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AUGUST • 2012

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Bell County's largest Family Calendar inside!

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Kindergarten ready...Or nOt?

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I miss back-to-school days, helping my kids pick out their supplies, the scent of freshly sharpened pencils, and a new pack of white, wide-ruled paper. My kids are grown and picking out their own cars now! However, when that time of year comes around, for kids and parents to start up a routine once again, there are always new challenges to meet…and overcome. That, I remember well!

This month we offer you parents with kindergartners some tips and suggestions on how to tell if your child is ready for school, and then how to prepare for that first day of separation. The Practical Parent-ing column is written by a mom of six, who knows how to plan ahead, to make a new school year run smoothly. And what about discipline? Teens and their friends? Parenting is, quite frankly, hard! We hope you find something in this issue that you will want to keep and refer to, after the lights are out, the kids are tucked away for sweet dreams, and you’ve got a minute to yourself.

Yes, being a parent is the hardest job you’ll ever do, but it’s also the highest honor you’ll ever receive – that of raising your children. You may not receive many pats on the back when your kids are little, but they notice – and they will remember – all you did for them.

Enjoy this issue from cover to cover – it’s not all about back-to-school! Remember to read the calendar for fun activities when the homework is done!

Marcy Lytle

Editor, Bell County Family • [email protected]

Columns...... . . . . . . .06 06 Mom Blog The Burning huT

17 Star Athlete of the Month naThan & nicholas Mccray

Departments......0808 Toddler is My child ready for KindergarTen... or noT?

10 Child effecTive discipline: is There such a Thing?

12 Teens Today The fence of proTecTion

14 Practical Parenting greMlins in your house?

22 Reviews faMily filMs & BooKs

Features...... . . . . . . .1616 Special Story oTher MoThers

21 Hometown Heroes BeTTy Mcneill

marketplaCe.......13

august 2012contents

Bell County Family magazine is pub-lished 12 times a year by Edco Media. Views expressed in Bell County Fam-ily do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or staff. Every effort has been made to insure accuracy of the publication contents by the staff of Bell County Family. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absences of errors and omissions; hence no re-sponsibility can be, or is assumed. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Bell County Family is distributed to high traffic areas in the Greater Bell County area and can be found at all HEB’s and Bush’s Chicken locations as well as ex-clusively at all Taco Bells and Chick-fil-A locations. Copies are also available by subscription for $25 for one year. Single issues are available for $3 an issue.

Bell County Family319 South 1st StreetTemple, TX 76504254-624-1213 (P) 888-590-0206 (F)

Volume 2, Issue 1

PublisherEDCO MEDIAAmanda [email protected]

AssociAte PublisherMiranda [email protected]

editorMarcy [email protected]

Art directorKyle [email protected]

Advertising sAles

Miranda Bradley | [email protected]

contributing WritersMiranda Bradley, Marcy Lytle, Lee Eddins, Crystal Dyer, and Nick Graham

from

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edito

r

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12 Family CalenDar...18

Here We Go


The Busy Mom’s Perspective

Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God in-tended for you with grace, strength, courage, and con-fidence. - Og Mandino

Mom Blog

International Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Military Spouse & Veteran, and Mommy of three! Translation: A BUSY MOM! www.crystaldyer.com

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The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly to be rescued, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood and dry palm fronds to protect him from the elements, and to store the few possessions he’d saved from the wreck.

But then one day after scavenging for food he came back to his hut to find that his campfire embers had blown into the dry palm branches. His little hut had erupted into flames and the smoke was rolling up into the sky.

The worst had happened; absolutely everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger. “God, how could you do this to me!” he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

“How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things aren’t going as we’d like them to, but we shouldn’t lose heart be-cause God is always at work in our lives- even in the midst of trouble, struggle, pain, and suffering.

We often forget that God uses the toughest of ex-periences to mold and shape us for His purposes. The trip might be a little bumpy, and we might even crash and burn from time to time, but it’s through that process that we are refined and made capable of doing the things He intends for us to do.

Just try to remember these truths the next time your “little hut” is burning to the ground – that all is never lost when we know Him as our Lord and Savior. It’s possible that your little hut is just the smoke signal that summons the grace we don’t deserve and the result we so desperately want.

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• You, as the parent, check out the school beforehand and make sure you feel good about it.

• Plan a back-to-school special breakfast for the first morning, or a first-day new outfit!

• See if you can find out who will be in your child’s class and arrange play dates before school starts.

• Arrange to meet the teacher before school starts, and walk around the school, pointing out the bathroom, the playground, etc.

• Reassure your child that you are ex-cited and will be ready to hear about their first day when they return home.

• The first day, keep it short…and stay calm. Smile and walk away. Tell them ahead of time that this is what you will do. Do not hesitate when you leave…let the teacher take over.

• Prepare yourself, so that your child does not pick up on your own anxiety.

• Make it a priority to pick up your child exactly at the time you say you will. Focus on the positive and tell him how proud you are.

• Remind yourself to be consis-tent and optimistic. Once you “sol-dier” your way through the first few rough days, your child will be-come use to the routine and future separations will be easier. *info from education.com

How to Ease First Day Fears in

Kindergarten:

Toddler

There isn’t really any “checklist” to use in order to tell if your child is ready for Kindergarten. Every child is unique, and only you – the parent – really know if your child is ready for a school schedule. However, there are many things to look for, in order to make this deci-sion wisely. Very few children are “completely ready” in all areas, but here are a few metrics to go by:

Kindergarten ready children should be able to:

• Listen to instructions and then follow them. Practice read-ing to your children daily, and then ask them to recall their favorite parts of the story. Even singing fosters pre-reading skills!

