From the Editor | October & November 2022
Tex Appeal takes a little different approach to our usual fare of stories from in and around Bell County. We shook things up a bit and threw ’em against a wall to see what stuck. Here’s what we came up with:
Being Central Texan looks at a famous past resident, “Agent Zed” whom you might know as Temple’s own Rip Torn, whose prolific acting career was shaped by his early years in Bell County.
CenTex Ed looks at Career and Technology Education: Not Your Traditional Vocational Classes, educational offerings for today’s area high school students.
We introduce our newest feature, Faith, with a story about First Blessing, an organization that helps area kids get into a new pair of shoes here.
There’s a lot to see in Scene this issue. We went to the Central Texas State Fair, one of Academy High School’s football games, and the Harker Heights Food, Wine & Brew Fest.
Flavours features The Gin at Nolan Creek in Belton and the fantastic new menu brought to you by its new ownership.
The Review recommends Between Two Kingdoms, a memoir about Suleika Jaouad’s battle with cancer, Audrey Blake‘s fictional series about women practicing medicine in 19th century Europe, and Olivia Campbell’s biography Women in White Coats, which shares the story of Elizabeth Blackwell and other pioneering women doctors.
We introduce another new feature, Teen Review, written by a local teen writer, Phoenix Carlisle, who tells about an Irish young adult novel, Normal People.
Tex Messages puzzles over the strange and wonderful Texas tradition of massive HOCO mums. This one is a favorite of mine. I cackled as I wrote it and I hope you’ll laugh with me as you read it.
CenTex Past reminds us of the fantastic Czech heritage of Texas, especially here, and the history leading up to the Czech diaspora to America. History buffs will also enjoy our special story on historical markers of health care past in Bell County.
Daytrippin’ takes us to Marlin, home of hot mineral springs that once drew thousands of people for its healing properties back in the early 20th century and is now luring tourists back for its novelty.
Put your dancing shoes on and join us at Salado’s Art of Dance in our Entrepreneur feature to learn about the new business with a creative twist.
Health and Wellness columnist Carey Stites continues sharing reports of her cancer battle and what you need to know for a conversation with an oncologist.
Our special on Central Texas Health Care Professionals includes a look at a doctor on the move, Meredith Kennedy, Ph.D. and physical therapist who makes house calls, as well as other health care professionals to know.
Altrusa’s popular Taste of the Holidays event returns this year after a long, COVID-induced hiatus and the details of what’s coming can be found here.
Some of your favorite features, such as Neighbor and Meet the Makers will return in an expanded fashion for Christmas in our upcoming Holiday issue. We’ll also celebrate Tex Appeal’s 10th anniversary in print. Yes! It’s really been a decade of telling Central Texas stories and we’re looking forward to many more.
Happy Halloween and Thanksgiving, y’all!