• June 5 Bellmead

Chamber Meeting at

noon at Bellmead Civic

Center

• July 3 Bellmead

Chamber Meeting at

noon at Bellmead Civic

Center

• Aug. 7 Bellmead

Chamber Meeting at

noon at Bellmead Civic

Center

• Sept. 4 Bellmead

Chamber Meeting at

noon at Bellmead Civic

Center

BellmeadChamber.com

•Lunch meeting

sponsors needed for

2013. Call 799-1552.

Upcoming events

InsideMan, Woman, Business of the Year and President’s Award

La Vega High School Class of ‘63 plans 50th reunion

2013 La Vega High School Scholarship Recipients From left Alrissa Inubiaraiye, Araceli Roman, Briana Gongora, Shelby Chapman, Cody Beaird, Caitlin Lara, DasJaevian Dixon and Denise Anderson.

Plant of the Month Kaye Morgan, Sales/Production Coordinator, and Bobby Johnson, Vice President of Marketing, with TYMCO Regenerative Air Sweepers accept the plant of the month from the Bellmead Chamber. TYMCO is a long-time Chamber member and a generous supporter of community events.

BellmeadChamber.com

2 July 2013

B Chamber of CommerceELLMEAD

P.O. Box 1546153400 Bellmead DriveBellmead, TX 76705Business Hours:9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

Chamber Offi cersPresident - David Ridley

Vice President - Lynn EverettSecretary/Treasurer - Kaye Morgan

Phone:(254)799-1552

Fax:(254) 799-9370

Offi ce manager: Vivian Nowlin

Matthew DollarMike Edrington

Duane HoxworthMatt King

Sharon ShieldsNatasha Rodriguez

Kaye HoracekTim FitzhughRashmi PatelBrian ScottBetty Mars

Connie Wilson

Chamber Directors

Contact Information3100 Bellmead Drive, Bellmead, Texas, 76705

Phone: 799-4963 or 299-6700Fax: 799-8642

Board of TrusteesPhil Bancale - President

Henry C. Jennings - Vice PresidentWayne Samford - Secretary

Randy Devorsky - Assistant SecretaryKevin P. Harris - Member Rodney Outlaw - MemberMildred Watkins - Member

To advertise or submit material, call (254) 749-7073.

AdministrationSuperintendent

Dr. Sharon M. ShieldsDeputy Superintendent

for Personnel and Administration Al Bishop

Assistant Superintendents for FinanceDiane Roepke

Administration Assistant for the Superintendent & Public Information Offi cer

Lori Mynarcik

WAL-MARTSUPERCENTER

LESIA COBBSSTORE MANAGER

1521 I-35 EASTBELLMEAD, TX F - 254-867-8932

P - 254-867-8084

Ambassador Barbara Lucas

LVHS Student Receives Rotary Youth Citizen AwardLVHS Student Briana Gongora was one of four fi nalists for the Rotary Youth Citizen Award, and as a runner-up, received a $2,000 scholarship. She is shown here with her family at the Award Ceremony April 15.

July 2013 3

ABC Health Care, Inc.Advantage FurnitureAdvantage PressAirfre Filter ServiceAmerican BankAmerican Legion Post 121ATMOS EnergyThe Atrium of BellmeadBaird Brothers Express Car WashBBVA CompassBellmead Community ClinicBellmead Enterprises LLC - ChevronBellmead Funeral HomeBellmead Inn Bellmead LionsBellmead Pools Bellmead Strong RadioBen BakerBetter Business BureauBlue Cross Blue Shield of TexasBrazos Family DentistryBudget TaxCargillCaritas of WacoCen-Tex African American Chamber of CommerceCenter for Business ExcellenceCentral Texas Senior MinistryCentroplex SweepingChristi’s HamburgersCity of BellmeadCity of Lacy LakeviewCollin Street BakeryComet CleanersComfort Inn & Suites

