county line UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS
JULY 2012
M A G A Z I N E www.countylinemagazine.com
Emily williams SODA FOUNTAINS TOM PERRYMAN BYE, BYE BIRDIE MIRANDA LAMBERT SHELLEY KOLMAN SMITH OUTDOOR ATHENS Complimentary Copy to subscribe see page 29
KILGORE GETAWAY
ART • MUSIC • PLAY • ENTERTAINMENT • POETRY • BOOKs • DINING
Experience Edom
Where Art Comes to Life www.VisitEdom.com
Potters Brown Studio & Gallery 903.852.6473 www.pottersbrown.com Original Handmade Stoneware
LONGVIEW MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Arbor Castle Birdhouses 903.852.7893 www.arborcastlebirdhouses.com Birdbaths, Garden Sculptures Blue Moon Gardens Open 9-5 Thurs-Sun 903.852.3897 www.bluemoongardens.com Perennials Herbs Garden Art Gift Shop
Don’t Miss Second Saturday Art Jam along the 279 Artisans Trail July 14!
Still have nine open classes in July and four scheduled for August. Join us in our new ArtWorks building as we celebrate the summer!
SUMMER SPECIAL One Round of Golf and a Hamburger for only $40 plus tax Valid Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tee-Time Reservations Required
*Must present this ad for special price. Not valid with any other offer or promotion. No Rain Checks or Extentions. Expires August 31, 2012.
The Links at Land’s End
285 Private Road 5980 • Yantis, TX 75497 903.383.3290 • www.GolfLakeFork.com 2 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
Longview Museum of Fine Arts 215 E. Tyler St., Longview, TX 75601 www.LMFA.org 903.753.8103
county line Since 2000
MAGAZINE
Publisher & managing Editor P.A. Geddie
administration Lori Easley Leah Lynch
Contributors Patti Light Jeremy Light Tom Geddie Pam Boyd Bombyk Alia Pappas Shea Gilchrist Ryan Hanson Ine Burke
ILLUSTRATION Vern Dailey sales P.A. Geddie Pam Boyd Bombyk
DISTRIBUTION Chris Beverage Catherine Lenz Beckey Flippin Billie Ruth Stanbridge Pam Boyd Bombyk 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, 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.
Serving the Upper East Side of Texas Printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, Thanks for all the kudos on the new format! We really appreciate your feedback and will continue to strive to be the best regional magazine possible for the Upper East Side of Texas. To complement our print magazine we are so excited to introduce to those of you who enjoy the Internet, our new and improved WEB MAGAZINE! It’s up and ready for you to explore and enjoy. Let me know what you think about it. This issue is full of genuinely good and talented people. My friend Tom Perryman and his lovely wife Billie celebrate 65 years in the radio and music business this year and Tom’s 85 birthday this month. They are such an inspiration to all that know them and we never tire of Tom’s stories of the legends in country music that he helped get there. He and Billie are honored guests and speakers at the Elvis Insiders Conference held at Graceland in Memphis August 13. We discovered a remarkable person in Mabank recently, Emily Williams. She’s a world-travelling professional model and enjoys her glamorous work but is always happy to get back home to spend time with her family. She likes gardening, helping her husband work on cars, and searching through the racks at the Goodwill store for fashion bargains. Read about bronze sculpter Shelley Kolman Smith from Poetry and Kilgore’s Shy Blakeman and his recent contest win that gets him a live recording at Billy Bobs Texas, joining the ranks of Willie Nelson,
Merle Haggard, Pat Green, Jason Boland, Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Brandon Rhyder, and others. Country music’s reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Miranda Lambert, took a few minutes to answer our Top Ten questions and we get to know the Lindale native just a little better. Mineola’s Kacey Musgraves just got some good news — she’ll be opening for Lady Antebellum this summer in Europe. Lady A’s leading lady, Hillary Scott is the daughter of another East Texas singer, Linda Davis, who had a Number One hit on the Billboard country charts “Does He Love You,” a duet she did with Reba McEntire in 1993 that won both singers the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Linda is married to country singer Lang Scott who told County Line Magazine the family recently attended a family reunion in Dotson near Carthage where Linda grew up. It’s refreshing to see all these East Texas ladies and gents making their dreams come true. Something else refreshing is a treat at an old-fashioned soda fountain and there are a number of them in the region. Alia Pappas tells us about a few as well as a unique ice cream shop in Ben Wheeler and the Southwest Dairy Museum in Sulphur Springs. Enjoy some cool stuff this month in the Upper East Side of Texas! P.A. Geddie Publisher & Managing Editor
LETTERS I’m very, very happy about the size of the County Line Magazine. It is easy to read for us senior citizens. Congratulations on your 150th issue of your great magazine. It is always a joy to pick up a new copy. The June 2012 issue I found at Brookshire’s this week. From My Front Porch by Chris Beverage alone with great pictures was very good. It made me smile. Bobby Walston, Lindale Thank you for the fabulous new online version! I am so happy that you continue to make a statement of great positivity in East Texas!!! Kudos! I will be moving to Conroe, but continuing to nurture my connection to Tyler and Edom. Belinda Stephens, Tyler I had a lady call today from Atlanta, Georgia, and she said she picked up a magazine and was reading about First Monday. She had never been here before. She was wanting to know the dates of the next show. I asked her how she heard about First Monday and she said the County Line Magazine. She picked it up in Jefferson, Texas. Thank you! Tam Erwin, Canton Visitors Bureau Thanks for a wonderful June issue; we love it. Debra Aaron, Winnsboro
I think the magazine and newsletters are looking great. I am really excited with what you are doing with all of the local information. Tammy Villanueva, MS Celebrate Along the Way LLC, Tyler Thank you for the BEAUTIFUL spread in the June issue! Thanks again for helping us to bring the arts to the people of East Texas. Cindy Sanders, Winnsboro Center for the Arts Just saw new format... Love it! Publication has always been great but you have out done yourself. Love new look of this also. Catherine Lenz, Athens I received my new County Line and it is so refreshing! I’m totally enjoying the new format. Mary Ruff, Marshall In your magazine I read the story about the little girl who had a severe hearing loss. I would like to purchase this book, but the bookstore where I live has no record of. Can you please inform me how I may find and buy this book? Maggie Driggers, Nacogdoches NOTE: “Let’s Hear It for Almigal” is available at amazon.com. JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 3
CONTENTS
12 International Model Emily Williams Makes Goodwill Shopping Fun Whether shopping at her local Goodwill store in Mabank or jetting out to Milan for a glamorous photo shoot, Emily Williams dances to her own beat.
FEATURES
By Tom Geddie
DEPARTMENTS
5 ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Marion County Courthouse, Malakoff Motorcycle Couple, Tyler Lean Sigma, Tyler Airport, Van Zandt Children, PATH Director, Spay.Neuter.Now, Regional Transportation Excellence, Canton Reclamation Station, Discovery Science Place, Palestine Waterfowl Brigade. CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 14 Calendar of Events 16 Remembering the Battle of the Neches and Cherokee Chief Bowles By Shea Gilchrist The Arts 17 Art News. Events. Workshops.
Jesse Ryan Photography
17 Shelley Kolman Smith Creates Lifelike Art
8 Old Fashioned Sod Fountains Bring Nostalgia and New Memories to Northeast Texas From Jefferson, Atlanta, and Canton and a few other cool finds, soda fountains are a real treat for young and old.
Upper East Side of Texas VIEW 19 A View of My Favorite Things By Ine Burke
By Alia Pappas
FILM 20 Film News. Events.
9 Southwest Dairy Museum Sulphur Springs
9 Scoots N Scoops Ben Wheeler
10 Tom Perryman Continues to Bring Together Grateful Country Music Fans and Performers Country Music Hall of Fame DJ Tom Perryman celebrates 65 years in the radio and music industry.
20 LAST REEL By Jeremy Light On Stage 21 Tyler Civic Theatre’s Bye, Bye Birdie 21 Stage News. Events. Music 22 Take Ten: Miranda Lambert 23 Music Listings
By P.A. Geddie
SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
28 Music Notes: Adam Brown & the Triple Crown Band, Rodney Crowell, Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Show, Tyler Civic Chorale, Texas Music Awards, Michael O’Neal, Lou Ann Petty, Kacey Musgraves, East Texas Symphony Orchestra. 30 Kilgore’s Shy Blakeman Gets Ready for Live at Billy Bobs Recording By Tom Geddie PLAY 30 Home of the Hamburger Presents Ten Things to do in Athens This Summer STAY 31 Kilgore Offers a Variety of Choices for Weekend Getaway By P.A. Geddie LIVING ROOM 32 Floating Shelves Provide Simple Way for Storage By Ryan Hanson
Grits & Gourmet 34 Dining News. Reviews: Fair View Ranch in Tatum, and Snowflake Bakery & Deli in Henderson FEEL GOOD 37 Bob Moore Encourages Walking By Tom Geddie LITERARY SCENE 38 News 38 Reviews 39 Poetry & Prose 40 Literary Events COVER: International model Emily Williams in work mode. Photo by Jose Amigo
ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Fans of Courthouse Celebrate Anniversary
One of Jefferson’s most important structures, the Marion County Courthouse, was feted at a 100th anniversary party in June. According to MCHC chair Sammie DeSpain, there were several sites for early Marion County courthouses including the building that was located on Broadway Street in the 1870s that was the location of the famous Abe Rothschild trial among others. By 1912, County Judge R. A. Loomis and Commissioners Era Johnson, Albert D. Craver, F.A. Files, and George W. Brown decided to build a courthouse building near the riverfront and contacted architect Elmer G. Withers who designed a courthouse for Roberts County. A deal was made to bring the left-over materials from that courthouse to Jefferson and build the courthouse for roughly $41,000. It is almost an exact replica of the structure in Roberts County, including a basement which is unusual for this part of the country. Work has continued off and on at the courthouse over the decades and the commissioners’ court more recently approved a proposal for roofing work to stop leaks that have been experienced for years. The application for the tile restoration grant at the courthouse roof will be re-submitted in 18 months according to County Judge Phil Parker.
Tyler Touts $2.4 Million In Lean Dollar Savings
The City of Tyler reached a major milestone in June by exceeding $2.4 million in hard and soft dollar savings through the implementation of its Lean Sigma Program. To date, 45 Lean Sigma projects have been completed by city employees trained in the methodology. “Lean Sigma helps identify the waste and variation that occurs in everyday processes,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “The program provides a structured approach for improving efficiency – which saves both time and money.” Lean is set of tools based on the Toyota Production System. The overall goal is to eliminate non-value added waste in a process. Six-Sigma is a business management strategy, originally developed by Motorola in 1986 and now widely used in many industries to improve the quality of processes by identifying and removing the causes of errors and variation. Tyler originally launched its Lean Sigma Program in 2009 and has expanded it to most city departments. Examples of projects completed are the reduction of vehicle part inventory, the effective management of chemical usage at the water treatment plants, cutback of overtime, and im-
Motorcycle-loving newlyweds Lisa and Wesley Anding of Malakoff recently celebrated their first anniversary and long-awaited official honeymoon with a road trip to North Carolina to ride the “tail of the dragon,” an 11-mile road through the Smokey Mountains with 318 curves. Lisa and Wesley met in December of 2008 and on their first lunch date they rode to Edom on Wesley’s bike. She had never ridden a motorcycle before but quickly fell in love with it. The next two years their romance blossomed and on the second anniversary of their first date they rode to The Shed Cafe in Edom again where Wesley had reserved the same table and he proposed, and she said yes. While making wedding plans Lisa decided they should include the motorcycle in the festivities and soon a whole motorcycle-themed wedding evolved. On their wedding day, June 4, 2011, the wedding party rode in to the ceremony on bikes and at the end, man and wife rode out together on Wesley’s bike — a match made in hog heaven. Courtesy photo.
proving the way refuse is collected. “In the last few years, Tyler, like most of the nation, experienced tough economic times,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “Decreasing sales tax revenue and stagnant property values led us on a journey to work even more efficiently. I believe our results speak for themselves.” For more information, call 903.533.7444.
FAA Airport Grant Helps Tyler Expansion
With an initiative to enhance safe aircraft taxi operations from the airport commercial terminal and provide needed space for corporate development on the airport, Tyler Pounds Regional Airport has been awarded a new Federal Aviation Administration grant totaling $7,033,313. Pending approval from the City for the required 10 percent matching funds, the grant from the FAA will provide funding to construct a new taxiway near the commercial airport terminal and also to initiate required environmental assessments to reconstruct Tyler runway 04/22. “The airport’s hangar space and land available for future airside development is fully occupied, so all future growth for general aviation and aviation industrial facilities will rely on this project moving forward,” said Airport Manager Davis Dickson. “In addition to the improvements to the airfield, this work will help create jobs and
bolster the airport’s role as a key economic engine for the East Texas region.” The new taxiway was a project recommended in the airport’s 20-year development master plan. Having the taxiway will reduce taxiing distances for the commercial carriers and improve safety standards on the airfield. The project is also the second step toward opening land on the airport for future corporate and industrial development opportunities. With the inclusion of the environmental assessments in this grant, Tyler will be taking the first steps to rehabilitate runway 04/22. This is the longest runway at Tyler and plans are to strengthen the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and improve the precision navigational aids to allow it to be more effective through inclement weather conditions. “This new taxiway project will address the future needs of the airport, and is very important to the growth of Tyler,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “Improving our main runway while making more land available for airside access can only add to the economic development potentials for the airport.” The Texas Department of Transportation reports that capital expenditures just for infrastructure and airport improvements from 2006-2010 generated $22.5 million in economic activity. In 2010, the overall economic impact of the airport on East Texas was approximately $66,139,902. contineud Page 6 JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 5
ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE AIRPORT continued from Page 5 Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is served by American Airlines to DFW Airport and United Airlines to Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport. There are more than 150 aircraft based at the airport, which was awarded FAA’s Airport of the Year in 2007.
Tolliver to Direct Kids’ Advocacy Group
Tim Tolliver is new executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Van Zandt County, moving to the county after 12 years as an executive with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and Collin County. Tim is now working with the board of directors on goals for CAC, including more attention to the problems of child abuse. In 2010, according to Prevent Child Abuse Texas, there were 288,075 allegations of child abuse and/or neglect in Texas, 280 fatalities, and 16,347 children removed from unsafe homes. Children’s Advocacy Centers all over Texas work to reduce trauma to child victims of physical and sexual abuse through a unified effort that facilitates thorough investigations, effective prosecution, and the healing of children and their families. Instead of having to tell their stories individually to the police or sheriff’s office, social service office and hospital, children and their families come to one of the centers, which work with Child Protective Services, law enforcement, medical specialists, prosecutors, and therapists to help children feel safe. The children will be able to tell their story just once at the center with a specially trained forensic interviewer, who records the interview to minimize the times the child must relive the abuse.
Wayde was responsible for the company’s community relations efforts and as such, by virtue of his position and his personal interest in serving his customers and community, has volunteered his time to serve on various non-profit boards. PATH is a non-profit agency that serves, through well-equipped volunteers, economically disadvantaged people of Smith County with both emergency assistance and programs to empower and encourage them to become self-sufficient.
Spay.Neuter.Now Celebrates First Year
Suzanne Alford of Chapel Hill, Pamela Boyd Bombyk of Chandler, and Frances Whiteside of Whitehouse had years of volunteering for animal welfare causes in states outside of Texas. Individually, they had come to the same conclusion: the ultimate answer to abuse and neglect of dogs and cats is spay/neuter, for when only wanted litters are born, there will be no more homeless. After the three met in East Texas, this mutual conclusion resulted in the incorporation of Spay/NeuterSupport Services of East Texas in July 2011. One year later, numerous companion animals or feral cats are leading more comfortable lives. The corporation’s first clinic was held on International Spay Day 2012, February 28. The group now offers monthly clinics in Tyler and Mineola, with plans to offer services soon in Lindale. “Our assumed name and our goal are identical: Spay.Neuter.Now,” said Suzanne, a retired FBI agent who is the group’s president. “We focus on services for dogs and cats that are companion animals to low-income citizens. We have been fortunate to team up with a group of persons concerned for feral cats. They have begun to work with us on trap/neuter/release or TNR, a method successfully used in other states
For more information, call 903.567.1212 or go to www.cacvzc.org.
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and Jacksonville Arts Council named four winners in an art contest in connection with its annual Tomato Fest. The winners for painting the concrete tomatoes are: best Jacksonville tomato, Mark Kerzee Insurance; most unique, Gilbert Baker; best represents your business, GME, Inc.; and best theme, Jacksonville College. “People around the state are taking notice at the positive things that are happening in Jacksonville. I want to encourage everyone to call or stop by and purchase a tomato for your business, church, or home and show the world we are proud of our rich tomato heritage.” said Nathan Jones, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.
Veterinarian Dr. Lynn Foster worked with a state-wide TNR project in Florida before moving to Texas. She brings her mobile surgery van to the clinic sites on second Fridays in Mineola and last Fridays in Tyler.
The board of directors of PATH (People Attempting to Help) announced the appointment of Wayde Klein as interim executive director.
6 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
The contest’s “Best Jacksonville Tomato” award went to Mark Kerzee Insurance. Courtesy photo.
to trap feral cats humanely, sterilize them, and return them to their colony.”
PATH Names Klein Interim Exec Director
Wayde is a 28-year veteran of the cable industry, most often serving in the capacity of vice president of marketing with expanded expertise in strategy, planning, sales, customer service, property solutions, and public relations. He has worked for companies such as Cox Communications, Advance Newhouse, and InterMedia Partners focused on the customer experience for systems ranging in size from 40,000 to 800,000 customers.
Jacksonville Picks Four For Tomato Heritage
Volunteer “SpokesBubba” – his own term – and actor Mike Hall for Spay.Neuter.Now communes with Dewdrop, a Chihuahua abandoned by owners who moved away; a nameless grey kitten born in an East Texas shelter; and Molly, a gentle Rottweiler who survived Hurricane Katrina. Photo by Fe-
lipe Natera.
“We could not have started clinics so soon without Dr. Foster,” said Suzanne, “and we are equally grateful to the business owners who have opened their premises to us: Al Horaney of Horaney’s in Tyler and Heidi Hoke of Vitae Pondera Health and Education Center in Mineola.” Suzanne also credits other East Texas veterinarians who encouraged the group and the established spay/neuter clinics in surrounding cities that mentored the volunteers of Spay.Neuter.Now.