• Put on their coats and go to the bathroom (and wash their) alone. This sort of independence is critical, and teachers expect it. It also helps if kids can open a juice box and insert the straw!

• Recite the alphabet and count to 10, and know a few shapes and colors. Playing guessing games such as “I Spy” while eat-ing at the dinner table is a fun way to incor-porate learning colored items and shapes, while just being together as a family.

• Hold a pencil and cut with scissors. Kids must be able to use a pencil by the first week of school, or they will lag behind. You could ask your preschooler to mist your house-plants with a spray bottle of water, in order to increase their fine motor skills.

• Show an interest in books by “trying” to read. Let them help you as you read them a book, by anticipating what’s coming “next.”

• Be receptive to learning new things. Do they show enthusiasm for this? Ask them to help you in the kitchen as you prepare a salad. How do they follow your directions?

• Get along well with other kids. Watch your child interact with his/her peers. Do they share? Do they take turns? Espe-cially if your child does not have siblings,

invite friends for play groups and let them practice social etiquette over a cup of tea, or a board game of their choice.

Children that are emotionally and intellectually ready for kindergarten are usually grouped ac-cordingly and thus pushed more than the other students in class. They may be placed into more challenging groups and continue to excel. Many times emotionally mature kindergartners are assumed to be intellectually mature, as well. But this is not always so.

Your child’s confidence is a key factor in a suc-cessful start to school. And you can boost that confidence with words of praise, exhibiting your own confidence in front of them, and making school sound exciting and fun.

Don’t let others and their children dictate what you do for your children. Assess your own child’s progress and then just continue the process of offering them a foundation for a life-long love of learning.

**Above ideas were taken from: Babycenter.com, scholastic.com, familyeducation.com

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten…or Not?


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I taught school for years in the public school system, and observed the lack of discipline that kids received…and responded to. It seems that many parents want teachers to control their class-rooms, but at the same time, they want their children to be treated with respect and “fairly” at all times. As I teacher, I often grew weary (and angry) at the “system” which continually came up with discipline measures, none of which worked very well, because discipline is only effective when it begins at home.

So what does “effective” discipline look like? Maybe the first question to answer is rather, “What does ef-fective discipline NOT look like?”

Effective discipline is not:• Handed out in anger. • Decided upon by “winging it.”• Effective when delayed.• Argued into place.

In other words, if you’re angry, you are most likely going to regret your punishment, the tone and loud-ness of your voice, and perhaps the words you use. Anger hampers judgment, and should never be the precursor to effective discipline. Parents needs to calm down, think clearly and logically, and come up with something that fits the action. If your child is fidgeting and just getting on your nerves because you’re tired…discipline with just a look may be all that’s necessary.

Winging it, or just saying what pops into your head at the moment, is not wise. Think ahead and prepare your child to understand ahead of time the consequences if your rules, or those of other authorities, are broken.

Waiting too long to discipline just prolongs the agony for both you and your child. Discipline should be immediate, and always followed by reassurance that your child is

loved. You don’t love the action, but you do love the child.

Arguing is defeating. If your child feels discipline is just not fair for the “crime,” let them softly and quietly explain why, if you choose. Be sure to listen. Parents are not infallible. However, if a child has blatantly disobeyed and knows it, don’t back down. And don’t enter into a ver-bal battle. Words cannot be taken back, once they exit your mouth!

Effective DisciplineIs There Such a Thing?

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• With insulated food jars, you can send hot foods to school, includ-ing leftovers. Chicken noodle soup with crackers, chili with whole grain bread, or stir-fry with rice, all work well.

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• How about a quesadilla with chicken breast, salsa and cheese, grilled on a wholegrain torti-lla. Add in a couple of Cuties, and a small brownie.

• Toss leftover chicken with a bit of low-fat mayo, sliced red grapes, and either celery or nuts. Add a bag of carrot sticks and homemade hummus.

• Graham crackers with straw-berry cream cheese and sliced fresh strawberries are fun to make and eat as a snack.

• Finally, let the kids make their own trail mix with dried fruit, nuts or seeds, high fiber ce-real, etc. and place in to-go containers or plastic bags.

Lunch, Anyone? Fun tips for packing and preparing your kids’ lunches

by Marcy Lytle


Effective discipline is:• Consistent.• Routine.• Safe.• Firm.• Flexible.

All caregivers should be consis-tent in the discipline of your child. When parents or grandparents discipline their “own way,” the child becomes confused. “Discipline” in routines, such as mealtimes, snacks, bath, and bedtime should be in place so that kids know what’s expected of them. A safe environ-ment can protect your child from getting into trouble, such as safety locks for toddlers that prevent them from hurting themselves when they go where they are not to go! Whining is NEVER allowed, and certainly never a reason for a par-ent to “cave.” This only teaches the child to whine even more! And finally, discipline can be flexible

if parents and their children have open communication. Listen to your children, discuss with them the rules and punishments put into place, and consider whether or not you are being unreasonable.

Still looking for specific types of dis-cipline? Whether to put your kids in time out, take away privileges, assign chores as punishment? Ac-cording to the dictionary, the defini-tion of discipline is “training that cor-rects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.” Take time to think about how you train your kids. The best way is by ex-ample. Then look at your methods of discipline. Are they molding your child’s mental state and moral character in a way that is loving and kind? Or are they making him withdraw, become full of hatred, and rebel against all authority?

Effective Discipline. Yes, there is such a thing.

