county line UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS
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www.countylinemagazine.com
MARCH 2013
M A G A Z I N E
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SINGER - SONGWRITER
Lou Ann Petty Door Control 40 years
recycling net longview arts building dreams Complimentary Copy to subscribe see page 3
United Nations
TEENS
ine burke’s photos habitat for humanities tyler art students main streets texas shakespeare
BEST
OF THE
UPPER EAST SIDE
fried okra, potato w more. Entrees incl crab, chicken fried fried shrimp, salad b special family packs Readers!4-9 p.m., Sunday 11 17, 903.473.4198, Runners-up: Red Barn Mount Vernon.
2008 OF TEXAS Voted 2012 Best Bed & Breakfast in the Upper East Side of Texas by County Line
Thee Hubbell House BED & BREAKFAST
Southern hospitality just two blocks from Downtown Winnsboro
Best Chicken-Fried S Double C Steakhous The entrees include The cook won’t giv ingredients” to sat Wednesday 4:30-8 p Saturday 11 a.m.-1 www.doublecsteakho Wills Point and Ole W
Nestled among 400-year-old oak trees Beautiful gardens Period antiques Swimming pool Best Coffee Full country-style breakfast Canton Square Bake Full espresso bar fea High Speed Wireless Internet
to go with breakfas
307 West Elm St. • Winnsboro, Texas • 800.227.0639 www.theehubbellhouse.comdishes, and baked
county line upper east side of texas
m a g a z i n e
p.m. and Sundays d 903.567.4630. Runn Perk Coffee Co. in Min
Best Place for Gas, G Brookshire’s, Variou With sales totaling $ people the leading grocer While this category w places mom-and-pop kinda groceries and sit-do culturesee Brookshire’s loc logical choice; most art up: The Outpost in W
music Best Hamburger
events East Texas Burger C
Customers Dan Ra place; so would Bon Big selection of qua with fries and onion chicken-fried steaks, chocolate cream, an out. Monday-Saturd books p.m. Hwys 80 and 69 winning Winnsboro location: 328 E. Coke, 903.342.1210. com. Runners-up: Da poetry Runners-up: Cripple Creek BBQ in Athens, Mack’s Split Rail in Marina. Mineola. home Best Malt/Shake Dairy Palace, Canto Best Breakfast gardenBlue Bell ice cream Winnsboro Bakery & Café All egg dishes (sausage, bacon, country ham, pork chops, moo-lennium crunc outside Benedict) prepared with two eggs and served with choice caramel pecan fudg of toast (sourdough, wheat, rye) or biscuit plus choice of candy, and banana lakes hash browns, grits, or home fries. Also pancakes, French chocolate, and straw toast, breakfast sandwiches, and variety of omelets. with a wide-ranging wellness Served Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-10 a.m. 210 N Main, available 24 hours a 903.342.6119, www.winnsborobakery.com. Runners-up: 903.567.6551, www.d play in Athens and Kitchen Granny’s Kitchen in Quitman, Edom Bakery & Grill.
Some of the people and places voted the best in the region include from top left clockwise: Best B&B, Thee Hubbell House, Winnsboro (photo by P.A. Geddie); Best Seafood, Four Winds Steakhouse and Best Chef, Frank Rumore (photo by Tom Geddie); Best Nature Walk and Bestdining Birdwatching, Mineola Nature Preserve (photo by Gary Edwards); and Best Play and Best Small Theatre Company, Quitman Community Theatre. “Smoke on the Mountain” cast photo: Front row (l-r): Blake Durham, Keith Haisten (Best Theatre Actor), Donna Henderson, Bob Hibbard; second stage row: Jeff Norris, Shelby Salley, Ashlee Salley, Tara Moore, Michael Phifer, Ulna McWhorter; third row: Ann Norris, Cora Beaty (director),Gordon Schulz, Ann Rutherford; back row: Betty Stribley, Ted Beaty, Kelly McDowell, Becky Hibbard (producer), Randy Parrish, Ron Sheppard, Charlotte film Hollis. (courtesy photo).
“Best” is almost always subjective, often depending as much on personal preference as on any objective criteria. That said, here are the readers choices for the “Best of the Upper East Side of Texas” for 2008. Take this list as an opportunity to congratulate familiar winners and to explore new and interesting places in the region, especially in these days of thrifty “staycations” instead of long-mileage vacations. For the many excellent places that didn’t make this year’s finalists, there’s plenty of opportunity to become better known during 2009.
great gift for family, friends, employees, customers, yourself!
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Best Barbecue Bodacious Barbecue, Winnsboro Hickory-and- oak-smoked barbecued beef, pork ribs, ham, turkey, and sausage meals with choice of two vegetables (baked beans, potato salad, or coleslaw), and a drink runs about $7. Dine in, take out, or order a shipment right to the doorstep via FedEx. Fourteen locations in Texas;
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Best Catfish AJ’s Lake Fork Fish House, Alba Southern-fried catfish tops the seafood buffet that also includes fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, corn nuggets,
Best Pie Edom Bakery & Gri All pastries and ba cakes, cookies, muffi
8 • COUNTY LINE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2009
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Acoustic Music on the Streets
Johnson St. Gazebo • Indoors in bad weather
March 16, 11 a.m. and Every 3rd Sat. Bring instruments, chairs, start pickin’!
Mineola Historical Museum 114 Pacific St (Hwy. 69). Free. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Mineola Nature Preserve 7a.m. until sunset Amtrak Texas Eagle Designated Daily Stop. Tickets: 1-800-669-8509
Enjoy Shopping & Dining in Historic Mineola! 1.800.MINEOLA • www.mineola.com MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 3
CONTENTS FEATURES 9 Students Seek Solutions for United Nations Model UN program helps teens understand the complexities of the world’s problems. By Robert L. Stevens
10 Lou Ann Petty is a Forever Performer Comparisons to Dolly Parton and Allison Krauss are flattering but Cumby native Lou Ann Petty says her songwriting and performing are all her.
9
By Tom Geddie
16
12 Thriving Business Celebrates Forty Years and Promising Future Don Gilchrist and his family and team of 260 employees are celebrating Door Control Services business success this year and plans to triple in the next decade. By Tom Geddie
23
DEPARTMENTS 5
Editor’s Note. Letters.
6 ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Texas Main Street Cities, Tyler 1st, Chandler Ace Hardware, BBB East Texas, UT Tyler, Pet Oxygen Masks, Mary Ellen Malone, Circle of Ten, Pets Fur People. 7 Recycling Nets Big Haul in Region
12
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 14 Calendar of Events The Arts 15 Art News. Events. Workshops. Athens Gallery 21, Tyler Museum of Art, Texas Impressionism, Texas Wild Bunch,, Canton, Waling Horse, Ben Wheeler, Western Art, Bonham, Terrell, Longview.
Music 23 Music Notes. Aubrey Lynn England. Texas Music Awards. Linden. Ben Wheeler. Mineola, Longview. J.D. Souther. Sunny Sweeney, Kacey Musgraves
16 Artist Publishes Book of North East Texas Views
26 Music Listings
18 Longview Museum Presents Nachmias’ Cast-Paper Prints 19 Works of Three TJC Students Accepted Into Global Show On Stage 18 Stage News. Events. Longview, ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Paris, Crockett, Tyler, Monty Python’s Spamalot. 21 Texas Shakespeare Opens Book of Luke FILM 19 Some Good Movies Are Overlooked By Jeremy Light
LITERARY SCENE 28 Reviews: Fobbit by David Abrams; Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, reviewed by Jeremy Light, Patti Light 28 News. Events. 29 Poetry & Prose Food & drink 30 Reviews: Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, Pittsburg, and Five D Cattle Company Steakhouse, Avinger 31 Food News. Events. 33 In the Kitchen with Leah
SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
30
PLAY 32 Greenville Ghost Walks, Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens, Jefferson Train Day, Disc Golf, Mount Vernon. SHOP 34 Shopping News. Events. LIVING ROOM 36 Housing Market is Generally Trending Upward By Tom Geddie 37 Organization Helps Build Dreams in Longview By Patti Light
30 Home & Garden News. Events. FEEL GOOD 38 The Care and Feeding of Your Old Person By Edward H. Garcia
38 Feel Good Events COVER: Lou Ann Petty
county line Since 2000
MAGAZINE
Publisher & managing Editor P.A. Geddie administration Lori Easley emarketing Leah Lynch
Contributors Ine Burke Leah Lynch Patti Light Jeremy Light Edward H. Garcia Tom Geddie Alia Pappas Robert L. Stevens sales P.A. Geddie
DISTRIBUTION Chris Beverage Pam Boyd Bombyk Beckey Flippin David Michelina Billie Ruth Stanbridge
website: Geddie Connections County Line Magazine is published once a month, 12 months a year. It is available free of charge in the Northeast Texas area in select businesses, limited to one copy per reader. Subscription costs: $18 per year in Texas, and $22 per year outside Texas. Bulk rate postage paid at Ben Wheeler, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. Contents COPYRIGHT 2012 County Line all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.833.2084 E-mail: info@countylinemagazine.com Website: www.countylinemagazine.com. Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling 903.833.2084.
EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, Preparing the March issue is always so much fun as the promise of spring makes its way into ads and articles. In this issue you will find many treasures in our region such as Door Control in Ben Wheeler celebrating 40 years in business and their plans to triple in the next decade or so. It’s refreshing to have a thriving business in our midst and we offer our sincere congratulations to the Gilchrist family and crew for their well-deserved success. Also in this issue you’ll learn about students from around the region who are debating some heavy issues from countries all over the world, and others who recently won an art contest that will take their winning pieces to Egypt. Meet our cover girl this month, Lou Ann Petty, a singer-songwriter from Cumby, near Sulphur Springs. Her song “Soldier’s Wife” is a contender for Song of the Year in the Texas Music Awards. Another contender is Aubrey Lynn England of Greenville and her band for Best Live Band. We continue to be thrilled at the talent we have in this region and how well they stack
There’s much more fun and news you can use in this issue so please take some time to enjoy and keep letting us know about your favorite treasures in the region. We are very excited to announce that we are going bimonthly for our print publication in a couple of months. We’ve come a very long way in 13 years — there’s so much more going on in the region now that we want to experience and tell you about and we need time to do that. We are also expanding our readership so we can let even more people know what a great place this is to live, work, and play. We’ll have one more single-month issue for April, then double issues start for May/ June, July/August, September/October, and November/December. Our goal, as always, is to continue to get better and better. Keep reading and don’t forget to catch us online anytime! P.A. Geddie Publisher & Managing Editor
LETTERS Dear Editor, Thanks for doing County Line — I look forward to it every month. Peter Hoheisel Jacksonville For your information, received a letter from Katheryn Lee of New Ulm, Minnesota, and she saw your story on the Malakoff Men and requested more information. Thought that was pretty cool. Pat Isaacson Cedar Creek Lake We LOVE your magazine and the email links. Makes it SO easy! …thank you for all you do! Inga Posey Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce
Serving the Upper East Side of Texas
up to the talent from around the world. Read about more national success with Kacey Musgraves of Mineola and Sunny Sweeney of Longview on page 25.
Thanks so much for the light your magazine shines on the arts! Darrell Lindsey Nacogdoches
Thanks for all your efforts. We are quite psyched up about developing our marketing this way (integrated print and online) and appreciate having County Line to do it with! Mark Miller Mount Vernon NOTE: Congrats to Susan Black for winning two tickets to Mount Vernon Music’s February concert. Love your magazine! One of the few local publications that I find worth reading. We actually keep it handy and use it till it is dog-eared! Susan Leslie Sellars Tyler I thank you for all you bring to us in the wonderful County Line! Liza Ely Callendar Lake
MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 5
ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Regional Cities Accredited in Texas Main Street List
Twenty-eight cities in the Upper East Side of Texas are among 84 officially recognized Texas Main Street destinations for 2013. The Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Main Street Program is a revitalization program for historic downtown and neighborhood commercial districts. It is based on organization, design, promotion, and economic restructuring within the context of historic preservation. It also emphasizes above average performance in planning, partnerships, staffing, volunteer effort, preservation ethic, training, and program assessment through reporting. The state office also works with programs throughout the year by providing various services based upon local needs. The accredited cities this year are Canton, Carthage, Clarksville, Corsicana, Denison, Farmersville, Gainesville, Gladewater, Grand Saline, Greenville, Henderson, Kilgore, Longview, Lufkin, Marshall, Mineola, Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon, Nacogdoches, Palestine, Paris, Pittsburg, Rockwall, Royse City, San Augustine, Texarkana, Tyler, and Winnsboro. “It really is a notable accomplishment to be recognized in this way, especially for those programs that do it year after year,” said Debra Farst, the state coordinator. “Incremental progress that leads to comprehensive success is at the core of the preservation-based Main Street model and that is exactly what these programs are showing. This process respects the unique nature of each Main Street community. Each program is recognized for their own local effort. They are truly real places telling real stories.” With more than 30 percent of the state’s Main Street cities located in Northeast Texas, Farst said from a tourism standpoint, visitors interested in historic downtowns are likely to go there to check them out. There are some very historic cities in East Texas with the migration several hundred years ago when people came into the state through that area, she said. Corsicana’s Main Street director, Steve 6 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
More than 30 percent of Texas Main Streets are in Northeast Texas — a Main Street mecca drawing tourists to historic downtowns from around the world.
Dieterichs, uses the accreditation as a sort of scorecard for improvement. “We were pleased that the scoring of our annual report showed significant improvement over last year,” he said. “This news tracks with the doubling of capital reinvestment downtown from 2011 to 2012, and the 2:1 business openings-to-closings ratio we saw in 2012, and it speaks to the tremendous dedication and hard work of our volunteers and stakeholders.” Tyler’s Main Street director, Beverly Abell, is proud for the city’s continued recognition. “We are able to achieve this honor due to the hard work and leadership of hundreds of volunteers, businesses, property owners, and others whose goal it is to keep downtown a vital part of the economy and culture of Tyler and the surrounding area.” Tyler has participated in the Main Street Program (nationwide network
of preservation-based downtown revitalization groups) since 1990, when the community was one of the first in Texas with a population of more than 50,000 to participate. Since then, Main Street has tracked more than $100 million in reinvestment in downtown in the form of property sales, renovations, and public improvement projects. For more information about the Main Street program, go to www.thc.state. tx.us.
Tyler Chooses New Name For Development Program
Tyler 21’s comprehensive development plan has been renamed Tyler 1st after the latest update. “With this update, we thought it was a good time to rebrand the plan with a name that better reflects Tyler,” said City Planner Heather Nick. “Tyler is first in so many ways that we felt it was very apropos. Also, the Tyler 1st name dem-
onstrates how committed we all are to our community.”
also owns Noonday Hardware south of Tyler.
