county line UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS
MAY/JUNE 2016
M A G A Z I N E
RYAN BEAVER
CRUISE HIGHWAY 11 LETTERBOX TREASURES
Kids Poetry COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM
ABANDONED PLACES FLOATING CONCRETE FREE STATE OF JONES BLUE DOG ART DARRIN MORRIS BAND CHILDREN’S LITERACY FESTIVAL FROM FOSTER CARE TO COLLEGE
2 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
3rd Annual Uncle Lucius
A TRIBUTE TO SPACE EXPLORATION AND OUR GENERATION’S NEXT GIANT LEAP
NEXT STOP...MARS
May 6-7, 2016 Mount Enterprise, Texas
Generously provided by
Benefits East Texas Food Bank
In the domed theatre at Uncle Lucius
For show times visit tjc.edu/cesse Folk Family Revival
Statesboro Revue
The Bigsbys
Midnight River Choir Magic Show. Food. Crafts. RV Sites - Tent Camping Tickets: $10-$100 Fun for the whole family
ulreulion.com MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 3
CONTENTS
THE ARTS 26 Blue Dog Art in Longview Exhibit 26 Local Student Wins Contest 27 Arts Event Picks
FILM 28 Free State of Jones By P.A. Geddie 29 Film Program at Wiley College 29 Summer 2016 Movie Releases 29 Jamie Foxx in Robin Hood 30 Video Contest for Bankhead Highway
LITERARY 32 Children’s Literacy Festival 32 Romance Stories Feature Pets
MUSIC 34 Gilmer Band Expands Boundaries 34 Music Picks
8
36 Bluegrass Kicks Off Festival 36 Wilkins, Yates Headline Wine Fest
14
22
FOOD & DRINK
38 Roast Social Kitchen By Steve Freeman
EXPLORE
40 Letterbox Enthusiasts Hunt for Treasure By Britne Hammons
LIVING ROOM
42 Enjoy the Outdoors All Year Long By Steve Freeman
FEEL GOOD
FEATURES
6 Ryan Beaver Finds Meaning
DEPARTMENTS 5 Editor’s Note
Through His Music
5 Letters
Singer/songwriter draws from his roots to produce memorable lyrics. By Rikki Manen
THIS TIME OF YEAR
8 Cruise Highway 11
for Summer Adventures Thinking it’s time for a road trip? Here are 150 miles of possibilities. By Ruksana Hussain
44 From Foster Care to College
18 Athens is Home of the Hamburger 19 Ellen DeGeneres Celebrates Two Milestones
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 20 Concrete Floats 20 Stars and Scars Mud Run 21 Events
14 2016 Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools Contest Winners
22 Five Abandoned Places By Stan Johnson
Enjoy the creativity of students in this annual competition.
25 Northeast Texas People By LouAnn Campbell
SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
fl&g +
county line Since 2000
MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR P.A. Geddie CONTRIBUTORS Steve Freeman LouAnn Campbell Rikki Manen Ruksana Hussain Stan Johnson Britne Hammons CONTENT EDITORS Steve Freeman Jill Couchman GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINT PRODUCTION P.A. Geddie Jill Couchman ADMINISTRATION Annette O’Brien
EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, This year’s Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools contest was harder than ever for the judges to name “winners” from almost 700 entries but the ones listed in this issue were chosen carefully as some of the most outstanding. Congratulations to the winners and we celebrate all the kids that entered and their parents and teachers that went to the trouble to let them share their voices. Keep in mind that aside from this contest we co-sponsor with Young Audiences and others, we run poetry in every issue and welcome submissions from all ages throughout the year. We have some fabulous other offerings for you in this issue with our cover story on Ryan Beaver from Emory (now in Nashville) who was a teen writer himself. Now he’s finding great success in Nashville as one of the top new singersongwriters in the country. He’s got a new CD coming out this month that he
hopes brings “medicine to the soul” to listeners. There’s quite a bit of exploring to do this early summer in the region. We’ve mapped out a 150-mile cruise along Highway 11, found abandoned places, and gone on treasure hunts. Check out the list of event picks here and an expanded list on our eMagazine. It’s time for our flavorful farmers markets and other “food” events like the Texas Blueberry Fest in Nacogdoches and Blueberry Hill Farms in Edom, Tomato Fest in Jacksonville, and even a Turnip Green event in Easton. Speaking of flavorful, the new Roast Social Kitchen in Tyler is outstanding! Here’s to good food and good health and the people, places, and remarkable things that make up the Upper East Side of Texas. P.A. Geddie Publisher & Managing Editor
Wendy Matthews DISTRIBUTION Tom Geddie David Michelina Joseph Drew County Line Magazine is published every other month, 6 times a year. It is available free of charge in the Northeast Texas area in select businesses, limited to one copy per reader. Subscription costs: $15 per year. 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 2016 County Line all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles or advertising 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. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we deem incompatible with our mission.
