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Copyright 2012 Image Central Media.All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. 35 Central and the 35 Central logo are

trademarks of Image Central Media LLC.

Publisher’s Letter

Lynda PohlPublisher | Editorlynda@35central.com254.624.9041

Julie NaboursLead DesignerPhotographerads@35central.com

Casey Binder35 Central Kids Designer

Giselle CallahanEditorial AssistantAccount Executive

Chasity BlackwellPhotographer

A special thank you to featured pho-tographers Kelly Hosch Photography, Blackwell Photography, Jewels Av-enue Photography, Lone Star Pin-up, Chitwood Photography, McGowan Images & Bruce Vasbinder.

35 Central MagazinePO Box 1062Belton, TX 76513

ads@35central.com

Founded in 2008, 35 Central, formally N2 Magazine is a locally owned Cen-tral Texas guide to shopping, dining and culture.

is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - I Corinthians 1:13

The word Love describes so many Central Texans. With the exception on the boast and proud part of that famous verse. We all are proud to live here and like to boast about our growing community! This issue has things our team has discovered locally that we Love, events where people have shown their Love in our community for others and their passion.

Our Team loves a great party! Each year 35 Central Photographers enjoy going to events that support our community and capturing local style. The Texas Chic of Paint The Ranch Red and Cattle Barron’s Ball to the elegance of the Metroplex Gala and Temple’s Caring Ball we see some beautiful styles that may be found in our Central Texas boutiques. If there’s one night in your young-adult’s life that they will never forget, it’s defi-nitely prom nightT here are months of anxious anticipation, as they start to plan out what you’re going to wear! The fun Prom styles scene at market impact evening wear that will be scene at local events this year by our Central Texas fashionistas! Enjoy this edition and next month’s peek into Prom style!

When you are in love you will know it, and you will feel it. Love comes natu-rally. I love my husband of 20 years and my four children more than I can ever say. I love living here in Central Texas and all our local boutique busi-nesses. Thank you for supporting 35Central Magazine and the businesses we feature in the magazine. Love perseveres even in a tight economy. Please support local business!

Warmest Regards,Lynda Pohl35 Central Magazine Publisher

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INSIDE February 2012

Features Lovely ThingsLovely StyleFood We LoveMusic We LoveKCNT Wine TastingThe Historic Gin CanstructionSalado Sculpture GardenTable ToppersSalute the ArtsVive Les Arts

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Sections BeltonRogersSaladoTempleWaco190 West

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ON THE COVERErin Shephard, owner of Lone Star Pin-up,Killeenwww.erinshephard.com | 254.307.7427

Lone Star Pin-up is a retro portrait studio located in Killeen, TX. Specializing in vintage - style ima-gry, their goal is to transform you into a pin-up bombshell.

When you see this on an ad, use your smart phone to scan it and it will direct you to more infor-mation on the advertiser.You will need to download a QR reader app to use this feature.

scan me!

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2011 Bridal Trends Brides in 2011 embraced what we would like to call Vintage Chic and Texas Chic. These styles bring in simple elements that have spe-cial meaning to the couples and their families. Even in a tighter econ-omy it does not stop Central Texans from having the wedding of

ViNTaGE CHiC Brides are bringing back just about everything from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s except the puffy sleeved wedding gown. Seating displays, table settings and decorations are all taking on an aged feel. Achieve this feeling by including a family tradition started by your great grandmoth-er or putting old wedding photos from both of your families on the tables.

TExas CHiC weddings we saw more outdoor weddings using natural rustic elements paired with a little burlap and lace. Plate chargers may be cut wood,custom cowgirl boots, and mason jars became a popular decorative and serving item.

THE BROaCH BOuquET was seen as a beautiful heirloom full of memo-ries for brides made with new and family vintage pieces of jewelry.

TwO DREssEs. Brides did not settle on one dress. The ceremony dress re-mained a beautiful traditional formal statement down the aisle. Many brides surprised their guests upon entering the reception with her groom in short cocktail style dresses easy for dancing the night away!

