Brace for Cedar Fever
BSW doctor says flu hasn’t arrived in area just yet
Pollen emitting from a juniper tree resembles smoke. Late fall and early winter in Central Texas can be difficult for cedar fever sufferers. Texas Forestry Service photo
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN
Abundant spring rains around Temple and in the Central Texas Hill Country likely will mean a bumper crop of juniper pollen this winter, and that’s bad news for sufferers of cedar fever.
But while juniper pollen likely will be high, local physicians have seen little in the way of the flu, at least so far this year.
“Like a lot of Central Texans, I’m also susceptible to cedar fever,” said Dr. Terry Rascoe, medical director of virtual urgent care for Baylor Scott & White Health. “When juniper trees start turning orange and red, and cars have a green or orange tint, I get on my over-the-counter allergy medications.”
Rascoe is based in a hub at the Temple BSW Medical Center, and he and his department focus on telephone and video visits with patients not only from the Bell County area, but as far away as Brownsville, El Paso and Amarillo.
“I was in family medicine for 30 years, but when the pandemic hit, I started doing telemedicine,” Rascoe said. “We were already doing some video visits, but COVID really jump-started that trend.”
Rascoe said respiratory ailments such as the flu, colds, allergies, COVID and RSV are big drivers in telemedicine, especially this time of the year.
This could be a banner year for cedar fever. Heavy spring rains — the local area had more than 20 inches in April and May alone — usually means heavy cedar pollination.
Central Texas — including Belton, Temple, Salado and most of Bell County — is widely known as the Allergy Capital of the World, and juniper plays no small role in that distinction.
And with cedar fever season fast approaching, it’s helpful to understand why many Central Texas start sneezing as soon as they open the front door.
Cedar fever is a seasonal allergy caused by pollen releases from the Ashe juniper, Texas’ most common species of mountain cedar. It can cause intense, almost flu-like reactions.
According to Jonathan Motsinger of the Texas A&M Forest Service, Santa’s sleigh isn’t the only thing airborne come late December.
“Juniper trees usually start pollination right around Christmas,” he said. “It usually hits its peak around Jan. 7 and starts to decrease in late February. By March, most of the pollen is pretty much gone.”
While cedar fever looks to be rampant, Rascoe said he hasn't seen many patients so far this year who are suffering from the flu.
“I hope people are getting their vaccinations,” he said. “Usually, people should get flu shots in September or October, but this year it really hasn’t arrived here yet so there’s plenty of time to get vaccinated.”
“We just haven’t seen much of an uptick,” he said. “But we could sure see a spike after Thanksgiving and Christmas when people gather together. All it takes is a kid with a runny nose and everyone could come down with the flu.”
Rascoe said a big challenge this time of year is knowing if you have allergies, a cold or the flu.
“They all share several symptoms,” he said. “But if other members of the family have been sick with the flu and you develop similar symptoms, you likely have it. Most people who get cedar fever are well aware of the symptoms — they have had a pattern of allergies over the years.”
“If you have an actual fever, it likely means you have an infection, not allergies,” he said. “A scratchy, itchy throat or eyes, or even inside your ear, is a sign of allergies.”
Rascoe said over-the-counter medications such as Tamiflu are often beneficial for the flu if taken within the first 48 hours. Allergy medications such as saline solutions, Tylenol or ibuprofen usually help relieve allergy misery, and hot steamy showers also can help.
For colds, Rascoe recommends multi-symptom varieties of Benadryl, Tylenol and AlkaSeltzer.
Rascoe said that he commonly hears complaints that flu shots give people the flu.
“That’s unlikely,” he said. “The vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus. But, you can develop vaccine-related reaction that mimic the flu.”
Figaro’s Marriage opera at TC
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN
The opera workshop class of Temple College and Texas A&M Central Texas will present Figaro’s Marriage, an abridged version of Mozart’s masterpiece opera, The Marriage of Figaro, on Nov. 22 and 23.
The production will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Jackson-Graeter Backstage Theatre at Temple College.
“Come enjoy this abbreviated, immersive version featuring all the iconic Mozart tunes and comedic antics of Figaro as he overcomes the many obstacles put in his way for marrying his darling Susanna,” said Teri Johnson, opera director at Temple College.
The cast of 11 singers range from freshmen to seniors, and the students are from Temple, Belton, Killeen and Austin.
