From the Editor | Winter 2021-22
Season’s Greetings, Central Texas. With Halloween and Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to think about the holidays ahead. If that includes starting your Christmas shopping because you wait until December like I do, then you might look in to the independent and local shops right here in our region for gifts. In this issue, we introduce you to some new faces on the locally owned business scene, as well as some familiar ones just in time for your last minute holiday shopping.
Of the new faces on the business scene here, Marquita Everson of Hidden Treasures Boutique in Salado pairs people and outfits with self-esteem and service on page 34, and Lexy Carlson of Opal x June moved from a career in television to one in wearable art and retail business in Belton on page 38.
Leila Valchar of My Giving Tree Gift Shop and Art Gallery shares her faith and business philosophy regarding her eclectic gift shop in Belton on page 28.
Neighbor Rodney Duckett of Impac Outreach tells how his military service led him to community service helping at-risk children and teens become better community members on page 8.
Fort Hood Friend, Staff Sgt. Robby Estrada is a softball coach who became an Army surgical technician. Find out what motivated the big career change on page 50.
Stop by for a new Flavours spin on some breakfast and lunch favorites with Elaine Montalbo of Suzy Q’s Coffee Shop and Café on page 16.
Scene celebrates the St. Joseph Catholic Church and Academy’s 41st Fest-Of-All and the West Temple Oktoberfest, and you can see what your CenTex neighbors have been up to at these events on pages 12 and 14.
Attorney Wayne Bachus shares what he loves most about Being Central Texan and tells of people and places from his own youth on page 58.
We introduce a new feature, CenTex Past, with the tale of Killeen’s own Oveta Culp Hobby who left a lasting impact on our nation, the lives of women and why her name graces so many buildings around Texas, including those on post at Fort Hood on page 54.
Health & Wellness looks at holiday stress-busters on page 60.
Day Trippin’ visits the Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown to see what’s planned for the holiday season on page 62.
And don’t miss the Holiday Gift Guide on page 42 for gift ideas, especially for the hard-to-buy family members and friends on your gift list.
December marks the beginning of my third year as Tex Appeal Magazine’s editor. I love telling Central Texas stories and if you have a story idea for future issues or just want to tell us what you think about past ones, send me an email at editor@texappealmag.com or call me at 254-774-5266. We’d love to hear from you.
Janna Zepp
Tex Appeal editor