The comprehensive plan was originally adopted by City Council in 2007 after nearly 18 months of community involvement and input to create a strategic framework for future actions for the city. It defines a 20-year vision for the future linked to overall goals and policies, and contains strategies and action items for achieving the goals.
Langen said he expects to spend approximately $750,000 for the 15,000-squarefoot building on three and a half acres. Inventory is an additional investment.
The plan addresses issues such as downtown revitalization, historic preservation, parks and recreation, transportation, and housing and neighborhoods. For more information, go to www. CityofTyler.org.
New Ace Hardware Store Expected to Boost Chandler A new Ace Hardware Store on Hwy. 31 will create eight to 10 jobs and help improve city tax revenues in Chandler. The store is owned by Dan Langen, who
“It’s going to be a nice-looking store,” said City Administrator Jim Moffeit.” It’s on the west end of town where we’ve been trying to revitalize and rework things and get rid of some of the older, uninhabitable houses down there. We’ve been on that program for two or three years. “It will hopefully kick start some businesses going in on that end of town. We’re glad to have Mr. Langen coming. It’s going to be a big asset for our community to get this up and running.” Chandler Economic Development Corporation and Chandler City Council recently approved a $30,000 grant to help fund infrastructure and driveways for the new store.
Moffeit said he expects it will take four years for the EDC to recoup its money, with an anticipated $30,000 in city sales tax revenue each year. Twenty-five percent of that will be earmarked for economic development. The city also expects the store will add between $3,500 and $5,000 to ad valorem tax rolls. Construction was expected to begin in late February or early March, and the store is expected to open by mid May or early June.
BBB Honors Two Companies For Ethics and Integrity
The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas presented awards for excellence to two companies exemplifying ethical behavior and integrity in all aspects of their operations including employees, vendors, customers and within their community. Strategic Fulfillment Group in Big Sandy was honored in the category for continued Page 8
Recycling Nets Big Haul in Kaufman, Rains Counties Carr brought two trailers full from the Road and Bridge Department Yard #4 in Point, and Rains County Good Samaritans volunteers brought three more.
The Kaufman County Environmental Co-op reminds that recycling makes a difference for the environment and for communities. Program and Outreach Director Neli Spurrell says that aluminum cans recycled today typically end up back on store shelves as new cans in as little as 60 days, and that more than half of all aluminum cans produced in the United States begin the recycling process either at local recycling centers, community drop-offs, or charity collection sites. Reverse vending machines or curbside pick-up make up the remainder.
During the week prior to the event, Keep Point Beautiful parked the trailers on Hwy.69, allowing Point residents to bring e-waste there prior to the Saturday event. People from Emory, Point, Canton, Winnsboro, Alba, Quinlan, Yantis, Wylie, Lone Oak, and the Lake Fork area brought their unwanted e-waste instead of dumping it.
Here are some more tidbits: For a $15 individual annual membership, members can drop off electronics or small appliances at the recycling plant in Terrell. The co-op has collected more than 20,000 pounds of electronics, 45 cell phones, 10 pounds of batteries, and 22 eyeglasses. A free, three-hour electronic waste collection event sponsored by the Rains County Recycling Committee and
Kaufman County Environmental Coop, assisted by Keep Point Beautiful, collected more than 20,000 pounds of e-waste in Emory. Approximately 100 vehicles, many hauling trailers, lined up so co-op contract laborers could unload TVs, printers, fax machines, monitors, lamps, curling irons, and more. James Woodson, a part-time employee in Rains County, and Rains County Environmental Officer Harold
Spurrell said four Emory events have exceeded expectations. She said the non-profit co-op is paid by the pound for e-waste, which is sorted into different types of recyclables and then sent to recycling companies around the world. For more information about the Environmental Co-op, based in Terrell, go to www.trashbusters.org or www. facebook.com/trashbusters, or contact Program and Outreach Director Neli Spurrell at ecoprograms@trashbusters.org or 972.524.0007. MARCH MARCH 2013 2013 •• CountyLineMagazine.com CountyLineMagazine.com •• 77
THE LINE continued from page 7 companies with more than 25 employees. The marketing services firm with 230 employees provides call centers, mail processing, and more for 125 national and international brands including Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic, and Texas Highways Magazine. Design Center Signs in Tyler was honored in the category for companies with 25 or fewer employees. The company offers signs and other branding services to help businesses reach target customers. BBB President and Chief Executive Officer Mechele Agbayani Mills also honored Camille Brown, past chairwoman of the board, for the group’s success in recruiting 436 new accredited businesses last year.
UT-Tyler Surpasses Goal By Raising $30.6 Million
The University of Texas at Tyler raised $30.6 million in its Inspiring Excellence comprehensive fundraising campaign, beating its goal by $600,000 to increase endowed student scholarships and the number of faculty chairs and professorships, and to support the honors program with full endowed scholarships. The university is extremely pleased with the campaign success, especially considering the state of the economy in recent years, according to Jerre Iversen, vice president for university advancement. “The people that have gone before us did a great job of building buildings, facilities and infrastructure, so we had a great ‘house’ here. What this campaign did was provide endowed scholarships, brought in faculty, brought in a better student experience, which made it more of a ‘home’,” said Dr. Larry Anderson, campaign committee chairman.
Oxygen Masks for Pets Supplied to Fire Stations
The Longview Fire Department and volunteer fire departments Judson Metro, Clarksville-Warren City, Sabine, Gladewater, and Easton now have oxygen mask kits for pets on every front line engine and truck. “Hopefully it will be a long time before 8 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
they are actually used.” said James Crittenden of the Gregg County District Attorney’s office, who was instrumental in this project. Longview animal control officers coordinated purchase of 16 kits for $75 each. For more information, go to petoxygenmasks.org.
Malone Awarded Edom 2012 Citizen of the Year
The Edom Area Chamber of Commerce bestowed the Citizen of the Year award to Mary Ellen Malone at the chamber’s annual meeting recently citing her leadership and untiring efforts to move the community forward. Malone is owner of The Shed Café and Mary Ellen’s Boutique which brings retail, hospitality and services to the community. She played a role in the conception, development and growth of the annual April in Edom event bringing family focus to crafts, education and performance and is still active in the event set this year for April 20 and 21. She chairs the chamber’s marketing committee and is active on other committees as well. Malone is a consistent sponsor, supporter and host of chamber efforts. In October 2012 she sponsored the annual Festival of the Arts’ dinner for the artists and volunteers creating an elegant and enjoyable occasion.
the need for institutional admissions. “The Gulf Coast Network will include 28 to 42 diverse organizations and individuals that work together to identify unmet needs and set priorities to improve services for people with disabilities in 14 cities,” said Sen. Robert Nichols. The cities are Alvin, Bellaire, Crosby, Galveston, Houston, Huffman, Katy, Liberty, Pasadena, Pearland, Port Bolivar, Seabrook, Spring, and Sugar Land. The project builds on C10’s 2012 leadership training with East Texas, Gulf Coast, Austin and West Texas agencies. “The goal is to create high quality, community-based, person- or familycentered services such as healthcare, behavior supports and respite for people with developmental disabilities,” Nichols said. Developmental disabilities are severe, chronic disabilities that occur before the age of 22, such as autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy. Once the network’s strategic plan is approved, it can request additional funding from TCDD for implementation. For more information, go to www.virtual-village.org or call 903.541.0013.
The Edom Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 2004 “..for the promotion of the common business interests of those engaged in or associated with the development, ownership, operation, financing, promotion and planning of educational, agricultural, hospitality, retail and service businesses.”
New Name: Pets Fur People, Old Mission: Bringing Joy
Visit their website for more information at www.VisitEdom.com.
“Our mission now is bringing joy to people by bringing people and pets together,” said Executive Director Gayle Helms. “It’s not just about the animals, it’s about people.”
Disabilities Group Singles Out Circle of Ten, Inc.
The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities awarded $75,000 to Jacksonville-based A Circle of Ten, Inc., to establish a Gulf Coast Network and develop a strategic plan to improve services for people with disabilities and their families. This one-year Expanding Community Collaborative Capacity Opportunities grant is intended to decrease
Don’t call it the Humane Society of East Texas anymore. The group’s new name is Pets Fur People, a name designed to put more focus on the mission during its 45th anniversary year.
The selective-admission, no-kill animal sanctuary changed its focus in January 2010. “The board felt like we didn’t want to be responsible for euthanizing thousands of animals,” Helms said. The renovated facility provides spay, neuter, and other veterinary services at reduced cost.
Students Seek Solutions for United Nations By Robert L. Stevens Nine hundred enthusiastic middle and high school students descended upon the Region 7 Educational Service Center in Kilgore recently for the 2013 Model United Nations (UN) competition, a real-life simulation of the U.N. General Assembly and Security Council. The program helps students experience learning in a variety of challenging ways in order to be come life-long learners and better understand the complexities of the world’s problems. Three separate sessions were held — two middle school and one high school — requiring students to debate and discuss a variety of problems and concerns of a select 37 countries. Students hoisted placards representing countries as diverse as Togo, Central African Republic, Spain, and Indonesia and covered issues including child brides, child soldiers, pollution, malnutrition, and water rights. Nervous sixth graders stood and spoke to audiences of about 350 people to propose resolutions to the General Assembly that might solve their country’s problems while 15 students in the Security
Council wrestled with nine international crises. Using lap tops and iPads students accessed information to help support their arguments. One topic, “Whose Islands are These Anyway?” describes the conflict between islands in the China Sea; Senkaka, Japan; and Diaya, China. Japan’s ambassador to the UN has come to the Security Council asking some action be taken against China for invading its country and threatening its people with ships off-shore. The Security Council needs to decide what should be done. The fly in the ointment is that China, as a permanent member of the SC, has the right to veto any decision. Teachers in participating schools prepare their students in the fall for the Model UN competition. Students learn how to conduct research, draft proposals and practice public speaking. Local schools participating in this event include Big Sandy, Bullard, Cayuga, Edgewood, East Texas Christian Academy, Gilmer, Harleton, Hawkins, Kilgore, Lindale, Longview, Marshall, Mineola, Rains, Sabine, St. Mary’s, Union Hill, Waskom, and White Oak. A middle school teacher whose student’s
won three awards said, “I had 41 students enter with fear and doubt in their eyes. After their two-day experience (most were first timers) they couldn’t believe how much they had learned about the world around them in such a short time. Several students took home a desire to compete again.” A high school senior said, “As a timid person, I never would have imagined a career which entails so much debating would have been my desire, but Model UN has unveiled my otherwise secret passion for public speaking.” A University of Texas at Tyler graduate and former Model UN participant who currently volunteers to help with Security Council said, “Model UN is an excellent program to learn how to think critically. In addition, students are put in an uncomfortable environment where they need to understand another country’s perspective, though it may conflict with their own. It involves students in international politics.” Dr. Robert L. Stevens is a University of Texas at Tyler liaison who works closely with Region 7 Model UN Director and GT Specialist Donna Ashby to provide an exciting learning experience for all participants in the program. MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 9
Lou Ann Petty is a Forever Performer By Tom Geddie Lou Ann Petty’s singing is sometimes compared to Dolly Parton’s and Allison Krauss’, although Petty still thinks she sounds like herself: more than a little bit country with some edgier interests ranging from Pink Floyd through Southern rock, even though that music isn’t obvious in her performances. Some people wonder why she isn’t a star. But the lifelong Cumby resident is, at 51, still satisfied to be paying her dues. In fact, one of her priorities this year is, rather than chasing gigs from here to creation, to spend more time with her daughter, Karli, a high school senior who’s likely to leave the nest when she graduates. Music has been a constant in Petty’s life for as long as she can remember. “Since I was born, I guess. Music played
on the radio every morning as we were getting ready for school,” she said. “I can also recall many a night that my mom had to come in and shush me because, when I should have already been asleep, I would have the radio propped in my window sill and would be singing so loud no one could think straight, much less sleep.” Petty’s mom and dad sang in gospel duos and quartets, and Petty’s public performances began in Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church of Cumby. Early influences included Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and others. Her favorite band today is Lynyrd Skynyrd — “there’s something raw about their music that I just like, and the words are from the gut,” she said — and she also likes Stevie Ray Vaughan, Pink Floyd, Wade Bowen, Radney Foster, and Krauss.
Petty is also a fan of Miranda Lambert. “She has great writing skills and I like her voice and I think she’s a pretty downhome artist.” Despite that eclectic playlist, her own music remains country. “I’m pretty country when it comes to writing. It’s hard to pull away from that,” she said. “I guess I’m more Americana, Texas country, in my writing. To me, that’s not so commercial. It’s more about saying what’s on your mind and it speaks to you and it isn’t something that’s necessarily on a top-40 playlist. Great words, great music, and it’s not auto tuned. I really like organic music. “To me, a good song and good emotions are not about fancy words, but just saying what’s on your mind. It’s like having a conversation with someone. Sometimes I just get a pen and write whatever I‘m thinking, and then go back and revisit it and see what works. Then I find some rhymes and keep it as simple as possible and from the heart.” Petty did a summer showcase last year in Nashville, which is one of the epicenters of commercial music and also a place where authenticity still manages to survive. She also performed in “Always Patsy Cline” in that city’s famed Ryman Auditorium and again at Texas A&M-Commerce closer to home. “I got to play Patsy in that. It was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. I didn’t have to learn many lines, just songs. I always like to do Dolly, too. I’m not saying I sound like her, but there are similarities in our styles.” She performed in opries with the young Lee Ann Rimes and, later, the young Lambert, and has graduated into judging competitions. “I’ve paid lots of dues,” she said. “I’m still not too proud to pay some more. I’ve played a lot of really smoky places and places that my parents come hear me play that they would never set foot in any other time.” “I’ll never stop performing. I love to perform, to be in front of an audience,” Petty said.
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Recently, she met with a publishing company that wants to pitch some of her songs to up-and-coming artists. That publishing company heard her sing at a Fort Worth Songwriters Association showcase. Petty plays piano and guitar well enough to do so without compunction in public, and is working on mandolin, bass, and drums. Songwriting — rather than simply singing someone else’s songs — is important to Petty.
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“I think I have a lot to say. I’ve been given a gift of putting together words that people think are meaningful,” she said. “And it’s fun. I enjoy doing it. There’s no greater feeling than doing a song and have someone tell you it’s close to their heart.”
ANYONE
living in Van Zandt, Wood, Kaufman, Grayson and Tarrant Counties.
Her “Soldier’s Wife” is one of the nominees for song of the year at the 11th annual Texas Music Awards on March 23 in Linden, where she will also perform.
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The song, sharing the feelings of a woman left at home when her husband was deployed overseas, gets a strong reaction from many people who hear it.
