some fall fun, Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls has just about everything you can think to do — pumpkins, hayrides, scarecrow stuffing and even a maze in the shape of the Lone Star State. Read about Sweet Berry Farm on page 42 and then visit all the way up to Thanksgiving.
And speaking of Thanksgiving, check out page 46, where Tonya shares a personal account of visiting Boston during Thanksgiving. Find out how she spent her favorite holiday visiting the Freedom Trail, Mayflower II and even Plymouth Rock itself.
Sharon shares her decorating expertise on page 56, with tips on creating your own fall decorations using items from your home or purchased inexpensively at the dollar store.
In her Neighbors feature, Amy highlights Operation Christmas Child, a project by Samaritan’s Purse, which sends gift boxes to children around the world. More than 10 million boxes are sent globally every year. Read page 10 about Operation Christmas Child and find out how you can make a difference this November during National Donation Week.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a breast cancer survivor, military spouse Julie Moser took it upon herself to create Pink Warrior Angels, a nonprofit based in Copperas Cove to help pay the bills for those going through cancer treatment of any kind. Read all about this important Outreach feature on page 12.
As you can tell, this issue is full of inspirational stories about people in the local communities. Central Texas may not have cool weather or colorful fall leaves, but it does have wonderful people doing amazing things to help make the world a better place.
For the United States, $24 per year, 6 issues. Mail check to P.O. Box 6114, Temple, TX 76503-6114. For questions about subscriptions, call 254-778-4444.
HOW TO CONTACT US: Advertising: 254-778-4444 or 254-501-7500. Editorial: Contact Brandy Cruz at editor@texappealmag.com
LISA CARLISLE is a marketing coordinator for CSI Aviation. A wife and mother of five — two girls and three boys — you can always find them outdoors or in the water. A native Austinite, she has lived in Temple since 2018. She also is a member of the Betty Martin DAR chapter. Her hobbies include photography, genealogy, cooking, family time and festivals.
PHOENIX CARLISLE is an obsessive book lover, who can’t stop rearranging her shelves to fit her new finds. She is a Temple College student who is exploring new books and teaching younger children. Phoenix wants to be an elementary teacher, and she hopes that she can travel to all the places of which she dreams. As of now, she is working at school to grow her skills of nurturing young minds as she continues to read and write.
JANE GIBSON is owner of Jane Gibson Photography and has more than 30 years of experience in portrait, event/wedding and travel photography. She is a native of Killeen and volunteers her time and her camera lens to many charitable organizations and community events. She is also a retired adjunct professor of Spanish and a Realtor for Native Real Estate. Find her at https://janegibson.zenfolio.com.
DEMI GUILLORY is a freelance writer with experience in writing a variety of content published in both print and digital magazines across the country. Storytelling is her passion, and her work represents the joy and fulfillment she gets from connecting with people and sharing their stories. Like most English majors, enjoys reading when she isn’t writing.
AMY ROGNLIE is an author and middleschool teacher. Her newest series of cozy mystery novels, The Short Creek Mysteries, are set in Bell County. Amy’s articles have been published in national magazines and websites. She blogs on encouragement, hope and faith on AmyRognlie.com. Amy and her family reside in Little River-Academy.
BECKY STINEHOUR is a portrait, commercial and event photographer, specializing in live music venues. Her work has been published in several regional magazines. She is a Killeen High School graduate who loves to highlight her hometown connections through the lens of her camera. Find her on Instagram at ciphoto.
CONNECT WITH US
JENNISE VENTURA has been saving money through couponing and budgeting for over 25 years. She is founder of Savealotmom on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. She lives in Killeen with her husband, two daughters and their Yorkie.
TONYA WARREN has been a registered nurse for 33 years with Ascension Providence Healthcare in Waco and a lifestyles writer for a few years. She lives in Waco and enjoys reading, writing and taking her grouchy German Shepherd on walks.
SHARON WHITE is an award-winning author who lives in Temple. Her writing has been featured in the New York Daily News, Huffington Post, AdvancingWomen.com and FashionBible.com. Her weekly lifestyle blog, QStyleTheBook.com, is based on her book, Quintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look
BOBBIE JO YOUNG serves as the director of membership development at the Temple Chamber of Commerce, where she focuses on business development, events and marketing. Previously, she worked as an advertising executive for the Temple Daily Telegram while also serving as a chamber ambassador. Her work has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their seven children.
KERRY-ANN ZAMORE BYRD is a writer, playwright, award-winning filmmaker, and licensed clinical social worker committed to telling stories that heal and empower. She currently serves as a professor of social work at Baylor University. Previously, she held a faculty position at the University of Mary HardinBaylor, where she also led international study abroad programs.
JANNA ZEPP is a native Texan. Her career in mass communication includes writing for film, TV, radio, and print media. She spent four years writing for the Fort Hood Sentinel and two years as a III Corps Public Affairs television producer, anchor and writer for Fort Hood On Track and three years as the editor of Tex Appeal.
Operation Christmas Child
SAMARITAN’S PURSE DELIVERS GIFTS AROUND THE GLOBE
By AMY
Since 1993, more than 232 million children in more than 170 countries and territories have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox filled with toys, school supplies and personal care items. The project, an extension of Samaritan’s Purse, delivers not only the joy of what, for many kids, is their first gift ever, but also gives them a tangible expression of God’s love.
Out of 11 countries that send boxes to underprivileged children, the U.S. is the leading donor, packing and shipping more than 10.5 million boxes in 2024. Churches and individuals in Texas and Louisiana alone sent more than 956,000 boxes. Tens of thousands of volunteers from local churches around the world partner with Operation Christmas Child to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ at festive outreach events where children are surprised with these shoebox gifts.
Kirk and Laurie Bailey of Troy have been involved with Operation Christmas Child for more than 20 years. Laurie Bailey is now the OCC area coordinator for the western portion of Central Texas which encompasses Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties.
“In Central Texas and in Bell County, our community is serving God and serving others using this ministry, which carries the Gospel locally and around the world. We are on the mission field every day,” she said. “When our feet hit the floor, we are on the mission field. We may not be able to go across the world to other countries, but packing and shipping these shoeboxes, enables my spirit and prayer to travel with them as God works miracles in all parts of the world.”
Each year, folks across Central Texas purchase or create small gifts to include in the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. At First Baptist Church of Troy, where the Baileys attend, an elderly woman knits hats — one for each of the 400 boxes this small church packed last year. Across town, the widow’s group at First Baptist Church of Academy works year-round to make bags, purses, jump ropes, balls and dolls, even hand-sewing clothing for the dolls. Area churches and individuals collect items such as toys, school supplies, hygiene items, flashlights, hats, socks and sewing kits all year long, then have a huge box-packing party in October or November.
ROGNLIE | Photos by AMY ROGNLIE and courtesy of SAMARITAN'S PURSE and FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ACADEMY
“We estimate that on average, 10 people are reached through each shoebox gift,” Bailey said. “I always say that one more box is one more opportunity for sharing the Gospel. Praying is the most important part of what we do in Operation Christmas Child. We pray throughout the entire process as it is one of the most, if not the most, important things we do.”
Many volunteers firmly believe that when a child opens the box, it is uniquely for that child because the items in that box reveal God's personal love for him or her. Bailey
relates a story about a particular box that went to a child in South America. A potholder was included in the box, which seemed like an unusual item to place in a box for a child.
“But God always has a bigger plan,” Bailey said. “This child was responsible for carrying the hot water for his family from the communal water station, so a potholder was just what he needed. There are many stories like this and they are just amazing!”
Also included in each Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift is a copy of “The Greatest Gift,” which is a colorful presentation booklet of the Gospel in the child’s language. Trained volunteers share the story of Jesus with all the children at each event before boxes are distributed. Children are also given the opportunity to attend The Greatest Journey, a 12-lesson discipleship program. In 2024, every 24 hours, 11,477 kids graduated, with 8,930 children accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, which is the ultimate goal of Operation Christmas Child.
Empty shoeboxes for packing are available directly from Operation Christmas Child or from any local Chickfil-A restaurant in November, which is a national sponsor of Operation Christmas Child. You can also use any empty shoebox or shoebox-size plastic container. Operation Christmas Child also has red and green preprinted shoeboxes available to order year-round. Once shoeboxes are packed, families can drop them off during National Collection Week, which is Nov. 17-24 this year. Local dropoff locations, gift suggestions and more information can be found at SamaritansPurse.org/OCC.
Volunteers at First Baptist Church of Troy and First Baptist Church of Academy make and collect items for hundreds of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes each year. The gifts are given to underprivileged kids around the world.