Pick up the latest issue of the Central Texas Bride Guide at any local wedding venue, bridal store, caterer, or forist in Central Texas for event and wedding ideas for 2012! Please send local weddings to

ads@thetexasbrideguide8 Photo by Chitwood Photography

Roses and romance are the things that come to mind when thinking of February! 35 Central Magazine is a lifestyle magazine committed to highlighting Central Texans unique businesses, their art, their culture, their talent and their passion. In spring 2011 we discovered we could not possibly fit all the glamour and talent of wedding professionals in central Texas into just one magazine. The Central Texas Bride Guide was born to highlight our local Brides and the wedding professionals that make memories for them.

Over the past year it has been an honor to highlight our brides and we are looking forward to 2012 brides!

2012 Bridal Trends In the past, weddings were over the top and flashy.But as we approach 2012, the trends seem to be shifting toward more socially responsible, understated weddings. Brides are swapping 1000 guests to 100 of their closest friends and family. They are spending less money on more eco-friendly things. Times are changing, and here’s how you can keep up.

ViNTaGE THEmE Something old is continuing to take over in 2012.

GO GREEN Many brides are giving up traditional wedding planning and opting for a green wedding. Choosing locally grown flowers, trees, herbs, and succulent plants that may be reused, recycled invitations, and re purposing old items to become centerpieces has become a popu-lar style. Brides are not only saving money, but the environment as well.

PREPPy is COmiNG BaCk! The clean and crisp look of the preppy style is beginning to appear in 2012. Tangerine or pink with navy and white colors partnered with patterns of argyle, stripes, or plaids in the men’s ties, ribbons or bouquets will be seen this summer. Think yacht club!

THiNk OuTsiDE THE CHuRCH More and more couples are opting to be married in a location other than a church. Outdoor weddings and weddings in interest-ing locations have become a popular way to make your wedding stand out.

THE FOREVER TREND Of course the lasting trend for weddings no matter the year is to make them your own. Settling on a wedding theme that you love is what is most important. Do what you and your husband-to-be feel comfortable with, and you might end up inspiring the next year’s trends! 9Photo by McGowan Images

10 Designer: Tony Bowls, Georgio’s Bridal and Prom, Waco

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BLiNG! Is there such a thing as OD’ing on bling? We didn’t think so! Every line has multiple all sequined, beaded, or rhinestone gowns. Some lines are only made up of such gowns.

Lace! Lace is definitely in! It is being used as an accent or a small embel-lishment to make for an elegant look on some beautiful gowns. Look for lace bodices, large ruffles for skirts, or even underlays.

Feathers! This fun and flirty embellish-ment was seen all throughout market. From ball gowns to cocktail dresses, feathers make for a truly unique touch.

mirrors! We have to admit, Sherri Hill started this trend last year and it is not going anywhere soon. You will see mir-rors on tons of dresses in every line. The chunky cracked glass bead or large chunky jewels make a statement on dresses this year as well.

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special Event FlowersPrecious Memories in Temple has a long standing tradition of creating floral art, especially when it comes to Homecoming or Prom! Corsages not only go with the outfit but have details that reflect the personalities and likes of the couple. Details from a charm placed in the corsage, wild ribbon mixed with lights to dance the night away, tropical unique flow-ers like Monkey Tails and vibrant orchids to romantic roses. A corsage may be created as a winding arm corsage, shoulder, wrist or even worn on the leg.

Colors! For the majority of dresses, bold colors are in. Expect to see bold pinks, reds, teals, blacks, etc... White will again be another popular color as will nude and even a nude/black combination.

Dresses:

Page 10 pink - Provided by Georgio’s Bridal and Prom, Waco, TX 254.772.0265 , Designer: Tony Bowls

Following dresses provided by Cinderella Couture Bridals, Belton, TX 254.933.9993

Purple peacock long Designer: MacDuggalBlack short Dress Designer:Sherri HillRose Top / Black Designer: Terrani CoutureFeather (pink & purple) Designer: MacDuggalTurquoise Designer: Cinderella Design

Photos by Jewels avenue Photography, 254.913.2116

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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta“Nawlins Style for Mardi Gras!”

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into thin strips

4 ounces linguine , cooked al dente

2 teaspoons cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons butter

1 thinly sliced green onion

1-2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon basil

1⁄8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder

¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

Directions1. Place chicken and Cajun season-ing in a bowl and toss to coat.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute chicken in butter or margarine until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through.

4. Pour over hot linguine and toss with Parmesan cheese.

5. Garnish with fresh basil

ENJOY!

