Special to the Journal The 64th Salado Scottish Gathering and Highland Games takes place November 7-9 on a beautifully wooded property beginning at 108 Royal Street in Salado, Texas.Special to the Journal Heralding all things Scottish, this landmark Salado event is the oldest Scottish festival in Texas and has been sponsored continuously by the Salado Museum since 1961. “The Scottish Gathering is the main fundraising event for the Salado Museum and College Park and continues to draw thousands of visitors to Salado every year,” says Lynette Jones, museum executive director. “Our planning committee and our event staff are all volunteers from Salado and nearby towns and event participants come from all over the country.”

By Michele Weisman By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal Belton First United Methodist Church welcomed families at its Fall Festival located inside the Family Life Center. Costumed children with their parents filled the festive booth-lined room Saturday, October 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Pastor Patrick Hoffman said of the newly named Fall Festival, “Trunk or Treat moved inside due to unpredictable weather.” Hoffman said, “We are here for the community of Belton. Events like these are ways we hope to become even more involved with the life of our neighbors.”

Special to the Journal Belton ISD students are making waves on the national stage. The district celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of students who have earned top academic honors from the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Program. These recognitions highlight the district’s deep commitment to academic rigor and the Journey of a Graduate competencies: perseverance, critical thinking and communication. These exceptional students were formally recognized at the Belton ISD Board of Trustees meeting on October 20, 2025, where district leaders and trustees celebrated their achievements in front of families, educators and community members. This year, an impressive 248 Belton ISD students were recognized as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars for their outstanding performance on AP exams. These students embraced the challenge of college-level coursework and rose to the occasion. AP Scholar awards went to 47 students from Belton High School, seven from Belton New Tech @Waskow and 74 from Lake Belton High School. AP Scholar with Honor awards went to 17 students from Belton High School, two from Belton New Tech @ Waskow and 25 from Lake Belton High School. AP Scholar with Distinction awards went to 35 students from Belton High School, four from Belton New Tech @Waskow and 37 from Lake Bel- ton High School. “These students exemplify the perseverance and critical thinking at the heart of the Journey of a Graduate,” said Denise Ayres, Belton ISD Director of PK-12 Career Readiness. “Their hard work and dedication set the bar high, and they absolutely crushed it.” In addition, 163 students earned College Board BigFuture Merit Awards, a distinction that celebrates academic achievement and connects students with colleges and scholarship opportunities across the country. Belton High School recognized 63 students, including nine first-generation honorees and 54 for school achievement. Belton New Tech @Waskow celebrated 21 students, including three first-generation honorees and 18 for school achieve- ment. Lake Belton High School recognized 79 students, including 11 first-generation honorees and 68 for school achievement. “These awards reflect not just academic strength but also big dreams and even bigger futures,” said Ayres. “We are incredibly proud of the drive and determination our students show every single day.” Belton ISD is also celebrating six extraordinary students recognized in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Belton High School seniors Anahitaa Malhotra and Katherine Nickerson, along with Lake Belton High School seniors Abran Guajardo and Taylor Rogers, have been named National Merit Commended Scholars for their exceptional academic promise. Lake Belton High School seniors Dhruv Bhat and Alex Yuen have earned the prestigious title of National Merit Semifinalists, placing them among the top one percent of high school seniors nationwide. These semifinalists are now in the running for two of approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholar- ships worth nearly $30 million. “These students are shining examples of the excellence and ambition that define Belton ISD,” said Dr. Malinda Golden, Belton ISD Superintendent. “Their achievements inspire their peers, their schools and our entire community.” From AP Scholars to National Merit Semifinalists, these achievements are more than accolades. They are proof of what happens when hard work, talent and opportunity collide. Belton ISD remains committed to preparing every student to thrive in college, career and community.

Special to the Journal A little rain may have changed the plans, but it didn’t dampen the spirit. Although the United Way Spirit Chain presentation did not take place on the fi eld due to the chance of inclement weather, Belton ISD students and staff already made a big impact, raising $5,396.17 for the United Way of Central Texas through the district’s annual Spirit Chain fundraiser, a beloved fall tradition that turns school spirit into community impact. Over a twoweek period, students across the district purchased spirit chain links for 25 cents each, watching their col- orful chains grow longer each day as their generosity added up.

The annual Candy Trail saw Halloween and candy enthusiasts of all ages turn out to downtown Belton. The event was held on Sunday due to inclement weather on Saturday. By Shanna Grote The Belton Journal The 11th annual Candy Trail in Downtown Belton was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 25 but due to weather was moved to Sun- day, from 1-3 p.m.