Pink Warrior Angels
GROUP PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos by AMY ROGNLIE and courtesy of PINK WARRIOR ANGELS
When military spouse and civil servant Julie Moser was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she quickly learned that as scary as her diagnosis was, the mounting bills and financial uncertainty were almost as difficult to face.
“We are an active-duty middle-class family, so we didn’t qualify for any assistance,” Moser said. “I had to take a leave of absence for treatment, but my husband was still working. So, our kids couldn’t even get free/reduced breakfasts and lunches at school, and that gets expensive when you don’t have any money.”
Not one to sit back and feel sorry for herself, Moser got to work and created Pink Warrior Angels, a nonprofit designed to help others in her situation. Pink Warrior Angels offers support by paying bills for individuals in active treatment for any type of cancer, with preference given to Texas residents. Importantly, the financial assistance is not income-based, which allows those who are not working because of treatments an opportunity to receive tangible help.
“We look at everyone on a case-by-case basis,” Moser said. “We want to hear people’s stories and understand what is going on in their life and their families.”
Eleven-year-old Jordan Mitchell and her family are grateful recipients. Diagnosed in 2022 with high-risk leukemia, Jordan finally rang the bell, signifying the end of her treatment, in April.
Through it all, she had a smile on her face,” Jordan’s mom, Keri Mitchell, said. “But after Jordan was diagnosed, we were shocked to learn that though there are over 100 different childhood cancers, only about 4% of money donated to cancer organizations goes to treat children.”
Enter Pink Warrior Angels and its army of volunteers. One of the group’s biggest events of the year is the Runway of Hope Retreat and Gala, held at Knoxville Ranch in Waco. It begins with a two-day retreat for adult cancer survivors, which includes time to rest and relax while being pampered by volunteers. Participants are treated to home-cooked meals and can attend sessions to learn more about nutrition, exercise, the benefits of journaling and more.
“Sometimes we pull up chairs in a circle and just talk,” Moser said. “We want everyone to understand that they can be vulnerable. They don’t have to be strong. Living with cancer is a grieving process of sorts, and it’s OK to have bad days. Our goal is to create an environment of hope, strength and resilience by offering a safe and supportive space for cancer warriors to share their stories, learn from one another and connect with a community of care.”
The highlight of the weekend is the Runway of Hope Dinner & Show — an inspiring evening filled with fashion and music that celebrates the strength and courage of cancer warriors in the community. Through this event, Pink Warrior Angels not only creates awareness about the fight against cancer, but they honor and remember the legacy of loved ones they have lost to cancer while providing a platform for those affected to come together and find hope and strength in each other’s stories. To help
Cancer survivors hit the Runway of Hope to show their strength and courage and raise funds to help others.
the cancer models prepare, Pink Warrior Angels brings in Lolita Frazier of Strut Talk Runway Therapy. Frazier’s organization utilizes the art of runway walking as a form of empowerment to help people who are hurting strut through grief.
With her help, cancer survivors at the retreat strut through a 90-minute rehearsal, learning to walk confidently and boldly not only on the runway, but through their cancer journey.
“This is not just a fashion show,” Moser said. “Our models wear whatever makes them feel beautiful or handsome — whatever makes them shine. It’s more about everyone else at the end of the runway cheering them on. The love and support in the room is overwhelming.”
Moser recalled Libby Kimbel, who was diagnosed with bone cancer and had a lower-leg amputation in middle school. She was not supposed to live through high school.
“The first year Libby did Runway of Hope, she hid her leg. She wore a really long dress to cover her prosthesis,” Moser said. “Over the next couple of years, her dress got shorter and sassier. Now this year as a fully cured adult, she flaunted her leg with an Ariana Grande-inspired outfit and smile!”
Paul Kennedy, a prostate cancer survivor from Fort Worth was also a model at the most recent Runway of
Hope. He has become a champion for raising money for others by competing in beard and mustache competitions. Kennedy learned about Pink Warrior Angels while participating in a benefit in Belton.
Vanessa Santiago, a breast cancer survivor, is another Pink Warrior Angels model who is giving back to the community in a big way. Originally from Puerto Rico, Santiago chose alternative cancer treatments and remains a big proponent of that approach, even sending out free care packages of nutritional and holistic treatments to fellow cancer warriors. She has also started a Pink Warrior Angels Spanish-speaking support group in San Antonio, where she now lives.
“I would like people to understand that PWA is made up of 100% volunteers,” Moser said. “It’s not just Julie’s vision. People like Paul and Vanessa, along with everyone who helps all year long, are how we make a difference in others’ lives. ... Together, we truly embody the spirit of love, support and unity that makes Central Texas such a remarkable place to live."
1. Hey now, they’re rock stars — Smash Mouth turns the Central Texas State Fair into an all-star singalong.
2. One boy, one bull. One summer for Luke Griffin to remember 3. A member of the Fearless Flores Family demonstrates plate spinning on the midway in Belton.
4. Three generations enjoy the Smash Mouth concert.
Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
SCENE: HARKER HEIGHTS COLOR RUN
1. Rebekah Moon, Katherine Balcer, Gillian Pons, Brittany Wiley and Stephanie O’Brien from the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce enjoy the Harker Heights Color Run.
2. Geri Schwartzman and Nana start the race.
3. Brittany Wiley takes a break.
4. Melody Alfaro is drenched in color.
Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
Spice up Thanksgiving drinks
Story and photo by JANNA ZEPP
Ilove the flavor of pears, but not the texture. I love the sizzle of jalapeños, but not the white-hot nuclear blister. I am ambiguous about vodka, but I enjoy flavored varieties. Imagine my joy at discovering the Spicy Pear Martini during my frequent travels to Waxahachie when having dinner at Ohana, a great little sushi and pho joint right off U.S. Highway 287. I am up that way quite a bit for my regular acting gig during the spring at one of the largest renaissance faires in the United States: Scarborough Renaissance Festival. We are opening a new autumn version of the show this October and November, and I will be performing there too, so Ohana is gonna see a lot more of me. My best friend, fellow performer, and favorite Czech chick, Becky Rau, and I love their cocktails. The SPM is our favorite. But one night, a new mixologist behind the bar accidentally left the seeds in the jalapeños used for garnish. Not only did we send our drinks back, we had to rub aloe on our lips to sooth the sting. Our eyes and noses ran for 30 minutes straight. Ohana, being amazing as usual, not only replaced the drinks, they comped them. Our loyalty to the restaurant is well-placed, and we still cackle now and then about the Great Nuclear Jalapeño Disaster of 2024.
With Thanksgiving coming up, the usual delicious holiday fare being what it is, and pears being in season, Becky and I highly recommend spicing up your dinner pre- and/or post-game (and attendant conversations with relatives of different perspectives on life) with this unusual martini. Your family might not agree politically, but they’ll definitely agree with your mixologist skills, and you possibly could achieve interpersonal peace with this delightful concoction.
Ingredients
SPICY PEAR MARTINI
2 ounces pear vodka
1 ounce pear nectar or pear liqueur
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (or 1/4 ounce each of lemon and lime juice)
1/2 ounce simple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
3 or 4 slices of fresh jalapeño
Ice
Equipment
Cocktail shaker
Martini glass
Muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon)
Instructions
Chill your glass: Place a martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink. Add the fresh jalapeño slices and simple syrup or agave to a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the jalapeño to release its spicy oils and flavor without breaking it apart.
Pour the pear vodka, pear nectar or liqueur, and fresh lime juice into the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside is well-chilled. Empty the ice from your chilled martini glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass, catching any jalapeño bits. Add a slice of jalapeño for a visually appealing finish.
Tips for customization
For more burn: Leave the seeds in the jalapeño before muddling. For even more sizzle, make a jalapeñoinfused simple syrup ahead of time by simmering sliced jalapeños with water and sugar.
For less burn: Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before adding it to the shaker. You can also simply shake the jalapeño slices with the cocktail instead of muddling them.
Sweetness level: Adjust the amount of simple syrup or agave to control the sweetness. You can also substitute a pear liqueur for the pear nectar for a sweeter, more robust pear flavor.
SEPT. 25OCT. 5, 2025
NOV 7-16, 2025
AUDITIONS
SEP. 29 & 30 2025
Bewitching books for fall
By M. CLARE HAEFNER | Covers courtesy of the publishers
Fall is a great time to pick up bewitching tales and fantasy tomes.
There’s something magical in the air as the weather cools and seasons change, and these books are great options to add to your autumn reading list.
