County Line Magazine August 2012 by County Line Magazine

county line UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXASTM

AUGUST 2012

M A G A Z I N E

ballet west’s

Beckanne Sisk

DON WILLIAMS MAX STALLING RAFAEL ESPINOZA charlotte brown EMORY HERITAGE PARK MAGICAL MUSIC BOXES mystery in stone www.countylinemagazine.com

Early Morning Stretch by Tawanda Sarirenti

Complimentary Copy to subscribe see page 16

ART • MUSIC • PLAY • POETRY • FILM • BOOKs • home • wellness • FOOD

Thursday-Sunday before the first Monday of every month!

Aug. 2-5 • Aug. 30-Sept. 2 September 27 - 30

Monday, September 17

The Midtown Men Thursday, October 4

Sinbad

Tuesday, October 16

Broadway Rox TRAHc presents...

Saturday, November 10

Satisfaction

Thursday, December 13

Cirque Dreams Holidaze Celebrating 32 Years of Excellence Full Series (7 shows) available to everyone now! Series 4-Pack on sale to TRAHC Members – July 13th; General Public July 29th

te xarkana r eg i o na l a r ts & h um a n i t i e s C o u n c i l 2 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

Saturday, January 26

A Chorus Line

Thursday, February 28

Biloxi Blues

903.792.4992 trahc.org

county line Since 2000

MAGAZINE

Publisher & managing Editor P.A. Geddie administration Lori Easley emarketing Leah Lynch

Contributors Patti Light Jeremy Light Tom Geddie Pam Boyd Bombyk Alia Pappas 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 in select businesses, limited to one copy per reader. Subscription costs: $18 per year in Texas, and $22 per year outside Texas. Bulk rate postage paid at Ben Wheeler, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. Contents COPYRIGHT 2012 County Line all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.833.2084 E-mail: info@countylinemagazine.com Website: www.countylinemagazine.com. Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling 903.833.2084.

Serving the Upper East Side of Texas Printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, It’s exciting times for the County Line these days as we continue to get more fans for the eMagazine. If you haven’t checked it out yet please do and sign up to post events and businesses and keep us informed of the treasures you find in the Upper East Side of Texas. We have quite a few of them to share with you here this month. Like the “Early Morning Stretch” sculpture on the cover there’s a lot of people in this issue who seem to have the strength of a rock and stretch themselves to the limit to accomplish their goals. Beckanne Sisk is no stranger to hard work and we learn about her early days with the Longview Ballet Theatre and her talent that’s taken her to Ballet West in Salt Lake City and TV shows like Breaking Pointe.

Another inspiration is 15-year-old Charlotte Brown, blind since childhood, who doesn’t let anything keep her from doing what she loves — track,pole vaulting, ping pong, her strong determination keeps her winning awards on a regular basis. I enjoyed meeting sculptor Tawanda Sarirenti from Zimbabwe and look forward to his return to East Texas for exhibits and workshops early next year. I am inspired by these people that found the strength to follow their dreams and leave you with these words from my “best friend” Don Williams’ song, “Heart of Hearts:” Just listen to your life, it’s talking to you There’ll always be a light that’s running through you Flowing from a well that never runs dry. P.A. Geddie Publisher & Managing Editor

LETTERS Thanks County Line, for the June issue’s great story on my favorite country artist, Ray Price. As a wannabe songwriter with a few cuts by several wanna-be new artists, I was really inspired by this 86-year-old artist’s never-give-up attitude. I am not a singer nor so inclined, but his story gave this 82-year-old new courage to keep plugging away at the written word. Thanks Ray. Vern Dailey, Wills Point My husband and I are RVers who are workamping at a local RVpark (May 15 until the end of July). I found your magazine at Brookshires and between the chamber downtown furnishing us with information and your magazine, we have truly been able to explore your area. We have gone to the Rose Garden, Camp Ford, the Oil and Gas Museum in Kilgore, the American Freedom Museum in Bullard, the display done by the First Calvary from Ft. Hood in Crockett, the Tomato Fest in Jacksonville as well as the rodeo, the play Sylvia in Edom, the play Oklahoma in Wills Point, Canton Trade Days the end of May and

June, the train depot and museum in Mineola, and gone blueberry picking in Echo Springs. We have sampled Mayhaw jelly we picked up in Alto, toured the Tyler Aviation Museum and visited a number of cafes and restaurants ranging from BBQ, Mexican, Italian, and down home buffets in Tyler as well as surrounding areas. Now that I have picked up the July issue, we look forward to doing as many things as we can until we leave. The soda fountains look inviting as do several other things that are going on in the area in July. We have truly enjoyed being in the area visiting with family, working, and making new friends. Fred and Selma Bettis Punta Gorda, Florida NOTE from Editor: In response to setting up an account to list events on the new County Line eMagazine: Done! I love this service! Linda Gray Tyler Public Library AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 3

CONTENTS



FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Bright Ideas for Success, Community Beauty Awards, Wood County Contest, Veterans Roundtable, Transportation Grant, Longview Partners in Prevention, Ernest J. Scott High School Historical Marker, Longview Driver, Back to School Bash, Ben Wheeler Fish Fry Firefighters Fundraiser. CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 15 Calendar of Events The Arts 17 Art News. Events. Workshops. Music 18 Take Ten: Max Stalling 19 Rafael Espinoza Named a Top Berklee Musician By Tom Geddie 20 Music Notes: Johnny Lee, Mel Tillis, Earl Thomas Conley, The Old Firehouse, Texas Jazz with Poet Dave Oliphant, N’Awlins Gumbo Kings, Jackson Browne. 22 Music Listings

8 Blind Determination Keeps Teen Winning Blind since childhood, 15-year-old Charlotte Brown doesn’t let that stop her from winning awards in track, high jump and other sports. By Tom Geddie

10 Ballet Star Visits Longview Beginnings Longview Ballet Theatre alum Beckanne Sisk took some time off recently from her position with Ballet West to visit with students at the Studio for Creative Arts in Longview. By Tom Geddie

12 Mystery in Stone Revealed in East Texas From Zimbabwe to Athens, Tawanda Sarirenti shares his beautiful sculptures and teaches others in the region how to find art in rocks.

27 And So It Goes with Don Williams By P.A. Geddie FILM 20 News. Events.

38 Food News. Events.

20 LAST REEL By Jeremy Light

PLAY 40 Step Back in Time in Emory Heritage Park By Ine Burke

On Stage 29 Stage News. Events. LITERARY SCENE 32 News. Events.

44 See Music Boxes in Sulphur Springs By Tom Geddie SHOP 42 Shopping News

30 Reviews 31 Poetry & Prose 33 The Evolution of the Summer Read By Alia Pappas LIVING ROOM 34 Make a Plan By Ryan Hanson

By P.A. Geddie

The Musician by Zimbabwe artist Sydney Majengwa

SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

Grits & Gourmet 36 Reviews: Julian’s in Tyler, Caffe Tazza in Tyler, and San Pedro’s in Chandler

43 Canton Shop Offers Own Clothing Line By Alia Pappas

FEEL GOOD 46 NET Health, Baby Boomer Diet COVER: Early Morning Stretch by Zimbabwe sculptor Tawanda Sarirenti.

ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Registration Now Open For Bright Ideas Confab

Registration opens September 1 for the Bright Ideas for Success Conference scheduled November 9 in Tyler. The conference for non-profits includes emerging trends in fundraising, leadership, boards, volunteer management, social media, marketing, and public relations. A variety of breakout sessions will be presented by professional leaders and consultants, and the luncheon features Paul Vitale, nationally recognized speaker and author. The conference is presented by United Way of Tyler. For more information, email dfranks@uwtyler.org.

Seven Communities Win Beauty Awards

A number of communities in the Upper East Side of Texas won Gold Star Affiliate awards from Keep Texas Beautiful. KTB, a statewide grassroots environmental and community improvement organization, conferred the Gold Star Affiliate award on just 43 of KTB’s more than 370 Texas affiliates in 2012. Gold Star recognition is the highest status any community affiliate can achieve.

Two toddlers become friends during a memorial ceremony in July on the grounds where the last battle between the Cherokees and white soldiers of the Republic of Texas Army took place in 1839. For more information on the Battle of the Neches and Cherokee Chief Bowles see www.aics1839.com. Photo

by Ine Burke

Creek, Tyler Recycles Day, school tours and talks at the recycling center, working in partnership with the Smith County Juvenile Services and the Wesley Foundation, sponsorship of the Tyler Against Graffiti Program, and numerous cleanup and litter prevention efforts.

These awards recognize outstanding communities that have successfully implemented programs to prevent litter, reduce waste, beautify community areas, and educate local citizens last year.

“We are very proud of the recognition from Keep Texas Beautiful for not only beautification projects, but for the work the board does to educate, involve and advocate sustainability in our community,” said Phyllis Carlyle, Keep Tyler Beautiful board chair.

Honored were Angelina County, Athens, Henderson, Longview, Lufkin, Tyler, and Whitehouse.

For more information, call 1.800. CLEAN.TX or visitwww.ktb.org.

Keep Tyler Beautiful was awarded its sixth consecutive Gold Star Affiliate award, and was recognized for sustained excellence for the eighth consecutive year. Some of the programs Keep Tyler Beautiful was responsible for in 2011 include the Texas Trash Off cleanup of Rose Rudman Park and Mud

Win Prizes in Wood County Contest

Anyone who goes to the Facebook or web site of the Wood County Industrial Commission might win two free fishing poles or a free overnight stay at Oak Ridge Marina at Lake Fork. WCIC is involved in tourism and eco-

nomic development, and wants more people to see what’s up. The “Big Lure Ticket” contest is an effort to do just that, in conjunction with the slogan “The Lakes of Wood County, Beyond the Lure of Big Fish.” “We are going to increase our push marketing for the Wood County branding project. If the public doesn’t know how to find us online, then they won’t know what we are about in promoting tourism and business commerce in Wood County,” said Chana Gail Willis, executive director. “Who would have known that we have at least 87 named lakes in the county,” she asked, rhetorically, urging visitors to also see historic architecture and museums, arts, listen to live music, and attend other live performances and festivals. The county is home to 50 miles of Texas Forest Trails, a growing wine industry, more than 50 historic markers, an arboretum, equestrian trails, a 4,000-acre nature preserve, and more. continued Page 6 AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 5

ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE AIRPORT continued from Page 5 The web site links to individual communities’ sites and includes a printable road map, as well as a demographics and profile report for businesses to use in their marketing and operations plans. For more information go to, well, www. WoodCountyTX.com or www.Facebook. com/WoodCountyIndustrialCommission, or call 903.768.2402.

Veterans’ Roundtable Makes Progress in Tyler

The Mayor’s Veterans Roundtable, established in May 2011 to develop and implement a community blueprint to supporting and enhance veterans’ services in Tyler, focuses on employment, education, housing, medical care and mental health. Smith County is home to nearly 18,000 veterans as well as a Super Armory and the Texas Veterans Home that opened in November 2011. The economic impact of veterans to the Smith County economy is estimated to be $60.8 million annually. “Since the creation of the Veterans Roundtable, significant progress has been made toward enhancing the relationship between veterans, their families and the Tyler community,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “The members of the roundtable have worked tirelessly to ensure Tyler’s veterans have the resources they need available to them. I am very pleased with the progress that has been made in one short year.” The mayor said significant gaps remain to be filled through more focused planning and coordination. “Veterans have service and sacrifice for others in their DNA and the veterans and community roundtable give them the opportunity to continue to serve in making things better, not only for our veterans and their families, but for the entire community,” said Major General John T. Furlow, U.S. Army retired. 6 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

Transportation Grant Helps Veterans, Others

Longview Committee Widens Mission Scope

The grant is to establish a one-stop regional transportation call center to provide a resource for transportation and mobility information in the 14-county East Texas region. The regional call center is a major component of the Smith County Regional Coordinated Traveler Management System which will be located in Smith County.

“We are excited about our broadened mission statement and direction, as the Longview populace continues to diversify year after year and has evolved a great deal since the committee’s beginning,” said Keeta King, staff liaison to the Unity and Diversity Committee. “While improving race relations is still a primary focus, the committee also recognizes other hurdles along the journey to community harmony and trust. With changes made, the committee hopes to diversify its membership to include community members of various racial, cultural, religious and social backgrounds to reflect the population dynamics of the community.”

The East Texas Council of Governments in partnership with the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority, Smith County Commissioners Court, NDMJ, LLC Transportation, and EasTexConnects has been awarded a $231,000 Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative capital grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Texas Department of Transportation.

The purpose of the center is to increase the value of transportation assets to veterans and other East Texans and in the long term to reduce congestion, enhance safety, improve air quality, and expand economic opportunity. Providing better coordination of regional transportation, the one-stop regional call center will enable more efficient use of transportation investments and assets, especially customer service personnel and communications infrastructure. The center will include joint dispatching operation capabilities and offer all residents of the region, particularly veterans and those with mobility challenges, a streamlined service to help meet mobility needs. It will provide information from GoBus, Longview Transit, Tyler Transit, Amtrak, NDMJ, Greyhound, regional Medicaid transportation services, and local private taxis and shuttles in the East Texas region. With transportation information and the capability to dispatch, East Texas veterans and residents will have improved service that provides time-effective and convenient transportation options for travelers. For more information, call 903.984. 8641 x221.

The City of Longview Partners in Prevention’s Race Relations Committee has a new name, the Unity and Diversity Committee, and a new mission statement, which reads, “The Unity and Diversity Committee seeks to overcome barriers to the full inclusion of all community members by: protecting human rights, challenging discrimination, and celebrating diversity and commonality.”

The committee was formed in 1995 by community members concerned about the lack of open and honest dialogue about race relations in the Longview community. Members were committed to continuing critical examination of the state of race relations in the local community, state, and nation. It hosts the annual unity honors banquet highlighting notable members in the community who have demonstrated leadership in promoting racial harmony and understanding. The committee also hosts the annual Multicultural Festival, which allows thousands to come and celebrate the culturally diverse dynamic of Longview, and the twice-ayear World Café, a small group format used as a platform for open, honest, and civil conversation about important community issues. For more information, call 903.237.

1255 or go to the Partners in Prevention website, www.pip.LongviewTexas. gov.

J. Scott High School Gets Historical Marker

The old Emmett J. Scott High School in Tyler has been awarded a historical subject marker In accordance with the Tyler 21 North End Action Plan. That’s a three-year program to promote local historic landmarks at North End locations important to the city’s history. The Reflections Program encourages citizens or interested organizations to submit nominations for the designation in the North End as Tyler historic landmarks, Tyler historic subject markers or half mile of history markers. The original high school in Tyler for African-Americans was established in 1888 in the old West End School building on S. Herndon, a four-room structure for grades one through 10. When that building burned in 1921, school sessions were held in city churches until a new building was erected in 1923 at N. Border. In 1949, what began as a four-room school with a graduating class of four students became Emmett J. Scott High School on W. Lincoln (now M.L. King Jr. Blvd.). The school included 26 classrooms, an administrative suite, library, cafeteria, shop, auditorium, gymnasium, and band hall. The school closed in 1970.

Ace Longview Driver To Compete in Road-E-O

City of Longview Sanitation Division employee Cris Hudson took second place in a statewide driving competition to qualify for the September 15-16 International Road-E-O competition in Lexington, Kentucky. The competition allows sanitation truck operators the opportunity to showcase their maneuvering, parking and safety skills. To make it to the state level, Cris won the local Road-E-O competition hosted by the City of Longview Sanitation Division on May 30. At the statewide compe-

tition held in Denton on June 16, Cris placed second. “Drivers from all over the state competed to show their skills in safely and efficiently operating a garbage truck. We are very proud that Cris represented Longview so well by placing second in this challenging competition,” said Sanitation Division Manager Dwayne Archer. For more information, call 903.237. 1250 or go to www.Sanitation.LongviewTexas.gov

Back to School Bash Helps Emory Rains Kids

The “Back to School Bash” on August 4 in Emory is set aside for family fun and entertainment and to collect school supplies for the needy children of Rains County. It includes various sports, tournaments, music, and entertainment at the park off Hwy 69 next to the public library. Activities include tournaments – for ages 16 and older – for four-on-four touch football, softball, three-on-three basketball, four-on-four grass volleyball, and BMX/mountain bike races for grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. All of the activities are co-ed. Admission is free, and hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with most of the activities between 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The activities and tournaments require a small paid registration fee along with a backpack of donated school supplies to contribute. Limited vendor space is available for the cost of a donated backpack of supplies. Various local artists will perform and KKVI 89.9 FM will broadcast live. It happens at Rains Heritage Park, 410 Tawakoni. For more information, call 903. 441.5658 or go to www.birdwellsports.com.