Member of
Serving the Upper East Side of Texas
LETTERS Dear Editor, I noticed my book sales took a good jump at local book stores and Amazon. com, after my ad came out in County Line Magazine. Thanks County Line, for a great promo and successful run on getting my story out to all of East Texas.
This is a great article [March/April 2016-Brandon Maxwell]. It is nice to see someone work so hard at what they want in life and become so successful. It just goes to show that you can do whatever you want to do as long as you really want to do it. I love the fact that he always mentions his family.
Rocky D. Hawkins, Gladewater
Paula Trombley Fort Worth
Author, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”
Sold out! Sold out! We are proud to announce that “The Day the Music Died” educational concert is officially sold out. Wow! The response has been overwhelming. Thank you so much to everyone for your support. Especially County Line Magazine. Rafael Espinoza Mineola
Let us hear from you. Please feel free to send us your comments.
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.
CHECK OUT COUNTY LINE DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS @ www.CountyLineMagazine.com Responsive eMagazine works great on DESKTOPS, PADS, and MOBILE PHONES! Set up a SHORT CUT TO THE COUNTY LINE ON YOUR DEVICES! Subscribe to the Weekender to receive in your email every Thursday! MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 5
Ryan Beaver Finds Meaning Through His Music By Rikki Manen He might live in Nashville now, but country singer/songwriter Ryan Beaver credits his hometown of Emory for the reason he found his passion in music. Beaver — who releases his latest album, Rx, in May — says growing up in Emory made him the person he is today. “The people, the area, are every bit of the reason I turned out how I did. I owe everything to growing up there. They are my biggest supporters and it will always be home,” he said. Beaver grew up in a musical household with his parents playing a variety of records from their large collection. Because allergies kept him indoors much of the time he frequently listened to different albums. Some of his favorite artists at the time included The Heartbreakers, Bob Dylan, Jackson Brown, and the Eagles. “I grew up in a small, secluded town. You had to be creative with how you spent your time,” Ryan recalled. He enjoyed singing and writing songs from an early age. Before he knew it, he was performing as a 16 year old on various stages around East Texas. He’s proud to be counted among other artists from the region like Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert. He soon discovered his self-described sound of “roots, rock, and country” and is considered a rising artist to watch in the country music scene. He has recently been touring with Lee Ann Womack, performing as her opening act.
One of Rolling Stone’s “new country artists to know” and Emory’s pride and joy, Ryan Beaver, releases his latest album in May. Courtesy Photo.
Let the lights go out in this town and in my heart. Bring it on, I ain’t afraid of the dark. He wrote the song while mourning the deaths of his grandfather and a close friend. “Writing ‘Dark’ really shook me, and really woke me up,” he said. “I think I needed to hear those words more than anybody, and I realized that if I felt that way, maybe others would. I got super excited and I thought, ‘okay, I think I’m onto something here, this is a path that I want to take.’”
His goal is to write songs that can stand the test of time. He thinks his latest is the best.
Rolling Stone hails Beaver as one of the new country artists to know and praised the new album.
“I feel like I’ve reached the point where I know what a good song is, and I have a clear vision of what I want to accomplish.”
He “stakes his claim with Springsteen grit, an infectious hook and roaring instrumentals that don’t just part the cloud hanging over his head; they explode it,” they said.
Beaver refers to his new album as “medicine for the soul” and he hopes his fans get that out of it. He especially likes the song “Dark” that anchors the whole album. The power lines, they’ll go to shaking. Twister come and I keep on drinking. 6 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
Beaver said creating Rx was fun and therapeutic for him. “These songs serve as a prescription for getting excited about music and life. And if they are like medicine for me, maybe they will be for the listeners.”
Beaver and his production team thought about what they feel is missing from country music now when deciding a direction for the album. With that drive, coupled with his love of all kinds of music, they set out to push the envelope a little. “That thought was always there,” he says. “Let’s see if we can take this genre to somewhere it hasn’t been before. But my main goal was to make a record that I would want to hear, with wellcrafted songs that said something. “Singing ‘I ain’t afraid of the dark’ is as simple as it gets, and anybody can understand what it means. That’s me trying to be an adult and trying to figure out how to deal with the real world.” Beaver feels extremely grateful that he has played music professionally for the last eight years, when he only ever used to dream about it. He advises others who dream about being on stage: “Follow your gut, take every gig, write lots of songs — you will learn something every time and you will get better and better.” For information on Ryan Beaver, his tour dates and more, visit ryanbeaver. com.
GREENVILLE Explore the Audie
North Texas with a Twist!
