TexAppeal April 2013

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Fishing is the passion of my life. I’d spend every day on the lake if I could. Especially after I learned about Fishing for Freedom, a tournament that teams a volunteer fisherman with a Fort Hood soldier.

My only problem was that my boat just wasn’t big enough. So here I was, at a dealership, dreaming about boats when the guy standing next to me said he could help. Turned out he was from Texas Partners, and I soon became the proud owner of a 2005 Ranger Comanche. Now I can take a soldier fishing any time I want. If you need a bigger boat, then you’re just like me. So go ahead – see Texas Partners today about a Boat Loan.

A Boat Loan from Texas Partners is a great way to spend more time on the lake. Do what Mark did.

Stop by a nearby Texas Partners branch, or visit us online at TexasPartners.com.

See how a Boat Loan can bring us together.

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2445 North Main Street • Belton, TX 76513 • 254.933.2097 809 South Main Street • Copperas Cove, TX 76522 • 254.547.7795

YoureLikeMe.org

1011 Wales Drive • Killeen, TX 76549 • 254.526.3081 6935 West Adams Avenue • Temple, TX 76502 • 254.773.8852

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Photo by Sachiko Suzuki courtesy Ennis CVB

co n t e nts features 23 He roes Ever yday 41

Where Heroes Me e t Ange l s Medical Foster Homes for Veterans

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home 49 Where the WIld Things Grow

style 54 B loom ing w ith Styl e

travel 56 Texas Tr u e B lue a nd Be a utiful

T h e legen d, lore, l ure, a nd love o f the Blu ebonne t

health & fitness 62 On Your Mark, Get Set...Go!

TexTalk 10 14 16

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calendar scene spotlight Commercial Furniture Solutions well fed head neighbor

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in every issue

6 editor ’s letter 66 t h erapy 4

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editor’s letter

hen we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.

—Maya Angelou

April makes me realize how fortunate I am to live in Central Texas. There are so many wonderful things blooming across our great region this month — fun events, beautiful bluebonnets, and of course all of the many heroes we have living here among us.

In fact, so many heroes, I could not possibly even begin to feature them all in only a single issue.

I hope you will enjoy reading about some of our local heroes as much as I enjoyed visiting with them. You will be amazed at all of the wonderful things they are doing each and every day in our community on page 23 in Heroes, Every Day. I also had the honor of visiting with some very inspiring caregivers who are also heroes. These women are doing some tremendous work in the community by providing a loving, family-style home and full-time care to a few local veterans in Where Heroes Meet Angels on page 41.

Don’t forget to stop and smell the bluebonnets this month. It is the perfect time to update your family photo album and take some beautiful pictures with your loved ones surrounded by a sea of the fragrant blue flowers, especially the little ones! The whole family will enjoy a weekend out at the bluebonnet festivals and touring some of our most scenic trails around the region. Discover the best places to visit on page 56.

Countless volunteers and groups are out in our communities every day working hard to make a difference. These individuals deserve all of the support and recognition we can give them.

So the next time you run into one, or see a group of them, I hope you will remember this issue and I encourage you to please stop what you’re doing for just a moment to tell them “THANK YOU.” The entire staff here at Tex Appeal would also like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of the many caregivers, volunteers, and local heroes across Central Texas. You are doing a GREAT job and we truly appreciate your service.

Best wishes,

Teresa K. Hernandez Editor | thernandez@texappealmag.com

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

your voice I love this magazine. There is always someone I know, or something I am interested in inside. Thanks so much for publishing such interesting things about Central Texas!

I have a question regarding the February issue: on page 45 there is a FABULOUS pair of boots. Where did they come from and how can I get a pair? Keep up the good work!

—Beth Walker Dear Teresa, In the February issue of “Tex Appeal” you ask readers to let you know what we think about your publication. This issue and previous ones were part of our Temple Daily Telegram subscription.

I have enjoyed reading about area people, some whom I know personally.

The heavier-weight glossy paper and lots of color make it appealing. Also, the ads for area services have extended my awareness of beyond what I usually see. I have a neighbor who also looks forward to reading the publications.

—Maxine Kalkbrenner Teresa, We received a copy of Tex Appeal in the mail today and it is “AWESOME.” WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINE!!!! Thank you so much for your great story on Canton.

The whole magazine is beautiful.

Again, thank you so much. Have a great day!

—Tam Erwin

Enjoy reading Tex Appeal?

Tell us about it.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Tex Appeal Magazine.

Please let us know what you think about our monthly publications by sending your comments to tkhernandez@texappealmag.com.

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/texappealmagazine

Tex Appeal Life & Style in Central Texas

Published by Frank Mayborn Enterprises, Inc. Killeen Daily Herald 1809 Florence Road, Killeen, TX 76540 Temple Daily Telegram 10 S. Third Street, Temple, TX 76504 Publisher Sue Mayborn Magazine Director Teresa L O’Brien 254.774.5264 tobrien@texappealmag.com Editor Teresa K Hernandez thernandez@texappealmag.com Account Executive Ashley Pauley 254.774.5265 apauley@texappealmag.com Copy Editor Lee James Graphic Designer Christeen Clark 216.407.2777 christeen@maccrisdesigns.com Photographers The Master’s Image Photography Priscilla Z photography

Cover Boot and Bluebonnets Photography by Teresa K. Hernandez Cover Design by Ryan Duty

Tex Appeal Magazine is available by subscription for $24 a year. If you would like to have each month’s edition delivered to your home, please mail a check with your address and contact information to: Tex Appeal Magazine, PO Box 6114 Temple, TX 76503-6114. texappealmag.com

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alk ex TT spotlight:

Commercial Furniture Solutions pg 16

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pg 14

pg 14

O n a sweet note

pg 21

C alenda r scene spotlight well fed head neighbo r

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Earth National Crime 21-27 Victims’ Rights Week 22 Day Administrative 24 Professionals' 26 Arbor Day Day

Tax Day

F i r st F r iday- A rt afte r Da r k April 5, 6pm-9pm

Join us for an evening of art, wine, food & fun!

Frames & Things 216 Cove Terrace, Copperas Cove

A round the Wo r ld in 8 0 Days April 5-7

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Adventurer Phileas Fogg tackles the impossible in this clever, hilarious stage work from the Jules Verne novel. The mission: travel the globe in eighty days, by whatever means possible. At turns dizzyingly silly, gleeful, and thrilling, this comedy careens along to a glorious conclusion in unexpected ways. Fun for the entire family! Tickets can be purchased at www. vlakilleen.org or call 254.526.9090. Adults $20/ Students $15. Shows April 5 at 7pm, April 6 at 7pm, April 7 at 2pm.

Viva Les Arts Theatre 3401 South WS Young Dr., Killeen

1st Annual Run fo r the Roof 5K Saturday, April 6, 8a m

The Contemporaries of the Cultural Activities Center present the 1st Annual Run for the Roof 5K. Registration fee $25. Join us at the Cultural Activities Center after the race from 10-5 for a Children’s Art Exhibit; Arts and Crafts Booths; Live Outdoor Stage; Food, Drink and More! For more information email runfortheroof@cacarts.org or call 254.773.9926.

West Temple Park 121 S. Montpark Road

T rue B lue 5 K & F un Run April 6, 8a m

April is the Child Abuse Prevention Month. Please join us for the first annual True Blue 5K & Fun Run and make a difference in the life of a child. Call 254.939.2946, extension 4 or visit www.cacct.com for more information.

Carl Levine Park 400 Miller’s Crossing, Harker Heights

1 1 th A nnual B loomin ’ F est April 7, 9a m-5pm

The festival will feature arts, crafts, plant and flower vendors, bandstand entertainment, and great food!

Courtyard Square in Historical Downtown Lampasas 10

April 2013 Tex Appeal

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Child Abuse Prevention Month

J oe y & Ro ry A pri l 1 1, 7 pm

The Nashville country singer-songwriter duo from the RFD Network will perform at The Vineyard at Florence.

Purchase tickets online at www.thevineyardatflorence. com. Adults are $35 and Students $10. 254.793.3363 The Vineyard at Florence 8711 W FM 487, Florence

T he D ining Room A pri l 1 2 -1 4, 18-2 1

Set in the dining room of a well-to-do household, this thoughtful and superbly written comedy examines issues facing the WASP family. Six actors play a variety of characters, from little boys to stern grandfathers, and from giggling teenage girls to a senile grandmother. For more information please visit www.ArtsTemple.com or call 254.778.4751.

Temple Civic Theatre 2413 S. 13th St., Temple

5 th A nnual S p r ing Fashion S how & L uncheon A pri l 1 2 , 1 1 a m-1 pm

Central Texas College Nursing Program presents their 5th Annual Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon. Tickets are $40 or $320 per table (8 seats). For reservations please contact 254.526.1662.

Killeen Civic & Conference Center 3601 South W.S. Young

2 nd A nnual M offat Redneck C atfish S p r ing C lassic Tou r nament A pri l 1 2 -1 4

Catfish tournament begins April 12th ; fish fry, Saturday, April 13, 5-7pm. Adult $8/ kids 12 and under $5. Contact Rick Smith 866.397.5934 or Roy Ewing 254.723.1524, for registration information.

Lake Belton

Tou r de V ine ya r d at F lo r ence C ha r it y B ike Ride A pri l 1 3, 8:3 0a m-1 pm

Join us for our 6th annual charity bike ride. Choose from routes of 15, 35, 45, or 65 miles through Andice and to Ronald Reagan. Register $35. Contact Shawna Platt for more information at 254.793.3363.

The Vineyard at Florence 8711 W FM 487, Florence

Tou r de V ine ya r d T e x as W ine F estival Ap r i l 1 3, 12p m - 4 p m

Join us for our Texas Wine Festival! Texas wineries will be here for tastings. Contact Shawna Platt for more information at 254.793.3363. Admission $15.