Ben Wheeler Holds Fire Department Fundraiser

Ben Wheeler Development Company and Door Control Services have teamed up to raise funds for the Ben Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department by holding

a Fish Fry Fundraiser, Saturday, Aug. 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Forge Beer Garden on Farm-to-Market 279 downtown. For just $5, guests can enjoy live music and a dinner plate loaded with southern favorites including fried fish, fries, hushpuppies, beans, coleslaw, all the fixings and iced tea. Tickets for the dinner plate can be purchased at the door. All proceeds raised will go directly to the fire department. There’s limited seating, but lawn chairs are permitted. Hot weather is not an issue. “The outdoor pavilion where the event will be held has a system of high-pressure misters and ceiling fans to keep everyone comfortable while they eat and listen to Ben Lowery & Texas Express. I expect a large enough turnout to be able to hand our fire chief, Tony Ammons, a fat check,” said Ben Wheeler Development Company founder, Brooks Gremmels. The Ben Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the community since 1963. Hurley Ray Ammons and John Veazey were the original forces behind establishing the department with Veazey at the helm as its first fire chief. Ammons served as the second. Today, his son, Tony Ammons has taken the reins. Gremmels and Gilchrists felt it was time to put on an event to help such an important resource within the community. “The Ben Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department is the heartbeat of our community. This group has been serving and protecting us without pay and without seeking recognition,” Gremmels said. “These difficult economic times effect the operations of our fire department and this impact should be shared by the rest of us. The August fish fry is a small but important step in saying ‘thank you’ to the people who selflessly serve Ben Wheeler.” Pre-sale tickets are available for those who don’t want to purchase at the door and for those who can’t attend, but would like to make a donation to the fire department. Call 903.833.5815 ext. 208. AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 7

Blind Determination Keeps Teen Winning By Tom Geddie As a freshman, Charlotte Brown ran varsity track, competing in the 100 and 400 meters, the third leg on the mile relay, and both the high jump and pole vault; her best vault of nine feet, six inches is a school record. She also ran cross country and played on the freshman volleyball and basketball teams while ranking fourth in her class academically at Emory Rains High School. All of that is something to be proud of; there’s at least one girl in just about every school who is that accomplished. But it’s a safe bet that Charlotte is the only one who’s blind. As in almost off-the-charts blind. Like 20/-400 — that’s minus 400, and that’s the corrected vision with a contact lens and special goggles — in her right eye while her other eye can only tell the difference between light and dark. Seeing through her good eye is like looking through a coffee stirrer, she said, where everything is dark or light without any depth perception at all. “The left eye is just there for decoration,” she said. She compensates; “I figure out different ways to make things work.” In her classrooms, Charlotte uses a special camera that projects words onto a large TV screen to make them big enough for her to read. In cross country, a couple of her teammates wear small brass bells on their uniforms so she can hear them and know where they are. For the pole vault, she counts 14 steps as she runs and keeps her body aligned so that she will know where to “plant” the pole to launch herself into the air and across the bar without knocking it down, then lands on her back. On the freshman basketball team, the 5-foot-7 Charlotte played point guard, with her highest-scoring game being 12 points. 8 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

Charlotte Brown’s trophy case in her bedroom includes many medals and one new award that the school initiated last year for the student-athlete who demonstrates the best “fighting” qualities. It’s named the Fighting Heart award. There’s also a medal for academic achievement — all A’s. Photo by Tom Geddie

“My teammates will call my name when they pass the ball, so I know it’s coming. That’s good,” she said. “I always guard the person on top, coming down the floor with the ball. I listen when they cross over (midcourt) and go to steal it.” From time to time, that leads to a hard foul because somebody else is between her and the ball, leading to an unexpected collision. “Things get kinda crazy,” she said, smiling. And precise. “Her world is mathematics, and problem solving,” her mom, Stori, said. “She’s pretty incredible about compensating.

“When she’s dribbling the basketball down the court and goes in to make a beautiful layup, how does she do that? It’s very mathematical to her. She can’t see the net and she can’t see the backboard, but she sees the darkness of the suspension pole that holds the backboard up, and she knows right where the net is underneath it. “She practices so hard because consistency is so incredibly important for her,” Stori said. “She often stays after practice, and practices dribbling and free throws.” During the summer, she practices the pole vault and sprint starts. With a new vault pole, she’s already up to 10 feet, six inches — a foot higher than her school record — in practice.

She ranked fourth in the freshman class academically and, her mother said, laughing, “she’s going to want to improve that by three people.” Charlotte doesn’t have a favorite joke, she said, but she’s got a stock answer for people who ask her if there’s anything she can’t do. “I say it’s nearly impossible to find Waldo in those little books,” she said, “especially if there are 500 people in the picture and he’s the only one wearing glasses. Sometimes I question if he’s really in there. I try, but sometimes there’s no way for me to find Waldo.” Beyond that, Charlotte plans to go to college — Rice and Stanford are at the top of her wish list — to become a pediatric physician, perhaps, or a special education teacher. Blind since childhood, Charlotte Brown dunks a basketball from a ladder into a lowered goal just for fun. She told her mother who was standing nearby there were wasps in a niche where the basket is attached to the backboard. It wasn’t wasps, but dirt daubers, and they weren’t flying around but were just crawling around the hole. She heard them crawling. Photo by Tom Geddie

Charlotte had cataract surgery at four months old, and her sight went from bad to worse and back and forth for a while, but has stabilized for the past two years. She had cataracts removed as a young child and got artificial lenses in second grade that worked well until her sight began to decline again in sixth grade. The diagnosis is “undefined visual loss,” and the hopeful prognosis is that her vision, such as it is, won’t deteriorate further. The Browns and their circle of friends are important to Charlotte’s successes. Her mom teaches biology at the high school and her dad, Ian, is in healthcare sales. “They’ve never said I couldn’t do it,” she said. “My teachers have all been supportive.” “She is a pretty amazing kid,” Ian said. “She has tremendous adaptation skills, and we’ve never been the kind of family that wrings its hands. That’s not in our family DNA. We never say we can’t. Nothing is impossible; sometimes we just have to find a different way to do it.”

“She has been competitive since the moment she began crawling,” Stori said. “She does not like to lose, and she wants to always feel that she’s done her very best. Part of that is having two older brothers.” Lachlan, a senior, plays basketball and runs track. Gannon, a junior, runs track, throws the discus, and is a power lifter. “They really never give her a break growing up,” Stori said. “They play hard and are very athletic and competitive. They all compete against each other and cheer each other on.” Charlotte turned 15 on May 29, and returns to Emory Rains High School as a sophomore on August 27, with some definite goals in mind. “I hope to go to state in the pole vault and high jump, and I’d love to go to the Texas Relays in the mile relay again. That was a lot of fun. I’d love to go back to regionals for cross country, and I definitely hope to break the school record in the pole vault. And I would like to make all-A honor roll again.”

The sky does seem to be the limit for Charlotte. Already this summer, she’s added a foot to her school-record pole vault. And that may be the least of her accomplishments. n

For a really big catch cast your line in the County Line Call today to see how we can help you meet your needs for the most cost-effective, results-oriented advertising.

903.833.2084

countylinemagazine. com AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 9

Ballet Star Visits Longview Beginnings By Tom Geddie When Beckanne Sisk was a little girl, she wanted to be a ballerina. She was three years old, though, and too short to reach the barre at the Studio for Creative Arts in Longview. So she took tap and jazz lessons until she was five, when she was tall enough to reach that handrail that dancers — and dance students — use during warm-up exercises. As she grew up, she learned that ballet is not easy work. Audiences don’t see the sweat — the physical stresses and the boring repetition — and yes, sometimes the tears. The 2010 movie “Black Swan” showed — and certainly exaggerated — the emotional pressures that can accompany waking up in pain so many mornings after eight hours in the studio five or six days a week. Even on performance days, rehearsals can last three or four hours. Ballet is competitive, too, sometimes filled with ego and petty jealousies. After years of work to become a top dancer, careers are short, often ending in the early or mid 30s. But there are also moments of transcendent accomplishment and beauty. The recent TV show, “Breaking Pointe,” which prominently features now 19-yearold Beckanne, shared, even with its provocative title, a more realistic view of dance than that movie did, even with its reality show tendency to focus on the most dramatic people and situations.

Longview Ballet Theatre’s founder and artistic director Pat George Mitchell (left) and Beckanne Sisk greet one another after five years apart. Photo by Tom Geddie

In a way, it began 42 years ago when Pat George Mitchell, Beckanne’s first ballet coach, founded the Studio for Creative Arts and, two years later, the ballet company that has seen some of its alums go on to prestigious programs including New York City Ballet, School of American Ballet, the Martha Graham School of Modern Dance, the San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, and the Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. Beckanne left Longview for the Rock School when she was 14. Recently, she and Pat reunited for an afternoon as wide-eyed young dance students patiently waited for autographs and a few minutes with one of their idols. Pat said she knew very quickly that thenfive-year-old Beckanne was special.

Amidst the occasional drama, Ballet West artistic director Adam Sklute described Beckanne as “the good-natured little girl,” and praised her dancing.

“Beckanne Sisk is a dream kid,” she said. “Longview should be excited to see her turn into a butterfly with a lot of work. Greatness takes time and experience.”

Beckanne still isn’t at the top of the ballet world, although she’s fairly high up the ladder in her first year in the respected Ballet West; the positive TV exposure helps, too.

It takes hard work, too, Beckanne said, which made Pat smile.

Her success began in the compact studio in Longview and onstage with Longview Ballet Theatre. 10 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

“I pushed her,” Pat said. “I worried I was going to lose her. It came easy for her and repetition is very boring for a 13-year-old. She had lots of friends putting pressure on her. But from East Texas to Philadelphia she blossomed.

“Beckanne’s body is more flexible than most dancers’ bodies. They had teachers in Philadelphia who could work with that. A dancer has to be able to control that flexibility. It’s amazing how she’s able to, and learned to, control her moves.” She won a full-scholarship to the internationally prestigious Rock School, and graduated in 2010, spending one year with the incubator Ballet West II before moving to the “parent” company. Leaving her mom and four siblings at age 14 was hard, she said, smiling. “The first two years, I secretly enjoyed it, but I didn’t want my mother to know that.” In Salt Lake City, she’s already had prominent roles in several ballets, including the lead in “Don Quixote” as Kitri, the innkeeper’s flirtatious daughter who Quixote believes is the beautiful Dulcinea, the woman he’s seen in his dreams. “I liked her personality. She’s young and spunky and carefree,” Beckanne said. The TV show “Breaking Pointe,” a BBC Worldwide production that ended its first run in early July, was fun, she said. Promotions said the show “rips back the curtain on the inner workings,” “obliterates the notion that ballet is a dated art form,” and “shatters pre-conceived stereotypes about the men and women who give their lives to the world of ballet.”

Longview Ballet Theatre alum Beckanne Sisk took some time off recently from her current position as demi-soloist with Ballet West in Salt Lake City to visit and share some moves with students at the Studio for Creative Arts in Longview. Photo by Tom Geddie

“Beneath their perfect exteriors, these dancers have the toughness of linebackers, punishing their bodies to achieve perfection and dancing through injuries and pain,” promotions said, claiming insights into “the jealousy, competition, and intensity that exist behind the scenes.” There was some drama, sure, but, given the nature of so-called reality TV, there was more admiration than fireworks, perhaps. “I was a bit nervous because I knew our lives would be out there for the whole world to see,” Beckanne said. “Initially, I didn’t want to be on camera. It made me really nervous. But once they started featuring and interviewing me, it was really cool and exciting. It’s every little girl’s dream to be on TV, and to be a ballerina.” One soloist, Ronnie Underwood, said, “There’s a phenomenon that can come around sometimes that just blows everybody out of the water like 19-year-old Beckanne.”

when she first came here,” said another dancer, Katie Martin. “I think I wanted to not like her, but she’s so nice. You almost wish someone with that much talent was a brat, because then you would feel better about being jealous of her.” Beckanne wishes there had been more focus on the dancing itself, to help grow the art’s fan base. “We’re real dancers. We’re real people. The art isn’t appreciated enough, especially in the United States,” she said, hoping that the show is picked up for a second season to continue to showcase ballet. Between adventures — the end of the show’s taping, her finishing third in the Beijing International Invitational Ballet Competition and starting a summer job as a resident assistant at the Rock School — Beckanne spent a couple of rare weeks back home in Longview. “I miss my friends and family,” she said. “And Tex-Mex. They have Tex-Mex in Salt Lake City, but it’s just not the same.”

Her female colleagues “probably want to put glass in her pointe shoes,” he said.

She didn’t beg for the time off, she said, but she admits to pleading.

“I was really intimidated by Beckanne

What’s ahead?

“I like Ballet West. I like the artistic director and we agree artistically. I want to stay there and bloom,” she said. There is time — but not much — for personal lives in the competitive world of classic ballet. Some interests, such as writing and photography, are left behind with other childhood dreams. “I remember being here young and seeing all these pictures of dancers and wanting to meet them,” Beckanne said as the Studio for Creative Arts students waited patiently in the small lobby for her interview and photo session to end. “I can see myself in these girls, wanting to be a ballerina above all else.” She knows her time in the limelight is fleeting. She knows she might transition, like her first coach, Pat George Mitchell, back into the studio influencing those girls. In a way, she already does influence them. “Beckanne inspires them to work hard,” Pat said. “It’s a lot of hard work, and students always have a love/hate relationship with dance.” n AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 11

Mystery in Stone Revealed in East Texas By P.A. Geddie Towards the end of June renowned sculptor Tawanda Sarireni from Zimbabwe brought an exhibit called Mystery in Stone to Athens. Featured were many of his pieces and those of other artists from his country. He sold 11 pieces to some new friends in the region who were inspired by the work. “When you make a piece of art, it’s not something that you just create with your mind only,” Tawanda said. “You’ve got feelings and emotions in it. Sometimes you finish a piece of work and you really like it, but at the same time you want to be able to pay your bills, so you let it go.” The new owners are glad to have them and many stay in touch with the artist to see what he will come up with next. Tawanda uses several types of stone for his sculptures, all of which come from Zimbabwe — the name means “stone houses” and is derived from the Great Zimbabwe Site build

around 1700 AD. Primarily, Tawanda uses springstone. Many of the carving stones come from the Nyanga mountains or near the great dyke, a volcanic ridge running for hundreds of miles through the countryside — the longest linear mass of volcanic rock in the world. Tawanda says the rocks speak to him. “I think every rock is a sculpture. When you look in the sky you see clouds, see people and animals. That’s the way I see rocks. Only question is how possible is it to work on it and bring something out in it. “Sometimes I have to go around and find the rock for the piece that I want but most of the time the stone speaks to me more. You look at it and it calls you. The stone has got an image inside. It says, ‘reveal me to the world.‘ Show the world the hidden person in me. I get my tools and take off the unwanted parts and the sculpture emerges.” While in Athens Tawanda held a sculpting workshop. He brought springstone rocks from Zimbabwe and his students learned well. “I was very proud,” Tawanda said. “Some of them are painters, so it was very interesting to see them transition from a 2D to a 3D. They made very beautiful pieces.” Tawanda will be back in East Texas in February-March next year. He hopes to bring a special animals and birds exhibit to the East Texas Arboretum. The Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall has scheduled an exhibit and Tawanda will also do drum and dance workshops and school visits. For more information on Mystery in Stone visit www.mysteryinstone.com.

LEFT: A face reveled itself in the stone to Athens artist Charlie Bullock during his time in Tawanda’s workshop. RIGHT Top to Bottom: Tawanda Sarireni poses with one of his sculptures, Sea Diver; Tawanda is working on a piece called “Ballerina,” which he says is a tribute to all ballerinas in the world so it will have no face to avoid it looking like somebody; Athens artist Daniela Matchael poses with her workshop creation she calls Dusk and Dawn. Photos by P.A. Geddie 12 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

12 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

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

THE TIRE BARN INC. 13687 F.M. 206 TYLER, TX. 75709

903-597-1263

$70 PREPAID MASTERCARD WITH THE PURCHASE OF 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES. OFFER VALID AUGUST 9 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2012 • Family owned and operated • Known for our service • Fully trained professionals you can trust • Mounting • Free rotation for the life of the tire • Balancing

• Brake Service • Alignment • Oil Changes

Hours M-F 7:30 - 5 Sat 8:00 - Noon www.tbtyler.com

www.michelinman.com AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 13

AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 13

Kick Back. Relax. Let the County Line work for you!

