Progress16: Arts and Tourism

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Arts and Tourism

Can’t miss Fisheries Center making improvements to ponds, education centers

By Joe Elerson STAFF WRITER

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center has been a staple of Henderson County since it opened in November of 1996.

The center is an $18 million facility that was built without the use of state funds even though it belongs to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The facility was paid for by public and private entities that worked with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation to raise the money.

Much of the money came from the Sport

Fish and Wildlife Restoration Fund, a federal program funded by a tax on purchases made by hunters and anglers.

The City of Athens provided a financial package worth $4,063,000, the largest single gift ever made to a conservation project in the state of Texas.

Additional support came from the ShareLunker Foundation, Inc., the Athens Municipal Water Authority, the Athens Economic Development Corporation and a number of private corporations.

Mandy Scott, who is the new director of

the Fisheries Center, began on Nov. 1, 2015.

She said they are currently working on plans to make some improvements to the facility.

They have put in new hatchery ponds and two water wells, which will help them improve operations along Lake Athens.

“We have hatchery ponds and fishing ponds here at the fisheries center. As far as I know, our major construction has been on the hatchery side,” Scott said.

See TFFC, Page 4

Inside

Art at its finest Henderson County is quickly becoming a top location for wineries.

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HCPAC remains the home to the finest of arts in the county.

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KATHI NAILLING/STAFF

Cheryl Hicks displays one of her pieces of artwork during a show at the 211 Gallery. She was one of several artists with displays.

Athens’ art district is growing

By Kathi Nailing STAFF WRITER

In 2012 a few artists would gather at Charlie Bullock’s studio on Wednesday morning for a breakfast pow-wow or just to relax and discuss art, art related things, and sometimes just to hang with each other.

Daniela Matchael, John Guest and Charlie Bullock were the main ones.

Matchael had set up in the empty space, that is now where the 211 Gallery is located, with her art-

work for the East Texas Arts Tour.

The following week artist Christi Barrett received a phone call to attend the artists breakfast to discuss an idea for the space as a collective group of artists.

“We met, we discussed, and we decided that it would be incredible,” said Barrett.

John Guest, sculptor and owner of an architectural firm out of Dallas, was the one that would front the funds to obtain the space.

See GROWING, Page 4

Hicks among growing number of local artists

By Kathi Nailling STAFF WRITER

Artists draw their inspiration from a number of places. Local artist Cheryl Hicks draws her inspiration from photography.

“Probably because I was involved with photography for so many years, most of my work is influenced by photography, said Hicks. “My work deconstructs the image, however, and usually results in it being broken down into some form of pixel or piece of text.”

Hicks is a full-time artist with a working studio in the 211 Gallery off the Athens square. She describes her art as a product of pop culture.

After teaching photography and creative writing at the secondary level for 20 years Hicks says, “I was ready to spend more time on my art.”

Hicks explains she has a tendency to work in a series

See HICKS, Page 4

The best park system in Henderson County is housed in Chandler.

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Fairpark Complex brings big dollars to local economy

By Joe Elerson STAFF WRITER

The Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex is a place that week after week is busy with cowboys, cowgirls, home and garden shows and other events every weekend throughout the year.

For 51 years, the complex has about 50,000 people making their way to Henderson County to experience what Henderson County has to offer.

Jim Bob Warren is the current manager of the complex. He said in his 15 years with the Fairpark, with the last three years as the manager, the 62-acre facility on Highway 31 and FM 317 is a busy place every year.

He said when he took over as manager following the time under manager Wayne Carroll, they continued to make improvements to the complex.

“Wayne Carroll was my boss at that time. We added the marquee on Highway 31 and put in the pipe entryway on 31 and 317,” Warren said. “We added the big fans in the coliseum and have added new stalls. We are in the process of acquiring new stalls. We are painting and adding wash racks and more things to the arena.”

When the complex was first purchased, Warren said there was just a wooden arena and a small building by the rifle building.

He said in 1965, the land was purchased by the Lions Club from Henderson County.

When it comes to the economic impact of the Fairpark, Warren said an economic survey was done in 2008 which recorded a major financial boost for the county.

“Back in 2008, we had an economic survey done with folks from Texas A&M who came in,” Warren said. “They projected that our economic impact per year was around $14 million into the economy of Henderson County.”

Two of the big events in the

Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex past were the Athens Chamber of Commerce PRCA rodeo and the MDA rodeo according to Warren.

Of the events, Warren said the MDA rodeo has stopped coming to Henderson County but he sees the Chamber of Commerce rodeo being prosperous for years to come.

