Weekly Newsletter

October 5, 2026

Members, if you have something that needs to go in the newsletter, please email it as a jpeg or png file by Thursday to info@beltonchamber.com

Chamber News

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Something deliciously haunted is brewing at Ruby Tearoom this October.

All month long, Ruby Tearoom transforms for Haunted Halloween, with a seasonal Afternoon Tea filled with spooky flavors, hauntingly good treats, and special seasonal teas.

Sink your teeth into Bloody Devil’s Food Cake, enjoy our Caramel Poison Apple Scone, and discover even more haunted treats created by Chef Sara throughout all three courses. Expect a playful mix of rich chocolate, caramel apple, warm autumn spice, sweet, savory, and delightfully wicked flavors.

We’ll also be pouring special seasonal teas throughout October, alongside our full tea menu, so you can find the perfect pairing for your Haunted Halloween experience.

Gather your favorite ghouls, plan a fall date, or simply come dressed for the season and enjoy a little Halloween magic over tea.

What to Expect

A full three-course Afternoon Tea experience

Our Haunted Halloween seasonal menu

Handcrafted savories, fresh-baked scones, and hauntingly elegant desserts

Bloody Devil’s Food Cake, Caramel Poison Apple Scones, and more haunted treats

Premium loose leaf tea with special seasonal teas available throughout October

Thursday & Friday

Seating at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM

Ruby Tearoom, inside Arusha Coffee Co. in downtown Belton, proudly serving guests from across Central Texas.

Reservations are required, and seating is limited.

Please Note

To book, select your experience, a date, and a seating time. Prices are per person. Gluten-free orders require a 3-day advance notice. For food allergies, special accommodations, or groups, please contact the tearoom prior to booking.

Groups of 6 or more: An 18% gratuity will be added at the time of service.

For 50 years, The Carlson Law Firm has been proud to serve and support our community, and we want to celebrate this incredible milestone with you!



Join us for an evening of family-friendly fun inlcluding:

Free food

Bounce houses

Kona Ice

Giveaways

Swag

Safety demonstrations

And more!


The celebration will kick off with a chamber ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., followed by an evening filled with activities for the whole family.

Oct. 6

4:00 p.m.

100 E Central Texas Expy, Killeen, TX 76541

Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us celebrate 50 years of caring, community, and commitment. We can’t wait to see you!

Get your kroje and dancing shoes ready for Polka on the Square!

Enjoy two days filled with authentic traditions — from lively polka music to local breweries, wineries, and delicious Czech-inspired dishes! 


Event Schedule:

Friday, Oct. 9 - 5-10 PM

 Food Vendors, Breweries, and Wineries: 5–10 PM

 The Fritz Hodde Fabulous Six Band: 5:30–7:30 PM

 The Praha Bros: 8–10 PM


Saturday, Oct. 10 - 11 AM-10 PM

 Food Vendors, Breweries, and Wineries: 11 AM–10 PM

 Jerry Haisler & the Melody Five: 5:30–7:30 PM

 Brave Combo: 8-10 PM 

BeeMaRosa Vineyard & Winery ~ Paint Your Mate Night at the Winery

Friday. Oct. 9 at 6:30pm


Grab your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, family member, or bestie and join us for a night of laughter, creativity, and great wine as you paint your mate!

No painting experience is necessary. In fact, beginners are encouraged to join the fun. We'll also be adding a surprise twist to the evening that you'll discover when you arrive, making the experience even more entertaining.

Come ready to laugh, create lasting memories, and see your favorite person through an artist's eyes. Whether your masterpiece ends up on the wall or simply provides plenty of laughs, it's sure to be a night to remember!

$25/person or $50/couple - First glass of wine or small charcuterie board included.

Registration required

UMHB Homecoming ~

Crusaders vs. Howard Payne

Lioness Real Estate Group

Oct 14th | 5-7pm CST


Join me for my virtual birthday celebration and the launch of

**LIONESS UNLEASHED!**


And I’m thrilled to announce that **Rebecca Contreras** is joining our incredible lineup of Lionesses:

Sharon Lechter

Elena Cardone

Rebecca Contreras

And me, Lisa Copeland!

But here’s the twist…

**EVERY SINGLE ATTENDEE RECEIVES A BEAUTIFUL GIFT!**

And we’ll be giving away **THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE in LIVE drawings throughout the evening!**


This isn’t your typical Zoom.


Grab a glass of champagne—or sparkling water—invite your girlfriends, and come spend two hours with women who have built businesses, overcome obstacles, reinvented themselves, and refused to stay silent.