FREE LABOR DAY CONCERT! Noted Berklee Blues Guitarist

Rafael Espinoza

September 1 8 p.m. Gazebo Downtown Mineola

Bring lawn chairs and refreshments.

August 18

ACOUSTIC MUSIC ON THE STREETS 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

Mineola Historical Museum 114 Pacific St (Hwy. 69) Thu–Sat 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Free. Mineola Nature Preserve 7a.m. until sunset Amtrak Texas Eagle Designated Daily Stop. Tickets: 1-800-669-8509

Experience Fine Dining, Shopping, & Lodging in Historic Mineola!

1.800.MINEOLA • www.mineola.com

Discover the East Texas Oil Fields of the 1930’s

Call today to see how we can help you meet your needs for the most cost-effective, results-oriented advertising. 903.833.2084 sales@countylinemagazine.com

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 • AUGUST 2012

903-561-2670 www.firemountainamusementstyler.com



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 Tuesday

Back to the Ballroom. Longview. Free. 6-7 p.m. Dance lessons presented by Longview Dance. Maude Cobb Activity Complex, 100 Grand. 903.806.8282.

Every Thursday

Brown Bag Lunch. Longview. Free live entertainment at Heritage Plaza; bring lunch or pick up $6 brown bag lunch provided by Texas Best Smokehouse. Noon-1 p.m. Heritage Plaza, Methvin at Green. 903.237.4040.

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.

Every Second Saturday-Sunday

Trade Days. Longview. Buy, sell, and swap sponsored by Longview Jaycees. Free admission. All day. Maude Cobb Activity Complex, 100 Grand. 903.753.4478. Millard’s Flea Market. Nacogdoches. Free admission. Dawn to dusk. 6020 N. Street. 936.564.4490.

Every Third Saturday

Pavilion Sale. Mount Sylvan. Local artists and vendors outside under Mount Sylvan Coffee House’s pavilion. Free admission. 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 18788 FM 1804. 903.881.9444, mt.sylvancoffee@sbcglobal.net.

Every Third Saturday-Sunday

Nacogdoches Trade Days. Nacogdoches. Free admission. Dawn to dusk. 1304 N.W. Stallings (Loop 224). 936.675.4099, www.nacogdochestradedays.net.

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 12 -4 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. 1411 E. Lake, Tyler. 903.510.2312. http://www.tjc.edu/cesse

Check out the NEW eMAGAZINE www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended event listings.

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.

August 2 – 5

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 latenight shopping on The Mountain with live entertainment, restaurants, and overnight lodging. 877.462.7467. http://www. visitcantontx.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 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.

August 4

7th Annual Jacksonville Back to School Kids Health Fair. Jacksonville. This event is to help parents and families get ready for school, used & standardized dress clothes and school supplies will be given away. Teachers and aides from JISD will be on hand to help you learn more

about our schools, opportunities and requirements. Exhibitions promoting health, safety, and after school activities with tips from professionals and sometime to just have fun! . 9 am to 12 pm. Free. Norman Activity Center, 526 E. Commerce,. 903586-2217. www.jacksonvilletexas.com Back to School Bash. Emory. The Back to School Bash in Emory is set aside for family fun and entertainment and to collect school supplies for the needy children of Rains County. It includes various sports, tournaments, music, and entertainment at the park off Hwy 69 next to the public library. The activities and tournaments require a small paid registration fee along with a backpack of donated school supplies to contribute. Limited vendor space is available for the cost of the donated backpack of supplies. School Supply Donation and Fee for Activities. Rains Heritage Park, 410 Tawakoni Drive, 903.441.5658. http:// www.birdwellsports.com Twelfth Annual Wilderness Canoe Race. Frankston. From a starting point at Lake Palestine, more than 150 canoeists are expected to participate in the 22-mile scenic race down the Neches River Trail. The event is a scholarship benefit for future Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC). 8 am. $40; $30. Neches River, US 175 & FM 1892, Frankston. 903.245.9490. http://www.necheswildernessrace.com

August 11

Labor Day Celebration. Jefferson. Narrated day tours 2:30 and 4:30 plus picnic of hot dogs and chips and a free prize from the treasure chest. Active military ride free. Ghost Train 9:30 p.m. Historic Jefferson Railway Train Depot, 400 E. Austin. 866.398.2038, www.JeffersonRailway.com. Black Tie Bingo. Tyler. Heart of Tyler Fifth Annual Black Tie Bingo event is returning to the Roaring 20s, and we are inviting you to join us for the dazzling decadence and risque mystery of the HOT Spot. This event features four games of high stakes bingo, games, food and beverage and more! All proceeds go to Heart of Tyler, our community’s 501(C)3 non-profit organization solely dedicated to downtown revitalization. Shhhh...the location is a secret! We’ll give you the address to our speakeasy on your tickets! 6:30 - 11:00 pm. $100.00.. 903.593.6905 http://www.heartoftyler.com continued Page 16 AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 15

CALENDAR



CALENDAR continued from Page 15

Fire Department. $5. 6-9 p.m. The Forge Beer Garden, FM 279. 903.833.5815.

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.

Jefferson’s Inaugural Civil War Symposium. Jefferson. Since Jefferson played a key role in the Trans-Mississippi Department&#39;s military development, Jefferson was a natural location for hosting a Civil War Symposium during the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Guest speakers: Richard McCaslin, Ph.D, John C. (Jack) Waugh, John Nance, Mitchel Whitington and James Henry Davis. $40. 8 a.m. Jefferson Transportation and Visitor Center, 305 E Austin. 903-665-3733. www.visitjeffersontexas.com

August 15 - 18

Pioneer Days & Rodeo. New Boston. 8 am to 5 pm. Live music, food, and events celebrating New Boston’s heritage. http:// www.newbostontx.org

August 17 - 18

Athens MDA Benefit Pro Rodeo. Athens. Join us at our annual PRCA rodeo to benefit the MDA. Tickets can be purchased at our website www.smithprorodeos.com or by phone. This annual event attracts thousands and tickets will go fast. Henderson County Fairpark Complex, Hwy 31 East , Athens. 903-489-2652.

Pavilion Sale. Mount Sylvan. Local artists and vendors outside under Mount Sylvan Coffee House pavilion. 18788 FM 1804, http://mt.sylvancoffee@sbcglobal.net

August 24 - 26

Ink Life Tattoo & Music Festival. Longview. 12 – 11 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand Blvd. www.inklifetour.com

August 18

Fish Fry Firefighters Fundraiser. Ben Wheeler. Enjoy live music and a dinner plate loaded with fish, fries, hushpuppies, beans, coleslaw, and all the fixings and iced tea. All proceeds benefit the Ben Wheeler

August 25

Diamonds & Dice Casino Night. Longview. Longview Museum of Fine Arts largest

Looking for something FUN in Northeast Texas? Give yourself and others a full year of GOOD TIMES!

12 issues just $18

County Line SINCE 2000

Upper East Side of Texas

m a g a z i n e

Great idea for:

your home and business friends and family customer and employee appreciation gifts Name______________________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State ___________ Zip__________________________________ Phone_ ____________________________________________________________________________________

❏ $18 per year in Texas ❏ $22 per year outside Texas Total Payment $ ______________ Make checks payable to County Line Magazine ❏ Visa ❏

MasterCard

❏ Discover

Credit Card #__________________________________________________ - _________(auth. code) Signature ________________________________________________ Exp. ____________________________ Return this form with payment attached to: County Line, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 For more information call 903.833.2084 or email info@countylinemagazine.com

16 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

fundraising event of the year includes steak and chicken dinner from Golden Catering, blackjack and other games provided by the Knights of Columbus, silent auction and live auction, Casino Raffle, music, and more! 7 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand Blvd., Longview. 903.753.8103. The BugTussle Trek Car Club. Bonham. The BugTussle Trek car club comes through Bonham and stops to rest at the Creative Arts Center. These antique cars and their driver enthusiasts bring a car show right to our doorstep. The Trek plans to stop by at approximately AM. Free admission. Come see the cars and our gallery! Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5th St., Bonham. 903.640.2196.

August 31

Sharon Shriner’s Circus. Longview. 4 p.m. $16 adults; $12 children. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand Blvd., 702.456.2642. http://www.thejordanworldcircus.com

September 1

2nd Texas Extravaganza Bully Show. The 2nd Texas Extravaganza Bully Show will be at Maude Cobb on September 1st at 11am7pm. At the American Bully Show, these dogs compete in different categories for the Best In Show Confirmation. 11 am. $20. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand Blvd. 903.618.9195

September 7 – 15

63rd Annual Longview Jaycees Gregg County Fair & Expo. Free nightly entertainment and some of the most popular carnival rides, and a variety of carnival games. 6 pm. $5; children 6 and younger free. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand Blvd., Longview. 6: 903.753.4478..

September 8

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. 4th Annual Fire Brigade Classic Car Show. Classic Car Show. 10 a.m. Jefferson Transportation and Visitor Center, 305 E Austin, Jefferson.. 903-665-3733. http://www.visitjeffersontexas.com

the arts ARTS EVENTS Every Second Tuesday

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.

Every Wednesday

Children’s Art Classes. Bonham. Age 7 3:304:40 p.m., ages 8-12 4:30-5:40 p.m. learn art history, painting, watercolor, and more from Carolyn Cook Fauble. $30 per month. Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5th.. 903.640.2196. www.creativeartscenter.us

Every Thursday

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.

Every Friday

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, creativeartscenter.us.

August 1 - 25

East Texas Regional Artists Exhibit. Longview. Wednesday August 1st at 10:00 am see works by Don Auderer, Beverly Boren, Blou Powell, Winifred Simon, Warren Taylor and Carol Woolley weekdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12 – 4 p.m.; Longview Museum of Fine Arts , 215 East Tyler Street,. 903.753.8103.

August 3

LandMarks Exhibit Opening Reception. Bonham. Exhibit runs through August 31. From a sketch or photo to the canvas, producing a painting is all about commitment, discovery

The Dragonfly framed by Chestnut Trees is a composite photo by Denise Green of Bonham, one of the Creative Arts Center’s artists of the month. While traveling in England she found two chestnut trees that had grown together forming a totally enclosed window that allowed her to shoot up from the ground looking at the beautiful blue sky. When she returned home, she made a “pinwheel” from that photo which gave her a centered, balanced frame for another photo. She wanted a natural image for this frame and decided upon a dragonfly she found sitting on her car’s radio antenna. and development, with some skill thrown in. See what the artists in the Art Is&hellip; study group produced as they inspired one another. Facilitated by Dr. Marilyn Todd Daniels, Art Is..began as a seminar and ended up a journey for the artists who participated. 6 - to 8 p.m. Free.Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5th St. 903.640.2196.

Through August 6

Macro: The Art is in the Details. Tyler. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 12-4 p.m. Saturday. Free. Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin. 903.593.6905 www.downtowntylerarts.com

August 1 - 31

Summer Art Classes. Longview. ArtWorks Creative Learning Center offers a varying array of art

classes in different media each morning and afternoon for students of all ages. Consult website for a full display of classes. ArtWorks Creative Learning Center, 215 East Tyler Street. 903.753.8103. http://www.LMFA.org

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. Monday-Wednesday, 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. AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 17

MUSIC take ten max stalling Original Alternative Country Music is Max Stalling Style

(a Mark Manders hallmark): ”There’s wrinkles on his face and wrinkles on his clothes / And he wears a little thinner as each day unfolds.”

Max Stalling is one of the most gentlemanly and popular of the Texas country folks, and one of the most experienced in life. He never even picked up a guitar until graduate school at Texas A&M and worked in the corporate world before he began to make serious music. That began when he discovered the now-defunct Three Teardrops Tavern and was inspired by the music of artists including Townes Van Zandt, Robert Earl Keen, Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Stalling started writing songs, recording albums, and eventually touring with a full band to back him. The South Texas native – he’s in the South Texas Music Walk of Fame with Kris Kristofferson, Michael Nesmith, Selena, Guy Clark, and others – has a home in Bullard.

What’s your favorite song done by somebody else?

Why do you make music? I make music because I have to. Not sure why it comes to me, but it does. Songs seem to reveal themselves to me and I feel kind of responsible to get them out there and let them be heard. How do you describe your music to people who haven’t heard it? Original alternative country music. This may be the hardest question on this list. What’s your own favorite song; why? This is difficult for me because all my songs are my little children and I hate to show favoritism. However, if I must answer with one singular song, I am going to say “Scars & Souvenirs.” I suppose I am preferential to it because it’s a collaborative song I wrote with my longtime friend Mark David Manders. Further, it represents a special time in my life when I was really just getting started in the songwriting craft/business and things were a little simpler. Also, Mark taught me a lot about song writing and I think this song is a nice little study in tying words together in sometimes subtle ways 18 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

If you mean a song that I have penned and somebody else has recorded, that’s a pretty short list so my answer would have to be Phil Pritchett doing “Mexican Restaurant” (which I call “Decent & Kind”) or Kevin Deal doing “Freedom For Mary.” What separates your work from other people’s? The “by line.” What else turns you on creatively? I find myself feeling creative when I go listen to other singer-songwriters that I like and respect. If I’m sitting in the audience at one of their shows, I inevitably find myself searching around for a pen and something on which to jot down some little idea. How have you changed in the past 10 years? I suppose I have gotten much more comfortable with my singing voice. I sometimes feel I would like to go back and take a stab at re-singing some of the tracks from those earlier CDs. Who’s your biggest influence in life; why? I could point to a lot of special people who have influenced my life, but I’m going with my parents, Hal and Jeanne Stalling. Two very distinct personalities who very much affected the “me” that I am today and the way I approach and perceive the world. My father – Dad passed in 2004 – was cut from the bolt of “The Greatest Generation” cloth, fought in World War II, and raised six kids. He was a quietly dignified man who loved a good joke and had many friends and was respected by all the members of his community. Both he and my mother grew up during the Great Depression and their life experiences are a constant source of study for me. They had/have — Mom is still going strong

Photo by Tom Geddie

down in Crystal City— a sense of being happy with even the simplest things in life – something to eat, a roof over your head, a safe place to sleep – that I suppose was/is a result of growing up in the Depression. I respect that. Who’s your biggest influence in music; why? I have already discussed Mark Manders. He has been one big influence in my approach to writing songs, specifically the lyrics. Past that, my list is similar to what any self-respecting alternative country/“Texas music” singer/songwriter who came of age in the 1990s is going to say: Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen. Keen in particular touched something off in me that is kind of hard to describe. His songs spoke to me in ways that seemed so tangible. Further, I have been greatly influenced by what I call the “Three Jims:” Jim Croce, James Taylor, and Jimmy Buffett – not “Cheeseburger in Paradise” Jimmy Buffett, but “Living & Dying in Three Quarters Time” Jimmy Buffett. What else do you want to share? Thanks for knowing how to ask good questions!

Rafael Espinoza Named a Top Berklee Musician By Tom Geddie

At 6 foot, 4 inches tall, Rafael Espinoza was the biggest student at Alba-Golden High School, and coaches often tried to convince him to play football. He wasn’t interested. His passion was – and is – playing guitar and making music – and he didn’t want to take a chance on breaking any of his fingers. As a kid, he sang in church, where his mother played piano, and listened to his grandfather’s rock ‘n’ roll tapes as they cruised from one antique car show to another. When Rafael was 10, his grandfather gave him birthday money to buy a pawn shop guitar, a cheap red-and-black Johnson brand. A biology teacher turned Rafael on to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and he switched from classic rock to blues-rock. His numerous influences now range from that old rock to blues-rock to musicians as diverse as John Mayer, Los Lonely Boys, Chet Atkins, The Beatles, Norah Jones, Corrine Bailey Rae, Alicia Keys, Jason Mraz, Francisco Tarrega, Willie Nelson, Van Halen, and many others. Today, after getting his music performance degree from Tyler Junior College, he’s become an outstanding student at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he’s been named one of the top jazz and blues guitarists in the school. Even to get into Berklee, students must excel. Rafael was honored as the 2009 Texas all-state jazz guitarist as a senior at AlbaGolden (where he also played drums in the marching band) and played in several different ensembles at TJC including the jazz band, sophomore classical guitar ensemble, and in the marching band. He knew a little bit about Berklee, but was unsure about applying until he saw Emily Elbert – now a Berklee graduate – when she performed Crossroads Coffeehouse in Winnsboro in 2010. “I talked to her and her mom, and told them about wanting to audition for Berklee,” he said. “They said I should give it a shot, so I did.”