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“I got a text from a young lady who had listened to the song and it made her cry because she’d just found out a couple of days earlier that her husband was being deployed,” Petty said. “She told me she played it at the assisted living facility where she works and that some of the residents started crying and telling her their own stories that they probably would never have shared with her without that song.” Although Petty’s been making music for as long as she can remember, her first real paying gig was in 2004. She recorded her first CD, I’m Falling, produced by Brad Davis, in 2011 and released an EP in 2012 that included bluegrass renditions of a couple of the songs off the full CD. She’s about ready to work on a new one, although, like for so many other musicians, financing is an issue. The new one, when it happens, could be a mix of traditional gospel songs and some that she’s writing. Until then — and pretty much forever after — Petty will be in Cumby with her 700 neighbors, work her day job, spend time with her daughter, and keep on making music.
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903-567-5981
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903-873-1252
Locations also in Watauga, Fort Worth, and Euless. MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 11
Thriving Business Celebrates Forty Years and Promising Future By Tom Geddie Don Gilchrist turned one man and one truck into a $30 million business, and his goal is to turn it into a $100 million business by, oh, 2025 or so. “It” is Door Control Services, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The company services and sells automatic doors all across North and South America for a long list of clients including — but certainly not limited to — Academy, Best Buy, Brookshire’s, CVS, Target, Toys r Us, Walgreens, all of the Starbucks in Texas, and hospitals including John Peter Smith in Fort Worth and Children’s, Methodist, Parkland, and Presbyterian in Dallas. A friend, Lee Pyle, talked Gilchrist into dropping out of college to begin servicing manual door closers, which are those contraptions that mechanically shut, for example, a hotel door so that the tenant won’t walk off and leave it open. Pyle soon became ill and Gilchrist bought him out in nine months, leaving himself with the idea, his own labor, and a 1964 International Harvester truck. By 1975, Door Control migrated into service and parts for automatic doors, which open as someone walks up to them and close when the person walks past, and revolving doors. Gilchrist worked out of an office in Tyler until 1988, then built a factory in Ben Wheeler, which is where he grew up and was in the last graduating class in the Ben Wheeler Independent School District before it annexed into Van. He also spread into satellite offices in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Today, 150 of his 260 employees work in Ben Wheeler and the rest are scattered across the TOP: Door Control owner Don Gilchrist stands before some of his automatic doors that will make their way to businesses across the country. MIDDLE: Gilchrist visits with employee Anthonoy Hickman in the parts packaging room. BOTTOM: Although the 1964 International Harvester truck he started Door Control Services with in 1973 doesn’t make as many trips as it used to, Gilchrist enjoys having it on site as a visual reminder of how far he’s come. Photos by Tom Geddie.
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United States. Ben Wheeler’s role is mostly manufacturing with some service; service people are all over Texas and sales staff is all over the United States. “We’re growing pretty fast,” he said. “Our target is to grow to a hundred million dollar company — three times what we are now. We’d like for that to happen by 2025 or so. That looks like it’s quite a ways ahead, but really it’s not. It’s only 12 years.” Three keys to success, Gilchrist believes, are focus on the job, focus on the competition, and treating employees right. “We came from one man and a truck to where we are today. Staying focused is our signature. Staying focused on what we do,” he said. “We have some very good competitors in the Texas market. We are absolutely serious about competition, and look to control our area,” Gilchrist said. “We are very competitive. We’re after any and all doors.” He estimates that Door Control does about 40 percent of the service in Texas. “We are very dedicated to 24/7 door service, with full-time dispatchers 24 hours a day.”
is our people. To me, our employees are the customers. If we treat employees fairly they are going to be a direct reflection of our company to the customer. It’s important for us to really treat our employees well so they can be as good as they can be in front of the customers.” Gilchrist said employee turnover is low. “Our benefits are good, and we have room for leadership roles so a person can retire here. One goal is for people to spend their whole lives working here.” Door Control is also expanding onto the servicing of rolling steel doors – for example, the roll-up doors at car repair facilities and warehouses – and loading dock lifts that level the floors to match truck heights for loading and unloading.
“We came from one man and a truck to where we are today. Staying focused is our signature. ... The heart and soul of our company is our people.”
The 260 employees include family. Gilchrist’s wife, Sharon, works part time. One daughter, Summer, is director of marketing; another, Shea, works in dispatch. Their son Paxton works in the fabrication department. (Another daughter, Stacy, is not an employee because she lives in Colorado with her husband.) “My wife is a great supporter of me and my ideas and the company, and is a major backbone,” Gilchrist said. “She keeps me wound up. I call her the queen.” “The heart and soul of our company
Don Gilchrist
Door Control plans a big celebration late this year, probably in the last quarter, to both mark the company’s 40th anniversary and what Gilchrist believes is shaping up as a “boom” year. Earlier, on May 3, the company will host its annual golf tournament at Twin Lakes Golf Course in Canton to benefit Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
“It’s a good cause for children not fortunate enough to have financing for medical care,” Gilchrist said. “A lot of families are not fortunate enough to have finances to handle those situations.” For more information about signing up for and becoming a sponsor for the tournament, and about Door Control, call 800.356.2025, ext. 208 or go to www.doorcontrolservices.com. Today’s successes are a long way from that one-man, one-truck operation. The truck, in fact, is still on the grounds, a little worse for the wear, but serves as a reminder of the company’s humble beginnings and how far it’s come.
Winnsboro C e l e b r at i o n march 15-16
10 Years
Texas Main Street City FRIDAY Opening Ceremony 10:30 a.m. Depot Reception 11 a.m. Winnsboro Center for the Arts Refreshments served Downtown Art Walk Starts at 6 p.m. Winnsboro Center for the Arts 200 Market St. SATURDAY Farmer’s Market, Music, & More Market Street winnsboroonlineguide.com/calendar
East Texas Paranormal Convention “It’s the new normal.”
Saturday April 20
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 10 p.m. Overnight Ghost Hunt Ken Gerhard, Cryptozoology Mitchel Whitington, Haunted Homes Arleen Gregg, The Spiritualist Mike McCaskil, Speaker for the Dead Judy Griffin, Psychic Brandy Rice,Ghost Hunter Brandy Logan, Ghost Hunter Sunny Wiliams, UFO Researcher Ron Smith, Big Foot Hunter presented by
Jericho’s Tours of Tyler
903.245.6535 www.toursoftyler.com MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 13
calendar of events County Line makes every effort to ensure accurate information. However, pricing, dates, and/or hours could change. Please call ahead before making plans. For more listings or organizations and activities and for a list of annual events in and around East Texas, visit countylinemagazine.com.
Every Friday & Saturday
Greenville Ghost Walk. Greenville. Weekend Ghost Walks highlighting the city’s history and architecture. Some say historical figures from the past 160 years still frequent their old haunts. Steven Reese conducts the tours by lamp light in Victorian costume, beginning at the Heritage Garden near the Farmer’s Market two blocks east of the Hunt County Courthouse on Washington Street. The location of the old gallows, a haunted winery and a 1920s Egyptian Revival former mortuary building are among the stops. Many landmark buildings are also included on the tour. Greenville joins Jefferson, McKinney and several other area towns in offering the popular Ghost Walks to visitors. 6:30 p.m. $12. Hunt County Heritage Garden, 2300 Washington Street, Historic Downtown Greenville. 903 455-1510. www.greenvillechamber. com.
Every Second Saturday
Street Festival and Marketfest. Marshall. Watch local artists create original pieces, enjoy live music, and listen to the harmony at the Words & Voices concert series. Free. 7 a.m. N. Washington near courthouse square. 903.935.4417. www.marshalltxchamber.com.
Every Third Saturday
Third Saturday C & W Dance. Whitehouse. Come dance the night away to the music of Hoss Huggins and the Ponderosa Band. 7 – 10 p.m. $6.50, members; $7.50, guests. TASCA Activity Center Ballroom, 10495 CR
Check out the eMAGAZINE www.countylinemagazine.com for extended event listings.
2167 (Jim Russell Road). 903-871-3217. www. tasca.org.
Through May 4
Historic Tours of Tyler. Tyler. Stops: Historic Camp Ford, Cotton Belt Depot Museum; Goodman LeGrand Museum ($2 donation), Historic Society Museum, McClendon House, lunch at local eatery (bring $), Oakwood Cemetery, Historic Aviation Museum ($3 adults, $1 kids 12 & under), Brookshires Wildlife Museum, Killough Monument, Lookout Mountain (Love’s Lookout). 9 a.m. to 6 pm. Adults $20, kids (12 & under) $10. Tyler Chamber of Commerce, 315 N. Broadway. 903-2456535. www.toursoftyler.com.
Through May 6
Downtown Tyler Walking Tour. Tyler. Brisk walk around the downtown area to learn about Tyler’s history: historic movie theaters, county courthouse, famous shootouts and jail breaks, The Glass Onion antique store and other retail, downtown dining and entertainment, county seat history, decades spanning term of Sheriff J.B.Smith, The Haunted Salon Verve, Cotton Belt Depot Museum. 11a.m to 12:30 p.m. $8 adults, $3 kids (12 & under). Tyler Chamber of Commerce, 315 N. Broadway, 903245-6535. www.toursoftyler.com.
Through May 25
LEGO® Block Party. Tyler. Building party for ages 3 and older. Bring your imagination! Donations of Legos are accepted, new or gently used. 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Free. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College. 903.593.7323. www.tylerlibrary.com.
March 1 – 3
The 1836 Chuckwagon Race. Neches. Three days of wagon races, pasture team rope, mounted cowboy shooting. Vendors with western tack, chaps, saddles, west-
Harrison & Son k n i f e s m i t h
World renowned knifesmith Dan Harrison presents a large selection of handcrafted hunting, collector, and custom knives for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
FM 279
Downtown Ben Wheeler, Texas Open Tuesday thru Saturday
903.714.5911
KNIFEMAKING CLASSES Learn to make custom, handmade knives from a master knifesmith. Gift Certificates Available!
www . harrisonknives . com
14 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
ern art, custom-made hats. Food vendors. Horses, mules and wagons welcome. Daily trail rides and other activities. Concerts on Friday and Saturday night. Gates open for camping on Feb. 27. 8 a.m - 11 p.m. $20 per day. Diamond B Ranch, 11589 FM 321, 2 miles from Neches Post Office. 903-721-9111. www.1836chuckwagonrace.com.
March 1 – 2
Mardi Gras on the Mountain. Canton. Festivities kick off Friday with King Cake and choosing a queen. Come dressed in Mardi Gras attire for a costume contest. Enjoy Cajun gumbo, live music, and fun for everyone. Three parades are held on Saturday. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Free. The Mountain. 940-636-6595. www.cantonmountain.com.
March 5
Annual Taste of the Arts. Marshall. A great gathering of the culinary arts and the performing arts come together for a great evening. Area restaurants and lovers of Southern Gospel Music assist in the fundraiser. 5:30 p.m. $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Marshall Convention Center, 2501 East End Blvd. South. 903 935-4484. www. marshallartscouncil@gmail.com.
March 8 - 10
Lewis Auto Swap Meet. Canton. Cars, Trucks, Parts, Tools, etc. for sale. 8 a.m. Free. First Monday Trades Days Grounds, Hwy 19. 903.567.6762.
March 21
Chamber of Commerce Black & White Gala. Canton. Door prizes, live auction, Canton Eagle Jazz Band Ensemble, guest speaker--Ziglar Co. Inspiring True Performance, business networking opportunities, special community awards, elegant catered dinner. 6 – 9 p.m. Canton Civic Center, 800 Flea Market Road. 903-567-2991. www. visitcantontx.com.
March 22 - 24
Route 49 Biker Rally 2013. Jefferson. Benefiting Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Weekend of Concerts, poker run, entertainment. 5 p.m. – midnight. $30. Diamond Don RV Park, 1602 State Hwy 49 E. 972-2267205. www.route49rally.com.
March 30
14th Annual CASI Sanctioned Chili Cookoff. Canton. Chili cook-off followed by an Easter egg hunt with more than 12,000 eggs, with prizes, money or candy and a visit with the Easter bunny. 9 a.m. Free. The Mountain, Hwy 64. 903-567-7829. www. buffalogirlshotel.com.
the arts
Check out COUNTY LINE ONLINE for our extended coverage of art news and events. www.countylinemagazine.com
Gallery 21 Asks for Photos To Show Off Athens’ Beauty
Gallery 211 in Athens is sponsoring a community-based art project titled “Street,” inviting 211 local residents to submit a photograph each taken within the city limits. Show dates beginning in late March are to be determined. Subject matter is up to the photographer. There is no size limitation, and photos must be titled, in wood frames, and for sale. There is no submission fee; the gallery gets a 20 percent commission.
magnificence of Texas executed in the Impressionist style from 1885 through 1935.
the Texas landscape and further explain our predecessors’ relationship with the land.
The works in the exhibition, painted by both native Texans and those who moved to the area, illustrate the Lone Star State at the turn of the century. From the beaches of the Gulf Coast to the rolling plains of the Panhandle, the paintings offer unique perspectives of
Admission for the exhibition is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and free for TMA Members and children ages 12 and under. For more information, call (903) 595-1001 or visit www. tylermuseum.org. continued Page 17
“We are hosting this show to increase awareness, not only of the gallery, but also the beauty and diversity of our town,” said Cheryl Hicks. The photos will be displayed during the last two weeks of March, and a reception is planned featuring food, street performers, a photo backdrop of a recognizable Athens landmark, and more. All photos submitted will be eligible for a ribbon and a cash prize of $211 for first place. The show will be judged by Walt Robertson, retired Dallas Times Herald photographer. For more information, artgallery211@gmail.com 903.292.1746.
email at or call
Texas Impressionism Arrives at Tyler Museum of Art
Texas Impressionism: Branding with Brushstroke and Color, 1885-1935 is now on exhibit at the Tyler Museum of Art through May 26. Drawn from public and private collections, including works from the TMA’s Permanent Collection, the exhibition features more than 100 Texas Impressionist works by more than 60 different artists, including Robert Julian Onderdonk, Frank Reaugh, E.G. Eisenlohr and Porfirio Salinas. Texas Impressionism presents a rare opportunity to see how Texas artists around the turn of the 20th century created their own style influenced by European painters. It features landscapes and urban scenes capturing the MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 15
the arts
Check out COUNTY LINE ONLINE for our extended coverage of art news and events. www.countylinemagazine.com
Artist Publishes Book of Her North East Texas Views By Tom Geddie Ine Burke’s photography book, My North East Texas, focuses on old buildings and landmarks and details from these once-ordinary places, often with an attention to pieces designed to help Burke – and viewers – as she put it, “see beyond the ordinary.” Most of the black-and-white or sepia photos were shot in the area centered around Hwys. 80 and 19, from Paris to Tyler to Athens and Kerens and points in between, with an excursion to the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Shooting the photos led Burke to study of the history and stories that shape the communities, with 15 pages of that history
and background shared in the hundred-page book. Most of the rest of the book is the photos themselves, most of them one to a page so that they are big enough to study. What do these pictures mean? They share the past, and the past seeping into the present, hanging on as time and place change. What some of us value, and what we will eventually, in some cases, forget. And what they mean is up to each viewer’s interpretation as much as it is Burke, the photographer. To get the most from the experience, don’t hurry through the book. Study the images. Look beyond the surface. See what’s there to see: form and shape, content and context. After studying each image, what response does it evoke” How about the accumulation of images that make the book? Is the accumulation random? Whether that’s so or not, how do they connect to one another in the viewer’s mind? Is everything in the image expected, or is there something new to focus on? What does someone else see in the image? Discuss what it might mean to each; not “right” or “wrong,” but personal meaning. Consider the difference between snapshots (which in this technological age are as common as sparrows in spring) and photographs, carefully considered images. Each has it place. The photograph – as art – is more than a simple visual record, more likely to create, for the careful viewer and, if the image is strong enough, even the casual glance that begins to linger. Consider the overall composition, the light and shadows, and the “snapper’s” intent. Burke’s work might look like simple snapshots at first, but give them a closer, deliberate look. In addition to taking the photos, Burke, who lives in Edgewood, also designed the book, and wrote the text with her husband, Harold Burke. My North East Texas is available at a number of locations, including the Edgewood Heritage Park office and gift shop, Lumberyard Café in Edgewood, Flying Fish Gallery in Ben Wheeler, All Through The House antique/gift shop/home décor in Emory, and in Grand Saline at Nutty’s Peanut Butter Store and Means Home Centre, and at http://inegaleri. com/shop-online.