“We got management tips and hands-on experience at clinics in Gun Barrel City, Nacogdoches, Longview, Crandall, and other sites. Because these clinics are weekly, we offer callers to 903.590.0435 information on their locations and services when our next monthly clinics are full.” The corporation’s first year has been financed by donations from individuals, a grant from the Helen S. Boylan Foundation, and garage sales, with the next sale scheduled for September 1. The corporation has a traveling fundraiser in the form of a two-act comedy about a dog who talks. “’Sylvia’ is a delightful comedy by A.R. Gurney, best known for his two-person play, ‘Love Letters,’” Suzanne said. “We are fortunate to have the talented Hannah Morris of Actors Preparatory Exchange directing the play and acting the role of Sylvia, the dog who talks to the audience. We’re a completely mobile troupe ready to perform anywhere from a theater to someone’s living room, as long as we have a local sponsor who will share the ticket sales with Spay. Neuter. NOW.” For more information, go to www.spayneuternow.org or call 903.590.0435.
ETCOG Program Wins Two Top Awards
The East Texas Council of Governments and East Texas Regional Transportation Coordination Planning Steering Committee have been awarded 2012 Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations for the GoBus awareness branding campaign and regional mobility guide. The regional mobility guide is a comprehensive booklet of all transportation services available in each of the fourteen counties including rural bus, intercity bus, air, rail, taxi, or limousine. EasTexConnects was formed by Texas Transportation Code 461, and formerly known as the East Texas Regional Transportation Coordination Planning Steering Committee. The committee includes representatives from stakeholders throughout the region and meets every other month in Kilgore. The East Texas Council of Governments is a voluntary association of counties, cities, school districts, and special districts within a 14-county East Texas region. ETCOG helps local governments plan for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development.
Reclamation Station Sells Recycling Service
The board of directors has approved sale of the recycling program operated in Canton by Reclamation Station since 2005 to Recycle Country, owned and operated by John Norman.
“The goal of any non-profit, “ according to board member Theresa Leftwich, “is to provide a service in the community that is not being met. When the station originally opened the recycling program and two thrift stores, those services were not available in Canton and Van Zandt County. Since that time several types of recycling facilities and services fill those needs and multiple thrift stores, both for-profit and non-profit, provide low-cost clothing and household items to families.” The economy has greatly impacted the ability of the station to continue to operate multiple programs and because of its environmental mission and the continued need in the community to provide organic plants and produce, as well as education on those and other environmental issues, Theresa said, so the non-profit will narrow its focus. Currently Reclamation Station provides jobs to three disabled adults, operates two large greenhouses, and sells thousands of organic, heirloom, native, and adapted plants to the public. Regular classes are held on organic gardening, composting, square foot gardening, growing herbs, native landscaping, and xeric-scaping; water gardening, rainwater harvesting, and worm composting. The center’s farmhouse will feature handmade, consignment items, up-cycled items, and some re-sale items and clothing. The consignment coop includes goat milk soap, essential herbs and oils, hand sewn linens, children’s clothes and blankets, handmade mink purses; hand-carved walking canes and crosses; artisan breads, jams and jellies. The center has received generous community support from throughout East Texas and the state, including Canton Economic Development Corporation, Iris Garden Club, Canton Rotary, Canton Lions, Van Zandt County Road Rebels, Tyler Foundations, the One Star Foundation, Royal Canadian Bank, and others. “This is an opportunity for Mr. Norman to increase and diversify recycling services to county consumers, while allowing the station to enhance their other programs and build a more sustainable community,” Theresa said. Recycle Country will be open six days a week and will expand services to accept additional items including electronics, batteries, cell phones, and clear plastic water bottles. For more information about recycling, call 214.803.4074. For more information about Reclamation Station, go to www.thinkgreentexas.com.
Predators Invade Tyler (For Museum Exhibit)
Discovery Science Place is bringing the traveling exhibit “Predators” to the science center in downtown Tyler, continuing through the summer. Created by the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, the educational exhibit offers insight into some of the most dangerous animals on land, sea, and in the sky.
“The animals highlighted are some of those that spark the curiosity in kids of all ages and the experience is included with regular admission to the museum,” said Phil Lindsey, chief executive officer of Discovery Science Place. Guests can encounter a life-size Velociraptor, step inside a steel diving cage and come “face to face” with a 15-foot great white shark, and find out why sharks will always have plenty of teeth. Guests can also learn how scientists use sound to identify an orca (also known as the killer whale), and can use techniques developed by researchers to identify specific whales and more. The exhibit also features information about raptors, tigers, and bears, and how people protect themselves against predators while they go about their normal business of fishing and farming. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for children and $8 for adults; children 2 and younger get in free. For more information, go to www.discoveryscienceplace.org.
Learn About Waterfowl At Five-Day-Long Camp
The Waterfowl Brigade is looking for youth ages 13-17 for an intense camp centered on the ecology of ducks and other water birds July 22-26 at the 7,500-acre hunting lodge Big Woods on the Trinity, near Palestine. The camp is focused on the importance of wetland ecosystems, aquatic vegetation, natural resource management, and how to identify waterfowl using all five senses. The brigade motivates youth to become conservation ambassadors through team work, improved communication, and the necessary skills to become the leaders of tomorrow. In addition to learning animal anatomy and behavior, botany, nutrition, habitat management, population dynamics, etc., learn valuable leadership skills. Write news releases, practice public speaking, and find out how to handle radio and television interviews. The umbrella organization, Texas Brigades, has its mission to educate and empower youths with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries, and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy. The fee is $400, which covers meals, lodging, and supplies. The brigade encourages participants to solicit all or part of that fee from local soil and water conservation districts, banks, civic groups, or conservation organizations, and will help locate a sponsor if requested or potentially provide a scholarship. For more information, call 903.391.1112 or go to www.TexasBrigades.org.
JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 7
Old-Fashioned Soda Fountains Bring Nostalgia and New Memories to Northeast Texas Slurpers by Alia Pappas In the Upper East Side of Texas, one way to enjoy a cool treat during a sweltering summer is the old-fashioned way, with a beverage mixed behind an antique counter at a local soda fountain. While soda fountains and general stores leave some misty eyed with faded memories, these businesses are far from extinct visions of the past. Several locations are scattered about Northeast Texas, boasting hidden historical secrets and an array of all-American frozen treats. The Jefferson General Store is renowned for sending its customers back to simpler times. Constructed in the 1860’s, the building served as a hardware store and the warehouse retains the air of a lingering past that hails from the days of “the heyday of the steamboat traffic.” “What we have tried to do with the store is keep it as authentic as possible,” owner Cliff Bode said. “It still has the original pine floor, the old ceiling fans and the old mercantile counters and fixtures. It looks like a typical general store of the 1870’s. The only thing different would be that we have current merchandise. We have a lot of old-style nostalgia displayed in the store to give it that feel. We try as much as possible to retain that atmosphere.” The building was originally owned by the Dalauff family, and stayed under their management for more than 100 years until it was purchased by the Meyers family. In 1979, Cliff purchased the building that would become the Jefferson General Store as it is known today. “As a hardware store, it did not have a soda fountain,” he said. “I added the soda fountain when I acquired the building. We found an old bar from another store down in Central Texas. I put that in and made it functional. It looks like it has been there forever, but the fountain wasn’t there originally. We did decide that that would add to the atmosphere. It is something for the kids. The parents like to let them experience that because there are not that many working soda fountains anymore.” Children who visit the Jefferson General Store are met with an abundance of merchandise that ranges from delicious to bizarre with products such as root beer floats and bacon or peanut-butter and jelly-flavored sodas. However, tiny toddlers are not the only customers seeking out the General Store’s nostalgic treats. Celebrities such as Don Henley, George and Laura Bush, Joe Nichols, and Cybill Shepherd have stopped by to taste a sweet soda and revel in the building’s unique history. “We love owning a building with such a rich history. We enjoy that there is something for all ages here. Grandpa likes to come in and reminisce about the old days and the general stores, and, of course, likes to bring in the grandkids so they can get a taste of it, too. It’s real important to us to preserve the history of the store and this town.” The Soda Jerk in Canton also believes in creating a nostalgic atmosphere and brings its customers back to the fifties with classic music playing and timeless movie posters adorning the walls. Pieces such as a juke box from 1948 and barstools from the 1920’s salvaged from old general stores and antique shops also add to the historical accuracy. “This building wasn’t always a soda fountain,” manager Judith Turner said. “It was built at the turn of the century, and its first owner was Z.W. Moore. He ran a clothing and dry goods store.” While selling gallons of bottled syrup and hay bales was Z.W. Moore’s specialty, Judith serves up cool, signature, fifties-style drinks from a vintage 1946 soda fountain.
Top to bottom: The Sunday Best Sandwich & Gift Shoppe in Atlanta holds a vintage soda fountain bar where customers enjoy reminiscing as they sip on milkshakes. A strawberry old-fashioned soda is ready to treat some lucky visitor at The Soda Jerk in Canton. Besides sodas and dairy treats many of the soda fountains in the region are sourrounded by nostolgic memorabilia and old-fashioned goodies like these candies at the Jefferson General Store. Photos by Alia Pappas 8 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
“When people think of a 50’s diner or soda fountain, they think of old-fashioned sodas. An old-fashioned soda is like a float, except it is any kind of beverage you want with the ice cream whisked into it. It’s an endless array of flavors that you could have.” Unique beverages such as the old-fashioned soda have been constant fixtures at America’s soda fountains and general stores since their creation, and evoke fond memories in the minds of the generations that remember them best. Judith serves
visitors of all ages, and The Soda Jerk often acts as a homey meeting place. Family members who live great distances from one another will often congregate at this soda fountain to reunite, sometimes visiting for two to three hours at a time. “The soda fountains were a family thing,” Judith said. “That’s where the mothers and dads took their kids to get soda. That’s very important. I still get families that come in here with their kids. They always want a soda at the counter, because that’s the way it was done.” Jennifer Wagner, manager and owner of Atlanta’s Sunday Best Sandwich & Gift Shoppe hears about ‘the way it was done’ from her customers on a daily basis. This soda fountain sits along a time-worn sidewalk in Atlanta’s original downtown region. The vintage bar at Sunday Best Sandwich & Gift Shoppe and the “Wate and Fate” scale cause older customers to reminisce as they sip on the shop’s signature milkshakes, sharing memories from when they frequented this icon of local history years ago. “It’s interesting to hear the stories,” Jennifer said. “I’ll have people come in and sit at the bar and say, ‘I remember coming here when I was little.’ I hear tons of childhood stories. Everybody has memories of this place. I’ll have people come in and order a soda and say, ‘I used to get one of these every day after school.’”
Visit the Southwest Dairy Museum in Sulphur Springs Cold, succulently sweet, and delicious — these are adjectives that come to mind when thinking of ice cream. Whether it is dunked in soda for a tasty float, spun in with milk to make a milkshake, or served with syrupy toppings in a sundae, ice cream is a favorite snack to beat the heat for all ages. But what is ice cream, exactly? Located in Sulphur Springs, Texas, beneath a five-story silo, the Southwest Dairy Museum has all the answers. This museum takes ice cream to another level by showing the process by which this favorite summer treat is made. The Southwest Dairy Museum gives visitors the opportunity to learn about several dairy products in a hands-on environment. Informed tour guides can also answer questions about what distinguishes ice cream from other frozen dairy products, such as frozen yogurt or sherbet. Demonstrations include separating cream, how to make whipped cream, butter, cheese, and ice cream.
With a baking hot summer beating down on Northeast Texas, ice cream seems like a great way to cool down, and curious minds might find the Southwest Dairy Museum leaving them hungry for more. — Alia Pappas Southwest Dairy Museum, 903.439.6455 1210 Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 southwestdairyfarmers.com/museum Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Find Scoots N Scoops in Downtown Ben Wheeler
Sunday Best Sandwich & Gift Shoppe was known in the past by several other names, such as Walgreen’s or Tri-State Drug. At one time, the building housed nurses from the local Brooks Hospital, a business that closed down before Jennifer came to possess the soda fountain. The building has also functioned as a shoe shop, and once held a dentist’s office in its second story. These businesses served the demographic that Jennifer explains consists of customers mainly 35 and over. “It’s pretty neat to run a building with so many historic pieces,” she said. “Everyone loves to see the old Green Stamps we keep in a case. Customers see them and say, ‘Oh, yeah! I remember using those!’” The multiple shelves of the old-style shotgun building display other memorabilia from past decades, including dusty typewriters, vintage advertisements, and black-and-white photos of past owners and customers. “We are trying not to be too new or contemporary,” Jennifer said. “I like it like this. The store is a mix of vintage and modern, but we don’t want to take away from the old feel.” Whether one is sharing tales of past school days with loved ones or sipping a beverage that had been nearly forgotten in the whirl of years flying by, one thing is certain; sampling a few of these soda fountains could possibly leave one’s mind and taste buds frozen in time. Besides these three operating soda fountains, check out the San Augustine Drug Company, Miller’s Pharmacy in Cooper, and CJ’s Soda Fountain & Restaurant in Pittsburg. Let us know if you discover others in the Upper East Side of Texas.
A frosty scoop of ice cream melts atop its cone on an outdoor sidewalk, sweating in the oppressive Texas heat. Stepping inside to save the prized midday snack, one encounters the scenes of this East Texas ice cream parlor — families chattering with one another, down-home trinkets and knick knacks resting on every unoccupied surface, customers amusing themselves by reading the placards adorning motorcycles in a miniature museum. Motorcycle museums are not typically what one thinks of when an ice cream shop is mentioned. A classic sundae or two-scoop cone is more conventional, but at Scoots N Scoops of Ben Wheeler eating a cold treat while studying the history of a 1956 Triumph GT Blackbird motorcycle is nothing out of the ordinary.
Scoots N Scoops is owned by Brooks Gremmels, who began racing motorcycles at age 57. “He wanted a place where he could display his beautiful collection,” manager Lauren Harrill said. “He has some bikes that you just wouldn’t see anywhere else. He wanted to share them with everybody, so he built a museum here.” Scoots N Scoops’ museum showcases motorcycles such as a 1941 Indian 441 or a 1974 John Player Norton and interesting motorcycle suits. It is often visited by motorcycle enthusiasts from cities such as Tyler, Dallas, Houston, and beyond. continued Page 11 JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 9
Tom Perryman Continues to Bring Together Grateful Country Music Fans and Performers
At the recent Keepin’ It Country Show at Tyler Civic Theatre Center, legendary DJ Tom Perryman, with his wife Billie, put on a show like he’s done for 65 years -- bringing talented entertainers into the hearts of country music fans far and wide. The house was packed for both a Friday night and Saturday matinee performance by Tom and Billie as they talked of their years in radio, concerts, and the many country stars they helped get started with their careers. Listening intently after their outstanding performances, are three of today’s entertainers who keep alive some of the legends of country music. From left to right are James Wages as Elvis Presley, Allison Pharr as Patsy Cline, and Jake Penrod as Hank Williams. Photo by P.A. Geddie. INSET: Tom Perryman, Elvis Presley, T. Tommy Cutrer, Ray Price, and Ott Devine backstage at the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ol’ Opry in December 1956.
By P.A. Geddie This year marks the 65th anniversary of the beginning of award-winning broadcaster and legendary DJ Tom Perryman’s career in the radio and music industry. He and his wife Billie, who married him just months before their long journey in “show business” began, presented “Keepin’ It Country” recently at the Tyler Civic Theatre Center, featuring stories of their time with country music stars like Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Faron Young, Slim Whitman, Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Lorretta Lynn, and Tex Ritter just to name a few. During the show, three outstanding tribute artists performed their favorite Elvis (James Wages), Patsy Cline (Allison Pharr), and Hank Williams (Jake Penrod) tunes. The full house audiences for both a Friday night and Saturday matinee showing were visibly moved by the memories and the effects the music, and the people who make it happen, still has on them today. 10 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
Throughout his career Tom has received many recognition awards. He’s a member of the Disc Jockey Hall of Fame and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and won numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards. This year he was inducted into the County Line Magazine Hall of Fame for winning Best DJ in the Upper East Side of Texas four years in a row. Tom hits another milestone this month when he turns 85 on July 16. He has no plans but to keep doing what he does — bringing real, heartfelt, toe-tapping music to his listeners. “I’ll be back tomorrow if everything happens and nothing fails,” is one of his favorite radio show send offs followed by, “If you need me, I’ll call you.” Tom still does five shows a week from 9-11 a.m. on The Ranch 104.1 reaching all of East Texas and now the world through the Internet. He’s constantly amazed at the fans “from the other
side of the world that send those email things on that gadget.” They, like all his fans, enjoy his down-to-earth style and refusal to give in to “corporate conglomerates half a country away.” His audience wants to hear “real” music, Tom says, not the redundant droning sounds played on most radio stations today. And, of course, they love to hear his personal stories of the people he helped make country music stars. Others want to hear these stories too. Folks in Nashville asked Tom and Billie to help with events commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. On August 13 they are honored guests and speakers at the Elvis Insiders Conference at Graceland, Elvis’ famous house-turned museum in Memphis, Tennessee. From Tennessee to Texas to Tokyo, Tom Perryman fans everywhere are grateful to him for his continued dedication to authentic country music.
SCOOPS continued from Page 9 “I have a whole lot of interesting people come in here,” Lauren said. “I never even knew about Cushman motor scooters. I never had any idea that kind of motorcycle existed. I met one of the brothers from the television show American Pickers because he was interested in Cushmans. He restores them, and brought his group here. It was so neat because they had purple, turquoise, blue, and yellow Cushmans lined up all along the front of the store. It was amazing.”
MINEOLA
Before the building that now houses Scoots N Scoops drew customers as the conjoined ice cream shop and motorcycle museum it is today, it served as a barber shop and as a laundromat. In the thirties, it was one of Ben Wheeler’s three local grocery stores. “I have people who have been living here in Ben Wheeler their whole lives come in and say there used to be a hook by the door and they would come and grab bananas off of it,” Lauren said. While the shop no longer sells fresh bananas, it does offer customers a classic taste of the thirties with the combination of a Moon Pie and an RC Cola. The Scoots N Scoops signature treat combines a melted Moon Pie with Tuner’s or Bluebell ice cream, cherries, whipped cream, and nuts in a Moon Pie sundae. “People love the novelty of the Moon Pie,” Lauren said. “It’s an old classic. An RC Cola and Moon Pie was one of the cheapest snacks you could get back in the thirties. So, people would spend their quarter on a snack where you got a snack and a drink.” Ben Wheeler’s downtown region was bustling in the thirties, but later became void of almost all local commerce. At one time, there were only three active businesses in the area. Since then, however, almost every building has been filled with a new, revamped business, one of these stores being the Scoots N Scoops ice cream shop. “It’s amazing to know that we are aiding in bringing Ben Wheeler’s downtown back to life,” Lauren said. “I grew up here. To see something that you know was alive at one point in time just kind of fade out a lot, and then to have somebody come through and completely bring it back to life and give all these people new jobs and opportunities they didn’t have before is amazing.” As a result of Ben Wheeler’s rejuvenated downtown area, Scoots N Scoops is doing a booming business. During the weekends or festivities such as the Hog Fest or block parties, the ice cream shop often serves a line of people extending out the front door and onto the sidewalk. “Working here is fun because I learn so much,” Lauren said. “I also spend lots of time with children. I love kids. We play with chalk out here on the front sidewalk or we’ll go outside and blow bubbles. It’s fun. There’s no tension or stress here. It’s a fun, nice family atmosphere.”