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Marcy LytleThe Fence of Protection

When my daughter was 12, she was invited to a sleepover where the girls were go-ing to the movies and then coming home for the party. Being an avid moviegoer myself, I knew that the ratings on the movies don’t always tell all. For example, PG-13 in no ways means that just because my child is 13, everything in that movie is appropriate for her to watch. So I went to the movies

to see the title being shown at this party. Then I read a bit about the rating, and how it had an “R” rat-ing but after much push and pull, it was downgraded to PG-13. It was full of “junk” and I mentioned it to the mom of the girl having the party. She was extremely thankful, and the movie was pulled. I wasn’t very popular with the girls who knew I “tattled,” but I’m the parent. That was my job.

School is starting soon, and our teens will make new friends, be asked to sleep over, be invited to parties, and they will beg for in-dependence in making the deci-sion to be at all of these events…all the time! However, we are the parents until they leave our home, and we can still act wisely, explain thoroughly, and take the time to see what it is, where it is, and who it is, when our kids are invited out.

Here are a few guidelines for par-ents that just might offer that fence of protection…and freedom…for your “yet to be” young adults.

1. Check out the movies your kids are going to see, before they go. Plan a date night with your own partner and see the movie first. If it’s bad, say “no” and offer an alternative movie or fun time out. Stay up to date on what’s out there and what’s good.

2. Meet the parents of the homes where your kid is invited to stay for a sleepover. Find out if the friend of your teen has siblings, make a stop at the home to in-troduce yourself, and ask ques-tions. Use your parental instincts and listen to them, before you send your teen overnight.

3. Ask more questions, and lots of them, when your teen is in-vited to a party. Will the parents be home? Will they be present in the room? What activities will be tak-ing place? If the parents are away, even at the other end of the house, and the kids are just “free” to do “whatever,” think twice before drop-ping off your teen. Better yet – why don’t you host the next party?

4. Instruct your own teens well, when it comes to riding with friends who are just getting their driver’s licenses. No texting, seatbelts must be buckled, and ra-dios must be turned down, or your teen doesn’t ride! Sound harsh? It’s called smart parenting.

5. Recognize hormone levels. They’re rising, and they will play havoc on your teen’s emotions. She may be in love with one boy today, and hate him tomorrow. She may want to marry him next week. Take time to listen, soothe, and instruct…gently. Your teens want to hear what you have to say.

6. Keep curfews. You are not going to be “popular.” You are no longer a teen yourself. But you do need to be consistent. Tired teens are grumpy, irrational, and just downright mean! It’s your job as the parent to enforce bedtime. Sleepy kids can’t focus or do well.

7. Provide a place in your own home for study time, party time, and quiet time. Perhaps the kitch-en table for studying, so you can visit while dinner is being prepared. Maybe pile pillows high in a cor-ner of the room, for quiet reading, where you can join them! And clear out the garage, add lights, a small refrigerator, and a game table.

Kids want boundaries, if they are set in love. Love your kids. Be aware of their desires and needs. Then be around and present to tend to them. Teens grow up quickly…and then they’re gone. Enjoy them now.


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Practical Parenting by Georganne Schuch

I’m a big fan of planning ahead. While my plans may not always go as planned, I at least am pointing in the right direction. So, as all we mom-types look down the barrel of another school year, it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Aim it right, and we have a good chance of enjoy-ing a reasonably successful school year. Aim at nothing, and we’ll hit it every time.

Parents should take the time to meet their children’s teachers. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth power session, but sit down and dis-cuss potential issues that affect the child’s edu-cation. If there are health concerns, such as food allergies, make sure everyone who needs to know does. Learning challenges should also be addressed to avoid a mid-semester report card shock. The goal of school is to educate the child, so the parent and teacher should form an alliance to achieve it.

Next, take a close look at extracurricular activi-ties. Lots of activities offer meaningful life skills and important developmental aids, as well as being just plain fun. But there are not enough hours in a day to do them all. Each child has unique talents and interests, so consider one or two activities that best fulfill a child’s current stage in life. Sumo wrestling probably doesn’t fit the bill for most elementary age kids. Most

importantly, leave enough time for family activi-ties. Team sports should not take the place of parent-child relationships. One is for a season. The other is for a lifetime.

Starting a new schedule to support the new school year will help things run more smoothly. Begin slowly edging into a more school-like routine. Ear-lier to bed and earlier to rise prevents morning shock on that first week of school. My rule of thumb

is to allow 30 extra minutes for getting ready in the morning. Somehow, we can always find ways to fritter away that extra time. So, instead of scrambling around at the last minute and sprinting for the bus stop or car, I “adjust” our schedule to pad in the extra time.

We have a terrible problem at our house with a gremlin that breaks in and hides just one of each pair of shoes. I’ve considered call-ing the police, but I don’t think they will be much help. Instead, I assign two children to be in charge of shoe patrol. Wayward shoes are searched out and returned to the central gathering place for shoes in our house. That gives everyone a better than average chance of finding at least one pair of matching shoes each morning. If sandals are all that’s avail-able on a rainy day, then maybe a certain child will go to greater measures to keep her shoes together. I can hope, can’t I?

The shoe gremlin’s brother specializes in hiding school books. When he burglarizes our home, usually just prior to a test, we take a more ag-gressive approach and offer rewards to siblings for finding missing books. The chances of get-ting everything in a backpack on the way out the door is exactly zero, so all necessary books and supplies for the following day are packed the prior evening. We also plan snacks and

lunches each evening. Drinks are poured and refrigerated, ready to be added to a backpack or lunch bag in the morning. We form a mini-assembly line to cut and bag snacks, such as veggies and fruit. Sandwiches and other food, that require a fresher approach to preparation, is all that is left for the morning.