We’re going to **celebrate, connect, laugh, learn and GIVE!**


**TAG A FRIEND who needs to be in this room with us.**

Come meet THE Lionesses.

Come for the gifts.

Stay for the sisterhood.


**You MUST register to attend and receive your gift:**


Registration

Come get a little CrafTEA with us.

Our CrafTEA series is back for a cozy fall evening at Pinky’s!

This month, Primel Scents & More will be joining us and guiding guests in creating beautiful seasonal scented wax sachets. You'll use dried botanicals, citrus, herbs, spices, and other decorative touches to create pieces inspired by the sights and scents of the season. These beautiful little creations are perfect for adding fragrance to closets, drawers, small spaces—or simply displaying somewhere they can be enjoyed. And because this is CrafTEA, there will, of course, be a Cream Tea from Ruby Tearoom to enjoy while you create. No crafting experience required. Grab a friend, sip some tea, learn something new, and leave with your own handmade pieces to enjoy at home.


What to Expect:

Guided candle sachet making with Primel Scents & More

Create your own seasonally themed scented wax sachets

Dried botanicals and decorative seasonal elements

All crafting materials provided

Cream Tea from Ruby Tearoom to enjoy while you create

A relaxed, social evening at Pinky’s

Your handmade creations to take home

Thursday, October 15

6 PM–8 PM

Hosted at Pinky’s in Downtown Belton

Space is limited and advance registration is required.



Please Note

Your ticket includes the guided CrafTEA experience, all crafting supplies, and Cream Tea from Ruby Tearoom. Gluten-free Cream Tea is available with at least 3 days' advance notice. For food allergies or special accommodations, please contact the tearoom prior to booking.


TICKETS

Get ready for a night of electrifying Texas blues at The Overlook at Dead Fish Grill! 🎸



Texas Flood is bringing the music of the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan to life in an unforgettable tribute experience.

📅 October15

📍 The Overlook at Dead Fish Grill | 2207 Lake Road Belton, TX 76502

🎶 EVENT SCHEDULE

Outdoor bar opens at 6:30 PM

Shrimp boil begins at 7:30 PM

Texas Flood takes the stage at 7:30 PM

🎟️ TICKET OPTIONS

General Admission: $20

Table for six with a bucket of catfish: $125

The outdoor bar will be serving drinks throughout the evening, and a shrimp boil will be available from The Overlook food menu for $20.

Grab your friends, come hungry and settle in for a night filled with cold drinks, great food and good old Texas blues!


TICKETS

Registration is OPEN!


Join us at the 10th Annual RMHC / Kids & Clays Sporting Clay Tournament on October 16th at Weber’s Shooting Range!


The day is filled with prizes, breakfast, lunch, Clay Shooting and so much more! Help support the Ronald McDonald House Charities and have some outdoor fun!


Sponsorships, Teams, and TICKETS

Step into a cozy evening of tea and thoughtful insight at Ruby Tearoom. 🫖

Join us for Tea & Tarot, a unique experience where a warm cup meets personal reflection. Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared Cream Tea with fresh-baked scones, jam, and cream while receiving a personalized tarot reading focused on your energy, your path, and what may be unfolding.

✨ Cream Tea service included (a pot of tea, scone & cream)

✨ Personal tarot card readings

✨ A relaxed, intimate evening experience

📅 October 16th - 6PM to 8PM

Seats are limited, so secure your spot and join us for an evening of tea and insight provided by Mystical AF.

TICKETS

Something wickedly delightful is brewing at Ruby Tearoom! 🕷️✨

On Sunday, October 18th, gather your coven and join us for a special Witchy Afternoon Tea filled with seasonal flavors, fall magic, and a little mischief around the tea table.

Don your best witchy attire and enjoy a three course Afternoon Tea featuring savory bites, freshly baked scones, sweets, and a pot of premium loose leaf tea.

We’ll be adding plenty of witchy fun throughout the afternoon with festive décor, party favors, games, and prizes. Come with your girlfriends, moms and daughters, or your favorite spooky squad.

Because every good coven deserves an afternoon around the tea table.


TICKETS

Temple Civic Theatre Fall Fest & THRILLER


Vendors, music, food, pumpkin patch, and more! This annual event and fundraiser returns October 24th at 10am.



Attend the Fall Fest and stay for THRILLER. Our resident Choreographer will teach you the full Thriller dance. Wear your best zombie outfit and our talented makeup artists will make you up in custom zombie makeup. 

Grab your boots, sparkle up your denim, and join CASA of Bell & Coryell Counties for an unforgettable evening of bingo, fun, and fundraising at our Denim, Diamonds & Daubers Bingo Night!