The Vineyard at Florence 8711 W FM 487, Florence

Our Nation’s finest deserve the same.

H ope P r egnanc y C ente r ’ s 3 3 r d A nnual F und r aising Ban q uet A p r i l 16, 6 p m - 8 : 30 p m

The HOPE family’s most important fundraiser of the year! Buffet style dinner is from 6-6:45pm and the program begins at 7pm. Please RSVP by calling 254.501.4181 no later than Monday, April 8. Admission is $35.

Bell County Expo Center, Garth Area 301 West Loop 121, Belton

B elton M a r ket Days Ap r i l 17, 12p m

Buying, selling and trading Belton since 1850.

Downtown Belton

Walt W ilkins Ap r i l 20

Singer Walt Wilkins has been called a genius more than once and a writer the caliber of John Steinbeck with a voice as comfortable as a pair of old blue jeans – and he is, and has, all of that.

254.773.9926.

Cultural Activities Center 3011 N. Third Street, Temple

T he A r m y M a r athon Ap r i l 2 1

We Run With Heroes! Honor our Soldiers and National Guardsmen on the anniversary of the “Shot heard around the world,” the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775 that signaled the beginning of the American Revolution and our Independence. This 26.2-mile event course begins and Killeen and finishes in Temple. The marathon start time is 0630 hours in Killeen and the 5K start time is 0730 hours and will start and finish in Temple at the marathon finish line. For more information or to register, please visit www.thearmymarathon.com.

C ent r al T e x as Bay lo r S p r ing S chola r ship Ban quet Ap r i l 2 5, 6 : 30 p m

Speaker: Ian McCaw, Athletic Director of Baylor University with special guests: Judge Ken Starr, President of Baylor and his wife,

www.mbofwaco.com texappealmag.com

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Alice. Presentations feature Alumnus of the Year and scholarship recipients. For more information contact Pam Dial Taylor, President of Central Texas Baylor Alumni, 254.760.8855, pamdialtaylor@sbcglobal.net.

C eleb r ate K illeen F estival & B B Q C ook - O ff April 25-27

Come out and Celebrate Killeen Festival! BBQ cook is on April 26-27, monetary prizes will be awarded for first place in all categories and to the overall BBQ Master. Team entry forms and rules are available online at www.killeentexas.gov/parks. Register in person at the Killeen Community Veterans Memorial Blvd. Registration deadline is April 19, for more information call 254.501.8889.

Killeen Athletic Complex 2201 E. Veterans Memoria l Blvd.

A RT O N T H E S Q UA R E April 27, 2-7pm

Art & Wine Tasting around the courthouse Downtown Belton

A nimal Tales B enefit April 27, 7pm

A Temple Literacy Council benefit, Director Gary D. Askins and selected local performers and will share their love of the written word from sources such as Aesop’s Fables, children’s classics and contemporary writings. Each entertaining tale dramatizes our human condition as seen through the discerning eyes of our animal friends! For tickets or reservations, please email templeliteracy@juno.com or call 254.774.7323. A suggested donation of $25 or more per person is requested to fund books and training for the area’s aspiring new adult readers and their volunteer tutors. Hors d’oeuvres begin at 7pm and curtain time is 7:30pm.

Temple Civic Theatre 2413 South 13th St., Temple

W ing F est April 27, 6-9pm

Join us for our annual Wing Fest at Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton. A live outdoor concert will be performed by The Leon River Band and wings will be served from 6-9 p.m. $5 admission for the concert, wings are extra. 254.939.0806 Christ the King Catholic Church 210 West 24th

S p r ing F est April 28, 11a m-5pm

Join us for a fun day for the whole family.

Kids’ games, food, entertainment, raffle, 12

April 2013 Tex Appeal

live and silent auctions and a washers tournament are just some of the things you can enjoy at Christ the King’s annual Spring Fest. Everyone is welcome! 254.939.0806 Christ the King Catholic Church 210 West 24th , Belton

L ocal Fa r me r s M a r ket B elton S at u rd ay s, 8a m-1 pm

Downtown on Water Street in front of The Gin

C oppe r as C ove Mo nd ays, 3 -6pm S at u rd ay s 10a m-2 pm

VFW 1506 Veterans, Ave.

K illeen Tu esd ays, 2 -6pm Fri d ays, 3 -6pm S at u rd ay s, 3 -6pm

717 N. 2nd Street, downtown Ki lleen

T roy S at u rd ay s, 9a m-1 pm

Troy Community Center 201 E. Main St.

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TexTalk S cene

“No one is useless in the world who lightens the burdens of another.”

—Charles Dickens

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the services of others.”

—Mahatma Gandhi 14

April 2013 Tex Appeal

“Give to the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you.”

—Madeline Bridges

“The more we give away, the more is given to us.”

—Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

“No one has ever become poor by giving.”

—Anne Frank, Diary of Anne Frank

Photos by The Master’s Image Photography and Priscilla Z Photography

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Our mission is to deliver quality products, offer superior services, and meet the ever-growing diverse needs of a rapidly advancing, modern, urban-inspired clientele.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

TexTalk

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Our Services Interior designers Installers and Project Managers Extended & Lifetime warranties Fast, local response to service calls

Quality furniture Custom-build furniture Upholstery & custom fabrication Business relocation & moving services

cFS-TEX.com 17

April 2013 Tex Appeal

W ell F ed H ead

The Paris Wife B ooks

Sticks and Stones

By Emily Bazelon

Killeen 2201 S. WS Young. Dr. Suite 111C (254) 616-2200 Temple 1510 S. 31st Street (254) 744-9797

Waco 4300 W. Waco Dr. Suite B (254) 772-2887

www.sewandquiltstore.com

PROM SPECIAL! Miche Bags & Park Lane Jewlery Park Lane Jewlery has been worn on the Red Carpets and is Oscar worthy.

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE SPECIAL PRICING! Theresa Reese: Treese0214@yahoo.com

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Being a teenager has never been easy, but in recent years with the rise of the Internet and social media, it has become exponentially more challenging.

Bullying, once thought of as the province of queen bees and goons, has now taken on new, complex and insidious forms.

Emily Bazelon has established herself as a leading voice on the social and legal aspects of teenage drama. In Sticks and Stones, she brings readers on a deeply researched, clear-eyed journey into the ever-shifting landscape of teenage meanness and its sometimes devastating consequences.

The result is an indispensable book that takes us from the school cafeterias to the courtroom and to the offices of Facebook.

Along the way, Bazelon defines what bullying is, and just as importantly, what it is not.

She explores when intervention is essential and when kids should be given the freedom to fend for themselves. She also dispels persistent myths: that girls bully more than boys, that online and in-person bullying are entirely distinct, that bullying is a common cause of suicide, and that harsh criminal penalties are an effective deterrent.

Bazelon blends her keen journalistic and narrative skills to explore different facets of bullying through the stories of three young people who found themselves caught in the thick of it.

Hardcover, 400 pages Published February 19, 2013 by Random House

by Paula McLain

A deeply evocative story of ambition and betrayal, The Paris Wife captures a remarkable period in time and a love affair between two unforgettable people: Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley.

Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness until she meets Ernest Hemingway and then her life changes forever.

Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group —the fabled “Lost Generation”— that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

Although deeply in love, the H e m i n g w ay s are ill-prepared for the harddrinking and fast-living life of Jazz Age Paris, which hardly values traditional notions of family and monogamy.

Surrounded by many beautiful women and competing egos, Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history, pouring all of the richness and intensity of his life with Hadley and their circle of friends into the novel that will become The Sun Also Rises. Hadley, meanwhile, strives to hold on to her sense of self as the demands of life with Ernest grow costly and her roles as wife, friend and muse become more challenging. Despite their extraordinary bond, they eventually find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they fought so hard for.

A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley.

Hardcover, 314 pages Published February 22, 2011 by Ballentine Books

Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History-Making Race Around the World

By Matthew Goodman

Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

By Christopher McDougall

On November 14, 1889, Nellie Bly, the crusading young female reporter for Joseph Pulitzer’s World newspaper, left New York City by steamship on a quest to break the record for the fastest trip around the world.

Also departing from New York that day and heading in the opposite direction by train was a young journalist from The Cosmopolitan magazine, Elizabeth Bisland. Each woman was determined to outdo Jules Verne’s fictional hero Phileas Fogg and circle the globe in less than eighty days. The dramatic race that would ensue captivated the nation and changed both competitors’ lives forever.

The two women were a study in contrasts.

Nellie Bly was a scrappy, hard-driving, ambitious reporter from the Pennsylvania coal country who sought the most sensational news stories, and often went undercover to expose social injustice. The genteel and elegant Elizabeth Bisland was born into an aristocratic Southern family, preferred novels and poetry to newspapers, and was widely referred to as one of the most beautiful women in metropolitan journalism. Yet both women were talented writers and had carved out successful careers in the hypercompetitive, male-dominated world of big-city newspapers. Eighty Days brings these trailblazing women to life as they race against time and each other, unaided and alone, ever aware that the slightest delay could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

A vivid real-life recreation of the race and its aftermath, Eighty Days is history with the heart of a great adventure novel. This journey takes us behind the walls of Jules Verne’s Amiens estate, into the back alleys of Hong Kong, through storm-tossed ocean crossings and mountains blocked by snowdrifts twenty feet deep, plus so many other unexpected and exotic locales from London to Yokohama. Along the way, readers are treated to a fascinating glimpse of everyday life in the late nineteenth century, newly remade in the image of the steamship, the railroad, and the telegraph.

Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland were ahead of their times in every sense of the word, not only racing around the world, but as they raced through the heart of the Victorian age.

Full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and most of all pure inspiration, Born to Run is an epic adventure that begins with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest longdistance runners and learn their secrets. In the process he shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong.