The Chamber of Commerce Rodeo is April 22-23 this year.

“I think this is the Chamber of Commerce's 26th rodeo and I do not see that one ending. We have people from all over this country who come into this facility,” Warren said. “Some of the team roping events we have driven through the parking lot and counted up to 17 states that were represented. We draw from all over the United States with the rodeos and the horse shows and different events that we have.”

Mary Waddell is the administrative assistant for the Fairpark Complex.

She said along with the major rodeos, visitors will show up for

events like the Keep Athens Beautiful Home and Garden Show and Relay 4 Life events.

Currently, Warren and his staff are looking at improving the stalls, which most have been up since the arena was built in the 1960's.

“Our main focus right now is the stalls. A lot of the stalls that we have up have been here since we started so they are over 30 years old,” Warren said. “We have been in the process for the last three years with getting new stalls and that helps to pull in bigger shows.”

Warren said a lot of the help with funding and improvements have come from two groups in Henderson County.

“We deal with the Athens Economic Development Center and the tourism board. They have been very helpful with the new lighting with the LED lights,” Warren said. “Those help with the electric cost on our bottom line. They helped with the sound

system also. The tourism board has helped with purchasing the new Priefert stalls so Athens has really stepped up and helped us out.”

With numerous events and visitors coming to Henderson County, Warren said the Henderson County Horseman's Association Summer Jubilee is a major benefactor for events regarding the complex.

“Every year they donate a substantial amount of money to various events for the Fairgrounds,” Warren said.

Warren thanked the county judge and the Fairpark board for all of the hard work they have done in making the Fairpark Complex what it is today.

Warren said when it comes to the milestone goals they would like to reach in the future, there is one specific project he would like to see built in the near future.

“We would love to have a third covered arena here on the grounds. That would add another

10,000 seats and 300-to-400 stalls,” Warren said. “If we had that, you could have a multiple amount of things from RV shows to boat shows, gun shows, horse shows and graduations. If we added on to that, we could go after some really big shows across the United States.”

Warren knows if the new arena was built close to where the outdoor arena is right now, the economic impact could increase tremendously for Athens and Henderson County.

“I would love to see that third arena built. There are so many opportunities if you had that built. You could have week-long or 10-day-long shows,” Warren said. “You are talking about millions of dollars into the economy of Athens and Henderson County. That would be the main thing I would love to see happen.

We have been talking about it for years. I would love to see it within the next five or 10 years.”

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Local wineries are

expanding

Tara Vineyard and Winery

Henderson County businesses seeking to create a destination city for wine lovers

By Joe Elerson STAFF WRITER

With four wineries in Henderson County consisting of Tara Vineyard and Winery, Castle Oaks Winery, 3 P's in a Vine and White Fox Vineyards, the area is a tourist attraction for local wine lovers.

3 P's in a Vine owners Rae and Brett Priestley said coming into Athens is beneficial for winemakers and vineyard owners. They hope to develop a relationship with the other three wineries as they look to the future.

“We plan to work with the other local wineries to make Athens a destination city for tourists who love wine, wine tasting and visiting wineries,” 3 P's in a Vine owner Rae Priestley said.

When it comes to finding the right type of wines for 3 P's In a Vine, the grapes are what makes their wines special.

“All our wines are made from Texas-grown grapes, and we are delighted to provide our customers with some of the finest wines in Texas,” Brett Priestley said.

When the third vineyard arrived in the area, Rae said Tara and Castle Oaks were very supportive of another winery coming to the county.

The winery is located at 955 Douglas Street in Athens.

Tara Winery was the first winery to arrive in Henderson County. It is owned and operated by winemaker Patrick Pierce.

According to their website, the

White Fox Vineyards near Murchison is the latest winery.

vineyard is the Tara Inn housed in the historic Murchison home, constructed in the 1880 s and relocated from downtown Athens and open for overnight guests.

The winery building and Cellar Door restaurant are on the second hilltop on the estate, with a lovely covered pavilion/patio/lawn with flagstone fire pits.

The patio/pavilion overlooks the Blanc Du Bois vineyard and the rolling panoramic hills of East Texas.

The winery is located at 8603 County Road 3914 in Athens.

They hosts private tastings, group gatherings, meetings, weddings, celebrations, retreats, tours and fine cuisine.

The second oldest winery in the Henderson County area opened in July of 2013 as Castle Oaks Winery.

Owners Roger and Benita Littleton run things at the winery and according to their website, they will leave you feeling like part of the family.