He went online, checked out the school, and how to apply and audition, following up with an early December audition in Dallas and acceptance at the end of December. His musical journey has taken, so far, half his young life. Rafael’s mother plays piano at the Open Door Church in Alba, a church his greatgrandfather built. “I grew up singing in church, and my grandpa collects old cars,” he said. “We’d go cruising to cars shows and different things and he’d always be popping in eight-tracks of Elvis Presley and chuck berry. That inspired me to learn to play guitar. When I was about 10 years old, I got some birthday money and went to the local pawn shop in Mineola and bought my first acoustic guitar. I’m 20 years old now, so I’ve been playing for half my life.” Instead of the old off-brand guitar, he now has a Fender Stratocaster and at Berklee he’s surrounded by people with similar ambitions. “All the people here, everybody is after the same dream you’re after. We all want to have a career in music, whether it’s music education, music therapy, or being one of the top stars in the world,” he said. “I’ve never been in another place where so many people have the same dream. I want to be a star.” In July, Rafael said, he did a two-hour live performance and interview on the WSCA-LP community radio station in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a show that he said is the eighth-ranked international blues podcast. He likes performing his originals and covers solo – in singer-songwriter mode – but likes even more performing with a full band. “I feel like when I’m playing solo acoustic, you can’t see the full potential of what I do. Working with the band lets me show off my creative side as a guitar player, I guess. When you have the band, there’s a lot more energy. It’s more amped up and energetic, a fuller sound.”

After getting his music performance degree from Tyler Junior College, Alba native Rafael Espinoza become an outstanding student at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he’s been named one of the top jazz and blues guitarists in the school. He’s home on break and has performances scheduled in Golden, Mineola, and Marshall.

Back in the area during the summer break from Berklee, Rafael’s got at least three shows lined up. One is on August 25 at the pavilion in Golden, one is September 1 at the gazebo in downtown Mineola, and one is September 8 on the Telegraph Stage in downtown Marshall. He hopes to have his EP – a six- or seven-song CD titled Golden –ready for all three shows. The songs are about growing up in a small town, and about family, and his band mates – also Berklee students – are all from Texas, too. The bass player is Chase Owen from Longview and the drummer is Jordan Rose from Houston. The project engineer is Geoffrey Mutchnik, who is from Tyler. For more information about Rafael and his shows, go to http://www.facebook. com/musicrafael. AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 19

music NOTES Three Country Legends Gather for August Show

Country music legends Johnny Lee, Earl Thomas Conley, and Mel Tillis get together for an August 18 show at the Oil Palace in Tyler. Among his many honors, Mel is a member of the Nashville Songwriters International Hall of Fame, a six-time comedian of the year, and a Broadcast Music, Inc., songwriter of the decade for two decades. Earl wrote his first hit, “This Time I’ve Hurt Her More Than She Loves Me,” for Conway Twitty in 1975 before singing a string of his own hits beginning with “Fire & Smoke,” which topped the Billboard charts. His “Holding Her & Loving You:” was named country song of the year. Johnny charted his first single, “Sometimes,” in 1975, and became a successful actor with the 1980 box office hit “Urban Cowboy” starring John Travolta and Debra Winger and his 1980 single “Lookin’ for Love” spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard country singles chart, followed by more No. 1 singles. Showtime is 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $20, reserved floor seats are $30, and golden circle seats are $40. The Oil Palace is at 10408 Hwy 64E. For more information, call 903.566.2122 or go to www.oilpalace.com.

Texas Jazz Covered by Poet Dave Oliphant

Dave Oliphant present s a musicallyillustrated talk entitled Regional Texas Jazz: East to West, North to South at 2 p.m. August 11 at the Harmony Garden Chapel in Ben Wheeler. Admission is free. He will cover Texans who have made major contributions to jazz such as Scott Joplin, Jack Teagarden, Red Garland and Ornette Coleman, as well as musicians who were featured soloists 20 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He will also discuss Kenny Dorham, a Texas trumpeter who has become a cult figure among jazz enthusiasts and is the subject of Oliphant’s latest book, KD: A Jazz Biography, a book-length poem.

in Edom. For more information, call 903.852.2781 or go to www.theoldfirehouse.net.

Dave Oliphant is one of Texas’ leading poets, with 11 books of poetry. He is also a publisher, translator, teacher, and musician. His writings on Texas jazz musicians include Texan Jazz (1996), The Early Swing Era (2002), and Jazz Mavericks of the Lone Star State (2007).

The Mount Vernon Music Association holds its gala fundraising concert on August 25, featuring the N’Awlins Gumbo Kings, a silent auction, gourmet reception, and more.

For more information call 903.804. 7171.

Old Firehouse Schedule Set for Acoustic Music

The Old Firehouse acoustic music listening series in Edom has news to share, including its schedule for next season, availability of season tickets, and an upcoming compilation CD with live songs from the shows. Shows for the rest of this season: Randy Brown with Mills Bryant opening, September 29; Chris Kokesh with Michael Hatley opening, October 27; and Namoli Brennet, November 17. Next season’s concert schedule: Robby Hecht, December 15; Carrie Elkin, January 19; Pierce Pettis, February 9; Seth Glier with Allie Farris opening, March 9; Ellis, April 13; Nick Annis, May 11. (Nick also performed, with Neal Katz opening, at the very first Old Firehouse show on September 20, 2009.) For the first time, the venue is offering season tickets ($135). It’s also putting together a compilation CD for 201112 with 18 songs from the season’s performers. Advance admission is generally $12 and admission at the door is generally $15. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The Old Firehouse is at 8241 FM 279

N’Awlins Gumbo Kings Set for Gala Fundraiser

The association brings an eclectic mix of music to the Upper East Side of Texas, focused on classical forms. “There’s a great heritage of country and western music and some folk music in East Texas, but in terms of the very old masters – the classical kind of stuff – people expect to go to a big city to hear that. We don’t build fences, but we support classical and jazz,” said Mark Miller, president of the association. “You don’t need special education to enjoy this kind of music. Just show up. Bring your ears. Relax, and don’t feel intimidated. Our mission is to make this music much more accessible in our homey kinda place. It’s more like being in someone’s living room. It’s very informal, and we talk about the music and just go for it.” Home base for the group is a one-time church that seats 175 or so folks on the original wooden benches (cushions are available). The fundraiser helps the association pay for performances, community programming, and youth scholarships. “All of the proceeds go back into our programs,” Mark said. “It funds both the concerts throughout season within the hall and our outreach work for kids right down to the Head Start level.” The event begins at 7 p.m.; tickets are $25; $10 for under 12. Mount Vernon Music Hall is at 402 Leftwich. For more information, call 903.563.3780 or go to www.mountvernonmusic.org.

Jackson Browne Show Set for Music City Texas

November 5 is still a ways off, but it might be a good idea to buy tickets early to see Jackson Browne with Sara Watkins at Music City Texas Theater in Linden. Jackson has added a stop at the 400seat theater to his 2012 U.S. acoustic tour. Playing guitar and piano, Jackson will perform songs from his entire body of work, with varying set lists each night. Singer-songwriter and fiddle player Sara Watkins will open as a special guest. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2007, and is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights, and arts education. Reserved seating tickets for the November 5 show are $100. Showtime is 8 p.m.

Every Friday Night

open to the public! Live Local Music 6-9 p.m. HAPPY HOUR 5-6:30 p.m.

MILL CREEK RANCH RESORT 2102 N. Trade Days, Canton Texas

Pool-view with light bar foods, cocktails, beer and wine Aug. 3 - David Bradshaw & Joel Marsh AUG. 10 - Kimberly Torres AUG. 17 - Matt Bradshaw AUG. 24 - Matt Fisher AUG. 31- Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix Check our website and facebook for more information

For more information, call 903.756. 9934 or go to www.musiccitytexas.org.

Live Music

903-567-6020 www.millcreekranchresort.com

Visit

Gala with the N’Awlins

Gumbo Kings! ...a straight shot to Cedar Creek Lake

• Dining • Shopping • Lodging

• Boating • Fishing • Skiing

• More...

Saturday, Aug. 25, 7:00 p.m. Mount Vernon Music Hall

$25 per person, $10 children under 12

• • • • •

The rich musical stew of our Eighth Season starts with the swinging sounds of Dixieland Jazz! Silent auction of beautiful handcrafts and artisan foods, and gumbo reception by Key Club of Mt. Vernon.

Muscadine Blackberry Grape Red Blue Moon Bumblebee Kiss

2549 ACR 441 Palestine, Texas 903•549•2027 sweetdreamswinery.com

We AIM

to please!

903.887.1087 www.gunbarrelcity.net www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net

903.563.3780 mail@mountvernonmusic.org www.mountvernonmusic.org AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 21



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.

August 2

Matt Bradshaw. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com

August 3

Andrew Plan. Longview. Singer Guitarist- Oldies, Jazzy, Folk. 7 p.m. Free.Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281, 903295-1195. Friday After Five Concert. Kilgore. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a free concert sponsored by Main Street. Appearing will be Steve Howell. 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Free. World’s Richest Acre, Historic Downtown Kilgore, Commerce & Main Streets,. 903-988-4117. http://www.cityofkilgore.com Kimberly Dunn. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-8335970. http://www.benwheelertx.com Song Swap w/ Gary Kyle & Stephen Pointer. Winnsboro. 9 – 11 p.m. $5. Double C Steakhouse, 206 Market Street. 903.342.3111. http://www.doublecsteakhouse.com./about-us David Bradshaw & Joel Marsh. Canton. 5 – 9 p.m. Free.The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days, 903.567.6020. http://www.millcreekranchresort.com. Ben Lowrey & Texas Express. Ben Wheeler. Country Dance 8 p.m. $5. Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279. 903.833.5100. http://www.benwheelertx.com

August 4

Tim Harmon. Longview. Pianist. 7 p.m. Free. Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281, Longview. 903-295-1195. Heather Little. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free.The Forge, 1610 FM 279, Ben Wheeler. 903-833-5970. benwheelertx.com Tyler & The Tribe. Yantis. East Fork Restaurant & Club , Hwy 154 at 515. http:// eastforkrestaurantandclub.com Jr & the Journeymen Featuring Kirby Kelly. Ben Wheeler. Blues/Slide Guitar/ Rock. 8 p.m. $7. Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279, Ben Wheeler. 903.833.5100. http://www.benwheelertx.con 22 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended MUSIC news and event listings.

August 9

Brian Howell. Longview. Acoustic Guitar. 7 p.m. Free. Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281, Longview. 903-295-1195. Travis Bolt. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, Ben Wheeler. 903-833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com

August 10 - 11

Navasota Blues Fest. Navasota. Local, regional and out-of-state blues musicians gather to celebrate the heritage of blues music and honor Mance Lipscomb. Proceeds benefit related activities and the Mance Lipscomb Scholarship Fund, which gives scholarships to a deserving high school graduate and continuing education scholarships to previous winners still pursuing an education. Grimes County Expo Center, 5280 FM 3455, Navasota. 936.825.6600.

August 10

T & C Miller. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com Mouse & The Traps DVD Release Party. Ben Wheeler. 1960s Tyler-Based, Garage Rock Band. 8 p.m. $15. Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279, 903.833.5100. http:// www.benwheelertx.com Richard Bowden with Moon and the Starz. Winnsboro. 7:30 pm. $15 in advance; $18 at the door; $20 reserved seating. Crossroads Music & Listening Room, 200 Market Street. 903.342.1854. http://www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com/ Dogwood Jamboree. Palestine. The Hall Brothers perform songs, by Oak Ridge Boys, Statler Brothers, Alabama, and Gatlin Brothers. 7 p.m. $12.50 in advance; $15 at the Door. Palestine Civic Center, Hwy 19 North & Loop 256, Palestine. 903.729.7080.

Bluegrass Fever. Quitman. Free; donations accepted. Quitman Public Library, 206 E. Good, Quitman. 903.975.5745. http:// www.jamgoodbluegrass.com

August 16

Finding Shade. Ben Wheeler. Texas Country. 8 p.m. $7. Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279. 903.833.5100. http:// www.benwheelertx.com

blacktop GYPSY. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, Ben Wheeler. 903-833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com

Jessica Alyce. Longview. 7 p.m. Free. Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281, 903295-1195

August 17

Kimberly Torres. Canton. 5 – 9 p.m. Free. The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days. 5903.567.6020. http://www. millcreekranchresort.com. The Frames w/Jared Hollis. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, Ben Wheeler, 903-833-5970. http://www. benwheelertx.com

August 11 – 12.

East Texas Sacred Harp Singing. Henderson 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free. 157th anniversary gathering for this style of singing from the latter 1700s that uses four geometrically shaped notes representing the Old English syllables fa, sol, la, and mi instructing the singers in the rendition of the melody, traditionally sung a cappella. Henderson Civic Center, 1005 Hwy 64 W., Henderson. 903.863.5379.

August 11

Ally Venable. Longview. County. 7 p.m. Free. Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281, 903-295-1195.

Lisa Pevey. Longview. Pianist. 7 p.m. Free. Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281, Longview. 903-295-1195.

Ben Lowrey & Texas Express. Ben Wheeler. Country Dance. 8 p.m. $5 Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279, Ben Wheeler. 903.833.5100. http://www.benwheelertx.com Meredith Crawford. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 7 pm. Free. 903-833-5970. benwheelertx.com Andrew Plan. Longview. Oldies. 7 p.m. Free. Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281. 903-295-1195. Triumphant Quartet. Athens. 7 p.m. The Cain Center, 915 South Palestine ST. 903-4778084. http://www.newgracetrio.com Matt Bradshaw. Canton. 5 – 9 p.m. Free. The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days. 903.567.6020. millcreekranchresort.com.

August 18

Kimberly Torres Band. Ben Wheeler. Traditional Country/Blues/Rock. 8 p.m. $5. Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279. 903.833.5100. http://www.benwheelertx.com continued on Page 24

Experience Edom Where Art Comes to Life

www.VisitEdom.com Potters Brown

Studio & Gallery

Blue Moon Gardens

Perennials. Herbs. Garden Art. Gift Shop Open 9-5 Thurs-Sun 903.852.3897 www.bluemoongardens.com

Arbor Castle Birdhouses Birdbaths Garden Sculptures 903.852.7893 www.arborcastlebirdhouses.com

Original Handmade Stoneware 903.852.6473 www.pottersbrown.com Featuring Executive Chef

Serving Country Gourmet 7 Days a Week

903-852-5552 www.edombakery.com

Black Gold Bull Riding Challenge Civic Center • Aug 10-11 Hopkins County Fall Festival Civic Center • Sept 8-15 Lone Star Heritage Quilt Show Civic Center • Sept 14-15

Indian Summer Festival and Dutch Oven Cooking Contest Heritage Park • Oct 6 World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest Buford Park • Oct 27 Heritage Square He Car Show & Corvettes Downtown • Oct 27

903.885.5614 • 888.300.6623 tourism@SulphurSpringsTX.org AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 23

www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org

AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 23

music listings MUSIC continued from Page 23 Mel Tillis, Earl Thomas Conley & Johnny Lee. Tyler. 8 p.m. . $20; $30; $40. The Oil Palace , 10408 State Highway 64 E, 800.299.0234. http://www.oilpalace.com

August 23

Mike Acoustic. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com

August 24

Jessica Alyce. Longview. Acoustic Guitar and Vocals. 7 p.m. Free. Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281. 903-295-1195.

August 30

Jason Elmore. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com

Just Us. Longview. Singing Duo. 7 p.m. Free. Vines & Friends Wine Bar, 1014 W. Loop 281, 903-295-1195.

Bill Hilly. Ben Wheeler. County. 8 p.m. $5 Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279. 903.833.5100. http://www.benwheelertx.com

Heather Little. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com

Front Row Sinners with Jimmy Lewis. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free.The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903-833-5970. http://www. benwheelertx.com

Chase McClanahan & New South. Ben Wheeler. Country/Southern Rock/Alt. Country. 8 pm. $5. Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279, 903.833.5100. http://www. benwheelertx.com

Matt Fisher. Canton. 5 – 9 p.m. Free. The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days. 903.567.6020. http://www.millcreekranchresort.com.

Ben Lowrey & Wes Hendrix. Canton. 5 – 9 p.m. Free. The Creek at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, 2102 N. Trade Days, 903.567.6020. http://www.millcreekranchresort.com.

August 25

James Derrick. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com

15th Annual Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Show. Carthage. 7 p.m. $60. Carthage Civic Center, 1702 S. Adams, Carthage. 7:00 pm. $60. 903.693.6634.