Hardcover, 480 pages Published February 26, 2013 by Ballantine Books

TexTalk

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe,

Isolated by the most savage terrain in North America, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons are the custodians of a lost art. For centuries, they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest, or chase down anything from a deer to an Olympic marathoner while enjoying every mile of it. Their superhuman talents are only matched by their uncanny health and serenity, leaving the Tarahumara immune to diseases and strife that plague modern existence. With the help of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives among the tribe, the author was able to uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara, and he also managed to find his own inner ultra-athlete as he trained for the challenge of a lifetime. This challenge, a 50-mile race through the heart of Tarahumara country, pits the tribe against an odd band of Americans, which includes a star ultra-marathoner, a beautiful young surfer and a barefoot wonder.

blogs and websites

Caregivers.com Caregivers Blog: Senior Care Support

Neilsperry.com Neil Sperry’s Gardens — The Definitive Word in Texas Horticulture

thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com Sharing simple, inexpensive ways to decorate your home.

chiconashoestringdecorating. blogspot.com Budget-friendly decorating and DIY ideas, and where to find some sweet deals for your home.

11/22/63

By Stephen King If you had the chance to change the course of history, would you? Would the consequences be what you hoped?

With sharp wit and wild exuberance, McDougall takes us from the high-tech science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to the climactic race in the Copper Canyons.

Born to Run is that rare book that will not only engage your mind, but inspire your body when you realize that the secret to happiness is right at your feet, and that you, and indeed all of us, were born to run.

Thirty-five year old Jake Epping teaches high school English in Lisbon Falls, Maine, and cries reading the brain-damaged janitor’s story of a childhood Halloween massacre by their drunken father. On his deathbed, pal Al divulges a secret portal to 1958 in his diner’s back pantry and enlists Jake to prevent the 11/22/1963 Dallas assassination of American President John F. Kennedy. Under the alias of George Amberson, our hero joins the cigarettehazed full-flavored world of Elvis, rock and roll, civil rights and racial discrimination and freeway gas-guzzlers without seat belts. Will Jake lurk in impoverished immigrant slums beside troubled loner Lee Harvey Oswald, or share small-town friendliness with the love of his life, a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill?

Hardcover, 287 pages Published May 5, 2009 by Knopf

Hardcover, Scribner, 849 pages Published November 8, 2011 by Simon & Schuster texappealmag.com

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on a WE ET NOTE S

TexTalk

neighbo r

By Teresa K. Hernandez

The sound of a lively melody flows from the baby grand piano as Mary Alice Marshall’s nimble fingers glide effortlessly across the ivory keys as she sings “Temple, my hometown…” It is a catchy song about all of the many great reasons to live in and visit the city of Temple, She wrote and composed it herself.

Mary started taking piano lessons at the age of five. “When my older sister first started taking lessons, I cried and cried. I wanted to take lessons so bad. Finally, my parents decided to let me and I’ve been playing ever since.” That was more than 99 years ago. At 104 years old, Mary is still playing the piano and leads a Sing-Along each month at The Meridian, where she lives in an assisted-living apartment.

Her passion for music never swayed and eventually became her profession. Mary attended Baylor Female College, later renamed Mary Hardin Baylor, and graduated in 1929 with a degree in music education.

Her first teaching job took her to Kingsville, Texas, where she was the district’s first music supervisor. She also met and fell in love with her future husband, Robert, the principal of the elementary school. The couple later relocated to Beeville when Robert accepted a position as the district’s school superintendent and the couple’s two children, a son and daughter, were born there. One afternoon Robert came home and exclaimed, “Mary, we’re going to do it!” Taken by surprise, Mary asked him, “Well, what exactly are we going to do, Robert?” Excitedly, he explained, “I’ve worked for other people long enough. Its time I go back to school so I can work for myself. I am going to be a pharmacist.”

Already having his masters degree, Robert had to take only a year and a half of pharmacology classes at the University of Texas to graduate. In July of 1944, the couple and their two small children moved to Temple, where Robert opened his own pharmacy.

While her daughter was growing up, Mary was an active Girl Scout leader, even serving as president of the Texas Girl Scouts Association.

When Fort Hood first came to Central Texas and acquired property, there was some acreage the post acquired but decided not to use. Mary submitted an application to Fort Hood on behalf of the Girl Scouts of Texas for the property, which they received. This property became Camp Kachina. “Scouting has always been a very important and wonderful organization, and I enjoyed it greatly.” Mary says.

After moving to Temple, Mary resumed teaching and led the music program for 18 years at Temple College. During that time she also earned her master’s degree in music education from Baylor University. As the chair of the Temple College music department, Mary introduced the first instrument-based program at the college. “I am just so proud of Temple College and how far they have come. Their music department is such a wonderful program,” she says. As the former president of the College Foundation Board and an Emeritus of the Temple Symphony Board, Mary still attends meetings, activities and symphonies whenever she can.

“Music has been my entire life,” says Mary.

Mary retired from Temple College in 1973, but continued to actively serve and volunteer in numerous civic organizations. In 2007, she was recognized as a “Distinguished Baylor Woman” and in 1999 the state of Texas commissioned her as a “Yellow Rose of Texas.”

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography texappealmag.com

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fe ature

Heroes y a d y r Eve

By Teresa K. Hernandez

“Don’t ever forget that you’re a citizen of this world, and there are things you can do to lift the human spirit, things that are easy, things that are free, things that you can do every day.

Civility, respect, kindness, character.”

—Aaron Sorkin

When gun shots ring out, most people turn and run away from the sound of the shots—but there are some individuals who without a moment of hesitation turn and run toward the sound of the shots. Every second counts in a moment of crisis and thankfully, we have fellow citizens who are willing to sacrifice it all to save others. We call these people heroes, and they are.

Yet, we must also not forget the countless others within our communities who may not necessarily run toward the sound of gunshots, but who do get up and go to a job every day where they are running toward those in crises. Those who have dedicated their entire life to helping others and to making a difference in the communities in which they live.

These individuals may not consider themselves to be heroes, yet they are heroes to the people they help.

Wearing an invisible cape and a pair of angel wings, they swoop in for the rescue and save the day.

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John Bush

Temple CERT Community Emergency Response Team

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

CERT is a Community Emergency Response Team designed to create and train a team of citizens who can respond to first-response services to the community, assisting local law enforcement, fire, and medical services in the event of a crisis or major disaster. CERT is a proud partner of Citizens Corps and the national effort to help everyone in America prepare, train and volunteer.

The CERT course is beneficial to any citizen who takes it. Temple Fire and Rescue and the Temple Police Department formed the Temple CERT in 2005 to train local citizens to help manage emergency situations within the city of Temple and Bell County.

John Bush was one of the 20 citizens who signed up for that first class and he has remained an active member ever since. The CERT course involves about three months of training, and includes online FEMA courses, basic first aid, how to conduct house searches, build temporary emergency shelters, conduct search and rescues and prepare staging and triage areas for displaced and injured residents.

“We train for a variety of worst-case scenarios, but we hope we never have to use any of it,” says John. Since 2005, he has continued to train with CERT and respond to any calls for assistance from local agencies.

CERT also inspired him to go to Temple College and pursue advanced EMT training. John works full-time for the Bell County Sheriff’s Department and works part-time for Scott & White Emergency Medical Services as a certified EMT Basic.

“I really enjoy helping people and assisting them when they are facing their worst problems,” he says. With a history for helping and serving others, John is a former Navy man and has lived in Temple for more than 50 years.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Reita Hill

Victim Services Specialist MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Texas ranks 47th in the nation based on the percentage of traffic deaths related to drinking and driving, while Maine ranks No. 1 with the lowest percentage of DUI-related deaths.

Reita Hill has been providing emotional support, advocacy in the criminal and civil justice system, assistance with medical issues and helping preserve victims’ rights for 25 years.

She has also worked to design, develop and implement more than 4 million dollars worth of grants into public awareness and training programs across the state.

“Most of the victims I work with have never had any experience dealing with the judicial system and they have no idea how the system works—how long it takes, or even understand their rights. I help them through this entire process,” says Reita. “ In my territory – 13 counties in Central Texas – we have had 78 deaths, and that does not even begin to count over 300 others, who were injured and survived. Drunk driving affects so many people. Lives are changed forever.”

Reita also helps the families of victims apply to TxDOT to place a memorial marker, a large white wooden cross that designates and honors the place their loved one was taken away from them. Reita is currently working with the soldiers of the 5th AMD 69th ADA Battalion at Fort Hood to install the memorial markers around Central Texas for MADD victims.

“Awareness is the key to prevention and these senseless tragedies are 100 percent preventable.”

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

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Jill McAfee

Victim Witness Coordinator Bell County District Attorney’s Office

In 1986, former District Attorney Cappy Eads asked Jill McAfee to join his staff and become the first Victim Witness Coordinator at Bell County — and she’s been there ever since. Throughout her career, Jill has been an instrumental advocate for crime victims and dedicated to helping families heal. Some cases are remain forever seared in her memory and heart and have affected her in ways she never imagined, such as the 1991 Luby’s Massacre.

“I am very fortunate. I get a lot of support from my boss, District Attorney Henry Garza. Working day in and day out with victims and grieving family members and seeing all of the senseless, acts of violence and hatred that people commit really takes a toll on you mentally and emotionally.

“Once a month, I get together with fellow victim coordinators from the Bell Coryell County Crime Victim Coalition where we discuss our jobs: all of the things we are dealing with, the progress of our cases, we share advice, and just support one another. We are also lucky to have Diane Campbell, a local crisis intervention counselor join us every month. She is so generous and donates her services to us. We can’t thank her enough for it,” says Jill.

One of the most important events of the year for Jill takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving at the Bell County Expo Center: The Tree of Angels. This special event honors the surviving victims of violent crime and allows families of victims to honor their loved ones by hanging an Angel on a special Christmas tree. The tree remains on display for the duration of the holiday season for the community to remember and support victims of crime.