The opera will be presented in English with some arias sung in the original Italian. The production is directed by Johnson and the music will be directed by David Perez-Guerra.
Tickets are $5 and students with ID will be admitted free. Tickets can be purchased through CentralTexasTickets.com.
“Even after 234 years, Mozart’s music continues to be fresh and delightful,” Johnson said.
“ This opera masterpiece still holds up and the students are captivated by both its simplicity and complexity. We hope the audience will love it as much as we do.”
TC names history professor Brice Olivier as 2024-2025 Barnhart Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN
Brice Olivier, professor of history, has been named Temple College’s 2024-25 Claudia and W.T. Barnhart Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
Olivier began teaching at Temple College in 2013. During her 11 years she has taught U.S. and world history courses at the Taylor and Hutto campuses.
Prior to her work with Temple College, Olivier served as a teacher at Legacy Early College High School in Taylor, an adjunct professor at College of the Mainland in Texas City, and in a variety of positions at Santa Fe ISD in Santa Fe, Texas.
“Professor Olivier is a dedicated teacher,” wrote English Professor Christopher Cregar in his nomination letter for the award. “She works hard for her students and is always available for them to contact her with any issues that they may have.”
“In addition, she works tirelessly to expand her pedagogical knowledge and works with her colleagues to share ideas and information,” Cregar wrote. “She is always ready to assist her colleagues with questions or to share what she has learned in her classroom.”
The Barnhart Award includes a $2,000 stipend and the honoree becomes Temple College’s nominee for the Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award, which recognizes outstanding educators across the state. Olivier will also be honored during the Temple College commencement ceremony in May.
Olivier said she was honored to be considered for the award and her approach to teaching.
“Education should equip students with the knowledge and skills to thrive personally and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she said. “Guided by this principle, I strive to create a history classroom that not only imparts historical knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, collaboration and adaptability.”
Olivier said she works continuously to refine and update her courses to ensure their relevance to today’s world. She said she uses a “flipped classroom” model to empower students to explore material independently before engaging in rich class discussions.
“Outside of class, students explore material through a variety of approaches that incorporate modern technology as well as traditional and historical sources,” she said. “In class, students are encouraged to deepen their understanding by sharing their ideas and listening to the ideas of others through small-group discussion and presentations.
“This combined approach not only deepens students' understanding of the material but also fosters essential life skills, such as self-directed learning, summarization, connection building and effective communication. By developing these essential skills, my goal is for students to become well-prepared to succeed in an ever-changing world.”
Olivier has served on numerous campus committees and has contributed to a number of campus-wide, division and departmental initiatives. She has served as a mentor to high school dual-credit students in the Legacy Early College program in Taylor and the Texas Biosciences Institute in Hutto, as well as traditional and adult learners.
“It has been a privilege to work with the students, my colleagues and the community at Temple College, and I am proud of the contributions I have made over the past eleven years,” Olivier said. “My priorities as a teacher have been to help students find success and to support my colleagues.”
Temple Children’s Museum announces family programs, holiday hours
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN
The Temple Children’s Museum will have special hours and programs during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, according to Emily Smith, the Museum’s executive director.
“The Museum is excited to announce its holiday hours and a lineup of festive programs and activities designed to make this season magical for families and children of all ages,” Smith said.
“ From hands-on holiday crafts to goat cuddles, the museum offers something for everyone this holiday season,” she added.
Below are the museum’s Thanksgiving Week hours:
Monday, Nov. 25 Closed
Tuesday, Nov.: 10 a.m. to noon.
Wednesday, Nov. 27: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 28 Closed
Friday, Nov. 29: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 30: 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Here are the museum’s Christmas and New Year’s hours:
Dec. 23-26 Closed
Friday, Dec. 27: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 28: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 31: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The museum is also thrilled to present a range of holiday-themed programs throughout November and December, including:
All programs registration and ticket information can be found on the TCM website at
https://www.templechildrensmuseum.org.
Hot Cocoa and Goat Cuddles. Enjoy three days of Hot Cocoa and Goat Cuddles at the TCM.
Nov. 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. $8 per-person and registration is required.
Nov. 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $8 per-person and registration is required.
Dec. 7 *Sold Out*
Museum Monday. Enjoy Christmas themed hands-on activities around the TCM.