Touch of Class is a five-piece band from Central Texas play-ing the greatest hits of the 1950’s through today. We call it Rhythm, Rhyme, and Romance

254.939.0279 or 254.721.5116www.touchofclasstx.com

Ruby Creek is a rockin Texas country dance band in the Central Texas area performing the songs of many classic artists as well as some Top 40 Hits. Ruby Creek’s cover material includes numerous selections from Rodney Foster, George Strait, Earle Thomas Conley and many more. Their rep-ertoire continually grows. God, Texas, Country & Music is what Ruby Creek is all about. It’s real.

254.722.8110rubycreekmusic@gmail.com

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The KNCT Wine Tasting is near and dear to the hearts of 35 Central Magazine. This was the first event we sponsored and helped to launch when our publication began 4 years ago.This year’s three-hour wine tasting event featured more than 150 wine selections from vineyards right here in Central Tex-as in addition to some from around the world. The wines were perfectly paired with heavy appetizers and desserts byClassic Catering of Temple and coffee from the Coffee Beanery.

Here are just a few of our local favorites 35 Central Magazine would recommend you take a drive and try!

PILLAR BLuFF VINEYARD, LAMPASAS 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Red:cedar, tobacco, raspberry

TEXAS LEGATO, LAMPASAS Malbee Red: 5 grapes, fruity, smooth

FIESTA VINEYARD & WINERY Skinny Dippin White: Artisan well, white cranberry, fruity

GEORGETOWN WINERY Cabernet Sauvignon Red: Sweet Pine Apple, French Oak, Dry

SALADO CREEK Salado Sweet White White: Late harvest 4 wk extra vine ripe

DANCING BEE WINERY Blackberry Mead-Melomel Red: Clover Honey, Washington Blackberries

PILOT KNOB VINEYARD Viognier White: Honey Suckle, Citrus finish, French Bridal

“Commercial Stations are allowed to sell advertising,” said Pat McCray, mem-bership director for KCNT. “The way we are set up is that we have to come to the local community to ask for funding. Attending the Classic helps keep all the pro-gramming people have come to love - such as how-to shows, the arts, new pro-grams and childrens’ programs - on both public TV and radio,” said McCray. “A lot of times, people are intimidated by picking wines in the store. This is an opportunity for people who dont know a lot about wine to come out and try something new.

For seasoned wine tasters, the Classic provides a change to talk with vine-yards about their wines and the different wine making processes used

SALADO WINE SELLER Night Flight-Roussanne White: Oldest winery in Salado, dry wine, unfiltered

FALL CREEK VINEYARDS Ed’s Smooth Red Red: Red wine with training wheels, smooth

INWOOD ESTATE WINERY Magellan Red: Floral, Lavender, Violet

VINEYARD AT FLORENCE 2010 Estate Aurella White: Fruit, Citrus, Tropical, Butter finish

Specs (Celebrating their big 50th year!) Wines from Italy, Argentina, Australia

*order listed is the order wine was tasted

Thank you to everyone in the Central Texas community that came out to enjoy the wine tasting and help keep public broadcasting on the air!

Photos courtesy of Bruce Vasbinder

17Photos courtesy of Bruce Vasbinder

18 Photo by Jewels Avenue Photography

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A pioneer town in 1850, incorporated in 1852, Belton was the first town in Bell County and the last civilization at that time on the way West for those traveling by horseback or wagon trail. Many of the buildings built in the mid-1800s are still standing including the A.D. Potts Building, now Cochran, Blair & Potts (also known as the oldest department store in Texas). Another establishment from that era is the Lena Armstrong Public Library. It began as the Women’s Wednesday Club Library in a room in the Central Hotel.

Although the library has changed locations multiple times due to expansion it remains an important part of Belton’s community and history. In December of 1998, the library was renamed the Lena Armstrong Public Library after a great librarian who served the community for fifty-two years.

Numerous notable people grew up or were born in Belton. Ac-tor George Eads grew up in Belton and graduated from Belton High School in 1985. Other Belton High graduates include actress Ruby Youngblood who starred in Mel Gibson’s film Apocalypto and graduating in 2009, model Jaclyn Poole from cycle sixteen of America’s Next Top Model. Little River Band musician Chris Marion was born in Belton in 1962. A more recent fame, Pat Seals the bass player from alternative rock band Flyleaf is from Belton.

