Special to the Journal The Friends of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery are proud to announce that Retired General Paul Funk Jr. will be the guest speaker at the annual Wreaths for Veterans wreath-laying ceremony, held on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. This cherished event honors the memory and service of our nation’s veterans by placing a holiday wreath at every grave and columbarium in the cemetery. General Funk, a distinguished leader with decades of military service, will offer remarks during the opening ceremony, bringing heartfelt insight and gratitude to this solemn occasion.

By Michelle Rodriguez The Belton Journal The community was invited to meet first responders, local police, and the fire department to enjoy a morning full of food and connection on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Coronas de Oro Mexican Restaurant located at 219 S. East St. They set up tables and chairs at the gazebo and blocked off the parking lot behind the restaurant near the creek so the police and fire departments could bring their vehicles. Guests enjoyed breakfast tacos: bacon, egg, and cheese; potato, egg, and cheese; sausage, egg, and cheese; refreshments including water, coffee, orange juice, and coffee while meeting first responders, checking out police and fire vehicles, and learning more about those who serve our community.

Special to the Journal December 2nd, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is known nationally as Giving Tuesday when people are encouraged to donate to their local non-profit agencies. One Central Texas non-profit is reversing the day by offering fresh sausage wraps, chips, and fresh baked cookies to the public in appreciation for the support received since their opening in August 2023. On December 2nd the Hospice House family will be set up in the parking lot of the Keith Ace Hardware, 525 N. Main St, Belton, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Our Hospice House is so grateful to the public for all they have done to help make this a reality. Giving Tuesday is a great opportunity to thank donors, volunteers, hospice providers, numerous local organizations and the whole community for their wonderful support of this mission. Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Bates provide a beautifully decorated home for those on their end-of-life journey. It is a free-standing home with trained staff and volunteers serving the houseguests around the clock. The Executive Director, Annie McCall, stated that the care is available at no cost to those needing to make the most of every moment. To make a donation to Our Hospice House you may go to www.OurHospiceHouse.org or use the QR code that is provided.

By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal BELTON JOURNAL/Michele Weisman June Sanderford, one of the original volunteers with Project Angel Tree, prepares a gift. Project Angel Tree provides Christmas presents to the children of Bell County Jail inmates through local churches, organizations, and businesses. This group of volunteer leaders and workers is under the umbrella of J.A.I.L. Ministry, Inc. The inmates’ requests are given to Project Angel Tree in October, and the volunteers go to work. Project Angel Tree’s (PAT) mission is, “To strengthen the relationship between children and their incarcerated parents and by providing a gift with a special message from the parent, "To share the love of God with children and families."

Special to the Journal As the holiday season approaches, the Bell County Crime Victims' Coalition will be paying special tribute to victims of crime at the 22nd Annual Tree of Angels Ceremony. The ceremony allows for family members, friends, and colleagues to trim Christmas trees with special ornaments honoring and remembering those lost to violent crime. The Christmas trees will remain displayed in the Cadence Center lobby throughout the Christmas season. Ornaments from previous years will be available to place on the tree or to exchange for a new ornament. 

By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal Belton Parks and Recreation held the first Light Up the Night Belton Community Bike Ride on the Nolan Creek hike and bike trail Friday, Nov. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A table set up at Liberty Park, 700 Veterans Way, served as the check-in location before the ride commenced at 5:45 p.m. Adam Wells, Charisse Bennett, and Adam Trujillo with Parks and Recreation welcomed the public to the event. The Facebook flyer invited participants to “dress to glow.” Families and individuals arrived ready to enjoy the free outdoor event. Parks and Recreation planned the event knowing not all participants could arrive by 5:30, and late arrivals were still able to join. A Belton police officer participated in the ride, patrolling on a police bicycle.

Special to the Journal Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas (CIS) will hold its 18th annual Shoes 4 Kids Drive November 15 through December 15 to collect shoes for children in need. And for the second consecutive year, CIS is partnering with KCEN-TV to gather new or gently worn shoes for elementary, middle school and high school children registered in the CIS program. Sizes needed range from youth one to seven years, men's 7-14 and women's 7-11. Tennis shoes or sneakers must be appropriate for school aged children. 

By Michelle Rodriguez The Belton Journal Morgan's Point Resort Mary Ruth Briggs Library hosted its seventh annual art show last Saturday, with winners announced at the Mic and Garrett Hill Event Center. "This was free to patrons and free to artists. It's a family oriented, community show. We heard beautiful music played by the students from Lake Belton High School Silver Strings. They are talented and professional. We also had popcorn, sandwiches, snacks, cookies, wine, water, and punch," said MPR Library board chairman Pamela Robinson. In the adult division, first place was by John Hardt with "Titanic," second place was by Joe Stanfield with "The Archer," and third place was by Arthur Boyer with "Squirrel." In the children's division, first place was Eleanor Graham's "Dots trying to play tic, tac, toe," second place went to Ry Williams with "Flower Power," and third place was awarded to Hines Graham with "Green Circle." Best in show winner was by Sara Rios, for "Photo of my sister." "This year, we had 56 pieces of artwork submitted including pottery, sculptures, photography, and paintings. Cash prizes and ribbons were awarded to adult and children's division winners," said Robinson. "The Lego piece was done by Mayor 'Jimbo' Snyder who had previously shown 'The Twin Towers' piece at a previous show." Artists filled out an application online and were limited to three pieces and could not include entries from previous shows. Each art discipline needed 15 entries to qualify for prizes. Insurance is unavailable for submitted artwork; however, every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of the pieces. A panel of two local artists served as judges for the children and adult divisions. Slips were passed out and people voted for the Best in Show. Library Board Regular Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Morgan's Point Resort Mary Ruth Briggs Library. For the MPR Explorer@thepoint, there is no program for this month and next month due to the holidays.  Friends of the library is a 501(c)3 organization formed to support the library. Their main project for this year was to raise enough funds to build a new building for the library since it is currently housed in one room in city hall. The first fundraiser was Octoberfest held in October at Ansay Park.

Special to the Journal What began as a simple idea to help a few families at Charter Oak Elementary has grown into a powerful community effort.  The campus’ Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) recently hosted a Food & Shoe Drive to support the Cheetah Pantry, a program that provides weekly meal kits to families facing food insecurity. While the Nov. 2 event fell just short of its short collection goal, PTO leaders said the outpouring of support from families, staff and neighbors was heartwarming. Donations of food, shoes and funds are already being used to fill weekly meal bags as the school prepares for the upcoming holiday breaks. Special to the Journal