The First Witch of Boston: A Novel by Andrea Catalano (Lake Union Publishing, September 2025)
Inspired by actual diary entries and court records, The First Witch of Boston is historical fiction at its best. Catalano gives new life to Margaret Jones’ tragic tale in Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1640s.
Each chapter in the first part of the book begins with a quote from Jones’ diary, while the narrative is from the perspective of her husband, Thomas.
The second part of the book begins with entries from Margaret’s trial penned by the men deciding her fate, while Margaret narrates her time spent in jail.
Fascinated by the story of the Salem witch trials as a teen, especially after a visit to the town that included a stop in the meeting house where those trials were held in 1692, this was the first time I’d heard of Margaret Jones. She was indeed the first woman hanged as a witch in Boston in 1648, though another accused a few years before was exiled from Massachusetts Bay Colony instead.
Like many accused of witchcraft in Puritan New England, Margaret Jones is a victim of her time, executed for “the sin of being a woman” who knew how natural remedies could heal and who wasn’t afraid to speak her thoughts.
“History, and human nature, repeats patterns without fail,” Catalano writes in her author’s note at the book’s end. ”I am compelled to shine a light on the persecution of women who might have been overt, bold and confident in an increasingly overly conservative political climate.”
While the fate of Thomas Jones is unknown, Catalano gives him and Margaret a voice in a haunting story that still resonates today.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett (Del Ray, January 2023), Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands (Del Ray, January 2024) and Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Del Ray, February 2025)
Heather Fawcett’s trilogy is a fantastical tale imagining life in an alternate version of the 1910s. Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is a renowned dryadologist, studying the Folk far and wide as she pens books on Faerie, with help from her trusty dog Shadow, fellow professor Wendell Bambleby and a colorful collection of other characters, human and faerie.
I first heard about the series in 2023, though I decided to wait until it was complete to begin reading so I could enjoy it in its entirety. Indeed, it made the perfect escape from reality for a couple of weeks as I was lost in Fawcett’s imaginative faerie tales that are the perfect blend of mystery and magic. Whether you read them all together or one at a time, you definitely want to pick up the series in order so you don’t spoil the surprising story as it unfolds.
If darker magic is more to your liking, consider Carissa Broadbent’s Crowns of Nyaxia romantasy series, set in an intoxicating world of humans, vampires and vengeful gods.
With four installments so far — The Serpent and the Wings of Night, The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone and The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk — at least two more are planned. The Lion and the Deathless Dark is set for release in August 2026 to begin another duology in the captivating series.
The Green-Eyed Monster
GIVE YOUNG TEENS A SPOOKY TALE TO ENJOY THIS FALL
By PHOENIX CARLISLE | Cover courtesy of SCHOLASTIC
Need a spooky tale you can whisper at an all girls slumber party? A tale that will make your eyes glow with envy and fear?
From Scholastic’s Poison Apple series, book No. 2 will surely satisfy your need for spooky reads this fall. The Green-Eyed Monster by Lisa Fiedler is the perfect choice to introduce your young teen to spooky books.
Chloe never thought she’d have a friend as stylish, confident ... or mysterious as Taylor, who definitely has secrets. She doesn't like to talk about where she's from, and she has a weird habit of predicting things before they happen. Not to mention she has a nasty jealous streak that seems to motivate her spite. Sometimes Taylor gets so green with envy she doesn't even seem human.
So when a string of “accidents” hurts everyone who’s ever had something Taylor wanted, Chloe is scared for her friend, the upcoming play production and maybe even herself after landing a leading role. Is Taylor just a mean girl or is she some kind of monster?
The Poison Apple series was my first introduction to horror as a preteen. These books are full of awkward, silly and self-discovering moments with a touch of added spookiness for full effect! This one was my favorite. Chloe was a simple theatrical girl trying to figure out why everything was going wrong in her life and especially to her best friends.
There is always that liberating moment in any chick flick or cheesy book where the main girl realizes she doesn’t need to look up to the mean popular girl to appreciate who she truly is. It is a fun Halloween read that compliments real insecurities and friendship struggles because we all know that friend who is willing to push down others to get ahead.
Of course, we need to have empathy, even with these hard-to-love characters. This book guides us in quality foreshadowing you wouldn’t expect to in the final reveal of who Taylor truly is ... or more like what Taylor is.
Thinking back on Taylor, I understand what a
undergo would also lead to a motive similar to hers in the way she acts.
Even the simplest of good books stay in our minds long after they’re read. A reflection of characters in literature, using our own life experiences to develop more than the initial plots we experienced prior allows us to be empathetic real people.
If you have a teen in your life who is wanting an easy, girly story with a twist then Poison Apple No. 2 is just what you need. The Green-Eyed Monster should be on your fall 2025 to-be-read list. Just make sure to check your eyes — I don't want to see them glowing with envy by the end.
well-crafted character she is. The events she had to
THIS GIRL’S GARDEN
DIY Water Features
BEAUTIFY YOUR YARD THIS FALL
By AMY ROGNLIE
If you’re ready for a smallish fall project that will beautify your yard and won’t take too big of a bite out of your wallet, how about a DIY water feature? With a few basic tools and supplies, you can create a water fountain that will add that extra pizzazz — or serenity — to your garden. There are endless variations and creative touches you can add to a fountain, but here are two basic types to get you started.
Use a large ceramic pot as the main decorative element in this first type of fountain. You can choose a more neutral-colored pot that will blend into the background a bit or go big and bold with a bright color
that will make a statement. The size and shape of pot that you choose is also up to you, but remember that the water pump will be inside the pot, so your pot would probably need to be at least 15 inches tall.
If you are ambitious, you can also build a stacked fountain using several pots of different sizes with the pump housed in the largest one at the bottom. These types of fountains are reasonably easy to create in a few hours and can be moved to different spots in the garden, provided you have access to an electrical outlet or are using a solar pump.
If that sounds too daunting, try a watering can fountain. This creative
thebentpenny.wordpress.com
repurposing utilizes a galvanized watering can as the decorative element, which produces a whimsical and fun water feature. This type of fountain can be created in less than
an hour using the watering can, a rectangular plastic storage bin, some river rock, a grate or piece of stiff screening, and a fountain pump with tubing. This fountain can be made for $50 or less if you already have some of the supplies. I don’t know about you, but I already own a storage bin that could be (read: will soon be) repurposed for this project. A downside of this fountain is that it is stationary and can’t be moved around the yard, since the water reservoir (plastic storage bin) is set in the ground.
Water fountain kits that include a small electric water pump and tubing are inexpensive and readily available online or at the big box stores. Solar pumps are also available, but from personal experience, I know that some of these are touchy and will only work when in full, direct sun. So, take your time planning for your fountain and be sure to browse online for full instructions and inspiration. You might be surprised at what you can create!
Sabrina Young, front, with her daughter, Kayla, left, and Young’s Daughters
Funeral Home employee Elizabeth Hattenbach.
‘Be a Beacon of Light’
SABRINA YOUNG OFFERS COMPASSIONATE CARE
AS FAMILIES GRIEVE LOSS OF LOVED ONES
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR and courtesy of SABRINA YOUNG
Sabrina Young is on a mission to make the world a better place. A U.S. Army veteran and single mom of five daughters, Young is all about caring for others, particularly through her role as director of Young’s Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center. Not your typical funeral director or funeral home, Young views her role in the Central Texas community as a calling.
“When your heart’s really in it and you have a desire to serve, people can feel that,” Young said. “We’re not here just to ‘do a funeral.’ We strive to be a beacon of light in a time of need.”
To that end, Young’s Daughters is not just a funeral home, but also a bereavement center, which is unusual in the industry. Young offers grief classes and other resources at no cost, feeling that if there is any need surrounding grief and loss, she wants to meet it. In addition, she personally takes a group of people yearly to the national conference of Compassionate Friends, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people through grief. Young’s Daughters also sponsors bereaved children so they can attend grief camp.
funeral, Young receives calls from homeless shelters and justices of the peace from across the entire state.
“Being a community resource, we step forward. We always step up to make sure there is no veteran left behind, even if we must do a fundraiser to get them buried,” Young said. “Matthew 25:40, which states, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,’ emphasizes that caring for those in need is a direct way of serving God. Doing a funeral service for a veteran or anyone else who died alone or in need isn't just a job to me — it's a mission as I seek to garner grace with God.”
“Our mission is to be with you before, during and after a loss occurs. We believe that every life is worth remembering.”
— Sabrina Young
In addition to caring for unclaimed veterans, Young does her best to meet folks where they are, noting that not many funeral homes offer financial aid. When she ventured to open her business, she wanted to offer an all-inclusive funeral home to all walks of life, offering low-cost options and meeting people where they are. She quickly realized that many people needed help paying for a funeral for their loved one.