The interior of the 1920 cotton gin scale building at Heritage Park in Emory “speaks,” on the surface, of the past. What do the window, and the light through it, indicate? What stories might have been told in the now-empty chair? How good would the warmth from that heater be on a cold day, even if it warms only one side of the body at a time? Photo by Ine Burke.
16 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
ARTS continued from page 15 ARTS EVENTS Every Tuesday
Red River Photo Club. Bonham. Photographers of all skills and experience meet to improve skills and share photographs and experiences. 6:30 p.m. Annual membership $24; $36 family; guests welcome. Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5th,. 903.640.2196. www.creativeartscenter.us.
Every Thursday
Northeast Texas Fine Art Alliance. Terrell.. Programs/demo by a North Texas artist at each meeting September through May. Members have opportunities for learning, participating in shows, workshops, field trips. Refreshments and socialization at 6:30 p.m., regular meeting begins at 7 p.m. Free. Terrell Heritage Museum, 207 North Frances Street, 972-427-6511. www.clubnetfaa.com. Art & Wine. Tyler.. Showcase for a local artist every Thursday, Wine & cheese & fruit platter specials, full menu. 5 - 9 p.m. Free admission. Caffe Tazza, 4815 Old Bullard,. 903.581.6601. www.caffetazza.net
Art Talk. Marshall. Informal gathering of artists and art lovers to share, critique (if desired), and even work on art. 4 - 6 p.m. Free admission. Marshall Visual Art Center, 208 E. Burleson,. 903.938.9860. www.marshalltexas. net/Departments/Visual_Arts.
Every Saturday
Artists in the Garden. Bonham. Local artists gather in the garden to work on specific art projects. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free. Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5t. 903.640.2196. www.creativeartscenter.us.
Through May 31
Art Cards. Tyler. Learn the art of rubberstamping, embellishing and card-making from a pro. Registration requested. 10:30 am - noon. $10. Tyler Public Library, Taylor Auditorium, 201 S College Avenue, 903-593-READ. www.tylerlibrary.com.
March 1
Occupy LMFA. Longview. Local artist and LMFA’s preparator, Charles Arnold will be eating, sleeping, working on sculpture, exercising, conducting his weekly ABC’s session, and doing all the things he does best all month, 24/7. Charles is asking 31 artists continued Page 18
Artist Bill Williamson, Jr. works on a bronze statue he is creating for Les Whitt, award-winning director of the Alexandria Zoological Park in Louisiana and one of animal expert Jack Hanna’s assistants. It will have its first debut at 6 p.m. March 23 at Walking Horse in Ben Wheeler. From Noon to 9 p.m. that day visitors can enjoy a western art exhibit that includes the works of David Ackerson, John Dietz, Janelle Pollard, Scotty Baker, and Gaylon Dingler. Guests also enjoy cowboy poetry, cowboy and western music, and western shoot-out reenactments throughout the day, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. For more information call 903.833.1070 and visit www.benwheelertx.com. Courtesy photo.
LONGVIEW MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
53rd Student Exhibit opening March 23 • 7-9 p.m. exhibit through April 27 featuring artwork from juror
Stewart Nachmias Pulp Icons:
Cast Paper and Prints through may 15
Open Tuesday-Friday 10 - 4 Saturdays Noon - 4 Closed Sun-Mon $5 for non-museum members
215 E. Tyler St., Longview, 75601 903-753-8103, www.LMFA.org MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 17
the arts
Longview Museum Presents Nachmias’ Cast-Paper Prints The Longview Museum of Fine Arts presents woodcut and cast paper prints by New York based artist Stewart Nachmias March 15-May 15. Nachmias said he utilizes a deep knowledge of the possibilities of printmaking to transcend the print with unique mixed media creations combining woodcut imagery and cast paper 3-D relief. He developed 3-D forms and varied stages of relief in order to capture more effectively the energy of contemporary life: to force his imagery to reach out and touch the viewer in a more immediate way. In Nachmias’s work, medium and message, form and figure also merge to immerse the viewer in the whirlwind energy of urban existence.
Experience Edom Where Art Comes to Life
www.VisitEdom.com Potters Brown
Studio & Gallery
Blue Moon Gardens
Perennials. Herbs. Garden Art. Gift Shop Open 9-5 Thurs-Sun 903.852.3897 www.bluemoongardens.com
Arbor Castle Birdhouses Birdbaths Garden Sculptures 903.852.7893 www.arborcastlebirdhouses.com
18 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
Original Handmade Stoneware 903.852.6473 www.pottersbrown.com
DRAGONHEAD RETREAT
B&B on 25 Wooded Acres at 675' The Lodge (sleeps 9+) Cedar Cabin (sleeps 4+) Outside Living Area WiFi • Kid Friendly 801 VZCR 4929 903-520-2069 www.dragonheadretreat.com
ARTS EVENTS continued from page 17 to each create a t-shirt, one for each day of the month, with their artwork on the front for this event. The t-shirts are auctioned off. 10 a.m. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St. 903-753-8103. www.lmfa.org.
March 2
Family Art - Drawing Figures in Perspective. Longview. Learn how to draw the human figure in a perspective pose using pencil and charcoal. 1 – 3 p.m. Pre Pay $18 members/$20 non members; $25 at time of class if room permits. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St. 903-753-8103. lmfa.org.
March 2-April 28
Walking Horse Art Exhibit. Ben Wheeler. Western art exhibit featuring works by Bill Williamson, Jr., David Ackerson, John Dietz, Janelle Pollard, Scotty Baker, Gaylon Dingler, and more. Wed. and Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Thur-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 1611 FM 279, 903.833.1070. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 6 – April 17
Basic Stained Glass Art Class. Longview. Instructor: Al Hildebrand. Ages 16 and up. Cost includes material to make a sun catcher, window glass used for cutting techniques practice and in-class equipment use. Stu-
Works of 3 TJC Students Accepted Into Global Show
Works by three Tyler Junior College students have been accepted into the Student International Small Print Show in Egypt. All of the pieces are color linoleum block prints. The students are Courtney Parker with “Ripple” and “Smoke,” Amanda Hatfield with two untitled pieces, and Lacy Bennett with “Born to Live or Die?” and “Love after Death.” All two-dimensional printmaking techniques were eligible to apply from art students from all over the world. The juried exhibition is hosted by El Minia University in El Minia, Egypt. The selected works will also be displayed in the Opera Art Gallery in Cairo, Egypt in late 2013. A website, www.studentsprintshow.com, is scheduled to open in March and to be open through March 2014. LEFT: Amanda Hatfield’s Untitled, RIGHT TOP: Lacy Bennet’s “Born to Live or Die?” RIGHT BOTTOM: Courtney Parker’s “Ripple.”
Co-Ed Night - Pointillism Abstract. Longview. 21 yrs. & up BYOB. 7 – 9 p.m. Pre Pay $18 members/$20 non members; $25 at time of class if room permits. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St. 903-753-8103. www. lmfa.org.
conveys a spirit and emotion through body language and composition. Bobbe uses the figure to convey emotion in the same way that an actor on stage portrays a mood with just a gesture of movement of the body. For Bobbe, the figure is a never ending source of inspiration. Whether it is draped or undraped, moving or passive, which can express every range of emotion. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Members $200 - Non Members $225. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St. 903-753-8103. www.lmfa.org.
March 9
March 16 - 17
dents are also encouraged to purchase a basic took kit ($125). 6 – 9 p.m. $200. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 East Tyler Street. 903753-8103. www.lmfa.org.
March 7
Family Day. Tyler. Children are invited to stop in from 2-4 pm and participate in free art activities and tasty refreshments. Family Day art activities are designed to reflect and examine themes, artistic styles, and other aspects of current TMA exhibitions. Explore the galleries after children finish a masterpiece. 2 p.m. Tyler Museum of Art, 1300 South Mahon Ave. 903.595.1001. tylermuseum.org.
March 13 - 16
Bobbe Gentry Sculpture Workshop. Longview. Bobbe Gentry has been an artist all of her life, originally working in crayons, later in oil paints, and eventually finding her spirit in clay. Bobbe’s work can be seen in many public installations. She also teaches workshops across the country and is on permanent staff of the Creative Arts Center of Dallas. A realist sculptor, Bobbe’s work
Texas Wild Bunch. Canton. Professional Artists Show and Sale. Canton Market Place, 455 Hwy 19, Canton. 903-880-6089.
March 21
Ladies’ Night – Pointillism. Longview. 7 – 9 p.m. Pre Pay $18 members/$20 non members; $25 at time of class if room permits. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler S. 903-753-8103. www.lmfa.org.
March 23
Steward of the Earth Bronze Unveiling & Art Show. Ben Wheeler. The Walking Horse hosts the debut of the first showing of a bronze statue dedicated to the life’s work of animal expert Les Whitt (6 p.m. unveiling), western art exhibit, cowboy poetry, cowboy and western music, western shoot-out reenactments take place from noon to 9 p.m.
Historic Downtown Ben Wheeler. 1611 FM 279, 903.833.1070. www.benwheelertx.com. Family Art – Pointillism. Longview. 1 - 3 p.m. Pre Pay $18 members/$20 non members; $25 at time of class if room permits. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St. 903-753-8103. www.lmfa.org.
April 4
Co-Ed Night. Mixed Media Collage. Longview. 21 yrs & up; BYOB. 7 – 9 p.m. Pre Pay $18 members/$20 non members; $25 at time of class if room permits. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St. 903-7538103. www.lmfa.org.
SAVE THE DATES
April 27-28 malakofftexas.com
MALAKOFF TOUR
• James Surls’ Sculpture Gardens with first-time displayed eight major sculptures by international artists. • Jim Stewart’s Sculpture Garden Tour of outstanding American sculptures. • Dozens of the most outstanding artists in East Texas, many of whom will be displaying on the Historic Bartlett House gardens. MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 19
on stage
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended STAGE news and event listings.
ArtsView Scholarship Plan Now Taking Applications
ArtsView Children’s Theatre is taking applications through March 29 for its 2013 college scholarship program. The purpose of the program is to identify and honor high school students who live in the greater Longview area. Students who will be completing secondary school or have graduated from high school or received GEDs and who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. High school students must apply during their senior year. Each scholarship recipient must enter an accredited U.S. college the following fall semester as a full-time student, pursuing a course of study leading to either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Recipients may also enter an accredited technical school. Scholarship recipients will be selected without regard to financial need. The scholarship application packet, which includes the application form
and all requirements, can be downloaded from www.artsviewchildrenstheatre. com. Completed applications should be submitted by Friday, March 29, to ArtsView Children’s Theatre, 313 W. Tyler, Longview, Texas 75601. Applications may be mailed or delivered to the offices at ACT between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Encore Players Show Choir Wants Longview Bookings
ArtsView Children’s Theatre’s Encore Players Spring Show Choir is available to perform in the Longview area through May 1. The teen performers were chosen in recent auditions. This year’s Encore Players include Judah Armour, Rachel Armour, and Coryn Phillips from Kilgore; Molly Jasper and Aaren Smith from Gladewater; Victoria Bishop from White Oak; Brooklyn Davis and Nicole Mayfield from Hallsville; Savannah Smith from Gilmer; and Emily Araiza, Elijah Bump, Christian Funderburk, T’mara Ingram, Blake
March 24, 27, 28, 29 & 30, 2013 Van Cliburn Theatre Kilgore College Campus Featuring Meaghan Sullivan and Matthew Simpson Celebrate the TRUE meaning of Easter
Lovelace, Katie Lummus, Mercedes Nunley, Taylor Reagh, and Holly Smallwood from Longview. The focus of this outreach group is singing, dancing, and entertaining for people of all ages throughout the area. Performance venues last year included Colonial Village Retirement Community, Lion’s Club annual barbeque, Retired Teachers’ Association, AlleyFest, and many others. The 2013 Encore Players are directed by ArtsView’s general manager, Pamela Donica. Assistant directors are Caroline Bump and Megan Stevens. For more information or to request a performance, go to www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.
events March 1
Dueling Pianos. Paris. The original Dallas Alley Cats Dueling Pianos show returns to LMAO Comedy for another round of great shows. Sing-a-longs, jokes, stories, and all your favorite music. 9 p.m. $25. LMAO Comedy, 12 First Street NE. 903-785-LAFF. www. lmaotexas.com. The Jungle Book. Tyler. Adapted faithfully from Rudyard Kipling’s source stories by David Morgan, with music by Jaime Ramirez, The Jungle Book begins with the discovery of a man-child by a wolf pack in the Indian jungle. Mowgli is raised by wolf parents and educated in the Jungle Law by Bagheera, a black panther, and Baloo, a great bear. Complicating their efforts are a fun-loving tribe of monkeys, who kidnap Mowgli. He is rescued with the help of python Kaa, only to be threatened by Shere Khan, a carnivorous and hungry tiger. In the end, Mowgli must decide whether to stay in the jungle or take his place in the world of men. 7 - 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door (cash only). Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin. 903595-7274. www.libertytyler.com.
March 5
Tickets $25 Groups of 25: $20 Reservations (903) 983-8119 www.TexasShakespeare.com 20 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
Fiddler On The Roof. Longview. The Tonyaward winning musical has been lauded by critics again and again, and won the hearts of people all around the world. 7 p.m. $37 $55. S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel & Performance Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. www.belchercenter.com.