By Michelle Rodriguez The Belton JournalBy Michelle Rodriguez The Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas will host its annual caregiver conference on November 4 at the Central Texas Council of Governments building located at 2180 N. Main St. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. with the conference scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s theme is “Tools for Caregivers” which emphasizes the importance of equipping caregivers with practical resources to help them manage the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of caregiving to include resources from local organizations, expert speakers from local organizations, vendor booths with helpful services, and networking with fellow caregivers. Lunch will be provided for caregivers. “We need to support caregivers as they sustain independence for loved ones. They sacrifice their own time and well-being. Caregiving has a huge impact on our community,” said George Losoya, Director of the Area Agency on Aging. “This year, we are focusing on tools that can minimize the impact on caregivers and strengthen the support they provide.” The conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Alex Armitage, DNP, CNL, APRN, FNP-BC, a practitioner and clinical leader with deep expertise in neurology and palliative care. Dr. Armitage will present on ‘Intimacy when Memory is Fragile’ drawing on her years as Director of the Plummer Movement Disorders at Baylor Scott & White Health in Temple, where she became known for her whole-person approach to Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other omplex neurological conditions. Dr. Armitage focuses on advanced ill- ness and the art of living well with serious disease. She combines the best of allopath- ic medicine with holistic practice, address- ing not just symptoms, but the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs that come with chronic illness. In addition to Dr. Armitage’s keynote, several other speakers will provide valu- able tools and strategies to support caregiv- ers in their essential role. Free lunch will be provided. Pre-reg- istration is needed so that there is enough lunch for those in attendance. “We are excited about the caregiver conference this year. We will be providing useful information for caregivers. We will have several vendors in attendance from home health, senior services, medical, hos- pice, and chiropractors,” said care manager for Area Agency on Aging Jenifer Parker. The event is free of charge to care- givers, made possible through generous support of sponsors: gold sponsor United Healthcare and silver sponsors Morada Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Home Instead and Visiting Angels. To register, please contact the Area Agency of Aging of Central Texas at 254- 770-2330.

Special to the Journal The Belton Area Chamber of Commerce announced winners of the Spur Classic Golf Tournament presented by Fairway Independent Mortgage (The Wood Group) and Fairway 365) held Friday, October 24 at Mill Creek Country Club. Proceeds from the golf tournament are used annually to fund scholarships for Belton ISD students. The Champions of the 4-person scramble, winning on a scorecard playoff after finishing with a team score of 55, were from Grandview Bank and included Dustin Dewald, Drew Dewald, Jeff Dewald, and Jeff Williams. The winning team members were awarded championship spurs and cash prizes. Cash prizes were also awarded to random placed teams, including the 5th place team from First Texas Bank, 11th place team from Vista Real Estate, and the 15th place team from Anthony Ray Packaging. KPIC Engineers, led by Rick Becker, and Dr. Mark Koons were big winners for men and women’s Mulligan Creel. Several participants won prizes in special drawings for a variety of items including a Blackstone Griddle, Yeti cooler, and Turbtlebox Bluetooth Speaker provided by Keith Ace Hardware; Texas Lottery tickets; golf bag, umbrella, chair, and other assorted items donated by Jack Hilliard Distributing; Pampered Basket from Woodhouse Day Spa; Cow & Cactus, the Porch Boutique, and Ruby Tea Room; and Bourbon basket provided by Jared Portis, Crow & Cactus, and Cardinal Bar & Arts. “We had a very successful experience with this golf tournament and were excited to have great participation and beautiful weather for golf,” stated Jordan Samuels, Chamber Board member and Chair of the Golf Tournament Planning Committee. “We appreciate all the sponsors who helped make it successful, and the enthusiasm of our participants,” added Samuels. Numerous sponsors and participants enjoyed a beautiful day at Mill Creek, including a Chick-Fil-A breakfast provided by West Temple Orthodontics, Schlotzky’s Black Label Brugger Sandwiches from Rick Hillier Building, and beverages provided by sponsors included Cedar Crest Hospital and WK Liquors, Crown Distributing, Cheri & Herb Rollins, Sunbelt Rentals, Sherri & Joe Dors, Horizon Bank, MEP Electric, and Perry. “We are excited to provide these great opportunities for our members, businesses, and community to come together,” stated Randy Pittenger, Chamber President/CEO. “We are especially thankful for the leadership of our Board of Directors in planning activities for our community. Our goal is to grow support for our business community in making the Belton area a great place to live, work, shop, play, and raise a family. Events like these provide opportunities for our community to celebrate together, as well as business exposure to potential customers.” For more information about the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, visit our website at www.beltonchamber.com , call 254-939-3551, or email us at info@beltonchamber.com