“Our mission is to be with you before, during and after a loss occurs,” Young added. “We believe that every life is worth remembering.”
Unique to traditional funeral homes, Young’s Daughters also offers pet services including euthanasia, cremation and burial, knowing that pets are also part of the family.
And to Young, every life means every single life, even those who have no family. Every year, Young’s Daughters provides a dignified burial for 10 to 15 unclaimed veterans. As one of very few funeral homes that are willing to take responsibility for caring for those who have no means to pay for a
To meet this need, Young and her staff fundraise all year and host an annual Walk to Remember, which is a fundraiser to honor lost loved ones and pets and is set for the second Sunday in December. Young’s Daughters’ other major fundraiser is Bikers for Bereavement, which takes place in August. Proceeds help those in the community who cannot afford a funeral.
In addition, Young offers free sessions to educate the community about the importance of end-of-life forms such as last wills and testaments, medical power of attorney, authorized agent forms,
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and pre-planning for funeral expenses. Personal appointments and notary services for the documents are also available free of charge at the funeral home.
In her spare time, Young is a service officer for VFW Post 1820, where she assists veterans with registering at national and local cemeteries, as well as filing claims, obtaining DEERS identification cards, and any other benefits they need. As a veteran combat military police officer, Young lives and breathes the “no soldier left behind” creed.
“Being a first-generation funeral home owner, I am not bound by ‘the way it’s always been done,’” Young said. “I’m able to stretch the boundaries to serve what the community wants and needs to truly honor everyone’s stories.”
The staff at Young’s Daughters want to help the community find ways to celebrate in meaningful and memorable ways, such as through the funeral home’s interactive “magic wall.” The 10x10 flat screen in the chapel is used to share life-sized photos and videos during a funeral. Young encourages folks who are pre-planning their funerals to self-record a video to be shared with their loved ones and guests at their final farewell. Other ideas include a recorded biography of one’s life events, or maybe even a special recipe or joke. The wall brings your story to life in living color.
“I wanted our home to be a place where you walk in and you automatically feel welcomed,” Young said. “In the future, I want to expand our care center to be able to serve more than our surrounding counties and to keep enjoying the calling from God and serving others.”
GET IN TOUCH
Website: youngsdaughters.com
Phone: 254-401-1302
Facebook: Facebook.com/Youngsdaughters
In addition to giving back by helping cover costs of funerals for veterans and others in need, Sabrina Young also gives back to the community, taking part in Leadership Temple and the Fourth of July parade.
Rest with Purpose
ROCKIN’ R RETREAT A PLACE FOR LEARNING, WELLNESS
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
Nestled on 13 acres just outside of Temple, Rockin’ R Retreat and Event Center is more than a peaceful getaway — it’s a movement. Founded in 2021 by Doree Collins and her family, Rockin’ R was created as both a wellness destination and a sustainable funding source for Cultivate Academy-CTX, a micro-school dedicated to leadership, agriculture and wellness.
“Rockin’ R is more than just a retreat space — it’s a vehicle for educational equity and community wellness,” Collins shared.
From family reunions to leadership workshops, healing retreats to crafting weekends, Rockin’ R offers space for gatherings of all kinds. Over the past year alone, it has hosted everyone from church teams to artists, scrapbookers, quilters, writers and photographers. With a full-service kitchen and meeting areas all under one roof, guests can relax and create without ever stepping outside of the cozy and convenient venue. There’s no need to brave the elements to catch a quick nap, take a shower or grab something from one of the nine bedrooms. And best of all, the proceeds from Rockin’ R help fund Cultivate AcademyCTX.
True to her passion, Collins is already planning to prepare the land surrounding the retreat facility for farming. Planting acres of sunflowers will be the first step in the process of establishing a balanced ecosystem in the soil, paving the way for food crops in the future. In addition, blueprints have been drawn up for the new Cultivate Academy facility to be located there. The new school building will include a basketball court, community kitchen and dining room, a microgreen growing room, four smaller test kitchens, and of course, classrooms.
“We invite anyone who wants to rest with purpose, host events that matter, or invest in the next generation to visit Rockin’ R. Your booking helps keep kids learning, families thriving, and local food growing,” Collins said. “We also welcome volunteers and partners who want to join us in creating sustainable systems for education, wellness and entrepreneurship.”
“It’s been a family thing. ... Our kids have learned so much about management, marketing and the service industry through this new venture.”
— Doree Collins
“Every event booked at Rockin’ R directly supports students and families at Cultivate Academy-CTX by helping us keep tuition affordable as we offer holistic programming in wellness, agriculture, entrepreneurship and literacy,” Collins said. “Your retreat fuels a movement.”
Collins is proud that in just the last year, revenue from the venue has helped subsidize tuition for more than 25 students at Cultivate Academy-CTX, support 10 youth leaders through paid training and market leadership, and host more than 50 family, church and professional retreat guests, all of whom indirectly support their mission.
The retreat’s proceeds fuel Cultivate Academy-CTX, now in its fourth year. Students — known as “pioneers” — study core academics through the lens of sustainability and purpose. Built on three pillars — urban agriculture, entrepreneurship, and leadership — the Academy incorporates family businesses and real-world enterprises into everyday learning. The “pioneers” learn core academics like math, English, and history, but always through a lens of wellness, purpose, and sustainability. The Academy also integrates family businesses and community enterprises into its structure, making real-world entrepreneurship part of the daily school process. Collins’ high school sweetheart and now husband, Travis, a registered nurse, teaches anatomy and chess. Their children and close partners also contribute directly, ensuring Cultivate is a family-driven ecosystem.
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Doree Collins with her daughter, Dayla Collins.
Downtown 17 N. 2nd Street, Temple
Mon-Fri 8:00-6:00, Sat 8:00-4:00, Sun - Closed 254-778-2242
WE TURN YOUR FEELINGS INTO FLOWERS!
“It’s been a family thing,” the busy mother of four — and sometimes lead singer of their family band, The Collins Crew — added. “We came into the world of entrepreneurship together. Our kids have learned so much about management, marketing and the service industry through this new venture.”
Cultivate Academy is also recognized by Texas A&M Agrilife as a “Healthy School Recognized Campus,” which is a pretty big deal. In keeping with its healthy mission, the school has a certified kitchen where students learn to prepare the food they grow.
Diagnosed with Lupus several years ago, Collins has radically changed her eating habits and ideas about food and is now off all medication and living a healthy life.
She is on a mission to spread health and nutrition awareness to the next generation by teaching them about whole foods to impart an intrinsic motivation for the students to eat for their health. At the school, the students tend a garden outside, grow microgreens inside, and learn how to make their own healthy lunches with what they have grown themselves. They also spend some of their time at the UIC’s Urban Farm, building and tending gardens. Throughout the school year, students sell their microgreens as well as delicious homemade soups, hummus and salsa to the community.
“We have watched habits change,” Collins said proudly. “Kids who came in hating vegetables now have ownership in the process of growing them and preparing them. They end up loving veggies and even preferring them to other foods. We are helping to prevent obesity and illness, and I can’t wait to see what this generation will look like in the next 10-15 years.”
As a member of the Breakfast Lions Club of Temple, a member of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc., a Silver Lifetime member of the NAACP and an active member of the Bell County Hunger Coalition, among others, Collins has been a big influence on the Bell County community for more than 20 years, and it appears that the next 20 will hold bigger and better things. A certified educator, Collins transitioned from the educational platform to the nonprofit sphere once she collaborated with Garfield and Bethany Hawk, the founders of the Un-Included Club, which has been serving the central Texas area since 2009.
“I joined the organization to support the vision and mission of the Un-Included Club, which is to be un-included from illiteracy, childhood obesity, Continued
and giving up,” she said. “The goal is to provide positive programming to help everyone remain un-included from habits and lifestyles that lead to un-wellness in ourselves, our families, and our community.”
Out of that vision grew Cultivate Academy-CTX, which intertwines student learning with the growth of small businesses launched through Un-Included’s Micro-Enterprise program. These businesses are not only entrepreneurial ventures but also practical supports for the school community.
Take Dayla Collins, a college student and state study teacher at Cultivate, and Brice Smiley, a long-time youth leader. They co-founded D&B Tidy Duo. Their cleaning business specializes in natural, agriculture-based cleaning supplies.