Comfort SuitesCracker BarrelCunningham Brothers Transmissions and Total Auto CareCurtis Cox JewelersDay’s InnDicorte’s EmporiumDirect AutoEagle Crest ApartmentsEddie Ray’s SmokehouseEl ConquistadorETMCExtraco BanksFirst Convenience BankFirst Title Company of WacoGENCO Federal Credit UnionGo Small BizGreater Waco ChamberH&R CarpetHampton Inn Waco NorthRobert HawkinsHeart of Texas PublicationsH-E-B Plus!Hewitt Chamber of CommerceHillcrest Baptist Medical CenterHoliday InnHome DepotHorace Mann/Seedmin Financial ServicesH.O.T.C.O.G.Italian GraniteJack of All TradesJ.M.J. Wrecking & Used CarsKnight’s Inn

Lacy Lakeview Chamber of CommerceL-3 Platform IntegrationLa Vega Community ChurchLa Vega ISDLa Vega Little LeagueLone Star SteakhouseLoop 340 Overhead DoorsLorena Chamber of CommerceLuby’sLynn’s La Vega PharmacyMama Lena’s Pizza and SubEdward Jones Matthew DollarMatula InsuranceMazanec ConstructionMcLennan Community CollegeMembers Choice Federal Credit UnionJudge Vicki MenardMichna’s Bar-B-QMolly’s RestaurantMoreno Tax ServiceMotel 6Neel Assoc. Inc.NeighborWorksNew Life Praise CenterOak Farms DairyOncorBilly Joe Outley Sr.Anita Piazza, Attorney at LawPopeye’s of LaredoPraise Temple

Bellmead Chamber Members Assembly of GodQuality Care of WacoRapoport AcademyRed Man Bingo Rent-A-CenterRobinson Chamber of CommerceSam’s Wholesale ClubSanderson FarmsScott and White ClinicsShipley’s DonutsSimer and Tetens, Attorneys at LawSkate CountryThe Smoke ZoneSparks Memorial United Methodist ChurchStem Insurance AgencySteve’s PlaceTexas Animal Medical CenterTexas BeverageTexas Machine & Tool Inc.Texas Meter and DeviceTexas State Technical College WacoThe Real Estate CompanyTime-Warner CableTYMCO Inc.Vacations UnlimitedWaco and The Heart of TexasWaco Tribune-HeraldWalmart Super CenterWillis PlumbingKevin WilsonWireless ConceptsWoody Butler Homes

4 July 2013

City Hall 3015 Bellmead Drive 799-2436Community Center 3900 Parrish St. 799-2418

Non-Emergency Numbers:Fire 700 Kane 799-1661Police 3015 Bellmead Drive 799-0251Ambulance 753-0355Bellmead Water Dept. 799-2436

Mayor U.F. RobertsMayor Pro-TemMary YoungbloodCouncil MembersU.F. Roberts, Pct. 4Kevin Wilson, Pct. 2Gary Moore, At-LargeCarlos Luna, Pct. 1Mary C. Youngblood, Pct. 3Doss Youngblood, Pct. 5Police ChiefLydia AlvaradoFire Chief / MarshalWilliam T. Hlavenka, Jr.City ManagerBo ThomasCity SecretaryCynthia Ward

Bellmead City GovernmentChief Finance Offi cerVictor SalasCity AttorneyCharles D. OlsonMunicipal Court JudgeKathleen DowCity EngineerJed SulakPublic Works DirectorScott ColemanCivic/ Tourism DirectorTony TorresIT ManagerDevin Kluk

Greetings Bellmead Citizens,

The Bellmead City Coun-cil held the monthly Council meeting May 14.

Following the Invoca-tion and the Pledge of Al-legiance, we had a public comment period and reports from the City Manager and Council.

A special proclamation was read in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. A consent agenda was passed to approve previous meet-ing minutes. Our regular agenda accomplished the following

The f inal reading of the new Sign Ordinance passed. This will require standardized rules for any new signs and require any old and dilapidated signs to either be repaired or removed. There will be a grace period to allow time for repairs to be made.

The Council passed a Resolution to allow for a new sign to welcome people to Bellmead at the intersection of Hwy 84 and I-35. This

Bellmead Updatewill be a high sign visible by the traffi c on I-35 as well as those entering our city from Hwy 84. The costs for this sign will be paid for through the Economic Development Corp. and will not come from the city’s General Revenue fund.