Spend some magical time in Mineola!
July 4th Celebration • Mineola Civic Center
Waterpark - Noon til dark ~ $5 armband for all day, all ages. Entertainment~Food Vendors. Fireworks at dark. 1150 N. Newsom. 903-569-6115
July 21 • ACOUSTIC MUSIC ON THE STREETS
JULY 13 & 14 Mineola Fire & Rescue Rodeo
Every 3rd Saturday 11 a.m. Musicians welcome. Indoors in bad weather. Johnson St. Gazebo. No amps. Bring instruments, chairs, start a song circle. 903.569.9845
UPRA/CPRA/CRRA. Rodeo Grounds. 8 p.m. 903.569.6183
Saturdays thru July 28 Main Street Farmers Market
Pavilion West of Depot on Front Street. 7:30-11 a.m. (or until they run out)
Mineola Historical Museum
Open Thurs. – Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 114 Pacific St (Hwy. 69). Free admission
AMTRAK TEXAS EAGLE
Designated Daily Station Stop • Tickets 1-800-669-8509
Experience Fine Dining, Shopping, & Lodging In Historic Mineola! Visit a Day, Spend a Night, Stay a Lifetime
— Alia Pappas
• CountyLineMagazine.com • 11 1.800.MINEOLAJULY•2012 www.mineola.com
International Model Emily Williams Makes Goodwill Shopping Fun By Tom Geddie Everybody knows that international models are divas. Right? Stuck up and selfish and hard to get along with. And full-time party animals. We’ve seen those stereotypes and more. Right? Uh. Wrong. The young woman modeling clothes, signing autographs, and chatting with everybody at the recent reopening of the Goodwill store in Mabank is, indeed, an international model. Beyond being tall and pretty, she doesn’t fit any of those stereotypes. In fact, she usually rides her bicycle to this Goodwill store, which is close to her home; the bike’s basket holds two rescued puppies that will soon be too big to fit. Nope, Emily Williams isn’t into stereotypes. “Modeling can be hectic, and people have ideas about who you are,” Emily said just before her volunteer gig at the Mabank Goodwill. “I appreciate small-town values. Here, I’m just Emily.” One of her favorite quotations on Emily’s Facebook page comes from Virginia Satir, a psychotherapist and author who was regarded as the mother of family therapy: “We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.” Another, from comic-philosopher Lily Tomlin: “The trouble with being in the rat race is, even if you win you’re still a rat.” The next working day after her Goodwill gig, Emily was in San Antonio doing a shoot for a JCPenney campaign. The self-proclaimed tomboy began modeling at the age of 14 after friends told her that’s what she should be doing and industry folks agreed. She was working in New York City at 15 and in Europe at 17, spending a year and a half with her mom and sister in Milan — traditionally the fashion capitol of the world — before moving back to Mabank. From glamorous cover girl to Goodwill ambassador, international model Emily Williams uses her fashion skills to put together fun and affordable outfits for herself and others. Photos by Tom Geddie
12 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
Mabank resident and international model Emily Williams enjoys helping people find inexpensive outfits at her local Goodwill store and finds herself scouting out the thrifty stores throughout the country to find clothing unique to a particular area. That this shopping style is eco-friendly is a big plus for her too. Photo by Tom Geddie
“This is home,” she said. “I fly out for jobs.” Emily, who is now 25, grew up in a house built in the 1920s and loves the open spaces, the land, camping, and gardening. She loves that her family — her sister, parents, grandparents, cousins — is nearby and is actively involved in the community, and that she can help her hus-
band — her boyfriend since she was 14 — work on cars. “I love going on walks and bike rides,” she said. “I love all kinds of flowers. I love to go to Lowe’s and Groom’s and go to the half-off rack for flowers that they are going to throw away, and I like to revive them so they thrive in my yard.”
Emily calls it “thrifting.” “I’m a money saver. I like to buy stuff that’s half price or less.” She also has a love affair with Goodwill that goes beyond price. “I love the values of Goodwill, helping people who’ve come through hard times. I love the people. I love coming in and talking to people. It’s fellowship time for me. I like people who’ve been through struggles and are helping themselves. It makes me feel better to give. I admire Goodwill as a company, and for its eco-friendly qualities. I love going to different cities and going to the Goodwills and getting different pieces that are unique to those cities. If I’m in South Beach, I’m going to find flowy beach skirts and fun swimsuits and beach hats and all that sort of stuff.” Emily mixes and matches the Goodwill clothes to create her own style, sometimes as simple as pulling a long skirt up onto her 5-foot-9-inch body and using a belt to turn the skirt into a dress, which she did at the reopening. Smart phone users can scan here to see international model Emily Williams speak about her love for shopping Goodwill. Videography by A.J. Amyx.
The outfits she modeled that day all came in at less than $15, including shoes and accessories.
Emily’s childhood wasn’t typical, except for the loving family. She quit school in third grade, dropping out to drop into the “un-schooling” movement. Un-schooling is, with a bit of parental help, learning what you want to learn. “I had no formal schooling, no curriculum, no tests. I withdrew in the third grade and chose what I wanted to learn. I taught myself. My parents acted as facilitators instead of teachers. For instance, when I was 14, I wanted to work at a health-care store, so mom and I worked there and, incidentally, I learned math, I learned people skills, I learned healing methods.”
Later in that teen year, Emily bowed to friends’ insistence. “I grew up tall and skinny and everyone would always tell me, ‘Oh you should be a model!’ I was a tomboy and never really saw myself as a model, but I decided to go to an open call and they loved me. After I was selected, I went to a modeling camp which was really fun. It was where I learned all my modeling skills and learned how to show life in your eyes and imagining the role you want to portray. That’s what really stuck with me: to visualize whatever I’m going for, whether it’s happy, mysterious, or sexy. You have to get into character and not just move your body.” Emily takes care of herself and her image – one art director told her, “You really aren’t the girl that shows up for two hours that you forget about 10 minutes after you walk out the door. You have a great spirit” – by eating right, doing yoga and meditating, and nurturing her spiritual life. “I love dancing. I’ll dance for an hour straight just to move and have fun. Sometimes I’ll have my own personal dance parties. If you have a positive attitude, you’ll have positive results,” she said. “I try to work a lot on my inner structure which I feel, in turn, reflects on my outer structure,” she said. “I see a lot of men and women in the industry who don’t so much love themselves. You can see it in their photographs; their images don’t say ‘I love myself,’ they say ‘Love me!’ Loving yourself and surrounding yourself with people who love and support you is something that’s very important to me, very dear to my heart. “We see our lives as a beautiful journey filled with beauty and wonder and we are never alone,” Emily once wrote of her family. “I love reaching out to people who are inner connected and deeply happy, filled with self love and love for their brother and sister. Metaphysics, quantum theories, and new ideas excite me. This life is so full of opportunity to learn and grow.” That doesn’t sound like a diva at all. Which reminds again of the Virginia Satir quotation: “We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.”
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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 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.-2 p.m. or later. N. Washington near courthouse square. 903.935.4417, www.marshalltxchamber.com.
Through July 26
Tweens & Teens. Tyler. Fun and games for kids who have completed 5th grade and beyond. Free. 1:303:30 p.m. Thursdays. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College. 903.593.READ, www.tylerlibrary.com.
Through July 27
Fab Fridays. Tyler. Family entertainers bring magic, music and mayhem for all ages. Free. 1:30 and 3 p.m. Fridays. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College. 903.593. READ, www.tylerlibrary.com.
Through July 29
Metonymic Transfiguration: The Apotheosis of the Body in Recent Works of Jack Barnett. Tyler. More than 40 paintings bring together a wide variety of Jack’s works, ranging from classic nudes to figurative abstractions. Free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Tyler Museum of Art, 1300 S. Mahon. 903.595.1001, www.tylermuseum.org.
Check out the NEW AND IMPROVED www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended event listings.
Through July 31
The Test: Tuskegee Project. Tyler. Exhibition about the first African-American aviators in the U.S. military in combat in World War II. Includes photographs, documents, models, maps, and graphics. Free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, Tyler Pounds Airport, 150 Airport. 903.526.1945, hamm2008@att.net.
Through Summer
Predators. Tyler. Educational exhibit offering insight into some of the most dangerous animals on land, sea, and in the sky. Includes life-size velociraptor and information about Great White Shark, raptors, tigers and bears, and more. Children $6, adults $8, two and younger free. Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Discovery Science Place, 308 N. Broadway. 903.533.8011, www.discoveryscienceplace.org.
June 28-July 1
First Monday Trade Days. Canton. The oldest and largest flea market in the world. The ultimate shopping experience. Wander 300 acres of antiques, arts and crafts, and hand-made articles. Entertainment throughout the days and nights includes music, demonstrating artists, and western gunfights. Includes the Original grounds, Dixie House section, East Gate Marketplace, The Arbors, Old Mill Marketplace, The Mountain, The Villages, Dog Alley, and more than 6,000 vendors. Free admission. Open sun up to sundown plus late-night shopping on The Mountain with live entertainment, restaurants, and overnight lodging.. 877.462.7467, www.visitcantontx.com.
Discover the East Texas Oil Fields of the 1930’s
July 1
Fourth of July Celebration. Commerce. Live bands, pony rides, bounce houses, free games for children of all ages, food, and fun for the whole family plus fireworks. Free admission; donate a non-perishable food item for the Commerce Food Pantry. 5 p.m. until fireworks end. Centennial Park/Eddie Moore Sports Complex, CR 3218 off Loop 178 south of Commerce Middle School.. 903.886.3950. Birthday Party for America. Henderson. Patriotic parade and activities. Free. 6:30 p.m. Downtown. 903.646.3989, www.mainstreethenderon.com.
July 3
Fireworks. Hawkins. Free admission. Dusk. Presented by Hawkins Volunteer Fire Department. Lake Hawkins RV Park, 156 CR 3455. 903.769.2224, hawkinsfire@ cebridge.net.
July 3-6
Traveling Exhibit. Longview. Free admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Gregg County Historical Museum, 214 N. Fredonia. 903.753.5840, www.gregghistorical.org/home.
July 4
Waterpark & Fireworks. Mineola. Water park, vendors, and fireworks. $5. Noon until dark. Mineola Civic Center, 1150 Newsom. 903.569.6115. Old Fashion 4th of July. Chandler. Hot dogs, cold drinks, watermelon slices, children’s parade, trophies, outdoor grill raffle, fireworks, and more. Free. 6-9:30 p.m. Winchester Park, 601 S. Broad. 903.849.4122.
Fire Mountain Amusements
1.5 miles South of Grande, Frankston Hwy (155)
Tyler, Texas
We’ve Got Your Summer Fun Covered! 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.
Karts, Boats, Golf, Rides, Game Room
Museum Hours Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., closes at 5 p.m. April-September Sunday, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Hwy. 259 at Ross St., Kilgore, Texas 75662 On the Kilgore College campus, (903) 983-8295 phone
www.EastTexasOilMuseum.com 14 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
903-561-2670 www.firemountainamusementstyler.com
Freedom Fest. Nacogdoches. Old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with festival food, children’s activities, entertainment, and fireworks. Free admission. 5-9:30 p.m. Festival Plaza downtown. 888.OLDEST. TOWN. 20th Anniversary Jefferson Salutes America Fourth of July Celebration. Jefferson. Fireworks “fantazmagoria,” live music (a cappella, big band, classical from the Shreveport Municipal Concert Band, and more), cake and pie auction, children’s parade, children’s games, homemade ice cream contest, Quacker State 500 plastic duck race, and more. Free. 5 p.m. Ostott Park downtown and Big Cypress Bayou. 903.665.2672, www.jefferson-texas.com. Fireworks and Entertainment. Mineola. Noon-dark. Fireworks at dark. $5. Mineola Civic Center,1150 N. Newsom. 903.569.6115. Fireworks at the Fishery. Athens. Free admission after 5 p.m. and free fishing until sunset; food and drink available. Regular admission: adults $5. seniors $4.50, 12 and younger $3.50. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495. 903.670.2266, www.tpwd.state.tx.us. Patriotism on Parade. Rusk. Color guard/honor guard, rifle volley, and parade with emergency vehicles, military vehicles, floats, marching bands, prizes, and more. Parade marshal is 99-year-old World War II veteran Houston White. Free. 9 a.m.-afternoon. Downtown square. 214.380.5047. Freedom Celebration. Edom. Live band, hot dog stand benefitting local scholarship program; fireworks by Edom VFD: 7 p.m.; fireworks at dusk. Edom Community Park, 735 VZCR 4703. 903.852.6397. Fireworks. Henderson. Free. Dusk. Lake Forest Park, 1005 Hwy 64W. 903.657.6551, www.hendersontx.us. Citywide Fireworks Display. Canton. Free. 9 p.m. West side of First Monday grounds off Hwys 64 and 859. 903.567.1849. Fourth of July Parade. Canton. Parade, food, and vendors. Free admission. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Downtown square. 903.567.2991. Fireworks in the Park. Winnsboro. Fireworks at dusk, preceded by live music; hot dogs, chips and drinks; and more. Free admission. 6 p.m. Winnsboro City Park 900 Wheeler. 903.342.3666, www.winnsboro.com. Fireworks and Live Entertainment. Timpson. Free admission. 8-10 p.m. Tenaha High School Football Stadium, 138 College. 936.254.2603, www.shelbycountychamber.com.
July 5
Frontier Days. Timpson. Live demonstrations, folklore, entertainment, arts & crafts, parade, pageant, rides, and more. Free admission. 10 a.m.-midnight. Downtown and SoSo Park. 936.254.2603, www.shelbycountychamber.com.
July 7
Community Ice Cream Social and Bingo in the Park. Quitman. Homemade ice cream contest with local churches and civic organizations. Free ice cream, watermelon, drinks, and kids’ entertainment including bounce house, water slide, and more. Bingo. 5-8 p.m. Gov. Jim Hogg City Park, 518 S. Main. 903.763.4411, www.quitman.com. Car Show. Chandler. 150-200 car entries plus arts & crafts, food, bounce houses, and live music. Free admission. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. FM 315 south of Hwy 31. 903.571.0951.
July 10
Charm Night Out. Longview. More than 500 booths feature products and services for women of all ages, plus fashion show and Taste of Charm featuring samples from area restaurants. Free admission. 4 p.m.
Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand. 903.237.7776, www.news-journal.com.
July 12
What-a-Melon Festival. Timpson. Arts & crafts, food, live entertainment, watermelon growing contest, carnival rides, and more. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Downtown square. 936.254.2603, www.shelbycountychamber.com.
July 13
Ghost Train. Jefferson. Special Friday the 13th train ride through the eerie woods along the Big Cypress Bayou. Pick a free prize from the treasure chest.9:30 p.m. Historic Jefferson Railway Train Depot, 400 E. Austin. 866.398.2038, www.JeffersonRailway.com.
July 13-14
50th Anniversary Mineola Volunteer Fire Department Rodeo. Mineola. Annual UPRA Rodeo. 8 p.m. Mineola Fire Department Rodeo Arena, 724 Greenville. 903.569.6983, www.mineola.com.
July 14
2nd Saturday 279 Art Jam. Ben Wheeler and Edom. Galleries, special events, shopping, music, exhibits, restaurants, and more. Free admission. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 903.780.7336 and 903.571.7631, www.279artisanstrail. com. Battle of the Neches Memorial Ceremony. Redland. Remembrance of the slaying of members of the Cherokee and a dozen associated tribes. Food and crafts to raise funds to maintain the land and fund community service programs. Free admission. 2:30 p.m.; ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Off CR 4923 between Edom and Tyler. 903.425.8581, 2feathers2@msn.com. Engineer for a Day. Jefferson. Morning session covers steam engine principles, safety, and locomotive operation. As engineer, drive the train through the woods along the Big Cypress Bayou. Next trip, move to fireman and finally switchman. Class limited to three participants; lunch and beverages are provided. Historic Jefferson Railway Train Depot, 400 E. Austin. 866.398.2038, www.JeffersonRailway.com. Mayor’s Walk. Canton. in Canton. Everyone and their dog are invited to promote Canton as the Walking Capital of Texas. Free. 8:30 a.m. Cherry Creek Park, 800 Cherry Creek. 903.567.2991.
July 14-15
4th Annual Christmas in July Arts and Crafts Fair. Tyler. Handmade crafts, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, wood crafts, metal art, mixed media, plants, and more plus live entertainment and concessions from Gabi’s Gourmet. Free admission; raffle tickets $5 to help support Tyler Parks and Recreation Department programs and special events. Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tyler Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park. 903.531.1214, www.tylerparksandrec.com.
July 20-21
Wills Point Riding Club UPRA Rodeo. Wills Point. Friday and Saturday 8:30 p.m., Saturday includes 11 a.m. rodeo parade plus 9 a.m.-3 p.m. vendors and shopping downtown. Rodeo $6; kids $4. Will “Ike” Allred Arena, W.N. Commerce across from Brookshire’s east of downtown.. 903.873.3111, contact@willspointchamber.com.
July 21-22
Classic Arms Production Gun Show. Longview. Hundreds of displays of new and old guns, ammo, gun parts, books, knives, knife sharpening, coins, jewelry, camouflage, militaria, and related items at discount prices. $8; ages 6-11 $2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand. 985.624.8577, www.capgunshows.com.
July 22-26
Waterfowl Brigade. Tennessee Colony. Intense camp for youth ages 13-17 centered on the ecology of ducks and other water birds, focused on the importance of wetland ecosystems, aquatic vegetation, natural resource management, and how to identify waterfowl using all five senses. Sponsored by Texas Brigades. $400. Big Woods on the Trinity, 4809 FM 321W. 903.391.1112, www.TexasBrigades.org.