Like most parents, I am going to take a good aim at a successful school year. We homeschool, so most of my parent-teacher meetings will be with myself. I talk to myself anyway, so this shouldn’t be too new. We participate in a teaching co-operative, and I am going to work with one of my daughter’s teachers to strategize how to help her in a subject that she struggled with last year. Our general extracurricular rule is one cultural activity and one physical activity. For now, we choose music and dance. With the exception of our co-op day, we don’t have to be anywhere too early. Nevertheless, we will start inching into an earlier rise time and turning off any distractions which stop the children from completing their morning routines. No dress-up before breakfast, in other words. Finally, we will start the school year off with a clean sweep for stray shoes and books. It won’t take long for them to get mis-placed again, but instituting daily pickup keeps most things in compliance for a while. Finally, we won’t put off to the last minute what can be done ahead of time. Snacks and lunches don’t have to be an afterthought.

Here’s to a great school year!

Is There a Gremlin in Your House?

www.momtomanygirls.com


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BELL COUNTY

Sign-up for the BCF E-Newsletter and receive

updates, calendar listings, & coupons to local businesses!Subscribe instantlyon your smartphone. Just snap a pictureof the QR Code!

Free admission!

Hours: Tues–saT, NooN uNTil 5p.m.We provide a quality museum experience

for all ages!

The hungry in Central Texas today may surprise you. They are our friends and neighbors, recently laid-off adults, the elderly couple on the next block living on a fixed income. And, of the 48,000 clients we serve every week, more than 1 in 3 are children. Hunger is unacceptable, especially in our own backyard. We can end hunger, but we can’t do it alone.

You can help.Advocate . Donate . Volunteer

austinfoodbank.org . HungerIsUNacceptable.com

This is the surprising face of hunger.


Special Story

It is probably not news to any of you how much of a challenge it is in this difficult econ-omy to make ends meet. Families are trying to do whatever they can to try and stretch their dollar as far as possible. So why buy new clothes when there is perfectly good used clothing out there for less than half the price? The days of being too proud to purchase used items are over. Our kids out-grow their clothes so quickly, that it is a shame to throw them away. Giving them away is definitely an option, but why not get a few dol-lars for them if you can? This is where Other Mothers Temple fits in.

Nick and Erika Graham discovered Other Mothers in St. Robert, Mis-souri while Nick was in the Army. They had their daughter and oldest granddaughter living with them at the time. They knew what it meant to have a tight budget. They were able to bring items to Other Moth-ers, get in-store credit or cash for them, and then buy perfectly good gently used items in return. Once the opportunity came up to open a store here in Texas, they imme-diately took advantage of it. Other Mothers is a small franchise based

out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first store opened in 1979, and there are currently 15 franchises and eight independent stores in the United States. Nick and Er-ika are excited about continuing the Other Mothers tradition with friends and family being an integral part of the store’s success.

Customers at Other Mothers get a pleasant surprise when they walk in and see how large, bright, clean, and well-organized the store is. The store even provides a desig-nated play area that your kids will love. Other Mothers pays their cus-tomers cash or in-store credit for gently used items, including quality (good condition and in style) chil-dren’s (preemie to 16yrs), teen and women’s clothing (zero to plus), maternity wear, toys, baby furni-ture/gear, and more. They have a simple trade-in process, where you bring in your clean items, a qualified buyer will go through them while you shop, and in most cases you can walk out without paying a penny for the items you purchase.

One of the most popular events at Other Mothers is their 25-cent sale. On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month they give customers

a chance to “dig” through all of the items that did not make it onto the floor. They hold the sale in the back of the store and customers line up for this sale an hour before the doors open. Erika says, “We feel like this is a great way to give back to our customers, giving them a chance to get perfectly good clothing items for 25 cents apiece.”

Nick and Erika love being part of the Temple community. They feel that their business gives them a unique opportunity to give back to the com-munity. They are excited to have recently teamed up with the CTLC (Churches Touching Lives through Christ) Ministries by donating all of the leftovers from the 25-cent sale.

This usually ends up being up to twenty 30-gallon bags of clothes. They have also had the opportunity to help Communities in Schools of Temple (TISD) and Killeen (KISD), Hope Pregnancy Center, and the Salvation Army.

Starting and running a business has had its share of challenges, but Nick and Erika and the rest of their team love the fact they are able to give back to moms on a tight budget. They are excited to celebrate their one year anniversary in Temple in August. They will be having a cele-bration in the store on August 11th. You should stop by and see what Other Mothers is all about!

Other MothersA Pleasant Surprise


Do you know anyathletes that deserve special recognition for

his/her talents, efforts, or sportsmanship?

Fuddruckers has partnered with

Temple Mall and BCF to spotlight our local

student athletes.

Submit Photo and a Brief write-up to:

August’s Student Athletes:Nathan & Nicholas

Nicholas and Nathan McCray, 10 and 11-year-old

brothers in Killeen, have reached a rank in martial arts that very few

can claim - the rank of black belt. The boys are students at Hamm’s Institute of Martial

Arts in Killeen owned by 3rd degree black belt, Chris Hamm. “Master Hamm always tells us that a black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit,” said Nicholas,” so we made sure we didn’t.”

“He doesn’t just hand out black belts. You earn them by what you do on and off the mat and we worked really hard for a long, long time to earn these,” added Nathan. The boys’ final test for black belt included a strenuous physical and comprehensive skills exam where they were required to execute every punch, kick, combination, form and self-defense move they learned since they began Tae Kwon Do in 2009. All the kids are taught that martial arts is a way of life and not just about what they do on the mats. Off the mat, Nich-olas and Nathan are straight-A, honor roll students. They are also two of only 11 students from KISD selected to be a part of this year’s All-State Elementary Honor Choir.