✨ Dress in your favorite denim and bling

🎁 Win exciting bingo prizes, raffles, and giveaways

🍽️ Enjoy delicious refreshments and snacks from Wings Pizza N Things

🎶 Experience a night filled with music, laughter, and community spirit

Whether you're a seasoned bingo player or just looking for a fun night out with friends, Denim, Diamonds & Daubers is the perfect way to support a great cause while making lasting memories.

Every ticket purchased helps CASA of Bell & Coryell Counties provide trained volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Your support helps ensure that children in foster care have a dedicated voice advocating for their safety, well-being, and future.

Gather your friends, bring your lucky dauber, and get ready to shine for a cause that changes children's lives—one bingo card at a time!



💙 All proceeds benefit CASA of Bell & Coryell Counties and the children we serve.

Randall King w/ Kylie Frey gates at 6 pm. Must be 18 or older or with an adult.

https://ticketing.roninpos.app/events/RandallKing

No outside chairs, no outside food or drinks, and appropriate attire required. We offer a full bar. General admission, VIP Tables, and Reserved Tables as available. Each table purchase comes with 6 tickets.

Ray Wylie Hubbard Live at the Cultural Activities Center

Oct. 24 at 7:30pm


There are songwriters, there are storytellers, and then there’s Ray Wylie Hubbard.

For decades, the Texas music icon has carved out a sound all his own - gritty, clever, unmistakably Texas, and filled with stories that are even better live.

On Saturday, October 24, Ray Wylie Hubbard brings that sound to the Cultural Activities Center in Temple for an intimate night of incredible live music.

Fans can expect favorites from across his legendary career along with new music from Reel 2 Reel 4 Real.

Whether you’ve followed Ray Wylie for years or you’re just discovering his music, this is a chance to experience one of Texas music’s great originals right here in Central Texas.

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Cultural Activities Center

3011 N. 3rd Street | Temple, TX


TICKETS

Something spooky (and sweet!) is brewing at Ruby Tearoom!

Join us on Halloween, October 31, for Haunted Tea & Treats, a family-friendly costume ParTEA filled with festive bites, tea, costumes, and a few tricks and treats along the way.

Come dressed in your Halloween best and settle in for a playful afternoon at the tearoom. We’ll be serving Halloween-inspired tea and treats, with plenty of spooky fun for little ghosts, grown-up ghouls, and everyone in between. Costumes are absolutely encouraged—because Halloween is much more fun when the whole tea table gets into the spirit. Bring the family. Bring your costumes. And get ready for one delightfully haunted ParTEA.


What to Expect

Haunted Tea & Treats from Ruby Tearoom

Halloween-inspired bites and sweets

Tea to enjoy during the party

Costume party fun

Games, treats, and spooky surprises

A festive, family-friendly Halloween afternoon

Saturday, October 31

12 PM–2 PM

Ruby Tearoom | Downtown Belton

Costumes are encouraged! Space is limited and advance registration is required.


Please Note

Your ticket includes the Haunted Tea & Treats experience, Halloween activities, and refreshments from Ruby Tearoom.

Gluten-free options are available with at least 3 days' advance notice. For food allergies or special accommodations, please contact the tearoom prior to booking.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.


TICKETS

UMHB Hometown Heroes ~

Crusaders vs. Schreiner

TICKETS

Save the date for A Night of Hope on November 12th!


This year, we’re gathering in a NEW location at UMHB for an evening celebrating the hope God is bringing to communities near and far.

More details are coming soon. For now, mark your calendar—we can’t wait to share this night with you!

November 12 at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Ribs & Rods 2026 presented by Don Ringler Chevrolet & Toyota


Family friendly car show and BBQ cookoff! Live music, local vendors, food trucks and great people supporting the Ronald McDonald House!!!

Ribs & Rods is one of Temple's most popular events brought to you by Don Ringler Chevrolet and Toyota. Ribs & Rods joins the community's love for live music, classic and custom cars, and BBQ, all in support of our local Ronald McDonald House. The beautiful Bend O the River with it's large shade trees and golf course-esc grass will be the location of 2026's event.

With several fun games and events to keep the whole family entertained including amazing bands, kids coloring and pedal car competitions, rib eating contest, and a drive in style movie experience featuring TBD!

2025's event brought in over 600 show vehicles, over 40 of the best cookers in Texas!

Ribs & Rods will be at Bend O' the River, right off IH35, and to invite you to be part of this spectacular event.