Special to the Journal For the third year in a row, Railway Express Diner in downtown Belton is opening its doors to the community with a free Thanksgiving meal for anyone and everyone. Owners Christi and Jay Williams stated the tradition is a way to give back to the community that has supported them since opening the diner. “We wanted to do something nice, help, or just put out a Thanksgiving meal for folks who want to share a warm dinner with a local family and some company,” said Christi Williams. “We will welcome the community, friends, and neighbors from all walks of life.” “This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and helping those who may not have somewhere to go,” owner Chris Williams said. “It’s important that we are able to give back and share a hot meal with those who need it.” Last year, the diner served more than 200 people from the Greater Belton, Temple, Killeen and Salado areas. The Thanksgiving Dinner will be served Thursday, November 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the diner’s downtown location at 206 N. East Street, offering dine-in only. The meal is completely free, no sign-up is required, and everyone is welcome to come in, sit down, and enjoy a warm holiday meal with their family. The first year Railway Express Diner kickstarted its free dinner, the owners were inspired by stories of community tradition and wanted to create a similar experience. Their inspiration came from the belief that no one in the Belton community should feel alone this Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving event has now turned into what the owners hope will become a lasting tradition for Belton residents, individuals and families. “It’s the smiles, the stories, and the feeling of community that make it so rewarding,” said Jay Williams. “We just hope everyone feels welcome and cared for in this Thanksgiving season—with a good meal and a warm place to be.”

Special to the Journal Students at Belton High School traded their pencils for trowels during the campus’s two-day Masonry Days event on October 30–31, an immersive learning experience designed to introduce students to the art and science of masonry. Hosted in partnership with the Texas Masonry Council, the event combined hands-on training, live demonstrations and a friendly wall-building competition that showcased craftsmanship, teamwork and career readiness in action. Led by Belton ISD Construction Careers teacher Michael Carrillo, the event welcomed both middle and high school students eager to explore the trade. Carrillo explained that hosting middle schoolers for Masonry Day offered them a unique opportunity to experience the construction industry through engaging activities, industry insights and expert-led training. “They’re getting a real feel for what this work looks like and the pride that comes with building something lasting,” he said. Over the course of two days, students learned the fundamentals of masonry with a focus on bricklaying and blockwork. Workshops guided through demonstrations on mortar spreading, blocklaying, and supplier-led presentations before tackling a design challenge and wall-building contest. Carrillo shared that the lessons went beyond technical ability, emphasizing the importance of providing students with practical skills and insights into the construction industry while fostering creativity, problem-solving and teamwork. It also gives them an appreciation for craftsmanship and safety in building practices. As part of the event, representatives from Texas State Technical College’s Building Construction Technology program were on hand to recognize outstanding student performance with scholarships valued at $100, $150 and $250. These awards celebrate students’ emerging skills and encourage them to continue exploring pathways in the construction industry. Denise Ayres, Belton ISD’s Director of PK–12 Career Readiness, said events like Masonry Day bring classroom instruction to life. “Students have the opportunity to apply the skills they’ve been learning in a real-world setting, working side by side with professionals who use these techniques every day,” she said. “It’s one thing to learn about construction in theory, but it’s another to lay brick, measure for precision and see how craftsmanship, problem-solving and teamwork come together in the field. Experiences like this help students make the direct connection between what they’re learning today and the career pathways available to them tomorrow.” Ayres added that partnerships like the one with the Texas Masonry Council are essential in preparing students for success beyond high school. “Industry partnerships are vital in preparing students for the future,” she said. “Partners like the Texas Masonry Council help ensure that our programs stay connected to workforce needs, provide students with access to expert mentors, and open doors to internships and job opportunities. These collaborations allow students to experience the standards and expectations of the profession firsthand while building valuable relationships with professionals who invest in their success.” The event also gave students the chance to build confidence as they took on authentic, hands-on tasks. “Experiential learning empowers students to see themselves as capable, skilled and employable,” Ayres said. “When students are trusted to take on authentic tasks, they develop a sense of pride and ownership in their work. They gain confidence not only in their technical skills but also in essential employability skills such as communication, perseverance and attention to detail that employers consistently value.” For many students, the experience was both challenging and rewarding. Senior Bryson Necessary, a TeamWorks Mason and National Silver Medalist, said the event reminded him why he first fell in love with the trade. “Back when my sophomore-year TeamWorks team needed another guy, the only spot left was masonry,” he recalled. “I hadn’t really thought about it, but once I started trying it, Mr. Carrillo helped me out, and I ended up really enjoying it.” Although he didn’t compete this time, Necessary said he was eager to watch others learn and create. “I’m curious to see what everyone can do with their creativity,” he said. “Talking to some of the people really opened my eyes to what’s possible in their futures. I can’t have the same thoughts about the trade that I did just a few days ago.” Ayres said the event exemplifies Belton ISD’s mission to connect learning with purpose. “Belton ISD’s Career Readiness programs are built on the belief that students learn best when education and real-world experiences intersect,” she said. “Events like Masonry Day link education, industry and opportunity. We’re proud of our teachers for creating meaningful experiences and grateful to our industry partners for helping us prepare students who are ready to lead, contribute, and build the future—literally and figuratively.”