August 22 - 25

Deep Summer Bluegrass Festival. Sherman. Popular Grand Ole Opry stars including Jim Ed Brown, T. Graham Brown, Helen Cornelius, David Frizzell, Johnny Rodriguez, Jeannie Seely, and T.G. Sheppard. The Chrystal Opry House, 1977 White Mound Road. 903.546.6893.

Ben Lowrey & Wes Hendrix. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m. Free. The Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903833-5970. http://www.benwheelertx.com Steve Carpenter Band. Ben Wheeler. Traditional Country. 8 p.m. $7 Moore’s Store, 1551 Farm to Market 279, 903.833.5100. http://www.benwheelertx.com

September 1

Hank Williams Remembered with Jake Penrod. Jefferson. 7 p.m. Jefferson Transportation and Visitor Center, 305 E Austin. 903-665-3733. www.visitjeffersontexas.com

Downtown Tyler • 110 W. Erwin • Tyler, Texas 75702 A depArtment of the City of tyler

For ticket information call (903)595-7274 or LibertyTyler.com August 2 At 7pm

 Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Story of A Tribe Called Quest (2011) August 9 At 7pm

 Buck (2011)

August 16 At 7pm

 Forks Over Knives (2011) August 18 At 2pm

 The Neverending Story (1984) August 23 At 7pm

 Man on Wire (2008) August 25 At 9pm

Cody Riley in Concert August 30 At 7pm

 Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) september 6 At 7pm

 Metropolis (1927) september 13 At 7pm

 Blade Runner (1982) 24 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

LONGVIEW MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Rally ‘Round Greenville

WOW WEEKEND - SEPT. 14-16

Live in Concert on the Bud Light Stage

Emerald City Band Street Dance The Tejas Brothers •Jonathan Jeter & the Revelators • The Blandelles • Shake, Rattle and Roll •Elvis Tribute Artist Josh Davis • Many more!

• BBQ & Chili Cook-Off • Arts & Crafts • Kids Alley • Two Downtown Wineries • Sidewalk Sales • Food • Fun • Cotton Patch Challenge Bicycle Race • Visit Historic Downtown Greenville Title Sponsor

VENDORS SIGN UP NOW!

CALL 903-455-1510 AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 25

The Whatley Center for the Performing Arts

2012-2013 SEASON

The Texas Tenors

Jason Vieaux, Guitarist Oct. 2, 2012

Cast of Beatlemania Nov. 10, 2012

The Texas Tenors Dec. 4, 2012

Thomas Pandolfi, Pianist Jan. 29, 2013

Celtic Crossroads Feb. 17, 2013

La Catrina Quartet March 7, 2013

Jeanne Robertson, Comedian March 22, 2013

Shakespeare’s As You Like It April 5, 2013

Call 903-434-8181 to order tickets!

Harrison & Son k n i f e s m i t h

World renowned knifesmith Dan Harrison presents a large selection of handcrafted hunting, collector, and custom knives for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

Northeast Texas Community College

FM 279

ntcc.edu/whatley

903.714.5911

26 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

Downtown Ben Wheeler, Texas Open Tuesday thru Saturday

KNIFEMAKING CLASSES Learn to make custom, handmade knives from a master knifesmith. Gift Certificates Available!

www . harrisonknives . com

And So It Goes with Don Williams By P.A. Geddie

wrinkles and gray hair and all.

The Don Williams groove is more intact than ever on his first album of new music in eight years released in June. And So It Goes is a beautiful compilation of ballads and mid tempo songs that holds the listener in an easy going dance throughout its entirety — there’s not a bad one in the bunch. Produced by Don and his long-time business partner Garth Fundis, the songs are written by talented writers, including a couple by Don and his son Tim. They are full of comfort, love, kindness, and a rhythm that evokes feelings of being gently held and rocked like a baby, safe and secure in the arms of someone who’s got it all figured out. They are songs that you wake up hearing in your mind in the morning, catch yourself singing during the day, and stick with you through the night. Joining Don’s soulful baritone voice are talented musicians that add just the right touch with guitars, steel guitar, and fiddle standing out to bring home the stirring melodies of this album. Several songs feature the talents of a few other favorite country singers, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill. The lope along tempo of “Better Than Today” kicks off the album reminiscent of one of Don’s old hits, Lord, I Hope this Day is Good — always best to look on the bright side. I got two hands that ain’t afraid to work hard and I jump out of bed every day / I know these times now are real hard, but lookin’ on the bright side always pays. Track two slows it down a bit with “Heart of Hearts” that drives home the message to look within your own heart for the truth. In your heart of hearts, there is a voice / It speaks from truth, and not from choice / It sees it all not just in part / Deep inside your heart of hearts / A secret place known to your soul / Where you can’t hide but you can go / When it’s all too much and you fall apart / There’s a state of grace called your heart of hearts.

She’s a natural in everything she does / She don’t have to try to win my love / I go easy when she calls / She knows how to please me / After all, she’s a natural. Don teams up with Keith Urban on “Imagine That” as they ponder how sweet it would be to bring back lost love. Simple, repetitive words don’t get boring with the Don Williams groove to keep it rolling. “She’s With Me” is written by Don and his son Tim and continues a theme of feeling safe and secure with someone you trust. I’m not too obsessed with holding on to time and yes / I knew her light was meant for all to see / But every time this crazy world gets to pulling on my girl / It just makes me wanna scream. “I Just Come Here For The Music” features a duo with Alison Krauss about two broken-hearted people that, through music, find comfort in each other. I just come here for the music / I get lost here in the sound / I ain’t lookin for nobody, but could I buy you one more round / Don’t that fiddle play so lonesome, don’t that singer sing so good / I just come here for the music, how about you? “Infinity” picks up the tempo again looking for answers about the universe goes, the pyramids, and aliens, but in the end it’s all about love. If you know how strong my love is / And your heart and mine can comprehend / Just how long I’m gonna feel like this / Well then you’ll know what infinity is. “What If It Worked Like That” is about slowing down and enjoying the moment and fellow human beings. What if we could hug the ones we miss / Clocking in meant catching fish / And all the pride and prejudice / Had to give in to loving. In “She’s a Natural” Don sings about loving a woman who’s got the touch,

Imagine that, how sweet it’d be / To have you here again with me / Oh lord, I wish I had you back / But all I can do is imagine that. “First Fool In Line” is another lost-love song. Funny thing about a memory /When it comes to love / It forgets about the bad times / And remembers what it wants. The title cut from the album, “And So It Goes,” is written by Don and Tim along with Mike Noble. It’s about paying attention to the people you love before it’s too late. Spring to summer, falls to winter / Those that can just fly away / To find a place for them that’s better / I guess here is where I’ll stay / And so it goes / While we were busy with the details of our lives / Every day thinking time was on our side / I turned around and you were gone / And I’m left here with the words I never got around to saying / I don’t know why, I guess I never though our time could pass us by. And so it goes. It’s a keeper.

RELATED VIDEO SCANS TOP: A clip from the DVD Don Williams - Into Africa - recorded live on location in Zimbabwe. Starts with a rendition of “You’re My Best Friend” by two blind street musicians, followed by Don Williams’ version backed up by a very involved audience. BOTTOM: Comments from Don and others on the making of And So It Goes. AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 27

FILM

LAST REEL

Remakes. Reboots. Screammakes. Shriekuels. Whatever you call them, Hollywood officially seems to be out of ideas. There was a time when it took decades for some filmmaker to take it upon himself to remake a classic film. Now it just takes a successful film that has only recently made its way to video. Perhaps I might be exaggerating slightly, but my point is that Hollywood finds it easier to serve leftovers than create, in the words of Gordon Ramsey, a stunning dish, i.e. an original piece of work. As I get older, I recall works from the past that I consider to be what I call “time capsule films; that is, movies which, in one degree or another, are worth repeated viewings. As a child of the 80s, I can recall the rush of euphoria from seeing the apocalyptic cityscape of Robocop, the unbridled, albeit sometimes cheesy romance of Dirty Dancing, and the quiet terror of Halloween. Technically the latter was late 70s, but close enough for the point I’m trying to make. And I always knew film had to be getting even better as the years passed. Sadly, I think Hollywood is out of ideas. All of the former have been remade. And sequelled. Or both. It is part of the trend of Hollywood’s safe bet practice. Why risk so much money on a thrilling new concept when one can simply rewrite a successful ancestor? In recent years, after four films, Hollywood updated The Karate Kid with Will Smith’s son and cast Jackie Chan as the sage mentor made famous by Pat Morita. Never mind that the movie actually depicted kung fu instead of karate, but why was the film necessary to begin with? The most disturbing part of this trend is the fluid vocabulary used to disguise what is obviously a retread. A film is no longer a remake. It is a fresh take with a different angle. A re-imagining. A reboot. Or, my personal favorite, a semireboot. Scream 4 released last year is a perfect example. It is the fourth in the series but it is also a remake of the 1996 groundbreaking horror film that supposedly was taking the horror genre in a different direction. In reality, this third sequel starts a new trilogy when 28 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012



BY JEREMY LIGHT

really it was a pale facsimile of its ancestor. Also interesting is how quickly remakes are offered up. Van Helsing starring Hugh Jackman was a dismal flop. Fine. But that was approximately five years ago. Now the film is being rehashed for Tom Cruise sometime in the next two years. The Amazing Spider Man has done the same thing. I will admit that Andrew Garfield acquits himself better than Tobey Maguire, but is it possible to come up with a new character? Unfortunately breaking new ground is either too expensive or risky. The point is that I am one to blame. More precisely, all of us as film followers. We could defeat this trend by simply not going. But what is our argument? My one ticket will not send a message, so I might as well go anyway. If I do not go see it, I have no room to criticize the content. And thus we are locked in a paradox, as asinine as time travel in the Terminator franchise. I will not pretend I have a solution. Well, actually I just did give the solution but I know it is impractical. The best thing we all can do is make our voices heard. And with the proliferation of technology and the ability for each one of us to write our opinions online for all the world to see, it should be a simple task. At the very least we need to talk to our friends, our family. I can’t tell you how many people I have steered from the cinematic doldrums by sacrificing two hours of my life in a dark theater. Yes, I am here for all of you, to see that which is unwatchable for the sake of your sanity. Do I undermine my argument by saying the new Spiderman film is better than the originals? I do not think so. It is a good film, but I would rather have watched a movie about a brand new super hero, one with less baggage and more fresh ideas. But like most things in life it is easier to eat leftovers than create a meal from scratch. I choke on the irony as I take a bite of warmed up take-out pizza. If only I had more willpower to break out the cookbooks and experiment with new flavors instead of taking the convenient way out. Oh well, it’s just easier this way. But that is no excuse. For me, or for Hollywood.

FILM EVENTS August 2

Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Story of A Tribe Called Quest. Tyler. 7 p.m. $5. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin 903.585.7472. http://www.libertytyler.com

August 6

Family Movie Monday -- Off the Bookshelf and Beyond! Tyler. 9 a.m. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White) 1973, 10:30 a.m. Meet the Robinsons (William Joyce) 2007, 12 noon Eloise at the Plaza (Kay Thompson) 2003 G, 1:30 p.m. The Tale of Despereaux (Kate DiCamillo) 2008 PG, 3 p.m. How to Train Your Dragon (Cressida Cowell) 2010, Taylor Auditorium, Tyler Public Library, 201 S College Avenue, Tyler. 903-593READ (7323). http://www.tylerlibrary.com

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.

August 9

Buck. Tyler. 7 p.m $5. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin. 903.585.7472. libertytyler.com

August 12 - 26

Classic Mystery Movies. Tyler. Silver Screen Classics for Teens & Adults featuring some of the great mysteries and detective movies from the past decades. Taylor Auditorium, Tyler Public Library, 201 S College Avenue, Tyler 903-593-READ (7323). http://www.tylerlibrary.com

August 16

Forks Over Knives. Tyler. 7 p.m. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin, 903.585.7472. http:// www.libertytyler.com

August 17

The Adventures of Tin Tin. Canton. Free. 9 p.m. Outdoor movie. Bring lawn chairs. Concession stand open. 903.567.1849.

August 23

Man On A Wire. Tyler. 7 p.m. Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin, 903.585.7472. http://www. libertytyler.com

August 7-8



on stage 2012-13 Season Set At UT’s Cowan Center

Cowan Center at The University of Texas at Tyler has announced its 2012-13 season, featuring Lyle Lovett, “Dreamgirls,” Blue Man Group, and a bunch of other performances and presentations. The center’s 16th season is titled “Wrap Yourself in the Arts.” The Cowan Center offers four subscription series. The Performing Arts Series is: “An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin,” September 14; Complexions Contemporary Ballet, September 27; Shaolin Warriors: Voices of the Masters, October 29; and Celtic Fire, March 5. Performing Arts Series season package prices range from $107-$229 for four shows. Patrons who purchase season tickets to this series may add Lyle Lovett and His Large Band on September 6 to their season ticket order and are assured of first seating for this special event. The Broadway Series is: “West Side Story,” January 22; “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” March 21; and “Dreamgirls,” March 26. Broadway Series package prices range from $101-$182 for three shows. Patrons who purchase season tickets to this series may add “Shrek the Musical” on November 15 to their season ticket order and are assured of first seating for this special event. The Braithwaite Intimate Gatherings Series is: “Confessions” with Larry Hagman, November 10; “FDR” with Ed Asner, February 5; and “Masters of Illusion,” April 11. Series season package prices range from $87-$159 for three shows. Patrons who purchase season tickets to this series may add Blue Man Group on May 3-4 to their season ticket order and are assured of first seating for this special event. The Distinguished Lecture Series is: Ambassador Karen Hughes, November 1, and Dr. John Carlos, February 19. Season package prices range from $49-$58 for two lectures. For more information about the 2012–

Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended STAGE news and event listings.

13 season, call 903.566.7424 or go to www.cowancenter.org. The deadline to purchase season subscriptions is Friday, August 5; individual tickets may be available for many of the shows.

TCTC New Play Festival Focuses on Playwrights

gation to our season ticket holders and regular attendees to put on a show that they would find entertaining and at the level of performance they have come to expect from us.” For more information about the 2012 season, call Executive Director Mike Holbrook at 903.569.2300.

ON STAGE EVENTS

Tyler Civic Theatre Center’s seventh annual New Play Festival is scheduled for Saturday, August 25.

Through August

The festival committee is currently reading the numerous original scripts submitted by aspiring and established playwrights, and will offer a day of free listening to the selected new scripts in a readers’ theater, which is a straight reading of the script without costumes or props or staging.

August 2-5

Scripts are unpublished and suitable to East Texas community theatre standards. Some are works in progress, and there are categories for adult playwrights (over the age of 18) and junior playwrights who are 12-18 years old and are students in junior high or high school. The event’s hours depend on the number of plays accepted.

Lake Country Playhouse Shuffles Season Lineup

Lake Country Playhouse has moved its production of “Almost, Maine” up a week earlier, to open on September 7, after canceling its planned summer musical “1776.” To maintain its four play season, the popular group also will present the musical “A Christmas Carol” on November 29, 30 and December 1 and 2. “Pulling the plug on a production is not a decision we arrive at lightly,” said playhouse President Brett Murphy. “A great deal of effort had been expended to that point in regard to rehearsals, set and costume preparation, not to mention financial resources expended on performance licensing and part rental. But we also realize that we have an obli-

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. 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-todo/the-wizard-of-oz.

August 3 - 12

Arts on the Bayou Theater Festival. Jefferson. 8 p.m. Four plays for $25. Jefferson Transportation and Visitor Center, 305 E Austin, Jefferson. 903-665-3733. http://www. visitjeffersontexas.com

August 3 – 5

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Palestine. 7 p.m. Palestine Community Theatre presents the timeless classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Texas Theater, 213 West Crawford. 903.723.3014. http://visitorcenter@palestine-tx.org

August 10 – 12

The Emperor’s New Clothes. Longview. A Musical Performance. Experience this new, humorous setting of the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. This wellknown story is of a good-hearted but gullible king, duped by two scoundrels who weave an invisible suit of clothes which only the wise can see. 7 p.m. $5. ArtsView Children’s Theater, 313 West Tyler Street, http://www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com

September 8

How to Audition Workshop. Longview. Come spend a Saturday morning getting the inside scoop auditioning at ArtsView just in time for the upcoming auditions for ANNIE! 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., $30, ArtsView Children’s Theatre, 313 West Tyler St. 903236-7535. http://www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 29

bookmarks If you enjoyed Marley and Me, Making Rounds with Oscar, We Bought a Zoo or Sprite this book is your next read. It is a great fast read, that produces hours of conversation for you and your friends. As I finished Katie, yes in tears, all I could think of was one thing to tell my dear friend who had gifted the book to me. Diana, you will always miss Jonah, but its time to love a new puppy again. The leash is waiting…..go on its gonna be okay.