July 23-26
Repeats-R-Neat. Longview. Consignment. Free admission. Volunteer sale 4 p.m., participant sale 5 p.m., new mommy sale 6 p.m., public sale 7-9 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand. 903.235.7033, www.repeatsareneat.com.
July 25
Great Texas Balloon Race Festival. Kilgore. Competitive hot air balloon pilots from across the United States and the world plus balloon rides, parade, music, food, vendors, and more. Free admission. 5-10 p.m. Commerce & Main streets downtown. 903.984.5022, www. cityofkilgore.com.
July 26
Classic Car Cruise. Quitman. Classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles “cruise in” to Dairy Queen. Live music by Dale “The C” Cummings. Free admission. 6-8 p.m. 700 S. Main. 903.763.4414, www.quitman.com.
July 26-28
Kueckelhan Rodeo. Bonham. 8:30 p.m. Kueckelhan Ranch, 7036 N. Hwy 78. 903.583.5337.
July 27-28
National Day of the Cowboy. Jefferson. recognize pioneering men and women who helped establish America’s frontiers. Ghost Train 9:30 p.m. Historic Jefferson Railway Train Depot, 400 E. Austin. 866.398.2038, www. JeffersonRailway.com.
July 27-29
Great Texas Balloon Race. Longview. Eighty of the best balloon pilots in the country compete for $30,000 prize purse and $10,000 Key Grab. Concerts on Friday and Saturday night feature local, regional, and national talent. (Hint: many balloons are on the grounds for viewing beginning July 24.) Advance: $12 Friday and Saturday; gate $15; 12 and younger free. East Texas Regional Airport, 269 Terminal Circle. www.greattexasballoonrace.com.
July 28-29
Longview Kennel Dog Club. Longview. Show and obedience and rally trial. $5; children $2. Saturday 9 a.m.5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand. 903.734.6370, rkbeard@ aol.com.
August 1-4
Wood County Old Settlers Reunion. Quitman. Midway with carnival rides and games of chance, food vendors, entertainment nightly under the pavilion, and bingo. Midway 50 cents; events under the pavilion free. 6-10 p.m. Gov. Jim Hogg City Park, 518 S. Main. 903.763.4411, www.quitman.com.
August 2-5
First Monday Trade Days. Canton. 877.462.7467, www. visitcantontx.com.
August 3-4
National Clown Week. Jefferson. Narrated day tours 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. include visit with clown plus children’s crafts and games. Every rider will receive a free prize from the treasure chest. Ghost Train 9:30 p.m. Historic Jefferson Railway Train Depot, 400 E. Austin. 866.398.2038, www.JeffersonRailway.com. JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 15
Remembering the Battle of the Neches Cherokee Chief Bowles, Other Victims By Shea Gilchrist Down some winding backroads that push into remote country is a place that goes by many names to many different people. Stories are told of a mysterious air that lingers, the presence of others, and even the hum of hand-beaten drums. This land is where the Battle of the Neches took place between the Texas militia and American Indian tribes — the last stand of the Texas Cherokees. It is located off Highway 64 between Edom and Tyler. Locals simply refer to it as the Chief Bowles Memorial, named after the Cherokee Indian leader that died there. Visitors to the land report a definite “we’re not alone” feeling and a bit of the supernatural loiters there. Texas Cherokees and 12 associated tribal bands under the leadership of Chief John ‘Duwa’li’ Bowles, Chief Big Mush, and six other tribal chiefs were slain July 16, 1839. The massacre by the Republic of Texas Army, under the direction of President Mirabeau Lamar, took the lives of many innocent men, women and children along with the burning of a Delaware village. The associated Indian tribal bands were Cherokee, Shawnee, Delaware, Kickapoo, Quapaw, Choctaw, Biloxi, Ioni, Alabama, Coushatta, Caddo of the Neches, Tahocullake, Mataquo and possibly other groups.
Photo by P.A. Geddie
In 1936, the State of Texas erected a marker to honor Chief Bowles on the land. It is believed that Bowles died 20 feet in proximity to the marker. When visiting the land, there is a definite feeling of peace, the mystical, and the sacred. The initial path leads down to a clearing meant for gatherings. One will begin to notice large stones placed along the path. Each stone is marked with the name of one of the tribes that were involved in the Battle of the Neches. These simple, large stones represent an all-inclusive marker for the souls lost on July 16, 1839. On the other side of the clearing,
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another path lined with more representative stones leads back to another clearing, endearingly called “The Sacred Circle.” This is where Bowles’ marker stands and also where he was believed to be killed. At the foot of Bowles marker, visitors have placed trinkets of various kinds that they thought Bowles would appreciate and find comforting. Further past this clearing are meandering paths cleared of brush that lead all the way to the Neches River. The American Indian Cultural Society (AICS) has assumed responsibility for preserving and maintaining this ground to honor and respect the ancient culture of traditions, customs, and beliefs of all American Indian people. Sondra McAdams, a 72-year-old member of the society residing in Eustace, advocates and encourages people to visit. She says, “I love this land. I want its holiness, spirituality, and knowledge to live on.” Sondra insists there are two customs that must always occur for newcomers — take a walk and bless the stones. The ritual of blessing the stones involves taking cornmeal — corn of course being a staple of the Indian people, and scattering it upon each representative stone and giving a small prayer. The land is occasionally used for special events. “We do a rite of passage ceremony for the Boy Scouts on occasion,” Sondra said, “and when that happens, you are overwhelmed with the happiness that the spirits feel.” There is no end to the joy and insightfulness the land brings to people, especially members of AICS. They are a group of people that live and breath for this land and what it represents individually as well as perpetually. Besides maintaining the land and organizing events to be held there, they also gather donations to be given to The Nation, such as food, clothing, blankets, school supplies and other such things. The most important event they hold on the land each year is the Battle of the Neches memorial ceremony held this year on July 14. The event begins at 2:30 p.m. and the ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Admission is free; food and crafts are available to raise funds to maintain the land and fund community service programs. Food includes fry bread, tacos, chips, popcorn, and hot dogs along with drinks. At Redland, turn north off Highway 64 onto CR 4923 and watch for the signs. For more information email 2feathers2@msn. com, call 903.425.8581 and check out the AICS website at www.aics1839.com.
the arts Shelley Kolman Smith Creates Lifelike Art Shelley Kolman Smith, who lives in Poetry in Kaufman County, began her art career by drawing children’s portraits, then she tried watercolor portraits, and soon after that taught herself to work in oil. She has painted many notable families in Texas. In 2003, she took a short sculpting workshop from artist Bobbe Gentry and was hooked. Months later, she created her first bronze sculpture, “Jesus, the Living Water” (in the collection of St. Johns’ in Terrell) which portrays Christ, arms outstretched as water flows from one hand to the other. This sculpture won a BENE thru Ministry and Liturgy Magazine and was later published on one of their covers. Some of her work in East Texas can be seen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marshall. Shelley also has two sculptures installed in Washington, DC as well as numerous locations around the United States. Learn more about Shelley at shelleykolmansmith.com.
Wyeths Across Texas Exhibit Planned for Viewing at Tyler Museum of Art
The “Wyeths Across Texas” exhibit will be on view at the Tyler Museum of Art from September 7 through December 9. This will be the first major exhibition featuring N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth in Texas in 25 years, when the Dallas Museum of Art hosted “An American Vision: Three Generations of Wyeth Art.” The TMA exhibit will be made up of approximately 35 works drawn primarily from public and private collections in Texas. N.C. Wyeth became famous for his illustrations created for Scribner Illustrated Classics, which include “Kidnapped,” “Treasure Island,” and “The Boys King Arthur.” His son Andrew Wyeth is regarded as one of the most prominent American realists of the twentieth century. His work “Christina’s World,” in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, is considered one of the most well-known art images throughout the world. Realist Jamie Wyeth, grandson of N.C. and son of Andrew, has put together a diverse body of work over his career, ranging from portraiture of Andy Warhol to seagulls and farm animals in Maine.
Marian Shrine, 2011, Shelley Kolman Smith, Bronze, 5’ 6” tall
For more information, 903.595.1001 or go to tylermuseum.org.
6x6@110 Art Show To Raise Money for Tyler’s Gallery Main Street
Tyler’s Main Street Department has announced a new project to raise funding for the operation of Gallery Main Street and involving hundreds of people in the arts. The project, “6x6@110,” will take place in September, but now is time for preparatory work, said Main Street leader Beverly Abell. “We will need the support of our entire artist community, our leaders and the public in order for this project to succeed,” Beverly said, adding, “It will be great fun to be part of the event.” The 6x6 part of the project’s title is for the use of 6” x 6” canvases. The 110 refers to the gallery’s address, 110 W. Erwin. Artists and others are asked to do paintings on 6” x 6” canvases that the gallery supplies. continued on Page 18 JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 17
JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 17
the arts
Check out COUNTY LINE ONLINE for our extended coverage of art news and events. www.countylinemagazine.com
GALLERY continued from Page 17 “We are going to ask leaders and celebrities on local, national, and even international levels to join in the fun,” she said. “We’re sending canvases and a request to create art to many, many people.” The goal is to have 500 canvases to hang in an exhibit that will begin with an opening party on September 6. Each work of art will be sold for a set price. The purchaser will not know who painted the piece until the purchase is completed and the canvas is turned over to reveal the artist’s name. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, photography, and even 3-D items will be accepted as long as they can be mounted to the gallery-provided canvas and not extend beyond the 6” x 6” dimensions of the canvas. The event is being underwritten by AT&T, and 100% of the proceeds of 6x6 will go back to the gallery. “AT&T understands the importance of a healthy, vibrant downtown, and the importance of the arts in the movement in revitalizing downtown,” Beverly said. “We are grateful for their support and vision.” Guidelines are available at www.cityoftyler.org on the Main Street page. Canvases and guidelines are also available at Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin. For more information or to participate, call 903.593.6905.
Perfect Bloom Contest To Tout ‘Rose Season’
The Tyler Main Street Department and the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition have created the “Perfect Bloom” art contest to select art that will be printed as a limited-edition art poster and sold during Rose Season 2013. All artists of traditional media are invited to enter. Digital images on CD/DVD must be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 31. The winner will be announced at a special event in late September. Only original works of art may be submitted, and only the artist who produced the work may enter an image. “We are very excited to launch this latest arts project,” said Beverly Abell, director of Tyler Main Street. Two years ago, several entities began to work together to declare all of October as Rose Season in honor of the Texas Rose Festival and Tyler’s rose heritage. “Our part in the past has included our gallery shows, Festival on the Square and last year’s inaugural Downtown Tyler Film Festival,” Beverly said. “Now, we are adding ‘Perfect Bloom’ to that mix.” 18 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
An art exhibit featuring the works of N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth is scheduled from September 7 through December 9 at the Tyler Museum of Art. Shown here is Andrew Wyeth’s “Christina’s World,” in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York— it is considered one of the most well-known art images in the world.
Details are at www.cityoftyler.org on the Main Street Department page under the blue “Perfect Bloom” tab. Details are also available by calling 903.593.6905.
Art Matters Co-Op In Business in Athens
Christi Barrett and other local artists kicked off the new Art Matters Co-Op and Gallery in Athens with a two-day show and stone-carving workshop featuring internationally shown Zimbabwean artist Tawanda Sarireni and his assistants.
into the gallery,” Lisa said. “We want to see more strangers become friends.” Citing the success of the recent tribute to jazz pioneer Charlie Christian, Lisa said music will remain a part of the cultural experiences offered at the CAC. “Music is vital to a community and is entertainment that pleases most everyone. The garden is a terrific venue for intimate concerts and we have more events planned in the coming weeks and months.” For more information, call 903-640-2196.
The co-op’s mission is to promote and support the arts in East Texas and Texas artists in each of their disciplines and provide community support through artist involvement. It fosters artist and patron relations, and encourages art education through providing studio space for local artists, workshops, community events and exhibits.
Every Second Tuesday
The co-op gallery is at 211 N. Palestine. For more information, call 903.880.8346 or email artmatterstx@gmail.com.
Every Thursday
Creative Arts Center Names Avila Director
Every Friday
The board of the Creative Arts Center in Bonham has hired Lisa Avila as executive director. Lisa will continue as performing arts director of the Kidz Krew program. “I am proud to be part of the arts center and will strive to bring more and more new faces
ART EVENTS Red River Photo Club. Bonham. Photographers of all skills and experience meet to improve skills and share photographs and experiences. Annual membership $24; $36 family; guests welcome. 6:30 p.m. Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5th. 903.640.2196, creativeartscenter.us.
Art & Wine. Tyler. Showcase for a local artist every Thursday, Wine & cheese & fruit platter specials, full menu. Free admission. 5-9 p.m. 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. Free admission. 4-6 p.m. Marshall Visual Art Center, 208 E. Burleson. 903.938.9860, www.marshalltexas. net/Departments/Visual_Arts.
Every First Saturday
Embrace the Arts. Palestine. Art exhibits, visits with the
artists, and refreshments. 5-8 p.m. Free. Various venues including but not limited to Museum for East Texas Culture, 400 Micheaux at Reagan Park; Palestine Public Library, 1101 N. Cedar; Judith Summerville Arts, 213 E. Crawford. 903.723.3014, www.visitpalestine.com. Artists in the Garden. Bonham. Local artists gather in the garden to work on specific art projects. Free. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5th. 903.640.2196, www.creativeartscenter.us.
UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS VIEW A VIEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS by Ine Burke
Through July 28
Hoover Watercolor Society. Marshall. Fifty-fifth national juried traveling exhibit. Free admission. Tuesday-Friday noon-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Michelson Museum Of Art, 216 N. Bolivar. 903.935.9480, www.michelsonmuseum.org.
Through July 29
Metonymic Transfiguration: The Apotheosis of the Body in the Recent Works of Jack Barnett. Tyler. Tuesday-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Tyler Museum of Art, 1301 S. Mahon. 903.595.1001, tylermuseum.org.
Through August 6
Macro: The Art is in the Details. Tyler. Free. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ThursdayFriday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday. Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin. 903.593.6905, www.downtowntylerarts.com.
Through August 19
Egypt: Myths and Mummies. Tyler. Egyptian statues, a replica of a tomb, CT scans of mummies, mummies in pop culture, planetarium show, and more. $6, students $4, seniors $6. Tuesday-Saturday noon-4 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. Center for Earth & Space Science Education, 1411 E. Lake. 903.510.2312, http://www.tjc.edu/cesse.
July
Michael Hines. Winnsboro. Acrylics. Free admission. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Winnsboro Emporium, 316 N. Main. 903.342.6140, winnsboroemporium.com.
July 14-August 25
East Texas Regional Artists. Longview. Don Auderer, Blou Powell, Winifred Simon, Warren Taylor, and Carol Woolley. Free to members; $5 for non members. Tuesdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays noon-4 p.m. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler. 903.753.8103, www.lmfa.org.
July 6
Textile Exhibit. Bonham. Quilts and other textile artwork. Free admission. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5th. 903.640.2196, www.creativeartscenter.us.
July 28
3rd Annual Quilt Hop Tours. Bonham. Appraisals, demonstrations, vendors, displays of quilts from many local quilters and collectors, and the University of Texas quilt archives will be on display. Free. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Multiple locations: Creative Arts Center, Bonham Visitor Center, Sam Rayburn Library, Fannin County Historical Commission, Sam Rayburn House, Fannin County Museum of History, Bonham Public Library, and Bonham Civic Center (Armory). 903.640.2196, www.creativeartscenter.us.
August 9, 13-14
Painted Floor Cloth. Mineola. Prepare a canvas, then learn to paint a floor cloth with Joyce Terrell. Cost to be determined. 10 a.m. Mineola League of the Arts, 200 W. Blair. 903.569.8877, www.mlota.org.
August 11-September 3
The Art of Dance. Tyler. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayWednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. noon-4 p.m. Saturday; opening night reception 6:30 p.m. Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin. 903.593.6905, downtowntylerarts.com.
Clockwise from top left: Glowing balloons at Tailwind Airpark between Canton and Edgewood; the second largest Eiffel tower — in Paris, Texas; Flag sales at Red Hawk Creek Trade Days near Edgewood during a recent Highway 80 Sale; a sign for Dog Town in Canton; General Store Museum in Edgewood Heritage Park; Majestic Theater in Wills Point; Old Cotton Gin in Grand Saline; and Mercy’s Mural in downtown Mineola. These photos will be included in Ine’s next book. See a peak of her current nature photography book, On the Edge of the Piney Woods, at inegaleri.com/books. — Ine Burke, Edgewood JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 19
FILM
LAST REEL
BY JEREMY LIGHT
As an avid consumer of all things pop culture, I thought this would be a perfect forum to relate my fascination (Read obsession) with both the big and small screens. Though I have been disappointed of late with Hollywood’s lackluster summer fare, Bernie, the quiet, quirky dark comedy starring Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Shirley Maclaine, revitalizes my faith. It also made me wonder about the world’s view of East Texas, and Texas as a whole. Though standard images of Texas pervade the national mentality (i.e. barbed wire, trailer parks, cowboy boots, ten-gallon hats, etc.), why must the people of Texas constantly carry the baggage of being a backward people?
The Bernie premiere at Four Star Cinema in Kilgore and nearby after party raised close to $30,000 for the Longview Ballet. Three theaters filled up with guests and participants in the movie including the director and scriptwriter and 30 or so extras. Bernie, starring Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Shirley Maclaine, is based on the story of Bernard Tiede and Marjorie Nugget who lived in Carthage and the reaction some of the townspeople had to their relationship and his subsequently killing her. It’s received rave reviews around the country. The movie doesn’t tell the whole story of course, and clearly is not a complete depiction of the lovely town of Carthage (or San Augustine which really takes a beating in the movie) but definitely is an interesting story and very entertaining movie, and a refreshing change at the box office amidst the sea of war, aliens, battleships, nuclear reactors, horror-thrillers, vampires, global security, etc. Bernie is mostly real, relatable life stuff. Pictured at the premiere are Longview Ballet founder Pat George Mitchell; Skip Hollandsworth, who wrote the original Texas Monthly story the movie is based upon; Danny Buck Davidson, the district attorney played in the film by Matthew McConnahey; Longview Ballet’s executive director Toni Erskine; Bernie director Richard Linklater, and Bernie Tiede’s defense attorney Clifton “Scrappy” Holmes. Photo by Dwight Walden.
FILM EVENTS Through July 24
Movie Matinees. Tyler. Feature films for children who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. Free. 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College. 903.593.READ, www.tylerlibrary.com.
Through July 26
Fables and Films. Tyler. Storytime and a short film for preschoolers. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wed., and Thursdays. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College. 903.593.READ, tylerlibrary.com.