They have 16 varieties of wine at their business at 10367 County Road 3909 in Athens. The Littletons call the current phase of their facility as Phase I. “Our first vines were planted and we had blessing of the vines in 2006,” it says on their website.

“Our first Harvest was July 2012.”

At Castle Oaks, they use a different type of grape known as the

3P’s in a Vine makes wine from Texas-grown grapes.

“Black Spanish” or “Lenoir” grape.

This grape was originally brought over from Spain and was used by the monks for the purpose of sacrament wine.

The final winery in the Henderson County area is nestled in Murchison as White Fox Vineyards.

The vineyard is owned by Daniel and Sarah Fears and sits on over 280 acres with 1,700 grape plants. The name White Fox comes from a family of foxes living on the property.

The vineyard has five unique flavors of wine with Muscadine and Chardonnay grapes.

The flavors available for tasting include dry wine, Texas Red, Rose, Blueberry and Sweet wine.

White Fox is a kid-friendly winery that is open on Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.

The Fears family said, “We are a kid-friendly environment.

Bring your children to see the vineyards. Come out, and relax and have a good time. We're really laidback.”

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Arts & Tourism

TFFC remains the top tourist destination in Athens Continued from 1 “At our facility, we have a state-run fish hatchery which produces fish fingerlings to stock throughout the state. In the last year or two, that is where a lot of our attention has been going to – improving the hatchery side of it.”

She said a three-acre reservoir with the hatchery side of the center helps as a backup in case something happens with their intake from Lake Athens.

“We have a three-acre reservoir on the hatchery side that will improve our operations. It will give us a backup,” Scott said. “Our water supply comes from Lake Athens and sometimes who knows what will happen with that intake structure. That reservoir will help us avoid potential problems with the fish production. That was a pretty major project.”

The improvements to the hatchery side are expected to be finished in the upcoming year, according to Scott.

“We will start focusing on the other side of our facility next which is the outreach side. We will be doing quite a bit of hiring this year,” Scott said. “We were down to about 30 people and we will add four new people this year.”

With the hirings will come a new coordinator for the ShareLunker program, which is a major component of the Fisheries Center. It serves as home base for the ShareLunker program, which invites anglers to donate trophy-sized largemouth bass for research and breeding purposes.

“That is a huge program for us due to the attention that it draws to our facility.

It brings an attention to freshwater fishing in Texas in general,” Scott said.

“The big fish draw more attention than anything else to our facility and freshwater fishing in general. That is an integral part of that and it brings people’s mind to Texas being a really superior fishing state. The Sharelunker program will have a new coordinator this year.”

Scott said after the hirings are made, the staff will begin to work on a five-year plan for improving the educational side of the center with improvements to the dive theater and the exhibit spaces.

“We will be looking ahead and putting together a committee for a five-year plan. Whenever we have the 25th anniversary for the TFFC, we would like for that to be kind of a grand reopening of the facility so we can have a lot of new things for people to come and see,” Scott said. “I would like to see the educa-

tional side happen around 2021 which is our 25th anniversary. That is our goal year for the reopening stages.”

She said to accomplish these goals for the future of the center, she needs a staff who sees the progress the way she would like to see it.

“I want to get us fully staffed and passionate about what the future might hold here with our staff. I was brought in as someone who would spark the new vision for the next five years,” Scott said. “I want to get the staff together around a future vision and our main focus will be on updating and improving our visitor center.”

The center is located at 5550 FM 2495 in Athens on 106 acres of land. They currently have a 23,000 square foot visitors center and 24,000 square feet of indoor hatcheries and laboratories.

Growing art district is a plus for Henderson County Continued from 1 He was to be reimbursed once it was up and running.

The group made the decision to make it a non-profit, a co-operative, one that required the labor of all the artists involved. The name was also decided: Art Matters. It was at this time Toni Stanford, and Sky Copeland also joined in the group.

The group contacted Steve Grant’s office, and rented the space. Barrett said, “I still remember vividly the excitement that Daniela and I felt as we entered for the first time with our keys.” That was on May 1, 2012.

Although it was musty, dark, and in need of serious work, they walked through imagining the artwork hanging, the art shows, the studio space they could actually come together as artists to create in.

They walked in the dark, squinting to see every inch, like two school kids sneaking through an abandoned building.

Then all at once they realized that the "EXIT" sign above the back door was lit up! “We had electricity,” said Barrett. “We actually danced around in delight, bouncing and giggling. Then started turning on lights and oohing and aahing over every inch of it again.”

Then came the hard work of getting the space even close to being able to be occupied. Opening up doorways, scraping, staining, caulking, painting, bleaching, fixing electrical problems, removing old tile, and sanding the con-

crete floors.