As part of Team Hazard, the martial arts demonstration team, Nicholas & Nathan have performed at community events and schools and have broken boards to raise money for the Ameri-can Heart Association & the American Diabetes Association. Their newest endeavor since earning their black belt is working as assistant instructors at the dojo. “We help teach the lower belt ranks and motivate them,” said Nathan. “Most kids our age get their first jobs doing chores or mowing lawns,” Nicholas added. “We get to teach martial arts and that’s pretty cool.”

Quite a list of accomplishments for these two deserving young men and student athletes.


AugustFind a Printable Copy of the BCF Fun Calendar at www.BellCountyFamily.com • Have an Event? Send to [email protected]

FuNWednesday, August 1

Country & Western Dance - Live, local Country & Western bands play 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light, finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sammons Commu-nity Center, Temple. Cost: $4 each at the door. For more information, call Lisa Potts at 298-5403.

Blast Off! – Come on over for a fun interactive space show. 9:30 to noon, Harker Heights Library. Cost: FREE. Contact Jeanine Madden at 953-5600.

Science Club – Each week children will explore a new area of science. This week, we’ll be studying Chemistry. 4 to 4:30 p.m., Harker Heights Library. For ages 7 to 11. Cost: FREE. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at 953-5600.

Thursday, August 2Movie Day! – Join us for re-

freshments and movie time as we watch Jungle Book. 2:30 to 4 p.m., Copperas Cove Public Library. For all ages. Cost: FREE. For more in-formation, contact Copperas Cove Public Library at 547-4221.

Friday, August 3Fun Fridays! - Fun Fridays will

offer activities that children enjoy most: arts & crafts, games, songs, storytelling, and more. This pro-gram gives children the opportunity to grow and develop both socially and educationally while giving mom some “me time”. Children must be at least 2 and fully potty trained. Pre-registration is required. 9 a.m. to noon, Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 2 to 8. Cost: $15 per child. For more information, contact Be-linda Garcia at 298-5733.

Saturday, August 4Copperas Cove Farmers

Market – Browse our fresh pro-duce and yummy goodies. 3 to 6 p.m., VFS 1506 Veterans Drive. Cost: FREE. For more information, visit www.copperascove.com.

Monday, August 6Sammons Junior Golf Acad-

emy - Whether your child has been playing for years or has never swung a club before, the Sammons Academy is the perfect opportunity to teach them the game of golf. Kids ages 6 to 17 will learn the skills, rules, and beauty of the game. Upon graduation from the Academy, stu-dents will receive a SJGA polo style shirt, a SJGA hat and a certificate of completion. Please register your child in person at Sammons Golf Links located at 2727 W. Adams in Temple. Space is limited to the first 40 students for each session. 9:30 to 11 a.m. for ages 6 to 10; 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 11 to 17, Sam-mons Golf Links. Cost: $35 for ages 10 and under; $60 for ages 11 to 17. For more information, contact James W. Roberts at 771-2030.

Little Chefs Academy, Ses-sion 3 – Children will learn how to make breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. 6 to 7 p.m., Harker Heights Activities Center. Register at the Harker Heights Recreation Center, 307 Miller’s Crossing. For ages 5 to 8. Cost: $50. For more information, contact the Recreation Center at 953-5657.

Tuesday, August 7Continuing: Sammons Junior

Golf Academy;

Afterschool Snack Attack – Participants will learn about kitchen safety and how to make fun and easy afterschool snacks. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 7 to 14. Cost: $10. Contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

Wednesday, August 8 Continuing: Sammons Junior

Golf Academy; Science Club – Animal Science

Thursday, August 9Continuing: Sammons Junior

Golf Academy

Touch a Truck – There will be fire trucks, construction vehicles and public works trucks among others for your child to touch. 9

to 11 a.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 2 to 6. Cost: $5. For more information, contact Terri Landeros at 298-5474.

Country & Western Dance - Live, local Country & Western bands play 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light, finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. Cost: $4 each at the door. For more information, call Lisa Potts at 298-5403.



Family Dive In – Bring the fam-ily to enjoy a great movie, snacks and water fun. 9:30 to 11 p.m., Carl Levin Outdoor Pool, Harker Heights. Cost: Price of admis-sion. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at 953-5600.

Harker Heights Blood Drive – Help save a life. Donate blood during our city wide blood drive! All August donors will receive a free Blood Donor T-shirt, coupon for free basic car wash from Baird Brothers Express Car Wash in Temple, cou-pon for $5 off your next Applebee’s purchase and the chance to win a set of four Texas Rangers baseball tickets. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 305 Millers Crossing, Harker Heights. Contact 953-5600 for more information.

Ballroom Dance – Join us for wonderful music! You will catch dance fever. Beer, wine, sodas, juice and water available for purchase. 8 to 11 p.m., In the Mood Ballroom, 13th and 15th South Main Street, Temple. Cost: $5 per person. Come

early for our dance lessons from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for just $8 per person and stay for the dance! For more information, visit www.inthemood-ballroom.com.

Saturday, August 11Copperas Cove Farmers Mar-

ket – Browse our fresh produce and yummy goodies! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., VFW 1506 Veterans Drive. Cost: FREE. For more information, visit www.copperascove.com.

