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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

Rescue Magazine will hold its sixth annual Pet Adoption Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Bell County Expo.

There will be hundreds of dogs and cats at the big Pet Adoption Extravaganza this weekend, plus some exotics like this kinkajou, a rainforest mammal kin to the raccoon.

Tails will wag at Expo Center event

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

Central Texans looking to add a furry friend to the family will have the pick of the litter this weekend. Make that the pick of several litters.

Rescue Magazine will hold its sixth annual Pet Adoption Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Bell County Expo Center.

“We will have more than 400 animals available for adoption, and there will be tons of activities,” said Jenni Scarlett, a Rescue Magazine spokesperson. “We will have pony rides, a petting zoo, and one of the Transformers — Bumblebee. And we will have plenty of animals that need their forever home.”

Dozens of rescue groups and animal shelters from Temple, Bell County, Killeen, Salado, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and throughout the region will be bringing a variety of dogs and cats, all ready to go home with a new family.

“Last year was slower because of the pandemic, but we still found homes for more than 100 animals,” Scarlett said. “In 2019 — before COVID — we had 210 pets adopted.”

While dogs and cats make up the majority of the animals up for adoption, there are others as well. Horses, reptiles and exotic animals such as a kinkajou will also be available.

What’s a kinkajou? Good question. It’s a tree-loving tropical rainforest mammal related to raccoons and ringtails.

In addition to the animals, pet-friendly vendors will be on hand selling and demonstrating their services. Groomers, a dog bakery and pet supplies will at the Expo, as well as food trucks and artists, Scarlett said.

There will be a free micro-chipping booth for pets, and several dog trainers.

“One of the trainers will be doing tricks with her dogs. It’s amazing.”

“We are trying to attract as many people to the Expo Center as possible so we can get these animals adopted,” Scarlett said. “We will have all kinds of dogs and cats — there will be lots of variety and choices.”

Ron Ducharme started Rescue Magazine after learning first hand how shelters struggle to keep animals alive. A Rottweiler named Leo was going to be put down because his shelter didn’t have money to feed all of its animals.

“They only have so much money to feed the animals,” Ducharme said. “They need food, supplies and an ongoing resource for public awareness.”

Rescue Magazine started as a single-page flier in 2012. It has grown to 74 pages and features more than 800 animals in need from 70 shelters and rescue groups.

“We are more than a magazine,” he said. “We raise thousands of dollars in food and supplies to help shelters throughout Central Texas. The Bell County Animal Shelter recently announced that they now vaccinate up to 107 animals a month with the extra money we helped put in their budget.”

Now that’s something to wag about!

OK, so not ALL of the animals available for adoption at the Extravaganza will come with a sunflower theme, but with more than 400 animals, chances are you will fine a “fur-ever” friend. Gotta love that mop top!

Animal trainers will be showing off their skills — and the skills of their animals — during the Extravaganza.

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‘They’re Playing Our Song’ opens Friday

The Temple Civic Theater opens its 2021-2022 season Friday with “They’re Playing Our Song,” a heartwarming story about frustrations on the road to love.

The show is TCT’s 300th main series production.

“It’s a lovely story,” said director George Hogan. “It centers around two principle characters — Vernon, an established composer, and Sonia, an aspiring young lyricist. 

“It’s the story of opposites thrust together by their work,” Hogan said. “The story takes them from an initial meeting where they are put together to create songs.”

Presentations are set for September 10-12 and 17-19.

Portraying the lead characters are Emily Knorr as Sonia Walsk and Ethan Matous as Vernon Gersch. Sonia’s muses will be Catherine Doyle, Sarah Kuriger and Sidney Lowell. Vernon’s muses will be Erick Silvia, Matthew Fulmer and Sean Clark. Hogan will provide the voice of Phil the Engineer.

Season memberships packages and individual tickets are available for purchase at templecivictheatre.com.

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This painting of a COVID nurse by Michael Donahue will be among the artwork on display at the Temple College Faculty Art Exhibition starting Saturday.

TC Faculty Art Exhibition opens Sept. 11

An exhibition featuring works by members of the Temple College Visual Arts faculty will be on display in the gallery of the Temple College Visual Arts Complex beginning Saturday, Sept. 11.

The exhibit will feature paintings by Michael Donahue and Donna Yarrell and photographs by Arthur Fields, who recently joined the Temple College faculty. 