March 6
Fiddler on the Roof. Crockett. Tony Awardwinning musical. 7:30 p.m. $20-$30.Crockett
Texas Shakespeare Opens The Book of Luke By Patti Light In December 2011, Raymond Caldwell gifted the holiday season with a staging of his script of the Gospel of Luke performed as an 80-minute dramatic play called “The Book of Luke.” The play was an overwhelming success as a fundraiser for the Texas Shakespeare Festival Foundation. Brought to life by the talents of two professional actors, Meaghan Sullivan and Matthew Simpson, beloved by festival attendees, the play engaged and inspired hundreds of audience members with six performances. The gift is coming back to Kilgore for a limited engagement during the Easter season, as Caldwell always intended.
tors could tackle this dramatic endeavor. They will arrive in East Texas from work in the Midwest and East only three days before the March performances begin. They are already reuniting with the words and reengaging with the lessons they portray on stage. Professional actors Matthew Simpson and Meaghan Sullivan bring to life an 80-minute dramatic play on the biblical teachings of the Gospel of Luke.
of the parables of the gospel together as a way to engage and entertain. There is no intention to preach or proselytize. “All I did was select passages and they memorize the words,” Caldwell said.
The play is his creation from the biblical teachings. The selections are straight from the Bible and performed from memory with minimal staging. It is simply Sullivan and Simpson, a black stage, bright lighting, and a bench.
It is then that the lessons begin. There are approximately 24,187 words in the Gospel of Luke and the two actors speak 12,000 plus of these words. Sullivan and Simpson have the task of memorizing and using their voices and movements to bring the lessons to life. It is exhausting for them both mentally and physically. There is no intermission.
In the play Caldwell put the teachings
Caldwell believes that only these two ac-
STAGE EVENTS continued from page 20
March 21
“We knew we could do better,” Caldwell said.
Civic Center, 1100 Edmiston. 936.544.4276 . www.pwfaa.org.
March 7 – 10
HONK! Jr. Longview. Honk! Jr. is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, The Ugly Duckling. Ugly, who cannot quack or swim like other ducklings, doesn’t fit in because he is different. Lured away from his farm and family by a mischievous and hungry cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his harrowing journey, Ugly meets some quirky characters who teach him to love who he is, warts and all. Thursday – Saturday 7 p.m. Saturday & Sunday matinee, 2 p.m. $12-$15. ArtsView Children’s Theatre, 313 West Tyler Street. 903-236-7535. www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.
March 11 - 15
‘Be Our Guest!’ Spring Break Mini-Camp. Longview. Showcase Mini-Camp, Ages 6-8. Instructor Krystal Martinez. Sing and dance to famous Disney songs. Students experience music and movement, including stage choreography and props. 10 a.m. $75. ArtsView Children’s Theatre, 313 West Tyler Street. 903-2367535. artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.
Monty Python’s Spamalot. Tyler. Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot is the outrageous new musical lovingly ripped-off from the internationally famous comedy team’s (Eric Idle & John Du Prez) most popular motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, Spamalot features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits, flying cows and one legless knight. Irreverent Adult Content. 7:30 p.m. UT Tyler - Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd. www. cowancenter.org.
March 21 - 23
The Thirty-Nine Steps. Tyler. A fast-paced romp through the story of Hitchcock’s film. It is a pastiche, an affectionate and very funny transposition of the film on to the stage. The play contains set pieces that are iconic: the train top chase, the Forth Bridge escape, Mr Memory at the Palladium. Much of the joy in the show is in seeing these moments recreated through the physicality and vocal talent of the four performers. It is also an
Both actors are Actors Equity Association-represented actors and being able to have them on stage at Van Cliburn Auditorium at Kilgore College again was a task the foundation was happy to work for. This year, the play will run on matinee performances March 24, 27, 28, and 30 at 2 p.m. and March 28 and 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 or $20 for groups of 25 or more. It is a fundraiser for the Texas Shakespeare Festival as it gears up for the summer season in Kilgore. The festival will sell DVD copies of the 2011 performances at the play this year. The Book of Luke is an amazing experience for any theater lover, student of life, or believer. It brings together what is always present at Van Cliburn when the festival company takes the stage: hope, inspiration, and peace cocooned in a small theater shining in the piney woods. evocative tribute to a 1930s Britain of cold mists, steam engines and a clearly demarcated social system where people know their place. And at its center, juxtaposed with the comedy, is a love story. 7:30 - 10 p.m. Tickets $15 online. $20 at the door/cash only. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin. 903-595-7274. www. libertytyler.com.
March 22 - 23
Bill Kirchenbauer. Paris. Live comedy. Most remember Bill as Coach Lubbock from Growing Pains or his later spin off series on ABC where he was the star of Just the 10 of Us. Roles in movies like Airplane, The Story of Us, and They Call Me Bruce are unforgettable. His 12 or more appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson or Late Night with David Letterman are reminders of his stand up roots. 9 p.m. $25. LMAO Comedy, 12 First Street NE. 903-785-LAFF. www.lmaotexas.com.
April 6
Of Mice & Men. Longview. Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winner John Steinbeck’s tale of two drifters is one of the most widely read stories in America. 7:30 p.m. $32 - $50. S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel & Performance Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. www.belchercenter.com. MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 21
Piney Woods Fine Arts Association
March 6. 7:30 p.m. $22
presents
Jeanne Robertson “The Meetin’ ain’t over ‘til the tall lady speaks.” March 23, $22
Crockett, Texas
936.544.4276 www.pwfaa.org
Downtown Tyler • 103 E. Erwin • Tyler, Texas 75702 A depArtment of the City of tyler
mArCh 9 At 8 p.m.
Bob Schneider in Concert Opening act, Dustin Becker
mArCh 14 At 7 p.m.
Monty Python & the Holy Grail (1975)
mArCh 21-23 At 7:30 p.m.
The Thirty Nine Steps
A theatrical Production by APEX Entertainment
For ticket information go to LibertyTyler.com
Live Music, Theater, Comedy and Movies!
mArCh 28 At 7 p.m.
Young Frankenstein (1974) mArCh 30 At 2 p.m.
The Ten Commandments (1956) Starring Charlton Heston
22 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
film
Some Good Movies Are Overlooked By Jeremy Light As the Academy Awards conclude last year’s best-ofs, I remember movies that were unfortunately shuffled under the red carpet. Even though they have may have made the list in some capacity, truly high-caliber work was underappreciated. Salmon Fishing in Yemen, though mentioned frequently, was never a serious contender for any of the major awards. Relegated to the role of also-ran, this smart, quirky, and offbeat comedy demonstrated both intelligence and high-caliber performances from Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. Many are put off by the title, often mistaking it for a foreign film with subtitles. It is well worth your time and, in my opinion, should be the front runner for best picture. Flight, although primarily mentioned for featuring a bravura performance by Denzel Washington, was overlooked as well. The story of an alcoholic pilot was nothing original, but is noteworthy for the top-notch supporting work from John Goodman, who was not even nominated this year. Boo, hiss, Academy. Goodman also was underestimated for his supporting work in Argo. Although Argo deserves its acclaim, only Alan Arkin received props for supporting work. Strike two, Academy. Last year, I reviewed David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, a tremendously powerful novel turned into a film of the same magnitude. Although I am not the biggest fan of either Tom Hanks or Halle Berry, both of these actors turned in nuanced and interesting performances in this visually stunning feast. I would suggest both reading the book and watching the film, as both are meaningful and entertaining simultaneously, a feat rarely accomplished in film or in print. Strike three, you are out, Academy.
Suzy (Kara Hayward) and Sam (Jared Gilman) try to find their way in “Moonrise Kingdom,” a film some say is excellent but it didn’t stand out during this year’s award season.
Even the newest James Bond film, Skyfall, was largely ignored, with the exception of the titular theme song and technical awards. But for Javier Bardem to not receive a best supporting actor nod for his delightfully drawn villain is a worse crime than any his character commits. Strike four. More than the standard three for an out, but if I mentioned every underappreciated performance this year, the strikes would be practically innumerable. Obviously it is not possible to recognize every single film and actor, but some omissions are hard to gloss over. So when Lincoln, Les Miserables, Argo, and Zero Dark Thirty take a bulk of the awards, I am not displeased, per se. I do, however, have to wonder why Moonrise Kingdom and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel never received their due. At the very least, they deserve far more praise than “major” films with big names. The aforementioned titles are every bit as good as the contenders for the biggest prize in Hollywood. Seek out these gems. You can admire their smaller-carat beauty even if they get lost in Hollywood bling.
Check out this movie trailer for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
music notes
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for extended MUSIC news and event listings.
Annual Texas Music Awards Promote Talented Musicians The 11th annual Texas Music Awards will be presented March 23 at the Texas Music Barn in Linden. The awards are designed to promote up-and-coming musicians and to recognize other supporters of Texas music. More than a dozen performers are showcased between award presentations. Plans include performances on three additional stages in Linden. Additionally, there is an after party in nearby Jefferson. The annual event also is a fundraiser for the non-profit Academy of Texas Music, Inc. which seeks sponsorships and donations to further its efforts toward music education programs, scholarships, recognition projects, and benevolence programs for musicians in need. ”These outstanding artists need something to bring them recognition for their regional success and help them gain the national attention they de-
Aubrey Lynn England of Greenville and her band are nominated for Best Live Band in the Texas Music Awards, a state-wide promotion of up-and-coming musicians and those who support Texas music. Winners are announced March 23 at the Texas Music Barn in Linden. To learn more about England go to www.aubreylynnengland.com.
serve,” said Jinelle Boyd, producer. “Even though some of our nominees are already quite popular in the music world, the Texas Music Awards serve to give many of the newer artists a step-
ping stone to bigger and better things.” Winners are named in the following categories: male and females vocalists, vocal duo/group, rising star, musician, continued Page 25
MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 23
MUSIC • FOOD • FUN March 2 - April 28
Walking Horse Western Art Exhibit March 23
Steward of the Earth Bronze Unveiling & Art Show Day-long activities include honoring animal expert Les Whitt, western art exhibit, cowboy poetry and music, complimentary snacks, cash bar and more.
Stratobla
sters
March 9
BURGERS • plate lunches • beer 903.833.5100 Live Music 8-11 p.m. 3/1 Ben Lowery & Texas Express (Country Dance) $5 3/2 Finding Shade (Texas Country) $7 3/8 Billy Hilly Band (Country/Rock/) $7 3/9 Stratoblasters (Classic Rock/Blues) $5 Advanced Tickets @ Outhousetickets.com or $8 at the door
Eleven Hundred Springs March 29
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March 2
3/15 Group Therapy (Cover Band/Classic Rock) $5 3/16 Steve Carpenter Band (Traditional Country) $7 3/22 Clay Thrash Band (SouthernRock/TexasCountry) $5 3/23 blacktopGYPSY (Americana/Country) $8 Advanced Tickets @ Outhousetickets.com or $10 at the door 3/29 Eleven Hundred Springs (Texas Country/Rock) $10 Advanced Tickets @ Outhousetickets.com or $15 at the door 3/30 Brad Ward Band (Country) $7
Karaoke at Moore’s Store every Thursdays 6-10 p.m.
Flashpoint March 16
Kirby K March
elley
16
max stalling April 6
outhousetickets.com
Mich O’Conanel er March 2
2
PIZZA • WRAPS • SALADS • FULL BAR
903.833.5970 Live Acoustic Music, 7 p.m. No Cover 3/1 Kimberly Dunn
3/2 Jimmy Bailey & Matt Fisher
3/7 Wesley Pruitt
3/8 Byron Haynie
3/9 Withrow-Cooley
3/14 Patrick James Freden
3/15 Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix 3/16 Over the Rainbow St. Paddy’s Party with Craig Wallace (3 p.m.), Celtic band Flashpoint (5 p.m.), and Guitar Center’s King of Blues Kirby Kelley (7 p.m.) 3/21 Van
3/22 Michael O (O’Connor)
3/23 T&C Miller
3/28 Jerry Don Branch Duo
3/29 Kimberly Dunn
3/30 Heather Little & Matt Bradshaw
EVERY SATURDAY 3-6 p.m. Bluesman Craig Wallace F
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Billy Joe Shaver April 5 $15 outhousetickets. com
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Enjoy delicious ice cream while ◆ ◆ checking out a ART JAM collection of June 22 vintage motorcycles. 24 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013 EDOM TO BEN WHEELER, TEXAS
Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation www.benwheelertx.com • 903.833.1070
Male vocalist of the year nominees are Mike Amabile, Mark Allan Atwood, Cameran Nelson, Alex Smith, and Robby White.
Photo by Jeremy Cowart
producer, live band, song, singer/ songwriter, record, album, popular cover, entertainer, disc jockey, broadcast radio station. The awards also honor a lifetime achievement.
Photo by Kelly Christine Musgraves
MUSIC continued from page 23
Female vocalist nominees are Ashlee Rose, Jessie Samford, Myrna Sanders, T.C. Smythe, and Sue Young. Vocal duo group nominees are 2-Bit Palomino, Jeff Keith Band, Parker Heights, Smythe and Taylor, and The Washers. Rising star nominees are Eric Myers Band, Crissy Harrold, Jason Helms Band, Cameran Nelson, and Parker Heights. Musician of the year nominees are Brad Hobson, Mark LaFon, Charles Peters, Tubie Pushee, and Jack Saunders. Producer nominees are Billy Jo High/ Adam Odor, Lyndon Hughes, Adam Odor, Jesse Sims, and Mark Sinko. Live Band nominees are Aubrey Lynn & Yellow Rose, Ben Morris & The Great American Boxcar Chorus, Jason Helms Band, Jerry Audley Band, and Sammy Fox & The Intervention Song of the year nominees are “A Texan’s Prayer” by Robby White, “Getting’ There” by Connie Mims, “Soldier’s Wife” by Lou Ann Petty, “Tennessee Left Texas” by John Arthur Martinez and Rick Bussey, and “Word” by Jonathon Dewveall. Singer-songwriter nominees are Matt Harlan, Michael Hearne, Brian Kalinec, Brennen Leigh, and Connie Mims. Record of the year nominees are “Hometown Hero” by Jason Helms Band, “Just Getting Started” by Pauline Reese, “Thrown” by Cameran Nelson, “Trouble Is” by the Fort Worth-based Randy Brown, and “Yeah Yeah Yeah” by Jeremiah Houston Band. Album of the year nominees are Burned At The Crossroads by Mark Allan Atwood
Kacey Musgraves of Golden/Mineola (left) and Sunny Sweeney from Longview are part of Country Music Television’s “Next Women of Country” campaign and both are also nominated as best new female vocalist for the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards which airs on CBS April 7.
& Brimstone, Open Your Eyes by Mike Amabile, Small Town Outlaw by Robby White & The Tejas Gringos, Tired Eyes by The Washers, and True Story by The Bigsbys. Entertainer of the year nominees are Mike Blakely, Randy Brown, Joe “King” Carrasco, John Arthur Martinez, and Pauline Reese.