“I am so proud of this event. The Bell Coryell County Crime Victim Coalition organizes it, but we could not do it without the support of the Bell County Expo Center, who allows us to host it there at no charge and all of the donations we receive from local businesses.

“It is so important to the families, and while it is a very emotional event, it is a very healing event. Some families have said it would simply not be Christmas without it,” explains Jill. Every April the National Office for Victims of Crime encourages communities to observe National Crime Victim’s Rights Week (April 21-27) by wearing their theme colors of midnight blue and orange to promote victim’s rights and to honor victims of crime.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Sgt. Sandra Hunt

Killeen Police Department Assistant Regional Director State Torch Run Committee Special Olympics Texas

Photo by The Master’s Image Photogrpahy

For 25 years, Sgt. Sandra Hunt has been fighting crime, protecting the innocent, and assisting her fellow officers at the Killeen Police Department and across the state. A highly decorated officer, Sandra has worked as a patrol officer, field training instructor and as a detective with the KPD Property Crimes Section where she was honored as the Plain Clothes Detective of the Year.

In 1999, she was assigned to the Gang Unit as a detective. After being promoted to sergeant of that unit, she was transferred to the Organized Crime Unit. In 2006, Bell County District Attorney Henry Garza presented Sandra with the Second annual Wilroy Pitrucha Award for demonstrating excellence and outstanding work in criminal investigations. Staying involved and helping others is her passion, and when Sandra is not actively participating in one of her many statewide law enforcement associations, she is busy volunteering and raising money for the Special Olympics. Sandra has been actively involved with the Special Olympics for the past 11 years.

“I really enjoy helping people, but when I first got involved with the Special Olympics … I really discovered my passion. It is a great organization and the athletes are just awesome,” says Sandra.

Torch runners conduct many fundraisers throughout the year to assist the Special Olympics and athletes. The money they raise helps fund equipment and uniforms and offsets the expenses of transportation and meals. Sandra hosts and supports numerous LETR (Law Enforcement Torch Run) events throughout the year, including a T-shirt fundraiser, serving diners at the Texas Roadhouse for “Tip-A-Cop,” and even a LETR Cow Patty Bingo. The annual State Torch Run will be May 8 in downtown Austin. texappealmag.com

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Torch Capt. Jonathan Christian Fire K9

Fire Marshal Temple Fire Department

Irresistible, charming, not so tall, but dark and handsome. He clearly knows a thing or two about how to make an entrance and work a room.

He doesn’t even have to flash his badge to confiscate some yummy snacks.

It’s just the nature of the business, another “dog-gone” day in the office for Torch.

An inseparable pair, Torch and his best friend and partner, Capt.

Jonathan Christian, fire marshall of the Temple Fire Department, is always on duty and ready to answer a fire call. Torch is an accelerant-detection K9, trained to sniff out any signs of arson. A rescue dog from the Williamson County Animal Shelter, Torch was trained at the K9 Academy in Cedar Park, and it was there that Capt. Christian found him and commissioned him into the Temple Fire Department.

“After a fire, if anything appears suspicious, instead of having to sort through the ashes of an entire scene, I can take Torch out to see if he detects anything. If he does, then we can pinpoint the exact location we need to search and sort, which saves a lot of manpower and resources,” says Capt. Christian.

To stay sharp and keep his nose working, Capt. Christian does daily training exercises with Torch. His nose is so sensitive that he can detect even the slightest trace amount of accelerant on the tip of a toothpick – after it has completely burned.

“When he detects accelerant, he sits down. Then I ask him to show me, and he points to the spot with his nose and remains sitting. This is a known as a ‘passive alert’ and when he gives an alert, he receives a ‘play reward,’ a game of tug of war with his toy,” explains Capt. Christian.

Now that Torch has been with the department for a year and is used to being around groups, he will begin making more public appearances and participating in educational programs around the community.

“The community has been really supportive of Torch. Mars Petcare provides all of his food and Petsmart Grooming keeps him looking handsome.” Torch not only has a great job, but a great home. He gets to ride home every night with Capt. Christian and live with his family.

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

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Jonathan Haywood President Star Group, Veterans Helping Veterans

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

The Star Group – Veterans Helping Veterans – has a vision that wants to ensure that each and every veteran is given the attention and tools needed to be successful in life and that no veteran or their family shall be without food, shelter, support, or a person who cares and understands. The organization, now in its fifth year, has gone from seven members to seventy. President Jonathan Haywood is excited about being able to expand their services and opportunities to veterans as he prepares for the opening of their new facility in Copperas Cove.

“We can’t thank the city of Copperas Cove enough. They have leased us the old police department building for $1 a year for the next two years, and we are currently in the process of finishing some renovations so we can open to the public.

“Thanks to numerous businesses around town for all of their donations. The only thing we are waiting on now is the ceiling. We need some help obtaining ceiling tiles,” says Jonathan. “Once we have them we’ll be able to finish up everything in time to officially open our doors in June.”

The facility will provide a location to feed veterans, offer assistance with benefits and resources, provide a location for recreational activities and create a food pantry. Dedicated to helping their neighbors in need, the Star Group filled 300 baskets for Thanksgiving and delivered them to families around Central Texas.

“I wanted to be a part of the solution, not the problem,” says Jonathan. “So many veterans need help right now, and I knew we could get together and do something about it,” says Jonathan.

On June 29, the Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans will be hosting their annual picnic to feed Veterans, a free event. “We had a large crowd last summer, but we expect we may have twice as many attend this year,” says Jonathan. The Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans team is also participating in the Relay for Life of Killeen/Fort Hood/Harker Heights on May 3.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

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Jana O’Leary

LCSW Women Veterans Health Care Program Manager Central Texas Veterans Health Care System

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Did you know that women are the fastest growing group within the Veteran population? Jana O’Leary is working to improve and expand comprehensive health care services to meet the needs of the changing face of women veterans.

Former military herself, Jana understands the needs of women veterans. “A lot has changed over the years. In 1995, we had a 1,000 women enrolled and today we have over 13,000,” says Jana.

The VA in Temple was the first facility in the nation to have a full-time outreach specialist—a position Jana created. “We now have three outreach specialists who are actively working within the community to inform women veterans about all of the expanded services that are available to them,” says Jana.

The program will also be filling a new position soon for a full-time maternity care specialist. “The VA pays for 100 percent of maternity care, including the first seven days of life for the newborn. Plus, we offer free breast pumps, a variety of nursing items -- even nursing bras, up to three a year, to women,” says Jana.

Women no longer have to drive three hours for their annual women services appointment. Both primary and women health care services have been combined in the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System and satellite clinics.

“Aside from providing health care services, we also offer many other services for those who have had mastectomies, we provide wigs, bathing suits, fit them for free bras and camisoles and pay for their reconstructive surgery,” says Jana. “We also have some other programs set up, such as a ‘day of pampering’ for the women veterans in the trauma center. We take them to the local beauty college and have their hair and nails done to help boost their self-confidence, and for some of the women who are limited socially, we provide a ‘Ladies Day Out, where we take a group out them out for a movie and lunch. These are funded by some of our volunteer groups.”

They also host a variety of other events and programs, including annual health fairs, breast-cancer walks, heart-healthy programs and an upcoming symposium on domestic violence.

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Hospital

Assisted Living & Memory Care

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights

Arbor House

850 W Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights 855.855.4469 setonharkerheights.org

Featuring Randy McCollough, MD and Paula McCollough, MSN, Cardiovascular Clinical Nurse Specialist Paula McCollough, MSN and Randy McCollough, MD, make quite a team.

Combined, they have a total of 42 years in cardiac care. They have been married for 11 years.

“We started out working together, and at one point we knew that we were meant for each other,” said Dr. McCollough.

Dr. McCollough, along with Paula and other physicians, began the STEMI program at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights. STEMI is the acronym meaning “ST segment elevation myocardial infarction,” which is a type of heart attack. This is determined by an electrocardiogram (ECG) test for signs and symptoms of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

With a new hospital, now open nine months, Dr. McCollough knows the importance of being able to take care of patients having heart attacks and needing a fast door to balloon time. Educating the public on heart health is one aspect of Paula’s job.

“We treat everyone with basic respect – patients, staff, each other. We always ask ourselves ‘What if this was my mother?’” said the McColloughs.

The McColloughs bounce ideas off each other when at home, but say the nicest thing is skipping the “how was your day” question. “We already know how each others’ day was,” laughed Paula.

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Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Caregiver Profiles

April 2013 Tex Appeal

4257 Lowes Dr., Temple 254.773.3081

arborhouse4u.com At Arbor House Assisted Living & Memory Care, we are in the business of making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Our special activities program, that we refer to as Life in Motion, doesn’t just provide “activities” for our residents but changes the focus from the task to the connection we make with our residents and how this program gives them new meaning in their life. At Arbor House, this program allows us to meet different interests and abilities for each resident, and gives each resident several opportunities for purposeful connections all throughout the day. In our communities, there are more than 50 planned engagements every day.

Several environmental studies performed in the early eighties proved that those in the “journey” of dementia performed daily tasks more successfully in smaller groups. Smaller groups have less distractions and what researchers term as “white stressors.” White stress is all around us, but those of us not experiencing brain deterioration can process it and disregard it. These studies show that people with dementia-causing diseases will likely function at their highest level of independence in groups of 15 or less. So at Arbor House, we honor these findings and have designed our buildings with four house-like environments and our engagement programs are designed for groups of 1-15. Our smaller engagement groups and smaller home-like environments help make our Life in Motion program even more successful.

We are creating moments of joy for all that we serve at Arbor House, both residents and families alike. For more information call, 254-773-3081.