Donahue, who organized the show, described Fields’ work as “a smorgasbord of visual imagery packed into his creative formatting.” Donahue will present his latest trompe l’oeil works, some of which were influenced by the pandemic.

An opening reception for the exhibit will be held Sept. 11 from 6-8 p.m. Masks are encouraged for those planning to attend and exhibition organizer Michael Donahue said the number of visitors allowed in the gallery at one time will be limited if necessary to enable social distancing.

“We are excited to hold our first-in person exhibition in the visual arts since the pandemic began,” Donahue said. “The pandemic has really hurt the visual and performing arts by the lack of interaction with the public and the buyers. Experiencing a photograph or painting on social media is not the same as seeing it in person and this is an opportunity to kick off a new semester in a positive manner. There has been an upside to the pandemic in that it has allowed time for artists to create in their solitary spaces. This faculty exhibition is an opportunity to share the fruits of this productive art-making time.”

Donahue said the opening reception will provide an opportunity for the public and students to ask questions about the artwork. All the work in the show will be for sale, with a percentage going to help fund scholarships for Temple College art students.

“We encourage people to buy local and help Temple College students as they continue their art education,” Donahue said.

 The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 1.

The Temple College Visual Arts Complex is located at 2105 S. Fifth St. in Temple. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday or by appointment.

Plant wildflower seeds in the fall

By LAURA MUNTEAN, AgriLife communications

Now is the time for Texas wildflower lovers to plant their favorite varieties for flowers in the spring, said Joseph Johnson, program manager for The Gardens at Texas A&M University.

Planting in the fall — before the start of the rainy season — gives your wildflowers time to germinate and gain a good root system before going dormant during the winter. 

“It is good to use a wildflower mix with several different species to ensure year-round interests and not just blooms for the spring,” he said. “This will give you an array of colors, but also an opportunity to see what does especially well in your wildflower area for the next year. If you let your flowers go to seed, you could see them again and again from year to year.”

Anyone interested in planting wildflowers for a spring family photo needs to prepare the soil. To ensure that the seeds come into contact with the soil, till and tamp them into the soil. After planting, lightly water the area to settle the seeds into the soil. 

“If you are partial to bluebonnets, consider planting them in full sun with good drainage,” he said. “Otherwise, an area with a minimum of six hours of sunlight should be sufficient for most types of wildflowers.” 

Do not overwater and do not fertilize wildflower seeds, he added. A little bit of care goes a long way, especially for bluebonnets.

Spread your seeds over your prepped soil, according to the instructions of your selected seed mix. Or, if you are looking for a meadow bursting with flowers and color, you may want to spread them thicker. 

Once your seeds are in place, walk around the area to compress them into the ground for good germination. It is important not to bury or cover the seeds because they need good exposure to the sun. 

Because of the fall planting, the seeds should not require too much care and watering. Blooms should begin to appear in early spring, depending on the weather, and, with a good-quality seed variety, may continue into summer. 

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Belton

GOOD. Water lightly stained; 87 Degrees; 0.34 feet low. Summer fishing patterns persist. Black bass are good on blue flecked Texas rigged plastic worms, chartreuse swim jigs and bladed spinners. White Bass are good on the main lake points, flats and humps using white/chartreuse jigging spoons and slabs. Hybrid stripers are fair with live bait and pearl swimbaits in the main lake along the channel edges where bait is present. Crappie are fair on minnows in brush piles and timber in water depths 14-25 feet. Catfish are good on chicken liver, live and cut bait.

Stillhouse Hollow

GOOD. Water lightly stained; 88 degrees; 0.00 lake level. Black bass are good on drop shots, shad like crankbaits and spinners working vegetation, grass lines and hydrilla beds early in the day, then deeper water and timber with football jigs, diving crankbaits and Texas rigged plastic worms. Smallmouth bass are good with plastic grubs, small spoons and rooster tails near rocky shorelines, rock ledges and drop-offs. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in brush piles and timber. White bass are good on slabs and live bait off main lake points, humps and drop-offs. Channel catfish are good with night crawlers and punch bait. Blue catfish are good with fresh-cut bait and live bait.

What’s happening?

September 9, Thursday - Martian Folk live band, Corky’s, 7 p.m.

September 10, Friday - Madstone live at O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

September 10, Friday - John Henry Johnson live at Fire Base Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m.

September 10, Friday - Josh Abbott Band live at Johnny’s Steaks and Bar-Be-Que, Salado. 6 p.m.

