SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE NATURAL HARMONY UNKNOWN FUTURES
county line UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS
M A G A Z I N E
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 COMPLIMENTARY COPY
TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 55
WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM
GUITAR ARTISTS CONTEMPORARY TEXAS FLOUR SUCKS VISIT GREENVILLE TIGER CREEK BLUE MOON GARDENS TIN CAN TOURISTS EDOM ARTS WINNSBORO AUTUMN
New Fall Arriving Daily
CANTON, TX | 903.567.0363 | WWW.PAULMICHAELCOMPANY.COM
apparel , gifts , home decor , quilting , jewelry , furniture , more
Sept.11 & Oct. 9. Night Owls Late Till 8 Shopping! Live Music. Promotions. Food. Wine. Art. Oct. 4. Rib Rub Run & Roll May - September. Rockwall Farmers’ Market Saturdays 8 a.m. to Noon
25+ Vendors. Seafood. Eggs. Organic Produce. Preserves. More fine dining , coffee house , tea room , winery , mediterranean , more
GLOW RUN
GUMBO CONTEST
STREET DANCE
GENERAL ADMISSION OF $25 COVERS FUN RUN, GUMBO W/FIXINS & DANCE GUMBO CONTEST • $200 • 4 SHIRTS • 3PM SET-UP • JUDGED BY CHELSEA CACE
972.772.6400 www.Rockwall.com/MainStreet 2 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
f
CALL 903-753-8103 OR VISIT WWW.LMFA.ORG FOR RESERVATIONS
Mount Vernon Wine FestiVal Wine Tasting Capital of East Texas
Friday Oct. 24 5 pm—9 pm Saturday Oct. 25 10 am—5 pm ADMISSION $5
tastings $1 must be
21 or over
ID REQUIRED art. crafts. shopPING food. live entertainment Downtown Mt. Vernon, Texas for more info 903.537.4070
Wine in the
5th Annual
Pines
MAIN STREET ALLIANACE | WWW.MTVERNONWINE.COM
October 2-5 October 30-November 2 November 27-30
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 3
CONTENTS FEATURES
8 Now You’re Speaking My Language
Susie Grona and others provide programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. By Makayla Schultz
12 Art Guitars Touch a Chord Within
8
Artists Christi Barrett and Judy Gottesman use old unusable guitars to create inspiring works of art. By Alia Pappas
12
14 Destination Greenville
Historic preservation and downtown happenings attract a steady flow of visitors to Greenville. By Madison Payne
16 Texan Theater Returns with a Twist By Madison Payne 17 GMA Celebrates 75th Anniversary By Carol Taylor
14
18 Live Music Fills the Greenville Air By Madison Payne
DEPARTMENTS 5
Editor’s Note. Letters.
ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE
6 Tyler City Council, Historic Church, Longview Bat, Grant Scam, Parking Garage
THIS TIME OF YEAR
10 Dan Blocker, Leon Payne, Labor Day, Van Oil, Sissy Spacek as Carrie, Lady Bird’s Daddy, Bat Appreciation
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
22 Texas State Railroad. Canton Autumn Stroll, Van Oil Fest, Mount Vernon Wine in the Pines, Fall Feral Hog Festival 23 Enjoy Autumn in Winnsboro
By P.A. Geddie
THE ARTS
26 Exhibit Shows Contemporary Texas 26 S. Seymour Thomas Art Gallery By Alia Pappas 27 Montgomery Art: Humans and Nature
By P.A. Geddie
27 Art News. 30 2014 Edom Festival of the Arts
ON STAGE
32 NEWS. EVENTS.
FILM
34 Classic Spooky Movies Reviewed in Time for Halloween
By Jules Scroggin and Jess LeBeau
35 The Texan Who Conquered Russia
By P.A. Geddie
MUSIC
10
36 Otis and The Metro Band By Amanda Retallack 37 MUSIC NEWS. CD Review. EVENTS.
LITERARY SCENE
38 Review by Patti Light: A Constellation of Vital Phenomenon by Anthony Marra 39 Poetry & Prose
PLAY
40 Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge By Alia Pappas
STAY
42 Tin Can Tourists “Glamp” in Style By Lisa Reed McKinney
FOOD & DRINK
44 Review by Patti Light: Goung Zhou Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar ( GZ’s) 45 Flour Sucks, But Gluten-Free Never Tasted So Good By Alia Pappas 46 NEWS. EVENTS.
SHOP
26
20
48 Experience a Shopping Oasis at Blue Moon Gardens By P.A. Geddie
LIVING ROOM
50 Working Hand in Hand With Nature By P.A. Geddie
FEEL GOOD: Making a Difference
51 Young East Texans Step Bravely Toward Unknown Futures By Michael Schultz 52 Scholarships, Children’s Library, Volunteer Tyler
COVER: “Living Room” by William B. Montgomery shows a man sitting in an easy chair oblivious to the coyotes in front of him and the deteriorating cars surrounding him. Montgomery’s art is on exhibit at the Tyler Musuem of Art through November 30.
SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
fl&g +
county line Since 2000
MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR P.A. Geddie PR & Marketing Leah Lynch Madison Payne CONTRIBUTORS Haylee Bazil Tom Geddie Jess LeBeau Patti Light Jamie Maldonado Lisa Reed McKinney Alia Pappas Amanda Retallack Jules Scroggin Makayla Schultz Michael Schultz Carol Taylor SALES P.A. Geddie COPY EDITOR Terry Britt GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Jette Stephens DISTRIBUTION Pam Boyd Bombyk Leah Lynch David Michelina 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 2014 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: 903.963.8306. 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 903.963.8306.
EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, Welcome to autumn in the Upper East Side of Texas. Our region is beautiful throughout the year but no other season stands out further than this one or has more fun and meaningful things to do and see. Just like the region, this issue is packed with interesting and entertaining people and tons of things to learn and explore. From lions and tigers to art guitars, to humans and nature working together, to spooky movies and our famous East Texans, to cute travel trailers, the list goes on and on in this issue. I encourage you to visit our towns we’ve featured as they continue to blossom into great getaways for day trips or overnight. Be sure to send us a note to let us know what you are doing for fun and how you enjoyed it. I learned from an article in this issue
that we have close to 98,000 known deaf and hard-of-hearing people in East Texas. That number is staggering to me. Many of them experience difficulties trying to communicate with the hearing world and I learned a few things about how I can better interact with those I meet along the way. Learning American Sign Language is a fun and easy thing we can do to improve relationships with our deaf neighbors. I regret not encouraging my mostly-deaf late father for the last years of his life and our family to learn it — we talked about it but never followed through and he said often he felt left out of our family conversations. I’d like to challenge us all to try to speak another’s language a few times to add to the million kodak moments to experience in this grand time of the year. P.A. Geddie Publisher & Managing Editor
LETTERS Dear Editor, While waiting on my Bruno’s pizza take out, I found a copy of your May/June issue of County Line and was impressed with the quality of the design and writing. I find most freebie magazines now to be almost unreadable without a magnifying glass. You’re doing a great job and I wish you well. James Wilkins Tyler
Serving the Upper East Side of Texas
I really appreciate your magazine. I recently moved to Bullard from south Texas and in the year before I moved I started taking the magazine and it helped me learn a lot about the area before I got here. It was great to find out about so many fun and interesting things taking place in the area. I look forward to learning more each month through County Line Magazine. Pete Cunningham Bullard
Let us hear from you. Please feel free to send us your comments.
Great magazine! Peggy Maroney Greenville
County Line Magazine P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 email: info@countylinemagazine.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter. Go to LETTERS on www.countylinemagazine.com.
List your events on WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM. CLICK ON MY ACCOUNT AT TOP OF THE PAGE AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. Questions? email: leah@countylinemagazine.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 5
ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Tyler City Council Receives Honor
The Tyler City Council was recently presented the “City Council of the Year Award” from the Texas City Management Association (TCMA) for its continued commitment to ethics, prudent financial management, support for employee professional development, focus on positive community relations and unique community initiatives. A few examples noted include a new city ethics policy, one of the lowest tax rates in the state, establishment of a comprehensive, citywide Lean Six Sigma program, a AAA bond rating, zero general obligation debt, a robust city education program called City University and the Industry Growth Initiative.
ity, process speed and the elimination of waste and variation in processes. To date, the city has saved more than $5 million through this program. “Without the trust and support of our Tyler City Council none of these accomplishments would have been possible,” McDaniel said.
Canton Church To Mark Anniversary In October
The First United Methodist Church of Canton marks the tradition of the past to celebrate the 158th anniversary of the church with a Lord’s Acre Fall Festival of food, fun and fellowship on October 18. Everyone in the community is invited to attend this homecoming event at 600 South Buffalo in Canton.
“The Tyler City Council members have tremendous respect for each other, which can be seen in their interactions at council meetings,” said Tyler City Manager Mark McDaniel. “When agenda items are discussed, support is shown by allowing the council member whose district is affected the most to take the lead. It is a pleasure to work with council members who work so well together in the best interest of our community.”
The history of the church began in 1852, when a missionary Methodist preacher came to the area once every two months. Meetings were held in homes or borrowed buildings until 1888 when a oneroom church was built one block west of the courthouse square (currently the corner of Hwy 64 and Athens Street) on two lots deeded by H. C. Manning and W. D. Thompson for use by the Methodist Church.
The city of Tyler has a long history of innovative management. The foundation was established in 1997, when it adopted the “Blueprint” Business Model to express its core values and commitment to continuous improvement in the way the city conducts business and delivers services.
Later in 1889, the church secured an acre of land at the current location on South Buffalo Street from Jesse Wallace. The acre of ground cost two $50 notes, each at 10 percent interest, which stipulated payment of both notes by December 1889. To help pay the note, sources say the church baked six chickens with dressing, six pies, six loaves of bread and sold the food for 50 cents a plate.
Tyler City Council launched its Lean Six Sigma Program in 2009 with the hiring of a Master Black Belt. Since that time the program has been expanded to include most city departments. Lean Six Sigma is a strategic business methodology that combines two powerful approaches that focus on customer satisfaction, cost, qual-
A portion of this acre was used as a parsonage for ministers serving at the church, and in 1923 a new sanctuary was erected on the property. This building was used until 1959 when it was torn down and the current church building was constructed.
The first service to be conducted in the present sanctuary was in April 1960. Several additions/renovations were made to the church property since that date including a Family Life Center and The Crawford House, which are both available for community functions.
Bat In Longview Tests Positive For Rabies
Rabies concerns are back in the news after a bat captured in Longview tested positive for the virus. The bat was captured at an apartment residence at Penwood Apartments on July 24. It is not believed that any residents had exposure to the bat. This is the first positive rabies case in Longview this year. “We believe this was an isolated incident at the apartment complex; however, we are working closely with the management of the apartment complex to take all precautionary measures and inform the other residents. The apartment complex has hired a company that specializes in bat removal, and they have temporarily relocated the residents of the apartment unit involved,” Longview Environmental Health Supervisor Buck Farrar said. Farrar also reminds citizens to always refrain from touching wild animals, especially those that appear sick or injured. In the Longview area, bats, skunks and raccoons are the most common carriers of the rabies virus, but caution should be used with any wild animal. Household pets should also have current rabies vaccinations in case the animals come in contact with wildlife. If someone encounters a bat or other wild animal, please contact the Environmental Health Department at 903.237.1285. If the event occurs at night or during a weekend, please contact the Longview Police Department non-emergency number at 903.237.1199.
‘Government Grant’ Scam Hitting East Texas Residents
Better Business Bureau is warning the public to be extremely wary of phone calls claiming to come from bogus government grant agencies. BBB has received calls from residents concerning 6 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
unsolicited telephone grant offers that are nothing more than an attempt to clear bank accounts. East Texas consumers are receiving phone calls telling them they were awarded a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In order to get the grant, the caller asks for bank and other personally identifying information. “Government agencies do not make phone calls to individuals to solicit funds or financial information,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “There is an application process for all government grants. If you have not submitted an application for a grant, you will not be awarded one.” If you would like to apply for a grant, visit grants.gov. This website provides federal grant opportunities including different typess, rules for applying and how to track your submissions. You can report those who pretend to hand out grants on the government’s behalf to 1.800.447.8477. BBB provides additional tips for dealing with this scam: • The government doesn’t call you to contact you for such matters. The government will not notify you of your eligibility over the phone. The government notifies grant recipients through mailed letters or e-mails based on your submitted grant application. • If you get one of these calls, hang up. You may be tempted to call back, but this will only give the scammer another opportunity to steal your information. • Don’t give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Never give out your bank account numbers, date of birth, credit card number or Social Security number to an unsolicited caller or anyone you don’t know. • There are no fees for government grants. According to grants.gov, the FTC points out you shouldn’t have to pay fees for a “free” government grant. To help prevent these types of calls, BBB encourages consumers to sign up for the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registry by calling 1.888.382.1222 or visiting donotcall.gov. If you are unsure if a business or a phone call is legitimate, please verify at bbb.org or call 903.581.5704.
Parking Garage Opens In Downtown Tyler
The city of Tyler recently opened the new Fair Plaza Parking Garage at 208 South College Avenue. “The garage will be an integral part of the entry point into downtown,” said Tyler City Engineer Carter Delleney. “We are particularly pleased that the façade will be in keeping with the look, history and feel of our downtown.” The garage’s exterior design incorporates architectural elements from the Blackstone Hotel, Tyler Commercial College, the clock tower from the historic Smith County Courthouse and other former landmark buildings. A statue of R.W. Fair, sculpted by Jim Day and Cherry Day, is located on the northeast corner of the garage to honor his donation of the land.
for
beautiful lasting change
I M PL ANT S
C OSM ETI C DENTIST RY
J. Brandon Allen, D.D.S Randy Bell, D.D.S. 903.675.3811 208 Crestway Street, Athens crestwayparkdental.com
The old Smith County Courthouse clock faces date back to 1909. The broken glass was replaced with Lexan, while the inner workings were replaced with new digital clocks. “For nearly half a century the citizens of Tyler set their watches by the courthouse clock,” Tyler Facility Services Supervisor Gary Smith said. “And now it will be available for their grandchildren to use when they come downtown, too.” Donated from the Smith County Historical Society is the pendant light above the R.W. Fair Statue. The light, from 1909, originally hung from the second floor jury room above the judge’s desk of the old Smith County Courthouse. An automated gate system will allow a driver to obtain a ticket upon entering the garage. The ticket is paid at an electronic kiosk before returning to the vehicle and the “paid” ticket is inserted upon exit. The new garage has 384 parking spaces, with both monthly leased parking and daily/hourly parking available.
WH ITENI NG
VISIT
Gun Barrel City ...a straight shot to Cedar Creek Lake
Come Stay & Play. We Aim to Please!
Charges to park in the garage are $1 per hour with a maximum of $5 per day, or a $70 monthly non-reserved parking space. There is a discount for any single entity purchasing 25 spaces or more (these spots will be reserved). The garage operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., except on official city holidays. Contact Anthony Emmel at 903.531.1201 to purchase a parking space.
903.887.1087 www.gunbarrelcity.net www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 7
Now You’re Speaking My Language “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain
Martha Alaniz and Daphne Smith chat over dinner at the Lindale Whataburger during a recent gathering of members of the Tyler Metro Association of the Deaf. Photo by Haylee Bazil
By Makayla Schultz Growing up in communities with a language and culture they can’t understand, many deaf people learn to live with isolation and frustrating social situations. Attempts to communicate with the hearing world often find it is the “hearies” that turn a deaf ear to their audible-challenged neighbors with such humiliating tactics as shouting, or speaking slowly as if they were stupid, or asking if they know another deaf person in China as if all deaf people know each other. With an estimated 98,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing people living in East Texas, some felt it was time for a place where people understand their culture and speak their language. Currently looking for an actual building, the Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center doesn’t let a little obstacle like that stop them from providing the deaf community with essential services including social activities, after school children’s programs, adult literacy classes, caseworker services, and basic sign language classes. Until they get a one-
stop-shop location, they meet in a variety of places where they can interact and communicate freely with others. Deaf herself, Susie Grona, is president of the center’s community advisory committee, a retired teacher and the inspiration behind creating a “home” for the East Texas deaf community. She recognized the need for a center after moving to Tyler from Corpus Christi where they had an active center for the deaf. “The purpose of having the deaf center — a ‘one-stop shop’ — is accessibility and a deaf-friendly environment where everyone can communicate in sign or ASL,” Grona said. ASL stands for American Sign Language and is the predominant language of deaf communities in the United States. Beautifully expressed with fingers and hands, touch and body language, it allows deaf people to connect and interact meaningfully with other human beings. Referencing A Journey into the Deaf World, Grona estimates that 90 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents so they learn the values of the deaf community and sign language in
8 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
residential schools, such as the Texas School for the Deaf. Children are also welcomed into the community through interaction with local deaf adults. This acculturation process encourages a close community and deaf people usually call each other by first name, foregoing the use of titles. According to Grona, “The deaf community does not focus on the inability to hear, but the ability to thrive in a visualspatial environment communicating bilingually in a bi-cultural environment (American Sign Language and English).” In order to best serve the community, the center has a board of directors and a community advisory committee. Board members manage the center’s business and financial aspects, and community advisory committee members work within the deaf community, becoming familiar with its needs. Dr. Lonny McKinzie serves as the president of the board of directors. The center gained the status of a nonprofit organization in 2012 and now provides access to qualified interpreters,
but still lacks the land and funding for a building. Their goal is to provide a central location for communication, a place where deaf people can come, chat, and feel at home. Eventually, the center will offer after school and summer recreational programs that focus on tutoring, leadership, and social activities. Literacy services are available to deaf and hardof-hearing adults who want to improve their English reading and writing skills. Networking with other deaf people and organizations, Grona finds a good variety of social activities in East Texas. Her husband, Patrick, serves as president of the Tyler Metro Association of the Deaf. Members come from all over East Texas and participate in monthly recreation activities such as game days. Earlier this year the group hosted the 22nd annual East Texas Deaf Festival in Jacksonville that brought deaf people together to discuss recent advances in services. Mark Grimes, the association member who organized the festival, also schedules regular times for Deaf Chats at the Lindale Whataburger and Java Jams inside the Brookshire’s grocery store on Rice Road in Tyler. The Tyler Metro Association of the Deaf also organizes a group trip to the annual Deaf Awareness Day at Six Flags in Dallas each summer. All shows in the park use sign language interpreters, giving deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors an opportunity to relax and enjoy entertainment between rides. Other options for the deaf community in East Texas include places for worship. New Beginnings Deaf Fellowship in Tyler is led by Reverend Dirk Hill, a deaf pastor who preaches in American Sign Language. The congregation of about fifteen people meets at Calvary Baptist Church on Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. This summer, New Beginnings Deaf Fellowship hosted the 65th annual Texas Baptist Conference of the Deaf welcoming deaf people from all over Texas to receive encouragement from speakers and fellowship.
still many times a day when they need to interact with hearing people. The best way for that to happen between any two people that speak different languages is with an interpreter. Without an interpreter, communication between deaf and hearing people is limited because even the most proficient lip readers can understand only about 33 percent of spoken messages. In medical and legal situations, this ambiguity can have high consequences. Tyler Junior College is the only East Texas college which has an American Sign Language Interpreting Program and the only college in Texas with an ASL honor society. Basic American Sign Language communication classes are also available to the public through TJC’s School of Continuing Studies. These classes teach hearing people basic signs, the alphabet, and deaf culture. Many people do not know deaf people’s preferred language, American Sign Language, is not synonymous with Signed English. American Sign Language has its own grammar and structure, making it completely separate from English, both signed and spoken. Rhonda McKinzie, chair of the college’s interpreting department, has been interpreting for 35 years. At Tyler Junior College, she emphasizes the need for qualified, certified interpreters. Without accurate interpreters in hospitals, deaf people are at risk for misdiagnosis or even death. Both Susie and Patrick Grona work at Tyler Junior College as adjunct profes-
sors in the American Sign Language Interpreting program as well. They train students in elementary and advanced ASL, respectively. As professors, they ensure that another generation of interpreters is well-educated, greatly benefitting the local group of deaf East Texans, as well as deaf people across the United States. The college’s program graduates are hired nationwide. Susie said she hopes more hearing people learn ASL for better interaction with deaf people. Describing the people she works so hard for, Susie Grona says, “No two deaf people are the same. They come from diverse backgrounds and influences as well as different sign systems taught in the educational programs. Most deaf people within the community welcome variety.” That blend of diversity and acceptance makes the deaf community an irreplaceable part of the East Texan culture that the hearing world can embrace when they learn to speak their language. Learn more about the Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, sign language classes, and deaf-friendly events at tdhhc.org. To learn more about the deaf culture, Susie Grona recommends A Journey into the Deaf World by Harlan Lane, Robert Hoffmeister and Ben Bahan; Inside Deaf Culture by Carol Padden and Tom L. Humprhies; and Deaf Culture, Our Way by Roy K. Holcomb.