At Cultivate Academy-CTX and Rockin’ R Retreats, the students’ products keep classrooms and gathering spaces safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Through this small business and others that have been birthed out of UIC and Cultivate, the students see firsthand how entrepreneurship and sustainability connect.
Janice Cody, one of the first recipients of the Un-Included Club’s Micro-Enterprise Program, funded in 2023 by a grant from the City of Temple, now teaches students how to make their own safe, natural skin and hair products, while explaining the health and benefits of the ingredients. Cody is the founder of Express Your Beauty, a business that creates natural skin and hair products using raw shea butter and essential oils, showing the “pioneers” that agriculture doesn’t stop at food — it extends into skincare, beauty, and holistic wellness.
Collins’ influence on urban agriculture is not limited to Cultivate Academy. After one year with Un-Included Club, Collins secured a 7-acre USDA land grant at Blackland Research Center, which then expanded into the homes of their families with the micro-green process and finally developed the 7-acre Un-Included Club Urban Farm located in East Temple. UIC’s other Urban Agriculture project includes the Mainstreet Community Garden located on Main Street in Temple.
The organization sells the microgreens that they grow at Treno's Pizzeria and Taproom as well as Cha Community, both in downtown Temple. They have also published a cookbook on the microgreen growing process.
“The Farm” as Collins calls it, is not only a community garden, but also hosts chickens and a hydroponic system for growing sunflower microgreens. Collins has recently presented an ambitious expansion plan to the city of Temple for
Melissa Thomas, above, of Dripping Springs hosted a paper crafting retreat for friends, including Rita Shave.
improvements to the farm that will pave the way for more active community involvement. In addition, several lots in East Temple were recently donated
for more community gardens. The produce from the gardens is shared with the local community through the Community Supported Agriculture program.
“When I left public education to start work at Un-Included Club, I knew it was time for me to step out on faith. I was called to something different and I did a lot of praying,” Collins said. “I’m still educating — just in a different way and with a different purpose. Reaching this 10-year milestone means so much, because it shows what faith, family and community can build together.”
On Nov. 1, the Collins family will host a gala fundraiser at Rockin’ R to support these next steps.
“I just call the past 10 years a faith walk,” Collins said. “You have to step out, trust the process, and pay attention to the growth that happens along the way — that’s how you know you’re moving in the right direction. I may not have a blueprint, but I have faith, and we’re going an abundant pace, ahead.”
IF YOU GO
Rockin R Retreat: https://rockinrretreats.com/ Cultivate Academy-CTX: https://sites.google. com/view/cultivate-academy/homepage
Sara Bright enjoys her day at the Rockin’ R.
Casper Collector
VANESSA IRINO HOLDS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD
Story and photos by BRANDY CRUZ
One Central Texas woman transformed her lifelong love for a friendly, fictional ghost into a collection so massive and meticulously curated that it earned her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s largest collection of Casper the Friendly Ghost memorabilia. Vanessa Irino’s collection joined more than 65,000 other recorded entries in the Guinness database.
“I first saw the old ‘Casper’ TV series late at night. It was a really old one where he was a blob walking around,” Irino recalled. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, he’s the cutest ghost!’”
Feeling like a ghost herself while growing up, the native Texan felt drawn to the ghost’s friendly charm.
“Unfortunately, since a young age, I always felt like I was invisible in my family dynamic. I just related to him and Casper would befriend all the misfit boys and girls … he was just a friendly guy,” Irino said. “I was like, ‘Aww, Casper would be my friend if he was real!’ I found a lot of comfort in him.”
She received the first item in her collection in 1995, shortly after the “Casper” movie premiered. The small stuffed Casper doll was gifted to her by her grandmother, and remains one of her most treasured pieces of memorabilia.
As Covid swept across the world in 2020, and TikTok kept people busy, Irino ended up meeting Danii Meger, the world record holder for the largest Scooby Doo collection, through the power of social media. Irino, who already had a sizeable collection of Casper merchandise, asked her for advise and before long, she was emailing Guinness to ask if they had a world record for a Casper collection.
“They did not, but they would create the category for me,” Irino said. “They asked for proof of things that I have, so I sent over a video and lots of pictures.”
For consideration, she had to have a minimum of 1,000 individually licensed items. No bootleg items, no fan art. Autographs also do not count.
The trickiest part was when it came to sets. If she had a full set of something, that counted as one item. If she had trading cards, that counted as one set. But, she discovered that items and sets in other languages count as a separate entry.
“I counted everything and had 830, but that was before we went to Japan,” she added. “We go to Japan every year because that’s where my husband is from.”
She explained that Japan has a lot of vintage Americana shops, so she was able to bring back an additional 115 items, bringing her total to 945.
“We were still a little short, but my husband was like, ‘Let’s shop smartly, but let’s get there, cause we’re full in on this,’” she explained. “There was a comic book store that closed down and he gave me a deal on comics. We looked on eBay for things I didn’t have and he had looked on Japanese auction sites. A lot of the stuff is from Japan that we either had shipped here or brought back. I finally made it at 1,153.”
Once the process begins, Guinness hopefuls only have one year to complete all the tasks required to achieve the record. Each item or set has to be Continued
photographed and labeled on a spreadsheet with a description. An expert in the field must be on hand while every single item is recorded for accuracy. And if there happens to be a mistake made? Irino said the error must be notated.
Then came the waiting game. Irino anxiously awaited the decision, which took three months. And since she discovered she had the record, she’s been on cloud nine. “How is this real?” Irino said. “Every since getting this, I’ve felt the sky was the limit.”
The sky was certainly the limit this year, as Irino also fulfilled her lifelong goal of meeting Christina Ricci, the star of the “Casper” movie, at Fan Expo Dallas, and asked the award-winning actress to autograph her Guinness World Record.
“I was embarrassed how much I cried, but I couldn’t help it — I couldn’t help it — I waited so long for this,” Irino said. “And after that, I just walked around with the dorkiest smile on my face.”
Irino also published her first book, “Kindred Spirits: A True Story on How a Friendly Ghost Changed the Life of Another.”
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Her home includes an entire room dedicated to the world’s friendliest ghost, but it’s not just a room to hold a collection, it’s her safe space.
“This is a safe space — a safe haven for me — my sanctuary. I’ve always looked for such a place my whole life, besides my grandparents’ house being my safe space, and here it is,” she said.
And the girl who always felt like she was treated like a ghost her whole life, now feels loved and seen — just like her favorite friendly ghost.
www.preciousmailandshipping.com
A-MAZE-ing Fun
SWEET BERRY FARM OFFERS ACTIVITIES ALL YEAR
By DEMI GUILLORY | Photos by JANE GIBSON and courtesy of SWEET BERRY FARM
Although it might not always be the perfect fall weather in Central Texas, harvest season is celebrated with Texas flair in Marble Falls.
The 152 acres of land, better known to locals as Sweet Berry Farm, has had its last succulent strawberry and massive sunflower picked for the 2025 seasons, and the prep work for this year’s Texas-sized fall festivities is completed. Fall has well and truly arrived at the farm owned by Dan Copeland, who initially acquired 10 acres in 1999, planting strawberries on seven of them and opening to the public in March 2000.
Each mid-September through late November, the season consists of pumpkins, mazes, hayrides and so much more. The annual event began in 2004 as the Harvest of Fall Fun and attracts as many as 10,000 visitors every season. Not just any pumpkin patch, Sweet Berry Farm prides itself on offering a unique, wholesome experience for the entire family.
Candy Corn Maze and Barnyard Maze are geared toward children, the biggest of them all is the appropriately named Texas Maze. A challenge to navigate and even harder to miss, the Texas Maze has become the farm’s hallmark event.
“If you fly over our property in an airplane, you will see a big (hay-grazed) shape of Texas which is planted every year,” Garcia said.
While the massive maze is a standout on its own, its intricate construction makes it even more synonymous with Sweet Berry Farm. Copeland decided early on that the Texas Maze should be as unique as the state it occupies.
Popular activities include pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing, picking your own flowers, and sand art. Hayrides are also not your average adventure here.
“We thought a regular old hayride was kind of boring, so we stuffed some scarecrows, and we have these little scarecrow scenes that (visitors) can see all throughout the hayride,” said Lacy Garcia, field trip coordinator and kitchen manager at the farm. Offering a glimpse into the life of a scarecrow, “it is about a 15-minute ride on a dry creek bed here on the property.”
No fall festival would be complete without a maze and luckily for the visitors at Sweet Berry Farm, there are three to wander, get lost in, and find a way out for people of all ages. While the
“A typical maze,” she added, “you start at the entrance and then you try to find the exit, but (Copeland) didn’t like that.”