The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame was found-ed by Belton businessmen including Ford dealer John-ny Boren the then manager of the Professional Ro-deo Cowboy Association (PRCA) Lone Star Circuit. See local rodeos in Belton year round at the Bell County Expo Center.

Interested in shopping? Monthly Market Day is held every third Sat-urday in historic downtown Belton. For home decor and boutique specialty pieces visit the Belton Brickwood located in The Gin Complex next to the Woodhouse Day Spa. While there, complete your day by having lunch at the upscale The Gin at Nolan Creek restaurant or a sweet treat at delightful Weigh Station Yogurt.

Nolan Creek, named for Phillip Nolan an early 19th cen-tury adventurer, runs nine and a half miles through great-er Belton and Bell County. It is the perfect location for a family photo shoot or a creekside outdoor wedding.

Belton and the nearby Morgan’s Point Resort are home to a variety of wildlife species including deer, skunks, rabbits, foxes, hawks and owls, possums, raccoons and even rumored mountain lions. Now through summer is perfect weather to visit Miller Springs: Located right along Belton Dam, this 260 acre outdoor nature center offers a great area for hiking, picnicking, wildlife observation and fishing.

The Historic

downtown Belton, TxGIN at Nolan Creek

The Gin, originally Farmer's Gin and Co-Op built in Belton in 1928, was purchased by Robert Dominguez in 2004. Today, The Gin at Nolan Creek is a partnership between Dominguez, Terry, Goodhue Smith, III, and Rick Grinnan, Jr, Bob Terry “Big Bob’s Steakhouse” in Cameron, & Evan Morrison of Waco. Both Smith and Grinnan own restaurants along the Riverwalk in San Antonio. The Gin has experienced many transformations throughout the years; from a cotton gin in the 1920’s, a feed store in the 1940’s then subsequently it fell into disrepair in the 2000’s. The biggest change has been the re-birth of The Gin Complex and The Gin at Nolan Creek.

For more information, please visit www.theginatnolancreek.com or www.thegin.net

219 S. East Street, Belton, TX | 254.613.4446

Welcome to the restoration of The Gin’s past and future. The partners have kept the cotton gin nostalgia of the building, but promise Texas cuisine with mesquite-grilled steaks using the Terry family’s special sauce. Menu entrees are complimented by a variety of appetizers, specialty sandwiches, salads served with Terry’s homemade dressings, and delectable, homemade desserts. Dine in the loft overlooking historic Nolan Creek, or reserve one of two private dining rooms, each with private outdoor seating. Additional seating is available under the covered patio. The restaurant boasts alder wood throughout, a hand-crafted bar and beautiful stained glass to complete this tasteful renovation. The Gin at Nolan Creek is a spectacular hand-crafted bar and beautiful stained glass to complete this tasteful renovation. The Gin at Nolan Creek is a spectacular addition to Belton and is sure to “wow” guests with amazing food and fantastic service.

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Photos by Blackwell Photography

Now booking 2012 and 2013 Seniors!

254.913.2116

www.jewelsavenuephoto.com21

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For reservations call Donna Dunn at 254-913-1705

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This year’s event again took place at the Campus Mayborn Center lo-cated on the campus of the university of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Eleven teams from the community entered the competition. The Jurors Panel in-cluded KCEN’s Chief Meteorologist, Andy Andersen, uMHB Chancel-lor, Dr. Jerry Bawcom, Bell County Judge, Gregory K. Simmons and the Temple Cultural Activities Center’s Visual Arts Director, Marilyn Ritchie.All structures were on display to the public for free on Friday, February 3rd and Saturday, February 4th. Canstruction Belton invited all who came to bring a a non-perishable food item or a $1 donation as ad-mission. At the completion of Canstruction Belton, all of the cans of food were taken down and transport-ed to Helping Hands Ministry of Belton. The food will be used to bolster the food pantry of Helping Hands. All other funds raised from the weekend will be used to purchase food for those in need in our community.

HOW WAS THIS ACCOMPLISHED?