July 5
Jaws. Tyler. Classic movie $7. 7 p.m. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin on the square. 903.595.7274, www.libertytyler.com.
July 7
Classic Movies in the Park: Holiday. Palestine. 1938 movie with Cary Grant, Kathryn Hepburn, and Edward Everett Horton. Free admission. Dark. Reagan Park, Hwys 84E and287/19S. 903.723.3014.
July 10-11
The Lion King. Nacogdoches. SFA Summer Movie Series. Students $1, faculty and staff $2, community $3. Tuesday 6 p.m., Wednesday 2 p.m. Baker Pattillo Student Center, 222 Vista. 936.468.6554, www.sfasu.edu/SAA.
July 12
Raiders of the Lost Ark. Tyler. Classic movie $7. 7 p.m. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin on the square. 903.595.7274, www.libertytyler.com. 20 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
July 17-18
Alice in Wonderland. Nacogdoches. SFA Summer Movie Series. Students $1, faculty and staff $2, community $3. Tuesday 6 p.m., Wednesday 2 p.m. Baker Pattillo Student Center, 222 Vista. 936.468.6554, www.sfasu.edu/SAA.
July 19
Back to the Future. Tyler. Classic movie $7. 7 p.m. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin on the square. 903.595.7274, www.libertytyler.com.
July 24-25
The Pirates! Band of Misfits. Nacogdoches. SFA Summer Movie Series. Students $1, faculty and staff $2, community $3. Tuesday 6 p.m., Wednesday 2 p.m. Baker Pattillo Student Center, 222 Vista. 936.468.6554, www.sfasu. edu/SAA.
July 26
Die Hard. Tyler. Classic movie $7. 7 p.m. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin on the square. 903.595.7274, www.libertytyler.com.
July 31-August 1
Tarzan. Nacogdoches. SFA Summer Movie Series. Students $1, faculty and staff $2, community $3. Tuesday 6 p.m., Wednesday 2 p.m. Baker Pattillo Student Center, 222 Vista. 936.468.6554, www.sfasu.edu/SAA.
August 7-8
The Hunger Games. Nacogdoches. SFA Summer Movie Series. Students $1, faculty and staff $2, community $3. Tuesday 6 p.m., Wednesday 2 p.m. Baker Pattillo Student Center, 222 Vista. 936.468.6554, www.sfasu.edu/SAA.
I have always resented the way Texans are viewed by the pantheon of television and film writers. And though certain stereotypes are likely to continue, there are several films about Texas which provide mass entertainment without resorting to a condescending view of our great (the greatest) state. For instance, get lost in the serene tension of Larry McMurtry’s The Last Picture Show. The author is also responsible for the quietly gripping Terms of Endearment and, even though it’s not solely about Texas, the thrilling western epic Lonesome Dove. These films reveal Texas and its citizens as thoroughly rounded characters while still remaining true to standard views of this our great state: tough as nails, soft as a light rain before a thunderstorm, and a willingness to hold fast lofty ideals in the face of adversity. The aforementioned films are quite popular and considered to be some of the best in film history. There are other titles, though, that you might not have seen which make Texas their focus. If you are a fan of contemporary noir, try Lone Star, a superbly acted modern day western with Chris Cooper and Kris Kristofferson. Personally, I believe it can trade punches with Chinatown any day of the week. Further, the Coen brothers, before their tremendous success of No Country for Old Men, released a subtle masterpiece called Blood Simple. Quite simply, moviemaking at its finest. For those with quirkier tastes, check out a film based on a story from one of Texas’ best authors, Joe Lansdale. Bubba Ho-tep, features Bruce Campbell, as the King of Rock and Roll himself Elvis Presley, having left the music business to stay in a Texas retirement home. Watch him battle a soul-stealing Egyptian mummy with his best friend JFK (yeah, that one) portrayed by the highly unlikely Ossie Davis. It’s that kind of movie. Or how about Frailty, a disturbing family drama with demonic possession as the heart of the story. If you like that one, surely you have seen The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the scary but top trafficker in Texas stereotypes and clichés. I could go on, but the point is that movies like the recently released Bernie present Texas and its citizens fairly. That is, you can see the best and the worst of our culture without the filmmakers pandering to the lowest common denominator. This fairness is all that I ask of any filmmaker. If you have any suggestions for pop culture topics you find interesting or you just want to drop me a message, send it to capnjeremyjohn@yahoo.com. See you in the last reel somewhere.
on stage
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended STAGE news and event listings.
July 20-22, 27-29, August 3-5
Willy Wonka. Palestine. Live presentation of the Roal Dahl classic story presented by Palestine Community Theatre. Adults $12; ages 4-18 $10. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. Texas Theater, 213 W. Crawford. 903.723.8383, www.thetexastheater.com.
July 21-22
Pacha’s Pajamas. Winnsboro. Summer drama camp production about a little girl who becomes a superhero for nature. Adults $10, students $5. Saturday 7 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market. 903.342.0680, www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com.
July 27-28
Mission Possible. Longview. Comedy, action, adventure, fantasy, romance, and tragedy to overcome obstacles. $5. 7 p.m. ArtsView Children’s Theater, 313 W. Tyler. 903.236.7535, www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.
July 28 Doug Lake and Zane Liston play Conrad and Kim in Tyler Civic Theatre’s summer musical Bye Bye Birdie opening July 19.
Tyler Civic Theatre Presents Bye, Bye Birdie Musical
ditorium, Kilgore College, 1100 Broadway. 903.983.8601, www.texasshakespeare.com.
Tyler Civic Theatre’s Summer Musical, Bye Bye Birdie opens July 19 with performances July 1922 and 26-29. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m.
ArtsView PATHS Summer Camps. Longview. Summer theatre camps for ages 8-adult. Costs and times vary. ArtsView Children’s Theatre, 313 W. Tyler. 903.236.7535, www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.
Bye, Bye Birdie, a Tony Award-Winning Broadway Musical was first performed in New York in 1960 and starred Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera, Paul Lynde, Dick Gautier, Susan Watson, Kay Medford and Charles Nelson Reilly. Productions of Birdie have become a popular favorite for generations and each presentation revives the story line in its own unique fashion. Tyler Civic Theatre Center’s presentation is no exception; it is an exciting, lively, outstanding musical that is sure to entertain all ages. The Tyler production is directed by Derek Johnson. He is assisted by music director, Suzanne Liles, and choreographer Katy Lee, with George Faber conducting a seven-piece band. Doug Lake plays the role of Conrad Birdie and Kim MacAfee is played by Zane Liston. The Dick Van Dyke role (Albert Peterson) is played by Stephen Rainwater and Rose Alvarez is performed by Desirey Olison. The play has a total of 23 cast members who excel in their roles. For ticket information call Tyler Civic Theatre at 903 592-0561 or visit www.tylercivictheatre. com.
ON STAGE EVENTS Through July 30
Texas Shakespeare Festival. Kilgore. Professional actors perform Shakespeare plays, musical, classic play, and children’s play Wednesday through Sunday. $28. Evenings 7:30 p.m., matinees 2 p.m. Van Cliburn Au-
July and August
Somebody’s Gotta Go. Longview. Gospel stage play. Advance $20-$40; door $30-$50. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly. 903.233.3080, www. belchercenter.com.
August 2-5
The Wizard of Oz. Athens. Live presentation of classic book and movie. $15. 7:30 p.m., except 2 p.m. Sunday. Henderson County Performing Arts Center, 400 Gibson. 903.675.3908, http://athenstx.org/things-to-do/the-wizardof-oz.
July 1
Souvenir. Athens. Reinterpretation of the life story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the real life, tone deaf woman famous for trying to be an opera star. $15. 2-4 p.m. Henderson County Performing Arts Center, 400 Gibson. 903.675.3908, http://athenstx.org/things-to-do/souvenir-ahenderson-county-performing-arts-production.
July 4-7
Guys and Dolls Jr. Jefferson. Presented by Opera House Theatre Players. $18; $10 younger than 12. 7:30 p.m. Russell Bldg., 121 Austin. 903.665.3895.
July 12-14
The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Longview. Funny and frill-free “festival” adaptation of Victor Hugo’s popular literary classic. Advance $8, door $10. ThursdaySaturday 7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 2 p.m. ArtsView Children’s Theatre, 313 W. Tyler. 903.236.7535, www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.
July 13-15, 20-22
The Marvelous Wonderettes. Quitman. ’50s and ’60s comedy songfest presented by Quitman Community Theatre. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. Carroll Green Civic Center, 602 McAllister. $10; 12 and younger $5. 903.967.2164, www.qctheatre.org.
July 19-22, 26-29
Bye Bye Birdie. Tyler. $18, students $15. ThursdaysSaturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2:30 p.m. Tyler Civic Theatre, 400 Rose Park. 903.592.0561, tylercivictheatre.com.
Live Music, Theater, Comedy, and Movies Not a bad seat in the house!
MOVIES: July 5 Jaws; July 12 Raiders of the Lost Ark; July 19 Back to the Future; and July 26 Die Hard
East Texas All Star Showcase A day of music, art, movies, drinks and munchies! July 14 2 to 11 p.m. $25 online. $30 door
Beer and wine available for purchase. Food provided by Stanley’s BBQ featuring
The Sixth String Boys. Ramoth Gilead The Eggs. Back Seat Molly
Something Blue. The Young Ones Manny and the Gringaderos
Sideshow Tragedy
Uncle Lucius
July 20-22, 27-29
Steel Magnolias. Lindale. Presented by Lindale Community Theater. $12. Fridays & Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. 111 W. Van. 903.638.0402, www.lindalecommunitytheater.org. JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 21
MUSIC take ten miranda lambert Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year Talks About Merle, Mom, Roots, and Pistol Annies Miranda Lambert might seem like an overnight success to much of the world, but the Lindale native has been singing and writing songs for many years. She benefited from her strong showing on the “Nashville Star” TV show in 2003, followed by seven top 20 hits on her first two nationally released CDs, and numerous Nashville honors that irritated some traditionalists unhappy with the direction of country music; any genre always changes while encompassing its roots. She’s been doing it her way since well before she was a teenager, and also now has a side-project band, the Pistol Annies, as well as projects with husband Blake Shelton. She squeezed in some time recently to play County Line Magazine’s question-and-answer “game.” Why do you make music? I’ve always loved music, and I grew up listening to all kinds. My dad is a good guitar player and songwriter, so he was always playing around the house. Not many things came naturally to me until I started singing and playing guitar. I had to work pretty hard at school, so I knew if I didn’t go to college, I was going to have to be determined to make a music career work. My parents have always been huge supporters, and I am so blessed to get to do what I love for a living. Seeing my fans sing along to every word at my shows is a natural “high” for me, and I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. How would you describe your music to people who had never heard it? I usually say I have a rock and roll band with a country singer. I don’t like putting my music in a box though. I have been influenced by everything from old school country to Motown to current pop; so all of those influences show up in my music. If you like authentic and honest storytelling, you will probably like my songs. What’s your own favorite song; why? That is hard to say because I pour so much of myself into each of my albums that I feel like all of the songs are my babies. I will always love “The House That Built Me” for the amazing impact it had on my career. It is one of those songs that I am so mad I didn’t write! It has so much universal emotion in its lyrics. That song helped me win my first Grammy, and I will never forget it. What’s your favorite song done by somebody else? Some of my all-time favorite writers are Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn, so I love all of their songs. I love Merle’s song “My Own Kind of Hat” because it’s about being yourself. It reminds me of the song “All Kinds of Kinds” off of my newest album, Four the Record. Loretta’s 22 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
songs were so ahead of their time and so edgy for a woman in this industry. Pistol Annies and I cover “Fist City” pretty often because it’s a kickass girl tune. What separates your work from other people’s? I try to stay true to my country roots, I make music I genuinely love, and I try to keep it true to life. If that’s not for everybody, then that’s fine with me. I am thrilled to have the fans and the support that I have. What else turns you on creatively? Writing and playing with Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley of Pistol Annies inspires me to be a better artist. Being around other talented individuals is always a sure way to get me fired up about music. Now that I’m headlining my own tours, I love dreaming up the best combination of opening acts and production elements. Thinking up ways to make my show better is always fun. How have you changed in the past 10 years? It is natural for a person to change a lot during their twenties. With my first album, Kerosene, I had a lot to say and probably a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I have learned so much since then
about life and the music industry, so for my newest album, Four the Record, I incorporated songs that reflect the many different parts of my personality. I am still the fiery girl I was on Kerosene, so I have new songs like “Fastest Girl in Town” which I wrote with my fellow Pistol Annie, Angaleena Presley. But I also wanted folks to know that I have grown up a bit since then and am settled and happy, so there are songs like “Oklahoma Sky” and “Safe.” Who’s your biggest influence in life; why? My mom, Bev, and my grandma, Nonny. They taught me to be a strong, empowered woman, as well as a sweet Texas girl and a good wife. I’ll always be grateful to my dad, too, for teaching me to play guitar and write my own music. He helped me find my voice by learning how to write songs. Who’s your biggest influence in music; why? Merle! Like I said, he’s one of my favorite songwriters and entertainers ever because he’s just so real. I got this baseball hat at Wal-Mart when I was a teenager, and I put a picture of Merle on the front of it. That hat is in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville right now on display in the Merle Bakersfield Sound exhibit.
music listings County Line makes every effort to ensure accurate information. However, pricing, dates, and/or hours could change. Please call before making plans. The events calendar lists general-interest festivals that often include music. For a list of annual events in and around East Texas, visit www.countylinemagazine.com.
Every Monday
Music Jam. Marshall. Mostly traditional country and western swing. Free. 6 p.m. until ? Weisman Center upstairs, 211 N. Washington. 713.829.5666. Outdoor Music Pickin’. Marshall. Acoustic bluegrass, country, old rock. Free. 6 p.m. until ?. Usually on the sidewalk; if the weather’s bad inside. All over downtown. 713.829.5666. Blue Monday. Winnsboro. Jam. Free admission. 6:30 p.m.-close. Brewbaker’s, 210 N. Main. 903.342. 6119, www.brewbakerspub.com.
Every Wed., Friday, Saturday.
Live Music. Kilgore. 8 p.m. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141, http://thebackporchkilgore.com, claytons@cablelynx.com.
Every Thursday-Saturday
Live music. Tyler. $5 Friday and Saturday. Thursday 8 p.m., Friday 8:30, Saturday 9 p.m. Rick’s on the Square, 104 W. Erwin. 903.531.2415, www.rix.com.
Every Second Friday
Bluegrass Fever. Quitman. Open jam. Free admission; donations accepted for snacks. 6 p.m. Quitman Public Library, 206 E. Good. 903.975.5745, jamgoodbluegrass.com.
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended MUSIC news and event listings. students $5. 7 p.m. Uncle John’s Coffeehouse, First United Methodist Church, 406 E. Lane. 903.763.4127.
Mike Acoustic. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler.tx.com.
Every Fourth Saturday
Cody Riley and Obrey Lean. Terrell. 9 p.m. Silver Saloon, 1708 Hwy 34S. 972.524, 7111, silversaloonguest@ yahoo.com, www.silversaloonterrell.com.
Bluegrass Music Show. Quitman. Carroll Green Civic Center, 602 McAllister. $6 adults; children 12 and under free. 7 p.m. 903.763.5100.
July 1
Joe Ely. Dallas. Eclectic. $20. 9 p.m. Poor David’s Pub, 1313 S. Lamar, 214.821.9891, www.poordavidspub.com.
July 4
Soulfish Blues Band. Kilgore. $5. 8 p.m. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141, http://thebackporchkilgore. com, claytons@cablelynx.com. Friday after 5 Concert. Kilgore. Bring lawn chairs for a free concert with Tetelestai. 8 p.m. Commerce & Main streets downtown. 903.988.4117, www.cityofkilgore.com.
Earl Thomas Conley. Crockett. Concert plus fireworks. $18-$23. 7:30 p.m. Crockett Civic Center, 1100 Edmiston. 936.544.4276, www.pwfaa.org.
Shy Blakeman. Fort Worth. Eclectic. $10. 9 p.m. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817.624.7117, www.billybobstexas.com.
Willie Nelson Picnic. Fort Worth. Country. $35. All day. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817.624.7117, www.billybobstexas.com.
July 7
July 5
T.J. Broscoff. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler.tx.com.
July 6
Josh Hamman of American Jenny. Canton. Plus food and full bar. Free admission. 5-9 p.m. The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days. 903.567.6020, www.millcreekranchresort.com. Ben Lowery and Texas Express. Ben Wheeler. Country dance. $5. 8 p.m. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com.
Brad Ward and 69 South. Ben Wheeler. Country dance. $7. 8 p.m. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com. 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 everything in between; any month might include local artists, regional or nationally known performers, a talent show, or a one-act play. 7 p.m. Downtown square. 903.341.0761, redrivercc@ windstream.net. Zach Romo. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler.tx.com. continued on Page 24
Every Friday and Saturday.
Live Music. Lindale. Free admission. 7 p.m. Art of Coffee, 2808 S Main 903.881.2739, http://artofcoffeetexas. com.
Every Friday and Saturday
Live Music. Mount Pleasant. 8 p.m. Mardi Gras Seafood, 1350 Industrial. 903.572.9600, mardigrasseafood.com.
THE TIRE BARN INC. 13687 F.M. 206 TYLER, TX. 75709
903-597-1263
Every Saturday
Live Music. Yantis. 8 p.m. East Fork Restaurant and Club, 154 FM 515. www.eastforkrestaurantandclub.com, webmaster@eastforkrestaurantandclub.com. Gladewater Opry. Gladewater. $10. 8 p.m. 108 E. Commerce. 903.845.3600, www.thegladewaterorpy.com. Saturday Night Shindig Show. Point. Branson-style country, gospel, rock, and pop classics plus monthly Rural American Idol Contest. $8. 7:30 p.m. Cotton Pickin’ Theatre, Hwy. 69, downtown Point. 903.268.1936, www.ruralamericans.org. Live Music. Seven Points. Country/rock. Cedar Isle Restaurant and Baja Beach Club, 2001 E. Cedar Creek. 903.432.2220, www.cedarisle.com. Bongo and the Point. Lindale. Free admission. Noon-1:30 p.m. Victor’s New York Deli, 108 N. Main. 903.882.1100, www.victorsnydeli.com.
Every First Saturday
Bluegrass Music Night. Longview. Sponsored by Longview Bluegrass Music Association. Fellowship Bible Church, 4600 N. McCann. Free admission. Jam at 5 p.m., show 7 p.m. msss@texramp.net. 903.452.2641.