Murphy Museum!
d wine at reat food an
G
inery! Landon W
travelgreenvilletx.com Live entertainment
in lots of places!
We’re ready to surprise you!
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 7
Cruise Highway 11 For Summer Adventures By Ruksana Hussain As families and individuals alike get working on their grand travel plans, County Line Magazine offers a handy itinerary for a good head start. Drive down a road less taken: Isn’t that where all adventure begins? One fun trek in the Upper East Side of Texas is Highway 11, connecting about 150 miles from Sherman to Linden and featuring a sprinkling of towns along the way to make the journey interesting. Highway 11 was one of the original 26 state highways proposed in 1917. It was overlaid on top of the “Jefferson Highway.” Sherman offers much of the big city life, hotels, and restaurants, but its Hot Summer Nights concert series attracts locals and visitors alike. Start slow here to ramp up for the long drive ahead. Sherman is located in Grayson County, and if sightseeing stirs interest, check out the eight properties on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site. Some might enjoy getting creative at Pickles & Pottery downtown. Visitors are provided clay or already-fired pieces such as cups, plates, and vases, and then they get to paint them -- a one-of-a-kind treasure or gift for someone special. There are a number of other arts-related shops in town as well. Driving east along Highway 11 brings a visit to Whitewright about a half hour away. There is plenty to do there, and possibly another stop on the road trip is to visit the Chrystal Opry House, which offers great live classic country, bluegrass, and southern gospel music at Melody Ranch, in a wonderful family-friendly venue. The Whitewright Historical Museum and the Children’s Memorial Park are family-friendly destinations, too. For the wine lovers, two wineries welcome visitors: Grayson Hills, on 38 hilly acres surrounded by native oak, pecan, and redbud trees; and Lenoir Sage Vineyards, where a stroll through the vineyards can precede a pleasing visit into the tasting room. 8 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
Don’t forget the Whitewright Nature Park either. Its walking trail passes by a pond with ducks, a large gazebo, and beautiful flower gardens. Next, head on over to Commerce, named the “Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas” because of its location in the geographic center of an indigenous range of bois d’arc trees. Green thumb alert. The second largest bois d’arc tree in Texas — “Big Max” — recognized by the National Forests Famous and Historic Trees, calls Commerce home. Also in the city limits, the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum provides playful and creative learning experiences for children. Sulphur Springs shows up next along this route. Its thriving downtown area, hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and more contends for an overnight stay. When this area of Hopkins County was first settled, its abundant springs of sulphur water resulted in its name. Hopkins County was once known as the Dairy Capital of Texas. The dairy industry used to be a major component of the local economy, and Southwest Dairy Museum welcomes visitors by paying tribute to that. The museum offers an interesting retelling of the history of the dairy industry. Other attractions in the area include the Leo St. Clair Music Box Collection, which houses more than 150 unique music boxes, many one-of-a-kind and antique, and some owned by movie stars and soldiers. If music boxes don’t spark an interest, try the Sinclair Collection of World War II memorabilia, including letters, photos, and other artifacts. Want more? Check out Lake Fork, Coleman Lake and Park, Imagination Mountain, Hopkins County Museum, and Heritage Park for plenty to do as a family or a solo traveler. The small town of Pickton comes up along the Highway 11 trail and it’s worth the time to plan a visit to restaurant and pub, Fosters Place. Besides rave reviews for their food, they have excellent taste in music with talented singer-songwriters performing on a regular basis. They
are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Up next is Winnsboro — voted “Best Town in the Upper East Side of Texas 2015.” Winnsboro attracts visitors all year-round, regardless of the weather. Spring offers glorious dogwoods in bloom. Summer brings world-class fishing, camping, and boating opportunities just north of town. Fall produces an explosion of color during Autumn Trails. Winter finds people in coffee shops and restaurants enjoying hot cocoa, coffee, and real face-to-face conversations with neighbors and visitors alike. Its downtown area offers yearround arts, dining, and entertainment. Further on, Leesburg boasts the Bob Sandlin State Park just north of town where activities include picnicking, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, inline skating, and fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Pittsburg, the largest and the oldest town in Camp County, shows up next on the map. Although best known as the former home of the giant poultry producer Pilgrim’s, Pittsburg takes fishing seriously, too. Six major lakes known for bass fishing are within 18 miles of town. What’s more, the Pittsburg Rodeo and the art and wine festival both happen this time of year. Also, the Official Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Center and Museum there consists of two award-winning museums, the Depot Museum and the Farmstead Museum. The Pittsburg Depot, obtained by the city from the Southern Pacific Railroad, now houses a fascinating array of antiques and artifacts. The Ezekiel Airship is a real crowd pleaser. It’s worth a quick jaunt south of town to visit the award-winning Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards and Eford Orchards with delicious farm fresh produce. Closer to Linden, Daingerfield welcomes travelers with the beautiful Daingerfield State Park, famed for its wildflower trails. Ernest Wallace, historian of the South Plains, the Comanche Indians, and the State of Texas, was born in Daingerfield. The historic downtown area has many references to continued Page 10
Some of the views along Highway 11 include these in the Pittsburg area. Above is the Prayer Tower made of Indiana limestone and featuring a chapel and 75-foot tower with four Paccard bells from France. Below and at right are scenes from Lake Bob Sandlin, one of the beautiful lakes that dot the East Texas landscape just north of Highway 11. Photos by Linda Cortelyou.