A competing team is a group of five official members and at least one designing mentor. The teams can be ar-chitectural, engineering or building firms, church, civic or school groups or simply neighbors and friends. Teams enlist a “supporting cast” whose job it is to fund raise, design and acquire cans for the competition. All canned goods from the competition are used to help stock the food pantry of Helping Hands Ministry in Belton. The team mentors may be builders, engineers, architects or interior designers. (The mentor may or may not be an official team member.) During the time of the 3 hour competition five people may build at one time but may also sub-stitute members from its supporting cast to build. The teams are completely responsible for providing all cans needed for their canned structures. The structures built by the teams must have a minimum of 1,000 cans. The space provided is 10’x10’x8’. At the competition’s conclusion, the structures were judged by a celebrity jury.

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For more information, or to make a donation, please contact Helping Hands Ministries at 254.939.7355

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Founded in 1884 as a railroad town, Rogers began with a post office, three churches and a cotton gin with a popu-lation of 150. Cotton and cattle were Rogers’ main prod-ucts; by 1918 Rogers shipped more cotton than any town in Texas. In 1899 the newly elected mayor had a two-story building constructed and utilized the second story as an opera house. One of the smaller towns in Central Texas, Rogers’ current population is near 1150 people.

In 1931, Alvin Ailey, a world-renowned dancer and choreographer, was born in Rogers. At 12, he moved to Los Angeles with his mother and began formal dance training with Lester Horton Dance theater. In 1953 after Horton’s death, he became director of the company and in 1954 was invited to dance in the Broadway musi-cal House of Flowers. In 1958 he founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, in 1969 the Alvin Ailey Dance Center and in 1974 the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble. He was a pioneer of Arts Education and in 1988 he received a Kennedy Center Honor in recognition for his contribu-tion to American culture. While the Ailey School of dance lives on, Alvin Ailey passed away in December of 1989.

Rogers was also the hometown of singer song-writer Jo-seph Arrington who lived from August 1933 to August 1982. Better known as “Joe Tex,” the famous Southern soul singer’s career began at the famous Apollo. He was most popular during the 1960s and 70s and had a style of talking over music (his self-proclaimed “rap”) which was an original version of some modern day music.

According to www.speedtrap.org, Rogers maintains a 30 mile per hour speed limit for two blocks of high-way 36 noted as the “beautiful downtown Rogers.” This area is patrolled heavily by local law enforce-ment, so watch out; the speed limit quickly drops from 70 down to 30, barely enough time to slow down.

While in Rogers, you absolutely must visit Veranda Bloom and the Cottage, both boutiques run by a mother-daughter team. Veranda Bloom boasts a Tuscan French style offering antiques, furnishings, fashion, purses and jewelry. On the other hand the Cottage has more of a shabby chic country feel of-fering antiques and other one-of-a-kind pieces. Both shops offer fantastic service and warming hospitality.

Salado has long been known for its beautiful Salado Creek, unique shopping experience and outstanding art and artists. This Spring it will also be known as a place where one can come and explore an outdoor Sculpture Garden.

The garden is the vision of the Public Arts League of Salado and Keep Salado Beautiful. It is situated in a lovely natural landscape connected by gentle walkways and seating

all through the area making fine art accessible to everyone and where one can view the creativity of a diverse group of artists - varying ages, life experiences, male and fe-male - living and working locally and regionally.

This first exhibit will showcase many of the celebrated Salado artists. The artists that

will have sculptures in this inaugural ex-hibit are Ronnie Wells of Salado and Bob Guelich of San Antonio, both who have found inspiration in the natural environ-ment, especially wildlife. Well known Salado artists include Sandra and Lon-nie Edwards, Jill and Johnny Shipman,

Melissa Paxton, Troy Kelley, and Aaron Gist. Bob Rynearson of Temple, Dan

Pogue of Marble Falls and Richard Mocco (1942-2010) are also featured. Images of

stone, bronze and steel will fill the open space.

The garden was designed with the help of Texas Master Gardeners and Master Natu-ralists and will in the future become a certified Texas Wildscape. Pocket gardens of

drought-tolerant native plants are incorporated amongst the trees and the wan-dering dry creek that meanders through the meadow. The pocket gardens were

established to provide seasonal color and to attract wildlife.

Salado can be proud of this new venture to integrate art into the daily lives of local residents and visitors to the community. We invite you, your friends and

family to nurture your spirit your imagination and enrich your life in Salado. Located on the north side of Salado at 113 Salado Plaza Drive it will be

open from 9 am - 5 pm every day. It is free and open to the public.