Every Second Saturday
Live Music. Quitman. Second Saturday. Adults $7,
Goodyear Gives Back: Help Support Our Troops and Get Rebates up to $160! Family owned and operated • Known for our service Fully trained professionals you can trust Brake Service • Mounting • Alignment Free rotation for the life of the tire Balancing • Oil Changes
Hours: M-F 7:30 - 5 Sat 8:00 - Noon
www.tbtyler.com JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 23
music listings MUSIC continued from Page 23 Backseat Molly. Palestine. Country. $7. 9:45 p.m. Outlaw Country, 1101 W. Palestine. 903.729.1300, www. outlaw-country.net. Doctor Doctor. Kilgore. $5. 8 p.m. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141, http://thebackporchkilgore.com, claytons@cablelynx.com. Jason Crabtree. Seven Points. Free admission. 9 p.m. Chap’s Bar, 118 W. Cedar Creek Pkwy. 903.432.0218, www.reverbnation.com/venue/chapsbar7points. Brian Howell. Longview. Jazz and Brazilian. Free ad-
mission. 7 p.m. Vines and Friends Wine Bar, 1014 NW Loop 281. 903.295.1195.
Eric Moseley. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler.tx.com.
July 12
William Clark Green & Steve Simmons. Bullard. Singer-songwriter swap. $10. 8:30 p.m. Simmons’ Farm, 12003 FM 346W. 903.894.3535.
blacktopGYPSY. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. benwheeler.tx.com.
July 13
James Derek Chitty. Canton. Food and full bar. Free admission. 5-9 p.m. The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days. 903.567.6020, millcreekranchresort.com. Danny Hollis Band. Ben Wheeler. $7. 8 p.m. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, benwheelertx.com.
Alysa Marshall. Longview. Soprano opera singer. Free admission. 7 p.m. Vines and Friends Wine Bar, 1014 NW Loop 281. 903.295.1195. Adam Brown and the Triple Crown Band. Kilgore. $5. 8 p.m. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141, http://thebackporchkilgore.com, claytons@cablelynx.com.
July 14
The World’s Oldest & Largest Flea Market
East Texas All Star Showcase. Tyler. The Sixth String Boys, Ramoth Gilead, The Eggs, Backseat Molly, Something Blue, The Young Ones, Manny and the Gringaderos, Sideshow Tragedy, and Uncle Lucius. Advance $25, door $30. 2 p.m. until ? Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin on the square. 903.595.7274, www.libertytyler.com. Steven James. Nacogdoches. 7 p.m. Hotel Fredonia, 200 N. Fredonia. 936.564.1234, www.hotelfredonia.com. Nate Kip and The Road. Ben Wheeler. Texas country. $7. 8 p.m. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com. Matt Bradshaw. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. benwheeler.tx.com. Saints Eleven. Gainesville. 9 p.m. Texas Bull, 3415 Hwy 82E. 940.612.0100, www.thetexasbull.com.
C A N T O N ’ S
FIRST MONDAY
TRADE DAYS June 28-July 1 • Aug. 2-5 August 30-Sept. 2
7,000 VENDOR SPACES • GREAT FOOD
450 acres of legendary shopping including home decor, art, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, crafts, and specialty items
First Monday Trade Days are held Thursda y through Sunday before the first Monday of every month.
Amy Pruitt. Longview. Eclectic. Free admission. 7 p.m. Vines and Friends Wine Bar, 1014 NW Loop 281. 903.295.1195. Second Saturday Open Mic. Canton. Free admission. 7:30 p.m. Come Together Trading Coffeehouse, 116 E. Dallas. 903.567.1133, www.cometogethertrading.com.
July 18
Heather Little. Kilgore. Free admission. 7 p.m. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141, http://thebackporchkilgore.com, claytons@cablelynx.com.
July 19
Patrick James Freden. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler. tx.com.
July 20
Dan Dyer. Athens. $15. 8 p.m. Light menu available, BYOB. Limited seating. Railway Café, 210 N. Palestine. 903.677.4247, www.texasswingfestival.com.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter “Canton TX Big Shopping”
Ben Lowery and Texas Express. Ben Wheeler. Country dance. $5. 8 p.m. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com. Meredith Crawford. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler. tx.com. Matt Bradshaw. Canton. Plus food and full bar. Free admission. 5-9 p.m. The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days. 903.567.6020, www.millcreekranchresort.com.
DOWNLOAD FREE OUR CANTON FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS APPS FOR I-PHONES AND ANDROID PHONES TODAY
877-462-7467 • www.visitcantontx.com 24 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
Brian Howell. Longview. Jazz and Brazilian. Free admission. 7 p.m. Vines and Friends Wine Bar, 1014 NW Loop 281. 903.295.1195. Jack Ingram. Fort Worth. Americana. $12-$20. 9 p.m. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817.624.7117, www. billybobstexas.com.
Offering Brides What They Are Looking For!
July 21
The Visitors. Nacogdoches. Eclectic. 7 p.m. Hotel Fredonia, 200 N. Fredonia. 936.564.1234, www.hotelfredonia. com.
July 22, 2012
Steve Carpenter Band. Ben Wheeler. Traditional country. $7. 8 p.m. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com.
Tyler Rose Garden Center 420 S. Rose Park Dr., Tyler, TX
Heather Little. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler. tx.com.
For Registration Information, Visit www.easttexasweddingextravaganza.com or call 903-570-0364
Sunday - Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Westbound 21. Kilgore. $5. 8 p.m. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141, http://thebackporchkilgore.com, Offering Brides What They Are Looking For! Of fering Brides claytons@cablelynx.com. Scotty Thurman and the Perfect Trouble Band. Linden. $10. 7 p.m. Texas Music Barn, 301 E. Houston. 800.959.5796, www.texasmusicbarn.com.
One attending bride will win a Honeymoon Travel Gift Certificate valued at $1500*
What They Are Looking For!
Acoustic Music on the Streets. Mineola. Bring instruments, chair. Song circles. No amps. Moves indoors if bad weather. Free. 10 a.m. Johnson St. Gazebo. 1.800. MINEOLA, www.mineola.com.
*Must be present to win.
July 22, 2012 Sunday - Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis. Dallas. Americana. $20-$30. Shows at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. 7:30 p.m. The Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis. 214.924.0725, www.thekessler.org.
Tyler Rose Garden Center 420 S. Rose Park Dr., Tyler, TX
For Registration Information, Visit www.easttexasweddingextravaganza.com or call 903-570-0364
Tanya Tucker. Fort Worth. Country. $12-$28. 9 p.m. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817.624.7117, www. billybobstexas.com.
One attending bride will win a Honeymoon Travel Gift Certificate valued at $1500* *Must be present to win.
July 22
Mostly Mozart. Tyler. Mozart and Haydn by pianist Judy Biondini, chamber orchestra, and singers from the Tyler Civic Chorale. Free. 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Rusk. 903.597.6317, www.tylercivicchorale.org.
July 26
Wesley Pruitt. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler.tx.com.
July 27
Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix. Canton. Plus food and full bar. Free admission. 5-9 p.m. The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days. 903.567.6020, www. millcreekranchresort.com. Chase McClanahan & New South. Ben Wheeler. Country/Southern rock/alt country. $5. 8 p.m. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com. Kimberly Torres Duo. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. benwheeler.tx.com. Mix N Matches Jazz Combo. Nacogdoches. 7 p.m. Hotel Fredonia, 200 N. Fredonia. 936.564.1234, www.hotelfredonia.com. The Voodudes. Kilgore. $5. 8 p.m. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141, http://thebackporchkilgore.com, claytons@cablelynx.com. Eleven Hundred Springs and Jason Eady. Dallas. Americana. $13-$20. 7:30 p.m. Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville. 214.824.9933, www.granadatheater.com.
July 28
East Texas Jazz Orchestra. Ben Wheeler. $15. 8 p.m. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com.
P U E R A SC N U F E M SO icana!
rs o C n i July 22, 2012
Sunday - Noon to 4:00 p.m. Watkins Wildlife Trophy Room is just one excitement awaiting Tyler Rose Garden Centeryour family in Corsicana. There’s also a new 420 S. Rose Park $8 Dr., million Tyler, TXfamily fun complex, the state’s oldest soda fountain and largest planetarium, sweets from fruitcake to small-batch chocolate For Registration Information, Visitfull of Texas oil history! and a barrel
www.easttexasweddingextravaganza.com or call 903-570-0364
Ben Lowery and Wes Hendrix. Ben Wheeler. No cover. 7 p.m. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheeler.tx.com.
Richard Bowden with Moon and the Starz. Linden. Country, rock, and comedy. $15. 8 p.m. Music City Texas, 108 Legion. 903.756.9934, www.musiccitytexas.org.
www.visitcorsicana.com/family One attending bride will win a Honeymoon Travel Gift Certificate FREE BOTTLED WATER valued at $1500*
@ VISITORS CENTER WITH AD
*Must be present to win.
JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 25
Visit
Attention Artists!
...a straight shot to Cedar Creek Lake
July Fest and Concert in the Park July 7, 2012
e Jewett Economic Development Corporation is now accepting entries for our next art season.
ART TRAIL
9 a.m. to midnight featuring
Stoney Larue Vanilla Ice Charla Corn Chris Weis Fireworks Display 10:00 p.m.
•
FOOD • ARTS & CRAFTS • SINGING CONTEST General Admission - Presale $10.00 or $15.00 at the gate • Seniors 55+, students, and military $7 pre/$15 gate 5 & under free Tickets at Gun Barrel City Hall or online at www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net
We AIM
to please!
903.887.1087
www.gunbarrelcity.net www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net
26 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
Entries and jury fees are due by August 1, 2012. Selection will be completed by August 15, 2012. Entry form can be found at JewettEDC.com.
Kilgore’s Shy Blakeman Gets Ready for Live at Billy Bobs Recording July 6 By Tom Geddie As a teenager at the popular open mics for singer-songwriters at Poor David’s Pub in Dallas, Shy Blakeman was the barefoot kid with the didgeridoo. That’s the long, deep-droning “pipe” indigenous to Australia for the past 1,500 or so years. Yes, Shy was a little different from the average guitar-toting musician. Different enough that, honestly, staff and some of the other musicians didn’t hesitate to joke among themselves about the raw, young Kilgore native. He was a classic example of a musician who moved to his own drumbeat. That was somewhere around the year 2000; in 2006, Shy made it to the finals of the “Nashville Star” TV competition, although his atthe-time long hair and his bare feet didn’t go over well with the judges or the voting public and he was “booted” off in the first round. In May of this year, Shy won a “Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” competition against a strong field of regional country and so-called Texas country-rock/Red Dirt musicians, and will record his first live album on July 6. The contract with Smith Music Group makes him the 43rd artist to record a Live at Billy Bob’s Texas album, joining the ranks of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Pat Green, Jason Boland, Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Brandon Rhyder, Cory Morrow, and last year’s contest winner Josh Grider.
and I was rebelling against that. But I realized it was the avenue for me.” Not that he’s gone strictly traditional or even strictly Texas country, however that might be defined. He’s packed three albums into the past few years, Downtown Women followed by The Southern Roots Revival and most recently 2010’s Long Distance Man. The title song and the second track, “So Many Honky Tonks (so little time),” on that one sound like Shy is trying to fit the round peg into the square hole. But he begins to excel on the third track, a nice version of Rusty Wier’s “Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance,” on Matt Powell’s bluesy “Dragon Fly,” and Ted Russell Kamp’s Dixieland-ish “Old Folks Blues” with its suggestions for having a good ol’ time — for a while. “A lot of people called that my alternative album,” he said. “I became comfortable in my own skin. I was no longer writing or recording based on what I thought listeners would like. I put in all the things I love about music: gospel, blues, Stax and Motown R&B with the horns, the Celtic — Appalachian music — because that’s what started country music as we know it.” That was a couple of years ago. On July 6 at the famous Billy Bob’s honkytonk in the Fort Worth stockyards, he said, he and his band, The Converts, are going to do the same sort of thing.
It’s heady territory for Shy, who went on from the Dallas open mic to learn his trade in his hometown, in Longview, and in Tyler before spending some time in the punk and ska clubs of New York and coming back to the region.
“We’ll come in and do the songs I love to perform and want to put out there and keep alive,” he said. “They are going to have a strong country foundation with a lot of jazz and blues and soul and R&B and gospel, coming in with a full horn section. We’re just going to make great music.
The open mic in Dallas was his real starting point.
Don’t expect a didgeridoo, though.
“That’s where I was introduced to the whole scene,” he said. “I started finding all the open mics I could, and Poor David’s Pub was the first place I ever played in public. I learned how to get comfortable in front of an audience. You can be the best in the world, but if you can only do it in your room nobody will know about it.” Poor David’s was also the first place he ever heard of the blend of country and rock known as “Texas country.” “I was more into punk and ska, but about that time was growing unhappy with it,” he said. “I was getting a little bit older and looking for something a little more mature. My dad played country back in the 1970s and 1980s
“That’s what it’s all about: the experience of the music. Whatever you call it, as long as you hear something in it that you love, that’s what we’re going to try to accomplish — try to build on Long Distance Man and carry it a little further out.” Shy said he had a chance to sign a national contract after the “Nashville Star” TV show, but that he values his independence. “I’m not against (having) a national, mainstream audience as long as I can do what I want to do,” he said. “They wanted me to be a Keith Urban type. I turned that down and made my own record. I got to do everything I ever wanted to do on an album, and it was the greatest experience of my life. Now I can con-
tinue, and hopefully people will love it and spread it to their friends. “I really want to use this Live at Billy Bob’s album as a springboard to a more national audience. If mainstream picks it up, awesome, but I want Texas to define me and not confine me. If we can get out there and make our music, that’s great.” Shy still praises his home region. “I grew up in Kilgore, and if it hadn’t been for that tight-knit musical community of Longview, Tyler, and Kilgore I would have never learned how to be in a band or lead a band,” he said. “Some of the older guys showed me the ropes and put me through the ringer in that local scene, or I would have never learned how to be the artist I am today. I’ve had more experienced musicians in my bands who’d been there and done it, and I learned a ton from them. That was a blessing.” JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 27
music NOTES By Tom Geddie
There’s more to come.
Congratulations to Adam Brown & the Triple Crown Band for making it into the top 10 in the “Live at Billy Bob’s Texas.” Adam was born in Hawkins, grew up in Kilgore, and now lives in Tyler. He and the band do rock, top 40 country, and Texas country music. The band’s first CD is Close Your Eyes, recorded at Rosewood Studios in Tyler.
“This is only a sampling of the lineup of entertainment. I have invited some of the friends we’ve met through the years and will be adding more of these to the list as it gets closer to show time,” Tommie said.
Adam got his first guitar – one that had belonged to his father, who died when Adam was only two – when he was five years old after seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan on TV. He started playing in local bars at the age of 10, constantly learning different kinds of music.
Smart phone users scan here to hear Adam Brown & the Tripple Crown Band performing “Texas Sky” for the Libe at Billy Bobs contest.
Triple Crown Band members are veteran lead guitarist Woody Woodruff, bass player Roy Hufstetler, and drummer Brian Johnson.
Catch the band on July 14 at the East Fork Club in Yantis, on July 20 at Mardi Gras Seafood in Mount Pleasant, and on July 28 at Eddy’s in Athens.
A country CD that’s getting national attention is Kin, a collaboration between Songwriter Hall of Fame member Rodney Crowell and New York Times-bestselling poet and memoirist Mary Karr. Each grew up in the Houston area in what might be called dysfunctional families. They didn’t know each other at the time, but met later.
The event will be held at the Carthage Civic Center, and tickets are $60. Call 903.693.6634 for more information.
Mozart’s in the air, too. So is Haydn. And it’s free. For the first event of its 2012-2013 season, the Tyler Civic Chorale invites the public to attend – at no charge – the performance of a collection of instrumental and choral music by Wolfgang Mozart and Franz Josef Haydn. The concert will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, in the recently renovated sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Tyler at 230 W. Rusk. A professional chamber orchestra and guest piano soloist Judy Biondini will offer concertos by the two composers. A schola cantorum from the Tyler Civic Chorale will sing movements from Haydn’s “The Creation,” an oratorio completed in 1796. When translated from the Latin, “schola cantorum” means “singers’ school.” The cantorum will be a group of 12 singers from the full 50-voice chorale, conducted by artistic director Donald Duncan. For more information, go to www.tylercivicchorale.org or the chorale’s Facebook page, or call 903.597.6317.
Pauline Reese was named entertainer of the year and female vocalist of the year at the 10th annual Texas Music Awards, which gave out awards in 27 categories in Linden. One of those
Crowell charted five consecutive number one hits from his debut album, Diamonds and Dirt. What many people don’t know is that Crowell attended Stephen F. Austin University in the early 1970s until he dropped out because he was performing six nights a week in Nacogdoches, Longview, and Marshall in the Upper East Side of Texas.
28 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
Richard Lee has been named music director and conductor of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. Richard has signed a three-year contract with ETSO, and will provide artistic guidance for the orchestra. Richard was selected from more than 170 applicants for the position. The search began in late 2010 under the direction of nationally recognized orchestra consultant Henry Fogel, with the formation of a search committee composed of East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association board members, ETSO musicians, and community members, chaired by Greg Smith, who became ETSOA board president in June, 2011. The committee directed the process through multiple phases, culminating in the identification of the five conductors, including Richard, who led the orchestra during the 2011-2012 concert season. “We were delighted with the community involvement in the process,” said ETSO Executive Director Nancy Wrenn. “Everyone was engaged and enthusiastic throughout this past season.” Born in Vancouver, Richard lives in Toronto. He currently serves at the resident conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He is the orchestra’s 10th music director and conductor, succeeding Per Brevig, who left the position in May 2011 after nine seasons with the orchestra.
The 15th Annual Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Show isn’t until August 18 in Carthage, but it’s a good idea for fans of classic country to get tickets before it sells out. Rather than inducting new artists, show producer Tommie Ritter Smith has compiled an all-star lineup to perform in concert. The lineup includes Jim Ed Brown, T. Graham Brown, Helen Cornelius, David Frizzell, Johnny Rodriguez, Jeannie Seely, and T.G. Sheppard – all Grand Ole Opry veterans.
ETSO Chooses Lee As Director, Conductor
Michael O’Neal of Paris won the Academy Award of Distinction for his record “Learning as I Go” at this year’s Texas Music Awards in Linden.