Dec.9 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. $10 per child and registration is required.
New Year’s Noon. Enjoy this special time-themed program including a balloon drop at noon.
Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no cost to this program but registration is required!
In addition, the museum gift shop offers a curated selection of educational toys, books, stocking stuffers, and TCM gift cards, perfect for holiday gifting.
“We are delighted to bring the community together to celebrate the holiday season in a fun and educational way,” Smith said “Our programs are designed to foster creativity, learning, and togetherness, providing a memorable experience for families.”
For more information on how to register for holiday programs, please visit www.templechildrensmuseum.org or call (254) 500-7617.
Ham prices, choices increase near holidays
PAUL SCHATTENBERG | TEXAS AGRILIFE
Lower pork production going into the holiday season compared to last year won’t restrict the availability of all cuts, but prices could rise, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics.
“The lower production is likely because several months of financial losses are beginning to take their toll on pork production,” said David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agricultural economist, Bryan-College Station. “While production efficiency — more pigs per litter — have offset fewer sows, it looks as though fewer sows farrowing is starting to show up in a reduced amount of hog slaughter and overall production.”
Retail hams, at $4.60 per pound in September, were 3 cents per pound higher than last September. But that was the lowest retail price since June.
Now, Anderson said, as the holidays approach, ham demand and associated wholesale prices are increasing. Wholesale 23-27-pound trimmed hams have hit $0.95 per pound, their highest price in several months.
Ham’s popularity second only to turkey
Ham is the most popular holiday dinner protein after turkey, said Davey Griffin, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension meat specialist in the Department of Animal Science, Bryan-College Station.
Ham is the second most popular protein for holiday meals and there are a variety of flavored hams available to satisfy the consumer. (Texas A&M AgriLife)
“Although available year-round, 70% of ham sales are recorded in the current 13-week holiday season,” Griffin said. “To provide and accommodate holiday ham sales, retailers ‘book’ holiday hams months in advance to take advantage of lower pricing that allows many to include hams in their holiday features.”
Griffin said that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture data, there should be no problem finding holiday ham or other pork selections for purchase.
The National Pork Board estimates approximately 318 million pounds of ham will be consumed on Christmas.
When it comes to buying a holiday ham, Griffin said the choices have certainly risen over time, with consumers opting for both traditional and new ham types and flavors.
“Bone-in hams — whole, butt and shank halves — still lead consumer choices,” he said. “But spiral sliced and boneless whole, half and quarter hams are available to consumers not wanting the volume, lacking slicing skills or trying to avoid the added time involved with cooking bone-in counterparts.”
Griffin said those marketing and selling hams have also developed additional flavors to satisfy consumers’ growing interests. In addition to traditional hickory-smoked and brown sugar- flavored hams, consumers may now find options such as honey, black forest, maple, applewood, salted caramel or even pineapple-flavored hams or glazes.
Around Town
MPR Christmas celebration is Dec. 6
Dec. 6 promises to be a big day in Morgan’s Point Resort — Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing his lovely wife along for an evening of fun, games and holiday music.
The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with a parade from the MPR Public Safety Center to the Garrett & Mic Hill Community Center where most of the activities will take place.
“The use of the word parade is a little confusing,” said Cary Erskine, assistant city manager and the town’s chief financial officer. “It isn’t a typical parade. The Morgan’s Point Resort police and Fire departments will escort Santa and Mrs. Claus, but people do watch the escort from the streets and from houses before making their way down to the Community Center.”
The “parade” route journeys from Morgan’s Point Road to Morgan’s Point Boulevard to the Community Center. The Christmas celebration in Morgan’s Point is always held on the first Friday in December.
Erskine encourages those attending the celebration to bring their kids and a camera for photographs with Santa. The event also will include various children’s activities, cookies and cocoa, and caroling hayrides around town with Mrs. Claus.
Temple accepting Holiday Lights submissions
The city of Temple is now accepting submissions for the third annual Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest.
Residents are invited to showcase their holiday spirit by decorating their homes, submitting a photo, and participating in this festive event.
“The Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest is a fun way to transform both your home and the city into a festive wonderland, spreading holiday cheer throughout the community,” said Emeile Palma, public relations specialist for the city.