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Caregiver Profiles

Generations Senior Program

Senior Living

Cedar Crest Hospital and RTC

Elmcroft of Cottonwood

Located on 33 wooded acres in the beautiful rolling hills of Central Texas, Cedar Crest Hospital in Belton provides a serene environment for healing and recovery. For 25 years, we have served thousands of families with a history of proven success in the treatment of emotional, behavioral and chemical dependency problems. Our hospital campus provides inpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment for individuals of all ages.

Cedar Clinic, located in Killeen, adds an important outpatient component to our continuum of care for individuals of all ages and their families.

Elmcroft Senior Living is a community brimming with life. Our residents enjoy active, fulfilling lives that cater to their personal needs and desires in a caring atmosphere of service and comfort.

3500 South IH 35, Belton 254.939.2100 cedarcresthospital.com

Cedar Crest is proud to announce the opening of our Generations Senior Program, which is a short-term stabilization inpatient program specifically designed for older adults. Our environment and programming are tailored to meet the needs of the older adult. We offer a comfortable, homelike atmosphere with caring and compassionate staff to help the senior and their family through each step of treatment. Senior adults experiencing depression, anxiety, fears, issues with grief and loss, confusion, disorientation, memory loss, medication issues and distress related to decline in health may benefit from treatment.

Under the direction of a physician, and with input from the patient and family, an interdisciplinary treatment team develops an individualized treatment plan for each senior. Treatment is provided in a clinically sophisticated, safe, supportive, and responsive treatment environment. An aftercare plan is also developed to ensure follow up in the senior’s community, as well as, communication with the family and or residential facility. Admission assessments are conducted 24/7 at no cost. For more information, call 254-939-2100.

3002 Jack Rabbit Road, Temple 254.778.2222 Elmcroft.com

Lifestyle is a matter of personal preference, and at Elmcroft, you will have the choice to spend your time doing the things you love. There’s something for everyone: cozy spots for reading, courtyards and porches for enjoying nature, activities and entertainment as well as planned outings. We know you have lived a rich and interesting life – a life that has cultivated family, friends, hobbies and passions.

At Elmcroft, we want to provide you with a home where you can continue to enjoy all the people and passions you love. And you’ll have plenty of time to do so because daily chores will be a thing of the past. Cooking, cleaning, fixing, fetching, mowing and mulching – we’ll take care of all of this and more! And if you need a little assistance with daily tasks, such as managing your medications or dressing in the morning, we’re here to help with those needs as well.

You’ve earned the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest, and we’re here to oblige. Here’s to life!

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Caregiver Profiles

Dentist

Nursing Facility

Dental Images

Cornerstone Gardens Healthcare & Rehabilitation, LLP

Dental Images is a full-service cosmetic, general and family dental practice located in Harker Heights. Our practice features a warm and inviting spa-like atmosphere, designed to make you feel welcome and comfortable while providing you the highest quality dental care.

Cornerstone Gardens offers exceptional nursing care in a relaxed “down home” setting that respects each resident as a unique individual. Our staff of dedicated, family-orientated, health care professionals treats each resident with care, respect and compassion.

Dr. Dacen DeLaPaz established Dental Images more than 20 years ago to provide patients with the very best dental care. Dental services include cosmetic dentistry, implants, whitening, Invisalign and Cerec same-day crowns. Our staff is carefully selected and trained to ensure your visit is so enjoyable that your greatest concern is choosing between a cup of fresh coffee, a glass of wine or a warm cookie while getting ready for your appointment. We offer numerous creature comforts such as spa massage services and satellite television to help you relax during your visit.

The focus on individuality, comfort and happiness sets Cornerstone Gardens apart from the normal nursing facility.

Dr. Michael Olson recently joined our practice. He brings 20 years of experience and training in cosmetic and full mouth rehabilitation, allowing us to expand our service and offer a refined level of care and attention for patients.

Choosing the right nursing facility is a major decision. Before someone else makes the decision for you, allow Cornerstone Gardens the opportunity to provide the quality of life your loved one deserves.

We are consistently striving to stay on the cutting edge of dentistry, offering new and advanced technology and techniques to better serve our patients. Dr. DeLaPaz’s and Dr. Olson’s commitment to care includes hundreds of hours of advanced education and training so they can always offer their patients the very best!

The culinary staff at Cornerstone Gardens is dedicated to providing delicious and nutritionally balanced meals. Menus are developed by a licensed dietician and resident’s preferences are taken into consideration at each meal time. A variety of between meal snacks are also offered. The formal dining room is available for family and friends to join their loved ones for meals or on special occasions.

120 W. Central Texas Expy., Suite 100, Harker Heights 254.699.9444 dentalimagestexas.com

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Dental Images is the Central Texas destination for the very best dental care. We invite you to schedule an appointment or just stop by for an office tour so you can meet our dedicated team. Our goal is always to treat our patients as we would our family, neighbors or honored guests.

Whether you just need your teeth cleaned or are seeking a brand new smile, give us a call. You will be glad you did.

April 2013 Tex Appeal

763 Marlandwood Road, Temple 254.771.5950 cornerstonegardens.com

At Cornerstone Gardens the resident always comes first. We go beyond the bed and body to provide our residents enjoyment and comfort.

Licensed therapists are available for physical, speech and occupational therapy to help our residents maintain strength, endurance, mobility and independence.

A wide variety of activities are offered: gardening, special exercise classes, crafts, musical entertainment and outings. Bible study and worship times are also available.

Photo by The Master’s Image Photography

Caregiver Profiles

Orthopedics Kevin Caperton, MD

1905 SW H.K. Dodgen Lp., Temple 254.298.2400 capertonortho.com Dr. Kevin Caperton was born and raised in Conroe, TX. He attended Baylor University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He received his medical degree from Texas Tech University, graduating Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into the medical honor society.

He then completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at the University of Oklahoma. During residency he provided athletic coverage to local high schools as well as OU. He then went on to complete a Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Colorado. During the fellowship he cared for the athletes of the University of Colorado as well as the University of Denver and local high schools. In his spare time he has provided medical coverage for professional motocross races and the Winter X games. He has a passion for athletes and patients of all ages and has now settled in Harker Heights, offering care in general orthopedics and sports medicine.

Listed are just a few of the services Dr. Caperton provides: • ACL reconstruction • Revision ACL reconstruction • Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair • Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization • Shoulder, knee, elbow, and ankle Arthroscopy • Open Shoulder Stabilization • Shoulder Replacement • Knee Replacement • Fracture Management • Injections

Weight Loss Dr. Nilesh A. Patel 2201 S. WS Young Dr., Ste. 111-B, Killeen 254.213.6556 bypassdoc.com Founded in 2005 by Dr. Nilesh Patel, Texas Bariatric Specialists is one of largest and most successful weight-loss practices in Texas, serving communities throughout Central Texas including Killeen.

As a holistic weight loss practice focused on delivering long-term weight loss solutions for patients, Dr. Patel is nationally recognized as a fellowshiptrained Bariatric surgeon with over 8 years of experience. Dr. Patel specializes in surgical weight loss procedures including Lap Band, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Band, and the revision of failed weight loss surgery.

He has performed or participated in nearly 3,000 Bariatric surgeries and his results exceed the national average for successful weight loss management.

With a commitment to surgical expertise, compassionate care and exemplary preoperative and postsurgical consultative services, Dr. Patel and the staff at Texas Bariatric Specialists ensure successful weight loss management for their patients through long-term relationships to support good health.

• Dr. Patel is recognized as a “Center of Excellence” surgeon by the American Society of Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Surgery, and the Surgical Review Corporation.

• Faculty of the American College of Surgeons, October 2007.

• Chosen by peers as a “2006 Top Doc” (bariatric surgery) in poll of San Antonio doctors conducted by Scene in SA, a regional San Antonio magazine.

• Author of over 25 peer-reviewed articles in surgical journals.

• Selected by BLIS Care as the exclusive provider of their complication related protection for Bariatric surgery patients throughout South Texas.

Call today to attend a free seminar.

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Caregiver Profiles

In-home Care

Optometrist

Chiropractor

Visiting Angels

Killeen Vision Source

Back in Motion

Visiting Angels provides qualified, experienced and well-screened caregivers for your peace of mind. All families have experienced the effects of illness and disability of a loved one. When these situations arise, Visiting Angels can help relieve the stress and exhaustion associated with caregiving. Some services provided include: meal preparation, hygiene and bathing assistance, housekeeping, medication reminders, incontinence care, mobility assistance, transferring, transportation, and assistance with many other activities of daily living.

The Killeen Eyecare Center began as Ruiz Optical when David Ruiz opened his optical business in 1963. After Dr. Ruiz completed his professional studies at the University of Houston College of Optometry, he joined his father and changed the business name to Killeen Eyecare Center. Dr. Ruiz achieved Fellowship Status in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development in 1989. He also served as the State Director of the COVD from 1991-1994 and on the Board of Directors from 1994-1996. He is also a Past President of the Heart of Texas Optometric Society and the Killeen Noon Lions Club. He is a member of the Texas Optometric Association, American Optometric Association.

In 1992, Dr. Ruiz was licensed by the Texas Optometry Board in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. In 2000, he was licensed as an Optometric Glaucoma Specialist by the Texas Optometry Board. In 2011, Dr. Ruiz became affiliated with Vision Source, a prestigious network of independent optometrists.

Beginning her practice in Belton in 2009 (as Dr. Evans), the recently married Dr. Elizabeth Nixon went into private practice in Harker Heights in February 2013. Back in Motion is a Family Practice with a professional yet laid back atmosphere that makes patients feel welcome and at home.

Temple 877.741.9400 visitingangels.com

Our caregivers are thoroughly trained, have strong employment histories in caring for seniors, and have reliable references from previous clients, religious and volunteer organizations and other health care institutions. Visiting Angels managers are available 24 hours a day seven days a week, will provide free in-home consultations, and do not require any contract or deposit.

Visiting Angels provides care for as little as one hour a day up to 24-hour-a-day care.