Tyler is also home to the Tyler Sign Language Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which meets at Kingdom Hall on Spur 248. While having places to go and other deaf people to interact with is a big comfort to deaf East Texans, there are
Members of the Tyler Metro Association of the Deaf enjoy group outings like this recent one at the Lindale Whataburger. (l-r) Shanna Staring, Kelly Drumm, Susie Grona, Rylee Drumm, Eugene Alaniz, Martha Alaniz, Daphne Smith, Margaret Berzas, Elizabeth Crook, Patrick Grona, and Glenn Woolsey. Photo by Haylee Bazil SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 9
THIS TIME OF YEAR
“We shall pass this way on Earth but once — if there is any kindness we can show, or good act we can do, let us do it now, for we will never pass this way again.” Stephen Grellet SEPTEMBER 1969
SEPTEMBER 1959
Bonanza’s Beloved Dan Blocker Lives On in Syndication
SONGWRITER LEON PAYNE WROTE LOST HIGHWAY
One of the greatest songwriters of all time, Leon Payne from the little community of Grit near Alba passed away September 11, 1969. Blind since he was a child, Payne wrote thousands of songs, many of which became big hits for the likes of Hank Williams, John Prine, Elvis Presley, George Jones, and Johnny Cash, and continue to be enjoyed today by people all over the world.
The TV show Bonanza debuted 55 years ago in September 1959 starring Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Michael Landon, and East Texan Dan Blocker. Born in DeKalb, Blocker moved with his family to West Texas where he spent his boyhood before moving to California to begin his acting career. Bonanza was America’s favorite Western for many years and Blocker’s role as the big, lovable Hoss Cartwright was the heart of the show. His character was originally conceived as dullwitted but ironically, Blocker was the most educated of the cast with his master’s degree in dramatic arts. He was working on his PhD when he got the Bonanza role and got too busy to finish. Blocker is quoted as having said that he portrayed the Hoss character with a Stephen Grellet excerpt in mind which states, “We shall pass this way on Earth but once — if there is any kindness we can show, or good act we can do, let us do it now, for we will never pass this way again.” Personal accounts of Blocker testify that he was warm and friendly to everyone
and he brought that personality to the character of Hoss. Bonanza had great success, ranking #1 for three straight seasons and then spent a then-unprecedented nine seasons in the Top 5 before Blocker died suddenly in 1972 at the age of 43 from a pulmonary embolism (a post-op blood clot to the lungs) after a “routine” gall bladder surgery. The show wrote his death into the script (without really saying what happened to Hoss) and tried to go on but it did not last another entire season without the “gentle giant.” Blocker was brought back to East Texas for his final resting place in Woodman Cemetery in DeKalb next to his parents’ gravesite as well as a sister that died in 1933 at age 11. Bonanza continues to run in syndication more than 40 years after Hoss took his final bow. — P.A. Geddie For an interesting, heartfelt write up on Dan Blocker/Hoss Cartwright as “The First Time a TV Show Addressed the Death of a Character,” see http://mentalfloss.com/article/28798/ first-time-tv-show-addressed-death-character.
10 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Among his other hits, he wrote Lost Highway and it released in October 1948. After traveling around and finding jobs where he could, he needed to get home to see his sick mother in Alba. He was unable to get a ride for some time — long enough to write this song on the edge of the road. He finally got help from The Salvation Army. Lost Highway was recorded by Hank Williams, Johnny Horton, David Allan Coe and others including Willie Nelson who named one of his most famous albums after the song. Learn more about Payne in the archives of County Line Magazine, December 2008. LOST HIGHWAY I’m a rollin stone all alone and lost For a life of sin I have paid the cost When I pass by all the people say Just another guy on the lost highway Just a deck of cards and a jug of wine And a woman’s lies makes a life like mine Oh the day we met, I went astray I started rolling down that lost highway I was just a lad, nearly 22 Neither good nor bad, just a kid like you And now I’m lost, too late to pray Lord I take a cost, on the lost highway Now boys don’t start to ramblin’ round On this road of sin are you sorrow bound Take my advice or you’ll curse the day You started rollin’ down that lost highway
SEPTEMBER
23, 2014
First Day of Autumn
SEPTEMBER 2014 SEPTEMBER 1, 1. 2014
NOVEMBER 3, 1976
OCTOBER 13, 1929 STRUCK OIL IN VAN
The first well in the oil boom days of Van flowed 147 barrels in the first hour. Learn more about this time in history in the archives of County Line Magazine, October 2001.
HAPPY LABOR DAY! OCTOBER 2014 BAT APPRECIATION MONTH
A single bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitosized insects every hour, and each bat usually eats 6,000 to 8,000 insects each night.
OCTOBER 22, 1960 Thomas Jefferson Taylor II died in Marshall. He was the father of Claudia Alta Taylor, aka Lady Bird, who married Lyndon B. Johnson in 1934. After moving from his native Alabama to Texas in the 1890s, Taylor opened a store in Karnack. By the 1930s he was one of the largest landowners and businessmen in Harrison County and often called “Cap’n Taylor” by his business associates. Taylor donated to the state about two-thirds of the land in Caddo Lake State Park. His most lasting, though indirect, influence came from his financial backing of his son-in-law when LBJ ran for Congress in 1937.” — Submitted by Lisa Reed McKinney from www.tshaonline. org/day-by-day/30312
Who would have thought that Quitman High School’s 1967 homecoming queen would end up portraying the scariest, most-humiliated prom-queen-goes-postal ever in the 1976 Stephen King thriller Carrie? Released November 3, 1976, the story is about a young, abused, and timid 17-year-old girl who discovers she has telekinesis, and gets pushed to the limit on the night of her school’s prom by a humiliating prank. Learn more about Spacek in the archives of County Line Magazine, May 2012.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 11
Art Guitars Touch a Chord Within By Alia Pappas Rich fabrics and swirling paints span across wooden guitar bodies in colorful patterns, creating music inside the soul instead of at strumming fingertips. These old guitars that no longer play are given new life by being transformed into stunning wall art through stitching and brushstrokes. To artists Judy Gottesman and Christi Barrett, all that these worn-out instruments need is a fresh coat of paint. “I don’t want to waste a new guitar,” Judy, an artist based out of The Old Firehouse Gallery in Edom, said. “They always have to be broken. So, I’ve had people bring them to me from flea markets, and I’ve had friends find them in the gutter or with the trash. I can use almost any of them. I can use all kinds of found things that people throw away for contrast. It’s a lot of fun just to see what I can do with something that is trashed.” Both Judy and Christi were inspired to pursue musically-themed art pieces by Northeast Texas festivals. After being pressed to visit the festival by a friend, Judy found artistic freedom in the truthful folk music played at the Wildflower Art & Music Festival in Richardson and began to create “ArtSong,” her art guitar and poetry series, to convey the truths of life using her aptitude for sewing and writing. After being a busy massage therapist in Dallas for 20 years, Judy was able to regain confidence and precious time for herself through her new art series. “It all started with Wildflower in Richardson,” Judy said. “It’s a wildflower festival that they have every time in May, and they invite people to take old guitars and make them into art. So, I went ahead and did one and it was so beautiful. I was just captured by it, myself. I really love all of the art guitars, and they all really have their own sort of feel to them.” Christi discovered her knack for musical art when she was asked to paint a guitar to be displayed at The Forge during Ben Wheeler’s June Bug Music Festival. She felt that the request allowed her to unleash the creative energy in her imagination. Her one rule for creating the series was that she was not to follow
Artist Christi Barrett puts music into her paintings and recently started painting unusable guitars and fiddles. . Photo by Alia Pappas
any rules while she worked on her art. Christi threw caution and conventionalism to the wind as she began painting for herself instead of others. “Back in June, they decided to go ahead and put some of the local artists’ artwork up at The Forge for the June Bug Festival,” Christi, an artist that studios out of Athens’ Gallery 211, said. “Of course, being the June Bug Music Festival, we wanted it to be music-themed. I already had an old guitar that was given to me, and a violin was given to me because they knew I wanted to do a music series. That’s where the music series was born.” For Christi, taking her quirky, musicthemed paintings from canvasses to
12 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
guitar bodies, violins, and drum heads was a smooth transition. Christi’s life has been filled with music since she was very young. Christi’s relatives learned and played music by ear when she was a child and she listens to music while she paints. So, although she cannot sing or play instruments herself, Christi found it natural to incorporate a musical theme into her artwork. “I wouldn’t say it’s out of the norm for me because I actually did go through a mini music series,” Christi said. “I want to say it was the fall of last year that I started it. It was to help raise money for my son for a saxophone he wanted. He needed help getting the money for it, so I started a mini series. The paintings
were simple and just funky and I could do them in an hour. I just had fun with it. That stuck in me, that I had so much fun doing it, that when the theme of music came about, I was naturally drawn back to it in a sense. That’s when I really started coming out with these wild, wild ideas and having a blast doing it.”
covered, whimsical art guitar to her dog, Enzo, who is also known as The Firehouse Dog. To add further depth to her pieces, Judy writes poems to accompany each guitar she decorates. The message that Judy wants to convey varies with each guitar that she creates in the developing “ArtSong” series.
Judy was faced with some difficulty when she created her first piece in her “ArtSong” art guitar series. She found finding fabrics that conveyed what she wanted and sewing them onto the guitars in unusual shapes to be a challenge. Yet, because she has an artistic gift that enables her to see how colors and textures should be used together, Judy found that the pieces gradually became effortless and enjoyable for her to create.
“It (an art guitar) could do anything, mean anything,” Judy said. “I would say that the message is more about the beauty, probably. Usually, it has peace in there somewhere. There’s a lot of love in it and a lot of focus on it. I am a poet, and I think folk music is very much about poetry and meaning, deep meaning. That’s probably the biggest hook into this, is that I am able to express, in more than one way, the meaning of love, or peace, or the positive aspects of living.”
“I always have difficulties with something in the design, so it does take me outside of my comfort zone,” Judy said. “I’m not using a pattern that anyone else makes. I had to surmount all these things that weren’t working the way I wanted them to. It worked. A lot of times, the guitars come together on their own and they coalesce into what I want to work with. I love that part about it, that I don’t have to think that hard. I am more bold to try something new every time, and that’s been a freedom for me that I really enjoy.” Judy has used her newfound artistic freedom to create art guitars that utilize unusual mediums, such as handmade cotton ties and button down shirts and the chain used for countertop pens, which she purchases in a bright copper color. She has even dedicated a cloth-
Christi surprises herself daily as she uses bright shades of acrylic paint to depict the lighthearted scenes and swirling piano keys that characterize “Music To My Ears.” As her music series evolves, Christi hopes that her new paintings and painted instruments will reflect an upbeat optimism to her customers and those who view her work in local galleries. “To me, music is everything in this world,” Christi said. “My music is upbeat, so the following pieces that will be coming up, I’ve already decided, are going to have the happy, sunshine songs in them. So, it will be like, John Denver and “Walking On Sunshine” by The Waves. I’m not looking for world peace and all that stuff. I love that, but I think
Judy Gottesman was inspired to create art guitars by artists and musicians at the Wildflower Art & Music Festival a few years ago. Photo by Alia Pappas
September 13-21
www.tylerpeace.com my art is just more my way of expressing my love for the world. That’s about as deep as it gets. I love life, I love to be happy, and I want others to be happy. So, I hope that’s what they get from it when they see it.” Christi’s nature- and music-inspired “Music To My Ears” artworks can be purchased through her website, Facebook account, The Forge and The Walking Horse Gallery in Ben Wheeler, and Gallery 211 in Athens. Judy’s colorful “ArtSong” pieces can be viewed and purchased at Edom’s The Old Firehouse Gallery. Artworks from other local artists are on display at The Old Firehouse as well, and the gallery also hosts concerts, shows independent films, and even offers massages. “Being at The Old Firehouse is a different way of living, in a sense, for me,” Judy said. “I’m used to being very scheduled and I’m not now. That’s partly why I started doing these guitars, because I needed to do something with my hands. I needed to do something with my head and my heart. Art takes my talents and immerses them into what I’m trying to accomplish. It absorbs me.”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 13
Historic Preservation and Downtown Happenings Attract Steady Flow of Visitors to Greenville By Madison Payne People that enjoy laid-back fun, as opposed to big city congestion, have an abundance of possibilities to choose from in the picturesque communities of the Upper East Side of Texas. One of them, nestled in the northwestern corner of the region, is Greenville.
National Register of Historic Places and features some of the finest stained glass windows in the entire southwest.”
and local brew to choose from, they are sure to keep craft connoisseurs coming back for more.
Other historic hot spots include the soon-to-be unveiled restored vintage Texan Theater and the Art Deco Greenville Municipal Auditorium, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
Also on Lee Street, the Landon Winery and Bistro is a wine lover’s go-to in Greenville.
While many historical cities in Texas gave in to the times by tearing down the old to make room for the new, Greenville takes a different approach and combats modernization with revitalization. Greenville Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Milton Babb believes that the city’s historic preservation is a key component to their tourism.
From Beaux-Arts architecture to modernistic Art Deco, Greenville is historically preserved but the city does progress with their added developments and attractions.
“Our historic downtown continues to be a big draw. I give bus tours regularly and people are still amazed by our architecture,” Babb said. “The magnificent Central Christian Church is on the
Corner Street Pub, located on Lee Street near the Texan Theater, was established in 2013 as the city’s first pub and it is a craft beer enthusiast’s haven. Boasting 14 different taps of national
“Greenville is developing more and more things to interest visitors,” Babb said. “We have new restaurants and a new pub downtown.”
“Many people are amazed at the winery tours. If you’re a wine drinker, that is a no-brainer,” says Babb. “They have many award-winning wines, but it is also educational, both in the production of wine and in the adaptive reuse of a historic building.” Another historic building in Greenville is uniquely reused during the weekends of October. The Beaux Art Federal Building, known as the Landmark on Lee, homes zombies, vampires, and other spooky creatures around Halloween. Ghost tours of the downtown historic district are also available to brave guests. Those in the mood for more Halloween spooks and surprises do not want to miss the “Concert to Die For” on October 18. The concert takes place in the former Stringer Mortuary Building, located on Stonewall Street. The concert features the soul-jarring tunes of Two Star Symphony and the harmonies of Ancient Cat Society. Tickets for the concert are available at eventbrite.com. For tourists leaving home to indulge in the homegrown, the Greenville Farmers Market on Market Square offers the best from local and regional harvests. Open every Saturday through the end of October, the market has everything
14 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
from local honey and vegetables to eggs and Halloween pumpkins. Greenville is home to specialty shops, one being the Calico Cat on Lee Street that brings in visitors from all over the state with their fashions. They specialize in women’s casual contemporary styles and wearable art. On the note of art and also on Lee Street, Petticoat Junction Ceramics is a great place to relax and enjoy the “paint your own pottery” studio atmosphere. They also sell jewelry, wallets,
pure extracts, goat milk soaps, coffee, dip mixes, salsas and jellies, spices, and soup mixes. From fresh-ground hamburgers to bakery treats, there are many options for dining in downtown. On Lee Street, Blue Mesquite Grill offers a wide array of hamburgers and savory sandwiches, all served with sides ranging from fries to fresh fried potato chips. Famous for their deluxe fruit cake, the world renowned Collin Street Bakery
on Interstate 30 serves baked goods galore to their guests. After a day of downtown Greenville, there are numerous hotels located on Interstate 30 to offer visitors comfortable places to rest and relax before hitting the historic downtown once again. With elements of beauty, history, entertainment, nature, and southern hospitality, Greenville proves to be one of the many Upper East Side of Texas’ gems. For more information on local events and businesses, visit greenvillechamber.com.
Celebrating a Greenville Native and Austin Icon
Benefiting Friends of Main Street
COMING SOON! Thursday
SEPT 18th 2014
mel tillis Friday
OCT 10th 2014
mart y st u a r t
FA B U L O U S S U P E R L AT I V E S
Tuesday
DEC 2nd 2014 michael martin murphey’s
James McMurtry Matt the Cat Trio Emerald City Band Matt Dunn The O’s Southern Backtones Greg Schroeder Travis Parker Band Casting Shadows Cherish Lee Carter Hulsey Ryan Reid Lane Thomas Ed McGory and more FREE Show! Plus Classic Car Show, Hot Rod Show, Rat Rod Show, Kids Alley, Bicycle Ride, Art Show
September 19 - 21, Downtown Greenville, TX
Cowboy Christmas www.rallyroundgreenville.com or call 903-455-1510 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 15
Texan Theater Returns with a Twist By Madison Payne For many Texans, 1975 was the year of jumpsuits, boots, mood rings, and Birkenstocks. For Greenville residents, it was the year they had to say goodbye to their favorite movie house of 41 years and bask under the buzzing glow of the Texan Theater sign while awaiting a show one last time. However, sometimes goodbyes are not forever. Just as Texans are known for their resilience and strength, the Texan Theater holds true to its name and as Joe Gideon in “All That Jazz” puts it, “it’s show time, folks.” The Texan Theater is resurrected, renovated, and bringing more to the table than ever before, quite literally. Barbara Horan, owner of the theater since 2010, brings great versatility to the building by offering a place to host movies, theatrical presentations, live music, and entertainment infused food. The theater offers Greenville much more than a place for entertainment. The lobby contains a coffee shop that is open every day to downtown workers and guests. Behind the coffee shop is a shaded courtyard, providing a place of relaxation and enjoyment. The revamped theater is eco-friendly, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, solar panels for the electric, collected rainwater for courtyard plants, and a machine that turns food waste into clean water. In conjunction with receiving a second wind and a green spin from Horan, a lot of the old is showcased within the new theater additions. “Several features of the old theater have been preserved — posters, catwalks, bathrooms, lobby terrazzo floor, the ceiling in the old lobby, as well as the beautiful neon blade and marquee,” Horan said. “Many of the materials from the demolition were used in the construction.” Horan constructed the theater with comfort and quality in mind. The auditorium
is filled with 140 cozy seats and offers plenty of room for guests to feel as if they are the only people there. One row has moveable seats with a fixed table, while another has moveable tables with fixed seats. Behind the auditorium is the former balcony, which is used to host parties without disturbing others. Horan says that the auditorium has the feel of a five-star restaurant while enjoying interesting entertainment. The month of October is rich with entertainment at the Texan Theater. Christening the stage even before the grand opening is Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” a Creative Arts Community in Greenville production. The show opens October 9 and runs through October 12. The grand opening weekend begins with American country music group Asleep at the Wheel on Friday, October 24. The weekend comes to a close with a blessing of the theater and a gospel sing along with
16 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
a traditional Sunday dinner on October 26. Friday, October 31, the Texan Theater kicks off the Bob Wills Fiddle Fest and Contest with “An Evening with Bob Wills.” The event features western swing music from Jason Roberts Band and special guest Leon Rausch, the voice of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Since there is nothing quite like a little bit of country music and cooking, the theater will host a feast fit for a cowboy, featuring some Bob Wills southern food favorites. Just like the glow of the Texan Theater sign, Horan says the future is bright for the old movie house on Lee Street. She looks forward to showcasing artists on tour, movies, TV shows, plays, dances, and so much more — all the while having fantastic food in an intimate setting. For more information on the Texan Theater and upcoming events, follow them on Facebook or contact Randy Kirby, general manager of the theater, at 214-966-7072.