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 9
Downtown Sulphur Springs takes every opportunity to enjoy dining and all kinds of entertainment in their outdoor common areas. See a full list of their upcoming events at hopcal.com. Photo courtesy of City of Sulphur Springs. HIGHWAY 11 continued from Page 8
its past Indian heritage, especially in its architecture, so keep an eye out for that information. This slice of Morris County was settled by European-American planters and farmers in the 19th century. Cotton was most important then, and the area has continued to be mostly rural and agricultural. End the epic journey by driving into Linden where Highway 11 makes its final stop. Notable people that call Linden their hometown include blues legend Aaron T-Bone Walker, and Don Henley, lead singer and drummer of the Eagles. The 2015 Don Henley album Cass County is named after this East Texas area. If possible, plan your trip to see a show at the Music City Texas Theater in Linden. The performance venue brings talented musicians to its stage throughout the year. Past performers include Guy Clark, Cody Jinks, Stoney LaRue, Charlie Robison, Asleep at the Wheel, Richard Bowden, Robert Earl Keen, Travis Tritt, and Brandon Rhyder. Coming this summer are JD Souther, The Bellamy Brothers, and Hickory Hill. 10 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
A lot of history emerges on this route and many properties were added to the National Register of Historic Places over the years. The Cass County Courthouse itself holds the distinction of being the only existing antebellum courthouse in Texas, making it the oldest courthouse in continuous operation.
Google Maps: Great turn-by-turn instructions and a trusted co-pilot.
Take the time to chart out a clean course to visit all the spots.
Spotify: For a road trip playlist of tunes.
Handy Road Trip Apps
One of the driving forces of the thriving community of Winnsboro is their award-winning art center. Just about every day there is art, music, entertainment, and good food enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Photo by John Palmer.
Gas Buddy: Never run out of gas, chart out your route and know where to fill up next.
Oh Ranger, Parkfinder: Database of all the parks and their attractions or amenities. Hotel Tonight: Last-minute deals on hotel rooms for last-minute planners.
Enjoy Shopping, Dining & Entertainment in Historic Mineola, Texas in 2016!
MAIN STREET FARMERS’ MARKET Every Saturday May-November 8 a.m.-Noon. LAKE COUNTRY HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW MAY 13-14 Mineola Civic Center mineolachamber.org NATIONAL TRAIN DAY Historic Train Depot Museum MAY 14 HIGHWAY 80 CAR CRUISE JUNE 18 9:30-11:30 a.m. highway80progressivecarcruise.com LIVE MUSIC & ARTS Throughout the year 903.569.2087
MINEOLA NATURE PRESERVE 7:30 a.m. until sunset
MINEOLA HISTORICAL MUSEUM 114 Pacific St (Hwy. 69)
VISIT THE MERRY MERCHANTS OF MINEOLA
Free. Open Thur, Fri, Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
RAILROAD MUSEUM Restored 1906 Mineola Depot 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. 7 days a week. FREE
AMTRAK TEXAS EAGLE
Designated Daily Stop 1-800-669-8509
FOLLOW US!
1.800.MINEOLA • www.mineola.com
DOGWOOD CHILDREN’S LITERACY & ARTS FESTIVAL Featuring New York Times Best Selling Author/Illustrator DAVID CATROW
Saturday May 21, 2016 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Downtown Palestine
(Rainy Day Location/ Civic Center)
Author Dinner Friday, May 20 Palestine Public Library
Crafts Children’s Activities Contest Author Signing Reading Areas Dancing Writing and Sculputure Food Trucks
www.dogwoodchildrensfestival.com 903.729.4121 MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 11
2016 It was a tough call to just choose a few winners from the 674 poems submitted from students in the Upper East Side of Texas for this year’s annual poetry contest. Their words are incredibly real, with a variety of topics ranging from a new puppy, beauty, family, death, hope and despair to being free. Many thanks to this year’s judges — professional writers and educators Melissa DeCarlo, Ed Garcia, Kate Hart, Justin Robinson, and Carol Thompson — and to the kids who bravely go forth with pen in hand.