Katie Up and Down the Hall: The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors in to a Family By Glenn Plaskin Reviewed by Patti Light I am a cat person and everyone I know will attest to it, but one of my best friends is a dog person and one hot June morning she slid this paperback book across my desk. Looking up at me with soulful and compassionate brown eyes was Katie. I read the book in one five-hour stretch curled up on a couch and wrapped up in her family. I can almost guarantee that is how some of you will find yourselves should you open this book. Katie Up and Down the Hall is a memoir penned by Glenn Plaskin, a career entertainment journalist, about his late beloved cocker spaniel named for the great Kate Hepburn. It is a heartwarming book that makes humanity tangible in this gritty world.

Skippy Dies By Paul Murray Reviewed by Jeremy Light

by her owener in a shopping bag.

Plaskin lives in Battery Park in New York City and it plays the setting for this timeline through Katie’s life as she links Glenn to his neighbors; Arthur, John, Ryan and especially the beloved Pearl — in combination, five people who should not have become a framework family, but through the matchmaking of one small blonde dog did.

There are so many episodes in this tale that will make you smile. This book is really about the project of human relationships. Katie is the catalyst to barriers being broken down, weaknesses exposed and love taking control. The morning of September 11,2001, is a particularly hard piece to read and you can actually feel Glenn and Katie’s panic as they search in the dust for each other and hope. It is in these moments that this award-winning journalist is simply a man trying to hold on.

Yes, this is a book that makes you think of Marley and Me, but it is so different. For one, Marley never got to ride in Peter Jennings lap on the way to ham and cheese sandwiches with Kate Hepburn or got cuddles by Farah Faucet. And I am for certain that no dog in any memoir got taken into a board meeting by Ivana Trump and came out the talk of the town. That was part of Katie’s life as was being snuck into the Daily News

The family holds on through happiness and grief — that is the moral of this story to me. You can become a unit or remain an island as a person. Glenn and Katie learn first by having each other and then by having the people around them invited in. Plaskin was not looking for a bestseller or even an award — you genuinely feel he just wanted to tell the world that his pup Katie had made his life livable.

30 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

How often does an author have the narrative fortitude to kill off the main character on the first page and still keep the story going for roughly 650 pages? Paul Murray shows true literary genius and melancholic mirth with his 2010 masterpiece Skippy Dies. Works like this assure readers that writers can still be inventive in a world where readers are often jaded to any surprise. Set in a plausible Dublin, Ireland, boarding school, Murray’s novel transports us into an adolescent world teeming with pre-pubescent angst, worldweary professors, and the possibilities of alternate universes. Plus, our hero dies in an ill-conceived donut-eating contest. Don’t worry; I only gave away the first page of the story with that one. No spoiler alert needed. Think of this book as Dead Poets Society with a sense of humor. Of course any book set in Ireland, typically Dublin, must draw the inevitable comparison to James Joyce’s much heralded Ulysses. Skippy Dies is an odyssey as well, only Paul Murray’s work is much more comprehensible and less concerned with impressing his readers on how smart he is. Not to say that he is not intelligent; open up a page at random and you are likely to read phrases where a young man likens himself to a “belated and non-returnable gift.” Murray’s ear for insightful and biting-

poetry & prose Meditation on an Artist He painted men with long beards and missing teeth, bent women with canes, lonely children walking through meadows on their way back home. At night, he would study each shade, each shadow of their lives in the ramshackle cabin he inherited from his father.

ly sardonic dialogue is spot on. For a book this length, it has no wasted motion. Murray also introduces us to hapless romantics like Ruprecht Van Doren, the hopelessly feeble Howard Fallon and the object of his pitiful desire, the lithesome Aurelie McIntyre. These characters are related tangentially to Skippy. How they all interconnect is part of the fun and the brilliance. Although Skippy is interesting, I often found myself more captivated by the aforementioned figures. Yes, you do meet Skippy again. The author relies on flashback to do this, which may be hard to follow at times, especially if you are just reading in fits and starts. Minor point, Skippy Dies remains a wonderful romp through adolescent territory most of us have mapped before. It astounds me this book slipped by me on its release date and why more people have not heard of it. I do not hesitate to say that it could punch its weight with any Pulitzer Prize contender or winner. Very rarely can an author accurately reflect the precariousness of life and the desperation folded into everyday banality and keep from sounding like a Thomas Hardy novel. To be tragic requires little effort. To be tragic and funny at the same time requires the finely-tuned sensitivity of a lock picker. And with his every phrase, Murray slips the tumblers of our emotions continued Page 32

Sometimes he said he could feel them guiding the brush, hear their voices singing to the starry night. Ah, to hear him hum when the shapes, colors, and moods on the canvas captured a bit of what it means to be human, all too human. Darrell Lindsey, Nacogdoches

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.

Unlimited Offer Lowly, plain colored minnows, have you come to help us? People call you “mosquito fish” because of what you eat, those nasty biting pests! You females swallow down twice your weight each day while you males devour one and a half. Gambusia Affinis is your scientific name but for us folks your common title hits the mark! Never mind your dull brown shades or your dirty pools of old water. To us you are gallant warriors on noble crusades. In these days of West Nile Virus, Encephalitis and itchy skin you merit combat awards. So don’t listen to that scare talk of endangering insect species. They’re here on the East Texas menu and eat as much as you like. Bring your friends. It’s on the house!

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

Richard Hurzeler, Tyler AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 31



bookmarks

Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended ARTS: LITERARY news and event listings.

SKIPPY continued from Page 31

J.D. is a Quitman native who manages a Dallas-based employee benefits consulting practice that covers the southern region of the United States, with offices in four cities. His editors for the book included Elizabeth Kaye, an award winning journalist who has often written about southern music and southern preachers and is a contributing editor to both Rolling Stone and George.

and rakes the pins of our intellect. You could always pick up the latest romance novel or mystery, but please invest the time and money to read this. It’s doubtful you will want to sell it or give it away. I already have plans to read it again quite soon. Skippy may die but my love for him does not.

New Herb Marlow Book Riches Sequel Released

New from prolific Colfax writer Herb Marlow is the novel Mesquite Riches, the sequel to his earlier Cowboy Riches. Set at the fictional Bar-M Ranch just outside Jacksboro, the novel kicks off when Joe Garth “teaches a drug lord some manners at the Green Frog Restaurant.” That leads to revenge, kidnappings, and one adventure after another. The book is available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble. com/s/herb-marlow, as are earlier titles from this prolific writer.

New Library Volunteers Help Busy Staffs Cope

During the summer when schools are out of session, the Tyler Public Library becomes an oasis for youth in the community, providing events and activities for preschoolers to teens. The library allows kids to have fun while continuing to learn and develop their creativity and love of reading. With a limited number of library staff to organizing these numerous programs, the library – like most libraries – relies heavily on help provided by youth volunteers. “Many of our volunteers are seeking to learn more about the city, lend a helping hand, and gaining volunteer hours for their school activities and clubs,” said Volunteer Coordinator Breanna Hoard. 32 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

The library accepts youth volunteers from ages 12 to 17 who help with a wide variety of activities including room set up and clean up, book searches, book shelving, running the video projector, helping guests and visitors, organizing craft projects, photographing events, and interacting with children and adults. Youth opportunities are also available throughout the school year. Volunteer Tyler provides opportunities for youth to give back to the community, participate in municipal government, and develop leadership skills. To volunteer or for more information, contact Volunteer Tyler at 903.531.1100 or go to www.volunteertyler.com.

Quitman Native’s Book Shares Sweeping Story: Lewis, Swaggart, Gilley

Publishers Weekly calls Unconquered: The Saga of Cousins Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggart, and Mickey Gilley,” by firsttime author J.D. Davis an “entertaining and epic story of perseverance and the power of family ties.” The tale of American music set against the backdrop of the Depression-era South explores the lives of the famous cousins from Ferriday, Louisiana, bonded by music, religion, and unbreakable family ties.

J.D. said he remembers his father watching Jimmy Swaggart on television and being intrigued by the evangelist’s magnificent piano talent. As a teenager, Davis became a fan of Jerry Lee Lewis. He first attended one of Lewis’s live performances as a college student, and grew up listening to country music of the 1970s and 1980s when Mickey Gilley was consistently producing number one country hits. For more information, go to www.UnconqueredTheBook.com.

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.

Every Third Friday

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.

August 5

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.

The Evolution of the Summer Read Despite the chagrin they are causing public libraries and bookstores, E Readers are changing the way we shop for, borrow, and purchase books, bringing a favorite pastime into the twenty-first century. With their convenience, unique interactive features, and updated screens that allow for reading in direct sunlight, E Readers are ideal for toting along on a relaxing vacation.

by Alia Pappas The warm sun peeks through the wispy white clouds dancing above in the summer sky, shining down on the cover of a lovingly worn paperback novel. Lounging in a chair beside the lake, the reader releases a contented sigh as the waves lap against the sandy shore a few short steps away. The work week was stressful, but now all that matters is the much-talked-about summer read clutched in their sunscreencoated fingertips. Taking up a prestigious name such as The Help, The Notebook, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, or Water for Elephants, this new book is impossible to put down for extended periods of time, and an ideal manner by which one could relax and get away from it all on a summer vacation. The paper book has long been known as a perfected medium for reading. However, recent technological innovations could possibly threaten the very existence of this cherished relic. The culprit in this case is the E Reader, a device designed for reading books on a handheld screen that also offers features such as WiFi Internet connection and Apps. In addition to affecting the sales of paper books, E Readers also pose a dilemma for local public libraries. Could this new technology potentially make paperbacks a thing of the past? In 2011, Borders Books and Music Company went bankrupt, shutting down hundreds of its stores across the United States. The main cause for the chain’s financial failure was its resistance to adapt to the way its customers shopped for books, particularly eBooks. As the way people read continued to evolve, Borders’ revenue dropped drastically. Other bookstores and bookstore chains across the nation affected by this include Crown Books, B. Dalton, Encore Books, Media Play, Oxford Bookstore, and Kroch’s and Brentano’s. We often pick up our favorite summer read at the local library, returning it only slightly rumpled and thoroughly rifled through. However, lately things have been changing. After the release of the E Reader, it wasn’t necessary to tote books back and forth to the library. With an Internet connection, books can be downloaded from home in a matter of minutes. Along with bookstore chains, this controversial new device also has repercussions in the world of Northeast Texas libraries.

As for public libraries in Northeast Texas, the problem comes in the form of recent state budget cuts. Northeast Texas Library System, funded through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, will close its doors August 31. This system that once served 33 Texas counties is one of the ten Lone Star Libraries being shut down across the state. “I am devastated and crushed at the closing of NETLS,” Jackie Icenhower of the Atlanta Public Library said. “They provided such great services. I know that the state library is in a tough spot with budget cuts, and I understand that, but I just don’t think the state library is going to be able to provide the kind of service we had when we had regional systems. Instead of handling 585 libraries, NETLS was able to handle just our area. Right now, we are five and a half hours away from the state library. Before, at least in three hours, we could have somebody here if we really needed to have someone.” As is shown with Northeast Texas Library System, E Readers have caused the modern library to evolve and change with alterations in the way people read. Public libraries must find ways to offer book lovers the nostalgia and comfort of hard copy books, and the technology and convenience of eBooks, a goal that is not always easy to reach. “The pros of E Readers are that they give access to lots of information and books, which is always important to libraries,” Arrie Custer of the Lindale Library said. “For the libraries, the cons are that a lot of eBook publishers are not selling to libraries, therefore we do not have access to all the titles.”

“I think E Readers are not just a fad and are here to stay,” Melanie Brumit of the City of Troup Library said. “They are very popular, and are increasing in usage instead of decreasing. There are more books that are becoming maybe even more available on eBooks than in actual hardback or paperback. So, I think it is a trend that will continue to get more popular.” Will E Readers ever dominate the literary scene as the most popular way to enjoy the hot new summer read everyone is talking about? Statistics say that eBook sales more than doubled last year, but the Chandler Public Library’s circulation “has gone way up” with over 100 hard copy books recently added to their selection. “You know, I think it is probably going to be a fifty-fifty deal with paper books and eBooks in the future,” Nancy Bertholf of Chandler Public Library said. “There are still people that really prefer the (paper) books. One hundred years from now, maybe eBooks probably will surpass paper books, but in most of our lifetimes, I still think we’ll see the book being preferred.” While there is no definite conclusion on what will become of paper books, eBooks, or E Readers, one thing is certain; much like vinyl records or vintage automobiles, a classic, richly bound volume passed down over generations will always hold a sentimental value that will withstand the test of time and technology. New inventions will continue to push aside the novelty of outdated technology, but nostalgia will have its way of preventing them from disappearing entirely from the future. Perhaps at this time 10 years from now, books will be enjoyed on a device we cannot imagine, in buildings that have yet to be constructed. The summer read will always be changing and evolving from one form to another, assuming various forms, but the written word itself, the heart of this controversy, always remains. AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 33

LIVING room

Make a Plan By Ryan Hanson As a construction contractor, I’ve lost track of the amount of times I’ve been called in to get a derailed “Do it yourself” project back on track. It happens suddenly, and once the project crashes off the rails it can be an arduous task to get it back on. However, there is one simple thing you can do to make the project run smoothly — make a plan. In construction there must be a charted path that outlines every facet of the building journey, start to finish and everything in between. Without this “map,” it’s very easy to get off course and sometimes lost completely. This same mapping is what keeps small jobs small, and large jobs on track and on time. It all starts with the project idea. Maybe you want to build a deck or add a room to your house? Whatever the idea is, outline it in the following steps: Fire up your computer or pen. Everything in this plan is written. Plans that are stored in memory are not only easily lost, but they are hard for others to understand. Complex projects turn into monsters if you don’t have a hard copy plan to refer to.

1. Define your idea. If it’s a simple idea, this step is easy — write it down. If your idea is complex, break it into smaller parts and make outlines for

each piece and combine the plans at the end. This ensures no parts are overlooked. 2. Make a drawing or schematic of your idea. “A picture is worth a thousand words” adage fits well here. Depending on the project, you might get away with a hand-scribbled sketch, but either way, make a diagram that shows size, dimension etc. If you’re a computer person, there are hundreds of free online resources that you can use to create your diagram. 3. Make a material list. From your diagram, you should be able to very closely figure out what materials you will need. Depending on your project, you may need extra materials. Waste, mistakes, and your degree of accuracy when estimating will determine how much extra you need. Once you have your material list, figure out cost. Some projects, at this stage, can become cost prohibitive. It’s amazing how things add up when you are planning properly. It’s always better to run out of money on paper than two thirds way through your project. When estimating costs, always overestimate. Planning for the worst and hoping for best fits here. 4. Estimate extra costs. Will there be parts of this project that you need a licensed contractor to complete? If so, make sure you get an estimate (s) prior to starting your project. Many times when a contractor comes out, he will find items that interfere, or have to be changed in order to complete his

C. MILLER DRILLING

Water Wells Done Right Deep Well Drilling & Service Residential •Agricultural • Commercial • Pump Service, Pulling & Sales Ask About Our Sand-Free Water Guarantee Every Deep Well Pressure Cemented

www.cmillerdrilling.com

Serving North East Texas Since 1983 Master Texas License 2464

• 7355 East Hwy 154 • Winnsboro

800-594-2187 • 903-725-6524 north east texas area

• wood county

34 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

let us install your well right

job. Often these obstacles were not figured into the original budget so know up front what the overrun costs are so you can have a complete and accurate budget. 5. Layout project. Is this project going to interfere with anything that’s already existing? Will other items need to be changed or removed to permit your projects success? If so, account for those changes in your outline, both in the budget and time area’s. 6. Figure out time. There is a simple formula for figuring out the length of time to complete a project. Take the amount of time you “think” you can do it in and double it. You will be close to the doubled time. If you are planning on taking off work for this project, give yourself an extra day. Projects very seldom finish early and the more complex, the more extra time you will need. 7. Permits and Miscellaneous. Do you need a permit for what you are doing? Depending on your location and scope of work, you might! Check your local laws, or with any contractors that may be helping you. Also, if you plan on excavating anything deeper than 16 inches, you will need to have any buried utilities located. This will not only save you from possible death, but a huge fine should you hit a utility. 8. Double check your plan. If possible, it’s always good to have a second opinion. A good plan will account for most things you want to accomplish however, there are always items that get overlooked. A second opinion or collaboration partner helps cut down or even eliminate these problems. It makes no difference what you want to do — make a plan. The time it takes to work the plan out is minimal compared to the amount of time that it takes to fix items on your project that you didn’t account for before building. Not only will you save money and time, but your sanity also. For more home or business construction ideas, visit www.EasyHanson.net.