GMA Celebrates 75th Anniversary By Carol Taylor In 1939, civic leaders maneuvered through red tape and competition with thousands of communities in the United States to obtain funding through the National Industrial Recovery Act of the 1930s to build the Greenville Municipal Building and Auditorium as a Public Works Administration project. Quite a magnificent work to say the least, Greenville architect William R. Ragsdale created a building of great beauty and versatility. The GMA bridged art deco with modern styles. The white-faced brick on the exterior gave the feel of a “shining city upon a hill,” a familiar expression used by politicians throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The Greenville Municipal Building and Auditorium housed city government offices, the central fire department and city jail, two local military companies, the offices of the chamber of commerce and other civic organizations, and the auditorium. Ragsdale recommended the firm of Eckert & Fair Construction Co. of Dallas to build the structure for $148,700. Upon completion, the building was properly dedicated on October 24, 1939. The Flaming Flashes, Greenville’s popular high school drill team, escorted visitors through the building during the open house that afternoon and evening. The most brilliant social event in years in Greenville occurred two nights later when the Co-operative Concert Committee, a part of the City Federation of Women’s Clubs that sponsored a series of musical events throughout the year, arranged for a recital by Mack Harrell. Harrell was a former Greenville resident, violinist and now baritone with the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York City, whose program christened the building.
ana Hayride” led the way in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana to recruit homegrown talent. Every Saturday night, families sat by the radio to listen to the latest and greatest singers, fiddlers, and band members perform in Shreveport. Soon the sponsors of the “Louisiana Hayride” began a mobile show that traveled during the week to outlying audiences. The Greenville Municipal Auditorium (GMA) was one of the most popular venues. Unknowns to the music world were presented on the traveling version of the “Louisiana Hayride” before appearing on radio from Shreveport. The most famous personality to perform in Greenville was none other than Elvis Presley. The “Louisiana Hayride” was by no means the only show on the road. In 1946 and 1947, there were many country shows performing in towns and small cities around North and East Texas promoted by “Pappy” Hal Horton, an announcer for KRLD radio station in Dallas, and a show promoter named “Cousin” Harrell Goodman. On one of their shows at the GMA,
the two men contrived to award the National Champion Woman Fiddler, disproving the old adage that no woman could play a fiddle well. The winner was 23-year-old Ruby Allmond from Bailey, Texas, just north of Greenville. Ruby would become lead fiddler in three groups who performed regularly with Horton and Goodman as well as a Greenville production known as the “East Texas Barn Dance.” Ruby often remarked to friends that her favorite venue was the Greenville Municipal Auditorium. She performed there with the likes of Chet Atkins, Joe Shelton and his Sunshine Band, and her own band, Ruby Allmond and the Texas Jamboree. At times she “trio” fiddled with two of America’s finest fiddlers, Howdy Forrester and Georgia “Slim” Rutland. The Greenville Municipal Building and Auditorium celebrate its 75 anniversary this year. It survived World War II, efforts to modernize the city in the 1950s through 1960s, economic booms and downturns, and a downtown area that is just now revitalized after stores, offices, and churches moved south to the interstate in the 1950s. When cities throughout the country are investing in new, more modern and more dazzling city halls and auditoriums, Greenville has chosen to retain its “shining city on the hill” image. The GMA continues to host a variety of shows, concerts, and events to bring even more of a thrill to historic downtown Greenville.
Immediately after the first concert, audiences quickly noticed the superiority of the auditorium. Ragsdale had created a venue with outstanding acoustics. Performers frequently spoke highly of it, allowing better quality shows to flock to the venue. Local talent shows, dance recitals, Christmas concerts, and public school events filled the calendar. After the war, the radio program “LouisiSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 17
Live Music Fills the Air in Greenville Music Festival Comes To Greenville In September
Tradition meets an untraditional, eclectic and sensational music line-up at the Innovation First 2014 Rally ’Round Greenville September 19-21. Emerald City Band’s exciting performance and dance party in the street on Friday kicks things off and an all-new schedule of thrilling bands takes the Bud Light Stage Saturday and Sunday. Electrifying the audience with their stage presence, Reverend Horton Heat is this year’s headliner on the Bud Light stage Saturday evening. Originally based in Dallas, the trio formed in 1985 playing gigs in the Deep Ellum area. Current members include Jim Heath on lead vocals and guitar, Jimbo Wallace on bass and Scott Churilla on drums. Their music is a mix of surf, country, punk, big band swing and rockabilly. Their sound is self-described as “country-fed punkabilly,” with lyrics that are usually humorous. Texas singer and songwriter James McMurtry was given his first guitar at the age of seven by his father, novelist Larry McMurtry, and has played ever since. Known for his hard-edge character sketches, his sound is Americana, roots rock and folk-rock. He performs with veteran band mates Daren Hess, Cornbread, and Tim Holt. CNN said he is “America’s fiercest songwriter.” In 2006, his album, “Childish Things,” and song, “We Can’t Make it Here,” won the Americana Music Awards for Album and Song of the Year. A blend of traditional rockabilly, early rock ’n’ roll and early R& B, Matt the Cat Trio brings an ignited performance to the stage. From Dallas, the trio includes Matt Hillyer on vocals and guitar, Steven Berg on bass and Arjuna Contreras on drums. Hillyer and Berg have played together since 1992 and are best known as their band Eleven Hundred Springs. “Rockabilly is always a lot of fun, it’s cool to play and we enjoy doing it. People seem to dig it a
whole bunch,” Hillyer said in an interview with The Texas Music Scene.
Shadows, Cherish Lee, Carter Hulsey, Ryan Reid, Lane Thomas and Ed McGory.
Houston-based band, Southern Backtones is American Southwestern rock and glam rock that consists of Hank Schyma on vocals and guitar, and Todd Sommer on percussion. Often described as “Britinfluenced rock with roots planted firmly in Texas,” their hard musical Voodoo Rock Noir meets Italian Western and is often compared to Jim Morrison and The Doors. “Cinematic songs begging for a movie to live up to their promise,” the San Francisco Bay Times said of the band.
VIP tables, VIP experience tickets, and vendor applications are available at rallyroundgreenville.com. The event is funded in part with Greenville Hotel/Motel tax revenues and organized by the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau. This year’s stage sponsors include Bud Light, Fritz Industries and Lake Point Medical Center.
From Dallas, The O’s started their band in 2008. Consisting of John Pedigo and Taylor Young, the band’s genre is Americana, Indie Pop and Alternative Country, incorporating a banjo and a kick drum into their songs. The Dallas Observer stated, “Their trademark show features off-thecuff Smothers Brothers-style banter mixing smoothly with their brand of stomping roots-rock.” Matt Dunn, local performer and songwriter takes the stage Saturday morning. Dunn began his journey working as a tech/personal assistant for Jack Ingram, where he was encouraged to pursue his own career as an artist by Ingram himself. His sound is Americana and rock and his songs are about struggle, love, lessons learned from cuts and bruises of bad decisions and the glories of doing the right thing. The Dallas Morning News voted the 14 piece, 4-horn section Emerald City as “Dallas’s best band,” due to their ability to entertain and exhilarate the audience with a collection that includes the last five decades of popular music, current songs on the radio and their original music. Not only do they entertain the audience, they also like to get them up on the dance floor. Emerald City kicks off Rally ‘Round Greenville at 8 p.m. September 19. The event features a third stage this year — a singer/songwriter stage featuring Greg Schroeder, The Travis Parker Band, Cast
18 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
The Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series
Kenneth Threadgill is known as the “Grandfather of Austin Country Music.” His tavern on North Lamar in Austin was one of the first venues to showcase the kind of music that put Austin on the map. Born in the suburbs of Greenville in the Peniel community, friends of Greenville Main Street honor this native son with a concert series each year that brings his kind of music to town. The series showcases established musicians of Texas and Americana Music at the historic Municipal Auditorium. This fall classic country artist Mel Tillis is first in the series to grace the stage, along with special guest Texas country artist Tommy Alverson 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 18. Tickets for the show are on sale at showtimeatthegma.com and at the GMA box office. Next in the series are American country music performers Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives on Friday, October 10. Special guest, classic country singer Amber Digby joins the performers. Iconic country musician Michael Martin Murphey takes on the “Cowboy Christmas Ball,” a re-enactment of a party that was originally held at the Star Hotel in Anson in 1885, on Tuesday, December 2. For more information on the Threadgill Concert Series, visit showtimeatthegma.com and greenville-texas.com. — Madison Payne
Bob Wills Fiddle Festival and Contest
Greenville is the location chosen by organizers for a three-day fiddle festival and contest in honor of the “King of Western Swing.” The Bob Wills Fiddle Festival and Contest kicks off on October 31 and continues through November 2 at several locations in the city’s historic downtown.
long before their dream came to fruition and Carolyn Wills, Bob’s daughter, says she could not be happier. “Greenville is a historically-rich, forwardthinking city with such a variety of exciting venues,” Wills said. “It’s great to work with so many professional and positive people and in a community experienced with events and major concerts.”
Bob Wills was an award-winning fiddler and composer, credited with popularizing the American music genre of western swing. Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys continue to influence western swing musicians and fans to this day, and it’s celebrated through the fiddle festival and contest.
The Jason Roberts Band joined by longtime Texas Playboys vocalist Leon Rausch kicks off the contest Friday, October 31 at the Texan Theater. Also Friday, there is an “all comers” jam session of amateur and experienced musicians at the Landon Winery and Bistro.
After champion fiddlers and renowned instructors Sherry and Joey McKenzie first shared their vision of a top-level fiddle contest with the city of Greenville, it was not
Preliminary rounds of the contest are held throughout the day Saturday, November 1, at the Texan Theater. The day’s festivities continue with a concert by Time Jumpers
at Greenville Municipal Auditorium. The night then comes to a close by dancing to the traditional country and western swing tunes of Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band. A gospel show rings in the final day of the contest at Central Christian Church on Sunday, November 2. The contest finals and awards ceremony are held that afternoon at the GMA. When asked what event she looks forward to the most at festival and contest, Wills proves she is a woman after her daddy’s heart. “The fiddle contest holds so much promise and, personally, I can’t wait to see who wins the Bob Wills division,” Wills said. “We hope everyone has fun listening to top entertainers, dancing, cheering for the fiddlers, making friends, and learning about Bob Wills and Western Swing.” — Madison Payne
Playin’, Singin’, & Western Swingin’
OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 2, 2014 Friday Saturday
the jason roberts band & texas playboy leon rausch @ THE TEXAN THEATER
the time jumpers FEATURING VINCE GILL, DAWN SEARS,
KENNY SEARS AND RANGER DOUG GREEN @ THE GREENVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM
FOLLOWED BY A SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE FEATURING
Sunday
bobby flores & the yellow rose band
fiddle contest finals & awards @ THE GREENVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM VISIT
bobwillsfiddlefest.com
FOR DETAILS AND twinfiddleproductions.com FOR CONTEST INFO FOLLOW US @ dtgreenvilletx
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 19
BigFoot MEETS
OCTOBER 4, 17 & 18 OCTOBER 4, 2014 BIGFOOT BOOGIE
Saturday, 6-10 p.m. $30 or 2 for $50 BBQ, BYOB, & Entertainment by OTIS AND THE METRO’S! Bigfoot Dance. Look-A-Like Contest CASH PRIZE.
OCTOBER 17 & 18, 2014 BIGFOOT MEETS NATUREFEST
FRIDAY. Storytellers. East Texas Astronomers. Free Hot Dogs While They Last. Sponsored by Mineola Brookshires. SATURDAY. Chasing Bigfoot 5K Fun Run, $20, Bigfoot Rock Throwing Contest. NatureFest Activities & Demonstrations. Free for the Family. Funds raised go toward new playground equipment for the preserve.
1860 CR 2724, Mineola, texas Phone: (903)569-6983, (800)646-3652 www.mineolanaturepreserve.com
1.800.MINEOLA www.mineola.com
FOLLOW US!
Enjoy Shopping, Dining & Entertainment in Historic Mineola!
20 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
WINNING WINNSBORO
CONTEST Great Prizes!
SEPTEMBER 20 CONCERT & MEAL FOR TWO in Historic Downtown Winnsboro Heather McCready Trio on The Bowery Stage Meals to include coffee and dessert at Art & Espresso $100 value. Contest opens September 2. Deadline 10 p.m. September 15.
Yama Yoga Wellness Spa & Boutique
Where Your Journey Begins
Daily Classes • Beginner • Stretch • Vinyasa • Pilates • Massage • Reflexology 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training • Kids Yoga • Chair Yoga Weekend Workshops • Sunlighten Far Infrared Sauna • Reiki Hypnotherapy • Nutritional Counseling • Teeth Whitening Cuts, Color, Facials & Waxing • Gifts 1023 S. Trades Day Blvd. (Hwy 19), Canton, TX 75103
WWW.YAMAYOGA.INFO 903.316.9471
OCTOBER 4 CONCERT & DAY SPA in Historic Downtown Winnsboro Adler & Hearne CD Release Party & Concert on The Bowery Stage Massage or Pedicure (1) at Copper Leaf Day Spa & Salon $80 value. Contest opens September 16. Deadline 10 p.m. September 29. OCTOBER 10 CONCERT & OVERNIGHT LODGING in Historic Downtown Winnsboro “Wide Open Spaces” Susan Gibson on The Bowery Stage Lodging for two at Thee Hubbell House $200 value. Contest opens September 30. Deadline 10 p.m. October 6. OCTOBER 20 GUITAR MASTERS CONCERT in Historic Downtown Winnsboro American Guitar Masters Peter Janson & Steve Davison on The Bowery Stage $40 value. Contest opens October 7. Deadline 10 p.m. October 15.
Here’s how you enter to win: Go to our website and search for articles that mention Winnsboro. Click open as many articles as you like. Using your Facebook account that appears at the bottom of the article, LIKE and SHARE then COMMENT making sure to check “Also post on Facebook” and adding @countylinemagazine at the end of your comment. You can also share it on other social networks from the top of the page for extra points. Be sure we have your contact info should you win. LOG IN just below the comment box. Your info will not be shared. The more articles you like, share, and comment on, the more your name is entered in the contest. Winners are announced the day after each contest ends. Good luck!
county line
www.countylinemagazine.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 21
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Check out the eMAGAZINE www.countylinemagazine.com for extended event listings.
along with a silent auction, a blood drive and a Hillcrest Cemetery “History Walk.” The Lone Star Barbecue Society State Championship Cook-off includes a tasting tent and offers a total prize purse of $4,000.
Streamliner Diner Runs On Texas State Railroad
The Texas State Railroad presents its newest signature dining experience on the Piney Woods Excursion Train, the Streamliner Diner. Reminiscent of mid-20th century rail dining, guests are treated to a delicious meal and spectacular East Texas scenery from the vintage dome and dining rail cars. Departures from Rusk or Palestine feature different equipment so guests are sure not to have the same trip twice. The Streamliner Diner is a limited-time offer on trains running through September 7. Departure time is 11 a.m. with the train returning to the depot at 3:30 p.m. If you’re looking for something different to do, that’s also peaceful and relaxing, the Streamliner Diner is for you. Enjoy a nice meal while the train winds its way through the East Texas forest country where this summer’s rains kept the scenery lush and green. The price is $85 per person inclusive of rail trip and lunch. Seating is limited and tickets are going fast. For more information on the menu or to make reservations call 903.683.3098 or book online at www. TexasStateRR.com.
Annual Autumn Stroll Set For Downtown Canton
Live entertainment, a car show, a championship barbecue cook-off and more headline the 14th annual Autumn Stroll on October 11 in downtown Canton. As a special kick-off to the event, Canton Main Street presents a free outdoor showing of “Frozen” on October 10. The following day features live entertainment, a kids area with a bounce house, climbing wall, slide, crafts and games, and a variety of food and specialty item vendors. A car show and auto swap is included,
The Autumn Stroll also features a raffle drawing at 5 p.m. on October 11 for a $1,000 cash card. Entrants for the barbecue cook-off or vendors interested in selling at the event should contact Tam Erwin at terwin@cantontex.com or call 903.567.1849 for an application.
Annual Wine Event Set For Mt. Vernon
The fifth annual Wine in the Pines Festival takes place on the plaza in downtown Mt. Vernon on October 24 from 5-9 p.m. and October 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Wine in the Pines Wine Festival is held annually on the fourth weekend in October. It is comprised of wineries from all over Texas. From the sweet to the bold and everything in between, it can all be found at this event. Admission is $5 per person and tastings are $1 each. Wine is available by the tasting, the glass or the bottle. The event also features art vendors, crafts, food and live entertainment. Visit the event website at www.mtvernonwine.com for new updates and more information.
Van Oil Queen Pageant, Van Oil Festival Set
The 35th annual Van Oil Pageant begins on September 21 with the mandatory Oil Pageant Tea at the home of Sharon Hilliard on Hwy 110 East. The rehearsal takes place on October 2 at the Van ISD Auditorium. The pageant takes place at the Van ISD Auditorium on October 4. All young ladies, ages 0–19, who live in Van Zandt County are eligible. Any young lady who lives in Smith County, but is student of Van ISD is also eligible to enter. Van Oil Queen Division contestants must be students in Van ISD. The following Saturday on October 11, the 85th Van Oil Festival fills the streets of downtown Van. The event starts with a parade beginning at 10 a.m. and the festi-
22 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
val continues on Main Street until 2 p.m. The parade features floats, tractors and classic cars. After the parade, there are vendors on the street, fun items like a bounce house and dunking booth, and entertainment, singing, dancing and clogging through the day. Pageant contestants and vendors can register online at vantx.com by clicking the Van Chamber of Commerce drop-down box on the website and clicking “Registration for Chamber Events.” Visit the Van Oil Festival Facebook page at www. facebook.com/pages/Van-Oil-Festival for event updates and more information.
Fall Feral Hog Festival Returns To Ben Wheeler
The 2014 Ben Wheeler Fall Feral Hog Festival takes place October 24-25. The feral hog theme of Ben Wheeler’s major weekend festival is meant to poke fun at the continually, ever expanding, state-widepopulation of wild hogs. The annual event features the Fall Feral Follies on October 24, followed by the daylong festival and cook-off on October 25. An event schedule and live music lineups are available closer to the event dates at www.benwheelertx.com or the festival page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ FallFeralHogFestival. For those wanting to participate in Hog Fest 2014 as a Hog Queen Contestant, vendor, parade participant or cook-off contestant, email hogfest@bwdc.net or download forms at www.benwheelertx.com. Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation also welcomes sponsors the 2014 festival. If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring Hog Fest 2014, please contact j.wilson@bwdc.net or call 903.833.1070.
GO TO COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM FOR AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN THE UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS.
The lovely town of Winnsboro is a treat to visit any time of the year but as autumn leaves start to turn delicious shades of red and gold along the surrounding country roads the townsfolk take every opportunity to enjoy it while it lasts. The Winnsboro Center for the Arts offers numerous exhibits this season and The Bowery Stage presents listening room concerts with popular performers from all over Texas and beyond. Visitors enjoy staying over a day or so in nearby historic bed and breakfasts and there are several award-winning places to dine, grab a cup of espresso, experience unique shopping, and even relax at the day spa. The farmer’s market held from 8 a.m. to Noon every Saturday on Market Street downtown is so much more than the average spread of squash, peas and tomatoes. It’s a weekly celebration of bounty, recipes, home-baked breads, honey, jams, wines, cheeses, music, and more. Special events take place throughout the season starting with the 56th Annual Autumn Trails. Visitors enjoy the breathtaking country trails surrounding the town and numerous activities throughout the month of October featuring Queen Autumn Trails coronation, tractors, arts and crafts, parade, dominoes, cookout and pie baking contest, barn dance, horses and wagons trail rides, trade days and swap meet, antique and classic cars, sidewalk sales, and more. On October 11 Winnsboro Main Street and HAWKS Gun Club present the 2014 Winnsboro Classic Car Cruise-In featuring more than 100 cars strolling about town and winning awards. Car enthusiasts of all ages enjoy checking out the retro rides and many a hood gets popped open for a peak inside as stories of the “good old days” fill the air.