Backbreaking, but they didn't mind. Barrett said they looked like they were working in a coal mine.

Celene Terry, Gail Chock, Darin Chock and Robin Cooke joined in to help get the gallery open.

Daniela was able to recruit occasionally some help from students from TVCC, Guest's son would come, make the trip from Dallas on his off time to help with carpentry work.

In June the first art show was scheduled.

Tawanda Sarireni, a stone sculptor from Africa was there.

There was a three day stone sculpting workshop along with a show consisting of his works being shipped in, including a large black panther that weighed a ton.

Tawanda is a friend of Jennifer Neal. Jennifer fast became a big part of the gallery.

From there the gallery started to fill with artists, showing and selling their work. By the end of that summer Cheryl Hicks, Michael Lenz, Katherine Lenz, James Fielden, Mary Hortman, and DJ Warren had joined in the brigade of warriors to make this happen.

Barrett said, “ I will confess at this point I had stepped out. The exhaustion and stress of it all had swept over me, along with my grandmother passing. It was short-lived and I soon returned after about two months.”

Lots of ups and downs, and definitely learning curves the first year, or maybe the first three years. “Shoot, who am I kidding!

We are still in the middle of learning,” said Barrett.

When Mrs. Dul Averiette chose the name Athens, Texas in honor of Athens, Greece, she felt the town could become the cultural center of the county and perhaps Texas.

Athens has yet to achieve the recognition as a cultural center, but it's on its way.

The citizens of Athens embrace its history, its people and its past. After all, the town was named after Athens, Greece a city widely known for the arts.

Like the people of Athens, Greece, people in Athens, Texas are proud of its unique heritage.

According to local lore and research of Texas historian Frank X. Tolbert, the hamburger originated here. The story goes that after serving hamburgers in his downtown diner, Fletcher "Uncle Fletch" Davis introduced his creation to the world at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

The city also is home to the Athens Old Fiddlers' Reunion, the longest-running event of its kind in the U.S., held the last Friday in May. The city is distinguished as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of Texas.”

The group who started the 211 Gallery in 2012 would like the city to become a destination point for visitors wanting to escape the big city and visit local wineries and art galleries in a city with a colorful history and small town atmosphere.

Big cities like New York and Paris have captured the attention of the art world. But don't count

out Athens, Texas, where there is a wide assortment of art and wineries.

Other states such as Arkansas have established themselves as the up-and-coming art communities. New art galleries, museums, community theaters, concert venues and other popular art destinations seem to be opening almost daily.

Why not Athens, Texas?

Barrett, along with her artist friends, has a dream. To bring art and culture to the historical Athens square.

“It would be great to see the downtown area filled with art galleries, bistros and shops,” said Barrett. “We would like to see Athens to be a destination point in northeast Texas for galleries, wineries and small town shops.”

Athens already has a start on the wine industry. The largest number of wineries in Texas are located in the Northern Region.

There are wineries and wines for every taste preference. You are never far from a winery or vineyard in this area. Visitors can take a day trip and visit several wineries in one day. An additional attraction will be the soon-toopen brewery on the Athens square.

“Athens has the perfect location and ambiance,” said Barrett.

“With the new brewery coming to the square and the city renovating the Texas Theater I think it is all coming together.”

Athens has a good start at becoming a future point of interest for visitors and tourists. With the city council working to renovate

the old Texas Theater. The city is also home to the Henderson County Performing Arts Center, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and the Arboretum.

A new venture coming to Athens will soon be a renovation project of what was once known as the Athens Hotel/Gould Insurance Building.

Matthew Powers, the new owner of the building has plenty of plans for its renovation. He said he would first open a bakery, eventually a coffee house. “The All American Coffee Bistro,” said Powers.

Powers was a transplant to Athens. After a tornado hit his home in Van he was displaced and he ended up in Athens. “I love Athens, and I love the arts,” said Powers. “I plan on making Athens my home.”

Barrett and other local artists are getting excited about the prospect of what Athens has to offer.

The gallery currently hosts a number of successful art exhibits each year. “It would be great if the downtown area had restaurants and other venues to keep tourists in the area,” said Barrett.

211 is not only a gallery, but it’s also a studio. The front three rooms are gallery spaces that are rented out to artists who are interested in selling their work. Art in the gallery is changed quarterly. They rotate new art in and others out for 10 weeks at a time.

Athens is well on its way to becoming a destination for future artist and art festivals.

Hicks enjoys the theory of pointillism in her artwork Continued from 1 format. For example, she completed Miscellaneous Blond No. 7 and Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.