Sculpture Garden

The historic town was officially established in 1867 for the sole purpose of building a bridge over Salado Creek. The Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive ran through Salado from 1866 until 1885 stopping at the Stage-coach Inn which is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Texas. Famous passers-through include Robert E. Lee, General George Custer and Stephen F. Austin.

Still open for locals and travelers today right off of I-35, Stagecoach Inn offers fine dining or margaritas on the patio to complement a fun day of boutique shopping.

World famous painter, Thomas Kinkade maintains a gal-lery in Salado. Also known as the Painter of Light, over the past 25 years, he has painted over 1000 master-works on subjects ranging from gorgeous nature scenes to powerful seascapes to Disney themed masterpiec-es. Other accomplishments include reaching the New York Times and uSA Today best seller lists, raising millions of dollars for charity and receiving multiple awards.

Full of galleries and eclectic shops and boutiques, Main Street Salado is a top attraction in Texas tour-ism. Some fantastic places to visit include: The Apoth-ecary at Salado, the Howling Wolff, Panache, Adelea’s On Main and KiKi’s Creations. Salado is also home to two prominent vineyards and wineries in Texas includ-ing Rising Star Vineyards and Texas Cheesery and the Salado Creek Winery & Vineyard. For fine dining, the Range is the place to go. The Lounge at the Range and Salado Wine Seller offer scheduled live enter-tainment throughout the year. Planning an event? Tenroc Ranch offers two beautiful event spaces, Blue Heron and Sirena, sure to impress all of your guests.

The Salado Silver Spur Theater is a one-of-a-kind experi-ence, there is no other theater like it in the state. Of-fering year round family-style vaudeville entertainment live on stage or screen black and white era, the Silver Spur puts out one original melodrama each summer, sure to be all the rage. This is also where President Bush and Laura Bush held their daughter Jenna’s bridal dinner. Tablerock Theater also offers scheduled plays.

Salado Civic Center is the site for multiple fes-tivals throughout the year including this year’s 12th Annual Wildflower Art Fair and the 45th An-nual Art Fair in Salado. The Salado Wine Seller will host the 3rd Annual uncorked Juried Art Show and the Texas Wine & Rogue Art Festival. Salado also hosts a Chocolate & Wine Weekend each year.

The Range Restaurant and Lounge

KiKi Creations

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Temple was founded in January of 1881 by the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railway Company as a major junction point to provide services for railroad equipment and passengers. Originally a wild frontier, the railroad brought women, children, china, crystal and all the touches of modern society which led to speedy growth.

In 1924 Miriam “Ma” Ferguson became the first female governor of Texas, the second in uS history at that time,

following the resignation of her husband due to im-peachment charges brought by the Senate. She served two terms 1923 and 1932 and supported funding for higher education, social security for the elderly and the trade union movement. She was born in Bell County in 1875, received higher education at Salado College and Baylor university, played an active roll in politics and died in 1961. Her Temple home, the then Governor’s Mansion, is currently up for sale on 7th Street in the historic district.

Originating in 1881 from the Gulf, Colorado & San-ta Fe Railway Hospital, Temple is one of the largest medical cities in Texas. Built in 1896, King’s Daugh-ter’s Hospital was constructed to cater to non-railway community members and help those less fortunate. In 1904 the Temple Sanitarium, now the re-nowned Scott & White Memorial Hospital, opened. It is currently one of the Top 100 Hospitals in The united States. Temple also boasts the Olin E. Teague Veter-ans’ Memorial Hospital, one of the largest in Texas.

Temple is home to a thriving art community: The Cul-tural Activities Center (CAC) is a home to a num-ber of groups including the Chisholm Trail Chorus of Sweet Adelines International and the Texas Coun-try Gentlemen’s signing group. Many other groups meet there including the Central Texas Pastel Society, Wildflower Quilt Guild and the Central Texas Photo-graphic Club. Other members of the community are the Temple Civic Theater, the Mary Alice Marshall Per-forming Arts Center at Temple College, the Temple Symphony Orchestra and Temple Jazz Orchestra.

Out shopping? The go-to boutiques include Brickwood, Precious Memories Florist & Gifts, Your French Cousin and Callie’s. For optimal lunch options in Temple, you MuST visit Megg’s Cafe or The Red Door Cafe inside of Your French Cousin. For some downtown dinner choic-es, try Pignetti’s Italian Restaurant, the Old Jody’s and Cheeve’s Bros. Steak House... Interested in after-dinner drinks? While downtown, swing by J. Kowboy Wine Bar for just a few beers or an upscale wine tasting experience.