Serving Central Texas since 2002, we have helped thousands of families find quality care for their loved ones.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

416 North Gray Street, Killeen 254.634.7805 killeenvisionsource.com

Meet the Business Owner: Austin Ruiz A Killeen native and 1975 graduate of Killeen High School. Dr. Ruiz graduated from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 1981.

He is married to the former Kathy Safady and they have five children.

546 E. FM 2410 Suite B, Harker Heights 254.681.1544 BackInMotionTexas.com

Dr. Nixon, one of only 3 female Chiropractors in the Killeen/ Harker Heights area, provides safe, gentle, effective and natural alternative health care options without using drugs or surgery.

Back in Motion provides treatment to patients of all ages in Bell County, including children starting at birth, maternity care, and treatments for most sports injuries.

Back in Motion respects their patients’ time and practices a “no wait policy” when scheduling appointments. Consultations are always complementary without any obligation.

Dr. Nixon is a Cum Laude, Salutatorian graduate of Texas Chiropractic College and is currently the Team Doctor for the Temple College Men’s Basketball program.

Caregiver Profiles

Internal Medicine

Sports Medicine

OB/GYN

Sarla Patil, MD

Ryan C. Fowler, MD

Marcos Sosa, MD

I have trained and worked as an internist since 1998, and am board certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Since the time I contemplated medicine as a career choice, it has been my primary goal in life to help others through the practice of medicine.

I served in the United States Navy for 9 years and enjoyed working with Sailors and Marines. I recently left active duty and moved to Texas to make a home for my family. I am board certified in Family Medicine and Primary Care Sports Medicine. I treat patients of all ages and with all types of medical issues. I really enjoy making long-lasting relationships with my patients and optimally the entire family. I believe that integrating family, spirituality and lifestyle allows me to really get to the root of the problem and heal the entire person.

My wife and I recently moved to Central Texas after completing our residency training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

My wife, Jacqueline Sosa, MD, is the newest Pediatrician at King’s Daughters Clinic.

My specialty is Obstetrics and Gynecology.

I am excited to join Dr. Alisa Furman and Dr. Marisol Carpio-Solis at the Women’s Center at King’s Daughters.

King’s Daughters Clinic 1905 SW H.K. Dodgen Lp., Temple 254.298.2560 kdclinic.com

I have traveled extensively in my life, and I respect and welcome patients (ages 18 to 100+) of all ethnic backgrounds to my practice. I specialize in the treatment of various chronic disorders such as hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. I strive to understand the physical, mental and spiritual needs of each of my patients and the circumstances surrounding their life, treating the whole person to the best of my ability.

King’s Daughters Clinic takes pride in delivering multiple specialties in a family-centered environment that enables its providers to work together collaboratively for the betterment of all their patients. Working at King’s Daughters Clinic over the past year has allowed me contact with the Central Texas community at-large. It is my most enjoyable work experience thus far, and has allowed me to have a work-life balance. The staff is wonderful and demonstrative in their caring attitude for patients. I invite you to come to King’s Daughters Clinic for your medical care and experience the difference.

King’s Daughters Clinic 401 W. Jasper Dr., Killeen 254.554.8334 kdclinic.com

I am dedicated to the health, longevity and quality of life of my patients. I truly believe through healthy living we can square off the life expectancy curve and live long healthy fit lives. I believe that I can help people become healthier through addressing diet and exercise. I really enjoy working with athletes of all levels, be that Olympic level, weekend warrior, or school physicals. I work to live and love spending time with my family. I believe in the effectiveness of functional fitness and love working out in my home gym. I love the outdoors including hiking, backpacking, running and cycling. I feel most alive and connected when outside in nature.

Make an appointment to see me, I would love to take care of you!

The Women’s Center at King’s Daughters 1713 SW HK Dodgen Lp, Ste 123, Temple 2025 Memory Ln, Ste 500, Harker Heights 254.298.2600 kdclinic.com

The Women’s health services we offer include: • Prenatal care • Annual GYN exams • Evaluation and treatment of infertility • Family planning services • Postmenopausal care including urinary complaints Our vision is to improve Women’s healthcare by evaluating the uniqueness of each patient interaction and tailoring a management plan. We encourage each patient to take a pivotal role in her own healthcare. Our goal is to enrich patients’ lives by offering a compassionate environment.

New patients are welcome with appointments available for all ages in the Temple, Killeen, and (the newly opened) Harker Heights locations. texappealmag.com

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Ophthalmologist

Orthodontics

2301 S. Clear Creek Rd., Ste. 116, Killeen 254.526.5505 eyeclinicofkilleen.com

300 Morgan Street, Harker Heights 254.526.8666 centexorthodontics.com

Eyesight is one of the most precious gifts we possess. Annual vision exams should be an integral part of preventive medicine and may often catch the early stages of a visual disorder or the onset of Diabetes and High Blood Pressure.

Dr. Scott Law is a practicing orthodontist at Central Texas Orthodontics in Harker Heights. He is trained in the most advanced methods in orthodontics and dento-facial aesthetics.

Dr. Marten-Ellis, specially trained to detect and treat diseases of the eye, has enjoyed providing eye care to Central Texans since 1987.

Driven to achieve excellence in smile design and its impact on facial composition, Dr. Law’s passion is orthodontics and the life changing transformations that take place through a more confident smile.

Services include comprehensive eye exams for eyeglasses, contact lenses, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, allergies, injuries, infections, styes, lesions and foreign bodies. In office surgeries include oculoplastics (suture-less upper eyelid surgery), stye and lesion removal, and other minor procedures.

Dr. Marten-Ellis and his staff participate in continuing education programs so they can provide the most up to date eye care. They utilize ocular testing equipment for diagnosis and treatment. State-of-the-art painless laser procedures are performed on an outpatient basis in cases of Glaucoma, secondary Cataract, and Retinal diseases.

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Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Photo by Priscilla Z Photography

Caregiver Profiles

April 2013 Tex Appeal

Around the age of 7 is an ideal time to begin to find out more about the future need for braces. Your child can be evaluated to determine if there are any dental or skeletal developmental concerns or future problems that could be avoided or planned for. It isn’t necessary to wait until your child’s permanent teeth have all erupted before investigating braces.

The lifetime benefit of having a confident smile during the most formative years of life is one of the greatest investments a parent can give.

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Sinus sufferers may benefit from Balloon Sinuplasty which is much less invasive than traditional sinus surgery and may be done in the office under local anesthesia. A board certified ENT specialist and Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, Dr. Scott Franklin is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat your sinus and allergy symptoms. Call today for more information.

W he r e

Heroes

festyle ature

Angels meet

M edical F oste r H omes fo r V ete r ans

By Teresa K. Hernandez Photos by Priscilla Z Photography

E

very day on her daily commute to work at Metroplex Hospital, Pati Gonzales Thomas would pass a small historical stone house sitting atop a little hill off the road and think to herself, “Now that would make a great caregivers’ home.”

So last year, when she saw the “For Rent” sign set out, she decided to stop and take a closer look.

“The home was perfect. It has a nice quiet, private location and is large and spacious. Even though there were some minor renovations that needed to be done to ensure it passed the standard safety inspections and needed to be handicap accessible, it was in great condition,” Pati explains. “Even the original stonework was an added plus because it passed all of the fire code guidelines for building materials.”

The home’s owner, Mari Meyer, liked Pati’s idea of using the house as a caregivers’ home, so Pati immediately set about starting the process. Upon meeting Tiffany Love, a coordinator for Medical Foster Homes with the Veterans Administration, the two realized the home’s potential for this program and started the renovations. texappealmag.com

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Medical Foster Homes are private homes in which trained caregivers provide services to a few residents. The VA inspects and approves all of the Medical Foster Homes and they are a great alternative to nursing homes. While some veterans may require nursing-home care, others prefer a non-institutional setting with fewer residents.

The Medical Foster Homes have a trained caregiver on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These caregivers help the veterans carry out their daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, taking their medication, etc. The VA ensures that all of the caregivers are well-trained to provide the VA planned care. All of the caregivers must pass a very rigorous and stringent background check that includes numerous investigations, including a FBI background check.

Veterans living in a Medical Foster Home receive home-based primary care services and a VA medical home team, consisting of a social worker, dietician, nurse, and other specialty areas as needed, visit the home to care for the veterans. More than 1,700 veterans have been assisted at 84 sites or regions throughout the nation in this program.

“There is such a need in this area for Medical Foster Homes,” says Pati. “Living in a comfortable and happy family-style environment with home-cooked meals, recreational activities, and having close relationships between the residents and the caregivers provides a more traditional family lifestyle, which can be very therapeutic in itself.”

Tiffany Love, the Medical Foster Home Coordinator at the VA in Temple previously worked with veterans in a VA nursing unit. “We always had veterans who did not want to live in an institutional style home, yet they did not have the financial means to live in any of the private homes or facilities that were available. So I became very interested in this national program,” says Tiffany.

“My dream is to have a Medical Foster Home in every county of our region, and I hope we do within the next 12 months. It is very important for our veterans to be able to stay apart of the community they are affiliated to and consider it their home.”

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

support and defend

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T he M edical foste r H ome ’ s C a r egive r s

Pati Gonzales Thomas

Helping others is something Pati knows how to do very well. She is the former executive director of Heritage Care Hospice, a company she founded in May 2006. Heritage Care Hospice was later purchased by New Century Hospice and is still in operation. However, being an active caregiver is something Pati will never give up.

“Hospice and caregiving is where my heart is. It has always been a dream of mine to have a caregiver’s home and to help as many people as I can,” says Pati. “My goal is to open two more VA Medical Foster Homes in this area soon.” Pati is an active caregiver at the Medical Foster Home and works to ensure the residents and the other two caregivers in the home have everything they need. She also manages the home’s general maintenance responsibilities.