School Spirit Factory - It’s Game Time! Be a sport and join the fun as you lear to make your own personalized school spirit shirt. Bring your own blank t-shirt in your school colors and we will provide the supplies and tips on how to make a shirt that shows your spirit! 10 a.m. to noon, Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. For ages 12 and up. Cost: $15 per child. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

Harker Heights Farmers Mar-ket – Buy Local, Experience Com-munity The season grand opening is on Saturday, May 5. Don’t for-get to enter to win a FREE Harker Heights Farmers Market Gift Bas-ket which contains items from all vendors. You do not need to be present to win. There will be 100% Texas grown produce, handmade crafts, jams & jellies, homemade soaps, art, woodwork, homemade bread, farm eggs, homemade ba-gels, dog treats and more. 7 a.m. to noon, Carl Levin Park, 400 Miller’s Crossing. For more information visit the City’s website at www.ci.harker-heights.tx.us/parks or call 254.953.5466. Turn in applications by: April 20, 2012

Camp Geek – Bring the kids to have fun with science! Every month, we’ll focus on a different science-related theme! The program will include a two-hour, hands-on class followed by a planetarium show. For ages 5 to 9. 1 to 4 p.m., Mayborn Planetarium, Killeen. Cost: $29 per child ($26 for Planetarium mem-bers). For more information, visit www.thestarsatnight.org | 526-1586.


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Sunday, August 12Science Sunday for Scouts

– Join us the second Sunday of each month as we explore science with Cub Scouts and Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts. Different activi-ties are offered each month. 4 to 6 p.m., Mayborn Planetarium, Killeen. Cost: $15 per scout with ONE free adult/leader, $5 each additional child or adult. For more informa-tion visit www.thestarsatnight.org or call 526-7161.

Monday, August 13Continuing: The Little Chefs

Academy

Lap Sit – Newborns through 18-month-old babies and their par-ents are invited to work and play together with a variety of stories, songs and much more! 10 to 11 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at [email protected]. Cost: FREE.

Tween Time - If you are a “tween” who loves to be crafty then this is the camp for you. Each day we will get together and have fun talking and making great things like room decorations, jewelry and more. This is a great camp to grab a friend and share some “tween” time together! 10 a.m. to noon, Harris Community Center, Bel-ton. For ages 8 to 12. Cost: $50. For more information, call 933-5800.

Clay Play - Improve your child’s fine motor skills in this class that’s all about clay! 10 to 11:30 a.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 2 to 6. Cost: $5. For more information, contact Terri Landeros at 298-5474.

Tuesday, August 14Continuing: Tween Time

Kids’ Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen – Let us do the cooking for you! Come to Chick-fil-A for fam-ily fun and discounts. 5 – 9 p.m., 1400 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen. For more information, visit www.cfarestaurant.com/killeen/com.

Killeen Aglow Meeting, Killeen - The Killeen Aglow Lighthouse will meet for their monthly meeting. We are an intercultural, trans-denom-inational organization of Christian women who come together to devel-op meaningful friendships with each other and a deeper walk with Christ. 7 p.m., Residence Inn/Marriott, 400 East Central Texas Expwy, Killeen. Cost: FREE. For more information contact Gerlinde at 542-5155.

Family Night, Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights – Join us for a free family activity during Family Nights each Tuesday. 5 – 8 p.m., Chick-fil-A, 201 E. Central Texas Express-way, Harker Heights.

Wednesday, August 15Continuing: Science Club –

Gardening; Tween Time

Military Appreciation Day! At Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights - Ev-ery 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be Military Appreciation Day. For every combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.

Military Appreciation Day! At Chick-fil-A, Killeen - Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be Military Appreciation Day. For every combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.

Thursday, August 16Continuing: Tween Time

Wet & Wild Bunch - Grab your swimsuits and come make a SPLASH! The hot weather is here and it’s time to get out and enjoy it. Join this teen group as we visit Hawaiian Falls in Waco. The Fee includes admission, lunch, and a snack. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Van will leave from Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. For ages 11 to 15. Cost: 30. Contact Terri Landeros at 298-5474 for more information.

Toddler Time – Special story-time for toddlers involving a variety of stories, songs, dance, puppets, fingerplays and more for children ages 3 and under. 9 to 10 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at [email protected]. Cost: Free.

College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple – Buy an entrée and get a free medium drink and fry with valid college ID. 5 to 10 p.m., N. 31st St,.



Ultimate GaME Night for Teens – The Gaming and May-

hem Event has eve more to offer than ever before! We will be gam-ing on different gaming systems so bring you’re a-game! 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., Harker Heights Li-brary. For teens only. Cost: FREE. For more information, contact Rose Ramon at 953-5600.

Variety Dance – Join us for won-derful music! You will catch dance fever. Beer, wine, sodas, juice and water available for purchase. 8 to 11 p.m., In the Mood Ballroom, 13th and 15th South Main Street, Temple. Cost: $5 per person. Come early for our dance lessons from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for just $8 per person and stay for the dance! For more information, visit www.inthemoodballroom.com.

“Board?” Game Night – Noth-ing on T.V., not a football fan? Join us on the second Friday of each month for board game night! Hands on, electronics off! Spend time with family and friends playing your fa-vorites. It’s all for fun! You can even bring your own game if you want, but only if it isn’t electronic. Bring your own snacks and drinks. 6:30 to 9 p.m., Harris Community Center, Belton. Cost: FREE.

School Survival for Girls - Come to this class and learn some great tips on how to survive school. We will talk about everything from peer pressure to boys and friends. We will do a craft, play some great games and get you ready to start a new school year! 10 a.m. to noon, Harris Community Center, Belton. For ages 5 to 8. Cost: $50. For more information, call 933-5800.

Saturday, August 18Continuing: Harker Heights

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Family Fun at Chick-fil-A!

Check here every month for events at your local Harker Heights, Killeen

& Temple locations!

AugustFind a Printable Copy of the BCF Fun Calendar at www.BellCountyFamily.com • Have an Event? Send to [email protected]

FuNFamily Game Night at Chick-

fil-A, Killeen –Bring your family to Chick-fil-A at Killeen and enjoy some quality family time! We will have board games, puzzles, and other fun activities. Ask the cashier about Milkshake Bingo and your chance to win free milkshakes for you and your family. 5 – 9 p.m., 1400 E. Cen-tral Texas Expressway, Killeen. For more information, visit www.cfares-taurant.com/killeen/home.