November 8 and 9 finds the downtown area filled with one of the best fine art markets in the Upper East Side of Texas. A juried art event, the weekend features fine art from artists all over the country to include paintings, photography, sculpture, metal work, fiber and jewelry. A special “Art of Taste” tent features educational seminars on cheeses, wines and cigars and another, “Our Town First” shares information on Winnsboro attractions, shops, restaurants, and other community services as well as features local talent, singers and songwriters that set the mood with live jazz and classical music. Local growers of organic meats and foods from the farmer’s market are also on hand. This year the art market introduces their first annual “Holiday Turkey Cook-Off” with prizes going to the Best Turkey and Best Looking Holiday Attire. Other activities during the art market include an authors’ showcase and art exhibit at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts, a silent auction, a wine and cheese extravaganza, live music, local wineries tastings, and more. Rounding out the season, The Legends of Crossroads present Winnsboro Wild West Days November 15 and 16 at Jack Cross Pavilion in Winnsboro City Park. Throughout the weekend reenactors colorfully show the history of the Old West and the town that originally was named Crossroads. A Reenactment Guild of America (RGA) sanctioned competition takes place along with historic portrayals and shootouts and food and other vendors are on site. To learn more about Winnsboro and all their autumn offerings, start with www. winnsboroonlineguide.com, explore their individual websites and social networks, and make plans to experience a thousand kodak moments. — P.A. Geddie SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 23
24 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 25
THE ARTS
“There is no education without arts education. Somebody competent only in numbers and science is not going to be a success in anyting without understanding the human experience we all live day to day in terms of emotion, desires and ambition.” Rob Toups
Exhibit Shows Contemporary Texas at Tyler Museum Of Art provided by The Byars Foundation, Collectors’ Circle Platinum and Sheryl Rogers Palmer, Collectors’ Circle Gold.
“Contemporary Texas” exhibit features James Surls’ Bless Her Soul, 1986, pencil on paper, 42 x 66 in.
The Tyler Museum of Art is presenting “Contemporary Texas: Selections from the Permanent Collection” through November 30 in celebration of its achievements in cultivating the talents and reputations of some of the state’s most noteworthy artists of the modern era. The exhibition, organized by TMA marketing and special events coordinator Caleb Bell, highlights close to 30 of the most notable works the museum has acquired since the 1970s — representing a crosssection of artists across a broad range of media who have made a significant impact on the contemporary Texas art scene, many of whom were featured in previous TMA exhibitions. Acclaimed artists represented in “Contemporary Texas” include photographer Skeet, painter William B. Montgomery, multi-media artist Lance Letscher, and sculptor James Surls. Vernon Fisher, MANUAL, Sam Gummelt and Al Souza are just a few of the additional Texas luminaries in the spotlight for this exhibition. Several of the artists whose works are represented in “Contemporary Texas” are the focus of the 2014 Fall Lecture Series coinciding with the exhibition. Three Sunday afternoon programs are in the works: Septemer 14, MANUAL (Ed Hill and Suzanne Bloom); October 19, Martin Delabano, and November 16, William B. Montgomery. All Fall Lecture Series programs begin at 2 p.m. at the TMA. Admission is free, but seating is limited. For reservations, call 903.595.1001. Sponsorship for Contemporary Texas is
The TMA, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave. across from Wagstaff Gymnasium on the Tyler Junior College main campus. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; the museum is closed Mondays and most major holidays. The TMA is supported by its members and TJC. For information, call 903.595.1001 or visit www. tylermuseum.org.
S. Seymour Thomas Art Gallery Displays Extensive Collection By Alia Pappas
Amongst the pristine natural beauty of San Augustine, a collection of artistic gems are on display at the town’s historic Ezekiel Cullen Home. In a luxurious setting of 1839 architecture, rediscover the paintings and sketches of the aptly-named “Texas Genius,” artist S. Seymour Thomas. Born in San Augustine to early Republic of Texas settlers, S. Seymour Thomas began painting and drawing at the age of 15. He attended prestigious art schools in Paris, France, and New York City, where he received many accolades for the detailed scenes he created. Thomas went on to paint government officials such as Sam Houston, President Woodrow Wilson, and M. Antonin Dubost, who was a President of the French Senate. Artworks created by Thomas have hung in the Paris Salon, San Jacinto Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum. However, one of the most extensive collections is kept at the Ezekiel Cullen Home. Thanks to Thomas’s daughter, Mrs. Jean Haskell, who donated her father’s works to the Ezekiel Cullen Home, a large portion of his art is available for any enthusiast’s perusal. View awards and other personal memorabilia that once belonged to Thomas. Visitors can also see stunning, meticulous drawings, and admire colorful paintings of rolling Texas landscapes
26 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
as they looked when the Lone Star State was a new addition to the United States. Ezekiel Cullen does not fall second-rate to Thomas’s global fame; he has a history of his own that is also deeply-rooted in San Augustine. When Cullen moved to Texas from Georgia, he settled in San Augustine where the museum that is now his namesake became his home. As a resident of Texas, Cullen fought in the siege of Bexar, became an associate judge of the Republic of Texas, and was a member of the Third Congress of Texas. He returned to Texas to start a successful law practice after having worked in Florida and Washington, D.C. Tour the former home of this exceptional man with the aid of a trained docent. Attend historical events held by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, view antiques and historical artifacts from San Augustine, or just lounge on the house’s inviting front porch. The Ezekiel Cullen Home does not disappoint, especially not those in search of Texas history and art. Learn more about the building and art gallery at visit.sanaugustinetx.com
One of S. Seymour Thomas paintings titled “Mrs. S. Seymour Thomas” is a 73 x 35 inch oil on canvas painted in 1902.
Montgomery Art Entangles Humans With Nature ART NEWS Arts Funding and Leadership Workshop Scheduled Texans for the Arts (TFA) is conducting an Arts Funding & Leadership Development Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 7 at the Tyler Rose Garden.
By P.A. Geddie While Tyler native and artist William Montgomery was growing up on what was then the country “outskirts” of the city, he watched as little by little the city grew to absorb nature in his surrounding neighborhood. “I was fascinated with nature at an early age,” he said. “I grew up (spending) most of my time following nearby creeks, catching snakes and turtles. I lived in a part of Tyler that is now in the center of town. But when I was six years old it was the edge of town, and the end of an oil-top road. I watched with dismay as year after year the woods surrounding us were bulldozed and replaced with housing developments.” These experiences left a lasting impression on Montgomery and nature is an important subject in his art, he said. “My earlier work was mostly figurative, but animals have gradually taken the place of people.” Montgomery studied art at the University of New Mexico and Kansas City Art Institute. His interest in nature leads him from time to time to photograph reptiles and amphibians in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, South America, Malaysia and Sumatra. He currently lives east of Austin on 17 acres of land with his wife — artist and writer Margie Crisp — several dogs, a few chickens, and some reptiles. Many of his paintings are about interactions or confrontations between people and nature. “Urban development is rapidly displacing natural habitats throughout the country but especially in Texas,” Montgomery said.
“The surviving animals and plants must either adapt to civilization, leave, or die. Unfortunately for many creatures, the destruction of habitat equals the loss of those animals. Yet nature is stunningly resilient and can adapt to a remarkable degree.” Montgomery said that even with knowledge about nature so readily available via the Internet these days people are seemingly still out of touch with the living world around them. One of his paintings, “Living Room” (featured on the cover) depicts a man sitting in an easy chair completely absorbed by what he is reading, oblivious to the coyotes in front of him and also to the deteriorating cars surrounding him. Another, “Still Life with Wildlife,” portrays various appliances of the modern world surrounded by a wild environment which is slowly engulfing them. In “Reckless Abandon,” dancing toads are celebrating on top of a dead truck, safe from the danger below. “Maybe this is the eventual triumph of nature in a world after mankind departs,” Montgomery ponders. Montgomery’s work is part of “Contemporary Texas: Selections from the Permanent Collection,” and exhibit through November 30 at Tyler Museum of Art. He is a guest speaker as part of the museum’s lecture series November 6. Visit www.williambmontgomery.com learn more about this artist.
to
The workshop is a Texans for the Arts vital tool to reach arts administrators, arts leaders, board members and community arts’ advocates with professional development training across fundraising, board development, and advocacy arenas. It’s also an opportunity for TFA to build its grassroots membership — members who then play a crucial role in statewide advocacy efforts for the arts and other issues including working with their elected officials to support increasing public funding for the arts in Texas. Workshop topics include developing a fundraising board, the seven faces of philanthropy, advocacy versus lobbying, understanding municipal policy, and what works and what doesn’t. Instructors include Cookie Ruiz with Ballet Austin, Allen Craig III with Gardere Wynne in Houston, Jody Ulich with the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, and a local legislative representative. Workshop registration, which includes lunch during the workshop, is $25 for current TFA members and $75 for nonmembers, (which includes a year-long TFA membership fee). For more information visit www.texansforthearts.com or call 512.914.8096.
Art Exhibit Continues At Gallery Main Street Gallery Main Street’s newest juried art exhibit, “Diversity,” continues through September 8 at the gallery, 110 W. Erwin St., in downtown Tyler. “With every juried exhibit, we try to choose very general themes that allow for a variety of media and interpretations,” Tyler Main Street Department’s Beverly Abell said. continued page 29
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 27
28 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Fifteen works of art in a variety of media will be on exhibit, Abell said. She noted that the “Diversity” theme resulted in an interesting variety of interpretations. “Sometimes we expect to see one thing submitted, and we’re pleasantly surprised to see other, very imaginative interpretations submitted instead. Such is the case with this exhibit.” Abell noted that the obvious interpretation would be cultural diversity, but in addition to that, the art represents diversity in colors, in materials and in interpretations of the definition of beauty. Gallery Main Street opened in 2009. Every eight weeks, the gallery features a new art exhibit. Artwork is selected for exhibit via juried process. Artists submit digital images of their work for consideration by a jury, which scores each piece based on its own merits of skill in execution and adherence to theme. The top-scoring pieces are accepted for exhibit, and the piece that receives the highest score is named Best in Show.
A prospectus for upcoming exhibits is posted at www.DowntownTylerArts.com. Those who want more information on gallery exhibits should go to the website or call 903.593.6905.
Tyler Main Street Receives $2,500 Grant
The Texas Cultural Trust, on behalf of Texas Women for the Arts, has awarded the Tyler Main Street program a grant of $2,500 for the Young at Art program. The grant funds Main Street youth outreach and will include art supplies and programming at Gallery Main Street, which is managed by the Main Street Department. “We are very excited to receive this grant,” Main Street Department leader Beverly Abell said. “The funds will enable us to enhance our outreach to area youth and help children continue to learn about and create art.” The Texas Cultural Trust is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the importance of the arts in educating our children and
sustaining our vibrant Texas economy, through awareness, outreach, economic research and the development of arts education curriculum for public school students. Texas Women for the Arts was established in 2006 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the importance of arts in educating our children through funding initiatives for the arts and arts education throughout Texas. Texas Women for the Arts was created by the Texas Cultural Trust and is administered by the Texas Commission on the Arts. “We are extremely pleased to support the educational programs of these exceptional non-profits,” Karen Matthews, chair of Texas Women for the Arts, said. “We believe the selected programs will have a lasting impact on the lives of the children they touch in their respective communities, which supports our mission – to awaken and nurture the artist in every child.” For more information about the Texas Cultural Trust and Texas Women for the Arts, visit www.txculturaltrust.org.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT
Fly-In/Open House Saturday, October 11, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hands on Aviation Fun for the Whole Family
FREE AIRPLANE RIDES, CLASSIC CAR SHOW, DOOR PRIZES, CIVIL AIR PATROL BREAKFAST & LUNCH, FLYING EVENTS, BOUNCE HOUSE (All pilots flying in receive a FREE pancake breakfast and are invited to attend morning new product presentations by Aspen Avionics & Garmin.)
36671 State Hwy. 64 Wills Point, TX 75169
214.212.4632 • 214.803.5621
William B. Montgomery (b. 1953). Living Room with Coyotes, 1988. Oil on canvas, 37 x 49 in. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Montgomery, Tyler, Texas 1989.01
Contemporary Texas
Selections from the Permanent Collection
through November 30, 2014
Tyler Museum of Art
1300 South Mahon Ave. ● Tyler, Texas 75701 (903) 595-1001 ● www.tylermuseum.org SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 29 TMA_Sept/Oct.indd 1
8/1/14 12:23 PM
Enjoy Fine Art at the 2014 Edom Festival of the Arts The small East Texas art community of Edom readies itself for an influx of visitors for its annual Edom Festival of the Arts. Fine art, fine crafts, live music and great food fill the festival grounds behind the resident artists’ studios on the one main street in town, Farm to Market Road 279. The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19.
are children, young and old who are intrigued with the art of blacksmithing as well as the forge and anvil. Educating them on the history, as well as what can be accomplished today with blacksmithing, is very inspiring to Lonnie, as well as onlookers.
ity in design and a variety of jewelry techniques are their inspiration. Their creative goal is to never reach a plateau and to always keep their work fresh.
C.J. BRADFORD
All of the hand fabrication for their work is tedious and time consuming. Each piece goes through several hands-on steps. First, the enameled piece is created and fired several time in the kiln at high temperatures. During this process, the metal parts are constructed and polished. When the pieces are assembled as one, a fabulous piece of jewelry is ready to wear. The focal point is a brightly colored cloisonné paired with contemporary metal work.
C.J. Bradford is a professional artist for more than 30 years. He works primarily in pen and ink, but is also known for his softly tinted watercolors.
Their latest work uses a mix of metals, enamels and semi-precious stones to develop different hues and shapes, both organic and industrial.
The inspiration for his work comes from a lively imagination, a love of symbols, and the lessons and stories he receives from his study of the Bible. The combination of these influences has created a truly unique style.
In addition to great art, the festival offers free concerts throughout the weekend. Acoustic musicians roam the festival grounds playing traditional Americana music. Harpists entertain with Celtic music, while on stage a variety of Texas musicians play and sing original songs.
This juried show is known for having high quality, handmade, original art and crafts. There is a wide variety of creative works such as painting, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, weaving, clothing and blown glass. Visitors express surprise at finding exceptional art in the middle of a meadow located in the center of this tiny hamlet. A sampling of this year’s artists follows.
LONNIE ROBINSON
Wagon Wheel Forge and Gallery is owned and operated by Lonnie and Linda Robinson. Lonnie is in the business of twisting and bending metal now for more than 45 years. The youngest of his four sons, Joseph, has apprenticed with his father for several years and has created his own blacksmithing art. Lonnie performs many demos throughout Texas, being a regular at festivals and art shows like Edom. In each show he uses a forge to create art. When the coals are glowing and the bellows are blowing, the iron glows red hot and then the ring of hammer blows on the anvil signaling the beginning of creation. Hammering, twisting, turning and bending transforms raw metal, almost magically, into a flower, spoon, fork, knife or artfully shaped hook for holding a favorite pan or utensil. Working with children is one of the highlights of doing demos. There
C.J. refers to his art as “visual conversations” and states, “Many of my works are simply whimsical — intended to surprise and bring joy. Most are visual puns. Some, however, are very close to my heart and reflect more deeply the joys and sorrows of my own life and the lives of my friends and family. Some of these are whimsical, as well, and are intended to serve as a kind of “conversation” between you and me.”
BILL and LISA BAILEY
They live and work in Dripping Springs, Texas, and Cambria, Wisconsin.
New this year is an “Emerging Artists” area with students from the University of Texas at Tyler and Dallas County Community Colleges presenting their creations for sale. The festival provides fun for the entire family. A kid’s art area is free and helps children express their artistic talent through painting. They can take their masterpiece home with them, or donate it to become part of the festival gallery. Paintings and murals from previous years decorate the festival grounds. Food vendors provide standard fair food including corn dogs, nachos, sausage-ona-stick, hamburgers, fried Twinkies, funnel cakes, and much more. Zemer’s homemade root beer with their delicious, frothy beverages returns as well as the popular Cajun gumbo and frozen tropical sorbet. Admission to the festival is free. Handicap access is available at the gate located at the corner of FM 279 and FM 314 South.
The Baileys are professional “art jewelers” who combine the ancient craft of enameling with contemporary metal work. When they enter their studio each day, original-
30 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Edom is located halfway between Dallas and Shreveport, 20 miles west of Tyler. Take exit 540 off Interstate 20 and drive 10 miles south to Edom. More information and driving directions are available on their website www.EdomFestivaloftheArts.com.
www.VisitEdom.com
fl&
DRAGONHEAD RETREAT B&B on 25 Wooded Acres at 675' The Lodge (sleeps 9+) Cedar Cabin (sleeps 4+) Outside Living Area • WiFi • Kid Friendly
THE SHED CAFE Voted #1 Cafe’ in East Texas 903.852.7791 www.theshedcafe.com
903-520-2069 www.Vrbo.com/559168 www.dragonheadretreat.com
THE FARM HOUSE RETREAT
TRINITY PINES RETREAT & WEDDING VENUE
A Unique East Texas Experience Lodging, Weddings, Retreats 903.749.1682 www.farmhouseretreat.com
Weddings, Reunions, Retreats Vacation House Rental 214.478.8999 www.trinitypinesedom.com
POTTERS BROWN STUDIO & GALLERY
’s Lamb PINKS ANTIQUES & UNIQUES Antiques. Plants. Yard Art. Much More Little Pink Shop next to The Shed Cafe
903.852.7820
WOOD HAVEN CABINS Relax & Unwind 903.279.2308 www.woodhavencabins.com
BLUE MOON GARDENS Perennials. Herbs. Garden Art. Gift Shop Open Daily 9-5 903.852.3897 www.bluemoongardens.com
Original Handmade Stoneware 903.852.6473 www.pottersbrown.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 31
ON STAGE UT-Tyler Performing Arts Center Shows Announced The 18th Performing Arts Center season at the Cowan Center at the University of Texas at Tyler will feature world-renowned performances and speakers, according to Susan Thomae-Morphew, Cowan Center executive director. The season, titled “Let’s Have Some Fun,” features a wide variety of entertainment. Season tickets are on sale now at the UT Tyler Cowan Center box office by calling 903.566.7424 or online at www. cowancenter.org. Box office hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday. “The UT Tyler Cowan Center is coming of age. This is our 18th season. We may be all grown up presenting important and entertaining world-class events to our community, but we remain a teenager at heart,” Thomae-Morphew said. “So, as we mature, we will continue showing off our wild and energetic side, too. No matter what our age is, we’re always ready to have lots of fun. And that’s exactly what’s in store for you this season,” she added. This season offers four subscription series with the Performing Arts Series, Broadway Series, Braithwaite Intimate Gatherings Series and the Distinguished Lecture Series. This year’s special events include a classical performance made possible by a Charitable Lead Trust gift by Frances Cowan Gibson and featuring Yuja Wang and violinist Leonidas Kavakos and a performance by Larry the Cable Guy. The Performing Arts Series includes the following: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Holiday Show, December 9; Ballroom with a Twist 2, January 15, 2015; Kodo One Earth Tour: Mystery, February 17, 2015; and Las Vegas legends Penn and Teller, April 17, 2015. Subscribers to the Performing Arts Series may add tickets to the classical concert by Wang and Kavakos on November 20. The Broadway Series includes: “Smokey Joe’s Café” featuring The Coasters, October 11; Movie turned musical “Sister Act,” November 6; and the return of a patron favorite, “Mamma Mia!” January 26, 2015. The Braithwaite Intimate Gatherings Se-
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for extended STAGE news and event listings. ries includes: Hilariously endearing storyteller Jeanne Robertson, November 15; and political comedy troupe The Capitol Steps, March 19, 2015. Subscribers to the Braithwaite Series may add tickets to the “Git R Done” funny man Larry the Cable Guy on September 13.
made his debut on the ArtsView stage as Mark Twain in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Jason portrayed Mr. Brooke in “Little Women,” was assistant director for “The Secret Garden” and recently directed ArtsView’s fall production, “The Sound of Music.”