Valencia "Val" Mullen

“Sometimes your life plans take an unexpected detour and you end up somewhere you never imagined, but in the process you discover your true calling,” says Val Mullins. Focused on pursuing a career in retail management, Val originally was not too keen on the idea of working in a nursing home when a friend called to tell her about a position opening up that offered additional education and training opportunities.

However, frustrated with the corporate world, Val decided to take a leap of faith and try something new. A decision that would later prove to be a game-changer. “This is exactly where I am supposed to be. I found my true calling in life,” says Val. 44

April 2013 Tex Appeal

helping hands

“It feels so good to take care of somebody and to see them happy and smiling. You really bond with them and they become a part of your family. It is like taking care of your own children, you take pride in caring for them. I never imagined myself doing this—but it is so rewarding, now I can’t imagine myself ever doing anything else,” says Val. When the Medical Foster Home opportunity arose, Val gladly accepted it. She works full-time for a local hospice company, but lives in the Medical Foster Home and provides full-time care in the evenings. She ensures someone is always in the home with the residents.

“I feel so blessed to be entrusted with them and we are truly, one big happy family. We laugh together, play games together, watch movies, and just enjoy each other’s company. I look forward to coming home every evening to them.”

Anusia "Sue" Johnson

Becoming a caregiver to others was not in Sue’s original plans when she left her home in Virginia and moved to Central Texas to care for her aging mother. However, as fate would have it, she met Val at Church and the two quickly became good friends. Val, who was already good friends with Pati, introduced Sue to Pati and they too, hit it off instantly.

So when Pati approached Val and Sue and asked them to help her run the Medical Foster Home, they did not hesitate to say yes. Aside from already being a caregiver to her mother, Sue had spent ten years in the military as a cook and had a connection to the military and veterans.

Since Pati and Val both work full-time jobs during the week, Sue took on the day shift from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., when she manages the general house duties and prepares all of the home-cooked meals.

She also helps the residents with a variety of their daily needs and tasks, ensures they take their medicines on time, takes them shopping, and provides fun recreational activities for them to do together. It not only turned out to be a perfect fit for Sue, but very beneficial to her mother too. Sue brings her mother to work with her everyday so she does not have to stay home alone.

Her mother enjoys spending time with the residents, who have become some of her closest friends now.

“I make sure they have everything they need, I cook their breakfast, make their lunch and dinner, and if there is anything they want, they can come to me and I will fix it for them,” says Sue. “We write out the grocery list together, so they can have things around the house they like and want to eat. We decide on the menus together, I know most of the things they like and don’t like, so I try to prepare the things I know they will enjoy and things that are healthy for them.

We make these decisions as a family because this is their home and they are a family,” says Sue. All of the caregivers love their jobs at the Medical Foster Home, and the residents adore them.

“We are a real family. I never shut my bedroom door at night, and when I turn out the lights and go to bed, I always hear “Good night, Val!” come from the bedroom across the hall,” says Val. “It feels real good to be a part of this family.” texappealmag.com

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dedicated

“Where Heroes Meet Angels�

VA Medical Foster Home Program

The Veterans Administration is always searching for individuals who are willing to make a long-term commitment to caring for Veterans and willing to open their homes to them.

If you are interesting in applying to be a VA Caregiver or a Medical Foster Home provider, and would like to learn more about this wonderful program, please contact: Tiffany Love 254.742.4927 VA Medical Foster Home Coordinator Temple, Texas

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

LEFT: Dr. Harper, Mr. Aycock, Pati Thomas and Tiffany Love cutting the ribbon for the Medical Foster Home.

BOTTOM LEFT: Brenda Bushera, Army Veteran singing the national anthem; Jana O’ Leary, Women’s Veterans presentation.

ABOVE: Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans presentation by Jonathon Haywood.

RIGHT: Innovation-Chaplain Service.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The Medical Foster Home residents: Virginia Hernandez, Navy Veteran; Michael Shields, Air Force Veteran; and Ann Lockhart, spouse of Veteran.

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YOUphoria Day Spa & Salon

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

h ome

e r e h W e Wild th ings Th w 0 r G

Photos by The Master’s Image Photography

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You know you’re in Texas when you see a Texas A&M sock monkey hanging out with a sock monkey from the University of Texas.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

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Wild Inspired by the family’s love of hunting and the outdoors, the muralist used photographs taken at Jackson’ s grandparents place in Salado to paint the mural. Details taken from the photographs included the whitetail deer, windmill, deer stand and the water trough.

RIGHT: Playing opossum.

BELOW: The buck stops here.

things

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

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g n i m o o l BStyle s t y le

w i th

The Master Gardeners of Bell County are volunteers who work with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to improve gardening skills throughout the community. For more information visit www.txmg. org/bell or call 254.933.5305.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Photo by the Master’s Image Photography texappealmag.com

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travel

The Legend of the Bluebonnet The Texas fields are covered With a blanket of deep blue.

But for a little Indian girl, This would not be true.

Texas land was buried and dry.

Rains just would not come.

Indians danced and prayed for rain, And beat upon their drums.

The Chief made a proclamation.

He appealed to one and all.

A prized possession must be sacrificed Before the rains would fall.

The Indian camp was silent, While each person searched his heart.

But when it came to sacrifice, With possession they would not part.

Suddenly a little girl stepped forth, Holding her blue-clad doll.

She placed it in the roaring fire And raindrops began to fall.

The rain brought forth the grass, Among its blades, flowers of blue.

To be a sign for all the time Of a love so pure and true.

---Author Unknown

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Texas True,

l u f i t u a e B & e u Bl

The legend, lore, lure, and love of the Bluebonnet

Ennis CVB Photo courtesy

Photo court esy

Ennis CVB

Photo courtesy Ennis CVB and Karen Graham

by Teresa K. Hernandez

S

Photo courtesy Ennis CVB and Lezlee Wester Hernandez

pringtime is more than just a season in Texas -- it is an event and a tradition. Perhaps historian Jack Maguire summed it up best when he wrote: “ It’s not only the state flower but also a kind of floral trademark almost as well known to outsiders as cowboy boots and the Stetson hat…

The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland.”

A Texas legend credits a little Comanche girl named “She-Who-Is-Alone” for the bluebonnets. The legend claims “She-Who-Is-Alone” saved her people from starving to death by bringing the rain that ended a terribly long drought. “SheWho-Is-Alone” prayed for the Great Spirit to send rain to her people before she sacrificed the one thing she loved the most: a handmade doll from her grandmother made of buffalo skin. The small doll had a beautiful painted face made from the dye of berries and wore beautiful blue feathers on its head. She cast the doll into the fire before she went to sleep.

The next morning when the tribe awoke, they discovered the hills covered with beautiful blue flowers like the feathers that

were in her doll’s hair and soon afterward, the rains came.

The tribe celebrated with a dance and changed her name to “One-Who-Dearly-Loves-Her-People.” Now every spring, the Great Spirit remembers her sacrifice and covers Texas with the blue flowers called bluebonnets.

The Indians and everyone else who came to the Texas prairies fell in love with the beautiful bluebonnets. At one time, some believed the bluebonnets originated in Spain and were brought over by the first Spanish settlers, because the early-day Spanish priests gathered the seeds and planted them around their Texas missions. However, science has since dispelled this myth, because the two species of bluebonnets that grow naturally in Texas do not grow anywhere else in the world.

These beautiful flowers are as unique as Texas, making them the ideal flower to represent our state.

Regardless of where they may have originated, the bluebonnets arrive every year, and attract and inspire visitors and events all across the state. Follow the Bluebonnet trails this April across Texas and enjoy our proud Texas heritage as we celebrate the arrival of our beautiful state flower. texappealmag.com

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Deep in the Texas Hill Country, nestled in the Highland Lakes region, you can find the official Bluebonnet Capital of Texas in Burnet. Surrounded by sparkling lakes and rugged hills, you will enjoy a scenic view from any direction you drive. However, the real magic arrives every spring when the bluebonnets blanket the roadsides, hills and pastures in deep, rich shades of blue at the height of the wildflower season.

Come celebrate the beauty of season in Burnet at the 30th annual Bluebonnet Festival on April 13-14. Considered one of the best places in Texas to view wildflowers, Burnet officially gained statewide recognition for this well-known fact in 1981,

April 2013 Tex Appeal

when the Texas Legislature officially designated Burnet as the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.”

Since 1983, this festival has grown from a few arts and crafts booths and a street dance into one of the most exciting and fun small-town festivals in Texas. The Bluebonnet Festival always takes place during the second weekend in April and the event attracts more than 30,000 visitors from across the state.

Every year the fun just continues to grow as Burnet adds new activities for all ages. Whether you are a first-timer or one of its long-time devoted repeat visitors, you will discover “true blue magic” in Burnet.

Photos courtesy Burnet CVB

The Official Bluebonnet Capital of Texas 58

Burnet

When it comes to festivals and events, Ennis has it all! Ennis is home to the Bluebonnet Trails and is designated the “Official Bluebonnet City” and the “Official Bluebonnet Trail” of Texas. The Ennis Garden Club sponsors the annual Bluebonnet Trail and this event features more than 40 miles of the first mapped trails in Texas, and pays tribute to these breathtaking and abundant fields of vibrant wildflowers.

The Bluebonnet Trails span the entire month of April. Thousands of viewers come from all over Texas and throughout the country to experience this most unbelievable rite of spring. The annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival is on April 20-21, and will feature arts and crafts, a car show on Saturday, souvenir and food booths, a children’s area, live entertainment and the well-marked trails. On Friday, April 19, the Ennis Garden Club will distribute free bluebonnet trail maps.

Ennis opens its heart and soul to visitors.

Known as the town “where the cotton fields met the railroad,” Ennis was profoundly shaped by the arrival of the railroad in 1872, and its long involvement with the railroad is commemorated in the Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum. This charming museum includes a large display of early Ennis, models, dioramas, unique railroad memorabilia and spectacular exhibits of

Ennis’ cultural heritage.