Her blackbird series was inspired by a poem with the same title by Wallace Stevens.

In this series, Hicks uses

the mysterious blackbird to make commentary on pop culture.

Many of these pieces are based on famous works, such as "Pinball Wizard", which is a play on a piece

by Thibaud.

Also included in these paintings is the "pink girl," a silhouetted figure who often takes the place of the

main character in a famous work In her series “I Just Don't Read Like I Use To” Hicks cuts strips of text from classic novels that have been made into film and uses the pieces to create portraits of the characters.

“This project is a commentary on the way media has changed the experience

of literature.”

Hicks says much of her art is from a theory referred to as Pointillism.

Pointillism is the technique of neo-impressionist painting using tiny dots of various pure colors, which become blended in the viewer's eye. It was developed by Georges Seurat with the aim of producing

a greater degree of luminosity and brilliance of color.

Hicks is just one of the cooperative artists at the 211 Art Gallery. The gallery helps artists who have not yet obtained exposure to become established artists and a chance to enrich the Athens community.

The art gallery was a

project that was created to provide a place for artists with a unique insight to display their works.

Artists, such as Hicks, hope to partner with other communities to showcase local artists in a variety of locations. She is among the artists who are working towards bringing an art district to Athens.

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A family affair Henderson County Performing Arts Center one of Athens' greatest places for families

By Jeff Riggs ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Most every community has its places to recreate, whether it be family fun or to display artistic talents.

Athens has at least one that offers fantastic family fun, along with a chance for local citizens to display their abilities to perform as actors and actresses, or perhaps display some other type of art.

Henderson County Performing Arts Center, located at 400 Gibson Road, definitely offers great nights out for families.

Marcia Colbert, who has been the HCPAC executive director for about two years, since the theater's executive director at that time, Dennis Gilmore retired, and moved to California.

Colbert said she used to do freelance work, especially choreography, when she was chosen to be the theater's executive director.

She has volunteered at the theater since 2001.

Before that, she was executive director of the Cain Center for 13 years.

Colbert said raising money to operate the theater comes from season subscribers to the plays, tickets sales, donations, sponsors and a Legacy Campaign, which is a 4-year sign up pledge. There are also a few grants.

“We have about a $12,000 per month budget,” Colbert said.

“One of the things we do to raise money is to auction off baked goods during the youth Christmas show. There is also a spring fundraiser, an evening of entertainment with silent and live auctions.”

Colbert said that when Gilmore took over the post about 25 years ago, there were four shows per year.

Now, there are eight shows, including two musicals, in which one is acted by kids in the summer, ages 10 through college-age.

The Christmas youth production is for kids 6-13.

Colbert said that one of the theater's blessings is that it has adequate space to accommodate people for the purpose that they enter the walls.

If there is anything the theater struggles to take care of, other than raising money, it's storage space.

“We need storage space for props, and costumes and for materials for building sets,” she said.

“We always need more room.”

Colbert said there are new people that attend their performances every year, and agree to volunteer. But there is one thing that Colbert sees as a necessity, both now, and in future.

“Kids are our lifeblood. We thrive on people bringing their kids to the theater,” she said.

To help in this effort, there is the YES! Program or Youth Excellence on Stage.”

Colbert said the YES! Class meets one time per week for youths 9 to 13 years of age. The cost is $60 per month, and scholarships are available.

There are grants from the Athens Rotary Club, the East Texas Communities Foundation and the Pinnacle Club.

“So, if children don't have the means, we provide it. There is no charge for kids to act,” she said.

Colbert stressed the importance of children to the theater and its future.

“This is most important,” she said. “The skills they learn here last their entire lives. We pull kids in and teach them the value of theater.”

She said it is also important to start young getting children to stand in front of audiences.

“The second most-feared thing

Saturday, February 27, 2016

in life for people is speaking in front of audiences,” Colbert said.

She added that was second only to the first most-feared thing, which is death.

Colbert said one thing that has been added to the theater's activities this year is the Texas Trilogy, outside the regular season. This is a collection of three plays by Texas playwright Preston Jones.

Plays from the trilogy are presented in March, July and November.

“The first play in the trilogy is a challenge,” Colbert said. “There are nine male characters in it, and men who want to do theater are often hard to find.”

Adding to the HCPAC collection of performances is the Readers Theater, a collection of staged readings, whereby the actors sit on stage with music stands on which to rest their scripts as they read.

The last staged readings were three comedies by playwright Carl Williams of Houston.