The East Texas Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1936 as the Tyler Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra begins its 20122013 season on September 22, 2012.
was a lifetime achievement award for pop icon and Tex-Mex music legend Joe “King” Carrasco, who took the stage with an impromptu band and put on an outstanding show with his exciting guitar playing and his famous antics, which included jumping off the front of the stage and running up and down the aisles while playing guitar. Carrasco also climbed into the crowd, walking the tops of the old church pews still being used as seating inside the Texas Music Barn and finished the show with a stunning jump from the top of the venue’s elevated drum riser, which is reported to be the tallest drum riser in Scan to hear Lou Ann Petty Texas. perform “Fallin’.” Among the 2012 award recipients are Paris’ Michael O’Neal, winning the Academy Award of Distinction for his record “Learning as I Go;” and Lou Ann Petty from Commerce won an Artistic Excellence award for her song “Fallin’.” For more information, go to www.texasmusicawards.org.
Kacey is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on her debut album, which she is co-producing with Shane McAnally and Luke Laird. Her debut single will be released later this year.
MILL CREEK RANCH RESORT 2102 N. Trade Days, Canton Texas
Pool-view with light bar foods, cocktails, beer and wine July 6 - Josh Hamman of American Jenny July 13 - James Derek Chitty July 20 - Matt Bradshaw July27 - Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix
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Mineola’s Kacey Musgraves — who is also now a Universal Music Group Nashville recording artist — will open for Lady Antebellum in select cities on their record-breaking Own The Night 2012 World Tour in Europe this summer. “Kacey is a really talented singer/songwriter, and we’re just big fans of her music,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley. “Keith Urban was gracious enough to invite us to Australia with him a few years ago, so we know what a big opportunity it is for a new artist to be able to go tour overseas. We’re excited to take Kacey with us.”
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Home of the Hamburger Presents Ten Things to do in Athens This Summer Surrounded by lakes and a beautiful East Texas countryside, Athens, which legend says is the first place to ever see a hamburger, has some great things to offer for outdoor activites. Here are 10 in no particular order.
There’s something happening at the fairgrounds nearly every weekend. Located on Hwy. 31 East, the complex sits on 68-acres and consists of a 4,500 person capacity arena which hosts rodeos, concerts, horse shows, livestock shows and more.
Explore underwater treasures in the beautiful blue waters of this spring-fed lake. Athens Scuba Park is open to scuba divers, snorkelers and swimmers. NOTE: Due to the heavy increase of traffic at this time, the park is currently open only to scuba divers. Others may swim and snorkel only if accompanied by a scuba diver.
Cain Center & Cain Park
Gracie Burton catches her first fish at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Courtesy photo.
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful 85-acre Cain park and surrounded by beautiful oaks and pines, the Cain Center is a complete fitness center offering complimentary access to visitors staying overnight in Athens’ hotels simply by showing their hotel room key. The park has an 18-hole disc golf course, walking/jogging trails, playground, and a catch and release fishing pond.
door enthusiasts and is best known for its largemouth bass. A boat ramp, marina, restaurant, and picnic area are also available.
Culture, Shopping & Entertainment
Berry Pickin’, Winery Tours, and the Farmer’s Market
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center Located next to Lake Athens, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center offers 300,000 gallons of aquaria with native Texas fish, a daily dive show, fishing, tram tours, an alligator exhibit and wetland trails to go exploring. No fishing license is required and all bait and tackle are furnished.
Lake Athens This 1,799 acre lake is located on FM 2495 and offers a variety of water sport activities for out-
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Thee Hubbell House 30 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
square, the museum is housed in the historic Faulk-Gauntt Building. First built in 1896 as a grocery store, exhibits on the first floor continue to emulate a turn-of-the-century dry goods store while the second floor is a recreation of an early law office, parlor, bedroom, bath, kitchen, and schoolroom.
Henderson County Regional Fair Park Complex
Athens Scuba Park
In East Texas, summertime means time for berry pickin’ and fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market is open from 8 a.m. to Noon each Saturday through the summer and is located in the city parking lot in downtown on N. Palestine Street. Tara Vineyard & Winery, located six miles north of Athens, offers winery tours and tastings every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. or by reservation.
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended PLAY news and event listings.
East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society One hundred acres of wooded beauty, trees, flowers, and wildlife await your discovery at the East Texas Arboretum. Walk along the springfed streams connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge and visit the historic Wofford House Museum, built in the 1800’s.
Henderson County Historical Museum Located one block north of the downtown
Downtown Athens is dotted with quaint art galleries boutiques and restaurants. After a day of shopping, take in a performance at the Henderson County Performing Arts Studio or attend a local concert.
NY-TX Zipline Adventures Atop the highest point in Henderson County at Shultz Mountain Ranch, the NY-TX Zipline Adventures has the longest zipline in Texas at over 900 feet and over 100 feet above the ground! For more information about Athens, including restaurants and lodging, visit www.AthensTX. org or call 888-294-2847.
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Kilgore Offers a Variety of Choices for Weekend Getaway By P.A. Geddie On a recent trip to Kilgore, I found so many things to see and do that I decided to stay overnight to experience more. I stayed at the Comfort Suites on Highway 259 N which I can highly recommend — clean room, good price, decent continental breakfast, and there’s a Chili’s restaurant conveniently located in an adjoining parking lot. Photos, clockwise, beginning at right. After a little shopping at great stores in the downtown area like J & Co., Expressions Cards & Gifts, and the fabulous Two 0 Five Fine Furniture & Interiors store, I stopped for lunch at Nanny Goats Feed Bin. Their menu includes salads, wraps, classic sandwiches, paninis, burgers and more. I went for The Hot One, roast beef on a Kiaser roll topped with provolone cheese and “horsy” sauce. I was not disappointed.
tailed history. The East Texas Oil Museum is absolutely worth a trip from anywhere to learn about oil discovery and production in the early 1930s in the largest oil field inside U.S. boundaries. I will definately be back to learn more. Friday evening I met a friend at The Back Porch restaurant for some grub and good music on the outdoor patio where we heard some great blues and classic rock by Remedy Stick. The Back Porch has live entertainment in a variety of genres every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and a full menu to choose from. We could have stayed there for the whole evening but I wanted to check out the music that takes place every first Friday in the World’s Richest Acre Park. People bring their lawn chairs, blankets, and refreshments and enjoy music under the oil derrecks and the occasional train that goes by just a few feet away only ads to the ambiance.
From there I went to the Rangerette Showcase Museum on the Kilgore College campus and was very impressed at the displays that pay tribute to “the most sought-after collegiate performers in the world.” They’ve been around since 1940 and still going strong.
In addition to an active downtown area that you can enjoy just about any time, Kilgore has special events and festivals throughout the year. This month the Texas Shakespeare Festival takes place through July 29.
Across the campus is another museum that words cannot begin to capture its exquisite displays and de-
For more information about Kilgore, call 866.984.0400 and visit www.kilgorechamber.com.
JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 31
LIVING room Floating Shelves Provide Simple Way for Storage By Ryan Hanson Storage always seems to trump style in every instance of shelving. Typically, every home has a shelving arrangement in at least one room that has two things going on: 1) It’s serving a great purpose to store items and 2) It’s not very pretty to look at. This isn’t a huge issue in your laundry room, or pantry as you’re probably not entertaining people in these spaces. However, if you are looking to add some storage to your living, dining, or kitchen space — this article is right up your ally. Floating shelves have been around a long time and have a proven track record. What makes a floating shelf different from other shelves is they appear to have no supports, legs, or fasteners attaching them to the wall. They are very simple to construct and can incorporate a unique, personal style without compromising on the all-important purpose of organizing or storing items. They can be built out of a large array of materials, and can be finished out to not only compliment the room they are installed in, but add a definite design element too.
reasonable price, and some for free. This is the basic construction method and can be tweaked to whatever you want, need, or just desire. If you plan on having someone cut your materials for you, have a “cut list” prepared before asking. Each shelf has three main pieces, the top and bottom and the “sandwich” piece in the middle. The top and bottom are exactly the same dimension and the middle piece is ¾ inch smaller on all 4 sides. Glue these 3 pieces together ensuring the middle piece is centered.
Mount shelf to mounting strip. Once strip is on the wall, slide shelving unit onto it and fasten with screws from the bottom side of the shelf. Make sure the screws are long enough to go through all the 3 layers of wood, but not poke out the top! Some helpful hints are: Use a high quality glue for assembly. I like to use an industrial strength construction adhesive. If you plan on using screws, make sure you predrill the first layer of wood, and drill a countersinking void so you can cover up the screw heads later before finishing. If you plan on cutting your own materials, use a table saw with a fence (guide), or if you use a circular saw, make sure you clamp a guide to your material to ensure straight, clean cuts.
Assemble the two support brackets. In this example, I made the brackets 8 inch x 8 inch and bordered each side with ½ inch pieces of trim. This is important, as the top side of this trim is where the bracket is fastened to the shelving unit using screws and glue.
This particular shelf is modular, meaning you can make as many brackets, and shelving units as you want and mount them together as shown here:
Construction: This is very simple DIY (Do it yourself) type project. You will need some glue, nails, or screws, level, and a plan drawn out on the medium of your choice (go ahead, use a cocktail napkin for this one). Determine how large you would like your shelves. You will need to know how long, deep, and how much space on the wall you would like to utilize. What type of material would you like to use? If the shelves are going to painted, use half inch or five/eighths inch MDF board. If you would like them stained, pick a wood type that suits your preferences, or matches what you already have. Cut your materials. If you have some tools, you already know how to do this. There are many hardware stores that will cut your lumber for you for a
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This is a very simple two-shelf unit and much smaller than the one used in the example. You can incorporate and build as many different units as you desire, and they can all be different dimensions. Install the mounting strip. This is what makes the shelves float. This strip fits snuggly in the groove in the back of the shelving unit and is fastened to the wall prior to installation. Make sure you use a level to position the strip as it will determine exactly where on the wall the shelf will sit.
Ultimately, if you are looking for a cost effective, and simple way to add storage and design to a high visibility area, floating shelves might be the way to go! For more home or business construction ideas, visit www. EasyHanson.net.
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GRITS & GOURMET
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended EAT & DRINK news, events, and articles.
Fair View Ranch 13702 S.H. 43, Tatum 903.836.BEST (2378) Mon.-Tues. 5-9 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Review by Jeremy Light Few experiences in life rival the sizzle of steak and a convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy it. Though chain establishments like Outback Steakhouse and Texas Road House offer these, the results are, for the most part, mixed. And generally not worth the often heavy price tag. Stray off the beaten path (I think some guy named Frost said that one time) and make your way to Tatum, Texas. There you will find both quality food and atmosphere so conducive to proper digestion at a place called Fair View Ranch Steakhouse. On my first visit, I had the lowest of expectations. I assumed I was in for a photocopied journey to a “tried and true” steakhouse. I was immediately disavowed of that notion as I was greeted by a friendly and prompt service staff. And although the wait for a table was around 20 minutes, the time spent was well worth it. Fair View seats diners on a first come-first
served basis with no reservations. This is a little disappointing, but is certainly not a deal breaker. You are likely to wait for your dinner, but it’s worth it. Fair View has what I would call standard décor for a steakhouse. Tables and surroundings are comprised primarily of wood, most of which looks hand-hewn. Various images of icons like John Wayne and The Most Interesting Man in the World (I’m sure you have seen the commercials) adorn the walls and the lighting gives the whole place a yellowish tint without being glaring. Still, it’s hard to notice the surroundings when
Best of the Upper East Side of Texas 2010, 2011 Best Steaks and Best Restaurant
you are treated with excellent service, i.e. prompt, swift, and competent. My previous experiences rival those of most restaurants I regularly visit. I know I will not have to wait for menus, my order to be taken, or my food to be delivered accurately. My compliments to the entire staff of Fair View. But why wait any longer to describe the centerpiece: the food. Honestly, I could go to Fair View strictly for the appetizers. The bleu beef bites are marinated slices of beef cooked to order with a perfectly seasoned bleu cheese fondue. An excellent accompaniment is the rich, creamy broccoli cheese dip which should be included in its own food group. It is served with fresh, fried tortilla chips. After partaking of these, you may not want the main course. But of course you will. Allow the slow-roasted prime rib to melt in your mouth like a hot pat of butter and a finish of smoke and meaty au jus. Just try it. Words can be so inadequate sometimes. If you’re feeling famished, the 24 ounce porterhouse or the 22 ounce bone-in rib eye are sure to satisfy the raging carnivore inside. Smaller cuts are available as well. Also, be sure to try an entrée that’s never grazed. The fried shrimp (it used to be tempura and should be again) is crisp and flavorful and the salmon with garlic lemon butter is really good.
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 $24.95
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34 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
You can also try some old standbys if you are indecisive about steak or seafood. Offerings include chicken fried chicken, grilled pork chops (these are absolutely wonderful), or stewed beef tips. Further, you might also try one of a variety of sandwiches such as bacon avocado, grilled chicken, prime rib dip, or turkey parmesan melt. These are certainly tasty but the star of the show is the steak. After all, that’s probably why you decided to show up. You can also enjoy a favorite drink at the bar or at your table. You can even have glass of wine while you wait for your table. You might also enjoy a perfectly sweetened pitcher of sangria as an addition to your meal. It is perfect for those sultry Texas nights when all you want to do is kick back and relax with the family or a group of buddies.
I also enjoyed the personal touch. Wes Fair himself is likely to visit your table just to say hello or ask how everything turned out. Very personable, the owner has certainly taken the time to ensure your experience will be memorable in every way that counts, particularly food quality and service. I am fortunate that I only live a fast 20 minutes away from Tatum. It is a destination I look forward to every weekend. We have a truly welcome addition to our piney woods home, so, Fair View, keep the steak sizzling and the sangria cold.
Snowflake Bakery & Deli 522 Hwy. 79 S, Henderson 903.657.4124 www.liangsrestaurant.com Review by Patti Light On her new album, country singer Carrie Underwood has a song called, “Thank God for Hometowns.” In it she talks about the settling and welcoming effects of small hometowns. My hometown is Henderson, and as long as I can remember Snowflake Bakery has rolled out fresh baked breads, sugar glazed treats, and a feeling of friendliness no matter where you are from. Located at the intersection of Highway 79 and 259, Snowflake sits on top of a hill in a small strip center. It is open each week day from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Saturdays 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday hours are limited and for travelers wanting to experience lunch you must come on weekdays. The doors open to a sunlit bakery with cases full of cream horns piped with a light sugar cream, fresh baked snicker doodles and loaves of homemade jalapeno cheddar bread rest atop the lit glasses ready to be carried home. In the mornings, the metal case behind the counter is weighed down with piles of doughnut holes, chocolate crullers, and cinnamon rolls so big and gooey they need their own subdivision in Henderson. The coffee is always fresh and the conversation is free. The staff is always busy and buzzing around. Snowflake’s lunch is a hidden gem that more people need to enjoy. Each week they feature
a sandwich, like Chicken Fried Ranch Wrap or a Sweet Turkey Club. I will say if you call or drive by and the sandwich feature is the Monto Cristo, get there!! I have eaten Monte Cristo sandwiches across America and this one is one of my top picks. It is not fried, which makes it lighter and instead of offering the sweet raspberry jams as a side dollop it is your condiment. The sandwich bursts in a sweet, cheesy bite as soon as you sink your teeth into it. The bakery also offers a lunch special every day. Specials range from a hamburger plate to chicken spaghetti and come in at under $8. Tables are full at lunch and the bakery can be a bit loud, but it is fun to see a mix of oil field workers and ladies-who-lunch enjoying the same simple and wholesome fare. It reminds me a lot of lunch at Taste Buds in Mineola. The hamburgers are large, so bring an appetite. You can choose from cold and hot sandwiches — the club is a classic with crispy bacon. Snowflake offers everything to go as well, which means you can thrill officemates and a sick friend with yummy lighter lunches. Cakes and pumpkin rolls are legendary from Snowflake and in the holidays you will see their signature treats and confections around East Texas. The artistry of their special occasion cakes and especially their groom’s cakes with dipped strawberries is only upstaged by the lightest cake inside. Hometowns are for keeping us grounded and focused, but also for keeping our memories full of good friends, laughs and food. I invite you to my hometown and a minute of relaxation at Snowflake Bakery.
Jefferson’s Lamache’s Changes Hours Lamache’s Italian Restaurant inside the Historic Jefferson Hotel recently announced their new hours of operation. They are now open for lunch and dinner every Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunches feature new and old subs and sandwiches including the Ida Chicken Salad, Italian Sausage Sub, and the Chicken Parmigiana Sub. New menu items include Italian Nachos, Fried Ravioli, Pasta Salad, torellini-Italian Sausage Soup,
Chocolate Bread Pudding, and Italian Rum Cake. For more informatin call 903-665-6177 and visit http://historicjeffersonhotel.com/ lamaches.htm.
Uncle Juan’s and Luigi’s Open in Atlanta The downtown region of Atlanta, Texas, has been booming with new businesses opening their doors. Of these new businesses, Uncle Juan’s Mexican Restaurant and Luigi’s Italian Restaurant are a couple of the local’s favorites that have rejuvenated the town’s development. “We have a couple new businesses in the downtown area,” Lisa Thompson, Head of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce said. “I think that anything that stays open later than five is a benefit because it gets people to walk around and utilize the space and buy things, which is good for our economy.” Several people in the Atlanta community are dedicated to the betterment of the downtown area. Whether they are business owners or supportive citizens, they understand the importance of stimulating the town’s economy and making Atlanta’s downtown appealing to consumers. “It is always good to be part of a team,” Thompson said. “I came to the Chamber of Commerce in November, and right away, I could tell there was a synergy going.” Due to teamwork and willingness to succeed, Uncle Juan’s and Luigi’s are not the only establishments that have recently celebrated Grand Openings. “Other businesses that have opened in Atlanta include Sunday’s Best Soda Fountain & Gift Shoppe, Subway Sandwiches, Roman’s Pizza, and the Mexican restaurant, El Jimador,” Thompson said. — Alia Pappas
THE WHIFFETS
by Vern Dailey
JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 35
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FEEL GOOD Bob Moore Encourages Walking to Help Get Fit By Tom Geddie Bob Moore weighed 210 pounds when he was in the 8th grade and 253 pounds when he was 34 years old. Ten years ago, when he was 70, he was standing on a beach in Panama City, Florida, with his feet in the water when he had a personal epiphany. “I said that if I keep on eating and drinking like I was, and not exercising, where am I going to be in five years? I knew I’d be dead. I knew I had to change.” Today? “I’ve never felt better in my life. I get a good night’s sleep, and my philosophy is to live every day like it’s my last, and plan for tomorrow like it’s forever.” The six-feet-tall, 80-year-old now weighs 166 pounds and has became an evangelist of sorts for turning his adopted hometown, Canton, into the walking capitol of Texas. For the past six years, he’s averaged walking 3.5 miles a day. “That’s something like 15 million steps and 7,400 miles or so,” he said, as measured at www. walkertracker.com. “Every day. I have missed no days of walking something since June 12, 2006.” Before he retired — and sometimes since — Bob has been a motivational speaker, real estate guest lecturer at eight different colleges, an insurance salesman, and a business management teacher at Trinity Valley Community College. He moved to Edom in 1985 and to Canton about 10 years ago. His health regimen is, on paper, simple:
Bob Moore and his walking companion Gracie. Bob weighed 227 pounds when this inset photo was shot in 2006; at 166 pounds today (right), he is in great shape.
healthy rule I’ve ever read, people live longer and don’t have diabetes, heart attacks, cancer, and Alzheimer’s if they follow those three things.” While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, following those rules does greatly cut down the risks of those and more. “Here’s my payoff,” Bob said. “My blood pressure has gone from 205/104 in the late 1980s or early 1990s down to the 160s and 170s in 2006 down to 121/62 at my last physical in January. The doctor says I ought to shoot for 115.” Bob pointed out that national surveys show more than 30 percent of the nation is obese.