FIRST GRADE FIRST PLACE
School Teacher teaching Reading, testing Talking to teacher Shaking by their test Paper while working Being awesome Sweet air Soap from my hand Food from lunch Milk from lunch I am happy because this is my first time being good. Kye Andra Thomas Nacogdoches SECOND PLACE
Brute My family adopted a new puppy And he is super cute. So adorable in fact, We had to name him Brute! He’s got a big ol’ snout And really long legs, One time he went through dog food So fast we had to feed him eggs With a super, shiny coat That is black as night. He’s as sweet as can be And we love to hug him tight. Always wanting to play whether its Sun, rain or fog. We love him very much, He is the world’s greatest dog! Chloe Cox New Summerfield
12 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
THIRD PLACE
Proud to be an American Bold red, white, and blue flag Buttery popcorn on the 4th of July Crunchy corn dogs Fireworks popping over my head Church bench under me and preacher teaching me about God Nevaeh Maynard Nacogdoches
SECOND GRADE FIRST PLACE
This Morning Sky Oh how I love the beautiful sky It’s a place where gorgeous birds fly as I lay down and watch the clouds drift apart I imagine it is as a piece of art I think of the place oh heaven above a place with lots of joy and love. Maddison Fikes Fruitvale SECOND PLACE
Grandpaw I have a Grandpa. His name was George. He was grand, great and graceful. Hockey was his favorite sport. He would always take me to a game. His favorite player on the Mud Bugs team is number 2. I would always like it when he made macaroni. I would gorge it up. He was really nice.
He gave the greatest piggy back rides. He would say “I have earrings” but they were really just a Funyon chip. he wore a blue jean suit. I can’t see him but he sees me. He is in Heaven. Sometimes I cry. I love him and he loves me. and there will always be a place in my heart for him. Brooklin Logan Henderson THIRD PLACE
Fall Family bunching, Apples crunching, Leaves falling, Lantern lighting. Austin Parker Tyler
THIRD GRADE FIRST PLACE
Hay The diligent farmer, Puts out hay, When chill is in the air, and the grass has turned brown, On the rusty hay rack, in the sleeping pasture, to keep his cows warm and cozy. Olivia Clifton Tyler
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE
American Schools
The Field
Teachers being happy to be what they want Students learning in many different ways Kids excited to go outside Parents cheerful to pick up kids The yummy lunch I get to eat without paying for it The fresh water out of the water fountain Coach’s sweat from teaching Pencil, lead, and the pencil sharpener Learning for free Joy I’m grateful for going to an American school Amy Zavala Nacogdoches
Oh Mysterious, Beautiful, Field You’re The Only Place Baby Calves Know When the Sun Takes its Daily Trip she Makes You Look so Beautiful Soon After a Trim Your Grass Comes Back Fine as Twine Two Trees Call You Home Waving Gently in the Breeze When You Ice You Look Like Glass You Are a Living Thing Yet Home to so Much You Are The Field In Front Of My Home Morgan Doerge Henderson
THIRD PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Going Hunting The wind charging through the leaves. The earthy smell on my clothes but not cologne. Sensing the feel of the branches, leaves, and trees. I hope to pull the trigger so I can hear the bang of my rifle. Slowly, silently, searching for the slain squirrel. Sometimes you can hear the gunshot and the crossbow. Some people call it the wild, wooded, wilderness….. I call it hunting. Nash Urban Henderson
FOURTH GRADE FIRST PLACE
We are Greece I pack my armor and say a prayer to Ares I strap my sword to my belt In VI hours we will load into the giant wood horse To attack the Trojan city We are in the horse The Trojans are asleep We climb out and attack The Trojans are defeated Their city we burn to the ground We have won We are Greece Padraic Mathis Carthage
I Am (A Bird) “A free bird...floats downstream..and dares to claim the sky...his wings are clipped and his feet are tied.” — “The Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou I am a bird I grasp the wind and soar through the sky I wondered what it would be like to fly I hear birds dipping their wings in the settle stream I see birds soar through the sky and almost claim the sky I want to fly stream to stream I am a bird I grasp the wind and soar the sky I pretend I soar through the sky and claim the sky I feel like if you fly higher and higher you could see heaven I touch the heavens and fall back down to earth I worry one day my feet will be tied and my wings clipped I cry when I think I can’t soar the sky I am a bird I grasp the wind and almost claim the sky I understand you can not be a bird I say you can fly and one day see the heavens I dream its cold to soar the sky I try to be the first at school so one day I could fly free I hope that your wings aren’t clipped and your feet aren’t tied I am a bird I grasp the wind and fly until I claim the sky Hudson Tagert Tyler
FIFTH GRADE FIRST PLACE