The Texas Music Barn is at 301 E. Houston. For more information, call 866.49.TEXAS or go to www.texasmusicawards.org.
Two Area Singer-Songwriters Among Nominees for Honors
Popular cover song of the year nominees are Gordon Lightfoot’s “Carefree Highway” by Rick Busby, Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Ashlee Rose, John Waite’s “”Missing You” by Smythe and Taylor, Merle Haggard’s “Sing Me Back Home” by John Arthur Martinez, and Buck Owens’ “Tiger By The Tail” by Robby White & The Tejas Gringos.
Kacey Musgraves from Golden and Sunny Sweeney from Longview are part of the yearlong “Next Women of Country” campaign launched by the CMT television network. The campaign promotes emerging female country artists through Nextwomen.CMT.com and across various CMT social media sites and platforms such as CMT, CMT.com, CMTEdge.com, CMT Pure, and CMT radio networks.
Disc jockey nominees are Ted Branson at KOOP in Austin, Brett Dillon at KHYI in Dallas, Justin Frazell at KFWR in Fort Worth, Gus Samuelson at KHYI in Dallas, and Roark Smith at KPFT in Houston.
Other members of the flagship class are Ashley Monroe, Holly Williams, Jana Kramer, Brandy Clark, Lauren Alaina, Sarah Darling, Rose Falcon, Rachel Farley, and Kelleigh Bannen, with more to come.
Broadcast radio station nominees are KFWR in Fort Worth, KHYI in Dallas, KOOP in Austin, KPFT in Houston, and KRVF in Corsicana.
Musgraves and Sweeney also are nominated as best new female vocalists for the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The awards show will be broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, on CBS.
Listen to clips of music by all the nominees and can hear the tracks in their entirety for five song of the year nominees, five record of the year nominees, and the five popular cover award nominees. Voting ended January 31.
People can vote for favorites at www. VoteACM.com through April 7. MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 25
music listings
Every Wednesday
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended MUSIC news and event listings.
Boogie Woogie Wednesday. Marshall. Live music. 7 - 9 p.m. Free admission.
Jimmy Bailey & Matt Fisher. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
OS2 Pub. 105 E. Houston. 903-938-8966. www. facebook.com/birthplaceofboogiewoogie
March 5
Every First Saturday.
Music on Main. Clarksville. Free live music and more on the first Saturday of each month, ranging from gospel to rock, country to jazz, and more. Might include local artists, regional or nationally known performers, a talent show, or a one-act play. 7 p.m. Free. Main Street. Downtown. 903.341.0761. redrivercc@windstream.net.
Every Saturday
Live Jazz. Pittsburg. The winery & restaurant are open 12-11PM on Fri/Sat 126PM on Sun. Full Tapas Menu open to close and Chef’s Specials beginning at 5PM to 10PM. 7 p.m. No Cover. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, 658 County Road 1334. 903-855-1769. www.lospinosranchvineyards.com.
Celtic Fire. Tyler. Featuring a five-piece live onstage band and ten amazing Irish step dancers, Celtic Fire serves up one Irish favorite after another with the fast-tapping, amazing step dancers joining Michael Londra onstage for a sizzling show. 7:30 p.m. UT Tyler - Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd. www.cowancenter.org.
March 7
Kimberly Dunn. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903-8335970. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 2
Orchestral Masterpieces. Longview. Musical journey through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. 6 – 10 p.m. $15-$52. SE Belcher Chapel and Performance Center, 2100 S. Mobberly. 903-236-9739. www.longviewsymphony. org/concerts. Finding Shade. Ben Wheeler. Texas Country. 8 p.m. $7. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. www. benwheelertx.com. 26 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
Group Therapy. Ben Wheeler. Cover Band/ Classic Rock. 8 p.m. $5. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 16
Rickey Nelson Remembered. Kilgore. Ricky’s two sons, Matthew and Gunner, bring their dad’s best hits of the 50s and 60s. 7 p.m. $25 - $45. Dodson Auditorium, 1100 Broadway Blvd. 903-983-8229. www.kilgore.edu.
Bill Hilly Band. Ben Wheeler. Country/ Rock. 8 p.m. $7. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279 www.benwheelertx.com.
Ben Lowery & Texas Express. Ben Wheeler. Country dance. 8 p.m. $5. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 15
March 8
Live Music. Palestine. Drink wine and listen to free live bands each Saturday at New York International Wine Competition’s 2012 pick for the best winery in the state of Texas. 5 p.m. No admission. Sweet Dreams Winery, 2549 Acr 441. 903-549-2027. www.visitpalestine. com.
March 1
Patrick James Freden. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free.mThe Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
Byron Haynie. , Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-8335970. www.benwheelertx.com.
Acoustic Music on the Streets. Mineola. Pickers and audience welcome. Bring instruments and chairs. Indoors in bad weather. 11 a.m. Free. Johnson St. Gazebo. 1.800.MINEOL. www.mineola.com.
March 14
Wesley Pruitt. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
Bluesman Craig Wallace. Ben Wheeler. 3 to 6 p.m. Free. The Forge. FM 279. www.benwheelertx.com.
Every Third Saturday.
their 6th studio album The 2nd Law. 7:30 p.m. $36.50 - $61.50. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave. www.americanairlinescenter. com.
March 9
Bob Schnieder. Tyler. 8 p.m. General Admission, $20; Box Seats, $150. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin Street. www.outhousetickets.com. Seth Glier. Edom. Listening room. Ages 13 and up or with a parent. 7:30 p.m. $12 advance / $15 door. The Old Firehouse in Edom, 8241 FM 279, Downtown. 7903-852-2781. theoldfirehouse.net. Withrow – Cooley. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903-8335970. www.benwheelertx.com. Stratoblasters. Ben Wheeler. Classic Rock/ Blues. . 8 p.m. $7. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 13
Muse. Dallas. Muse is Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme. Since forming in 1994, they have released five studio albums selling upwards of 15 million albums worldwide. The group’s last album The Resistance reached Number 1 in 19 countries around the world, and they have won numerous awards around the world including a Best Rock Album Grammy Award and an American Music Award for The Resistance. In July 2012 Muses’ song was adopted as the official song of the 2012 Olympic Games. On October 2nd, the band released
Steve Carpenter Band. Ben Wheeler. Traditional Country. 8 p.m. $7. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. www.benwheelertx.com. Guitar Center’s 2009 King of Blues - Kirby Kelley. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www. benwheelertx.com.
March 19
Eric Clapton. Dallas. On the heels of announcing the two-day Crossroads Guitar Festival at New York’s Madison Square Garden, legendary guitarist Eric Clapton has announced that he will be stopping by the American Airlines Center for his 2013 tour. Clapton and his impressive long-time touring band will be accompanied by the The Wallflowers, led by Bob Dylan’s son, Jakob. 7:30 p.m. $58.50 - $98.50. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave. www.americanairlinescenter.com.
March 20
Jackson Taylor and the Sinners. Longview. 7 p.m. 21 and up; $10. Under 21; $20. The Levee, 111 Joplin Drive. www.outhousetickets.com/ Artist/Jackson_Taylor_and_the_Sinners.
March 21
Maroon 5. Dallas. The band is joined by Neon Trees and Owl City. 7:30 pm. $29.50 $79.50. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave. www.americanairlinescenter.com. Van. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge. 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 22
JB and the Moonshine Band, Lauren Alexander. Bullard. Bring chair, blanket, cooler, no glass. Concessions available. 5:30 p.m. General Admission, $25, ages 8 and under free. Bullard Baseball Park, 21781 County Road 173.
www.outhousetickets.com/Artist/Lauren_Alexander.
March 30
Clay Thrash Band. Ben Wheeler. Country/ Southern Rock/Texas Country. 8 p.m. $5. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. www.benwheelertx. com.
Outhousetickets.com $15 or $20 at the door. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. www.benwheelertx.com.
Charlie’s Backyard Bar, 303 N. Columbus St. 903- 263-8958. www.charliesbackyardbar.com.
Travis Bolt. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
Michael O (O’Connor). Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 23
blacktopGYPSY. Ben Wheeler. Americana/ Country. 8 p.m. $10. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. www.benwheelertx.com. Texas Music Awards. Linden. The Texas Music Awards are held each year to recognize excellence in Texas music. Sanctioned by the Academy of Texas Music, Inc. The TMAs present awards in several categories including Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Singer/ Songwriter, Album, Song, Record, Producer, Musician, Vocal Group or Duo, Rising Star, Disc Jockey, Broadcast Radio Station, and Live Band of the Year. Past celebrity hosts include Michael Martin Murphey, Sonny Burgess, Gary P. Nunn and B.J. Thomas. The Texas Music Barn, 301 E. Houston Street. www. texasmusicawards.org. Rave On. Longview. Re-inventing the ordinary tribute show with an electrifying, highenergy, rock & roll extravaganza the show features America’s premiere Buddy Holly interpreter, Billy McGuigan, who is a deadringer for the legendary rocker. Backed by the rockin’ Rave On Band, their incredible musicianship helps ignite the stage and breathe new life into the music of Buddy Holly. 7:30 p.m. $22 - $40. S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel & Performance Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. www.belchercenter.com.
Hotel Drifters. Marshall. Texas Country/ Americana Music. 7 - 11 p.m. No cover.
Heather Little & Matt Bradshaw. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com. Brad Ward Band. Ben Wheeler. 8 p.m. $7. Country. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279 www.benwheelertx.com.
April 1
Sounds of Spring. Longview. Presented by Longview Symphonic Band. 7:30 - 9 p.m. $1; children and students free. SE Belcher Chapel and Performance Center. 2100 S. Mobberly, 903.297.0845. www.etsymphonicband.com.
April 4
Casting Crowns. Longview. 7 p.m. $25 - $50. S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel & Performance Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. www.belchercenter.com. Mike Acoustic. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge. 1610 FM 279. 903833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
April 5
Billy Joe Shaver. Ben Wheeler. Matt Bradshaw Opens. 8 p.m. Tickets Available @
April 6 Max Stalling. Ben Wheeler. 8 p.m. Tickets Available @ Outhousetickets.com $10 or $15 at the door. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. www. benwheelertx.com. Jimmy Bailey & Matt Fisher. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
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T & C Miller. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 28
Jerry Don Branch Duo. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
March 29
Eleven Hundred Springs. Ben Wheeler. Texas Country/Rock. 8 p.m. Tickets Available @ Outhousetickets.com $8 or $12 at the door. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. www.benwheelertx. com. Backseat Molly. Carthage. 7 p.m. General Admission; $7. The Alamo Bar & Grill, 5372 NW Loop. www.outhousetickets.com/Artist/Backseat_Molly. Kimberly Dunn. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-8335970. www.benwheelertx.com. MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 27
bookmarks Fobbit By David Abrams Grove Press ISBN-13: 978-0802120328
Reviewed by Jeremy Light Behind the front lines or behind a desk. These actions seem to be one and the same in David Abrams’ wickedly funny and patently absurd semi-autobiographical Fobbit. A “fobbit,” as defined by Abrams on the cover of his novel, is “a U.S. Army employee stationed at a forward operating base, especially during Operation Iraqi Freedom.” In the context of this novel, it is used as a pejorative. This satirical romp through American military operations examines the life of military personnel working “over there.” Sometimes this work consists of massive piles of bureaucratic paperwork and red tape, epic video game sessions, and illicit rendezvous in porta potties. Readers familiar with Joseph Heller’s Catch 22 will make connections with Abrams’ razor-sharp satire. Abrams does not disparage the military, but offers an antithetical view of oft-reported heroism so commonly espoused on the nightly news. His characters tend to have a “pale, gooey center” whose goals are to mark time during their tours without trying to accomplish anything of military value. Fobbit is the 21st century’s answer to “MASH.” Although not quite as groundbreaking, Fobbit will no doubt, in the future, be regarded as a significant example of war literature with a wickedly absurd bent, worthy enough to join the pantheon of satirical war stories. Fobbit is not without its flaws, namely the overplayed memos peppered throughout the book, it will make bookshelves all the better for having been written. Though the idea of exposing the absurdity of war is certainly not new, Abrams’ work is no doubt timely and educational. Above all, it is funny. You may never see military 28 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
press conferences or CNN reports the same way ever again. Beautiful Disaster By Jamie McGuire Atria Books ISBN: 978-1476712048
Reviewed by Patti Light For months, this book has followed me and beckoned me from tables at the book store. I have friends who loved it and friends who hated it. Finally, I had to make my decision and committed to reading Jamie McGuire’s Beautiful Disaster. Like so many when I read this book, I was addicted to it. I read it in the bathroom. I read it on the way to work (making my husband drive). I read it everywhere. The book is addicting in a train wreck kind of way, the characters are bad for everyone around them and for the reader, but the reader has to find out if there is hope. I warn readers of a genteel nature that this book contains a toxic relationship, a main character with rage issues, and lots of language. But in realizing that it’s about two 20-something college students involved in a fight club, bar scene, fraternity, and a gambling addiction, none of this taboos are inappropriate for the characters. It is their truth. McGuire takes Abby Abernathy, the “good” girl on campus, and slams her right into a love-at-first-sight relationship with Travis Maddox. Travis is exactly what Abby has been escaping from her past. He is a prize fighter for the local popup fight clubs. He is undefeated. These two characters weave a fast spell around each other. She longs for his madness and the animal in him is lulled by her centering presence. The chemistry is explosive, but not in a tacky Fifty Shades of Gray way. It is about rites of passages in a young adult life.
McGuire shows readers how two motherless children are trying to be adults. That is the thing I appreciated about the story. These two want to be normal. It also will remind many of those first loves that we experienced that burned like kerosene. When there is a flash fire, Travis and Abby burn. She storms out, hides in the demons of her father, and cries. He trashes the apartment, drinks too much, and begs. This is not a novel that will end up a classic in a leather-bound edition, but is a drama that makes a great reading experience. The audience is on both sides of the fence for this gritty, collegeaged tale. My suggestion is to read some reviews, pick up the book and read few pages, and make your connection (or not). If it ends up in the bag, car seat, night stand, or hands, keep reading; the butterfly in the jar on the cover will help lives take flight.
LITERARY NEWS New Book offers Life Tips for Elementary School Kids
Monday Morning Leadership for Kids, the first book by Canton Elementary School kindergarten teacher Evelyn Addis, focuses on how to be a good person. It’s an adaptation for the kids from the popular adult book Monday Morning Leadership by David Cottrell. The book tells the story of eight-yearold Baxter on a Monday morning trip with his Paw Paw, who teaches him eight character attributes: making good choices, obeying the people who are responsible for you, doing the right thing even when it’s hard, having friends who help you be a better person, using your time wisely to complete all tasks, being a bucket filler and not a bucket dipper, and staying in the learning zone. Matt Loughmiller, who teaches art at Canton elementary and intermediate schools, did the illustrations. “You are not too little to be a good driv-
er of your character,” Addis said. “Young children want to know, what do you want me to know? And this book, to me, gives them exactly what we are striving for every day, just to build better citizens. This is not a book that you read just one time to a child and put it on the shelf. It is a book to be read over and over and over so that these character attributes are instilled in these young children.”