Yes Want to check out more customers?

60 miles east of Dallas, 30 miles west of Tyler, 2 miles North of I-20 near Canton, Texas. Country living, peaceful aviation-oriented community. Lots available for custom and hangar homes.

Signature Company

Date

740 N. Plankinton Avenue, Suite 500 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203 (800) 996-MAPS (6277) | (414) 276-6622

County Line readers want to check you out too!

Want to de-stress? Get Organized! It’s easier than you think ... call today. EZ to Organize! Paula Marshall 972-877-7988 All Types of

All Types of Outdoor Furniture Outdoor Furniture

Screens Solar Solar Screens Call today to see how we can help you meet your needs for the most costeffective, results-oriented advertising.

903.833-2084

Motorized Motorized Aw-Awnings nings Umbrellas

Umbrellas

Solar Rollers

Gun Barrel City, TX 510 S. Gun Barrel Lane

www.countylinemagazine.com

903-887-2282

Athens, TX 222 E. Tyler

903-670-1140

Solar Rollers

Outdoor Assesories

Outdoor AssesoHammocks ries

Timber Creek Villas of Lindale Please Sign and Email or Fax Back Immediately www.TimberCreekVillas.com NovoPrint USA Fax Number: (414) 223-0475 Luxury • Maintenance Free • Gated Thirty II Oaks, LLC

As stated in the signed advertising agreement, all ad proofs sent to the customer must be approved or returned to NovoPrint USA, Inc. within 14 days of mailing. Subsequent corrections or chang or corrections noted within 7 days of receipt. Any proofs not returned after stated period will be considered as approved. Any additional colors, changes, or modifications requested by the custom standard rates. Any changes requested after the customer has approved a proof will be subject to an additional charge of 50% of the ad cost.

Timber Creek Villas are energy-efficient, maintenancefree, garden homes in a private, gated community. Imagine no grass to mow and a great place to call home!

2 or 3 Bedrooms 1,600 - 2,500 sq ft Starting at $179,000 Office Location: 1201 Brad Circle, Lindale: Open Daily — Sunday by appointment

903-882-3711 • 903-312-0992 AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 35



GRITS & GOURMET

Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended FOOD & DRINK news, events, and articles.

Julian’s

5201 South Broadway Avenue TYLER 903.509.8833 www.ilovejulians.com Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fri 11 a.m.-Midnight Sat 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Review by Jeremy Light I enjoy being surprised by food I am unaccustomed to eating or even liking for that matter. I really have never been a fan of Asian cuisine, but recently I had the wonderful opportunity to dine at Julian’s, an extremely pleasant, sleek, and upscale bistro in the heart of Tyler. Julian’s lies inside the Times Square shopping center between Broadway and Old Bullard Road. The cosmopolitan interior belies the pedestrian surroundings so you might be surprised by the virtually all-black and chrome

interior. The darkness inside is offset by very striking and vivid reds and blues; further, several mounted projectors convey images onto the walls with a variety of nature scenes, allowing for a dynamic and inviting backdrop for your meal. Although I was very prepared for the seared pepper encrusted tuna, sadly, it was unavailable. Hopefully it will be the next time. I substituted the crab wontons, which were perfectly crispy on the outside with succulent and real, not imitation, crab meat inside. The ap-

Best of the Upper East Side of Texas 2010, 2011 Best Steaks and Best Restaurant

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

Located in a beautiful lakeside lodge at 21191 FM 47 in Wills Point, one block north of Interstate 20, Exit 516 Open Tuesday - Saturday 5pm. to 10pm. Available for Special Events

Reservations Recommended

903.873.2225

www.fourwindssteakhouse.com

36 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

petizers like desserts, are a little on the pricey side, but they are certainly worth the extra money you spend. I was fortunate to try three of Julian’s quite reasonably priced entrees. The honey-glazed shrimp is perfectly seasoned served with a generous portion of fried rice as an accompaniment. The chicken pad Thai carries a wonderful spicy bite, possibly too spicy for those with milder palates. It is, however, a perfect choice for your first visit. Also worth your while is the coconut curry chicken, which has the apropos balance of sweet and spicy. The vegetables are slightly crunchy, a feature of Chinese fare I have never gotten used to, but the carrots were especially appetizing. The desserts are delightful and although the service is prompt and accurate, I wish the server, as he showed me the selection tray, had informed me of the prices. Although the cheesecake was quite tasty, it did not settle on my stomach quite as well once I received the bill. Desserts, in my opinion, should not cost about as much as the main course. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure your wallet can support it. Each dessert was near $10 and the coffee was just under $2.50. Not the most unreasonable prices I have ever seen, but they should be stated upfront. Nothing kills a pleasantly filled stomach than sticker shock. These issues aside, I do recommend a visit to Julian’s and I’ll go back. It is a chance to step out of the every day and into a décor and taste quite different from most establishments in East Texas. It’s into a taste of Asia you are unlikely to find anywhere else inside the region.

Caffe Tazza

4815 Old Bullard Road TYLER Mon-Sat 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 903.581.6601 www.caffetazza.net

Review by Pam Boyd Bombyk The earth-friendly carry-out cups at Caffe Tazza are imprinted with the vision of owner, Jane Keller, for her authentic, European-style eatery. “On the way, yet out of the way, Caffe Tazza is your escape from the daily rush. A place to relax and catch your breath. Share a table with a new friend or old memory. Where you can be alone but not lonely. A space to launch your imagination or sail a ship called Reverie.” Her vision is met with my frequent stops there ever since they opened on January 1, 2008. While resting and refreshing on the outdoor patio under an oversized umbrella with one of my dogs, I can have a freshly made Michelangelo Panini, with real turkey breast, tomato, spinach and swiss cheese on a whole grain ciabatta for under $5 with a choice of a coffee drink, tea, wine or beer. The chicken salad sandwich is served on scrumptious raisin pecan bread. I often choose the vegetarian Panini because I know the ingredients are fresh, and I’ve never gotten wilted lettuce or soggy bread. The soup is delicious and again, fresh made, not from a can. There is always salad and fruit to choose instead of the potato chips that come with standard sandwich orders. continued Page 38

music • food • fun 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-a-beer $7. 903.833.5100.

Live Music 8-11 p.m. 8/3 Ben Lowery & Texas Express (Country Dance) $5

Delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. Handmade pizza. To go ordres welcome. Full bar. Open Wed., Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday Noon - 4 p.m. with breakfast fare, mimosas and bloody marys. For info, call 903.833.5970.

Live Acoustic Music, 7 p.m. No Cover

8/4 Jr. and The Journeymen featuring Kirby Kelley (Blues/Slide Guitar/Rock) $7 8/10 Finding Shade (Texas Country) $7

8/11 Mouse & The Traps DVD Release Party

(1960s Tyler-Based, Garage Rock Band) $15 8/17 Ben Lowery & Texas Express (Country Dance) $5 8/18 Kimberly Torres Band (Traditional Country/Blues/Rock) $5 8/24 Bill Hilly (Country) $5 8/25 Steve Carpenter Band (Traditional Country) $7

8/2 Matt Bradshaw

8/23 Mike Acoustic

8/3 Kimberly Dunn

8/24 Front Row Sinners with Jimmy Lewis

8/4 Stan Lawhon 8/9 Travis Bolt 8/10 The Frames w/Jared Hollis

8/30 Jason Elmore

8/11 T&C Miller

8/31 James Derrick

8/16 blacktop GYPSY

Every Saturday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bluesman Craig Wallace

8/17 Meredith Crawford

8/31 Chase McClanahan & New South (Country/SouthernRock/Alt.Country) $5 Karaoke Thursdays 6 p.m.

8/25 Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix

8/18 Heather Little

Fish Fry Fundraiser • August 18, 6-9 p.m. benefitting the Ben Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department $5 Fish plates with all the trimmings

Live music by Ben Lowery & Texas Express

The Beer Garden • Downtown Ben Wheeler For more info, call 903.833.5815 ext. 208

Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation www.benwheelertx.com • 903.833.1070 AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 37

San Pedro’s Stacked Chalupa is a culinary creation unique to this restaurant, shown here divided in half for sharing. The sizzling beef fajitas are one of the Mexican restaurant staples that San Pedro’s has mastered. Photos by Alia Pappas

CAFFE TAZZA continued from Page 37 Yummy pastries are baked on-site from scratch and include healthy muffins, brownies, biscotti and Tiramisu. Authentic gelato and sorbetto are made in small batches with raw ingredients.

San Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant & Grill

point. I recommend the Abuelos Tamales. The flavors of seasoned meat mingle deliciously together with soft, homemade masa.

Review by Alia Pappas

San Pedro’s offers several enticing specialties. I first sampled the Bam Bam Enchiladas, a fitting name for these smoked pulledchicken enchiladas, topped with a creamy yet sneakily spicy cheese sauce. They pack a punch of flavor that demands a double-take from your taste buds.

404 SH 31 CHANDLER 903.849.2800

On weekends, Caffe Tazza makes omelettes to order from fresh ingredients and eggs right out of the shell. That may not sound unique, but most restaurants use eggs from a bag. My husband and I once drove all the way to Tazza the morning after attending a concert in Marshall because it was the only place we know of that serves unprocessed, freshly prepared breakfast. Be ready to wait if arriving late morning on Saturday or Sunday during the after church rush.

A spicy, steaming dish served over the pairing of rice and refried beans topped with a sprinkle of cheese — this is comfort food for us Texans. Living in Northeast Texas one cannot avoid the birthday parties, nights out with friends, and family gatherings that the classic Mexican restaurant hosts.

Jane Keller knows about and really loves coffee; I caught her recently holding a coffee class complete with several page handouts to educate her baristas. She also loves art and showcases local artists every Thursday evening.

I was seated and waited on promptly. The interior of San Pedro’s was typical of many Mexican restaurants, but was tastefully done with a modern hacienda’s appeal. The dining area was bright, open, and welcoming; traits supported by the friendly wait staff and manager who did everything to assure a flawless dining experience.

Caffe Tazza is readily accessible inside and out for the elderly person with a cane or pushing a walker. Standing in line and ordering at the counter, then waiting for someone to bring the food bothers some people, but at least there is no table to clear or dishes to wash. And the ambience, which includes light jazz, blues or classical music playing in the background makes any wait extremely pleasant. 38 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

San Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant & Grill, located in downtown Chandler, is an ideal example of this iconic southern eatery, but with a twist of its own personality, exhibited by the mission-style building adorned with rustic landscaping.

I began my meal with white queso. The appetizer arrived at my table somewhat later than I would have preferred, but was worth the wait, served fresh and warm, with a kick of jalapenos. The tortilla chips were nothing spectacular, but were also fresh, and the homemade salsa differed from your usual picante, with hints of sweetness blended with spice. San Pedro’s serves all the classic Tex-Mex cuisine one could ask for, and none disap-

The manager recommended San Pedro’s Stacked Chalupa, an unusual, large dish resembling Mexican pizzas covered with beans, ground beef, pico de gallo, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream layered on top of one another. The waitress warned me about the unconventional sopapilla I ordered. This pastry cost $1.99, which was reasonable seeing as it extended over the edges of my plate. Despite the size, the portion I consumed was flakey and great paired with honey. By visiting Mexican restaurants frequently, we Texans learn what flavors impress our taste buds, and what bores them to tears. San Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant & Grill did not cause my taste buds to snooze, and is my go-to Mexican eatery when I am craving a taste of south-of-the-border pizazz.

Contest to Recognize “Best” Farmers’ Market

Vote for your favorite farmers’ market by September 3 to help raise awareness about the role such markets play in supporting local forms and the importance of protecting American farmland. It’s the fourth annual American Farmland Trust contest.

Winning markets will be featured on the award-winning food site www.epicurious.com. In concert with the contest, farmers can submit an essay that might win the $1,000 Farmers Market Inspiration Award. The prize will be awarded to a farmer showing the greatest dedication to the local market by the Farmers Market Coalition in partnership with Growing for Market magazine and American Farmland Trust. For more information, or to vote, go to http://action.farmland.org and click through to the proper section.

Team Up with Farmers For Fresh Groceries

in the Athens, Greece, area alone, with more than 5,000 of those creating accounts. More than 900 farmers have said they want to join. Recently, deliveries to the first 100 families got underway, from the first four farms to sign up. By September, Dimitris said, he will have three times as many farms on stream and at least 500 households on his delivery round. He also plans to be offering olive oil at less than half price plus eggs, sheep, and goats. “You will be able to rent your animal for an annual fee, choose when you want it slaughtered, and have the meat delivered to your door,” he said. “You’ll just need a big freezer. Or plenty of friends and family.”

Can an idea from Greece catch on in the Upper East Side of Texas? In this case, the idea is called “become a farmer,” although that’s not literally what it means.

For more information, go to www.gineagrotis.gr.

The idea is simple enough: rent a patch of land from a farmer, tell him what you’d like grown on it, and get your own fresh vegetables delivered weekly in season.

Every Tuesday and Saturday

Dimitris Koutsolioutsos is an accountant in Greece who helps people do just that. He says people who sign up pay, on average, 70 percent less than at the supermarket or greengrocers while helping provide income for farmers. It’s about buying local: “creating a direct connection between the consumer and the producer,” he said. “You have a real farmer, a real man, and a real, physical piece of land that you can – indeed you must, we insist on it – go and visit. It’s an alternative way of organizing food production and distribution.” Dimitris said benefits to the farmer are considerable: knowing in advance what to plant, how much of it, and when to harvest. The crops can be grown at a discount, because the farmer knows he will sell all he grows, with no waste. And he gets a regular, guaranteed, stable income. The startup numbers are a bit overwhelming, but the idea is beginning to work. The website has had 50,000 visitors

FOOD EVENTS Navarro County Farmers Market. Corsicana. Locally grown produce. 7 a.m.-sell out. South I-45B at Hwy 31. 903.229.7333.

Every Wednesday and Saturday

Farmer’s Market. Nacogdoches. More than 25 vendors, plus music. 8 a.m.-noon. 107 Pearl. 936.559.2573, http://farmermktnac.blogspot.com.

Every Friday

Brick Street Farmers Market. Corsicana. Local producers’ market with naturally grown fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry, dairy products; handmade breads, canned goods, and plants plus entertainment and cooking demonstrations. 3-7 p.m. Brick Street downtown. 903.229.7505.

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market. Winnsboro. Voted best produce in County Line Magazine’s 2011

Best of Produce Category. Open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon through October, rain or shine, at Winnsboro City Park under the Jack Cross Pavilion, 900 Wheeler north of FM 515. Shop for the freshest local produce, browse the selection of crafts, or taste and buy Texas wines. Demonstrations and entertainment are often on the schedule, and often there are special events. 903.629.3332. www.WinnsboroFarmersMarket.com. Farmers Market. Longview. Certified GoTexas market with fresh, locally grown products, goat cheese, free range beef and chicken, fresh flowers; herbs, soaps, candles, and more. Free admission. 8 a.m.-noon. High and Cotton streets. www.HistoricLongviewFarmersMarket.com, 903.746.2708. Main Street Farmers Market. Mineola. Buy locally grown produce. Free admission. Opens 7:30 a.m. 115 E. Front at the pavilion. www.mineola.com. Farmers Market. Athens. Free to shoppers; peddlers $5. 8 a.m.-noon. Parking lot, Hwy. 19N at E. Larkin. 903.675.5181, www. athenscc.org. Farmers Market. Kilgore. Local produce plus arts & crafts vendors. 8 a.m.-noon. Downtown. 903.988.4117, www.downtownkilgore.com.

August 4

Palestine Farmers Market Super Saturday Sale. Palestine. Featuring cage-free/ range-free eggs, watermelons, squash, peas, beans, tomatoes, onions, peaches and more. 8 a.m. – Noon. 825 West Spring St., Palestine. 903.723.3014. http://www.visitpalestine.com

Open 24/7 • Full Menu Breakfast anytime Hwy. 19 near I-20 in Canton

“World Famous Hamburgers”

903-567-6551 www.dairypalace.com facebook.com/dairypalace

ROBERTSON’S HAMS 120 @ FM 47, Exit 516 Wills Point

903-873-8645

robertsonsham-willspoint.com

Mon-Wed 9 a.m. -7 p.m. Voted Best Catfish in Northeast Texas 2010

Cured & Smoked Ham, Turkey, Sausage “Real” Beef Jerky ALSO Burgers, Barbecue, Shakes, and Bluebell Cones!