We authorized mainte-nance costs for the fi re alarm in the Civic Center and an-nual inspections of our lad-ders in the Fire Department. We approved a new water cooling tower to replace the old one near the Parrish Well. We also authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Waco and other cities concerning joint sewer cost sharing.

The Council reauthorized the pursuit of two grants: A Crime Victims Liaison Grant and a Violence Against Women Grant. Both grants will assist our law enforce-ment branch to provide ad-ditional services to those in need.

Our final actions were all connected to the recent election held on May 11. We

accepted the results of the election which authorized the continued collection of ¼ cent sales tax for street repairs.

The three new or re-elected Council members (Carlos Luna, Kevin Wilson, and Doss Youngblood) were sworn in with the Oath of Of-fi ce. The Council then en-tered executive session to discuss the appointment of Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem. Mayor U.F. Roberts won enough votes to become our new Mayor and Mary Youngblood was voted in as Mayor Pro-Tem. She had served as our Mayor over the past year.

I enjoy my service to this great city and consider it an honor to serve. It was a pleasure for me to take the Oath of Offi ce for another two years of service to this community. Thank you for allowing me to serve. Have a Beautiful day in Bellmead!

Kevin WilsonCouncilman Precinct 2,City of Bellmead, TX

For more information on what is going on Bellmead:

Bellmead.comThe City’s newly redesigned website offers online payment, meeting and community information and a calendar of events.

BellmeadCivicCenter.comThe Civic Center’s newly redesigned website offers information on room rentals and upcoming events.

BellmeadEDC.comThe Bellmead Economic Development Corporation’s website provides information on programs to help businesses in Bellmead prosper as well as properties that are for sale.

July 2013 5

The Bellmead Economic Devel-opment Corporation is charged with promoting Bellmead as a viable place to do business and attract jobs for a healthy economy.

Leaders from the EDC were joined by the Bellmead City Coun-cil and the Bellmead Chamber of Commerce today to present the new monument sign on Highway 84 and Tirey Lane. The 24-foot by 10-foot concrete and brick sign welcomes visitors entering the community from the east near Sanderson Farms.

“This monument is a symbol that Bellmead is a thriving community that will continue to grow and pro-vide jobs,” said Kevin Wilson, presi-dent of the Bellmead EDC.

The EDC invested $21,000 in the monument and expects it to last about 20 years. The details of the

Bellmead EDC promotes community through signage, state programdesign were approved by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Additionally, the EDC is promoting Bellmead through the Texas One program, which enables strategic economic development outreach through marketing campaigns direct-ed at a targeted corporate decision makers and site selectors.

“Texas One is well-respected program across the country through its ‘Texas Wide Open for Business’ campaign that promotes its member communities to potential investors and job-creators,” said Wilson.

The Bellmead EDC has secured advertisements in the Texas One publication and on its website.

About the Bellmead EDCThe Bellmead Economic Devel-

opment Corporation is funded by

a one-quarter (1/4)-cent type B tax referendum under the Develop-ment Corporation Act of 1979. The Bellmead Economic Development Corporation exists to serve the Bellmead community.

This is accomplished by assist-ing, stimulating and enhancing community and economic develop-ment in Bellmead, Texas, subject to applicable State and Federal laws and the Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation.

The sales tax revenues are uti-lized to increase job opportunities available to the citizens of Bellmead by assisting in the retention and expansion of local business and industry and the attraction of new businesses to Bellmead and McLen-nan County. For more information, visit BellmeadEDC.com

The Bellmead Economic Development Corporation along with leaders from the City of Bellmead and the Bellmead Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon for a city’s new monument sign at Highway 84 and Tirey Lane.

Bellmead City Calendar

Zumba Class6 to 7 p.m. | Mondays Bellmead Civic Center | Free

Insanity Workout6 to 7 p.m. | Tuesdays Bellmead Civic Center | Free

City Council Meeting The regular monthly City Coun-cil meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 11.

