Freelance writer and author BARBARA ELMORE earned her Master Gardener certification in 2007. When not writing about gardening or digging in the dirt, she writes on other subjects and has authored three novels for young adults.

New food contributor JOAN FELTON has been collecting cookbooks and recipes for as long as she can remember.. A self-described “foodie,” she loves to entertain and often tries new dishes on family and friends. Check in each month as she shares her latest culinary endeavors. Born and raised in Waco, JoAn is married to Mark and they have two kids-Boots, 7 and Taylor, 4.

A Francophile in the truest sense, MARY HELEN GEORGE has devoted a lifetime to the study of French culture. The former teacher of French and journalism currently serves as Director of Admissions and Development at Vanguard College Preparatory School in Waco.

Creative director,chef and sports freak MICHAEL GOLDENBERG designed Waco Today’s new look in the summer of 2007. Our first issue built around the new look was published in October 2007. Michael owns The Gobe Group, a local advertising agency, and Goldie’s Goodies, a small catering business. Michael’s passions include cooking, traveling and entertaining, not to mention an encyclopedic knowledge of sports and love for the Yankees. Michael and his girlfriend, Charon, are renovating a 1928 home in Cameron Park.

Photographer BRAD KING has shot Waco Today covers and photographs for a number of stories. He’s with The Studio Pros and has worked with high-profile clients like Richland Mall, Dr Pepper Museum, Spice and Baylor Law School. He’s also enjoyed working with events such as Rockin’ Heart Ranch, Margarita & Salsa Festival and Diamonds and Denim.

KAT NELSON, a native Wacoan, returned to her hometown in 2003 and today provides advertising/public relations materials to local builders, developers and other real estate professionals, as well as in-house communications/public relations for the Heart of Texas Builders Association. Kat is mom to two sons. She is an avid reader and loves immersing herself in the latest thriller.

SHEMANE NUGENT has been a certified fitness instructor for more than 20 years. A popular TV personality appearing on national programs like Hannity & Colmes, Greta Van Susteren, VH1 and MTV, Shemane produces and co-hosts the award-winning “Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild” TV show each week. She is the author of Married to a Rock Star, and co-author of wild game cookbook, Kill It & Grill It, which she wrote with her husband, rocker Ted Nugent.By far, Shemane’s proudest accomplishment is being “Mom” to 17-year-old Rocco.

LESLY RASCOE is a long-time contributor to Waco Today. She enjoys writing about the people who live in Central Texas and the events that make Waco a fun place to live. A Baylor grad and mother of four, Lesly will contribute our Family Matters story each month.