The Distinguished Lecture Series includes: Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, date to be announced; New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks, February 5, 2015; Compaq Computer Corporation co-founder Rod Canion, March 31, 2015 (this lecture will be presented in the UT Tyler University Center Theater).
He has also taught several classes and served on many audition committees.
The Arts in Education Series includes: Skippyjon Jones for grades kindergarten through third, October 2; and Mathemagic® for grades kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth, April 29, 2015. School groups interested in the Arts in Education Series should call the UT Tyler Cowan Center box office, 903.566.7424, for order forms.
“High quality productions and creative camps and classes have made ArtsView the place to be for area kids. I hope to keep this tradition going and keep ArtsView at the forefront of the arts movement here in East Texas,” he added.
For more information about the 20142015 season, visit www.cowancenter.org.
ArtsView Announces New General Manager
“I am excited to be a part the outstanding staff and volunteer corps at ArtsView. I hope to keep ArtsView headed in a positive direction,” Richards said. “My predecessors have done a wonderful job making ArtsView a great organization to work for.
Richards began his education locally, graduating from Hallsville High School and Kilgore College. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing at Baylor University and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting at the University of Nebraska. For the past 12 years, Jason worked with the Texas Shakespeare Festival at Kilgore College as an actor, director, company manager, production manager, education director, festival associate, and, as of late, a playwright. He is also an avid reader, runner, and baseball fan rooting for the Boston Red Sox. Donica was happy to say, “Jason is getting ready to change lives and to have his changed…what ArtsView is all about. He brings experience, a passion for theater, education, and best of all, a desire to share all of that with young people in our community.”
ArtsView Children’s Theatre proudly welcomes Jason Richards as its new general manager. Richards, who began his new duties on August 4, replaced Pamela Donica who has taken a teaching position with Longview Independent School District. Richards is well-known and loved at ArtsView, having been involved with the theatre since the spring of 2010 when he
32 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
In other news for ArtsView the theatre recently celebrated great performances and awards received by a number of extraordinary teens who traveled to Boerne, Texas, to participate in the 19th annual Texas Non-Profit Theatre Youth Conference. This group performed its production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” for local audiences in early June before taking their show “on the road.” The
2014 conference featured performances by youth companies from across the state. The attendees were also able to attend a variety of workshops and social events. Judah Armour of Kilgore received the Spirit Award for his positive attitude during the week and for his encouragement of all the other teens attending the conference. Judah, along with Brittany Pelaia of Longview, received All-Star Cast Awards for their first-rate portrayals of the quick and witty Benedick and Beatrice. A Graduating Senior Award went to Christian Funderburk of Longview who played the Sexton. For outstanding participation and attitude in the workshops, Christian and Isaac Grimes of Longview each won a Teacher’s Pet Award, while Ashton Eichelman of Hawkins and Ethan Hill of Gladewater came home with the Improv All-Star Team Award. Veteran ArtsView director Pat Clark said about the process and experience, “Directing the TNT production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ was both challenging and rewarding for the cast, crew, and production staff. All involved rose to the challenge, engaging in the love of theatre and the delightful, fun-filled script. “Preparing performances for two different venues required the cast to be flexible, adaptable, and alert to quick changes. Our teens handled everything with poise and professionalism, producing engaging performances here at home and at the conference,” Clark added. “Our show was one of 16 presented this year, giving all of the casts the opportunity to learn and share with each other. Workshops were held in the mornings that provided the students the opportunity to study various forms of theatre as well as visit and meet other teens. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience for us all,” Clark concluded. For information on the 2014 Season or ArtsView’s PATHS (Performing Arts Theatre School), please visit the website at www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.
TRAHC Perot Theatre Series Tickets On Sale The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) presents the 2014-2015 Perot Theatre Series, celebrating 34 years of excellence. The Perot Series Shows include “Smokey
Joe’s Café” on October 17, Jeanne Robertson on February 13, 2015, and “Million Dollar Quartet” on June 18, 2015. Perot Specials, not included in the series, feature The Muses on September 18 at the Regional Arts Center, Perot Theatre Ghost Tours on October 24-25, Junie B. in “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” for a 2 p.m. matinee on November 15, Fancy Nancy for a 2 p.m. matinee on May 23, 2015, and JAWBONE for an August 2015 date to be determined. Perot Series tickets, individual show tickets and Perot Specials tickets are available by calling the Perot Theatre Box Office at 903.792.4992. Ticket pricing and other information are also available.
STAGE EVENT PICKS September 4 – 7
Beijing, The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1953, making it one of the longest running and most distinguished circus troupes in China. Belcher Center. 7:30 p.m. 2100 S. Mobberly,.. 903-233-3080. www.belchercenter.com.
October 11 Smokey Joe’s Café. Tyler. 7:30 p.m. Cowan Center. 3900 University Blvd. 903.566.7424. www.cowancenter.org.
October 17 Comedian Monique Marvez. Tyler. Monique’s one hour special, Not Skinny Not Blonde is based on her soon to be published book and her critically acclaimed one woman stage show. 8 p.m. $15 online; $25 at the door. $125 for VIP box. Liberty Tyler. 103 E. Erwin. 903-595-7274. www.libertyyler.com.
October 23
Rabbit Hole. Paris. Paris Community Theater. 903.784.0259. http://www.pctonstage.com.
Anything Goes. Longview. 7 p.m. Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly. 903-233-3080. www.belchercenter.com.
September 5 - 14
November 6
Harvey. Tyler. Tyler Civic Theater, 400 Rose Park Drive. 903.592.0561. http://www.tylercivictheater.com.
Sister Act. Tyler. . 7:30 p.m. Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd. 903.566.7424. www. cowancenter.org.
September 11 - 20 Red White and Tuna. Corsicana. The third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Along with Tuna’s perennial favorites, some new Tuna denizens burst into the Fourth of July Tuna High School Class Reunion. This sets the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun. Warehouse Living Arts Center, 119 W. 6th Ave. 903.875.5421. http://info@warehouselivingartscenter.com.
September 13 Larry the Cable Guy. Tyler. Current host of “Only in America” on the History Channel, LARRY THE CABLE GUY visits various sites across the country revealing bits of history while immersing himself in different lifestyles, jobs and hobbies that celebrate the American experience. Larry also started the Git-R-Done Foundation, emphasizing philanthropy for children’s and veteran’s causes. Adult humor and language, not appropriate for children and some adults. 7:30 pm. Cowan Center. 3900 University Blvd. 903.566.7424. www. cowancenter.org.
October 4 National Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China. Longview. Direct from SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 33
FILM
“There ought to be an un-Edison, an un-Thomas Alva Edison who un-invents things, “ It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” and the first thing they ought to un-invent is that television.” Walt Disney
Roger Hobbs (Jimmy Stewart), Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation
Classic Spooky Movies Reviewed in Time for Halloween By Jules Scroggin and Jess LeBeau It’s already fall and time for our Halloween movie reviews. First up is a rare Alfred Hitchcock gem, The Trouble with Harry. It is a “dark” comedy of intrigue that starts out with a body (a man named Harry) which no one can determine who or where it came from. The townsfolk consist partly of Edmund Gwenn (you may remember him as Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street), Mildred Natwick (the widow Sarah Tillane in The Quiet Man), a young John Forsythe (pre-Dynasty) and introducing Shirley MacLaine; not bad for a first movie working with the renowned Hitchcock. Shirley MacLaine plays a young widow and John Forsythe is an artist who is visiting the Vermont village and is caught up in the mystery. There is an underlying romance that develops between the two. The little boy who first discovers a body in the New England woods is Jerry Mathers, better known as The Beaver in Leave it to Beaver. The cinematography is resplendent in fall colors. The musical score is by Bernard Herrmann, one of many he did for Hitchcock. While the subject matter sounds gruesome, it is treated with a light hand as only Hitchcock can do. It is somewhat a comedy of errors, as everyone seems to know something and guiltily tries to guess who among them committed a murder or that someone knows the secret of who did it.
The Uninvited is a genuinely scary ghost story made in 1944. It relies on the proverbial spine tingling chills. A brother and sister (Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey) find an abandoned mansion by the sea in Cornwall, England that nobody seems to want to live in. They would love to leave their city jobs and refurbish it (sounds like a modern version of flip this house). The only trouble is it may be haunted. Added to the story is a beautiful young woman, Gail Russell, who seems to be drawn to the house in some tragic way. The fact that Milland is attracted and intrigued by the mysterious young woman makes it all the more interesting in finding out what mystery the house holds. The beautiful musical score was written by Victor Young; Stella by Starlight became a popular hit! Miss Holloway (Cornelia Otis Skinner) is the creepy directrice of the sanatorium where she wants to place Russell and is one of the screen’s most evil villains. What makes this movie so eerily fascinating is the suggestion of something supernatural; withering flowers, the scent of perfume from someone long dead, the sound of someone crying in the night and the chilled air of a room that holds a dark secret. The cinematography by Charles Lang was nominated for best black and white cinematography. This movie will leave you looking over your shoulder.
13th Annual Autumn Days in Ennis Fall Festival
Downtown Ennis
Saturday, October 18, 2014
10 am- 4 pm
• Live Entertainment • Arts/Crafts • Children’s Activities • Food • Farmer’s Market
FREE ADMISSION
f�t
972.878.4748 • www.visitennis.org 34 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
The Haunting. When this film came out in 1963, I was but a mere child so I didn’t see it until my teen years. It now has “cult” status as a psychological thriller. You don’t see a garden variety ghost but you wait tensely, hands clenched with Eleanor, “Nell,” (Julie Harris) and Theodora, the psychic (Claire Bloom) for the pounding on the doors to stop as the entity moves through the house looking for Nell. The two other houseguests are Dr. Markway, the paranormal investigator who has brought everyone together at Hill House and Luke Sanderson, (Russ Tamblyn from West Side Story fame) the nephew of the house’s owner. Dr. Markway’s wife, who comes unexpectedly to the house, is a true skeptic about “other worldly” activities, but one night spent in the famed “haunted nursery” drives her into a frightened panic! Played by Lois Maxwell, readers may recognize her as Moneypenny in the James Bond films). Then there’s Mrs. Dudley, (Rosalie Crutchley) the truly “witch-like” housekeeper who tries, in her sinister way, to issue a warning as the guests arrive, telling them “We live in town, nine miles, so there won’t be anyone around if you need help. No one lives any nearer than town.” It is an understatement to say the house is eerie. It definitely has a mind of its own – making doors breathe in and out, with labyrinthine hallways, a cold spot and a creaky, spiral staircase where in one scene Nell finds her way up to a dangerous spot at the top. Nell believes the house is calling to her and she is both pleased (that the house itself, wants only her) and disgusted that she has become a pawn in the house’s game. Is she emotionally disturbed? The movie was adapted from Shirley Jackson’s novel, The Haunting of Hill House, which centers around the character, Nell, and her disturbing connection with the house and its first owner. The exteriors were shot at Ettington Hall which is now a hotel, Ettington Park Hotel, in Ettington, Warwickshire. You can actually stay there, if you dare! Martin Scorsese placed The Haunting first on his list of the scariest horror films of all time.
The Texan Who Conquered Russia
of state, and every U.S. president form Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama. Temple Hill partners Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen are producing the film with Ari Daniel Pinchot and Robert M. Johnson as executive producer and Andrew Stern as scriptwriter. Ansel Elgort, from The Fault in Our Stars fame, signed to play the title role in Van Cliburn. Elgort is an accomplished pianist.
Van Area Chamber of Commerce Sponsoring Annual Van Oil Festival
The film is based on the Haward Reich book Van Cliburn and Elgort plays the pianist in his formative years when he won the Moscow competition.
Breakfast Available at Tele’s, Dinner Bell & Donut Palace Downtown where the festivities will take place.
Reich said, the lanky pianist from Texas who graduated Juilliard but was taught by his neighborhood piano-teacher mother, had a very unorthodox instinctive style that bowled over the Russian judges and the proletariat crowd that followed every note of the competition. Although some tried to marginalize him so they could knock him from the competition, Cliburn made it to the finals. Judges, fearing exile to Siberia, brought in Soviet leader Khrushchev as they deliberated. The premier asked them if he was the best, and told them to give him the prize when they answered yes. This was credited with bridging the Cold War gap. — P.A. Geddie
October 11, 2014—7:30 AM
A movie is in the making about Kilgore native Vendors, Parade, Car /Truck Show, Van Cliburn who died last year at the age of Texas Pistolaros, Food, 78. CliburnBounce was best known for winning the Houses/Slides, Face Painting, Tractor Show, first quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Bucket Brigade, Wine Garden, Piano Competition in Moscow at the height Entertainment, and more! of the Cold War in 1958. As a 23-year-old Come to Vanhe Texas, stay overnight at the Van Inn East Texan played Tchaikovsky’s “Piano or a local Bed1”&and Breakfast and join us for“Piano the Concerto No. Rachmaninoff’s celebration. Concerto No. 3” and won the competition that some say the Soviet’s had designed to
demonstrate their cultural superiority. Bursting that bubble, the performance earned an eight-minute standing ovation, a tickertape parade in New York City, a cover story in Time magazine naming him “The Texan Who Conquered Russia,” and a long, successful career that included a Grammy award, the first-ever platinum album for a classical recording, and gigs for royalty, heads
Van Area Chamber of Commerce Sponsoring Annual Van Oil Festival October 11, 2014—7:30 AM
Breakfast Available at Tele’s, Dinner Bell & Donut Palace Downtown where the festivities will take place. Vendors, Parade, Car /Truck Show, Texas Pistolaros, Food, Bounce Houses/Slides, Face Painting, Tractor Show, Bucket Brigade, Wine Garden, Entertainment, and more! Come to Van Texas, stay overnight at the Van Inn or a local Bed & Breakfast and join us for the celebration.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 35
MUSIC NOTES
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com for extended MUSIC news and event listings.
Merle Haggard Opens PWFAA’s New Season
The Piney Woods Fine Arts Association (PWFAA) in Crockett, Texas, is gearing up for its 24th season bringing the best in the performing arts to East Texas. Merle Haggard opens the season on September 1.
Otis and the Metro Band By Amanda Retallack Photography by Jamie Maldonado When the multi-dimensional group Otis with The Metro Band takes the stage, it doesn’t take long for their music to get people onto the floor dancing, jumping and swaying. The group’s tunes span the genres from R&B to country to hip-hop and inspire positivity, excitement and elevated spirits in their audiences. The East Texas based, six-member band has performed hits for three decades and they’re stronger than they’ve ever been. With acts ranging from Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” to Prince’s “Kiss,” the team of musicians has what it takes to play special events, anytime and anyplace. “I started in the music business when I was only 10-years-old,” he recalled during a recent telephone interview. “My stepfather had a little gospel group and I would sing tenor on the mike.” Otis always loved music, but secular music is what he craved – songs of Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and big band tunes. “I had to sneak around just to listen to the good stuff,” he laughed. Decades later, Otis has come a long way in his more than 40 years in show business. As lead singer and musical inspiration of Otis with the Metro Band, his range in vocals and musicality is obvious as he talks about his travels and diverse musical past, ranging from jazz to country/western to disco and rock. Aside from appearing with such greats as Glen Campbell, Johnny Mathis and Lou Rawls, Otis performed in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Dallas and many other cities throughout the country. With the Metro Band group, he enjoys many new places and faces as well. While the band has traveled far and wide since their inception in 1979, they have largely stuck to the tri-state
area of Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. “However, our motto is Have Card, Will Travel,” mused Otis. “You name it, we’ll be there. It’s fun to get out of town. It’s good for the soul from time to time.” The band consists of Otis on vocals with his smoky, smooth voice, George Faber (admiringly referred to as “King George”) also on vocals and keyboard, Joey Monk who rocks the drums and vocals, Crawford Davis on bass guitar and vocals and Tony Marsh on lead guitar. The kicker is that they all get a time or two on vocals and they are all excellent crooners. What sets them apart from other live bands, you ask? Versatility. “There are lots of great live bands around if you are looking for genre-specific music, but I do believe that we play it all well, jazz, country, rock, R&B, even hip-hop,” Otis said. “I don’t know any group who can do those all really well, but we do and we all sing. We have some world class harmony.” The band specializes in music for all occasions be it weddings, conventions, festivals, private clubs, colleges, universities, fraternities, corporate parties, political rallies and reunions.
Coming September 13 is the Piney Woods PolkaFest with Grammy winners Brave Combo. The PolkaFest is a good time to learn the Chicken Dance while enjoying authentic German food and drink. On October 7, the PWFAA presents Caravanserai – Diplomats of Drums. The Diplomats of Drums celebrate musical and cultural diversity with festive performances that have been called “joyously Malaysian,” and the band members describe their genre as “music without borders.” Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Shoji Tabuchi, Mary Stuart and Yakov Smirnoff are among the other shows headlining the PWFAA’s 24th season For those who would like to become a season ticket holder, new season membership sales have begun. Single tickets for Merle Haggard and the Piney Woods PolkaFest are available, and single tickets for all other shows in the new season begin August 29. For information on tickets or season memberships go to www.pwfaa.org or call 936.544.4276. PWFAA is a non-profit arts organization that provides arts education programs for the children of East Texas as well as bringing nationally-touring artists for public performances. More than 70 percent of PWFAA’s programming is geared to arts education programs for children.
The band plays about 200 gigs a year and stay booked three to six months in advance. “Hire us and you’ll get more than what you pay for, that’s for sure,” he said. “We put the quality of our product ahead of the quantity of our profit. Music is a tool that we use to add value to the lives of people. If we can make someone happy with what we do, then it’s worth all the time and effort.” To learn more about Otis and the Metro Band visit www.metroband.org. Reprinted with permission from July 2013, The Wedded Bliss Magazine, www. theweddedbliss.com.
36 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Country music legend Merle Haggard opens the 2014-2015 Piney Woods Fine Arts Association show season on September 1 in Crockett, Texas. (Courtesy photo)
CD Review lessons and in still another hard times are a burden. Love tends to prevail. On the opening “Second Nature,” “the whole sweet prairie sings a song of you.” On “Piney Woods Breeze,” a reference to their East Texas home, “nobody knows what makes a hollow feel whole.” On “Salty Town,” “The Kiss,” and “Love is a Fire,” love is what counts.
Adler & Hearne Second Nature Spring Hollow Organic Song Farm Lynn Adler and Lindy Hearne are always pleasant to listen to with their sweet harmonies and sincere, well-crafted songs. Call their music folk or Americana for the most part and don’t expect a lot of “edginess,” however we may define that, even if we do find a young outlaw couple in one of the songs and, in another, a woman who needs to unlearn some of life’s
Regional Blues-Rock Band Announces New Album
East Texas blues and rock ‘n’ roll band King Richard and The Bayou Boys have a new CD out entitled “Crawfish.” The album is available at itunes.com and many online music retailers such as Spotify. The band can currently be seen and heard in a local TV commercial for XLN on Fifth Street on CBS KYTX, COZI-TV (OYTX), MYTX and ME-TV (KCEB). The band has a show at Horseshoe Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana, on September 26 at 8 p.m. For more information about the band and upcoming shows, visit www. kingrichardthebayouboys.com.
MUSIC Every Tuesday
Pickin’ and Grinnin’. Edom. 6 - 8 p.m. Free. The Shed Cafe, 8337 FM 279. 903-8527791. www.theshedcafe.com.
Every Wednesday
Randy Brown - Live Acoustic Music Concert. Edom. The Old Firehouse in Edom, 8241 FM 279, 903.852.2781. theoldfirehouse.net.
October 4
Adler & Hearne CD Release Concert. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. The Bowery Stage, 200 Market Street, 903-342-0686. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com.
“Soup’s On” is a bluesy, innuendo-filled sort of recipe song that claims “you don’t know what you been missin’ til you messed around my kitchen.”
Ray Wylie Hubbard. Tyler. 8 p.m. $20 online; $25 at the door. VIP box $175 Liberty Hall. 103 E. Erwin. 903-595-7274. www.libertytyler.com.