Sparks Memorial UMC to host Vacation Bible School

900 Maxfi eld • 6 to 8 p.m. • June 17-21 “A Neighborhood Fair” is this year’s theme.

A snack supper will be served.All Children ages Pre-K through sixth grade are invited to attend.

City of Bellmead seeks accountant

The City of Bellmead, Texas, is accepting applications for the position of a full-time Accountant. Qualifi cations: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related fi eld is required. INCODE fi nancial software experience preferred. Salary based upon qualifi cations and relevant experience. Please submit resume and application to 3015 Bellmead Drive, Bellmead, Texas. Applications are at City Hall or a print only copy is available at Bellmead.com Contact: Victor Salas at (254) 799-2436. The position will remain open until fi lled. The City of Bellmead is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Garage sale permitsGarage Sale permits are avail-

able for only $10 at City Hall.

City to install new playground equipment

The Bellmead Economic Devel-opment, in conjunction with the City of Bellmead, is providing funding for the purchase of new playground equipment for the Brame Park. The equipment has been ordered and the goal is to have the new play-ground equipment installed by mid to late June.

6 July 2013

Loreda Norman is a resident at The Atrium of Bellmead.

Congratulations to the La Vega High School

Class of 2013The Atrium of Bellmead

welcomed displaced resi-dents from the West Rest Haven Nursing Home when the West Fertilizer Company exploded April 17.

One month later, the Atrium hosted a Western Day and honored the resi-dents from West and their families with a cookout with Benny Nors’ sau-sages in honor of our new West residents, a petting zoo, games and other ac-tivities.

The Atrium of Bellmead hosts Western Day, honors West residents

Residents at The ATrium of Bellmead enjoyed the animals.

An old-fashioned cookout was part of the activities at The Atrium of Bellmead’s Western Day May 17.

July 2013 7

Join the Bellmead Chamber (254) 799-1552 • BellmeadChamber.com

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For easy access to L-3 Platform Integration,

Texas State Technical College Waco &

Baylor University,stay in one of

Bellmead’s hotels and motels.

Take the Behren’s Circle exit and see what Bellmead has to offer.

Visit BellmeadChamber.com

for more information on churches

and restaurants in the area

to make your stay more enjoyable.

8 July 2013

Bellmead Chamber of Commerce 2013 Scholarship Recipients

Denise AndersonSponsors Allen Samuels Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat & American Bank

Denise’s sister is Valerie Anderson, and her father is Derek Anderson. Her GPA is 4.1 and her rank is 11. She plans to attend Baylor University and major in psychology and pre-med, eventually becoming an emergency room physician.

Stacey Hyde, her English teacher, shared the following: I have been blessed to have the honor and privilege of being Denise’s English II, III and IV teacher. Denise has matured into quite the young lady and student focused on gaining the kind of education that will push her forward into a great future. We have rejoiced in her victories concerning both sports and academics over the years. She has served as an offi cer and member in National Honor Society, a player on the win-ning varsity volleyball and basketball teams and was an essay winner of The One Book One Waco essay this year.

Cody BeairdSponsors Aramark / La Vega ISD & the City of Bellmead

Cody’s parents are Cody and Kimberly Beaird. His GPA is 4.4 and his rank is 1. His preferred college is Tulane University where he plans to major in political science, economics or business management.

Kimberly Herrera, a friend of the family, shared the following about him: “I have known Cody since he was a little boy and have watched him grow into an aspiring young man. He is never without a kind word or good deed. I am most impressed with Cody’s desire to help others. He is a perfect role model for children today. It is one thing to have the respect of your peers, but Cody demands the respect of all he is in contact with and it pushes them to be more like him, even as adults. Cody takes great pride in his work and demonstrates a work ethic that exempli-fi es ‘do it and do it right.’ He holds himself to a high standard and consequently only expects the best of himself and those around him.”

Shelby Chapman Sponsors Extraco Banks & the City of Lacy Lakeview

Shelby’s father is Danny Chapman, and her mother is Jilla Brooks. Her GPA is 4.2 and her rank is 5. She plans to attend Texas A & M in College Station and major in engineering technology.

