MONDAY OCTOBER 4, 2021

This year’s Chamber of Commerce Military & First Responder Appreciation Day will be a drive-thru box meal luncheon held Oct. 26 at Central Fire Station, 210 N. 3rd in Temple.

U.S. soldiers fix their plates during a pre-pandemic Military Appreciation Luncheon at Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center. This year, the luncheon will be a drive-thru event at Central Fire Station featuring a hamburger box meal. Courtesy photo

Appreciation Day luncheon is Oct. 26

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

The U.S. Army has been intertwined with the communities of Bell County ever since Fort Hood was established in 1942. The connection continues this month as the Temple Chamber of Commerce honors active duty military, veterans and first responders with an Appreciation Day luncheon.

In the past the event has been celebrated at Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center with great fanfare. But for the second consecutive year, the event has been simplified because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the Appreciation Day will be a drive-thru box luncheon held Oct. 26 at Central Fire Station, 210 N. 3rd in Temple. The box meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until the food is gone.

“We’re expecting about 3,000 this year,” said Rod Henry, president of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “I think last year we had about 2,500.”

The box lunches will consist of a burger, chips, a cookie and water, Henry said. “Its a simple meal, but we want to thank these people for their exceptional service during a difficult time.”

Until the pandemic, hundreds of area residents filled the Mayborn Center for the annual Military Appreciation Luncheon.

“This used to be a black-tie affair,” Henry said. The event was started years ago by Frank Mayborn, an economic leader and newspaper publisher. He was instrumental in getting Camp Hood — later renamed Fort Hood — located in Bell County.

Henry said the original event eventually became inactive but started up again as a luncheon 37 years ago.

“Appreciation Day gives the community a chance to interact with veterans, hear their stories and thank them for their service,” Henry said.

The event is a partnership between the Temple Chamber, American Legion Post No. 133 and H-E-B. It began as a way to honor those who served at nearby Fort Hood but the event has expanded in recent years to include veterans, Junior ROTC organizations and the National Guard.

Last year, the first year of pandemic-related changes to the Appreciation Day festivities, a box luncheon was held and a video program was released on social media and on YouTube, Henry said.

The 2021 event will honor active-duty military and veterans, area front-line health-care workers and more than a dozen first-responder organizations, he said.

First-responder groups invited to the luncheon include Temple, Belton, Morgan’s Point and Salado police and fire departments; Temple EMS and other ambulance services; Bell County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement, jailers and constables; and Veterans Administration security officers.

Volunteers pack lunch boxes to hand out during last year’s Appreciation Day Luncheon. Courtesy photo

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Temple Civic Theatre bazaar thrift sale

A shopper checks out a multi-colored blazer during the Temple Civic Theatre’s annual Bazaar Thrift Sale on Sunday. Hundreds of local residents rummaged through props, clothing from many theater performances, furniture and other fun finds. Two food trailers — one selling funnel cakes, the other grilled cheese sandwiches were also at the sale. A Carter Bloodmobile was conducting a blood drive in conjunction with the thrift sale. Photos by David Stone/Our Town

OUR TOWN SNAPSHOTS

Sunshine drenches a waterfall at Chalk Ridge Falls Park near Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir. The park is a popular destination for local hikers and those just looking for a peaceful getaway. Photo by Nanci Kelly/Nanci K Photography

Mostly blue skies greeted those attending the Texas Early Day Tractor & Engine Association’s 50th annual State Tractor, Engine and Truck Show on Saturday in Temple. Vintage tractors and farm equipment were the star attractions, but several Model-T owners in town for the Texas T Party also drew considerable attention. Photo by David Stone/Our Town

Our Town invites Bell County photographers to submit recent photos for publication. Photos must be of general interest to readers, taken within a week or two or publication, must be taken in Bell County or the surrounding area and must include a description. Include your name and contact information if you are a professional photographer so Our Town can give you credit.

Free concert Oct. 10 at Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church

The Texas Country Boys will perform at Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church on Sunday, Oct. 10. The music starts at 5 p.m. Food trucks will be on site and there is no charge for admission. Courtesy photo

WHAT’S HAPPENING CENTRAL TEXAS?

October 5, Tuesday - Temple’s National Night Out. 6:30 p.m.

October 7, Thursday - The Spazmatics, Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton. 6 p.m.

October 7, Thursday - Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Beginners Program. Temple Public Library. 5 p.m.

October 7, Thursday - Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing Company. Compete for bragging rights and brewery prizes. 7 p.m.

October 7-10 - The ghostly comedy "Blithe Spirit", Temple High School, Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. More information at:

http://www.ThespiansR.Us

October 8, Friday - Oktoberfest II in downtown Temple. Outdoor events on Main and 2nd Streets.

October 8, Friday - Painting with a Twist, 3 Texans Winery. 6:30 p.m.