2. Exercise right.
“It’s taking us down, breaking the bank,” he said. “That’s what this health deal is all about, particularly with the kids.”
3. Rest right.
Bob’s passion is getting people to walk.
“I work to get a gallon of water down a day,” he said. “Coffee counts. No sugar drinks at all. My diet is on the outer shelves of Walmart and Brookshire’s — anything that’s not processed. That’s fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, fresh protein which is any kind of meat and fish. I drink a fistful of protein (supplement) and eat a handful of carbs and a thumb full of fat.
“We have to start someplace, and everybody can walk,” he said.
1. Eat and drink right.
“There’s nothing magic about it. In every living-
Bob’s walking companion is Gracie, a part retriever, part Rhodesian ridgeback. He never intended to have a dog, but it showed up at his house as a “little tiny puppy” in late 2005 after the region took in survivors of Hurricane Rita; local churches would not let the refugees bring pets into the shelters, he said.
“If I’m not moving out of bed at 5 in the morning, Gracie’s paws on the bed are waking me up,” he said. Bob is still hoping to get Canton recognized as the walking capital of Texas. “I was daydreaming, and wrote a proclamation for it,” Bob said. He based the proclamation on statistics from the monthly First Monday Trade Days, saying the event draws an average 180,000 people a month and that the average person walks at least a mile and a half. “That’s more than five billion steps a year. I wrote all the whereas, whereas, whereas.” Besides his walking quest for Canton, Bob is excited these days about a $737,323 grant presented to the North East Texas Public Health District to develop fit living initiatives in Smith, Van Zandt, and Wood counties, part of a fiveyear program. “If Smith, Wood, and Van Zandt counties do it right, we can brand ourselves as kinda the health awareness capitol of Texas, which opens up grants for walking paths. If we do it right, older people will start saying it’s a good place to live. Every four seconds, a baby boomer turns 50 or 60, and the older people are living longer. We’ve got to start taking care of ourselves, and we’re on the cutting edge of it: more water, better nutrition, and good nights’ sleep. I’m kinda excited about it.” JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 37
bookmarks Honesty, that is her policy and she is very honest about her life in this memoir. She does not ask you to agree with her path, but walk it with her. You will be surprised that love does happen at first sight and a track suit can be armor against hate. Jane does not make this book about fame or grief. She makes it about one woman who has been blessed to experience all that and more. In the epilogue she says, “The way I see it, these accidents of fate were actually my life taking care of me.”
Happy Accidents: A Memoir By Jane Lynch Reviewed by Patti Light “I also learned how I made things much harder on myself than they needed to be. I have my own deep, dark places, but the message coming out of it is that it’s all a choice on whether you suffer through your life. That’s very much what the book is about.”
May we all be that lucky.
Gleek: A fan or admirer of the TV sensation Glee as produced by Fox studios for prime time. Insert my picture here. I am a Gleek!!! It makes my husband bonkers, but I dance and sing through my DVR recorded season of Glee as much as I can. I fight my way to nationals as much as the students do on the show, but I know his secret too, he loves Sue Sylvester. She makes him gleeful. Sue makes anyone laugh and that is the acting genius of Ohio’s own Jane Lynch. I was so excited to read this memoir and it being a gift from my husband made it so much more of a delight. I have been following her career since she appeared in the comedy film, Best in Show. This book really is a great Hollywood memoir, as opposed to some fame-seeking, career-reenergizing stuff being published of late. Actually, if anyone needs more fame or publicity right now it is not Jane. She is everywhere. She is a spokeswoman for at least four national brands, a host of several shows, and of course a TV star. She works all the time it seems. This memoir proves that her work effort is not a new trait. The memoir is not one of an unhappy person; above all else Jane wants the world to know she is a blessed woman. Her parents make me laugh. Her admiration and love for her father is something that as she begins to live after his death makes your heart break. She is truly a little girl lost and I can relate with that. Her honest resounds, “The grief came in waves and has never completely gone away.” Jane describes being part of an allAmerican family with the wit of the comedic guru that she is. She is a natural storyteller and that is what keeps the pages turning for anyone reading her book. Happy Accidents: A Memoir is very forthcoming about
her fears in life. Her need to be heard as the middle child leads to an unexpected acting effort that has now enamored the world. She is also very honest about her demons in life including her fear of failure and her battle as an alcoholic. But she looks at each of those fears and as she gets to the woman she is today — she has glared each of them down and dealt with them. That is why you believe her when she says she is happy and content. Her affection for the events that led her to success in her fifties is a great moment for the Lynch fan. She truly loves being Sue Sylvester and a member of some of the most beloved moments in TV history from Two and Half Men to The L Word. As she is describing working on each guest appearance, I had forgotten how many times the American audience had fallen in love with this actress before they “discovered” her in Glee.
New officers for the Literary Club of Cedar Creek Lake are (L-R) President Lucy Smith, 1st Vice President Rosalie Randall, 2nd Vice President Gerri Lucy, Secretary Jeanne Hight, and Treasurer Rita Mills. The club meets at the Cedar Creek Lake Library Community Room in Seven Points.
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir By Jenny Lawson Reviewed by Jeremy Light Sometimes truly horrifying and/or embarrassing moments are the fodder for our collective laughter. Renowned bloggess Jenny Lawson certainly cements this fact with her new (mostly true; her words, not mine) memoir Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir. What makes it even better? Most of it is about her upbringing in rural Texas. Lawson vividly (and profanely) describes her youth and some truly bizarre moments with her family. One of my favorites is when she recounts a fight with her sister Lisa. She receives advice on being normal and fitting in from Lisa. Mundane as this might sound, her sister is wearing a bird costume, their high school’s mascot. This is just begging for a movie. I have to be honest that I would love to meet Jenny Lawson. She’s got the manic, hyperactive personality that must surely be a sight to behold. I hesitated about a third of the way through the book, wondering how exactly she got it published in the first place. It is not that she is a bad writer. Far from it. However, her style (which is virtually identical to her blog) is to jump from one topic to the next, quite often with no transition. It is
38 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
very conversational, a style I like. Readers more accustomed to more disciplined writing might find this work off-putting. It was tailor-made for me though. Lawson also reminds us (in the title) that the events in the book are mostly true. I am not quite sure what this means. Whether that is simply changing names to protect the innocent or actually making up stories (she does offer photographic proof for several of these anecdotes) is anyone’s guess. Actually, I’m not sure I really care. If any of the events are made up, they are certainly interesting enough to read and laugh out loud. The scene where she loses a turkey baster inside a cow is delicious (maybe poor choice of word given the story’s content). I won’t spoil it for you by telling you how it got there. That’s part of the fun. Let’s Pretend is never dull. At times you might find her talky, non sequitur method of prose to be overused. I felt that from time to time. It almost seems as if she is transcribing verbatim every fragment from her mind, and then writes them down using stream-of-consciousness. Stream? Make that a river. The Amazon, to be more specific. She admits in her book (somewhere) that it is best read in short sittings (she literally suggests the bathroom; I’ll leave it at that). Sound advice. You may find yourself growing weary at the flitting nature of the writing and, as one reviewer puts it, wonder how much of this stuff she is making up. I am also never quite sure how to take the manner in which she writes about herself. It is hard to tell whether she is sincerely this manic or if it’s all a gimmick designed to appeal to readers with short attention spans. This type of writing may appeal more to those who read or write blogs. If it is a gimmick, it’s quite brilliant. If not, it’s still brilliant. Let’s Pretend is definitely not trying to win awards for insight. Sometimes the point of a story is simply to make us laugh. I did. Out loud. And numerous times. So much so, that I now follow her blog, thebloggess.com. I suppose the book did its job. I am now a follower. She does not make fun of Texas so much as she does not shy away from it. And does not apologize. Maybe that is what makes this book so interesting. No apologies. Just funny. Laugh, or don’t. She probably doesn’t care.
Busy Summer Planned At Library in Longview
The Longview Public Library hosts a variety of free programs and activities throughout the summer to inspire reading and learning. Activities include the Summer Reading Club, Texas Teens Read, a Scholastic Book Fair, Toddler Storytime, weekly live shows, and movies.
poetry & prose summer time listen to the children giggle, as they run and play. the water is cool, and they’re out to stay. with the sun overhead nice and hot, they’ll stay in the water looking for a cold spot. they chase the ducks that are out for a swim, they try to catch up but they’re out on a limb. the lake seems to drain them and they do play hard. even their appetite picks up as they let down their guard. summer time is for kids as they play and splash but as the sun goes down they’re out like a flash Judy Sanders, Brownsboro
Friend Each morning with the rising sun, And at the close of day, Our friendship is there to cheer me, And help me on my way. It matters not to me, my friend, Which way the four winds blow, Nor will it change our friendship, Which way the rivers flow. Some friendships are like ocean waves, That cast upon the shore. They come in strong and strike with force, And then they are no more. Some friendships can be likened to The lovely Morning Star. They are always there to guide you And help you cross the bar. When your life down here is over, You start around the bend, Look back, you’ll see me coming. Please wait for me, my friend. Shirley Lollar, Linden
Counting My Blessings The alarm clock sounds it’s morning again and counting my blessings is how I begin Counting the trees and counting the land counting my house more humble than grand Counting the rabbits and counting the dogs counting the pond sounding with frogs Counting the chickens and that takes a bit counting the goats so full of tricks Counting the owls squirrels and cats counting the snakes coyotes and rats Counting my husband and the love he shares feeling the warmth of knowing he cares Counting my friends so few but so dear counting my courage and my loss of fear Feeling so fortunate in every way counting my blessings takes longer each day As the moon rises high and I drift off to sleep I’m counting my blessings instead of sheep Jody Hanulya, Wills Point
“While the kids might think they’re amusing themselves, adults know informal reading in the summer maintains and even increases children’s reading skills. We’re looking forward to offering this beneficial program to the children and youth of Longview and surrounding areas,” said Assistant Director of Community Services Kara Spitz. The Summer Reading Club, through July 30, is for kids age 5-12. Kids will receive a small weekly continued Page 40
by Vern Dailey JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 39
bookmarks
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended ARTS: LITERARY news and event listings.
LONGVIEW continued from Page 39
Terri Hendrix said, “This collection is pretty amazing.”
prize if they read or are read to at least 15 minutes each day in the prior week and a paperback book of their choice to keep, at least one coupon from a local business, and will be entered into a prize drawing for two $100 gift cards from Academy Sports and other prizes donated by local businesses.
His other books are a novel, “For She Was Once The Thief Of Time;” short fiction “He Dreamed Fragments” and “Seemingly Discontinuous Ramblings;” essays, “Love and Masks and Ghosts;” music criticism, “What Texas Music Really Is;” and the poetry collections “I Love the Woman Who Lights the Stars Each Night” and “Stolen Lies.” He also has a spoken-word CD, “27 Pieces of Silver.”
Texas Teens Read, through July 27, is for ages 1318. The theme is “TSI: Realm of the Unknown!” Teens who read eight books of their choice will receive a paperback book of their choice, their names will be entered into a prize drawing, and they will be invited to the “Library After Dark Lock-In.”
In addition to writing for County Line Magazine and Dallas-based Buddy Magazine, Tom teaches creative writing workshops at libraries, schools, and other venues. For more information, call 903.963.3788.
Throughout the summer, all kids are invited to watch a movie at the library each Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Each Thursday will feature a new or classic family friendly film. Patrons are not required to register for the reading clubs in order to participate in the various summer activities. All programs are free, but space is limited. Daycares and other groups are encouraged to make advanced arrangements to attend in order to be guaranteed seats. For more information about the summer Youth services or events, call 903.237.1345 or go to www. LongviewLibrary.com.
County Line Writer Publishes Eighth Book
County Line Magazine contributor Tom Geddie’s new book is “When the Beauty of the Dancer,” his third collection of poetry and his eighth book overall.
LITERARY EVENTS Every Thursday
Story Time for Preschoolers. Van. Preschool children, parents, and caregivers get together for stories, crafts, songs, and refreshments. Free. 10-11 a.m. Van Community Library, 310 Chestnut. 903.963.7942, vancommunitylibrary@texascellnet.com.
Flying Fish Gallery in Ben Wheeler will host a book signing by Tom during the Second Saturday 279 Art Jam much of the day on July 14. Tom’s free verse poetry has drawn praise from a number of sources. Readers call his work “exquisite and poignant” (Cathy Gould) and filled with “wry wit, random insights, and vision” (Sarah Clarke). Tyler artist and teacher Derrick White commented, “Your writing is poetic, philosophical, down to earth, visual, and interesting,” and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter
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40 • CountyLineMagazine.com • JULY 2012
Poetry Reading. Winnsboro. Local poets. Free admission. 6 p.m. Winnsboro Emporium, 316 N. Main. 903.342.6140, www.winnsboroemporium.com.
Through July 27
Summer Reading Club. Tyler. 20 hours of reading earns a book from the Get a Clue Book Cart or the Book Nook. All ages may participate. Free. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College. 903.593.READ, www.tylerlibrary. com.
July 1
Texas Writers’ Network. Tyler. Informal gathering of writers and aspiring writers for mutual support, critique, and networking. Free. 2 p.m. Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College. 903.593.READ, www.tylerlibrary.com.
July 11
Tract & Friends. Longview. Juggling. Free. 10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton. 903.237.1345, www.LongviewLibrary.com.
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Book Signing. Ben Wheeler. County Line Magazine contributor Tom Geddie signs copies of his new book of free verse poetry, When the Beauty of the Dancer. Free admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Flying Fish Gallery, 1537 FM 279. 903.963.3788.
July 20
Tyler State Park Ranger. Longview. Free. 10:30 a.m. Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton. 903.237.1345, www.LongviewLibrary.com. Open 24/7 • Full Menu Breakfast anytime
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Live Music 8-11 p.m. *Exceptions
Formerly the town’s mercantile store since 1933, Moore’s Store is now a hopping restaurant and live music venue. The menu features award-winning burgers with house-fried potato chips, daily plate lunches (Tuesday-Friday), veggie wraps, salads and crispy, hand-made “fried” pies. Beer and wine available. Open Sun., Tues., Wed., 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., Thur. 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri..-Sat. 10:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. Kitchen closes 10 p.m. 13 & up welcome with an adult after 8 p.m. Fridays 6-7 p.m., burger-and-abeer $7. 903.833.5100.
7/6 Ben Lowery & Texas Express (Country Dance) $5 7/7 Brad Ward & 69 South (Country Dance) $7 7/13 Danny Hollis Band (Country/Classic Rock) $7 7/14 Nate Kip & The Road (Texas Country) $7 7/20 Ben Lowery & Texas Express (Country Dance) $5 7/21 Steve Carpenter Band (Traditional Country) $7 7/27 Chase McClanahan & New South (Country/SouthernRock/Alt.Country) $5 7/28 East Texas Jazz Orchestra (Big Band/Jazz *7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) $15 Karaoke Thursdays 6 p.m.
Live Acoustic Music, 7 p.m. No Cover Delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. Variety of beers and wines. Open Wed. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Thurs. 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri./Sat. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. For info, call 903.833.5970.
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Business • Education Community • Events • Podcasts Live Broadcast 10 a.m. Mondays Available via Podcast and iTunes
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7/19 Patrick James Freden 7/20 Meredith Crawford 7/21 Heather Little 7/26 Wesley Pruitt 7/27 Kimberly Torres Duo 7/28 Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix Every Saturday, Bluesman, Craig Wallace 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Save These Dates! • 279 Second Saturday Art Jam, July 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Artists, galleries, music and more all along FM 279 in Ben Wheeler and into Edom. • Ben Wheeler International Model A Day will be revin’ up Ben Wheeler festival grounds and its downtown area, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with hundreds of old-school autos expected from various clubs throughout East Texas, Dallas and Ft. Worth. We’ll keep you posted on how to participate! • Ben Wheeler Fall Feral Hog Fest 2012: Pigs on Parade Oct. 26 & 27. More info, click on the Hog Fest tab at benwheelertx.com.
Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation www.benwheelertx.com • 903.833.1070 JULY 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 43
These three words embody the vision of Beacon Hill ...
LUXURY. The attention to detail in land planning amenities and landscaping has created a work of art on the Cedar Creek Lake shore. Whether you own a water-front, hillside lake view, or interior pond home site, you see the luxurious
• All homes have water view • Private marina • Luxurious temperature-controlled party rooms • Fully lighted 900-feet jetty/observation pier • Fun on the water lifestyle • Gated entry • Bird sanctuary • Unique water landscaping features
touches in everything from the front gates to water features.
LAKE. Beacon Hill also boasts a state of the art marina with a breakwater jetty and our iconic beacon. Care was taken to create boatable waterways to the main body of the lake so residents can enjoy all that Cedar Creek Lake has to offer.
COMMUNITY. Beacon Hill offers a unique opportunity for both the weekend boater and permanent resident because of its proximity to Dallas. Over the next few years as homes are built at Beacon Hill, a vibrant community will emerge and create something very special. Luxury. Lake. Community. Beacon Hill.
For reviewing, pre-reservations, or additional information, call Beacon Hill Properties at 903-498-LAKE (5253) www.LiveAtBeaconHill.com
Just 45 minutes from Downtown Dallas