Michael Petty, her science teacher, shared this about Shelby: “I have had the pleasure of teaching Miss Chapman her junior and senior year

at La Vega High School. During the last two years, I have witnessed her passion and dedication to her education as well as leadership in all academic areas. I also had the experience of watching Shelby in her extracurricular areas including band, color guard and NJROTC. In all areas, Miss Chapman displayed excellence in her persistent practice. I congratulate Miss Chapman on her award this evening and am completely confi dent that this scholarship will lead to a very bright future.”

DasJaevian DixonSponsors H-E-B Plus! and GENCO Federal Credit Union

Dasjaevian’s father is Lawrence Dixon and his aunt is Dr. Alfreda Love. His GPA is 4.20 and his rank is 7. He plans to attend the University of North Texas and major in accounting.

One of Jay’s former teachers, Robert Palacios, shared the following about him: Jay is modest, humble and very intelligent. He makes learning seem effortless.

He would sit in class looking all cool, but his mind would be going a hundred miles an hour. I am very proud of Jay. He will be a great collegian and even greater professional.

July 2013 9

Bellmead Chamber of Commerce 2013 Scholarship Recipients

Briana GongoraSponsors Lynn’s La Vega Pharmacy & JMJ Wrecking

Briana’s parents are Yolanda and Fabian Gongora. Her GPA is 4.3 and her rank is 2. She plans to attend Sam Houston State University and major in criminal justice with a minor in forensics and psychology.

Glenn Davis, one of her history teachers, said, “In 26 years of teaching, I have taught tens of thousands of students. Every once in a great while a special one comes along, Briana Gongora has been one of my very best students. I have had the pleasure of teaching this young lady for two years and knowing Briana while she attended La Vega High school. Her behavior is exemplary as well as her grades. She is a role model with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn. Briana is a pillar for her community with service and achievement. Also, she is a positive example for her family through support in personal interests.”

Alrissa InubiaraiyeSponsors Oaks Farms Dairy & MHC Kenworth

Alrissa’s parents Cynthia and Ayodele Inubiaraiye. Her GPA is 3.6 and herrank is 25. She will be attending the University of Texas in Arlington and Major inNursing, earning a BSN and becoming a pediatric nurse.

Tarl Lloyd, her assistant principal, said, “I would like to congratulate AlrissaInubiaraiye (Miss I, too) for being named one of the recipients of the BellmeadChamber of Commerce Scholarship. Alrissa is an excellent example of what LaVega ISD expects from each of its students. Alrissa is exemplary in the classroom,she’s an excellent role model for her classmates, and she has been an ambassa-dor for La Vega ISD through her participation in extra and co-curricular activities.”

Caitlin LaraSponsors Rush Truck Center & Sam’s Club

Caitlin’s mother is Kari Lara and her cousin is Luis Lara. Her GPA is 3.8 and her rank is 17. She plans to attend MCC, then transfer to Sam Houston State University where she will major in Kinesiology/Sport Management.

Kim Dana-Yepez, Caitlin’s Human Services Teacher, said, “Caitlin has been my student for this past school year for Interpersonal Studies. This has been a great class, and I have seen a lot of growth within Caitlin. She has been a leader in my class and always works hard before, during and after class. She is a very smart girl with a lot going for her. Although she has experienced many downfalls in her lifetime, I feel she is on a positive road to many successes in her life. Ihese experiences have given her a positive vision, have made her stronger, and will give her the determination to fulfi ll her goals and dreams for a positive and suc-cessful future.”

Araceli Roman Sponsors Shipley’s Donuts, The Atrium of Bellmead & TYMCO

Araceli’s parents are Isaias and Armandina Roman. Her GPA is 3.8 and her rank is 19. She plans to attend MCC for two years then transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington to major in Kinesiology and become a physical therapist. Sherry Salter, her cross-country coach, is one of her recommenders and said the following about her: Araceli has displayed many important leadership qualities while attending La Vega High School. She has excelled in academics, extracur-ricular activities and has dedicated her time to many community services activi-ties. Araceli has participated in cross country, track, band, color guard, student council, National Honor Society, AVID and Gear Up. She has served as senior vice president and recognized as an honor student.