Poet Geddie’s 10th Book is in the slow burn of time
County Line Magazine contributor Tom Geddie has published a new book of poetry, in the slow burn of time. The collection of free verse poems is his 10th book overall. Readers complimented the book and Geddie’s earlier work. “Perhaps my favorite living poet,” said Elizabeth Burnam, a writer and editor living in Minnesota. “I find his writing liberating.” “I worry for the peripheral innocence, but the truth must win out,” said Dallas songwriter and musician Rick Yost. “You inspire me as a writer. No one will hold you accountable.” “ . . . an ear for words, an eye for pictures, and a strong taste for beauty,” said Michèle Kaliski, a career librarian from Montreal, Quebec. For more information, check out www. tomgeddie.com or find Geddie on Facebook.
Literary events Every Thursday
Story Time for Preschoolers. Van. 10 – 11 a.m. Free.Van Community Library, 310 Chestnut. 903.963.7942.
Every Last Tuesday
Club READ. Tyler. Book discussion group for adults. Meets the last Tuesday of each month. February 26, The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson, March 26, The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark. 10 - 11:30 a.m. Free. Taylor Auditorium, Tyler Public Library, 201 S
poetry & prose growing up
Second Thoughts If we dance the night away In an embrace of our youth The next two days we’ll need Ben Gay To break our muscles loose! We don’t need a clock To tell what time it is The calendar’s a reminder Our wine has lost its fizz. Cut some slack, take a nap There’s nothing left to lose. It’s your time, it ain’t no crime To snooze, if you so choose.
i remember as a little girl we had the best of all worlds. daddy took the 3 boys to see the car races, and mom with her 3 little girls, a movie we’d embrace. little girls playing dress up in mommy’s clothes and sorts, the boys with their cars and their big dump trucks. mommy washing and ironing our little dresses, then daddy driving us to church before we got messy. we all played in hot summer showers, while judy played and sang to make believe flowers. debra ran head on, into the garage wall, while larry would dodge her short fall.
Who can write our stories? Who will tell the truth? When most of us still hide The indescretions of our youth.
michael climbs the tree to avoid a little spanking, see grandmas morning glories on the porch railing.
Do what I say my child Don’t do what I’ve done What god has wrought on second thought Has been a ton of fun!
larry loved a good garden tomato fight, while mommy rocked a sick one, way in the night.
peggy has in her mouth, 2 little fingers, and tommy sticks out his tougue, and caught a bee stinger.
i remember growing up, so much fun. bed time stories, make believe, and playing in the sun. Judy Sanders Brownsboro
Brooks Gremmels Ben Wheeler
College Avenue. 903-593-7323. www.tylerlibrary. com.
Every Wednesday & Thursday
Read Aloud Crowd. Tyler. Story time for families followed by a simple craft. Directed toward children ages 3-6 years of age. No registration is required. 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Free. Story room, Tyler Public Library, 201 S College Ave. 903-593-7323. www.tylerlibrary.com.
Every First & Third Monday
Child Care Story Share. Tyler. Storytime for school groups followed by a short film; directed toward children ages 3-6. Registration required. 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Free. Tyler Public Library. 201 S. College. 903-593-7323. www. tylerlibrary.com.
Every Third Friday
Poetry Reading. Winnsboro. Local poets. 6 p.m. Free. Winnsboro Emporium, 316 N. Main. 903.342.6140. www.winnsboroemporium.com.
American Girl at the Library. Tyler. Girls ages 5-12 explore history through food, games, crafts, and other activities suggested by an American Girl book, heroine, and historical era. Mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and other special adults are encouraged to attend with the child. 10 a.m. - Noon. Free. 903.593.7323. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College. www.tylerlibrary.com.
Every First Sunday
Texas Writers Network. Tyler. Informal gathering of writers and aspiring writers for mutual support, critique, and networking. 2 – 4 p.m. Free. Taylor Auditorium, Tyler Public Library, 201 S College Avenue. 903-593-7323. www.tylerlibrary.com.
March 13 - 17
Book & Media Sale. Tyler. 10 a.m . – 5 p.m. Free to browse. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College. 903.593.7323. www.tylerlibrary.com.
Every Third Saturday MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 29
FOOD & DRINK Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards 658 County Road 1334 Pittsburg 903.855.1769 www.lospinosranchvineyards.com Friday/Saturday Noon-11 p.m. Sunday Noon-6 p.m.
Review by Patti Light The dinner plans were set for Los Pinos Vineyards when the email came that Chef Dana’s special for the weekend was seared orange chipotle duck breast. Turning off the county roads of Pittsburg and onto the dusty vineyard drives of Los Pinos Ranch, find one of the best elegant dining experiences in all of East Texas. For anyone who has not experience this vineyard’s wines, traveling to the rustic ranch in the piney woods is the perfect opportunity to drink great, handcrafted East Texas wines and sample food that is just as personal. Los Pinos offers its tapas-style menu during winery hours, and each weekend the
Thai spiced slow-cooked spare ribs and Cheese Toes, a warm puff pastry baked with cheese and cured meat are favorites at Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards in Pittsburg.
award-winning chef prepares a signature dish for the menu special. The menu at the ranch complements both wine lovers and foodies; anyone into both is in for a gastronomical date placed against climbing grape vines and breathtaking sunsets. The menu consists of salads, panatelas, tapas, crostini, woodfired pizzas, and chef-selected desserts.
Best of the Upper East Side of Texas Best Steaks and Best Restaurant 2010 - 2011 Best Steaks 2012
The ribs platito is a slow grilled specialty that layers both sweet and spicy. Do not be afraid to grab them from the plate and eat like a starved person. Enjoy the chef’s board or tapas sampler with breads and cheeses. The Italian cheese toes are a crowd favorite and pair nicely with any Los Pinos wine. The crostinis can be made as a sampler of all five for $19, or choose just one for less. My favorite is the goat cheese with Granny Smith apple, fig balsamic, and walnuts. It is sweet, tart, and hearty. The pizzas are a new taste and do not lean toward the boring traditional items. The prosciutto and grape is a delight and adds a savory exploration to a dry white wine. Finish with a chocolate orgasm dessert or a heavenly gelato to make this dinner one to remember. Stay and drink some wine, let your meal settle and take in the live music on the weekends. There is a music gratuity of a $1 per guest after 7 p.m., but is a great dollar to pay.
Tuesday & Wednesday DINNER SPECIAL Mixed Green Salad Choice of Fresh Fish of the day, Ribeye Steak, or Filet Mignon Served with Whipped Potatoes and Green Beans $26.00
Located in a beautiful lakeside lodge at 21191 FM 47 in Wills Point, one block north of Interstate 20, Exit 516 Open Tuesday - Saturday 5pm. to 10pm. Available for Special Events
Reservations Recommended 903.873.2225 www.fourwindssteakhouse.com 30 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
Five D Cattle Company Steakhouse # 8 Main Street Avinger 903.562.1291 www.fivedcattle.com Tue.-Thur. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Friday 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday 4-9 p.m.
Review by Jeremy Light I have always loved Jefferson for its wonderful food. Often, though, it is easy to miss the forest for the trees. In this case,
The flat iron at 5D Cattle Company in Avinger is served with a loaded baked potato and green beans and peach cobbler a la mode topped off a scrumtuous dinner.
the nearby area, specifically Avinger, is home to one of the best steakhouses I have had the privilege of patronizing in recent years. 5 D Cattle Company Steakhouse is a spacious, rustic establishment popular with locals and visitors. I am fortunate I listened to those who told me it was a can’t-miss destination. Open specifically for dinner, the restaurant is decorated with western art, barbed wire samples, and “lasso lighting.” It is at once familiar and unlike other steakhouses. The atmosphere can be loud, but I was there on Saturday night so that is par for the course. The wait was very short and the staff very friendly and as fast and efficient as an ant colony. Once seated, diners can select from a number of appetizers including buffalo wings, Texas bullets (a number of the appetizers are jalapeno-based), and riblets, which, unfortunately, 5-D was out of. For people who arrive later in the afternoon, this is a distinct possibility, but expected, given the quality of the food.
Entrées include a number of mouthwatering steaks such as the flat iron, the rib eye, and the T-bone. If a perfectly seasoned steak is not up to specifications, staff will fire another one and deliver it quickly. As the meal winds to a close, please save room for the cobbler (apple, peach, or blackberry). Served a la mode, it is the best I have ever tasted. Be sure to complete the experience of the Jefferson area with a trip to 5 D. BYOB and enjoy a family friendly, convivial meal with friends and strangers. This is what Texas dining is all about.
Salt Palace, Hwy. 80 and Main Street, at Nutty’s Peanut Butter, the Main Street office, and city hall, all downtown. Proceeds will benefit construction of a museum in the old Darby Building on Main Street. For more information, call 903.962. 7147.
Artsy Deli and Coffee Shop Opens in Jacksonville
Grand Saline Salt Museum Offers 600-Recipe Book
Phoenix Square Deli & Coffee Shop opened recently in Jacksonville bringing the arts, food and coffee together. It is part gallery, part performance space for music, poetry, comedy, speakers and more. They take an artistic approach to their food, striving every day to create new and unique items traditionally not available in the area.
The spiral-bound hardcover book also includes historic photos of Grand Saline from the Galloway Darby collection.
The two story building at 201 East Commerce is currently offering fresh brewed and espresso coffee drinks, along with a daily fresh deli menu, in a family-friendly environment. Customers can design their own sandwich with their choice of breads, meats and chees-
Copies are available for $20 each at the
continued Page 33
Food & Drink News
The Grand Saline Salt Museum now has a cookbook filled with 600 or so recipes from area residents and other friends.
“World Famous Hamburgers”
Open 24/7 Full Menu Breakfast Anytime! Hwy. 19 near I-20 in Canton • 903-567-6551 www.dairypalace.com facebook.com/dairypalace
A relaxing, cozy setting with a variety of local Texas wines. Sit and enjoy the ambiance or amble through the shop area of unique items of clothing, jewelry, and home decor. WiFi Available www.pocketshoppes.com MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 31
PLAY
Catch Up to Area History At Greenville Ghost Walks Regular weekend Ghost Walks have started up in downtown Greenville, highlighting the city’s history. Some people claim historical figures from the past 160 years still frequent their old haunts. The tours are planned for Friday and Saturday evenings, and may be expanded to cover more days when there is a full moon. Steven Reese will conduct the tours, which will begin at the Heritage Garden near the Farmer’s Market two blocks east of the Hunt County Courthouse on Washington Street. The Ghost Walks begin at 6:30 p.m. and last about an hour and a half to two hours. The cost is $12 per person, payable by check or cash. Reese conducts the tours by lamp light in Victorian costume. The location of the old gallows, a haunted winery, and a 1920s Egyptian
Visit
Young visitors get a close-up look at “another world” at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. The 300,000-gallon aquarium features native Texas fish. There’s also a daily dive show, an alligator exhibit, tram tours, and the interpretive wetland trail where kids can go turtle-spotting, and see bees at work around the 1.2 acre lake stocked with catfish and sunfish year-round and rainbow trout December through March. Courtesy photo.
Revival former mortuary building are among the stops. Many landmark buildings are also included on the tour. Greenville joins Jefferson, McKinney, and several other area towns in offering the popular Ghost Walks to visitors.
...a straight shot to Cedar Creek Lake
• Dining • Shopping • Lodging
• Boating • Fishing • Skiing
• More...
We AIM
to please!
903.887.1087 www.gunbarrelcity.net www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net
32 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
For more information, call the Greenville Chamber of Commerce/ Convention and Visitors Bureau at 903.455.1510.
Pro Disc Golf Association Plans Selah Ranch Tourney The 2013 Professional Disc Golf Association’s Amateur World Doubles Championship Tournament will be held March 22-24 at Selah Ranch, after players voted the courses at Selah Ranch as the #1 & the #2 courses among more than 5,000 in the United States. Course designer John Houck and his wife, Dee Leekha-Houck, are organizing what is expected to be one of the biggest weekends in Franklin County and Mount Vernon. The tournament will bring 216 players to Franklin County along with four or five past pro world champions who will give free clinics and sign autographs.
There will be many free prizes and chances to try the new sport free. For more information or to get involved, call Chamber of Commerce Manager Diane Newsom at 903.537.4365 or Leekha-Houck at 512.426.7722.
Second Annual Jefferson Train Days Scheduled The second annual Jefferson Train Days event occur May 18 and 19 to commemorate the one year anniversary of the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad layout in its new location in Jefferson. This year’s event also celebrates the city of Jefferson being designated by the Union Pacific Railroad as a “Train Town USA” and inclusion in the Union Pacific Railroad’s Train Town USA Registry. One Boarding Pass—$15 for adults, free for children 12 and under —will admit visitors to four activities – a visit to the R.D. Moses T & P Model Railroad layout, a ride on a narrow gauge scenic train, a tour of Jay Gould’s private railroad car and admission to a train show that includes several modular model railroad layouts and vendors. For more information visit www.jeffersonrailway.com.
FOOD/DRINK continued from page 31
In the Kitchen with Leah
es, and specialties like the Iron Junkie and Veggie Virginia wraps are available for the health-conscious patron.
Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches 2 lbs beef eye of round roast 3 cups water 1 cup light soy sauce 1 tsp each rosemary, thyme, garlic powder 1 bay leaf 3 peppercorns Optional, provolone cheese slices Hawaiin, French or sub rolls
Phoenix Square has live music Thursday through Saturday nights. The house band Withrow Cooley shares the stage with other regional artists. WiFi is available to customers with a purchase. For more information call 903.284.6963 or visit Phoenix Sqare DC on Facebook and www.phoenixsquaredc.com.
Place all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on low 5–6 hours. Take out meat and shred. Serve on buns with or without cheese. Use au jus for dipping. Leftover meat is great as a taco filling!
events Every Friday
Fab Fridays at Granny Muffin Wines. Palestine. Enjoy over 30 varieties of wine by the glass or bottle with cheese and sausage selections, join in with our Foodie Group and bring an appetizer to share, call for pizza delivery, or enjoy our potluck . Good conversation, smoke-free, soft music, sometimes the crowd votes for a movie. Either way be prepared for a fun, relaxing evening. 5 p.m. No admission. Granny Muffin Wines, 301 West Oak Street. 903729-1940. www.grannymuffinwine.com.