Instead of trying to locate the exit, Copeland added real Texas towns inside the maze where wanderers have to find their way through each one before exiting. The number of towns ranges from 12 and 15 every year and follows a theme.
“This year, our theme is ‘Texas is a Five Letter Word,’ so all of our cities have five letters.”
Field trips to Sweet Berry Farm are also popular and offer students not only another way to explore the farm, but an opportunity to learn about agriculture, entomology and animals with guided tours and goat feedings. As the field trip coordinator, Garcia communicates with schools to arrange visits and trains the farmers who oversee the tours.
In her various roles, Garcia has watched the farm’s growth from humble beginnings to becoming a must-visit stop in the Texas Hill Country. She credits the farm’s success to its focus Continued
From left, Cameron Martinez, April Martinez, Lily Damuth, Raelynn Copeland, Glenna “Granny” Copeland, Lacy Garcia, Leila Garcia, Ashley Damuth and Nico Martinez. Lacy Garcia is the field trip coordinator and kitchen manager at Sweet Berry Farm, which offers fun activities for all ages throughout the year.
on the people who make it all worthwhile. There is no admission fee, and visitors only pay for the activities they choose to do.
“You just pay for the activities that you want to do, and there’s no pressure to do all of them,” Garcia said.
Having the option to curate your own experience on the farm gives Garcia and her team a great sense of pride for the love and passion they pour into their work.
“Even if you have a dollar, you can come out and feed the goats and still have a good time,” she added.
Picnics are also encouraged with plenty of shaded areas and tables available for guests. Alcohol is not sold on the farm, further emphasizing the family-friendly fun it promotes.
“Everyone’s here for that fall, American tradition.”
The unpredictable Texas weather may not always promise fall-like temperatures, and while Garcia and the team certainly “pray for a cool fall every year,” the farm guarantees a celebratory experience no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
“It might be 100 degrees outside, and we’ll still get people with their plaids and boots to get that (fall) photo.”
VISIT SWEET BERRY FARM
Address: 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls
Website: sweetberryfarm.com
Phone: 830-798-1462
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Harvesting Thankfulness
REFLECTIONS FROM A VISIT TO PLYMOUTH ROCK
Story and photos by TONYA WARREN
Sweltering in the summer of 2023 made me long for cool nights and shorter days. I especially wanted to unload my boxes of Thanksgiving decorations to get ready for my favorite holiday. Thanksgiving is that tender unassuming holiday falling between candy-crazed Halloween and the sometimesin-your-face festivities of Christmas.
Our kids, one in Montana, and the other in Oklahoma, broke the news early fall that year that they wouldn’t be home for Thanksgiving. One stayed behind for graduate school responsibilities and the other decided his girlfriend’s family would have a few more tasty dishes on their buffet table than what he’d have at home.
After licking self-imposed wounds for a few days, I excitedly made the executive decision that my husband and I would spend Turkey Day in the land where it began in 1620. Granted, this trip was a bit more than what my Thanksgiving week HEB receipt would reveal, but I echoed the old credit card commercial sentiment, “For everything else, there’s Mastercard.” Indeed, I gave that card a workout, but it was more than worth it to make priceless memories in such an awe-inspiring place.
Landing in Boston several days before Thanksgiving, we enjoyed sights of the coastal historic city. The Freedom Trail highlights 16 fun points of interest from Boston’s early colonial days. The Old State House, the statue of portly Benjamin Franklin, Old Corner Bookstore and many other points dot the lively area. Don’t miss visiting Paul Revere’s actual home where his eyeglasses, rocking chair and saddle are on display. I was taken aback at how much of a petite man he must have been. He just carried a big message on that fateful night. Oh, to have been there when Revere was riding furiously through those darkened streets and warning colonists the British were coming! Fun fact: Revere was a coppersmith, and today, you can still purchase Revere Ware pots and pans.
Over the next few days, we spent copious amounts of time savoring seafood freshly plucked from the icy Atlantic just hours before. Touring MIT and taking in the beauty of Harvard gave us a better appreciation of these historical institutions and their contributions to the science world and more.
Too excited to sleep well the night before Thanksgiving, I thought about what the next day would bring in Plymouth Rock. Eventually the steady rain pelting our hotel window and well-behaved drivers at the intersection below lulled me to sleep.
Thanksgiving morning was cold but bright as we headed to Plymouth Rock. Imagine our excitement when we first laid eyes on Mayflower II. Maritime records were lost on the original ship of 1620, but her replica was built in Plymouth, England, and she sailed her maiden voyage to America in 1957. Docked in cold Atlantic waters, visitors from all over stand in awe of her beauty. Fun facts: Mayflower II is Coast Guard certified, and she still sails on special occasions.
Across the street stands the statue of the great Wampanoag chief, Massasoit. Erected in 1921, the statue serves as a reminder of the pivotal role his tribe played in teaching early settlers how to live and thrive in their new country. Every Thanksgiving morning, a group of peaceful protesters gather at the statue as a somber reminder that colonialism came with a heavy price to Native Americans.
Across the street from Massasoit is a Romanesque style temple housing Plymouth Rock. A bit of a misnomer, the rock, half buried in sand, is really a small boulder. For several hundred years after the pilgrim’s arrival, there was debate as to whether this area was the exact spot the pilgrims first touched American soil. Originally planning to land in New York’s Hudson Bay area, a violent storm threw them off course. This small boulder remains an endearing symbol of brave people who were pursuing religious freedom at all costs.
Next stop: Plimoth Patuxet Museum. Note the old English spelling of Plimoth, which was later changed to the current day spelling of Plymouth. Patuxet was the name given to the area thousands of years prior by the Wampanoag tribe. Boston blue blood Henry Hornblower II is credited with making his childhood dream reality when he established the museum in 1947.
Every Thanksgiving Day, the museum hosts a special holiday meal for guests who have registered and paid online. Set in the museum’s dining hall, “The Story of Thanksgiving” experience offers a plated meal with
entertainment from local historical performers. Guests enjoy centuries-old hymns and psalms while feasting on traditional New England fare such as roasted pork and fish, Indian corn pudding, savory stewed cabbage and more.
Another dining option is a buffet of more traditional Thanksgiving foods such as roasted turkey, dressing and sweet potatoes. Communal seating is enjoyed at either meal, and it was fun to meet other folks from across the country or across town. Our table included another family of Thanksgiving enthusiasts from Pennsylvania and a couple who lived up the road who made the meal their annual Thanksgiving tradition. Pleasant and interesting conversation in a relaxing setting made for a memorable holiday experience.
Just steps from the dining hall, you suddenly immerse yourself in daily life, centuries before, with “colonists” and actual Wampanoag tribe members. We were encouraged to make conversation with all we encountered. Dressed in deerskin clothing, a wolf rug at his feet and feathers in his hair, a gentleman explained how a canoe-like structure was fashioned out of a hollowed tree. Nearby, a woman was smoking a chicken over an open-pit fire.
Also, in the 17th century village, locals dressed in period clothing went about usual chores. One Continued
We hope to see you!
Celebrate The Magic of Christmas in Salado
December 6
Salado Historical Society TOUR OF HOMES
Tickets will be available at Red Barn Consignment 642-B North Main, Salado
Each ticket will include directions & a map to each home. The 2025 Homes Tour will have nine homes open for viewing 9am to 5pm.
The Christmas Home Tour is the major fundraiser for the Salado Historical Society.
lady shared a Bible story to some attentive guests. Another young woman hoed her garden, while Elder Brewster went around checking on his neighbors. It was very impressive that they did not break character, even when I asked to take a selfie with a young woman.
Do not miss the gift shop if you’re a Thanksgiving aficionado. Local handmade native pottery and beautiful jewelry were available, along with books on Native Americans, Pilgrims and more. Beautiful postcards and other pieces of artwork were also tempting. I treated myself to a locally made traditionally dressed Wampanoag doll.
For me, this delightful trip highlighted the beauty of Thanksgiving. New Hampshire-born Sarah Hale, an author who was concerned over
the Civil War’s death and destruction, encouraged President Abraham Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. After a few hiccups along the way in recognizing the national importance of such a day, in 1941 Congress passed a measure to celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
Thanksgiving is more than just about football and food. It’s a special time for reflection of all we’ve been given personally and collectively as a nation. Cultivating a daily habit of being thankful is beneficial to us all. Put away differences over politics, race, religion and other subjects that tend to divide instead of uniting us. The pilgrims came seeking a new way of life, cultivating and living a life of thankfulness, just as we all should.