“All contest entries will be uploaded to the event website, allowing the public to view and vote for their favorite decorated house,” she said. “The entry with the most votes will be declared the winner and will receive a keepsake award presented by Mayor Tim Davis.”
Submissions will be accepted until Nov. 30, and participants must be 18 years or older and residents of Temple.
For more details and to enter, visit templetx.gov/holidaylights.
Lake Belton fishing report
GOOD. Water stained; 73 degrees; 2.39 feet below pool.
Lake Belton has begun riding the frontal weather roller coaster, according to Bob Maindelle, owner of Holding the Line fishing guide service in Salado.
“Fishing is best as a front arrives and north or northwest wind velocity increases,” Maindelle said. “Fishing is worse once the north winds subside and leave cold, calm, clear conditions. Fishing is average as the southerly winds return, and until the next front arrives.”
“The MAL Original with chartreuse tail for vertical work in deep water, and the White Tornado in 1 3/8 oz. white color for horizontal work when fish show to be carpeting the bottom to either or both sides of the boat.”
Maindelle said the morning bite is going 7:40-10:45 a.m. Expect a weaker, shorter afternoon bite from 1:45-5:00 p.m. Gulls are beginning to show, but are not yet helpful in locating fish.
.According to Brian Worley of B&S Catfishing, blue catfish are good along the old river channels in 10 to 30 feet of water drifting with fresh cut shad.
“Channel catfish are fair using punch bait around gravel beds and timber,” he said. “Flathead catfish are slow, but can be found around large rock piles using live bait.”
Stillhouse fishing report
SLOW. Water stained;73 degrees; 1.09 feet below pool.
“Stillhouse has really lagged since the lush crop of hydrilla was wiped out by the spring flooding,” said Bob Maindelle of Holding the Line fishing guide service.
“White bass are scattered with some early movement by mostly small fish into the middle third of the reservoir from out of the dam end,” he said.
“Largemouth bass fishing has been hit-or-miss with fish reorienting from hydrilla to sparse natural cover. This has created a scenario where multiple fish will hold on a single piece of suitable cover.”
According to Maindelle, anglers can go long whiles without a bite, then land four to six fish in just a few casts when one of these desirable pieces of cover is found.
“Due to lack of hydrilla, Carolina rigs may now be fished much more readily than when the hydrilla was present. Smaller, dark, natural hues of soft plastics are always a good bet on this lake. Gulls are beginning to show, but are not yet helpful in locating fish.”
Central Texas ag report
Conditions in and around the Temple area continue to be dry, and while the weather is cooling, no frost has been observed, according to reports by Texas AgriLife experts.
Mild temperatures have prevailed.and some producers have considered planting late winter grazing if additional rain falls. Some small grains responded to the rainfall by germinating and emerging.
Producers were able to put away plenty of hay this year and some supplemental feeding was carried out. Overall, livestock are in good condition.
Christmas at the Plaza is Nov. 30
Temple’s Holly Jolly Christmas celebration includes Christmas at the Plaza from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Santa Fe Plaza.
In addition to a sparkling Christmas tree lighting show, there will be unique holiday crafts and several food vendors.
Learn more at HollyJollyTemple.com.
Temple Christmas Parade is Dec. 2
The Holly Jolly Christmas celebration continues in Temple with the 78th annual Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.
The parade will feature floats, bands, and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade will start at the intersection of Eighth Street and East Adams, and go west on Adams. The parade will conclude at Temple High School..
Polar Bear Express on Dec. 13 at Santa Fe Plaza
The Polar Bear Express will be the featured movie at the Dec. 13 Plaza Picture Show. The event will be at Santa Fe Plaza.
Fun starts at 6 p.m. and the move starts at dusk.
Santa at Santa Fe Depot is Dec. 7
The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum will host Santa at the Depot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Santa will arrive in Temple by train for photos. Registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/yck53m8f.
This is a free event and is open to everyone. There will be a Holiday Market and a Tree Lighting Show.
Santa Paws is Dec. 14 at Railroad Museum
A special day for pups is coming to the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.
Santa Paws will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photos will Santa will include Polaroid or digital options. Visitors can also enjoy the Working Rail Dogs exhibit at the museum, plus an agility course for the dogs.
Tickets are on sale at https://tinyurl.com/yw553esu. They are $10 a person. This event is open to people ages 18 and older.
Bring your camera.