Other activities to enjoy throughout the year include specialty shopping in the historic downtown, enjoying live plays at the Ennis Public Theatre, and watching your favorite movies under the stars at the sixscreen Galaxy Drive-In Theatre. The Texas Motorplex is one of the most renowned drag racing facilities in the nation and provides thrill-seekers an annual calendar of drag racing and specialty events. If you like to camp, picnic, or enjoy a variety of water sports, then scenic Bardwell Lake is the place to be. This sparkling body of water annually attracts thousands of visitors who enjoy skiing, fishing, swimming, camping, and boating at their leisure.

Ennis is also home to one of the largest Czechoslovakian populations in Texas, and celebrates Memorial Day weekend with its annual National Polka Festival.

This national Czech festival is in its 47th year and celebrates with a king and queen dance, a Polka-fest Run, a giant and colorful parade, a horseshoe tournament, unique arts and crafts, authentic, mouth-watering Czech cuisine, and a special Texas Country Concert with more than 14 live polka bands.

Stop by the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau in downtown Ennis for brochures or call us at 972-878-4748.

The Official Bluebonnet City and Home of the Bluebonnet Trails

Photos courtesy Ennis CVB

Ennis

Antiques • Wind & Willow Tumbleweed Pottery • Tyler Candles Prim Country • Plentiful Pantry

Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Friday 10-5PM Saturdays 11-5PM

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Bluebonnets and other wildflowers bloom with life and color in beautiful Washington County. Celebrate the spring season April 13-14 in the quaint, historic town of Chappell Hill at the 49th Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas.

This festival boasts more than 250-juried exhibitors featuring home accessories, gardening, artisans, craftsmen, clothing, jewelry and much more. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Indulge in the delicious country-style foods and enjoy a special children’s activity corner, which provides a petting zoo, face painting, a barrel train, and more.

Live entertainment includes performances by the popular Chris Austin Martinez, Cloggers Unlimited and others. A special wildflower photo exhibit will be on display at the Chappell Hill Museum Exhibit Gallery during April and May. Historic buildings in the community will also be open for visitors. Enjoy all this historic district has to offer during the most anticipated festival of the spring.

While you are in the Washington County area, there is so much more to see and do! Discover Texas history when you visit

April 2013 Tex Appeal

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where the Texas Declaration of Independence and the Constitution for the Republic of Texas were created. Other historical sites include the Texas Cotton Gin Museum, home of the oldest operating cotton gin in the country; the Brenham Heritage Museum, which focuses on the life and times of the area’s early residents; and the tiny village of Independence where Baylor University was founded.

If you love to shop, then Brenham and Round Top and points in between offer a wide selection of goodies, including antiques, of course, unique clothing and accessory items, art galleries and arts and crafts by Texas artisans, just to name a few.

Then there is also the food. From Italian, Mexican, gourmet, even German and French, the selections are endless and tasty. If you plan to stay an extra day or two, Washington County offers a wide selection of bed & breakfast venues, plus name-brand hotels, that all offer comfort and style to suit your taste.

For more information, call 888-273-6426, 979-836-3696 or visit www.chappellhillmuseum.org.

Photos courtesy Washington County CVB

The 49th Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas 60

Washington County

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61

On your mark, get set

By Teresa K. Hernandez

S

GO!

pring has officially arrived, and runners all over Central Texas are gearing up for a busy race season. Great weather and beautiful scenery are just two of the reasons why running is so popular in Central Texas. However, the natural terrain also makes the heart of Texas a favorite training place for fitness enthusiasts.

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254-598-3541 62

April 2013 Tex Appeal

Runners in Central Texas have an abundance of options available when it comes to training. For those runners who are preparing to run in advanced-level events with challenging courses and at a variety of inclines, the rolling landscapes and hills in and around Central Texas create the perfect training ground. The beginner to intermediate-level runners also can find unlimited access to routes or local tracks that have low to no inclines and plenty of wide-open spaces to run with minimal traffic concerns.

f itne ss

Local organizations across the Central Texas region frequently host a variety of fun family events — 1k, 5k, half-marathons and full marathons.

These events are geared towards families, all age groups. That includes walkers who are highly encouraged to participate.

If you have been thinking about registering for a 1k or 5k run, but are hesitant because you are not sure you have enough time to train, you may be in for a surprise. A simple training program that involves fast-paced walking and jogging — alternating between the two every 2-5 minutes for 20-30 minutes at least three times a week -- could have you ready to run a 5k in only 6-8 weeks. As you begin to build your endurance, increase the amount of time you jog by adding 1-3 minutes to each of the jogging segments until eventually you’ve eliminated the walking altogether.

Remember, start slow and steady and build on it weekly. This will reduce your risks of injuries and help prevent burn-out, which frequently happens to people when they push themselves to do too much and too fast. If you start to hurt, stop running and walk it out. Try to remember the No. 1 rule: enjoy yourself. Never be afraid to slow down. Even a brisk walk in the fresh air and warm sunshine can be motivating and inspire you to continue training and working toward your goals. Remember, when it comes to your health and fitness goals, it is not a race and you are not being timed. The most important thing about training is that you stay with it and never give up. Winners do cross the finish line, but at their own pace.

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According to Jessie Oestreich, a certified personal trainer, some of the best training tips for new runners are to:

Run 3-4 times a week You have to get out there and RUN. Some people believe they can just show up on race day and make it across the finish line and they might; however, they will increase their risks of injuries and may find themselves in serious pain afterward. Real athletes know the importance of training. You have to hit the pavement at least three times a week to build and maintain the level of endurance needed for long-distance runs.

Cross-train This is probably one of the most important aspects of any longdistance training regime. Your body can take only so much running, and cross training is as great way to continue building and strengthening your cardiovascular endurance. Cross training refers to incorporating a variety of other exercises into your training program aside from running. You can attend spinning classes, yoga, Zumba, weightlifting, or try an outdoor boot camp.

Find a running buddy Accountability is always the BEST trainer. A training partner can help you stay on track and help you stay committed to your training routine.

Register for a race Set a goal and commit to it. Once you pay your registration fee, there is no turning back. Put the event on the calendar and get to training.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

Local Running Groups, Organizations & Resources CG Run/Bootcamp

www.campgladiatorwaco.com

Gallaway Running Group www.mapmyrun.com

CenTexRuns

www.centexruns.com

Run On!

www.runontexas.com

Waco Striders Running Club www.wacostriders.com

Running in the USA

www.runningintheusa.com Largest online directory of races, results and clubs.

The Couch-to-5K Running Plan www.coolrunning.com A plan to help beginners get off the couch and start running three miles (5k) within two months.

Active

www.active.com Articles, training programs and tips, nutrition, and more.

Upcoming Races in Central Texas April 6, Run for the Roof 5k, Temple

April 6, Crawfish Crawl (1k & 5k), Waco

April 6, True Blue 5K & Fun Run, Harker Heights

April 13, Let’s Get Physical 5k, Belton April 21, Army Marathon, Killeen

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therapy

Sli ghtly Sharp & Tw i s t ed

By Kactus Kate Art by Trudy Brainard Collier Did you happen to catch that show last week, the one about that magazine writer? Oh, what is that chic’s name? Carrie Bradshaw? Maybe. Anyway, it’s the episode where she gets all crossed up with a cattle guard. No, I didn’t say, school crossing guard. I said a cattle guard. It started out with her leaving to go to an important meeting for her magazine, and let me tell you, she was dressed to impress. She was wearing her best power suit and her favorite Manolo Blahnik stilettos.

Well she drives up to the gate at the ranch, and wouldn’t you know it, it was locked. Just her luck, too, because it had been drizzling rain on and off all day long, so things were really wet and messy. Plus, to make matters worse, the wind was howling and blowing at 55 mph.

So there she is, muttering under breath, as she gets out of the car and heads over to the cattle guard. She’s walking on her tiptoes to keep the gravel from chewing up the ends of her heels and was a real struggle I tell you, because with the wind blowing so hard, she can hardly keep her balance. Her long curly hair was flapping all over her head in the wind and she can hardly even see where to walk. Well she gets up to the cattle guard and carefully starts across, still on her tiptoes. However, before she could even take the second step, her shoe slips off the wet pipe and she ends up doing one of the most comical, theatrical, balancing acts and maneuvers you ever saw.

Luckily, she recovered it, but just as she was about to stand up straight again, another big gust hits her and throws her off balance again.

This time it really looked like she was about to bite it. However, right as she was about to go down, she reached out and grabbed a hold of the gate, which saved herself just in the nick of 66

April 2013 Tex Appeal

time. Holding on to the gate for stability, she got across the pipes and unlocked the gate. Then, right as she started to pull it open, another hellacious gust of wind hit and caught the gate, swinging it open with such force, it yanked her right off her feet. There she was, clutching on to that gate with white knuckles and hanging on for dear life as it swung across the cattle guard, dragging her behind it. Anyway, before it was all said and done, her suit was a wet, wrinkled mess, and her right heel was totally gone. It snapped off when the gate dragged her across the pipes. Her hair was a total disaster--one huge heap of mangled, tangled curls. I’m telling you, it was hilarious. You should have seen it. It was one of the funniest episodes I’ve watched in a long time.

What? Carrie Bradshaw is the blonde who lives in New York City? No, I’m not talking about her. I never can remember the names of those TV shows.

I thought it was on Tex in the City, but maybe it one of those new reality shows— what are they? The Real Women of Texas or The Real Wives of Ranchers? Oh. Wait a minute. Never-mind. Now I remember. It wasn’t on television. That happened to me last week. And come to think of it, it really wasn’t all that funny either.

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April 2013 Tex Appeal

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April 2013 Tex Appeal MEMBER FDIC