March 2 & 30
March 5
Athens Farmer’s Market. Athens. Find everything from baked good (breads, fried pies, sweetbreads and pies), tamales, jams and jellies including strawberry pineapple, peach, blackberry, blueberry, wild plum, picked vegetables, salsas, relishes and soups to locally hand-crafted wines from Athens own Tara Winery. 8 a.m. – Noon. City Parking Lot, Downtown, Corner of N. Palestine & Larkin Streets. 903-944-8516. www.athenstx.org.
Ice Cream Parlor
Taste of Tyler. Tyler. Tyler’s premier culinary event showcasing a variety of foods by Tyler’s leading restaurants, live music and and Cupcake Wars. Sponsored by Tyler Sunrise Rotary and Tyler Restaurant Association. Proceeds provide funds for community projects, educational programs and scholarships. 6 p.m. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St. www.facebook.com/Tasteoftyler.
Discover the East Texas Oil Fields of the 1930s
Homemade Flavors Floats Sundaes Waffle Cones The East Texas Oil Museum is located on the campus of Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. This fascinating museum houses the authentic re-creation of oil discovery and production in the early 1930s from the largest oil field inside U.S. boundaries.
Banana Splits Open Wed-Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Handcrafted American Made
Rockers, Swings, Fishfryers, Fire Pits
401 N. Hwy. 19, Canton
903.567.2321 parties, catering, events, festivals
Museum Hours Tues-Sat 9am - 4pm April-Sept 9am - 5pm Sun 2-5p.m. Hwy. 259 at Ross St, Kilgore, Texas On the Kilgore College Campus, 903.983.8295
www.EastTexasOilMuseum.com MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 33
Shop State Fair Farmers Market Features Grub, Arts, Crafts
The Tyler State Fair Farmers Market is looking for artists to exhibit at the market in May. The market takes place every Saturday, promoting fresh, healthy, local foods, handcrafted art and artisan products, sustainable living, education, and entertainment. Growers interested in selling sustainably grown local produce, eggs, dairy,
meats, handcrafted value-added products, and educators are also encouraged to sign up. Fresh farm-to-market produce, seasonal products and crafts are available Tuesday and Saturday, May 5 until July 28 at the East Texas State Fair Farmer’s Market in the pavilions on the fairgrounds. Hours are 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 903.881.9773 or go to www.etstatefair.com/market. EVERYTHING UNIQUE INTERIOR DESIGN
10% off
903.567.4757
120 N Buffalo St. Downtown Canton
Feb. 28 – March 3, March 28 – 31
First Monday Trades Days. Canton. The oldest and largest flea market in the world. The ultimate shopping experience. Wander 300 acres of antiques, arets and crafts, and handmade articles. Free. First Monday Trades Days Grounds. 877-462-7467. visitcantontx.com.
Saturdays through May 25
Home decor, upholstery, charms, watches, candles, wedding registry, ...
To list your shopping events on our calendar go to www.countylinemagazine.com and set up MY ACCOUNT at the top of the home page to get started. Email Leah@countylinemagazine.com if you need assistance.
Open Feb. 28-Mar. 3 Mar. 28-31, and May 2-5 Thursday-Sunday before the first Monday of every month!
34 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
Unique Shopping Tours of Tyler. Tyler Chamber of Commerce, 315 N. Broadway. 903-2456535. www.toursoftyler.com.
We Scream for Free Ice Cream. Ben Wheeler. Visit any five of the Downtown Historic Ben Wheeler artists, merchants, or restaurants, and receive a free scoop at Scoots ‘n Scoops, compliments of the Ben Wheeler Artists and Merchants Association. Pick up a punch card at any of the locations to get started. Downtown Ben Wheeler. 903.833.5630.
facebook.com/EverythingUnique 124 Main Street 903.885.7016
www.inspirationchild.com
Through May 15
Sulphur Springs
Come See Our New Spring Arrivals with this ad
SHOPPING EVENTS
County Line Marketplace N WHEEL O G A W ANTIQUE MALL
To advertise, call 903.312.9556 or email sales@countylinemagazine.com
Plumbing
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Roger M-8528
• Payroll/Quarterly Reports • Individual, Corporate, Partnership Tax Preparation
R. Ann Aduddell, D.D.S., P.C. Bart F. Miller, D.D.S., M.S. - Orthodontics
30+ Dealers, 12,000 sq. ft.
903-469-4321 7 miles East of Athens 7150 SH 31E • Murchison www.wagonwheelantiquemall.com
• Audit Representation
• Sales Tax/Multi State Taxes
Biggest & Best in East Texas
of Quality Merchandise Open 7 Days, Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5
• Tax Planning for Tax Reduction
• Budgets & Forecasts
Serving East Texas
Vintage Record Albums Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Decorator Items, and so much more!
Bill Hullum, CPA PC • Bank Reconciliation
903-833-5667
Furniture, Antiques Collectibles
Authorized E-File Provider
Medicaid Accepted Financing Available
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
104 Burnett Trail, Canton 903-567-2207 www.millcreekdds.com
• Experienced Water District Accounting 649 W. Main • Box 545 Van, TX 75790 903.963.5865 625 Hwy 31 East #6 Chandler, TX 75758 903.849.4994 123 West Frank St. Grand Saline, TX 75140 903.962.6200
www.billhullumcpa.com
We Sell Cars for Less Ray Ridings Buick GMC Canton, Texas 903-567-4131 www.RayRidings.com
The
Internet
Connection to
Ray Ridings Wills Point Chevrolet Wills Point, Texas 903-873-2561 www.willspointchevrolet.com
We BUY cars too! “Our World Class Service is Second to None”
Lindale, Texas
Business • Education Community • Events Weekly email blasts about all that is Lindale, Texas
FAIR TRADE boutique Unique Handmade Gifts, Clothes & Crafts from around the world. Fair Trade helps lift small micro business artisans out of poverty.
Holly@LindaleLink.com www.LindaleLink.com
Tyler - Bergfeld Center 121 E. 8th Street, Tyler, TX 903.595.5559 Learn more @ cometoghethertrading.com MARCH MARCH2013 2013••CountyLineMagazine.com CountyLineMagazine.com ••35 35
Living Room: Home. Garden. real estate.
Housing Market is Generally Trending Upward
By Tom Geddie The real estate and housing market in Northeast Texas is generally trending upward, a trend that began in the second half of 2012 in the region and, for the most part, nationally. “The market appears to be pretty strong because the state’s economy has been significantly better than most of the rest of the country,” said Jim Gaines, research economist at the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, the nation’s largest publicly funded organization devoted to real estate research. The center’s staff conducts research on financial, socioeconomic, public policy, trade, legal, land use, and local market analysis issues related to real estate. Staff monitors markets in the Upper East Side of Texas, including but not limited to Longview, Marshall, Nacogdoches, Palestine, Paris, Texarkana, and Tyler.
“Housing prices and cost of living in the Northeast Texas area are very attractive and competitive with any place in the country,” Gaines said. “Home prices are a little mixed, going up at a slower rate.” Three factors in the overall growth, in addition to prices, include 1) the foresight of local and regional bankers who, for the most part, did not get involved in the “exotic” financing schemes that some larger financial institution did, thus did not face the numbers of foreclosures; 2) slow but steady housing growth spreading northeast and east of Dallas; and 3) the second home market, especially around the region’s lakes. Most buyers are local, he said. Some are moving to the area to retire or because they are near retirement and want to settle into just the right place that’s come available.
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“Like some other areas of the state, the number and types of jobs available is not conducive to keeping the young people in town. Older people are looking to move into the area where the cost of living is lower, and they bring their jobs with them.” Gaines said that, in general, housing is affordable for buyers, which means it’s a bit less profitable for owners. Prices are up about 12 percent over 2011, including, so far this year, about six percent over 2012. Availability should be adequate for the region’s growth for high-end, mid-level, and inexpensive housing, Gaines said. “Northeast Texas has always had a bit of high-end housing, but mostly it’s been a middle-of-the-road market,” he said. “The affordable (low-end) housing issue is always interesting. The problem is not housing availability; it’s the income level. continued page 39
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Landscape & Garden Works for Tyler and Surrounding Areas Since 1983 Hwy 64 West, Tyler (903) 593-5975 www.wilhitelandscape.com 36 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
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Organization Helps Build Dreams in Longview
It takes an army of volunteers and skilled workers to build homes for East Texas families through Habitat for Humanity. Courtesy photos.
By Patti Light Confucius once said, “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” Knowing this and many other reasons why a home is so important, Longview Habitat for Humanity is helping many East Texas families see their dreams become a reality. “We envision a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live,” said LaJuan Hollis, director of the Longview chapter of the national organization. The habitat movement that began in the United States in 1976 provides that homes be built by volunteers and professionals side by side and at an affordable rate. Last year in the Longview district, 30 families applied for home ownership and the local chapter could approve and begin building only five in 2012 with their current resources. One of those, last October, was the 80th construction for Habitat in Longview. Each family participates in a minimum of 350 “sweat equity hours” where they
work on the home and make a down payment. Many people think that habitat homes are free, but they are built and paid for by the families with a flexible mortgage that fits the owner’s needs. As a volunteer-run operation, Habitat is always looking for people to reach out and drive a nail or to help otherwise. The group can always use volunteers on a construction site whether that is professionals wanting to donate time or amateurs wanting to paint walls and help landscape. “Friendships are forged and barriers breached by swinging a hammer, sharing a sandwich, or raising a rafter together,” Hollis said. Community members wanting to be involved in other projects can help through the ReStores in Tyler and Longview. The Restores need volunteer to staff locations, help with inventory, and generate donations. ReStore is a resale shop of extra or gently-used home improvement items. Each store may hold everything from boxes of flooring tiles to whole cabinet units, sold at a
fraction of the cost to consumers. All of the money helps with building homes for those in need. Hollis said ReStores helped divert more than 30,000 pounds of building supplies and extra materials from local landfills last year alone. This service group helps to build lives and homes for the families of East Texas, and looks for new ideas to help get youth groups, community organizations, corporations, and neighbors involved. Groups can even sponsor a Habitat Day where a they work at a building site or have a donation drive for the local office. Longview has houses built by corporate partners, churches, and other community groups. “Right now the need doubles our capacity to meet it,” Hollis said. “The vision can become a reality in Longview when our city comes together to provide the resources to meet the need.” For more information or to help, call LaJuan Hollis or Alexa Duke at the Longview Habitat for Humanity at 903.212.8453 or go to www.habitat.org. MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 37
FEEL GOOD
The Care and Feeding of Your Old Person
By Edward H. Garcia Demographers tell us that old folks are the fastest growing segment of the population, so if you don’t have one of your own now, you probably will in the next few years. If you haven’t been around old people or have avoided them because they creep you out (you don’t want to look closely at my toenails), it would be prudent to get yourself up to speed on their care and feeding. It’s a complicated subject, worth a lifetime of study, but these are some basic guidelines to get you started. 1. Remember that being hard of hearing is not the same as being simple or stupid. It’s okay to talk a little louder or to make an effort to speak more distinctly, but shouting accompanied by broad
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gestures will just irritate them. And be aware that they might be pretending not to hear you because they just aren’t interested in what you have to say. 2. Do not refer to them as “young lady” or “young man.” They know they aren’t young, and they know you know they aren’t young. You are not ingratiating yourself to them. You are just irritating them. In fact, this practice should be in the dictionary to illustrate “condescend.” 3. On the other hand, it is always appropriate to tell a person they don’t look their age. Be careful not to lay it on too thick. Guessing their ages more than 5 years younger than their actual age might lead them to question your sincerity. 4. Avoid the formulation “_____ years young.” I’ve never heard an old person say that about themselves. It would be okay to say that someone was “six years young” or even “23 years young,” but “80 years young” just won’t wash. 5. Don’t assume your old person isn’t interested in everything you are, including intimacy. When an old couple walks down the street holding hands and stopping from time to time to kiss passionately and you’re embarrassed, get over it. They might not be quite what they once were, but don’t consign them to the rocking chair until they tell you they’re ready. Your old person knows you don’t mean to dismiss them or condescend to them.
You just haven’t stopped to think how it feels to them. Luckily, there are some things you can safely and respectfully do. Give them respect, attention, regard. Enjoy them. You might be surprised that your old person actually has a sense of humor and might have experienced something first hand that you have only read about. Most of all, use them. Don’t discount what they know and what they know how to do. They have spent their whole lives learning about life and developing a certain amount of wisdom. Don’t let the fact that they’ve retired or have to heave themselves out of a chair make you forget that.
FEEL GOOD EVENTS March 9
Mayor’s Walk. Canton. Everyone is invited to attend this event as city of Canton, which is known as the Walking Capital of Texas, works to promote good health. Walkers and their canine companions are encouraged to attend. 8:30 a.m. Free. Cherry Creek Park. www.visitcantontx.com.
March 16
28th Annual Athens Triathlon. Athens. Race one of the most popular and oldest pool swim events in Texas. This 300-meter pool swim, 13.8 mile bike ride, and 5km run is safe and fairly flat and very fast. Race is capped at 500. 6:30 - 11:30 a.m. Early registration $70 individual, $140 teams. Cain Center, 915 S. Palestine St. 903-677-2000. www.athenstx.org/ things-to-do/28th-annual-athens-triathlon.
Yama Yoga Studio
Where Your Journey Begins. TM
DAILY CLASSES
18402 FM 1255 Canton, TX 75103
Beginner • Stretch • Vinyasa • Pilates 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training Weekend Workshops
www.yamayoga.info 903.316.9471 38 • CountyLineMagazine.com • MARCH 2013
March 4-8 celebrate our larger store! Door prizes. giveaways.
HOUSING continued from page 26 Somebody making $20,000 a year is going to have some trouble finding housing,” and will have to rent. Gaines said housing statistics can look unstable at times because most of the markets the center monitors are relatively small, selling perhaps 10 or 20 units each quarter while a large market such as, for example, Dallas or Houston, appears more stable just because there are so many houses being bought sold in the same time period. “At any given period, looking at data for the mid and smaller markets, prices can be down and then back up again,” he said. “A lot of times the data is misleading because it’s a function of which properties sell in a given quarter. When a big property—a $4 million house – sells, that’s going to skew statistics for the month.” For more information including city-bycity listings, go to www.recenter.tamu.edu.
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HOME & GARDEN EVENTS Through March
Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden. Gladewater. Millions of golden daffodils scattered over approximately 28 acres. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hwy 271 N. just south of Gladewater. 903.845.5780. www.daffodilgarden.com.
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60 miles east of Dallas, 30 miles west of Tyler, 2 miles North of I-20 near Canton, Texas. Country living, peaceful aviation-oriented community. Lots available for custom and hangar homes.
972-567-7706
MARCH 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 39
Photo Credit: Mark Fonville
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2100 N Trade Days BLVD | CANTON, TX | 903.567.0363 www.paulmichaelhome.com | Open year round