September 10, Friday - Clint Walker Blues Band, Fire Street Pizza, Belton. 6 p.m.

September 10, Friday - First Friday Karaoke with DJ Brian Houge. 8 p.m.

September 11, Saturday - Dueling Pianos in the Park, Sam Farrow Amphitheater at Lions Park, 7-9 p.m.

September 11, Saturday - A Sami Show Arts & Crafts Market, Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Weird Science. Explore different adaptations animals have made through presentations, fun games, and activities. Bell County Museum. 11 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Name That Tune Bingo: All-American Songs, Fire Base Brewing Company, 7:30 p.m.

September 11, Saturday - Pink Fishing’s Reeling in the Cure, 6th annual bass tournament. Proceeds benefit breast cancer patients and cancer research. Cedar Ridge Park. 6 a.m. Call (254) 681-0102 for details.

September 11, Saturday - 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Ceremony. Wildcat Stadium. 7-11 a.m.

September 11, Saturday - Rescue Magazine’s Pet Adoption Extravaganza. There will almost 400 Animals up for adoption and fun for the whole family. Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 11, Saturday - Turn 2 Entertainment Comedy Showcase, Corky’s, 8 p.m.

September 12, Sunday - A Sami Show Arts & Crafts Market, Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m.

September 12, Sunday - Corky’s Dart Tournament, 3 p.m.

September 12, Sunday - Rescue Magazine’s Pet Adoption Extravaganza. There will almost 400 Animals up for adoption and fun for the whole family. Bell County Expo Center. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 13, Monday - Third House Session with State Rep. Hugh Shine, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m.

September 15, Wednesday - Tiny Thinkers, Kids 5 years old and younger are invited to the museum to experience the State Fair! Bell County Museum. 10 a.m.

September 17, Friday - Matt Cearley & The Rowdy Few live at O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

September 17, Friday - Wade Ralston live at Fire Base Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m.

September 17, Friday - Neal McCoy, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 9:30 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Dale Watson, Texas Music Series, Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - The Chancers, O’Briens Irish Pub, 9 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Night Bright Bike Ride, Pepper Creek Train off North Kegley. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to local food pantries. Trail parking is available at the Scott & White West Campus next to the hospital's parking lot. Look for green trail signs along FM 2305 and Kegley Road to direct you to the parking area. 6:30-9 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Harvest Celebration. Bring your family and friends to enjoy grape stomping, food trucks, music, and wine. This is a ticketed event. 3 Texans Winery. 6 p.m.

September 18, Saturday - Detox/Retox Yoga, Fire Base Brewing Company, 11 a.m.

September 18, Saturday - Original Debonaires Reunion Dance, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 8:30 p.m.

September 21, Tuesday - Body of Christ Community Clinic’s Together We Heal Banquet, UMHB, Jimmy Dorrell, keynote speaker. 5:30 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Maxx Carter live at Fire Base Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Belton Bacon, Blues & Brews Festival, noon to 9 p.m.

September 24, Friday - Aaron Watson, Cotton Country Club, Granger. 9:30 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Name That Tune Bingo: Belt it Out Edition. Fire Base Brewing Company, 7:30 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Belton Bacon, Blues & Brews Festival, noon to 9 p.m.

September 25, Saturday - Fun at the Fair! Join us at the museum to for fun at the fair! View the newest exhibit and take part in fun activities - explore symmetry by decorating a popcorn bucket, build your own mini rollercoaster, race your family in duck races, and visit our petting zoo! Bell County Museum. 11 a.m.

September 30, Thursday - TLC’s Celebration of Crazy, Sexy Cool with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Bell County Expo Center. 7:30 p.m.

September 30, Thursday - Funniest Comic in Texas semi-finals. Corky’s. 

October 1, Friday - Randy Rogers Band, Johnny Steaks and Bar-Be-Que, Salado. 6 p.m.

October 5, Tuesday - Temple’s National Night Out. Anyone interested in hosting a party in their neighborhood should register by Sept. 13 at templetx.gov/nno. 6:30 p.m.

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

October 8, Friday - Painting with a Twist, 3 Texans Winery. 6:30 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 16, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.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 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 - Free Movie Night. Harker Heights Community Park. 5 p.m.

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

October 29, Friday - Season closing event, Domestics vs Imports, Little River Dragway, 7 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.

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

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

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 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.

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.