10 July 2013

2013 Woman of the YearKaye MorganKaye Morgan has served as the Chamber’s secretary and treasurer for several years. She is a dedicated volunteer who manages the annual banquet that pays tribute to the scholarship recipients.

2013 Man of the YearDavid RidleyDavid Ridley is serving as the Bellmead Chamber president this year. He has served in this role and as a director in years past providing leadership for the organization’s work.

2013 Business of the YearHoliday Inn Waco NorthwestRashmi Patel, second from left, accepted the award on behalf of the hotel. Holiday Inn Waco Northwest is an award-winning property that provides excellent hospitality to guests in Bellmead.

2013 President’s AwardNeil ClarkNeil Clark has organized the Chamber’s golf tournament for many years. The successful event has raised thousands of dollars for scholarships for La Vega High School graduates.

July 2013 11

La Vega ISD News

The year was 1963. The fi rst disco-theque had opened in L.A; fi rst class postage had risen to 5 cents; newly elected Alabama Gov. George Wal-lace was declaring, “… Segregation forever,” and Steve Lawrence’s “Go Away Little Girl” was peaking at No. 1 on the charts.

And far from the headlines, 81 fresh-faced, newly minted LaVega High School graduates, diplomas in hand, were fanning out from the Bellmead-Waco area to take on the world.

Members of the close-knit LVHS Class of ’63—along with a few sur-viving teachers and coaches—will re-unite Oct. 11-13 in Waco. A major dinner event is planned from 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 12 at the Hotel In-digo, 211 Clay Ave. Cost will be $50 a person.

“Our classmates have enjoyed a va-riety of reunion functions, meeting up for our 10th, 15th, 25th, 30th, 35th and 40th, as I recall,” said Wacoan Judy “Joy” (Baer) Warren, one of the orga-nizers. “For our golden year reunion, we decided to be a bit more upscale, meeting at the new boutique hotel.

“We are looking forward to getting our visiting as well as our resident members and spouses involved with area attractions—the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Mayborn and Dr Pepper Museums, downtown shopping, the warehouse entertainment district and the Baylor campus. “

Planning is based on at least 100 persons in attendance. Early reserva-tions are requested. Checks can be sent to Ann (Mandrell) Shook, P.O. Box 106 Mt. Calm, TX 76673, Cell:

La Vega Class of 1963 plans 50th year reunion(254) 379-1164, annshook44@gmail.com. Hotel Indigo also has set aside a block of rooms with a “Best Price Guar-antee.”

L a V e g a ’ s Football Home-coming this year is at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20, vs. the Hutto Hippos at Pirate Field, but the “Modoc Pi-rates” play China Spring there Oct. 11. Reunion at-tendees are urged to be in the crowd of team supporters.

Additional activities for the women and spouses during the day Saturday, such as shopping, possibly golf, maybe a museum crawl or a custom car-street rod gathering, are under consideration. The H.O.T. Fair & Rodeo runs all that same week, and more activities can be found at HOTFair.com.

“Our long-time out-of-towners are going to discover that this is not the ‘Old Waco’ they grew up with,” said Preston F. Kirk, of Spicewood, one of the reunion committee members. “But this time around, we also want classmates to enjoy more personal sharing time.”

Seeking class membersAlthough by current standards, LVHS

’63 was a small graduating class, the members made it a policy decades ago

to include students that went through La Vega grades with them for many years, but may have graduated elsewhere. That swelled the roster to about 120 persons.

“We think we have about 98 surviving classmates, but there are at least 16 that we have never located or with whom we’ve lost touch,” Kirk said. “We would deeply appreciate hearing from friends or family members or anyone who might help us locate them.”