October 8, Friday - Branded Heart live at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

October 8, Friday - Ethan Smith & The Dirt Revolution will be at O’Briens Irish Pub. 9 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Pre-Historic Fundraiser, Tiny Hooves Rescue & Petting Zoo. Seaton Star Hall. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Dark Explorers Paranormal Team will host a public investigation at The Book Cellar. No open-toe shoes. Bring Your Own Flashlight. 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

October 9, Saturday - Fall Festival Farmer’s Market. Walker Honey Farm. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - John Christopher Way and his crowd-pleasing music live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Fall Craft Extravaganza. Make leaf lanterns, fall wreaths, shrinky dinks, more. Temple Public Library, 2 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Downtown Temple Farmer’s Market. 2 North Main. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Shinyribs, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

October 9, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 11-17 - Hocus Pocus, The Beltonian Theatre, Belton. Noon.

October 12, Tuesday - Czech Film Night at The Beltonian. Free admission. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

October 15, Friday - Dancing music with Hyway Traveler at Bo’s Barn. 8  p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Van Cliburn Recital featuring Yekwon Sunwoo. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Belton. 7:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - West Temple Oktoberfest. 3 West Alehouse & Grill. 11 a.m.

October 16, Saturday - 35 South burns up the dance floor at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - St. Luke Fest 2021, raffle, petting zoo, live music, carnival games, food vendors, silent auction, bingo and more. St. Luke’s Catholic Church. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Cookie Decorating. Blackmon Community Center. 10 a.m.

October 16, Saturday - Michael Salgado at Schoepf’s BBQ in Belton, 6 p.m.

October 18-23 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Beltonian, Belton. 6-8 p.m.

October 19, Tuesday - UMHB Opera/Musical Theatre Scenes. A College of Visual & Performing Arts presentation. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

October 22, Friday - Unity Fest on the street in front of Ras Kitchen. Featuring Alex Marley and many other acts. 4 p.m. to midnight.

October 23, Saturday - Don Gregory Memorial Lions Club Golf Tournament. Sammons Golf Course. Contact Jeffrey Thigpen Thigpen.jeff@gmail.com to register or for sponsorship opportunities. 4-person scramble begins at 8:30 a.m.

October 23, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 23, Saturday - Fall Food Truck Festival, 3524 FM 2484 in Salado. Proceeds benefit Salado VFD. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..

October 26, Tuesday - The College of Visual & Performing Arts presents the UMHB Concert Choir and the Women’s Chorus. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

October 29, Friday - Uncasing of the Colors for the 607-member 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the 3rd Squadron, 36th Infantry Division, now headquartered at the Texas Army National Guard on Airport Road in Temple. Santa Fe Plaza, 10 a.m.

October 29, Friday - 1st Annual "Monster Mash Ballroom Bash" at Arthur Murray Temple. Join us for a few tricks, some yummy treats, and lots of dancing! Costumes are encouraged, and anyone is welcome — no dance experience needed, $15 per person. RSVP (254) 231-3444 7:45 p.m.

October 29, Friday - Calling all boys and ghouls! Don’t forget to stop by the Monster Mash at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Learn a few new dance moves at the Monster Mash prom. Grab a treat or two and have a spooktacular time. 6-8 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Barktoberfest, Dog costume contest at 5:30; adoptable dogs on site. Barrow Brewing Co., Salado. 1-7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Bulls & BBQ, Live bull riding followed by concert with Jake Worthington and Keith Braxton. Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton, Noon.

October 30, Saturday - Tablerock’s Fright Trail. One-half mile walking trail presents thrill, chills and haunting skits. Salado. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - BooCru at Crusader Stadium. UMHB in Belton. Wear your Halloween costume to the UMHB v. Belhaven game. Trick or Treat at 10 locations inside the stadium during the first half. Halftime parade of costumes on the football field. Noon.

October 30, Saturday - Trunk or Treat. VFW Post 1820, 3302 Airport Road in Temple. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in parking lot.

October 31, Sunday - Halloween! Have fun, be safe.

November 4, Thursday - Spur Classic Sporting Clay Shoot, Weber Shooting Range. 8 a.m.

November 4, Thursday - Brown Bag Bingo, Sammons Community Center Bring a brown bag with a small, non-food Bingo prize inside. 5 p.m.

November 6, Saturday - Chris Hillman, Texas Music Series, Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

November 7, Sunday - Temple Symphony Piano Trio featuring Suzanne Jacobson on violin, Cory Blaise on cello and Kiyoshi Tamagawa on piano. Cultural Activities Center. 3 p.m.

November 11, Friday - The College of Visual & Performing Arts presents One Voice in concert. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

November 11-14 - "Our Town," a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Thornton Wilder, Temple High School, Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. More information at:

http://www.ThespiansR.Us

November 13, Saturday - Market in the Vines. Take a walk through the vines and shop with over 50 vendors! Free to the public. 3 Texans Winery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - A Night in Vegas…St. Mary’s Catholic School Casino Night. Live auction, silent auction, games, drawings. Benefits the school’s educational programs. Cultural Activities Center. 6 p.m.

November 18, Thursday - Taste of the Holidays 2021: A Candy Cane Christmas. Mayborn Convention Center. 10:30 a.m.

December 4, Saturday - Barrow Brewing Christmas Market, Salado. Noon.

December 4, Saturday - Temple Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert featuring soprano Priscilla Santana and tenor Brian Joyce. Temple High School. 7:30 p.m.

Have an event you would like to promote? Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line. Keep it short and sweet — what, when and where. You may include a short description. You must include a phone number for verification purposes. The phone number will not be published unless requested by submitter.

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