Colbert said the Readers Theater takes less time to prepare, with less time commitment to rehearsals, with actors only practicing two times per week, instead of the standard four times, Monday through Thursday

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nights, each about two hours.

The current structures that make up the HCPAC include the Main Stage that was built in 2008, and the original stage, the Black Box Stage, which still has its patron's seats in great shape.

However, today that room is used primarily for dance lessons and overflow storage.

The Black Box was built in 1964, and seats 89. The newer facility seats 125.

Besides Colbert, there is one other paid employee, Gary McDonald, the technical director.

He builds sets and does anything technical, Colbert said.

The next production for HCPAC is “The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia,” the first of the Texas Trilogy plays, written by Preston Jones and sponsored by Pam and Will Pruitt will be March 4, 5, at 7:30 p.m. and March 5, 6, 2 p.m. matinees.

It is rated PG-13 for possibly objectionable language.

Individual adult tickets are $12 with student tickets at $5. A series of all three plays is $30.

The reservation line for all shows is 903-675-3908, extension 101. Online reservations can be made at www.hcpac.org.

Marcia Colbert, HCPAC executive director, stands on the stage in the center’s main auditorium that seats 125 people.

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A great stay-cation Purtis Creek State Park in Eustace offers a little bit of everything on 1,582 acres

By Kathi Nailling STAFF WRITER

A short drive from Eustace down Farm-to-Market Road 316 you'll find Purtis Creek State Park. Purtis Creek is a popular destination for visitors to Henderson or Van Zandt counties.

According to legend, the state park is located in an area where the Wichita and Caddo Indians once roamed.

The story goes just east of the park, on private property, is a cliff overhang that was used by unknown indians as a temporary shelter.

Many of the small towns and communities surrounding Purtis Creek were established during the 1800s when it was thought the area was good for hunting.

On the south border of the park lies a road known as the Tyler to Porter's Bluff Road, a well-known stage route from East Texas to the Trinity River.

Along this route, just northeast of Edom near the Neches River, is the site where the famed Cherokee Chief Bowl died in the battle of the Neches in 1839.

Purtis Creek State Park is located in Henderson and Van Zandt County on 1,582.4 acres.

The park was acquired by private owners and was open to the public in 1988.

The 355-acre lake at Purtis Creek is fed by Trim Creek which is one of the creeks that flows into

Purtis Creek State Park is located near Eustace on Farm-to-Market Road 316.

Cedar Creek Lake.

Mindy Davis has been the superintendent at Purtis Creek Park for six years. Davis was employed with Lockheed Martin, when her life took a different direction.

“I knew I wanted to make a difference,” said Davis. “I wanted people to be confident in the woods. Only three percent of the state of Texas is public land. I want to preserve that land for our grandchildren and our grandchildren's grandchildren.”

Davis has a passion for her position at Purtis Creek.

“The park is not here to be a money maker, it is here for recreation,” she said.

The state of Texas currently

has 95 state parks – the closest to Purtis Creek would be located at Lake Tawakoni.

Mindy said the park and lake were originally built to keep local towns and communities from flooding.

“They were about to lose some communities, if they didn't do something about the flooding,” said Davis. “The U.S. Soil and Water Conservation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife purchased the property from 12 individuals.”

The property was purchased in 1977 at a total cost of $1.4 million.

The Soil and Conservation Service built a dam as a flood control measure to impound Purtis Creek and runoff waters in the

mid 1980s creating a prime fishing lake.

The park averages between $300,000 to $350,000 in revenue each year.

Mindy says the more important story is the impact the park has on the local economy.

According to local market reports each visitor spends an average of $16.22 on items such as gas, food, beverages, gas, oil and other expenses.

People can fish for plentiful largemouth bass; these are catchand-release only.

Large catfish and crappie are abundant; you can take these catches home for dinner.

You'll find plenty to do at Purtis Creek including paddle a kayak or canoe, hike and bike trails, camping and picnicking.

The park offers guided hikes, paddling basics classes, nature programs and more.

Have you ever wanted to be a State Park Host?

Purtis Creek has spring and summer positions for Camping Loop, Maintenance, and Fee Collector Hosts.

In exchange for 24 hours of volunteer service per week you will have a 50 amp water and electric site with sewer and washer/dryer on site for laundry.

Contact Park Headquarters at 903-425-2332 or the Volunteer Coordinator at 903-425-8072 for more information on one of the top stay-cation spots around.

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Giving the Texan a new life

By Rich Flowers NEWS EDITOR

The City of Athens is looking to find a use for the Texan Theater spot that'll preserve its outside historic look while providing a place for the next generation of Athenians to gather for entertainment.

