About Bell County, TX

Are you looking for a way to get involved in the community that is both fun and informative. Check with your local police department to see if they offer a police academy for citizens.

Last year I went through a 12 week course at the Killeen Police Department called the CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY. The course included weekly presentations by officers, detectives, and supervisors on topics ranging from Criminal Investigation, Gangs, Organized Crime, Police DoTraffic, Gangs, Illegal Drugs, and the list goes on. It's amazing how much there is about the police department that we, as citizens, are not aware of. Included in the class is a Saturday visit to the firing range with the SWAT team and at least one ride along with an officer for a shift. While at the range, we got to see the police dogs do their work, see the SWAT team breach a door, fire an automatic assault weapon, learn about hostage negotiations and had a cook out.

After the 12 week course, we were given a very nice graduation ceremony by the city and became a part of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. As Alumni, we can volunteer at the police station, helping out where needed.

I would recommend this type of program for anyone. It was fun, informative, exciting, and all in all an eye opening experience. I will say that the city of Killeen, Texas is very supportive of the program and of educating their citizens. They were very open and it seemed no topic was off limits.

Part of being a citizen in a community is to be involved in that community and this is one way of doing just that.

Richard W. Overall, Jr, REALTOR

www.OverallRealtor.com

Here's a quick review of the new Fish City Grill, one of the many new restaurants in the Market Heights shopping area in Harker Heights Texas. We found ourselves in the area on Saturday after meeting buyers at their new home to do a walk through and decided to give the Fish City Grill a try for lunch. It was early, probably around 11:30, but the restaurant was already looking pretty busy. There were people seated at tables and booths as well as in the bar. The interior is very attractive, not too "nautical", very tasteful and comfortable. The wait staff was wearing T-shirsts with witty sayings you have to be sure to read! There were lots of creative specials on the board but we stuck with basic fried oysters. The service was fairly fast. The waffle fries could have used another half minute in the fryer, but the oysters were first rate as was the slaw with apple cider dressing. We ended the meal with beignets and coffee, which were both very good, even if the beignets were not particularly traditional.

Fish City Grill is a franchised chain and their menu is online. We will go back... for the food and to find out what was up with the waitress who was wearing a Nanook of the North fur cap with ear flaps as she waited tables!

Yesterday was a busy day for me. My son's high school soccer game, massage, grocery store visit, getting on Active Rain & I knew I would fit stopping by the Killeen Sew and Quilt Store for their yearly Project Linus event that was going on from 10-4.

By the time I got there, I only had an hour left before they were done but I learned a whole lot about the organization plus was able to crochet the border around a fleece blanket and find out I may be hooked (no pun intended.) While I was there I met Sandra Rowell and she filled me in on what the Central Texas Chapter was about. She estimated there being about 13,000 blankets given to area hospitals and needy children. Some were even sent to children during our recent hurricanes. Blankets have been crocheted, sewn and quilted.

Sandra Rowell is head of the Central Texas Chapter and her and a group of people meet weekly to make blankets for children in need at Harker Heights High School in Harker Heights, Texas. Sandra has even been able to get the high school kids involved in the program.

Project Linus was founded in 1995 by Karen Loucks when she saw a picture of a child undergoing chemotherapy. The child was holding a blanket and said her security blanket helped her get through some rough times.

This is on the Project Linus website as their mission:

"First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer "blanketeers."

Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children."

The vital statistics on there website also show that on a national level, 2,602,174 blankets have been delivered and there are 384 chapters nationwide.

I am proud to say that I was a part of this by crocheting a blanket for them. Since I love to crochet and use to do it all the time B.A.R. (before Active Rain) this project is one I could definately see myself staying a part of.

If you would like more information on this organization and the Central Texas Chapter, you can contact Sadra Rowell at sandrarowell@hotmail.com

Today was a rainy day, hence the slicked back hair, and I had a lunch date with my friend who is also my massage therapist. I wanted to take her out for her birthday to let her know how much I appreciate her friendship and how much she has helped me with her massages.

I get frequent migraines(usually once a week) and have made a commitment to go get a massage atleast once a month. This has actually helped with my migraines by having longer periods of time in between them. I cant even explain how much I appreciate this. Plus while I am there we catch up on what we have been doing and strengthen our friendship.

Danielle does a wonderful job giving massages & her deep tissue massages last for weeks. I usually get the hot stone massage from her because I enjoy the heat from the rocks but she does all kinds of different types. She also has parties (never thought of this before) which sounds like fun! Every month she has a different special and since she does them from her home she is able to offer ridiculously good deals.

If you are in the area and are needing a good massage...be sure to contact Danielle or have her put you on her email list so you can get all her monthly specials. This is the March special:

MARCH MASSAGE SPECIALS!!

This month I am offering great deals on massage parties. I just wanted to remind you that if you aren't interested in the discount of the month, other appointments are still available! Hope to hear from you soon,
Danielle Hernandez, LMT (254)220-7668
Package 1: If you host a massage party with 3 guest and yourself; you receive a coupon for $20 off your next appointment; and all your guest receive a coupon for a ninety minute massage for $55!
Package 2: If you host a massage party with 4 or more guest and yourself; you receive $20 dollars off that night, and all your guest will receive a coupon for a ninety minute massage for $55 !
Coupons and discounts have an expiration date of, May 31, 2009.

You wont regret it believe me!

I went into Speedy Signs at 108 W. Veterans Memorial Blvdin Killeen the other day to change some words on the back of my vehicle. Thinking I would need to schedule an appointment I asked when they would be able to do it and to my surprise they said now. It took them about 10 minutes and I was out the door! The last time I was in there I needed an estimate for our exterior sign at our office and within a day I had a quote! I am impressed due to being given the run around by other companies in our area saying they will give me quotes and never delivering! When Speedy Signs says speedy they really mean it! They also have this really cool perforated window graphic that you can see through from the inside (it looks like tint) but has a design on the exterior. When I asked them about a partial wrap they said it would take a few days but could get me in as soon as I'm ready! In this day and age a company that stands by what they say means a whole lot! That's why I wanted to give them the props they deserve. If you need a sign and are in the area give them a call at 254-628-8077. Thank you Speedy Signs!