Light as a Feather I was so excited I could explode. I could almost hear my brain working on the amazing idea for a drawing I had. I had been waiting all day to get started on it. I could hear the soft scratching of my pencil on the blank paper as started to create my masterpiece. As I went on, I could see my creation come to life. I started to add the body, arms, legs, rocks, trees, grass etc. It had practically started breathing. I had worked so hard on it. It was light as a feather, yet too precious to throw away. Rowdy Stem Henderson SECOND PLACE
Hypothermia Humbly homeless Yet Painfully proud On the hill Tonight He Erects a tent, Rolls out his bed, Mentally confused, In Agony he sleeps. Peyton Clifton Tyler THIRD PLACE
Cutter My Mom had a pig named cutter. In his pen she did putter. Until with his tusks, he tried to gut her. So she turned him into breakfast of bacon, biscuits and butter. Justus Craft Fruitvale
Continued on page 14 MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 13
POETRY continued from page 13
SIXTH GRADE FIRST PLACE
An Endless Thought
I am a person who wonders about most everything. I wonder about my purpose in life, and when God will tell me to pursue it. I hear the sounds of crying or complaining by children who are lost and can’t find their way home. I see families fighting about who will take care of me. I want to see peace and happiness when kids go to school, because they need to know they’re smart. I am a person who wonders about most everything. I pretend I am like God and help people with deep issues. I feel confused and lost about what I will do when my dream is fulfilled. I touch the sky when I reach my goal. I worry what people think of me, and what they would say about me. I cry when I get to see my mom after a long time. I am a person who wonders about most everything. I understand God loves me, but why can’t he simply answer questions I have? I say faith is a mystery, and it is very hard to understand when I have troubles. I dream about my goal in life, and what I will be like as an adult. I try to be as strong as I can be and try to make my friends very happy. I hope people will understand God loves them, and always forgives them. I am a person who wonders about most everything. David Lankford Tyler SECOND PLACE
Ash and Dust We walk with pride and confidence We think that we are rulers of the world We speak with no regret We demand the best We are nothing but ash and dust We write about things that do not exist We dress in clothes that we can not afford We sip wine with no reason We dance with our significant other We are nothing but ash and dust 14 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
We spray ourselves in sweet perfume We put on shoes of lace We work with a passion of power We laugh with others We are nothing but ash and dust We run from who we are We do not listen We yell at others We try to be perfect We are nothing but ash and dust Trying to be something we are not Riley Seidel Longview THIRD PLACE
An Empty Page An empty page can be more imaginative than a brimful one, and more exciting than an entire novel. This is where the writer spills their thoughts onto paper and sees how it looks. An empty page can morph into anything. It can turn into a pirate ship, a city, a castle, or a different dimension. An empty page is a closet full of clothes. An infinite amount of ideas and potential have been stuffed into every vacant piece of paper. An empty page is the best part of the writing process, yet it is the most under appreciated. It is where creativity flows like a river. and the story goes on forever. Carly Mauldin Kilgore
The air whispers to my cracked heart. I feel better. The dark makes it okay. I step into the 31st dimension, And I stay. Tori Lee Cushing SECOND PLACE
The Deer This is the time of year When summer’s burning light Is soothed by a pre-winter breeze... It starts with green, of life, But also of deceit, Covering the undoings of character. Doubt and misery Darkness and mistake Weak is yellow With its parasitic ways Leaching the courage you thought you possessed, Leaving only emptiness. The sunset is orange, a dying day. The failure of fire, Jaded, desperate. Hoping against hope for a better tomorrow. Red is the cause of sacrifice and pain. Ruthless and remorseless An iron will to survive. To be the last to die. The freshly spilt blood, once invisible, Is now displayed in brown. As leaves complete Their twisted flight down, As their voices are drowned. Come winter, all will be numbed by white. The fallen will be forgotten. Come spring, what lay below Will nourish a new false hope. Nathan Scott Elysian Fields
SEVENTH GRADE FIRST PLACE
31st Dimension A view into the landscape, A scary comfort. Orbs float wondrously, Emitting shadows. A slow breeze through the air, Carrying it all on an invisible current. I hear nothing, But there is always the sound, humming softly. The world cradles me, Saving me from the light, Healing me with the dark.
THIRD PLACE (TIE)
Pain Thankful that the day was done knowing it would only begin again tomorrow They lay to sleep...hoping for a new beginning only to be disappointed once more. The sun broke through the barrier known as glass into the room The sound of the whip awoke those from their slumber The great sun pierced their straw hats and boiled the scalps of those with lack of hair, whose skin were bare.