Seven of the 13 Adler/Hearne songs are co-writes with Hal Greenwood. Lloyd Maines produced with Kate Hearne – Lindy’s daughter – on lead guitar, Glenn Fukunaga on bass, Chris Gage on keyboards, Terri Hendrix on harmonica and backup vocals, and Steve Smith on mandolin. – Tom Geddie
October 10
Every Friday – Saturday
Live Bands. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. Hwy. 279. 903.833.5100. www.benwheelertx.com. Live Jazz. Pittsburg. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, 658 County Road 1334. 903.855.1769. www.lospinosranchvineyards.com.
Every Saturday
Acoustic Music on the Streets. Mineola. Johnson St. Gazebo. 1.800.MINEOL. www. mineola.com.
Susan Gibson. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage 200 Market Street, 903-342-0686. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com.
October 11
Texarkana Symphony Orchestra Masterworks I – Beethoven and Blue Jeans. Texarkana. The Perot Theater, 321 W. 4th Street, Texarkana. 903.792.4992. www.trahc.org.
October 16
Newsboys with the Family Force 5 & 7 Eventh Time Down. Longview. Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly. 903-233-3080. www. belchercenter.com.
October 18
Clint Black. Corsicana. 7:30 p.m. Call Box Office. Palace Theatre, 112 W. Sixth Avenue. 903.874.7792. www.corsicanapalace.com.
Bluesman Craig Wallace. Ben Wheeler. 3 - 6 p.m. Free. The Forge, FM 279. 903-8335970. www.benwheelertx.com.
A Concert to Die For. Greenville. Greenville Convention & Visitors Bureau. 2611 Stonewall Street. (903) 455-1510. www.greenvillechamber.com.
September 12 - 13
October 25
9th Annual T-Bone Walker Blues Fest. Longview. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex, 100 Grand Blvd. 903.756.7775 . www.tbonewalkerfest.com/eventdetails2010.
Andy Gullahorn - Live Acoustic Music Concert. Edom. The Old Firehouse in Edom. 8241 FM 279. 903.852.2781. theoldfirehouse.net.
September 18
Keb Mo. Longview. Three-time Grammy winner and visionary roots-music storyteller. 7:30 p.m. Belcher Center. 2100 S. Mobberly. 903-233-3080. www.belchercenter.com.
Rally Round Greenville. Greenville. 903.455-1510. greenvillechamber.com.
Boogie Woogie Wednesday. Marshall. Live music. 7 - 9 p.m. Free admission. OS2 Pub. 105 E. Houston. 903-938-8966. www.facebook.com/birthplaceofboogiewoogie.
Opera Classics by The Muses Gala Performance Troupe. Texarkana. The Perot Theater. 321 W. 4th Street. 903.792.4992. www. trahc.org.
Every Thursday – Saturday
September 19 - 20
Live Singer/Songwriters. Ben Wheeler. The Forge. Hwy 279. 903.833.5970. www.benwheelertx.com.
Jeans ‘n Classics Concert. Marshall. Downtown Marshall, 200 Blk N. Washington. 903.935.4484.www.marshallartscouncil.org.
Every Thursday – Friday.
September 20
Live Music. Tyler. Stanley’s Famous Pit BarB-Que. 525 S. Beckham Ave. 903.593.0311. www.stanleysfamous.com.
September 27
Heather McCready. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage, 200 Market Street, 903-342-0686. www. winnsborocenterforthearts.com.
November 1
Texarkana Symphony Orchestra Pops I – Passport to the Movies. Texarkana. The Perot Theater, 321 W. 4th Street. 903.792.4992. www.trahc.org.
November 2
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. Longview. Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly,. 903-233-3080. www.belchercenter.com.
November 8
Suzy Bogguss. Tyler. Liberty Tyler, 103 E. Erwin. 903-595-7274. www.libertyyler.com.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 37
BOOKMARKS
“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” Garrison Keillor of the Chechen War. They are running and surviving to tell one story. Haava is the catalyst that keeps Akhmed surviving when he no longer wants to live in his life and she keeps Sonja surviving as a doctor and woman when nothing else will. Haava — an orphan of the war — simply wants to keep one thing: her blue suitcase of souvenirs. Marra takes souvenirs from the tales of humanity in a world many will never know but from a war that still ravages people’s lives. The focus of humanity in the blur of war and revenge is told without large battles but in the tales of survivors. What strength would it take a man to put his parents’ remains in a suitcase fresh from a grave and carry them by train just to bury them in their homeland? What kind of son hates his father so much he would send others to the cells of torture just to spite him? What sister wouldn’t risk her soul to save her younger sibling?
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena By Anthony Marra Publisher: Hogarth ISBN: 978-0770436407 Reviewed by Patti Light In 20 years time as high school students pick up required reading lists for summer term as I did 20 some odd years ago, amongst the digital downloads of Shakespeare, Faulkner and Salinger I know after reading this book they will also chose Marra. Anthony Marra to be exact and the book is A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. Most people know I am an avid reader, but this book haunted me for days. I began reading on a plane to Louisville, Kentucky, and somehow got transported to Chechnya in the former Soviet Union where Marra’s words and landscape kept me hungry, cold and in a tangible sadness as I devoured each chapter. The story takes some getting used to for the casual pulp fiction reader because it jumps from decade to decade, but never from chapter to chapter. You may be in 1996 for three chapters before you are back to 2004. The main characters are interlinked by a simple link that when it is born in the sentences and dialog it actually stops you in place. (And I chose the word born on purpose). The three main characters are Akhmed, Sonja and Haava all refugees and victims 38 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Readers will want to read Marra’s question and answer section to get more insight on his frigid and hopeful story. This book was picked by several companies, online blogs, websites and publishers to be a best book of 2013 and I agree. Read it and then carefully pick whom you lend it to next.
EVENTS Every Third Saturday American Girl at the Library. Tyler. Girls ages 5-12 explore history through food, games, crafts, and other activities suggested by an American Girl book, heroine, and historical era. Mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and other special adults are encouraged to attend with the child. 10 a.m. - Noon. Free. 903.593.7323. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College. www.tylerlibrary.com.
Every First Sunday Texas Writers Network. Tyler. Informal gathering of writers and aspiring writers for mutual support, critique, and networking. 2 – 4 p.m. Free. Taylor Auditorium, Tyler Public Library, 201 S College Avenue. 903-593-7323. www.tylerlibrary.com.
Every Third Friday Poetry Reading. Winnsboro. Local poets. 6 p.m. Free. Winnsboro Emporium, 316 N. Main. 903.342.6140. www.winnsboroemporium.com.
POETRY & PROSE The Old House
For Abby
Armageddon
A derelict among its neighbors the old house stands, A testament to a former age. Shingles shielded once the winter snows, Now usher summer rains.
You, you are resilient and young. Never having to worry about a thing, but someday you’ll start worrying about everything.
This is the end Armageddon is here Waging its war in my head Everywhere I turn I see destruction The streets of gold are corrupted Defiled with pain Broken in the chaos Those who had been angels Transform to their true selves Revealing their demonic beauty So impatient I await my saving grace I pray I can still be saved I have become my own martyr In a single moment of clarity I find I am not done fighting I am my own saving grace Only I can save me from My demons, my destruction, and my chaos I have the power to decide who wins I decide whether to live in gold or desolate lands I decide who is friend or foe I decide who I am This is the end Armageddon itself will lose I will win my war Courtnee Renee Walls Terrell
Brittle clapboards hand on rusty nails. Cornice and frieze boards crack and peel Like wizened faces whose beauty has been lost Reveal a hidden elegance. 12 over 12 broken sashed windows like Old men who clutch cigarettes in Salvation Army tweeds Look down on Junior high school boys Who shout obscenities and broken bricks, oblivious to history. Robert L. Stevens Ben Wheeler
And when that someday comes, you just come and find me and together we’ll push away the storm clouds, and count each of the stars together. Yeah, and I will hunt down the demons in your closet and send them to Mars in the rocket ship we’ll make together out of pillows and bed sheets. And don’t you worry your sweet little mind – that big bad wolf can’t climb our wall of stone. So just come and find me and we’ll dance barefoot in the summers rain just like the good old days, and the memories will never ever fade away, don’t let them fade away, even when you grow older and bolder, remember the good old days. Kendra Barker 7th Grade, Kaufman
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 39
PLAY
Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge Offers Lions, Tigers, and…More Tigers, Oh My!
Padma, (left) is a female Bengal tiger that lives with male Bengal tiger, Skanda, at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge where they came to live after their sanctuary in Florida was devastated by a hurricane and was forced to shut down. When the two tigers arrived in 2008, they were obese and were put on strict diets to bring them down to healthy weights. Now, they enjoy playing in the pool provided for them, as well as running about in their yards. Pepe (center), an African lion, was rescued from Mexico. As a cub, his former owners took him to the beach to pose for tourist photo opportunities. Pepe was then given to a lady who
Story and photos by Alia Pappas
Hidden amongst a dense pine forest, exotic big cats pad across red clay. Regal Siberian tigers and lithe leopards dazzle the eyes with their slinking silhouettes and glossy coats. The Pineywoods might seem like an odd locale to find these creatures, but the cats residing at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge have happily called Tyler, Texas, their home since 1997. Tigers, lions, bobcats, and many other feline species have been rescued from grievous situations by Tiger Creek employees, and the cats are on display at the sanctuary to educate all animal lovers. “The way Tiger Creek got started was that I was raising exotic waterfowl and I would take them at the end of the year to surplus to the exotic auctions,” Tiger Creek executive director and cofounder Brian Werner said. “I saw these tigers going across the auction block and people would pass them over. I would inquire about the animal and I realized that these people were just trying to get rid of them. There was a big influx of, ‘Where do we put these cats?’” Brian began helping displaced, abused, and neglected tigers by creating Tiger
could not properly feed him or the other lion cubs she owned and he was rescued in 2002 and brought to Tiger Creek. Pepe can be aggressive during feedings, but otherwise spends his time placidly lounging in his yard. Tara (right) is a Bengal Tiger from San Antonio. Her owners were breeders who owned several tigers, but were forced to give them up when they moved. When Tara arrived at Tiger Creek in 2003, she had a metabolic bone disease that made her bones brittle. Although she was given calcium to correct the disease, she has never reached her full size. This petite little tiger can be skittish and is very quiet.
Missing Link Foundation. Originally, Brian documented captive tigers so they could be placed into managed breeding programs to increase their populations before releasing them into the wild. Brian and his ex-wife, Terri Werner, who is the director of operations at Tiger Creek and jointly manages the conservatorship with Brian, became more involved with tiger protection as time progressed. “I had no idea we would be doing this,” Brian said. “We started out getting calls from people that wanted us to take the tigers in. So, then we started taking in tigers and Terri joined me. Then I started building Tiger Creek itself with Terri. We started out as just a small compound and now we’ve expanded.” Tiger Creek used to contain only a few pens and a cabin in which Brian and Terri lived. However, Tiger Creek presently consists of small cat enclosures, large cat yards with stone houses, animal care facilities, and a Visitors Center that contains a gift shop. Here, visitors may view rare cats enjoying comfortable, healthy lives. “We rescue from the pet industry,” Chelsea Harris, who has been a Tiger Creek keeper since 2007, said. “We rescue from
40 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
other sanctuaries that shut down because they just don’t have funding, and we also rescue from the entertainment industry. These animals are all animals that wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild. Like our cougar, Tin Cup, he’s actually wild-born. His family found him in their backyard when their pet dog ran out into the woods and brought him back as a small kitten. Tin Cup imprinted on people pretty quickly once those folks took him in. They raised him for about a month, but they couldn’t keep him longer, so they brought him out to us.” Most of the cats living at Tiger Creek have lived in captivity and would not know how to care for themselves in their natural habitats, have been sickened by malnutrition or unkempt pens due to neglectful owners, or have been given to the refuge because they could not be cared for properly at their previous homes. According to Brian, Tiger Creek is like a Club Med for tigers. It is a retirement home where the cats do not perform or have to struggle for resources. “Every cat that comes in stays the rest of its life unless we are intentionally bringing it in to pass it down the road,” Brian said. “Any cats that we permanently take
on, they stay. This becomes their home.” To keep the cats entertained and exercised in their homes, keepers practice target training. Target training teaches the cats to perform acts such as raising their paws, opening their mouths, or standing on their hind legs for pieces of meat, which provides amusement for the felines and helps keepers when they need to do medical procedures on the animals. Sometimes, visitors may get the unexpected treat of watching a target training session in progress while on their guided tour. “It’s for enrichment,” Chelsea said. “We teach them different commands and cues, and they get treats. They’re not always willing to do it, but we still try to work with them every day just so they stay consistent.” The felines at Tiger Creek are retired, so they do not perform in shows. Generally, the cats prefer sleeping 18 to 20 hours out of the day, mostly staying still for photographers and onlookers. “They’re very lazy,” Chelsea said. “People come out here and they ask, ‘Can’t you make them do something like get up and run around?’ We say, ‘No. They’re cats. They’re going to do what they want.’ It never gets old working around these cats.” Tiger Creek’s cats have their own enclosures with extras to spare and more under construction at the back of the property. Felines in the newest yards are not on exhibit but will be shortly. A momentarily off-exhibit cat to look for in the future is Sierra, a Bengal tiger who lived at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. Sierra came to Tiger Creek after Neverland Ranch’s tiger trainer was in a car accident, did not return to work due to his injuries, and was not replaced. As a result, Sierra had to be moved out of the ranch to live at Tiger Creek. “Probably the cat I get asked most about is Michael Jackson’s,” Chelsea said. “Unfortunately, she’s off exhibit right now. We just don’t have the public area open all the way to her enclosure, so people are sometimes disappointed that they don’t get to see her.” Another visitor favorite is the tiger duo of Sargent and Tiger Lily. These Siberian tigers were featured on the Animal Planet documentary, “Growing Up Tiger,” that was filmed at Tiger Creek when they first came to live there as cubs. Sarge and Lily were born at Great Cats of Indiana, but
had to come to Tiger Creek because Great Cats did not have enough space for them and their other two siblings to live together comfortably. Unlike Sierra, these two television stars are on display to the public. “Visitors ask about Sarge and Lily because they were on Animal Planet and they’ve seen the show,” Chelsea said. “They’re 12 years old now, but it was filmed back when they were born until they were a year old here at Tiger Creek.” While all tiger species are endangered, Tiger Creek is home to three especially rare tabby Bengal tigers. These notable felines are not a separate breed from Bengal tigers, but are cats that possess a color variation that only occurs in that particular species. Tabby tigers sport a distinctive coloration of a pale orange and white coat with red-orange stripes. It is estimated that only 100 of these cats exist in the world. “They’re my favorite cat because I just love that color variation,” Brian said. “That color variation is found in the Bengal tiger. We’re not sure why that occurs in just the Bengal tigers, but that’s where it’s located. We have some of them here represented that were donated to us from a facility out of Myrtle Beach.” A guided tour with a knowledgeable keeper enables visitors to see and become informed on Sarge, Lily, tabby tigers, and any of the other 37 big cats at the refuge. All tours begin beneath the green metal roof of the Visitors Center. “When visitors show up, they’re going to get pretty royal treatment,” Brian said. “We give them a personalized guided tour. There’s no free-roaming access until after they’ve had a guided tour. I think, after visitors leave, they’ll have an appreciation and understanding of what we’re doing and why, where these cats come from, how they get here, and what we do with them once they’re here.” Tiger Creek is open throughout the year, bringing in 20,000 guests. Chelsea advised that cooler months are ideal for visiting the refuge because the cats are more animated during those times. “Any time other than the summer is the best time to come,” Chelsea said. “We still get a lot of visitors during the summer and people still have a great time, but the cats are pretty much sleeping the whole time. The best time is when it’s cool out during fall and the cool months
of spring. Even when it’s wintertime, the cats are still really active because they have their nice, thick winter coat.” As of late July, new cat yards were completed at Tiger Creek. To accommodate even more cats and visitors, plans are underway to further expand the refuge. Updates such as new yards, more land acquisitions to create extra habitat space, and a new Visitors Center are just a few renovations to be made. “We’re going to move the cabin in which Terri and I lived and make it part of the main attraction,” Brian said. “It’s kind of like a landmark. We’re going to put all of our old news articles up in there, where people can come in and walk around and see them, and they’ll see what we started out as.” The entire park is being built with a theme inspired by Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. Large yards that mimic the Garden’s will be put in place, and landscaping will be done on the entire property. Further renovations will follow these changes. “Our goal is to build big enclosures, gets the cats moved, and then as we raise more money, come back and retrofit water facilities into them so that they’ll be able to swim, play, and cool off,” Brian said. “Eventually, we’ll have all paved walkways for the public. We’ll open the whole place up once we finish the right side out. We keep working and building, adding on and growing this.” Tiger Creek takes donations from the public, which speeds the renovations that are constantly taking place at the refuge. Brian has devised several ways the public can support the refuge, such as giving money or sponsoring a cat. “A real big deal is that when people are doing their estate planning, a lot of people leave us in their wills,” Brian said. “We’re also working on a project right now that I haven’t launched. We could offer an insurance policy that they would have, and they could assign the cash benefit to the charity and it would still build cash value, too. It will eventually pay for itself, so they’re not out of pocket money. We’re looking at all kinds of alternatives for people.” Ultimately, Brian feels that there is a single, best way to help Tiger Creek continue its mission. “One of the biggest factors is coming out and seeing it,” Brian said.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 41
STAY
“I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” Mark Twain
Tin Can Tourists “Glamp” in Style coach, a 1965 Ford Town and Country— sort of an ancestor to today’s RVs. Francie Bearden of Athens parks her 1967 Shasta (found out in a field in 2013 and restored) next to her fiancé’s modern motor coach and her 1953 restored delivery sedan. A friendly awning provides shade for the campground neighbors to gather and gab about trailers and life. Archer, who after restoring a farmhouse without wheels, went on to personally restore more than five trailers for herself and others from a bus to a classic Airstream to a “canned ham.” She always has a next project. In addition, she is an organizer and a cheerleader and a trailer life coach for old friends and new who are flocking to the ranks of the hobby. She helped friend and campground neighbor Phyllis Eyre restore her 1969 Sage. “She,” the trailer, is named Magnolia Rose.
This retro “tear-drop” trailer has been all the way to Alaska – but prefers Branson, Mo., say owners Grant and Margaret Berry of Iowa park who “glamp” in full modern comfort. Photo by Lisa Reed McKinney
By Lisa Reed McKinney Dotting the highways and byways of the Upper East Side of Texas is a growing number of charming “tin can” trailers, tiny “teardrops,” and fanciful wing-adorned Shastas. These vintage trailers are renewing the romance of the open road. The attraction is about more than avoiding hotel bills while traveling from point A to B. In fact, the vintage trailers and their modern retro versions are many things to many people for many reasons. The best place to witness this is at one of the many rallies held across Texas and the United States.
“I just wanted to see the vintage campers,” she said. “They steal your heart.” And that’s the thing — the romance. Whether it is the kitschy-to-classic design of the trailers themselves, the artistic canvas provided to “glampers” (more about them later), or the call of Route 66, or the hearkening back to earlier times of freedom and community, vintage trailers are fun. Jerry Barnes got into the restored trailer life (he has a 1956 Metzendorf) via his love of fixing up old drag racers. Sherry and Rodney Kershaw of Lake Charles promote their trailer park in their rare motor
Archer is the Texas State Representative for the well-organized and historic Tin Can Tourists, a nationwide group with roots that go back as far as 1919 that toodles along quite nicely in today’s world. The group has its own website, www.tincantourists.com, and more than 15,000 followers on Facebook. Tin Can Tourists is not the only group having fun on the road. Several groups promote not just camping in old-timey trailers, but “glamping” or glamour camping. This is one of the most popular twists on the old hobby, which in times gone by was more comfortable with canvas tarps and mud than with indoor plumbing and beds. “Glampers” are mostly women and have formed such groups as “Sisters on the Fly” and “Getaway Girls.”