Thurs- Sat 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.

THE RED BARN

Catfish and Shrimp Buffet, Homemade Desserts Thurs- Sat 5 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 39



PLAY

Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for our extended PLAY news and event listings.

Step Back in Time at Emory Heritage Park Article and photos by Ine Burke The Emory Heritage Park is located off Highway 69, adjacent to the Rains County Public Library in Emory. It is established and maintained by the Rains County Historical Society. The park is dedicated to the preservation of rural cultural and architectural history in Rains County from the early 1900’s era. Here’s a preview of some of its historic structures in the park that were once located in various towns in Rains County and donated by members of the community. The Luckett House, a 1912 Texas style farm house was built for George and Florence Luckett, who raised 18 children, with the seven youngest ones having been born in this house. The twostory wooden house is very well restored and furnished under the direction of the Luckett family descendents. Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church is typical of early Texas rural churches, constructed with handplaned lumber, by the church’s own members. It was built in 1930 in Shady Grove and served its congregation for 66 years until 1996, when the new and larger building was completed. At Point Gasoline Service Station, back in the day, you would get full service, which included cleaning the windows and windscreen, checking the tire pressures, and a general inspection of other items under the hood. This 1920 gas station served as a community meeting place in Point, about eight miles northwest of Emory, selling groceries, snacks, auto parts, and other supplies, in addition to gasoline until 1984 when the last owners retired. The Point Cotton Gin scales building is dated from the 1920’s and was used by the Farmers Co-Op Gin and reminds us of how important it was 40 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

to the community then. Around the 1900’s, cotton was a major cash crop for farmers in East Texas. The cotton industry in Rains County reached its record high in 1931. The Rains County Leader building is a replica of the 1887 newspaper’s office that still serves Rains County today. The interior is a work in progress. When completed it will exhibit 18901920’s original printing equipment donated by the owner and operator of the newspaper, the Hill family.

las between Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork. The community celebrates several annual events including “Eagle Fest” in February, “Rains County Founder’s Day Festival” in May, “Rains County Fair“ and “Classic around the Square” mid September (week of September 11 -15 this year), and “Christmas on the Square” in December. An upcoming event in the park is the “Back to School Bash,” August 4.

Other structures in the park include an octagonal bandstand, an outhouse, and a steel jail cell. A replica of an old jail building is planned to be built around this cell.

For further enquiry contact Keeley Roan, Director of Community Development of City of Emory Development Corporation, 903-473-2465 x 112, email keeley@emorytx.com, or visit their website at www.emorytx. com.

Emory, the “land between the lakes,” is located 70 miles northeast of Dal-

See more photos of Emory Heritage Park at inegaleri.com.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 1920 era Point Gasoline Service Station. ABOVE: 1920 era Point Cotton Gin Scales Building. Far Right: Steel jail cell. RIGHT: An old organ and a piano inside the 1930 Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. BELOW: The Luckett House’s interior. One of the three bedrooms downstairs.

AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 41

SHOP Calling All Local Artists, Crafters & Designers

Funky Finds in Longview is currently accepting vendor applications for Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience. This two-day indoor event will showcase the work of various artists, crafters and designers. The vendor application deadline is August 12. All vendor information and a link to the online application can be found on the event website at www.funkyfinds.com/Longview. The event website also features information regarding sponsorship and advertising opportunities, as well as swag donation. These are great ways for area businesses to show their support for area artisans while growing their customer base. Event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase unique hand-crafted items, including accessories, art, ceramics, clothing, children’s goods, pet goods, home dècor and much more. The event will be free to the public and is family and petfriendly. Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 3 and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday, November 4 at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Complex/Fairgrounds, 100 Grand Blvd.

Biggest & Best in East Texas Furniture Primitives Collectibles 30+ Dealers 12,000 sq. ft. of quality merchandise ---- 35+ dealers 903-469-4321 7 miles East of Athens 7150 SH 31E • Murchison www.wagonwheelantiquemall.com 42 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

The event will also feature a charitable raffle benefiting Texas Star Rescue who will be facilitating on-site pet adoptions throughout the event. Raffle prizes include items from all participating artisans and sponsors. The first 35 attendees each day to purchase a minimum of five $1 raffle tickets will receive a reusable shopping tote full of free swag.

FunkyFinds.com is dedicated to promoting independent artists, crafters and designers worldwide. Founded in 2006 by Jessica and Joseph Dougherty, Funky Finds offers a variety of affordable services for independent artisans, including an online marketplace, The Shops @ Funky Finds. Funky Finds hosts semi-annual indie art and craft shows in Fort Worth and Longview. More information can be found at www.FunkyFinds.com.

Have Fun With the Sun This Summer

Solar Screen & Sun Control Products is a full service sun control and outdoor products company that has opened a second store in Athens. Owner and founder Fred Kurlander has been a Cedar Creek Lake resident for more than 20 years and founded the company in 2005. His knowledge of outdoor lake life and its sun and heat problems provides his clients with the latest innovative solutions in sun protection & energy efficiency. Products include solar screens, interior and exterior roller shades, fixed and retractable awnings, screened in porches and pergolas, along with outdoor furniture, awnings, umbrellas and other outdoor merchandise. Solar Screen is an Authorized SunSetter Dealer and carries many nationally recognized brands. The new store is located at 222 East Tyler Street in Athens and the original store is at 510 S. Gun Barrel Lane in Gun Barrel City. Learn more about their products at www. solarscreen4u.com

Wine & Art Coming Soon! For art entries, contact Billie Ruth Standbridge, 903.335.8905, pocketshoppes@suddenlinkmail.com Main Street Pocket Shoppes 204 Main Street Downtown Sulphur Springs

Canton Shop Offers Own Clothing Line Bellum & Rogue, an independent clothing store located in Canton at opened its doors 1351 S. Trade Days Blvd/Highway 19 in July 2011. Bellum & Rogue is not the usual boutique. Its style is unique, fresh, and appealing to a broad spectrum of customers that visit the store, or its booths at the First Monday Trade Days. “I always wanted to open a clothing store,” manager Amber Austin said. “I started off selling jewelry at a hair salon. Bellum & Rogue started out at the First Monday Trades Days, then I wanted to have a boutique with clothing and home décor, and it just kept growing.” With little renovation to the building needed, Amber opened Bellum & Rogue easily, alternating her business between the permanent store location and the four booths that are filled with merchandise during the First Monday Trade Days.

mer pieces are sun dresses or boho beach bags. Fringe bikinis and lacy bandeaux tops are also seasonal pieces.” Bellum & Rogue makes revamping a wardrobe less of a hassle. Clothes for every season that are updated two to three times a week can be found for reasonable prices at this establishment. “I think we have good prices that appeal to everyone,” Amber said. “We always have a lot of new merchandise. I know a lot of people like to buy new outfits for going to any kind of event, or for the weekend. You can’t do that if they’re really expensive. This is still good quality merchandise, even with the lower prices.” Visit Bellum & Rogue on Highway 19 or look for their booths at the next First Monday Trade Days. For hours of operation and more information call 214.208.7135 and go to www.bellumandrogue.us. Michael Myers Photography

By Alia Pappas

“I wanted to open a store so I could have it open all during the month,” Amber said, although they do close the downtown store during First Monday weekends as they get much better traffic on the trade days grounds. The moniker Bellum & Rogue, Amber’s own creation, is a powerful name akin to Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus. This title catches the eyes and ears of several of Amber’s customers, some of whom believe Bellum & Rogue makes the statement of a prestigious law firm. With a name like this, one may wonder about the specific style of this eclectic shop. “I would think our style could be described as modern,” Amber said. “But it’s really a mixture of things. The products are not all one style, I would think. Some of the pieces could be described as contemporary, indie, bohemian, vintage-inspired, even some retro.” Wide assortments of clothing and reasonable prices make Bellum & Rogue a shop that is popular with and frequented by locals as well as First Monday visitors. Bellum & Rogue’s main demographic ranges from 25 to 45, but women of all ages appreciate Amber’s refreshing selection of clothing, accessories, and home décor. “I feel like a lot of our merchandise appeals to everyone,” Amber said. “I have, say, a 14-year-old girl look at a top and a 60-old woman like the same thing.” Bellum & Rogue’s selection of products includes clothes rarely found anywhere else in the area, home décor such as chandeliers or decorative vintage glass bottles, or artsy accessories. The store also offers merchandise specifically for the summer months. “I keep summer clothing all the time,” Amber said. “I always have dresses and things like that. Some of our sumAUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 43

AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 43

See Music Boxes in Sulphur Springs By Tom Geddie There’s something both mechanical and magical, it seems, about music boxes, which are often thought of as relics from the past. The mechanical part is the tiny set of pins on a revolving cylinder or disc that pluck the tuned teeth of a steel comb to make simple music when wound up and set free. The magical part is in the novelty, in the simple songs chosen for the boxes, and often in the boxes’ designs, and in the feelings the songs can generate. Many of the original music boxes were made by watchmakers from snuff boxes, tiny containers that fit into a gentleman’s waistcoat pocket, although they came in larger sizes, too. Production was concentrated in Switzerland in the beginning, and the first music box factory was opened there in 1815 by Jérémie Recordon and Samuel Junod. Soon, there were manufacturers in Bohemia and Germany and by the end of the 19th century, some of the European makers had opened factories in the United States. While Leo St. Clair served in the U.S. Navy during World Wars I and II and in the Korean conflict, the queen of Belgium presented him with a music box, sparking his interest in the tiny art form. Today, his collection of more than 150 music boxes — ranging from the unique to the commonplace, some of them once owned by other soldiers and by movie stars — is one of the permanent exhibits at the Sulphur Springs Public Library. The displays celebrate his interest in music boxes as well as his service to his country. Admission to the Leo St. Clair Music Box Exhibit and Collection is free. Normal hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday except 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday. The library is at 611 N. Davis. For more information, call 903.885.4926 or go to www.sslibrary.org. 44 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

Hand etched silver and brass encase a jewelry box replica of the Taj Mahal, which plays “The Song of India.” Other music on display at the Sulphur Springs library include a miniature grand piano, a hurdy gurdy, and many more.

advertise, call 903.833.2084 or County Line Marketplace Toemail info@countylinemagazine. com

Plumbing “by” Roger

M-8528

903-833-5667 The

Internet

Serving East Texas

Connection to

Lindale, Texas

Business • Education Community • Events Weekly email blasts about all that is Lindale, Texas

Authorized E-File Provider

Bill Hullum, CPA PC • Tax Planning for Tax Reduction • Audit Representation • Bank Reconciliation

WILLS POINT CHEVROLET In our world-class service department, We now service ALL MAKES & MODELS Cars • Trucks • SUVs

QUALITY MAINTENANCE SAVES YOU MONEY Wills Point Chevrolet • Wills Point, Texas 903.873.2561 • www.willspointchevrolet.com R. Ann Aduddell, D.D.S., P.C. Bart F. Miller, D.D.S., M.S. - Orthodontics

Medicaid Accepted Financing Available

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

104 Burnett Trail, Canton 903-567-2207 www.millcreekdds.com

Bob’s Brass & Woodwind Bob Dodd More than 30 years experience in quality repairs. bobsbrassandwoodwind @hughes.net

903.896.1150 832.715.9695

• Budgets & Forecasts • Sales Tax/Multi State Taxes • Payroll/Quarterly Reports • Individual, Corporate, Partnership Tax Preparation • Experienced Water District Accounting

649 W. Main • Box 545 625 Hwy 31 East #6 Van, TX 75790 Chandler, TX 75758 903.963.5865 903.849.4994

www.billhullumcpa.com

WE DO

Holly@LindaleLink.com www.LindaleLink.com

ESTATE SALES (living or deceased)

I AM A PROFESSIONAL AUCTIONEER. LET ME DO YOUR ESTATE SALE FOR YOU... I CAN GET YOU TOP MONEY FOR YOUR ITEMS. WE DO ALL THE WORK AND RESEARCH. FOR MORE INFO CALL AND ASK FOR CHERE’... REFERENCES AVAILABLE. I ALSO DO FARM AND RANCH ESTATE SALES AND ESTATE SALE AUCTIONS I DO IT ALL !!!

972-567-7706 AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 45

FEEL GOOD Northeast Texas Health Noted for Excellence

NET Health was honored at the 2012 annual conference of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), a body of peers, for developing and implementing a program that demonstrates exemplary and replicable qualities in response to a local public health need. The Fit City Challenge was one of 39 public health programs developed in conjunction with a local health department selected from across the nation to receive NACCHO’s Model Practice Award. The Fit City Challenge is a healthy living action-based program that is accepting the challenge to make Tyler a Fit City one step, one bite, and one health-conscious decision at a time. The Fit City Challenge is not a diet or weight loss program, but a way to come together as a community and change the way we think about our health on a daily basis. To learn more about Fit City Challenge, visit www.fitcitytyler.com. “We are honored to be the recipient of the NACCHO Model Practice Award for the Fit City Challenge. We are blessed with the Partnership that we have with our physicians, hospitals, colleges and so many community partners on this important initiative. This project has generated such a positive buzz in our community, and we are excited about the future of this effort!” said George Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of NET Health. Each innovative project receiving the award was peer-reviewed (by other local health department professionals) and selected from a group of 166 applications. This award puts NET Health into special

Dana’s

HEALTH FOODS “You don’t have to be wealthy to be healthy.” Natural, Organic Foods & Supplements Gluten Free, Vegan Health Conscience Choices 1111 E. Tyler St., Ste. 103, Athens, TX www.danashealthfoods.com 46 • CountyLineMagazine.com • AUGUST 2012

company—a select group of health departments that exemplify a forward thinking, proactive attitude toward protecting and promoting the health of communities across the nation. For more information about the NACCHO Model Practice Awards and to view a list of other award winners, go to www. naccho.org. About the National Association of County and City Health Officials: The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the nation’s 2,800 local governmental health departments. These city, county, metropolitan, district and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities.

Baby Boomer Diet Book Offers Aging Advice

You Are Unique – knowing yourself.

Who doesn’t want to look better and feel better as they age? The Baby Boomer Diet: Body Ecology’s Guide to Growing Younger is not a book for those who don’t want to change anything about the way they eat. Donna Gates is a nutritional consultant whose information has helped thousands of people overcome auto-immune disorders. She draws on Naturopathy, modern medical science and ancient Chinese medicine, along with firsthand experience to create Body Ecology, her own system of health and healing.

Step by Step – knowing where and how to begin. Includes topics of accumulated toxins, lifestyle habits and genetic tendencies causing imbalances.

At the core of her system is the intestinal tract, beneficial bacteria and the inner ecosystem. She covers Seven Universal Principals in the book including:

The 80/20 Rule about portion control.

Yama Yoga Studio

Where Your Journey Begins. TM

DAILY CLASSES 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training Prenatal Yoga Classes

18402 FM 1255 Canton, TX 75103

WORKSHOPS

Meditation & Guided Imagery Sat. Aug. 4, 1-3 p.m. Cultivating Your Personal Practice Sat., Aug. 18, 1-3 p.m. Your True Nature Sat., Sept. 15, 1-3 p.m.

www.yamayoga.info 903.316.9471

Cleansing, including getting rid of physical and emotional debris. Balance Acidity and Alkalinity Combining Foods Effectively - working with proteins, vegetables, starches and fats.

Donna speaks of eating as an art, a way to gain energy and a tool for healing. The book includes an entire chapter about fermented foods as well as a chapter about sugar. She discusses the difference between good and bad fats, between table salt and sea-salt. Lastly, she gives a shopping list and instructions on beginning to eat in a way that will support the body as it ages. The Baby Boomer Diet is a few more than 300 pages and an interesting and helpful read for those seeking ways to look and feel good enough to really enjoy their golden years. — Pam Boyd Bombyk

Experience Counts Caring is Invaluable At Bethany, we understand the physical and emotional needs of our patients.

• Skilled Nursing • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech/Language Pathology • Medical Social Services • Home Health Aides • Certified Ostomy/Wound Care • Infusion Services • Diabetic/Insulin Management • Cardiovascular Management • Low Vision Enrichment Bethany HomeHealth Services is a Licensed and Certified Medicare and Medicaid agency by the State of Texas.

www.BethanyHealthcare.com Nacogdoches 936-569-2949 Livingston 936-329-0400

Lufkin 936-699-2744 Carthage 903-690-9669

Longview 903-553-0056 Tyler 903-593-1234

www.healthyeasttx.org 903-535-0030

What’s Stopping You From Getting Fit? TIME. MONEY. KI D ACTI VI TI ES. W O RK.

AUGUST 2012 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 47

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