A Night to Remember
PAUL WALL BRINGS H-TOWN HEAT TO BELTON
Story and photos by LISA CARLISLE
Belton came alive with music, barbecue and Houston swagger as rap legend Paul Wall took over Schoepf’s BBQ for a night that blended small-town charm with big-city energy. Fans poured in from Temple, Belton, Killeen and beyond, eager to be part of the experience. The smell of smoked brisket and sausage drifted through the humid evening air, string lights glowed across the outdoor stage, and the buzz of anticipation made it clear — this was going to be a night to remember.
As the crowd grew, shoulder to shoulder in the sticky August heat, the bar staff scrambled to keep up with the demand for cold drinks.
From beer to cocktails, every station worked overtime, restocking again and again as people tried to stay cool and energized. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, Schoepf’s felt less like a barbecue joint and more like a packed festival ground.
It took Paul a while to take the stage — nearly three hours after the gates opened — but the wait only sharpened the anticipation. At almost 9 p.m., the “People’s Champ” finally appeared, flashing his signature grillz, and the release of energy was electric. The crowd roared, sweaty but renewed, as he opened with Houston staples. “Still Tippin’” had hands in the air, while “Sittin’ Sidewayz” turned the deck into a wave of head-bobs and shoulder leans, transporting fans back to the mid-2000s. The surprise arrival of Lil Flip only amped it higher, giving Central Texas a rare doubledose of H-Town greatness.
From there, Paul unleashed song after song, never losing steam. He mixed nostalgia with fresh tracks, proving his music still resonates. Known for his down-to-earth reputation, he made the massive crowd feel personal — grabbing phones from fans to shoot selfies and videos, leaning down to slap hands, and laughing mid-verse like he was among friends. The audience was as diverse as the setlist: families, true hip-hop loyalists, and curious locals, all singing along, sweating through
the humidity, and locked into the moment together.
Schoepf’s BBQ, an institution for its legendary meats, showed why its stage has become a destination. The mix of smoky aromas, packed drink stations, and a crowd standing shoulder to shoulder gave the night an atmosphere both gritty and unforgettable. For a few hours, Belton felt like the center of Houston’s music universe.
When the final beat dropped, the crowd was still buzzing. Paul took his
time with the goodbyes, thanking Belton for the love and proving once again why he’s called the “People’s Champ.” Conversations spilled into the parking lot long after the music stopped, with chants of “H-Town in the house!” echoing under the Central Texas night sky. This wasn’t just a concert — it was a cultural moment, where Houston’s influence collided with small-town spirit. And if Paul Wall’s promise to return holds true, Belton will be more than ready for round two.
Beyond the Mask
FALL WELLNESS AND HALLOWEEN SAFETY FOR THE WHOLE WOMAN
As the leaves turn golden and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, we usher in one of the most colorful seasons of the year — fall. For many women, autumn represents a time of transition: new school schedules, holiday preparations, and a calendar that seems to fill up overnight. Amid the costumes, candy, and carved pumpkins, it’s easy to forget about the most important person in the room — you.
DR. KERRY-ANN
ZAMORE BYRD
This season, I want to invite every woman reading this to take a moment to pause and ask a simple question: How am I really doing?
THE REAL MASK WE WEAR
Halloween may be known for masks and disguises, but as women, we often wear masks every day — especially during the holidays. We smile when we’re tired. We give when we’re empty. We push through anxiety, chronic stress, and exhaustion just to “keep it all together.”
But here’s the truth: there is no health without mental health, and fall is the perfect time to reset.
Seasonal changes can trigger a host of physical and emotional shifts.
For some, shorter days can bring on mood changes and even seasonal depression.
For others, fall may signal increased stress — especially as we prepare for family gatherings or navigate difficult memories during the holidays.
If that’s you, I want you to know you are not alone.
And more importantly, you are worthy of the same care and attention you so freely give to everyone else.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY FOR THE SOUL
As you prepare your family for Halloween, don’t forget to prepare yourself.
Safety isn’t just about flashlights and candy checks — it’s also about emotional boundaries, mental rest, and physical well-being.
Here are a few reminders for the fall season:
1. Protect Your Peace: Just like you check your child’s costume for safety, check your schedule and commitments. Don’t say “yes” to events or obligations that cost your peace.
2. Watch Your Energy Like You Watch Your Sugar: Fall treats are fun, but so is knowing when your emotional “sugar” is too high — too many commitments, too much stimulation, and not enough rest. Regulate your energy like you would a child’s candy bag.
3. Check In, Not Just On Others — But On Yourself: Take 10 minutes each evening to journal or reflect. What made you feel full today? What drained you? What do you need to release?
4. Dress for the Season, Inside and Out: While you're layering scarves and boots, layer grace over guilt, kindness over shame and boundaries over burnout.
5. Stay Nourished, Body and Spirit: Fall is the time to fuel your body with warm, wholesome foods, but don’t forget to nourish your spirit. Whether it’s faith, friendship or fresh air — find what feeds your soul and make room for it.
A FINAL WORD TO EVERY WOMAN
As a licensed clinical social worker, professor, survivor, and woman of faith, I’ve walked through seasons where I didn’t know how to slow down — until my body made the choice for me.
What I’ve learned is this: Rest is not earned. It’s essential. And your wellness is not optional — it’s foundational.
So this Halloween, while you check the porch lights, carve pumpkins, and prepare costumes, I challenge you to take off your mask and choose radical self-care.
Not as a luxury, but as a necessity.
This fall, may you walk in wholeness, health and healing — one intentional breath at a time.
DIY: Dollar store fall decor
Story and photos by SHARON WHITE
Create a centerpiece that will take you from Halloween to Thanksgiving with a few inexpensive items from the dollar store and items you already own.
Begin with a rustic tray and add silk fall leaves as your base.
For the Halloween version, you'll need:
• 1-2 black leaves/flowers/glittery spiders on a pick ($1.25 ea.)
• 1-2 small brown, gold or orange glimmer branches ($1.25 ea.)
• Velvet pumpkins/ Smalllarge/$1-$7
• Candle you already have (free)
• Clear vase or bottle you already have (free)
• Tree branch (free)
• Glimmer lights (optional)
• Black paper bats (optional)
Pull the spiders off the picks and trim leaves into separate branches to spread around the tray.
For the autumnal/Thanksgiving version, you’ll need:
• Remove the tree branch and replace with a vase of seasonal flowers
• Remove the black leaves/ flowers and replace with extra pumpkins
For additional fun, the kids can make a spooky “popcorn hand” with:
• Disposable poly glove
• Popped popcorn (unbuttered)
• Candy corn
• Raffia or twist tie (to tie the end) Put the candy corn in the finger tips and fill the rest with popcorn.
And after Halloween, they can eat the contents of the glove!
Music and Barbecue
TANGLEFOOT FESTIVAL BRINGS BIG FUN TO TEMPLE
By BOBBIE JO YOUNG | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
Downtown Temple came alive with the sound of live music and the smell of freshly made barbecue during the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival. With more than 7,500 attendees, 20+ country and Americana acts, and 16 elite pitmasters packed onto the MLK Festival Grounds on Sept. 1213, the inaugural event left its mark as the biggest community celebration the city has hosted in years — possibly ever.
Parker McCollum headlined the first night with a powerhouse performance on the main stage, sponsored by KPA Engineers. McCollum energized the crowd with fan favorites and material from his latest studio album. Saturday’s headline slot went to Cody Jinks, whose raw outlaw country style brought thousands of fans to their feet.
Other standout acts included Texas legends Robert Earl Keen and the Randy Rogers Band, along with ’90s country staple Mark Chesnutt, troubadour Jack Ingram and rising star Corey Kent. Americana-infused voices like The Wilder Blue and Silverada kept the festival stages buzzing throughout both days.
sampled plates from 16 pitmasters and
barbecue joints representing Texas, Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, and beyond.
The Texas talent included Miller’s Smokehouse, Schoepf’s BBQ, Panther City BBQ, Bar-A-BBQ, Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue, Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ, Hill City Chop House, The Original Roy Hutchins Barbecue, Victorian’s Barbecue, and Olmos BBQ. Out-of-state participants like Edge Craft Barbecue (Oklahoma), Fork Grove Barbecue (South Carolina), Meat Mitch (Kansas), Owens & Hull (Georgia), and Southern Smoke BBQ (North Carolina) added their own regional flair.
Beyond the barbecue, the Mercantile Market featured food stalls, local crafts, cooking demos and hospitality activations from area businesses, making the festival feel as much like a cultural fair as a concert.