One such gathering took place in Canton this summer. The Texas group of the Tin Can Tourists, led by Teresa Archer of Stephenville, spent the better part of four days at Mill Creek Ranch Resort swapping trailer stories, holding an open house for gawkers, playing bingo, and enjoying the modern version of a hobo campfire. Some folks become “trailerites” for the sheer love of the trailers themselves. Paula Anthony of Paris in Lamar County visited the Canton rally to do a bit of sightseeing and tire-kicking as she ventures in to the new hobby.
Francie Bearden of Athens shares hospitality at her Shasta trailer with its characteristic wings at a summertime rally of the Tin Can Tourists in Canton. Photo by Lisa Reed McKinney
42 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Downtown Tyler • 103 E. Erwin • Tyler, Texas 75702 a department Of the city Of tyler
September 6 at 8 p.m.
Card 53 & DCH Improv Jill Isaacson of Dallas pals around in her gypsy trailer named Patchouli with a fortune-telling mannequin. Photo by Lisa Reed McKinney
Dallas hotel concierge Jill Isaacson and Barbara Wells both attended the recent Canton gathering, but they also travel nicely with the Sisters and the “GGs.” The shabby chic gypsy style of Isaacson’s “Patchouli” and Wells’ pride in her trailer’s air-conditioning, capture the feel of what glampers contribute to the movement. And then there’s always a bottle of wine to be shared under the stars. The old days when Archer could locate an abandoned trailer to restore on a remote deer lease for $800 are probably gone, but getting into the restoration game is not too cost-prohibitive yet. A couple of grand can still get you a good “project” trailer. Add on to that the cost of transporting the trailer and including the most common first repair—good tires—and it is still a reasonable expense.
September 13 at 8 p.m.
Senor Gringo, Anna Grey and Purple Velvet Fox September 19 at 7 p.m.
TX Speakers Series Presents: Dana Bowman OctOber 2 at 7 p.m.
“Psycho”
OctOber 4 at 8 p.m.
Ray Wylie Hubbard OctOber 9 at 7 p.m.
“The Shining”
OctOber 16 at 7 p.m.
“The Birds”
Get a Slice
Live Music, Theater, Comedy and Movies!
Pittsburg Innovative Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs: we want you in our city. Simply write a business plan, give it to the City of Pittsburg, and be ready to open your business if you win!
Incentives: $20,000 for business expenses, free advertising with the City of Pittsburg, free membership with the Chamber of Commerce, and if opening downtown you will be eligible for grants up to $10,000.
OctOber 17 at 8 p.m.
Monique Marvez
OctOber 23 at 8 p.m.
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”
For ticket information go to LibertyTyler.com
www.pittsburgtexas.com Jenny Rowan jrowan@pittsburgtexas.com 903 856 3621
Finding an old trailer is not too difficult. Trailerites start shopping around on the Internet, frequently, or they see a “For Sale” sign on an old motor coach on the roadside. However, one of the best ways is to get connected with one of the enthusiast groups. While at Canton, Archer was on her cell phone, attempting to broker a deal with a landowner who just wanted the old piece-of-junk trailer off his land. In Archer’s capable hands—she does the carpentry and everything else involved in restoration—that “piece of junk” can become worth thousands. Instead of getting a fixer upper, some buy a new “retro” tear-drop like Grant Berry and his wife Margaret of Iowa Park, Texas, did. It has all the modern conveniences because it is modern. The microwave oven and memory foam mattress do not seem to detract from their enjoyment at all. Organizer Archer thrills to the 1953 Lucyand-Desi classic movie, “The Long, Long Trailer,” where “Nicky” and “Taci” travel the American Rockies, living in their motor coach and learning valuable lessons about marriage in close quarters and not collecting heavy rocks as souvenirs. She’s named her trailer “Lucy,” and she loves “Lucy.” SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 43
FOOD & DRINK Sushi Takes Center Stage Goung Zhou Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar ( GZ’s) 2002 Judson Rd, Ste 103 LONGVIEW903.247.8000 www.gzasianbistro.com M-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Reviewed by Patti Light Just around the corner from Longview Regional Hospital, down the street from Longview Mall and tucked into an older upscale shopping center is a world of art in the form of food and drinks at Goung Zhou’s Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar or as it is fondly know GZ’s. This restaurant is unlike any other experience in East Texas. As an international traveler and married to a sushi snob, we have found things at GZ’s to satisfy even a fussy palate. The menu here offers a rich variety from seafood and steaks to Asian classics. The aged roasted rack of lamb is beautiful and the 30-day aged rib-eye is a beef lovers best
Best of the Upper East Side of Texas Hall of Fame
Tuesday & Wednesday DINNER SPECIAL Mixed Green Salad Choice of Fresh Fish of the day, Ribeye Steak, or Filet Mignon Served with Whipped Potatoes and Green Beans $26.00
Located in a beautiful lakeside lodge at 21191 FM 47 in Wills Point, one block north of Interstate 20, Exit 516 Open Tuesday - Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Available for Special Events
Reservations Recommended 903.873.2225 www.fourwindssteakhouse.com 44 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
gift, but they do come at a price. GZ’s is fine dining at its peak with industrial décor and clean crisp colors on the wall. The menu mixes that fresh atmosphere with amazing ingredients. The food is presented with edible garnishes and aroma that starts the flavor explosion, like floral essence and spicy ginger. The essence in their martinis and drinks only compliments the food. Try the refreshing spa cooler with acai and cucumber or the sweet dragon fruit martini. It is however the show-stopping sushi that takes center stage at most tables in the bistro. The artistry of the sushi is so breathtaking, I recommend sitting at the bar and watching the skilled chefs make simple ingredients into tasty masterpieces. The sushi menu for most casual sushi eaters is over whelming — I often want to tell the chefs to make a beginner and advanced menu. This menu is a separate selection. You can choose from simple rice and fish rolls and sashimi to more than 40 hand rolls. The rice crispy fried roll is a fun mix of spice, deep fried goodness and fresh seafood. You can pick any roll with prices ranging from $6 to $24 per roll or for the adventurous sushi table or party, try a chef choice. These plates come with 12 to 20 pieces and are customized for you. The Boss will set you back $90, but a great Sashimi variety is only $45. In Dallas or Los Angeles that might double at least. GZ’s offers a full bar and a stimulating sake menu including a sweet and powerful raspberry sake, but I recommend the wandering poet sake. For dinner this is a special occasion stop for most hard-working folks, but I found a great secret — lunch at GZ’s is an affordable and relaxing place for friends, co-workers or a mid-week lunch date. Go with for an experience in art and food and leave with a very full stomach. Happy sushi and sake.
Flour Sucks, But Gluten-Free Never Tasted So Good By Alia Pappas A blueberry lemon-flavored muffin topped with refreshing lavender sugar sits on the table, a perfect companion for the cup of coffee steaming nearby. Upon taking a bite of the muffin, it proves to be not only an acceptable breakfast, but an exceptional one. It is shocking to discover that this moist, flavorful delight does not contain any corn, soy, genetically modified organisms (GMO), preservatives, xanthan gum, or gluten and still manages to taste like a delicious muffin. A gift from a loving daughter to her ailing mother, Debbie Davis and her son, Kyle Davis, recently concocted Flour Sucks muffins, which are baked at Mineola’s award-winning LaWaffalata restaurant with genuine concern for the health and quality of life of others. “It started out for Kyle’s grandmother, for my mom,” said Debbie, co-founder of Flour Sucks gluten-free baked goods brand and manager of LaWaffalata and East Texas Burger Company in Mineola. “This is the heart and soul of it all. I found out that wheat was in the picture of my mom’s heart troubles that she had since the 1980’s. Between the rehab, the multiple surgeries, the failed surgeries, and, being a diabetic, they had to use a Doppler just to find a vein on her arm, and recently-implanted dialysis tubes — this woman has gone through everything. I listened to her cry because all she had left to enjoy really was food, and all the food was special diet food that tasted like cardboard, and she just wanted a piece of cake. So, when we developed Flour Sucks, they had to be treats that someone like that deserves.”
me.’ So, I invited them over to my house for dinner, and I made them everything I could think of that would blow their minds about gluten-free. They said, ‘You need to have this at your restaurant.’” Debbie thought about this suggestion for a year. She wanted to make sure her gluten-free menu items were cooked properly and tasted the same as or better than her regular menu items, especially since she knew that gluten-free food often had a reputation for tasting grainy and unappetizing. “We knew to do it right,” Debbie said. “I didn’t want to have just one gluten-free menu option and have your standard item that you can get anywhere that’s high-carb and it’s just something to appease you or hold you over. I wanted it to be the same experience that our other customers come here for, and that is to have a great flavor experience, to have people make memories with their friends and families around food.” To fulfill this goal, the entire kitchen staff had to be educated about gluten-free cooking, and a designated gluten-free
kitchen was built inside LaWaffalata, separate from the regular kitchen. Since some people are severely allergic to gluten, it was important to Debbie and Kyle that gluten-free products were not contaminated by counters or utensils that might hold traces of food made with gluten on the same surface. “It keeps the integrity of the gluten-free product,” said Kyle, musician and Flour Sucks co-founder. “We take pride in our products. We don’t want even the slightest bit of flour or anything that contains gluten to be infused in these products and consumed by someone who has Celiac disease or somebody else who is severely allergic to have a negative reaction to one of our products. We want people not only to be safe with these products, but to be able to enjoy it and not have to think twice about what they’re eating.” Creating muffins that people did not have to think twice about eating was a long process for Debbie and Kyle. Two years of applying for seemingly endless certifications, frustrating failed taste-tests, and the gradual filling of refrigerators with innumerable pastries were dedicated to crafting the perfect gluten-free muffin. Finding the ideal texture was a challenge for the mother-son pair. Continued on page 46
Both Debbie and her mother are allergic to wheat, which has caused several health problems for them. However, Debbie’s wheat sensitivity symptoms, such as digestive problems, swollen fingers, and right hip pain, vanished once she eliminated gluten from her diet. When she talked with her customers about wheat sensitivity, Debbie found that her condition might be more common than she expected. “For me and my family, it was wheat that we were sensitive to,” Debbie said. “Who knew? I baked pies, I baked cakes, I work at a burger joint. I’m not supposed to be allergic to wheat. My customers said, ‘My gosh. Those symptoms just described SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 45
Flour Sucks continued from page 45
“We found 10,000 ways not to make a muffin,” Kyle said. “I would ask myself, ‘If I had two things sitting in front of me, and this one was gluten-free and this one wasn’t, which one tastes like a brownie in my head?’ I had to make sure they are the same, and not only the same, but I made sure ours was better.” Some LaWaffalata customers swear by Flour Sucks muffins, but other restaurantgoers were skeptical to try gluten-free food for the first time. However, Debbie found that nearly all skeptics were convinced after taking a bite of one of their coveted muffins. “I can assure you, this is the last thing in the world I thought I’d be doing,” Debbie said. “I mean, this is seriously the most unlikely place, I think, in the planet to have gluten-free banners hanging out on your awnings. Can you imagine suddenly putting out a shingle that says, ‘Gluten-Free’ in Texas? They didn’t know what it was. They now come back and ask, ‘So, what’s your muffin today?’ I’m talking unlikely people who you would never think would eat gluten-free.” During a typical day at LaWaffalata — which is the home base for manufacturing Flour Sucks —customers might order a few boxes of muffins at a time. Regulars are anxious to try the latest flavor, a diabetic purchases a box because the sugarfree muffins don’t raise her blood sugar, and a dairy farmer tries a dairy-free muffin and buys a few to take home after tasting it. “It’s a pretty well-known establishment and a lot of it is for the pies and desserts that are full of gluten,” Debbie said. “So, to have people now coming in to buy glutenfree over the gluten, that was just like… Kyle and I high-fived. We had a woman call in July and order two dozen muffins to take on a cruise because she knew they
Pawpa’s House in the country
Satellite • Wireless Internet Jacuzzi tub • Hot tub Fully equipped kitchen Handicap accessible Near Canton, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, Tyler, Mineola. One hour to Dallas. 1601 VZ County Road 1512 Van Texas 903.571.3620 • www.pawpashouse.com
Owners Debbie Davis and her son Kyle toast muffins with customer Summer Frinch to their new gluten-free business called Flour Sucks. Photo by Alia Pappas
would be better than the muffins on the cruise. I thought, ‘That’s a pretty big compliment.’ She’s not even gluten-free. We have created a muffin that appeals to everyone, and I really think that, as crazy as it may sound, Flour Sucks is legitimately the first gluten-free brand to prove to appeal to both.” For those who eat gluten-free but cannot frequently make the trip to Mineola, Debbie has enabled customers to order muffins and other gluten-free products from the LaWaffalata website or over the phone. For people trying to determine whether or not they have a form of gluten intolerance, LaWaffalata will send customers home with three weeks’ worth of pre-prepared foods that can be frozen and reheated. “We decided that, ‘You know, let’s try to sell these beyond our restaurant,’” Debbie said. “I know how it feels to travel 100 miles round trip just to get a good gluten-free meal. I think that’s one of the reasons I feel so good serving gluten-free here at LaWaffalata, because I know we can do it safely and if somebody wants to try it for three weeks, they can. We will hook them up.” To help people who have already discovered their gluten sensitivities, a workshop is scheduled at LaWaffalata in October to offer gluten-free education. Basic
46 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
cooking skills and tips to make shopping gluten-free easier, such as how to decode food label jargon, are a couple of the workshop subjects. “Cooking gluten-free is not complicated,” Debbie said. “It is a perspective shift. If you can learn 10 or 12 basic things to look for, it’s not complicated anymore. That’s what we aspire to do during our workshop, is to teach people how to do basic gravies, coatings for fried chicken, and things like that.” Debbie urges that anyone struggling to eat gluten-free and considering giving up the diet for good not lose hope just yet. She has personally witnessed the health problems that gluten creates and will help anyone struggling with wheat sensitivity like she and her mother. In the future, Debbie hopes to provide Flour Sucks muffins to college-campus cafés and hospital cafeterias so everyone can enjoy a delicious dessert, despite gluten allergies. “Flour Sucks is fun, and it’s bold,” Debbie said. “We know it’s a bold name. We like that. Standing on the gluten-free aisle, learning how to bake one way with all-purpose flour and all of a sudden it’s causing all these health problems — do you not stand there and go, ‘flour sucks.’ We know it inside out. We live it personally. I don’t want you to feel guilty eating this. You can have your cake and eat it, too.”
Tyler Restaurant Chosen For Special Award
“Hamburger Helper” and other sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Kim Hodges at 903.676.1923 or Kim Walker at 903-675-5626.
As part of Keep Tyler Beautiful’s (KTB) mission to encourage the ongoing beautification of Tyler, the board recently selected Juls Restaurant, Lounge and Cafe for the “Beauty and Business Award.”
To enter the cook-off or find more information, go to UncleFletchFestival.com.
EVENTS
KTB board members select businesses that show pride in the community through the efforts of business owners to be a good community neighbor. This most recent award was presented on July 29. Juls has a distinctive look for Tyler. The design and grounds are part of the environment while displaying a unique cutting edge and artistic architecture. Owner Jay Schulz said that several of the large trees that were on the property before construction were preserved to provide cooling shade during the warmer months. The Juls patio and deck, nestled over the pond, is the most popular area for guest seating. Schulz said that there is also a misting system on the deck to help lower air temperatures. “I would like to thank the City of Tyler and Keep Tyler Beautiful for promoting the use of landscaping to beautify our community,” Schulz said. “We are delighted to have received the Beauty and Business Award.” Every “Beauty and Business Award” winner receives a framed certificate and personalized yard sign to be presented by members of the city of Tyler’s Keep Tyler Beautiful Board. Members of Keep Tyler Beautiful, city officials and representatives of the center attended the presentation. “There is no other place that looks like Juls,” Keep Tyler Beautiful Board Chair Phyllis Carlyle said. “It has obviously been designed to be unique and earth friendly. The owners and planners have done a great job with this addition to our city.” Businesses are chosen for meeting the following criteria: Campus or grounds are inviting through the use and upkeep of greenery, such as grass, trees, shrubs and/ or flowers along with benches, trash cans and/or chairs; parking area is litter free; business has attractive signs; dumpster and trash areas are clean and tidy; old, unused bulky items are not stored around or behind the store (i.e. equipment, furniture, supplies); and the building front is in good shape with clean paint or bricks.
Saturdays Through September 27
Uncle Fletch Hamburger Fest Returns to Athens
After a long hiatus, the Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival returns this year to the courthouse square in Athens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 20. The fun is planned to celebrate Athens as the “Home of the Hamburger,” invented, most say, by local entrepreneur Fletcher “Uncle Fletch” Davis. Although there is some dispute about that nationally, research by historian Frank X. Tolbert documented in his book, “Tolbert’s Texas,” and former Athens newspaper editor Toni Garrard Clay claim to prove it. “(Local citizen Clint) Murchison’s grandfather, John Murchison, shared vivid memories of having eaten the then-unnamed sandwich in the late 1880s at Davis’ café,” Clay reports. “Then in 1904, Davis and his wife, Recilla “Ciddy” Davis, traveled to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. There is an eyewitness account of Davis selling food at the fair, though he is not listed in official records as having been a vendor there. “Although he owned the cafe for a time, Davis’ primary trade was that of a potter, and so his vendor admission pass book for the world’s fair, which remains in the family, identifies him as a “pottery turner.”
Rockwall Farmers’ Market. Rockwall. Offering local fruits and vegetables, fresh baked breads, natural beef and poultry, farm eggs, seafood, honey and much more. Open 8 a.m. – Noon. 101 E. Rusk Street. (972) 772-6400. www.rockwall.com/ mainstreet/farmersmkt.asp.
Through September 30
O’Farrell Country Vineyards & Winery. Atlanta . Self-pick muscadine grapes and wines made from muscadines, peaches, plums, blackberries and blueberries. Cash, check, or debit. 7152 FM 995. 903.846.2054.
Saturdays, Through October 25
Winnsboro Farmers Market. Winnsboro. 8 a.m. – Noon. Downtown, Market Street. 903.629.3332. www.winnsborofarmersmarket.com.
Saturdays Through October 31
Sulphur Springs Farmers Market. Sulphur Springs. 6 - 10 p.m. Downtown Square Park, 903.885.7541. www.sulphurspringsfarmersmarket.com.
October 24 - 25
Wine in the Pines. Mount Vernon. About 18 wineries present their wines by the tasting, the glass, or the bottle. Other activities include art, crafts, food vendors and live entertainment. Friday 5-9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 admission and $1 per tasting. Downtown Square, 113 Main 903-537-4070. www.mtvernonwine.com.
That’s proof enough for the Athens folks to celebrate their town as the birthplace of America’s most iconic meal. Festivities include a hamburger cookoff with the winner crowned as the best burger chef around. Other activities include a burger eating contest, a dine ‘n dash, bobbing for burgers, and a mooing contest. Live music with local sensation Kadie Lynn opens the festival and Will Burgin from Guitar’s Etc. closes the day with a songwriter’s competition.
Open 24/7 Full Menu Breakfast Anytime! Hwy 19 near I-20
903-567-6551
www.dairypalace.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 47
SHOP
“Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind, filling it with a steady and perpetual serenity.” Joseoph Addison
Experience a Shopping Oasis at Blue Moon Gardens By P.A. Geddie Just five miles east of the art community of Edom is a shopping oasis at Blue Moon Gardens. Among acres of herb plants, perennials, and old-fashioned flowers is a gift shop in a 90-year-old farmhouse filled with soaps, candles, linens, books, and home and seasonal décor. Blue Moon Gardens is more than a place to pick up a plant or a last-minute gift — it’s an experience. Visitors put down their cell phones and soak in the tranquility of winding garden paths, an inviting outdoor kitchen, multiple seating arrangements, magical miniature fairy gardens, whimsical scarecrows, and beautiful plants and flowers. The garden center has a garden club that meets regularly and co-owners Mary Wilhite and Sharon Smith are always on hand for sage advice on everything from herbs and container gardening, to tips for creating beautiful outdoor spaces and attracting butterflies. They hold special events and workshops regularly. They put together an Uno de 50 Jewelry Trunk Show scheduled from
Noon to 6 p.m. October 10 after some of their regulars fell in love with the line that conveys a unique and timeless design made with silver, resin, leather, and precious stones. They celebrate the arrival of autumn with their annual Blue Moon Gardens Fall Festival Saturday, October 11. Full, colorful fall flowers, herbs and vegetables, trees and shrubs for planting are all part of the nursery offerings along with the ever-popular scarecrow display. The gift shop is filled fragrant candles, soaps and lotions, home decor, fashion accessories and holiday decorations and refreshments are served as guests tour the numerous display gardens. Free morning programs include “Grow Your Own Food” by Mike Loggins of Micro Family Farms at 10 a.m.; “Tips to Make Garden Chores Easy” by Mary Wilhite at 11 a.m.; and “Choosing and Using Shrubs in Your Gardens” by Kendel Wibbing at Noon. Visit Blue Moon Gardens at bluemoongardens.com or call 903.852.3897 for more information but plan to visit in person soon for the ultimate beauty experience.