Arrangement by Precious Memories Florist

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The Waco Symphony Orchestra has been bringing the fin-est international artists to Central Texas since 1961. The or-chestra will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary season this year and 25 years with music director-conductor Stephen Heyde. Some famous and captivating artists this year in-clude Joshua Bell, Andre Watts and Jose Fegali−the last a gold medal winner of the 7th Van Cliburn Internation-al Piano competition. For a unique Valentine’s musical

experience, The Waco Symphony Orchestra is featuring Chris Botti to be held at the Grand Masonic Lodge. The following month, James Pitts, a Waco native and ac-tive piano soloist, will give a performance on the 24th.

Waco is home to Baylor university which is well known for both academics and athletics. The biggest event in Baylor’s athletic history was when Robert Griffin, III won the Heisman Trophy for football season 2011. The Heis-man Trophy Trust of New York City was created in 1935 to award the most outstanding college football player in the united States. Less than 80 total have been giv-en out since then; this is an extremely exclusive honor for a the extremely exceptional Baylor football star.

Before his death in 1977, music legend Elvis Presley dined frequently at the Elite Cafe in Waco. His favor-ite there: Fried peanut butter and banana sandwich-es with extra crisp bacon. When you frequent Waco, be sure to visit Dazzlz a luxury boutique, Courtney’s a designer clothing and jewelry shop, Courtney’s Too for upscale baby and toddler clothing and acces-sories, Lilly Lane Home and the Fifth Avenue Salon.

Cameron Park Zoo is home to 1731 animals, 300 spe-cies and over 52 acres of flourishing natural plant life, gorgeous lakes and ponds and flowing waterfalls. In addition to multiple natural habitats and encounters, in 2009 Cameron Park Zoo incorporated an Asian Forest−home to three endangered species including Orang-utans, Sumatran Tigers and Komodo Dragons. The zoo is sure to be an exciting trip on the Brazos for any family.

When completed in 1870, Waco’s historic suspension bridge was the longest west of the Mississippi. Stand-ing for well over a century, the bridge was built with the same cable from John Roebling Co. as New York’s famous Brooklyn Bridge. Near three Waco parks (Fort Fisher, Martin Luther King Jr. and Indian Spring), the bridge is an icon in Waco community and history.

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march 23rd Phoenix Ballroom 401 s. Third st. Cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m. auctions, food, awards and dance from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Reservations Call 752-4371. Online: artcenterwaco.org

Table ToppersTable Toppers is a popular event that benefits the Waco Art Center is March 23rd at the beau-tiful Phoenix Ballroom, 401 S. Third St. downtown Waco. Cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m. Auc-tions, food, awards and dance from 8 p.m. to midnight. Guests can experience imaginative ta-blescapes created by some of Waco’s top floral designers, retail shops and local businesses.“This is a good way for businesses to show their creativity,” said Bloomingals’ Kim Seesi-ng, “The best tables are created by people who decide on a theme and car-ry it all the way through, from their placemats to chair covers to the centerpiece.”

Table Toppers also features a silent auction, celebrity waiters, valet parking and a raffle of some bigger do-nated items. The Volunteer of the Year award, the Tabletop Award, which recognizes the designer who best incorporates a theme in their tablescape, and the Special Recognition Award will be presented. Proceeds will support the summer art camp education program and enable children to explore their creative side.

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Killeen began as a Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Rail-road town in 1882 with a fanciful legend of Wild Bill Scoggins lassoing a smoke stack on a Santa Fe en-gine. Killeen is named after Frank P. Killeen, a railroad official out of Galveston who never actually set foot in the city which had a population of only 300 in the 1880’s. In 1942 Camp Hood, now Ft. Hood, was estab-lished and Killeen’s population grew rapidly. Now

home to nearly 127,000, Killeen is booming economi-cally and population wise with the help of the military base. In addition to Killeen, 190 West includes Harker Heights, Nolanville and Copperas Cove.