The name “Tanglefoot” paid homage to Temple’s early days as a railroad camp, where muddy streets and an abundance of saloons made walking difficult and often resulted in unsteady,
Attendees
Layn Sinnreich waits for Parker McCollum to perform on night one of the Tanglefoot Festival.
Sean Rodriguez of The Wilder Blue performs. Continued
Crowds enjoy the country and Americana acts on stage at the inaugural Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival in Temple. The two-day event included Wayne Ptaszek’s on-stage proposal to Heather Donohoe. (She said YES!)
Country legend Mark
center
drunken stumbles. The MLK Festival Grounds, transformed into a green and walkable space, provided the perfect backdrop for the city’s newest tradition.
“It was awesome, great staff and volunteers, amazing vendors … the hospitality from the local sponsors was the coolest thing ever,” festival-goer Brian Garrison said. “Very cool and looking forward to next year!”
The two-day event stretched into hours of dancing, singing and barbecue-fueled camaraderie. Families, longtime fans, and newcomers alike filled the grounds, enjoying not just the music and food, but the sense of belonging that comes when a city embraces its cultural heritage.
For Temple, the first Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival was more than a debut — it was a statement. By blending world-class barbecue with top-tier Texas country music, the city proved it can host a major event while keeping hospitality and community at the heart of it all.
“We got great feedback and made note of things to change for next year. The credit really goes overall to the collaboration of different city departments,” said Cheslea Butler, special events
coordinator for the City of Temple.
There is already excitement for 2026, and if the energy of this first year is any indication, Tanglefoot may quickly grow into one of Central Texas’s most beloved traditions.
ABOVE:
Chesnutt takes
stage at the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival in Temple, delivering classic hits to a packed crowd. BELOW: Adam Carrillo brings Kin Faux’s trademark Texas energy. See more photos from the inaugural Tanglefoot Festival at TexAppealMag.com.
Taste of the Holidays
ALTRUSANS HOST BIGGEST HOLIDAY EVENT NOV. 20
By SHARON WHITE | Photos by JANE GIBSON
Months have gone into the planning: invitations, color scheme, menu, table decor, raffle prizes, special guests, model fittings. And every member of Altrusa International of Temple will be cooking, decorating and serving on the day of the 39th Annual Taste of the Holidays Luncheon/Style Show. Truly a labor of love from its 100+ members.
Altrusans are proud to say that all of the proceeds from this singular event go back into the community for scholarships, or projects and grants in partnership with local organizations.
The event has come a long way since its inception back in the 1980s.
“It all began in the fellowship hall of what is now First Methodist Church of Temple. Guests paid $5 for a baked potato luncheon, and it was called ‘Silhouettes for Spring,’” veteran member Ilene Miller recalled.
last year at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center.
“A Season of Gratitude, Giving and Love” is this year's theme and everyone is welcome. Along with the luncheon, there will also be special guest models, surprise entertainment and luxury raffle items.
As time went on, the fundraiser only became more popular, with more than 600 people in attendance
“Taste of the Holidays is a heartfelt celebration of Altrusa Club of Temple's generous benefactors, whose kindness inspires us all,” event chair Michelle DiGaetano said.
IF YOU GO
Date: Nov. 20
Location: Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center
Time: Doors open at 10:30 a.m., program begins at 11:15 Ticket price: $60 (before Oct. 31), then $70
For ticket information: Altrusatemple.org/page/taste-of-theholidays (Reservations must be made in advance. No ticket sales will be available at the door.)
Wrap Up Holiday Savings
SAVE MONEY WITH DEALS AS YOU BUY GIFTS THIS YEAR
It’s hard to believe that in a few months, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here. This year has really flown by!
Here are some tips to help you save money and find deals during the holidays.
Look at your spending from the last few months. What can you cut down on? Maybe scale back on Amazon orders (can be addictive!) and those Door Dash and Uber Eats orders. If you are a social person who likes to go out, cut down on the alcohol and the cigarettes. You can celebrate during New Year’s Eve. If you would rather not sacrifice any or some of it, find deals instead!
Look at off-brand items, including Amazon brand items while shopping on Amazon. Instead of using the food ordering services, use the restaurant apps, which have lots of digital offers and pick it up yourself. You save on the delivery fees, tips and the inflated prices many delivery services charge.
Create a budget and create weekly meal plans. Buy potatoes, pasta, beans and rice, as they are staple items in many dishes. Buy apples. You can make applesauce, baked apples with a dash
of cinnamon and sugar for desserts. Stretch out ground beef for two days. Make hamburgers one night. The next night, shred up the grilled burger to make sloppy joes with the leftover hamburger buns. Or even better, make chili. If you like chicken, you can make a similar dish. Make grilled chicken for the first night. For the second night, make shredded chicken and get some tortillas, which are relatively cheap and have chicken soft tacos. With any other leftover chicken, you can make chicken noodle soup with some cooked pasta.
Use rebate apps to save. The Ibotta app, Fetch Rewards and ReceiptHog are some of the apps that offer cash back on everyday items. If you have the Walmart app, it also has a rebate program. Any funds rewarded go toward your purchase made through the Walmart app or website. It would be great to save the rebate cash to put toward toys or gifts purchased for the holidays at Walmart. There’s also a rebate app for Amazon and Target.
Buy discounted gift cards. There are websites where you can buy gift cards at a reduced price. If you have rewards programs through various restaurants and businesses, most will offer deals such as “spend $50 in gift cards, get a $10 bonus gift card” during the holidays. Use the bonus gift card as another gift or save it for yourself.
ADD TO CART
When you are looking on websites for items, add them to your cart. For me, this simplifies my shopping when it comes to specific items. If I am looking for air fryers, I may find one on the Best Buy and Target websites. I will add them to my cart and I will check the websites every week or two to see the discounts.
Many companies offer better deals online than in stores so keep an eye out for discount codes to save money. There are several Facebook, TikTok and Instagram pages that focus on Black Friday and
Planning Ahead
Not everyone likes to plan ahead, but pre-planning your funeral arrangements alleviate some of the stress and burden your loved ones are going through as they experience the grief associated with the loss. The staff of Young’s Daughters Funeral Home is happy to assist you with your funeral pre-needs by helping you make decisions about your funeral service in advance and guide you in helping eliminate some of the unnecessary stress brought on by a loved one’s death.
Christmas savings. Use keywords based on your interested stores to like and follow them.
Most stores offer price adjustments, but review policies because each store has different requirements. Some offer seven days and others 14 days from the time you purchase to get the difference refunded if an item’s cost is reduced.
Check out Facebook Marketplace and eBay for deals. Another person’s trash may be your treasure, especially if it’s in great condition. In some cases, items advertised are brand new! Make sure you review seller’s profile for feedback and NEVER give money until you actually receive an item. There are too many scammers out there. Also request to meet at a public place, such as outside a police station. You can never be too safe.
DIY GIFTS
Look on Pinterest to make homemade gifts. Gifts made by you creates a meaningful gesture. Homemade vanilla has been a popular gift. I bought vanilla bean stalks on Amazon, had leftover vodka, added it together in a mason jar and it’s currently stored in my kitchen cabinet distilling. Once it’s ready, I have mini bottles with cork stoppers to fill with the vanilla and I’ll stick ribbon around it and give it as gift, especially to those who love to bake.
Fresh-baked cookies is another popular gift. Generally, I bake about six to seven different types of cookies. I buy the cookies tins from Hobby Lobby, when they were 90% off the previous year and stock them up and give as gifts. You cannot go wrong with homemade cookies.
Pre Planning
• Let your wishes be known
• Offers peace of mind
• Offers flexible funding options
• Relieves the burden from family
5 2 1 4
1. Robert York gives a trim to Gunnar Harlan at the Harker Heights Cuts With Cops event before school started. 2. Erikka Jones styles Jaquan Dominique’s hair.
3. Crime Victim Coordinator/ Healthy Homes Coordinator Erica Lozano, Deputy Chief Sonja Clay, Director of Public Safety/ Chief of Police Betiale Hawkins and Youth Specialist Jazmyne Lee present a certificate of appreciation to Kreol Senat.
4. Monica Hall smiles as she styles Giada French's hair.
5. James Taylor gives Kurtis Glover a back to school haircut.
Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
Photography: Angela Sitz | Model: Misty Dollar, Owner of Callie’s Boutique in Pecan Plaza
2.
3. Many characters made appearances in Belton.
4. Captain Deadpool poses for photos.
5. The Central Texas Galactic Alliance shows off some lightsaber skills. Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR 3 2 4 5
1. Diego Solano and Brandi Cantwell enjoy their time at Bell County Comic Con.