48 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
EVENTS August 28 – 31, October 2 - 5, October 30 – November 2
First Monday Trades Days. Canton. The oldest and largest flea market in the world. The ultimate shopping experience. Wander 300 acres of antiques, arets and crafts, and hand-made articles. Free. First Monday Trades Days Grounds. 877-4627467. www.visitcantontx.com.
November 7 – 8
Pine Cone & Mistletoe Market and Taste of the Holidays. Center. The William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas is hosting this event with more than 40 vendor booths showcasing Christmas décor and holiday artisan gifts. The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors host the Taste of the Holidays, an eclectic culinary sampling and dining experience featuring Chamber member restaurants, caterers and florists. Each establishment serves sample tastes of a featured item from their business. Florists display centerpieces with a holiday theme. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. $25 covers both events. John D. Windham Civic Center. 146 Express Blvd. 936-5983682. www.shelbycountychamber.com.
WILHITE
30
L A N D S C A P E
YEARS
1983-2013
♦
Experience. Quality. Customer Satisfaction.
Landscape & Garden Works for East Texas Hwy 64 West, Tyler (903) 593-5975 ft www.wilhitelandscape.com
COUNTY LINE MARKETPLACE
To advertise, call 903.963.8306 or email sales@countylinemagazine.com
Authorized E-File Provider
Bill Hullum, CPA PC Fishing • Sports Bar • RV Park Marina • Store • Cabins • Camping Boat Ramps • Swimming Sand Volleyball Voted Best RV Park 2013 County Line Magazine Lake Bob Sandlin, Pittsburg, TX 903.856.3643 www.barefootbaymarina.com
WE SELL CARS FOR LESS Ray Ridings Buick GMC Canton, Texas 903-567-4131 www.RayRidings.com
Ray Ridings Wills Point Chevrolet Wills Point, Texas 903-873-2561 www.willspointchevrolet.com
We BUY cars too! “Our World Class Service is Second to None”
GON WHEEL WAANTIQUE MALL
649 W. Main • Box 545, Van, TX 75790 903.963.5865 123 West Frank St. 625 Hwy 31 East #6 Grand Saline, TX 75140 Chandler, TX 75758 903.849.4994 903.962.6200
www.billhullumcpa.com Greater Northeast Texas
Voted Best Antique Store
September 6-7, 2014
Home Decor & Furniture
2014 Fall Gun Show Saturday 9am-5pm • Sunday 9am-4pm GUNS, AMMO, KNIVES, POWDER, PRIVATE SALES, RELOADING SUPPLIES Adults: $8.00 • 12 and under free (Must be accompanied by a parent) Free Parking. Food Vendors on Site. Sponsored by
Winnsboro Civic Center in City Park • 900 Wheeler Dr.
903.342.3666 • www.winnsboro.com
by County Line Magazine readers
12,000 square feet
Vintage Vinyl Records, Art Pottery, Art Glass, Silver, China, Candles, Fine American and European Furniture, Texas Primitives, Western Collectibles, Rugs, Gifts, Chandeliers, and so much more! Open 7 Days, Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5
903-469-4321 7150 SH 31E • Murchison www.wagonwheelantiquemall.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 49
LIVING ROOM
“Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone — they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” Joni Mitchell
Working Hand in Hand With Nature
provement. He harvests, mills, and dries the wood and determines the best use for it in building multi-species flooring, cabinets, furniture, beams, and smaller home décor items. Earning a master’s degree in forestry science from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches with an emphasis in wildlife management, and with years of experience under his belt, Crook takes the topic of man and nature working hand in hand seriously. “Any changes to the environment benefit some things and can be detrimental to others,” he said. “You can turn a forested habitat into a grass habitat and promote native grasses and other species will come. You hope the forest animals go somewhere else that’s not overpopulated.
By P.A. Geddie
health and safety.”
As more and more people come to live in the lush rural areas of the Upper East Side of Texas the natural environment changes when land is cleared for homes and outdoor human living spaces. As trees, brush, and tall grass are removed, so goes cover for many wildlife species, often the very critters that are part of the intrigue for some people in moving to the country in the first place.
They suggest humans do their due diligence and take fair, reasonable, and appropriate measures to closely observe the area to ensure the absence of animals before entering with a bulldozer or other clearing method. Who would feel good if a baby deer or nest of baby birds were mauled over by an overbearing human contraption? Understandably, they say, smaller reptiles like frogs, turtles, and lizards are hard to see and most become unfortunate casualties.
Displaced critters often lead to wildlife/ human conflicts such as an influx of field mice and ticks into the home area or an increase in mosquitoes if their natural predator, the bat, moves on to greener pastures. Taking the time to learn how to effectively, and humanely, manage wildlife before clearing land is suggested by organizations like Texas Parks & Wildlife, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, Critter Control, Inc. and lumber harvester Shaun Crook of Gum Creek Mercantile. For those that want to build in an area previously left to nature for many years, there are numerous methods to consider, some more nature-minded than others. Wildlife Warriors Worldwide — started by the late Steve Irwin — and Critter Control, Inc. offer ideas for ways of removing wildlife before land clearing. Critter Control says, “While there are times when we can let nature take care of itself, sometimes wildlife conflicts must be resolved to prevent further damage to homes and property, and protect human
While mostly intended for much larger property clearing operations, and way more information than some will want, for the serious explorer there’s a lot of helpful information for rural homebuilders as well in a document produced by Critter Control on their website — based on initiatives of Irwin’s organization — titled Suggested Protocol for Land Clearing. Once a landowner has considered options about wildlife management the next step is deciding which method of clearing is the best in moving forward. Goat raising may be the most naturefriendly way to clear land, but for those that don’t have the luxury of time or goat herding skills, other methods are considered such as mulching, bulldozing, or prescribed burning to name a few. Another idea is putting unwanted timber to good use. Shaun Crook of Gum Creek Mercantile in Ben Wheeler works with landowners to salvage dead or dying trees and harvesting lumber for forest im-
50 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
“You can change the community from one type to another which is not a bad thing unless you are changing it to a parking lot — that completely wipes out the natural habitat. Parking lots and business centers build another kind of community, one that attracts rats and grackles and other species that eat human scraps of food.” Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Dennis Gissell says taking wildlife management into consideration before clearing land is not a simple process and must take into consideration many factors including types of trees. “Landowners need to take a lot of time and effort before cutting away woods,” he said, “and should consider talking to a wildlife biologist for education and an understanding of the ramifications.” The Texas Parks & Wildlife website has some good information and Gissell recommends reading a wildlife management section there as well as consulting with a wildlife biologist via each region’s district leader — which are easy to find on their site — to help put together a plan that puts nature and man in harmony. RESOURCES www.crittersafe.com www.crittersafe.com/SuggestedProtocolforLandClearing.pdf www.wildlifewarriors.org.au www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/ private/agricultural_land/ www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/ technical_guidance/biologists/
Young East Texans Step Bravely Toward Unknown Futures By Michael Schultz Photo by Haylee Bazil Every spring young East Texans celebrate their high school graduation along with three million other students across the United States. Every summer they ponder, with a sense of optimistic uncertainty, what the future holds for them and every fall the they pursue their dreams, face their fears, and wonder who they will become. Armed with the knowledge they’ve gained from families, friends and communities, they take their first independent steps toward an unknown future. While spring graduation marks the end of one season of life it is fall that marks the beginning of a big season of change for young people. The transformation comes in many forms and means something different for each individual. For some it means pursuing higher education at a university, college, or technical school. Some stay in the East Texas area to pursue their academic goals, while others travel much further from home, to other states and even other countries. For some it means getting their first real job and taking on the day-to-day responsibilities that come with it. But for all of them, no matter where they go or what they choose to do, this season of change means raising the bar of mental maturity from adolescence to adulthood. East Texas graduates must make many hard choices, and trends make their decisions all the more difficult. A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says, that of the 65 percent of students who graduated this spring and are registered in a college or university this fall, more than 80 percent don’t know what field they want to study. According to Dr. Fritz Grupe, the founder of MyMajors.com, of those who do select a field of study, 50 percent change their major, some doing so two or three times before they graduate. In addition to these statistics, the college board reports that, of the students that begin a four-year degree program roughly 40 percent will not have received their degree after their sixth year in school. With an average cost of $23,872 a year at a
four-year institution and $9,574 a year at a two-year institution, it is easy to understand the pressure these students are under.
To accomplish this goal, Chris is going to Tyler Junior College this fall to study musical theater.
One ray of hope the statistics offer is that those who graduate with a four-year degree make, on average, 98 percent more per hour than those without a degree. This means that they stand to make $500,000 more in their lifetime.
Another exemplary East Texas graduate is Max Taylor. He graduated from Lindale High School this spring in the top ten percent of his class.
One example of a young East Texan making her way into the world is Haylee Priddy, a 2014 graduate of Christian Heritage School in Tyler. Although she admittedly fears “… not making it and [not] being successful in my life, dreams and goals” she says that from living in East Texas she’s “learned to be strong and to open up to new possibilities and not to be afraid to take chances or to fail in life. If you fall just get back up and try again.” This is what Haylee takes with her as she studies sonography at Tyler Junior College this fall. Her goal is “…to get through college and get a successful career, make people proud of me, and to be proud of myself, knowing that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.” Another example is Chris Fisher, who graduated this spring from Kings Academy Christian School in Tyler. When asked what he has learned from growing up in East Texas, he says, “I have learned to stand firm in who I am and not let anyone else ultimately dictate what I become and what people see me as.” Chris realizes that part of this next season in his life means facing failure. “We all fear that, but it has always been my greatest fear,” he says. “[I] fear not becoming what I was meant to be; but I want to use this fear to fuel my ambition and resolve to become better and to do better.” He says that his goal in life is to “…become the best person I can be, both to my friends and to the people that are around me. I want to be noticed and in a good way, to inspire people to be better, and to bring a little joy to their lives or at least a smile to their faces.”
Max says he has learned valuable lessons from living in East Texas. “During my time in East Texas I learned how to hunt, fish, bail hay, be generous, and love my neighbor. More than that I have learned the value of hard work, honesty, integrity, and what it means to be a man.” When asked if he has any fear of the future he says, “I’m not scared of the future. My greatest uncertainty is not knowing how many times I will fail before I succeed. Failure is inevitable, it’s what you make of failure that ultimately determines your success.” Max will attend Texas A&M this fall and plans to earn a masters degree in economics. He dreams of owning his own business and one day raising a family in East Texas because, as he says, “There is no better place to be!” Haylee, Chris, and Max are examples of how the East Texas community has given the support and confidence young people need to be successful. They each walk into this next season of life with hope, determination, and resilience. Although none of the graduates know exactly what the future holds for them, they all know that they don’t face the future alone and they will always have a place to call home. East Texas is characterized by its diversity, natural beauty and rich heritage, but its proudest legacy is its young people. The pride and support of the community goes with each of these young people as they make their way into a larger world this fall. Michael Schultz graduated from Christian Heritage School this year and heads off to John Brown University in Arkansas to pursue a degree in International Business. He plans to use the lessons he has learned in East Texas and the skills he will gain in college to one day fulfill his dream of starting his own international corporation.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 51
FEEL GOOD: MAKING A DIFFERENCE Patriot Classic Raises Scholarship Funds
The University of Texas at Tyler Patriot Classic raised $171,296.13 to benefit the university’s scholarship program, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. This annual fundraiser includes the UT Tyler Suddenlink Patriot Million Dollar Holein-One Contest and the Patriot Golf Classic. The Patriots organization leads and staffs the hole-in-one contest, and the Patriot Golf Classic committee organizes the golf tournament. Mike Terry and Steve Hellmuth served as chair and co-chair, respectively, of the Patriot Golf Classic, and the Hole-in-One events were organized by Aaron Uncapher, chair, and Jon Honea, Patriot president. Organizers of both events presented UT Tyler with a check on July 10. These proceeds fund an endowment, now totaling more than $2 million, which provides permanent scholarship funding to UT Tyler students. “We are so fortunate to have a strong team of volunteers to head up these organizations. Our sincere gratitude goes out to each organization and its volunteers for working tirelessly to put on these great events and for serving as our voices in the community for the important work being done at UT Tyler. Each volunteer has an impact on the future of the students who receive these scholarships,” President Mabry said.
Bike Wash To Benefit Local Children’s Library
Scoots ‘N’ Scoops in Ben Wheeler hosts a bike wash event to benefit the Ben Wheeler Children’s Library on September 6. The event takes place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and features a live musical performance by Midnight Thunder, the house band for Billy Bob’s Texas. The bike wash takes place in the Scoots ‘N’ Scoops parking lot. A $15 donation is requested and tips are appreciated. For more information, visit benwheelertx. com on the Internet.
Volunteer Tyler Honored With Award Of Merit
Tyler’s Volunteer Tyler program has received the National Association for Vol-
unteer Program in Local Government Award of Merit. This award was created by the National Association for Volunteer Programs in Local Government (NAVPLG) board to honor volunteer administrators or programs of a city, county, township, borough, parish or other local government entity in the United States for innovation, length and breadth or service or outstanding achievement. Volunteer Tyler’s recruitment methods, application process, departments served and its recognition and appreciation efforts were reviewed by the NAVPLG board of directors. The award was presented on June 16 to the city at the 2014 National Conference on Volunteering Service in Atlanta, Georgia. “I am ecstatic about receiving such a prestigious award to highlight such a wonderful program,” said city volunteer coordinator Yolanda R. Prince. “The program was nominated for its contributions and dedication to its volunteers.” Since Volunteer Tyler’s inception in 2009, participation has increased by 27 percent. The program currently has more than 220 volunteers, ages 12-94, who serve in 21 departments and facilities throughout the city. These include, but are not limited to: accessible parking enforcement, Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, the GoodmanLeGrand Museum, Rose Garden Center, Senior Center, Liberty Hall, Tyler Public Library, Gallery Main Street, vehicle services, communications and planning. Volunteer opportunities range from performing clerical work to assisting at special events.
Longview Chamber Taking Applications For Academy
Longview Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) fall of 2014 class.
investors for real start-up cash. Students even have the opportunity to win college scholarships. The YEA! application is available online at www.longviewchamber.com. Both program and scholarship applications must be postmarked by September 12, 2014. This is the application deadline for the YEA! Class of 2014-2015. The selection process is competitive and applicants are urged to apply. YEA! classes will be held at Kilgore College (Longview location) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday each week. YEA! kicks off on October 6, 2014, and ends May 5, 2015. Business leaders and interested community volunteers should contact Courtney Gill at cgill@longviewtx.com or 903.452.7521 for more information about how to get involved with YEA!
UT Tyler, Kilgore College Start Program Partnership
The University of Texas at Tyler and Kilgore College have started a new partnership called the Roadmap To Success Program. It is a collaborative effort to help high school students transition smoothly from high school to Kilgore College to the bachelor’s degree nursing program at UT Tyler’s Longview University Center. As part of a recent partnership initiative designed to expand opportunities for student success in the Gregg County area, the University of Texas at Tyler and Kilgore College have launched the Roadmap to Success Program. “Our nursing program at the Longview University Center and Kilgore College’s nursing program have been strong partners for many years. We are excited to an-
YEA! is a year-long program that guides middle and high school students through launching and running their own real businesses or social movements. YEA! is open to all students in grades 6-12. While in the Academy, students receive all the necessary tools to launch their very own real, legal businesses. This includes access to valuable resources like attorneys, accountants, business mentors and graphic designers, plus an audience with
52 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
Present for the official announcement, made in June, are, from left to right, Dr. Bill Holda, Kilgore College president; Cindy Gabehart, Pine Tree High School principal; Dr. Rodney H. Mabry, UT Tyler president; Dr. Van Patterson, UT Tyler LUC director. (Courtesy photo)
nounce the next phase of collaboration, which will help high school students transition seamlessly from Kilgore College to the bachelor’s degree nursing program at UT Tyler’s Longview University Center,” UT Tyler President Rodney H. Mabry stated in a press release. Nursing is the first discipline in this program, and students will be guided from dual credit high school programs to the sophomore year at Kilgore College and through bachelor’s degree completion with UT Tyler. “We developed the Roadmap to SuccessNursing program in response to the desires and needs of the citizens of Longview and Gregg County. Students following this plan will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing without leaving Gregg County. In fact, a great majority of the course work will be completed right here in Longview,” Mabry said. The two institutions are working together to explicitly outline the courses to take at each institution to earn an associate and bachelor’s degree in the most efficient and affordable way possible. Visit uttyler.edu/luc/kilgore/nursing for more information. “We’ve been in a detailed discussion for a long time about the linkage between the two institutions to ensure that students can seamlessly transition to the UT Tyler BSN Program after completing their nursing prerequisite coursework at KC,” Kilgore College President Bill Holda said. Nursing is the fastest growing occupation in the country, and nurses make up the majority of the health care industry. That number is increasing, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 581,500 more nursing jobs by 2018. “We are extremely excited about the opportunity that this program offers our students. It is outstanding that students can pursue the Bachelor of Nursing degree while being able to stay close to home,” Pine Tree High School Principal Cindy Gabehart added. “While this partnership will greatly benefit the students of Longview, it also has the potential to help every student whose high school offers dual-credit courses provided by Kilgore College. Our efforts will demonstrate that collaboration between high schools, community colleges and universities is possible and the result will be expanded opportunities for our graduates,” Holda said.
Committed to Helping Seniors Remain in Their Homes Serving our East Texas communities since 2001
• Experienced non-medical caregivers with excellent references. • An affordable alternative to nursing homes. • Help with daily living tasks. • Long-term care insurance. • Veterans program. • Licensed, insured, and bonded.
903.677.3007 • www.caringcompanionsathome.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 53
27,000 sq ft home decor warehouse at wholesale prices. Open to the public.
| 903.865.1235
www.DandPInteriors.com 21504 Interstate 20 |Canton, TX
NOMINATIONS
OPEN
September 1 - November 15
BEST OF 2014 Cast your nominations for your favorite people, places, food, and other things in the Upper East Side of Texas. Winners are announced in the January 2015 issue.
county line
www.countylinemagazine.com 54 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014
PAPER. INDULGE YOURSELF. YOU DESERVE IT.
county line Regional Magazine for the Upper East Side of Texas
SUBSCRIBE www.countylinemagazine.com 903.963.8306
fl&g Discover the East Texas Oil Fields of the 1930s
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.
MUSEUM HOURS Tues-Sat 9am - 4pm April-Sept 9am - 5pm Sun 2-5p.m. Hwy. 259 at Ross St, Kilgore, Texas On the Kilgore College Campus, 903.983.8295
www.EastTexasOilMuseum.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 55
“When you’ve found your land, it’s time to find Heritage.” Amy & Jay Novacek Texas Ranchers
Take it from former NFL All Pro and rancher Jay Novacek, a man who recognizes a winning team when he sees it. If you’re looking to buy land for hunting, recreation, an ag operation or just a place to retire on, there’s one name in Texas to know. Heritage Land Bank is the right financing partner for anyone buying land in rural Texas. In fact, nobody knows Texas better.
903.534.4975 • HeritageCounty.com EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
NMLS# 408898