Surrounded by two lakes, Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake, Killeen is never short on outdoor en-tertainment. Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) is located on Ft. Hood yet is open to the public. Amenities include picnic areas, campsites, horseback riding and in the summer months jet ski and paddleboat rentals, waterslides and beaches. Year round both lakes offer excellent fishing and camping opportunities.

Located on the campus of Central Texas College in Killeen, the Mayborn Planetarium & Space Theater allows visitors to adventure on a journey through time and space. The full 60’ dome screen gives viewers the sense of floating in space. Always educational, the Planetarium offers shows such as Sea Monsters, Wild West Weather in the Solar System and Laser Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon.

With the summer months right around the corner, it is time to look your best and prepare your skin for the Texas sun. RAIN Skin & Body offers laser hair removal, IPL laser skin rejuvenation, Hydrafacial™ and crystal-free microdermabrasion, Botox® and Juvederm® injectables, laser vein therapy, chemical peels, per-sonalized facials and more. Located in Harker Heights, RAIN Skin & Body is just minutes away from helping you look and feel your best.

Texas A&M university recently branched out to Killeen converting the once Tarleton State university campus in 2009. Currently serving over 2,500 students, the uni-versity offers undergraduate degrees in 38 areas and graduate degrees in 26 areas. Looking to go back to school? Texas A&M Central Texas offers a wide range of classes, either on campus or online, flexible enough to fit into any schedule.

Performance of The Color Purple at the Vive Les Arts Theater, Killeen TX, pg. 44

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Help salute the arts!The festival is a collaborative effort of the Killeen Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Killeen and the Killeen Independent School District which draws more than 3,000 attendees each year.

The events kick off with the KISD student art show on Monday, February 27. A preview party will be held on Friday evening, March 2, to showcase the artists and their works. A select group of business

and military professionals from the area will enjoy gourmet fare while viewing featured artworks. On Saturday, the event is opened to the general public free of charge.

Highlights of the ‘Artists and Authors’ event include:

-A juried art show featuring professional artists who work in a variety of mediums

-Book sales and signings with a host of celebrated children’s, teen and adult authors

-Book sales and signings with some of the most popular children’s book illustrators

-Story Time with children’s authors and illustrators

Authors will line the halls of our beautiful Killeen Civic & Conference Center with a host of authors and book illustrators. Each author and/or illustrator will be able to sign their works and chat with fans of all ages throughout the day.

There will also be an on-site sculpture contestup to ten (10) artists will be selected to participate in this category. Limestone blocks measuring 24” by 24” by 36” will be provided for sculptors to carve. Artists begin working on their sculpture Friday, March 2 from 8 a.m. to “chisel down” on Saturday, March 3rd at 4 p.m.

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44 Photos by Jewels Avenue Photography

35 Central had the honor of attending the moving performance of The Color Purple at Vive Les Arts Theatre in Killeen, Texas. The Color Purple is a 1982 novel by American author Alice Walker. It received the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction. It was later adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg.

Taking Place mostly in rural Georgia, the story focuses on female black life during the 1930s in the South, addressing the numerous social injustices they faced. Almost all performanc-es were sold out. Vive Les Arts community cast gave a stellar performance that at times brought tears to many eyes but ended with a standing ovation! Vive Les Arts was the first community theatre in the u. S. to be granted performance rights to this musical.

Vive Les Arts is a community theatre supported by the community that brings professional productions using local talent to Central Texas. It gives so many local Central Texans a time to shine on the big stage. They have recently welcomed new staff members Lauren Tyler from Baylor university and Charlotte Parker joining VLA from the Houston Ballet. Please make plans to join 35 Central Magazine for Legends ROCKS! Dinner, Auction & Show to help raise funding for another amazing season!

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March 2nd : Dinner, Auction & showMarch 3rd : Show Only

March 30th - 31st & April 1st, 6th - 7thSponsored by Central Texas’ Leading Ladies,

Texas A&M Central Texas

May 11th -12th & 18th -20th

Sponsored byKen & Suzi Chapman

The Spring Ballet

May 26th - 27th

missoula international Childrens’ Theatre TourSponsored by TCBY, Big Chief Distribution & Connell ChevroletJune 11th -16th & August 6th - 11th

HairspraySponsored by Toyota of KilleenJuly 20th - 21st, 27th - 29th, & August 3rd - 5th W

For more information on show times or to purchase tickets,

please visit

www.vlatheater.com

or call 254.526.6906