Visit RibsandRods.org for more information

Armed Services YMCA

Nov. 14th | 2pm



Join us at our 165th Birthday Bash

Hosted by: Bold Republic Brewing Company


Whether you're competing in the chili cook-off, enjoying live music, or celebrating with friends, your support helps ASYMCA Killeen continue serving those who serve our nation.


Help us honor 165 years of service and reach our $16,500 fundraising goal! Bring your friends, family, and appetite! 


UMHB Military Appreciation ~

Crusaders vs. Hardin Simmons

REDUCE RISK, STRENGTHEN TEAMS, AND EQUIP LEADERS TO ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IMPACTING TODAY'S JOBSITES

 

You're invited to join us for Beyond the Hard Hat on Tuesday, November 17 at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, 9am to 4:30pm.

Construction leaders are facing unprecedented challenges related to workforce shortages, burnout, retention, loneliness, substance misuse, and employee well-being, all of which directly impact culture, productivity, safety, and financial performance.

You already know the challenges. This event is focused on solutions. Beyond the Hard Hat brings together construction executives, industry experts, educators, and practitioners to provide actionable strategies that strengthen people, culture, and business performance. You'll leave with practical ideas you can implement immediately, meaningful industry connections, and a clearer understanding of both the human and financial impact of investing in your workforce. If you won't be there, who from your organization should be?

 

+ REGISTER HERE

$100.00 Ticket - 100% of ticket proceeds go to wellness and prevention initiatives in the construction industry.


Featured Sessions

Leadership That Drives Change

Matt Hollensworth, Austin Industries | Matthew Vereecke, Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation

A discussion on leadership, suicide prevention, chaplaincy, employee care, and building cultures where people feel connected, supported, and valued.

70% of Your Workforce: What Leaders Need to Know About Managing Bilingual Crews

Eli Embleton, Zachry Construction | Monique Lewis, Next 2 Native

Language barriers can create real safety risks on construction sites. Through an immersive experience and practical jobsite strategies, attendees will learn how to improve communication, verify understanding, and reduce language-related risk across bilingual crews.

Working Lunch: Vulnerable Conversations

Malynda Dickinson, MYCON General Contractors | Brittany Hale and the Muckleroy & Falls Team | Megan Gandy and Michael Smith, TCS Mechanical

Construction leaders share personal and organizational experiences involving grief, loss, recovery, resilience, and mental health.

Rewiring Resilience: The Neuroscience of Stress, Recovery & Performance

Dorsey Standish, Mastermind | Dr. Annie Ginty, Baylor University

Explore the science behind stress, burnout, resilience, focus, and performance, along with practical tools leaders can apply immediately.

When an Employee Says, "I Need Help": From Policy to Practice

Craig Truitt and Jack Bruce, IMA Financial Group | Daniel and Renee Mercado, Resource EC

A practical discussion on dealing with the tough stuff: addiction, mental health challenges, treatment, return-to-work considerations, employee benefits, and onsite support strategies.

The Workforce Win-Win: Creating Employment Opportunities for Those in Need While Solving Construction's Labor Shortages

P. Michael Linzmaier, Construction Education Foundation | Marsha Williamson and Tim Grigsby, Dallas 24 Hour Club | Eli Pagel and David Schuermann, B&H Boring

Learn how innovative partnerships are creating workforce pathways for individuals in recovery and reentry while helping contractors solve labor shortages and reduce turnover.

A Better Way to Build People: Mental Health, Leadership & Retention

Keyan Zandy and Shelby McEntire, Skiles Group

Discover how Lean leadership, people-first practices, and mental wellness initiatives can improve retention, engagement, and organizational performance.

Make a night of it on Saturday, November 21, as the Eli Young Band takes the stage at the Cultural Activities Center!



Come early, grab dinner from Oliver’s BBQ, enjoy a drink from the bar, and then settle in for an incredible night of live music.

• Oliver’s BBQ: 5:30–8:30 PM

• Bar Opens: 7:00 PM

• Doors Open: 7:00 PM

• Show Starts: 7:30 PM

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Led by an unmistakable vocal and bringing a Texas-rock edge to modern country for 25 years, the Eli Young Band's never-changing lineup of Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones, and Chris Thompson have spent decades on the run, growing from hometown heroes into globe-trotting, chart-topping pioneers. … And now, they’re coming home.