Downtown Belton Market Days, Belton - Garage Sale to Up-scale, it’s all for sale at Market Days! Sponsored by the Downtown Belton Merchants Association, Belton Mar-ket Days is the 3rd Saturday of every month, in Downtown Belton. Ven-dors sell an assortment of goods, including antiques, collectibles, arts, and crafts. Variety of food vendors. Vendor booths available. For more information, call 254-939-5699 or visit www.downtownbelton.com

Kidsville 2012 – Join us for live entertainment, arts and crafts, a pet-ting zoo, carnival games and prizes! The Adventures of Tin Tin will be shown in the amphitheater at dusk. 3 to 8 p.m., Killeen Community Cen-ter. Cost: FREE. Call 501-8889 or 501- 6390 for more information.

Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple – Join us for an evening of family fun and dinner specials. 5 to 10 p.m. 114 N. 31st St., Temple. For more information, visit www.cfares-taurant.com/temple/home.

Granny Time, Harker Heights – Ms. Dorothy, Harker Heights Li-brary’s resident grandma charms children and adults with classic storytimes. 11 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more informa-tion, call 953-5491 or visit www.ci.harker-heights.tx.us .

Monday, August 20Continuing: The Little Chefs

Academy

Wednesday, August 22Continuing: Science Club –

Gardening (meet at the Community Garden at Carl Levin Park)

For the Love of Our Children, Temple - “For the Love of Our Children” is a support group for be-reaved parents and grandparents. Individuals share their stories and what has helped them cope with their grief. The newly bereaved meet others who have also experienced a loss and how they are learning to have a fulfilling life again. The group has helped many realize that they are not alone and gives everyone an opportunity to express their feel-ings in a non-judgmental environ-ment. FTLOOC is a non-profit, non-denominational group and does not offer any type of professional coun-seling services. The group members share their own journeys of the grief process, giving hope and support to each other. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Ronald McDonald House, 2415 S. 47th Street, Temple. For more information, call 770-0910.

Thursday, August 23College Night at Chick-

fil-A, Temple - Every Thursday Night is College Night! 5 to 10 p.m. Purchase any entree, get a FREE medium fry and drink with valid college ID.


offer activities that children enjoy most: arts & crafts, games, songs, storytelling, and more. Give children opportunity to grow and develop both socially & educationally while giving mom some “me time”. Children must be at least 2 and fully potty trained. Pre-registration is required. 9 a.m. to noon, Gober Party House, Tem-ple. For ages 2 to 8. Cost: $15 per child. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

Ballroom Dance – Join us for wonderful music! You will catch dance fever. Beer, wine, sodas, juice and water available for purchase. 8 to 11 p.m., In the Mood Ballroom, 13th and 15th South Main Street, Temple. Cost: $5 per person. Come early for our dance lessons from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for just $8 per person and stay for the dance! For more info, visit www.inthemoodballroom.com.

Saturday, August 25Continuing: Family Game Night

at Chick-fil-A, Killeen; Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple; Granny Time; Harker Heights Farmers Market

Mother/Son Date Knight, Chick-fil-A, Killeen - Bring your little prince for a Knight of memo-ries! Dress for the part and enjoy the fun as your young gentleman learns about chivalry while building memories with the most important woman in his life.

Camp Geek - Bring the kids to have fun with science! Every month, we’ll focus on a different science-related theme! The program will include a two-hour, hands-on class followed by a planetarium show. 1 – 4 p.m., Mayborn Planetarium & Space Theater. Cost: $29 per child ($26 for Planetarium mem-bers). For ages 5 to 9. For more information, call 526-1586.

Flower Power - Have you al-ways wondered how professionals can make their arrangements look so perfect? Learn from the pros – how to pick the best flowers, keep them alive longer, and make your own arrangements at home. This is a hands-on course and you will take home the arrangement that you make. All supplies will be provided. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wilson Park Rec-reation Center, Temple. Cost: $17. Contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733 for more information.

Tuesday, August 28Continuing: Kid’s Night at

Chick-fil-A, Killeen

Wednesday, August 29Continuing: Science Club -

Physics

Military Appreciation Day! At Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights - Ev-ery 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be Military Appreciation Day. For every combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.

Military Appreciation Day! At Chick-fil-A, Killeen - Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be Military

Appreciation Day. For every combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.

For the Love of Our Children, Temple - “For the Love of Our Children” is a support group for be-reaved parents and grandparents. Individuals share their stories and what has helped them cope with their grief. The newly bereaved meet others who have also experienced a loss and how they are learning to have a fulfilling life again. The group has helped many realize that they are not alone and gives everyone an opportunity to express their feel-ings in a non-judgmental environ-ment. FTLOOC is a non-profit, non-denominational group and does not offer any type of professional coun-seling services. The group members share their own journeys of the grief process, giving hope and support to each other. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Ronald McDonald House, 2415 S. 47th Street, Temple. For more infor-mation, call 770-0910.

Thursday, August 30Continuing: Toddler Time

Friday, August 31Fun Fridays! - Fun Fridays

will offer activities that children enjoy most: arts & crafts, games, songs, storytelling, and more. This program gives children the opportunity to grow and develop both socially and educationally while giving mom some “me time.” For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

Home School Day Camp - Homeschoolers come enjoy a day of archery, adventure games, climb-ing wall challenge, and many other great activities. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. For ages 5 to 14. Cost: 12. Contact Peanut Henderson at 298-5740 for more information.