“The master” they called him. His look cut through their soul As he spotted mistake after mistake the whip tore flesh for bone. As Harriet R. Greene cried for her brothers and sister, she knew that they would have to wait for her biggest responsibility was going to be to care for her new-born... Harriet Tubman. Donovan Adkins Kilgore THIRD PLACE (TIE)
Believe If you are like me You wish you could be Just like all the rest To be one of the best Sometimes I lay awake Thinking I need a break Just to start all over And find that one lover But life will go on Until it’s all gone I might be in debt But never regret Oh the things I could be If I tried to be me I’m not one of the best But I am one of the rest If you are like me Remember this please Live life to the fullest It’s never the dullest And if you think so Stand up and go Believe in the sun Believe it ain’t done Arielle Adelman Tyler
EIGHTH GRADE FIRST PLACE
Emotions in a Room Past the day of an innocent lie Through the pupil of an eye Past the valleys were the wind blows Where memories flowers started to grow It was like a song singing in my head And sings until the death of me
Half of my body tells it to leave the chirping voice is the rest of me Try to do other things is not enough Every move starts to get rough And the song is still singing in my mind Every single word, one at a time Anna Bylsma Henderson SECOND PLACE
Sad Eyes
Some of the happiest people, Have the saddest eyes, The ones that are stressed out, Always blue. Some of the saddest people, Have wondering eyes, The ones looking for something, That maybe they once knew. Some of the purest people, Have fire in their eyes, They have a power, To change people’s lives with a single hue. Some of the brightest people, Have strong, dark eyes, That hold the stories, That changed the way they grew. Out of all the eyes I have ever seen, Some of the happiest people, Have the saddest eyes, The ones that are always stressed out, Always blue. Hailey Gordon Cushing THIRD PLACE (TIE)
Where I’m From I am from the oil derricks in East Texas. Waking up every morning feeling restless I am from my boots at the bottom of my bed, Dreading all the work that comes ahead. I am from my dad and the big blue tractor, My brother acting as if nothing really matters. I am from listening to all those lies, Listening to my mother’s mournful cries. I am from the death of my sister, And how I knew I was gonna miss her. praying for my hopes and my beliefs, Praying for my pain to be relieved. I am from all those fairy tales in the books, Books with dragons and ugly crooks. I am from the burgers in McDonalds,
All the money I have ever borrowed. Where through the years my dad saw me grow. I am from a big white house on a dead end road, 3 years of living there and it slowly grows old. I am from the day I got my 4-Wheeler, And the time I rode too fast and it flipped over. From when my sister died at the age of seven, The angel who is now in heaven. I am from the church side, I am from, “It’s part of the show.” Justin Cedillo Kilgore THIRD PLACE (TIE)
Home I’m from clay bricks from night sounds I’m from jumping fences with stray cats and chained blood hounds I’m from where it meant “run” when the streetlights came on Where I’m from, it’s braids, parades, and “Watch what you say!” I’m from rice and beans and pots and pans Where I’m from, Thursdays and Saturdays are grilled meat and beer I’m from “Who cares if the Christmas lights stay up all year?” I’m from a table in the woods that only I could find I’m from listening to all the voices that inhabited my mind I’m from scooting stairs From county fairs I’m from staying awake with nightmares Where I’m from, dreams are just pictures on walls Where I’m from you can hear a bird’s call Where I’m from, it’s no use to cry Where I’m from, “Hello” means “Goodbye.” Jimena Pina Kilgore
NINTH GR
Continued on page 16 MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 15
POETRY continued from page 15
SECOND PLACE
Broken NINTH GRADE FIRST PLACE
Why Me? Why say goodbye? Why run? Why hide? I will tell you why. He says he loves you, But is he telling the truth? He says he cares about you, But when you need him where is he? I read about true love, I read about happiness, But why can’t I find it? Does God not love me? Am I not good enough to find love? Should I trust my instincts? Or should I follow my heart? My instincts say NO, But my heart says YES. I say to her “Why me?” I turn to my light, She doesn’t know, No one knows. I have no guidance, I have no hope, I have no love, I have very little friends. I shouldn’t even have life, I’m not worth it. Why me? Sydney Davis Cayuga
10th GRADE FIRST PLACE
Fragile Peace Peace is like a flower, it’s fragile. It can be broken by religion, a comic strip, or a pudding cup that looks like a landmine. If peace is like a flower then chaos is like limestone. Lucky Lusk Tyler
16 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
like the autumn leaves, she was changing the weather was getting colder so was her soul the whispering wind welcomed her with open arms she was broken her heart was shattered into thousands of pieces like a useless glass bottle “I’m tired” had become her immediate response she hid herself from the world behind a forced smile she was broken she saw no color, only complete blackness the hollowness of her mind was like an unfurnished room empty was an understatement she was broken she was constantly wandering and searching for something to fill the void in her life she longed for someone to take the pain away she craved to feel something aside from the suffocating numbness she was broken she was headed into a treacherous downward spiral the voice inside her head consistently told her to just give up overwhelmed by it all, she wanted to negate her existence she was broken Taitum Atkins Harleton THIRD PLACE
The Wall The wall is the only thing separating you and me. Keeping me in and you out. how lucky are you. The wall is my captor, locking me away. There is no point in trying, no one ever gets away. Inside the wall is torture almost too much to bear, but outside I hear is heaven. Oh how I’d love to be there. “Crash” goes the world around you as everything you know changes, and as quickly as you get in your thrown like dogs into cages.