Founded in Denton, and rising to become arena-packing icons of the state’s independent country scene, EYB’s 2005 album Level launched the band into the mainstream, followed by three career Billboard Top 5 albums, including the No. 1 10,000 Towns and Platinum Life At Best. Boasting back-to-back Number One singles with the 5X Platinum “Crazy Girl” in 2011 and 3X Platinum “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (2012), plus the Platinum Number One “Drunk Last Night,” 2X Platinum Number One “Love Ain’t” and more, the band’s unbroken streak of success has now led to a millions-strong fandom, and after keeping the intensity of their live shows front and center, it’s time to get back to the point. Ready to follow up 2022’s Love Talking, the band has returned to the Denton studio where Level was born – bringing new tunes and new excitement along with them. Also returning to their independent roots, a fresh batch of co-written songs match the raw, grassroots energy and emotional sting of their early work, geared for the stage and recorded without digital tricks. Released September 27, 2024, “Home In Hometown” started the new era and marked EYB’s creative homecoming – a true-to-experience ballad of life on the highway, unpacking what “home” really means. 


TICKETS

Schoepf's BBQ ~ Josh Weathers w/ Leon River Band - Charity Concert benefitting Belton Senior Activity Center & Eldred's Nursery



$2500 Sponsor VIP Table seat 6 includes dinner

$ 500 First 2 Row Picnic Table seat 6

$ 300 Picnic Table seat 6

$ 30 Advanced General Admission $ 40 Day of Show


TICKETS

December 15, 2026

4pm - 5:30pm


Join us in the NEW Temple College Health Sciences Building for an Information Session to learn all the requirements for applying to any of Temple College's Nursing programs. Open to the public.

Innovation Black Chamber ~ AIICON is back

February 19-21, 2027 


It's the same idea as last year: bring your laptop, sit down with people at your level, and build something real that you can use at work, at school, or at home. We'll have beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks again, so where you've grown since last year, there's a room for you.


REGISTER NOW

The 2027 Central Texas BBQ Roundup is bringing competition BBQ, bull riding, classic cars, animals, families, and community together for one huge weekend at the Huntington Bank Expo.


With a field built for 132 competition BBQ teams, CTBR 2027 will be our largest Roundup yet, while staying focused on what the event was created to do: bring Central Texas together and use great BBQ to support great causes.


Friday, March 19, 2027

5:00 PM | Friday Night Opens to the Public

Come out Friday evening and experience the BBQ competition as teams prepare for Saturday's championship cook-off.

The public can enjoy the competition atmosphere, food trucks, and an exciting night of Bull Riding in the Dome.

Friday night is a chance to see CTBR after dark, meet the teams, grab something to eat, and experience the sights, sounds, smoke, and energy of a major Texas BBQ competition.


Saturday, March 20, 2027

9:00 AM | Car Show Begins

11:00 AM | Main Gates Open to the Public

12:00 PM | Opening Ceremony & National Anthem

Join us at noon for the official opening of the 2027 Central Texas BBQ Roundup, including the presentation of the colors and a special surprise guest performing our National Anthem.

You'll have to be there to find out who.

5:00 PM | BBQ Awards Ceremony

7:00 PM | Event Closes

American Legion Post 55 Belton is holding a shoe drive collecting used, not torn-up shoes. They have a metal box on their porch at 101 W. Avenue A , Belton, to drop them off. They will be cleaned and then recycled to children without shoes all around the world.

Armed Services YMCA


FIVE STAR FOOD MARKET

Active-duty families and members of the community are invited to shop for groceries your household needs at our Harker Heights Wellness Center.

Fresh produce

Brand name pantry items

Everyday food staples

Limit of 30 lbs per household


 Early bird hours for active-duty begin at 6:30 AM. Line starts at 5 AM.

Please bring a valid photo ID showing active-duty status.


The Bell County Business Group meets every Friday morning from 8:15-9:30 at Dead Fish Grill, in Belton, TX.


This event is dedicated to the BISD Delta 18+ students & TISD Work-Based Learners who were the backbone in making those events successful. They have a long overdue reward, and Kimberly's mission is to make sure they receive it. Kimberly has helped start 2 Central Texas senior events, and helped triple the size of another. 


We are seeking businesses interested in branding visibility + Purpose, and models who want to showcase their Inner Royalty. 


This uplifting event is open to anyone who wants to be a positive role model to others in the community. 


Monthly get togethers for Dream Sponsors and models will start soon. We would love for you to join us! Please visit Sites.Google.Com/View/FWMTexas for more information and to get started! 

Come join us for Mimi's breakfast at the Railway Express Diner!

Welcome to The Tea Club — Ruby Tearoom’s weekly CommuniTEA Table! 

Every 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 PM, we set the table for connection, conversation, and a good cup of tea. Whether you’re coming solo, with a friend, or just curious to try tea & find communiTEA, this is your chance to join the club.

✨ Free to join — simply RSVP below so we know to save you a seat!


RSVP

 
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