The list includes. Claudine (Ballard) Jones; Anna Beth (Clark) Jackson; Tom Davidson; Judy (Gassaway) Abel, James L. Harris; Sharon (Hunt) Wood; Mary (Kinsey) Ferrill; Amelia “Millie” (Kimbrough) Beatty; Jessie who is hus-band of the late Josephine M. (Martinez) Ramirez; Nancy (Neagle) Sherrard Wilkins.

Other “lost” or M-I-As include class

salutatorian Ann (Salch) Harris; Joe Snowden; Bill W. Thornhill; Ed Torres; Jimmy Williams and Gene Williams.

“A 50th year class reunion is about more than just checking hairlines, waist lines, pedigrees and sharing photos of grandkids,” said Kirk, who was the Senior Class Poet.

“It’s a golden time for reconnecting, seeing how our earliest friends turned out, sharing memories and saying things too long left unsaid or making important revelations,” he said. “We are no lon-ger tongue-tied teenagers. At this age and this stage, we fully realize that the opportunities for such exchanges are growing slimmer.”

For more information:Preston F. Kirk, APR, Kirk Public

Relations, Spicewood, (830) 693-4447; kirkpf@verizon.net.

Preston F. Kirk of Spicewood is one of the LVHS ‘63 reunion organizers.

1963 La Vega High School cheerleaders: Ann (Mandrell) Shook, Betty (Spoon) Chomel, Helen (Laechlin) Wells, Molly Worthy and Barbara (Moulder) Nicklas.

Judy (Baer) Warren of Waco is one of the reunion organizers.

The excellent education students receive at La Vega ISD exceeds the adequate standards defi ned by the State of Texas, but every year the gap grows between what expectations and what the state will fund.

La Vega ISD superintendent Dr. Sha-ron M. Shields said as legislators wrestle with complicated funding issues with the Texas school fi nance system, education foundations across the state are stepping up to help schools bridge gaps in fi nancial resources.

“The La Vega Pirates Education Foundation was the next logical step to support the district’s pursuit for ex-cellence,” said Shields. “La Vega ISD recently experienced millions of dollars

Community leaders seek help to support the future of La Vega ISDin state funding cuts. Financial support from the foundation will be extremely helpful in supplementing the instructional programs.”

The mission of the La Vega Pirates Education Foundation is to generate and distribute resources to support creative and innovative programs that enhance the quality of educational programs provided to students, such as:• innovative teaching grants to support the implementation of creative teaching initiatives that promote student achieve-ment;• student achievement recognition that reward outstanding academic progress and achievement; and• special enrichment programs in technol-

ogy, math, science, college/career and professional development.

La Vega graduate and foundation board chair Lynn Everett believes that the solid education he received set up him up for success. He wants to give back and help ensure that the community’s children have the best academic opportunities and resources available.

“I chose to lead this initiative because one of the most valuable assets that we have as a society is our youth,” said Ev-erett. “The future of our country demands that our society contribute toward a quality education for, and the moral development of, our youth.”

The foundation has raised more than $71,000, including its fi rst dona-

tion—$15,000 from the Bellmead H-E-B Plus, presented by store manager and foundation board member Mike Edring-ton.

The foundation is seeking more sup-port from the community. As a special incentive this year only, all founding do-nors and organizations will be listed on an exclusive and permanent Founding Donor display in recognition of their generous support for donations before FJune 21.

Contributions can be mailed to:La Vega Pirates Education FoundationP. O. Box 154897 Waco TX 76715

To make a donation in honor or mem-ory of someone, call (254) 299-6700. Donations are tax deductible and gifts of any amount are greatly appreciated.

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #32Waco TX

Bellmead Chamber of CommerceP.O. Box 154615Bellmead TX 76715

Change Service Requested

Bellmead Community Calendar• Thursdays - Noon to 1 p.m., Bellmead Lions Club meets at Bellmead Civic Center

• June 11 - 6:30 p.m., Bellmead

12 July 2013

City Council meets at City Hall. The Council meets on second Tuesdays.To have your meeting added to this calendar, call (254) 749-7073.

BellmeadChamber.com

• June 6 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., kindergarten graduation, La Vega High School Auditorium• June 7 7 p.m., La Vega High School graduation, Extraco Events Center

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