Do You Know of an Outstanding Resident of Bell County? Visit our Website to submit your

nomination!

by Miranda Bradley Hometown Heroes

For decades, Betty Neill has been more than just a volunteer in the Bell County area – she has been an advo-cate, a teacher, a mentor and friend to those in need. In short, Betty has been Bell County’s very own Angel of Mercy.

“She has been such a loving eyes-on, hands-off leader and volunteer board member,” said Janell Frazier, Executive Director of Central Texas 4C, which Betty helped found in 1970.

After leading Sunday school for nearly two de-cades in Temple, serving on countless boards and committees and being actively involved in the community on a personal level, Betty began to see a growing need to educate at-risk chil-dren. In 1970, she founded the Central Texas Youth Services Bureau, Inc., a non-profit that to-day serves over 5,000 Bell County young people per year. Services include crisis intervention through a 24-hour hotline, referrals, crisis shelter in a licensed, supervised facility, transportation, medical/dental services, outreach and more. She served on that board over 32 years.

“There’s a lot that happens in this community because of her,” Janell continued. “I not only honor her; I love her.”

Shortly after beginning her work with the Central Texas Youth Services Bureau, she organized the 4C program in Temple. Today, the program provides much-needed services including Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Develop-ment programs for over 700 at-risk children and families annually in Bell County.

Always looking for new innovative ways to raise funds and awareness, Betty organized the first Community Resource Coordination Group in 1989 before it was state mandated.

“She had often taken a child from one agen-cy to another seeking help,” Janell said. “It was not only time consuming, but put a lot of mileage on the family vehicle.”

Today, the CRCG in Bell County staffs more cases than Travis County and Betty continues to serve as a member.

Those who work with Betty have been so touched by her commitment to the families of Bell County that they nominated her for the Governor’s Lone Star Achievement Award for her lifetime of dedi-cated service. She won that award.

“Betty’s not just a great leader, she’s a great person, a great friend,” Janell said. “She’s always more concerned about how you are doing than about how she’s doing.”

That spirit of selfless giving is what inspired Central Texas 4C to name its top class-room award, the agency’s highest honor, the Betty Neil Award of Excellence.

To Janell and others who know her, it’s just one small way to honor someone who has touched so many. “In some ways she’s touched more than 300,000 young lives in this county for the better. What a legacy!”

Hometown Hero: Betty Neill of Central Texas 4C


On the Silver Screen:

Diary of a Wimpy KiD : Dog DaysIn Theaters August 3rd - Rated PG

The oh-so-wimpy Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) gets himself into more mischief when he spends his entire summer break working at a country club, in this third installation of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. This hero of this phenomenally successful book series reveals a plan to pretend he has a job at this club (which does not keep him away from the season’s dog day), experiences embarrassing mishaps at a public pool, and goes on a camping trip that goes completely wrong!

Dr. seuss’ The Lorax

The oDD Life of TimoThy green

Available Now • Rated G

This animated rendition of Dr. Seuss’ classic book about the threat of industrialization to nature opens in the town of Thneedville. This town is made mostly from plastic and sports inflatable trees, fast cars, and poor air quality; in fact, the residents have to purchase bottled fresh air! Also in the story, we are introduced to 12-year old Ted (Zac Efron) who discovers that his crush Audrey (Taylor Swift) only wants one thing – to see a long-extinct Truffal Tree. Being that there are no real trees in Thneedville, Ted ventures out of the city into a desolate wasteland on an adventure to find what he’s looking for, meeting many others along the way. This new release offers lots of original music and an unexpected addition to the story.

New on DVD:

In Theaters August 15 - Rated PG

Director/writer Peter Hedges brings enchantment to the screen in this new movie, an inspiring, magical story about a couple who is happily married, but anxiously awaiting the start of a family. Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton) dream about what their child will be like, but never in their wildest dreams think he might show up on their doorstep on a stormy night. This couple, along with the entire small town of Stanleyville, learns a great lesson that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts

Family Films

Family Films & Books

Good Reads

Rocket WRites a stoRyages 4 & Up

This book is a sequel to the New York Times

bestselling book How Rocket Learned to Read and your kids will find this read irresistible! Kirkus Reviews states that this book is “a perfect choice to inspire new readers and writers.”

In this story, Rocket loves books and has a desire to make his own – but he can’t think of a story! A little bird encourages him to look closely at the world around him, and Rocket sets out to do just that. As he looks, he discovers all sorts of details in the world that he has never noticed before, such as a timid baby owl who becomes his friend…and an idea for a story. Kids, parents,

teachers librarians will all love this book!

ages 7 and up

Here we have another good adventure from the New York Times bestselling middle-grade series – The

Magic Tree House – where Jack and Annie get ready for time travel! This brother/sister team travels back in time to find a certain food – the fourth thing they need to save Merlin’s penguin, Penny. However, the magic tree house whisks them away to a village in Southeast China, near a famous panda reserve.

Will this be an easy adventure? No way! It doesn’t take long for Jack and Annie to realize that they’ve arrived on the day of a historic earthquake! Find out how they survive and if they are able to rescue the pandas, and if they get back to the tree house to save Penny.

Mary Pope Osborne again delivers a fast-paced adventure full of danger, mystery, and magic!

a PeRFect time FoR Panda


Don’t Sweat the Summer Heat...

King’s Daughters Clinic 254-298-2400 1905 SW HK Dodgen Loop • Temple, TX 76502

Come visit our Pediatricians this month in an effort to prepare your child for the new school year ahead. We’ll take care of the sports physicals as well as any immunizations.

Visit our website: www.kdclinic.com

Bethany Black, MD Richard Olufs, MD Rebecca Riser, MD David Reddell, MD

bell county family

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