Citizens at a January meeting to gauge the public's preferences about how the space should be used favored a multi-purpose amphitheater, suitable for concerts and theatrical productions. The Athens City Council has set aside $150,000 in this year's budget for the Texan project.

The audience was overwhelmingly in favor of saving the Texan Theater sign. The sign was lighted by two colors of neon gas back in the years the theater was in operation. The box office sold tick-

“It’s kind of a romantic place for many folks here.”

– Nasi Kombos ets to thousands of moms, dads and kids who traveled to the venue about a block off the square for an outing.

Today, the sign isn't working and once you pass through the entrance, there's nothing inside the lot.

Yet for many, the Texan Theater is remembered as a place where families saw the latest films for more than 30 years. The theater wasn't the first in Athens.

It followed the Dixie and the Liberty, but featured many stateof-the-art innovations including the multicolor neon sign.

Athens Community Development Manager Nasi

Kombos said several in the crowd at the January meeting indicated they had formed lasting relationships there. “It's kind of a romantic place for many folks here,” Kombos said.

Not many today remember Roy Parnell, who opened the theater in 1948.

In February of 1949, he treated his employees to a meal after the Texan was closed for the day by nine inches of snow.

In a day of different social values, Parnell refused to allow Ingrid Bergman or Rita Hayworth to be shown in the theater, due to their off-the-screen lifestyles.

He sold the movie house in 1951.

Attorney Mike Head gave the theater to the city in 2015, stipulating that it must be used to create a public place in memory of his later brother Fred “Bud” Head who died in 1986 at age 21.

Head had moved to Athens, with his family in 1975. As a youngster, the movie venue was a favorite place to spend a Saturday with his brother and sister.

Head said he and some other attorneys purchased the building about seven years ago with the idea of making their offices there. Eventually, the other attorneys left, with Head maintaining control of the building.

In February, the city named seven people to an advisory committee to assist the city staff with the Texan project. The city coun-

cil also issued a request for qualifications for an architectural firm to look over the property, do a structural analysis and determine some alternative ideas for its use. Proposals were due by Feb. 19.

As the project gets further along, City Manager Philip Rodriguez said, the public will be asked to share their memories of the theater and old photographs of their times at the movie venue.

Rodriguez said he wants the Texan Theater and other building blocks of downtown Athens to mesh together to form a destination for citizens and visitors to the city. He's looked at what some other cities have done to make their downtown areas more vital.

“But we want to make it as original to Athens as we possibly can,” Rodriguez said.

The City of Athens is looking to update the town square by renovating the shell of the old Texan theater. Only time will tell what the historic structure will become.

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Arts & Tourism

Fishing pond and horseshoe pits at Winchester Park

Need a day outdoors?

With three different styles of parks, Chandler has you covered

By Chad Wilson EDITOR

Chandler has a park system that is second to none and the crown jewel of the City with a Heart.

There are three main parks in the city that are used by residents and visitors alike.

The feature parks are River Park, Arlie McCain Memorial Park and Winchester Park.

River Park River Park is a hidden jewel and has great potential to be a popular regional destination park supporting nature tourism.

Improving this park fits into one of the City of Chandler's Comprehensive Plan goals of providing a diversity of parks and recreation opportunities for all age groups. The park provides some of the best river access fishing in the region as well as bird watching.

The park continues to receive

upgrades. Some of those upgrades include a paved walking trail from the north parking lot to the river and underneath the Highway 31 bridge. The south parking lot was expanded along with the boat ramp. The kayak launch was improved as the site is home to the Upper Neches Paddle Trail.

River Park had its beginnings in 1971 with a joint agreement between Henderson County and the Upper Neches River Authority. It covered 3.17 acres and included picnic tables and asphalt boat ramp.

Chandler's city limits were extended in 2006, out to the Neches River. In an effort to better control crime and dumping in the River Park area and to have increased maintenance of the park the city council voted to take the necessary steps to assume control over the park.

In January 2007, the county transferred its lease with the Upper Neches River Authority

Winchester Park

River Park for the 3.17 acre river park to the city. At that time the city began regular maintenance, improved the boat ramp and cleared out much of the underbrush.

In July 2012, the city extended the River Park area through a long term lease for 12.5 additional acres on the north side of Hwy 31.

This lease was done in partnership with the Woods and Waters Foundation. At that time a 100 space parking lot was added in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Highway Department, and Henderson County. River Park is now just under 16 acres on the north and south sides of Hwy 31.

The City of Chandler has cut over a mile and a half of nature trails along the river to facilitate bank fishing as well as nature walks. This river ecosystem will offer unique views of wildlife and nature.

The Phase II of the River Park Improvements completed in summer 2014 link the north side of the park with the south side, both on a pedestrian level, as well as a vehicular one.

At a later date Phase III of the River Park project will include the installation of restrooms.

McCain Park McCain Park is located at the western entrance to Chandler on Highway 31.

Built in 2005 with proceeds from an award won by Keep Chandler Beautiful, McCain Park is beautifully landscaped and contains: Chandler Museum & Visitor Center, lighted concrete walking paths and benches, flag pole, gazebo and a paved parking lot.

Future plans for the park include an additional, larger parking area and possible historic site. Consideration has been made to move the old train depot to the park to increase the historical value of the site.

The park includes a Heritage Garden which features native plants and an old bell from First Baptist Church of Chandler.

Winchester Park Winchester Park is located ¾ miles south of Hwy 31 on Farmto-Market Road 315.

Built in the early 1990s and located on approximately 23 acres, Winchester Park is home to the Chandler Sports Association baseball and softball leagues con-

sisting of over 700 youth.

Currently located at the park are: a concrete lighted walking trail around the park with exercise stops; paved parking; concession stands and restrooms; five lighted baseball and softball fields, flag pole, playground equipment, Grand Pavilion; Pocket Pavilion; picnic areas; nine-lane horseshoe court; twoacre fishing pond; benches and more.

Approximately 27 additional acres adjacent to the park were purchased by the City of Chandler for future city and park use.

Upcoming additions to the park include a splash pad area for children.

Winchester Park is home to many yearly events while the youth baseball and softball leagues keep activity going nearly year-round.

The annual Pow Wow is held at the park and is the city’s biggest event. Christmas and Fourth of July events are also held in the park.

Winchester Park and McCain Park open at 5 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. daily.

River Park is always open for fishing the Neches River.

Chandler Museum & Visitor Center

Preserving Chandler’s history The history of Chandler was almost wiped away by a tornado years ago, but residents have held strong to community values and a few mementos.

In an effort to preserve the city’s history, the Chandler Historical Society was rechartered in 2009 with the goal of establishing a museum.

After considering several properties, the group was presented with an opportunity to obtain the childhood home of former U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough by his great-nephew Mark Mallet.

It was the perfect home for a museum as it was one of the city’s oldest structures, not to mention home to one of its most famous residents.

Numerous fundraisers, grants and gifts made it possible for the house to be purchased and moved to its new location in July 2012, and renovated for its grand opening on March 1, 2014 as the Chandler Museum and Visitor Center.

“The main thing that this museum means to the City of Chandler is that we are preserving Chandler’s history for generations to see,” CHS president Jim Powell said. “To me, it should give the Chandler citizens pride that we have a museum of this caliber in Chandler.”

The two-story Yarborough home was originally located on the Old Tyler Road, one block south of Highway 31.

Charles Richard Yarborough, born 1864, purchased the house in 1903, from J. R. (Joel) Birdwell. The exact date the house was constructed is unknown.

In 1889, C. R. Yarborough married Nannie Jane Spear. They were married in Chandler. Five of their 11 children were born in this house including Ralph W. Yarborough who served as a United States senator from Texas, 1957-1970.

As part of the agreement to purchase the house, the historical society had to move it to another location.

The move was costly, but the community spirit was in full swing as more than enough money was raised for the move.

The house was moved to Arlie McCain Park with the goal of turning the park into a historical site.

The Chandler Museum and Visitor Center is operated and funded by the Chandler Historical Society and the City of Chandler. The Chandler Economic Development Corporation provided additional funding.

Six rooms are located downstairs with different themes. The visitor center is located in one of the rooms for anyone seeking more information on Chandler and surrounding attractions.

The rooms include the front library/parlor room that is an arts and crafts gallery with handmade items from the past; the front bedroom that displays Chandler history and is home to the visitor center; the utility room with a display of the old

Chandler telephone office; the master bedroom that includes Yarborough history and other military connections to the city; formal dining room with vignettes of Chandler business history; the sunroom is a meeting room that includes collectables and other cafe’ inspired memorabilia.

“Five years from now, it is going to completely have a different look,” Powell said.

“The plans are to continue to update the museum by adding items of interest. We have items donated by individual families now, we hope by opening our doors it will inspire others to donate to the museum.

The people who have created the rooms used items they had available. Our desire is to add additional items to create a greater variety.”

Future plans call for an outdoor restroom to be added since the one in the house is for employee and volunteers only.

It is possible other historic structures in the city will be moved to the park.