The sound of another’s agony, them screaming out my name, asking me for help, I hang my head in shame. I know there is nothing I can do for this poor, pitiful, soul but outside you don’t have to suffer and we aren’t even known. The only trace of our existence, a single shedded tear sliding down the side of the wall, the only one that hears Emma George Harleton
11th GRADE FIRST PLACE (TIE)
Rock in a Shallow Stream A rock in a shallow stream stands strong against the tide, As strong as a new car ready to ride. The waves crash over one by one, The weight of the water equals a ton. Being strong gives the rock great pride. After a while the water will wear the rock down, To weather away the soul, Sometimes it is better to have none at all. The rock becomes simply pieces of sand, Just a shell of its former self. The sea of sadness that is the stream, That breaks down the rock to simple sand. No longer strong against the current, To be carried downstream by the pure sadness, A rock in a shallow stream can only stand for a time. Keagan Ivey Woden SECOND PLACE
Everyone Has Their Yellow Paint People, the ones who view the world in black and white, drink their submission to the standard of perfection toxicity, hidden under the false pretense of the promise of happiness do what you’re told imagine-- what’s expected color yourself-- with gray and happiness will come
people drink this idea up greedily like Van Gogh and his yellow paint and like him, the madness will destroy us from the inside out Callie Ball Longview THIRD PLACE (TIE)
New Game One click of a mouse, and a world awakens. One swipe of a mouse and a sword is swung. One push of a button, and the imagination of mankind is unleashed. I will paint worlds with enormous mountains and crimson dragons. I will breathe life into daring starships and soaring asteroids. I will encrypt emotions into a universe of adventure and wonder. I will make feeling not just digital, I will make it reality. I am the admin, I am the programmer, I am the writer, and I strive for much more. I strive to make a game, butnot just any game. I will make another world, One where the users will soak up the atmosphere and breathe the fresh air, One where users are united to beat the final boss. The users will bring their keys, and I shall open the door to the other world Preston Gill Tyler THIRD PLACE (TIE)
Life’s Overture My love for music shall never decay my heart yearns for it throughout the day and as night draws close, I often fear that it will no longer be music to my ears For its beauty is great in its effort to create the essence of life and death until one’s final breath Chords that echo like thunder into the air are ones that more than often bear secrets untold by human lips but rather by human fingertips
SECOND PLACE Although your song might come to a close the calm, cool, collective wind will blow those age old notes into the sea and the same you will never be Because a new song has dawned one of life, love, and laughter it will right all our wrongs isn’t that what we’re all after? Nicholas Sellers Harleton
12th GRADE FIRST PLACE
Hope Knocking
This hope has withered like an autumn leaf That has fallen off a sleeping tree And this leaf becomes utter disbelief as I search beneath the rocks, above the skies for relief I look to the heavens and I’m losing my patience I need revelations to answer my questions My quiver of questions empties as I shoot them to the skies Hoping a response from my mark above will arrive. But becoming a patient of patience Makes me feel so impatient I seclude myself in an island of isolation as Solitude becomes my companion in desolation. I am lacking motivation, I am paralyzed by resignation I dive deeper into the depths of desperation And I wither through the seasons By time, I’m losing reason I stand still For I cannot feel I have become a lifeless meal A meal for hopelessness to steal But amidst this storm I know there is something more Because I have been told before That hope is always knocking at the door A tree never ceases to live in the winter Although it may seem that it withers It is preparing for a new beginning For a new spring will soon be appearing. Jairo Tec Henderson
The Siren’s Song When I was young, I believed in mermaids I held out hope as I grew So when I heard you, I wasn’t afraid But sailed towards the sound with faith renewed. Your siren’s song was mesmerizing The words pulled me in, and I gave chase Too late I discovered what you were disguising As I stood on the deck, salt water streaking my face One day someone will look for my heart But will find a treasure chest They will try in vain to break it apart And find the wish I now detest I watch in awe as my ship breaks and slips under the sea I now know there is no escape For what you have done to me Drowning in sorrow, I know it’s too late That I will never be the same I can hear your melody, and the oceans await For yet another sailor claimed Qualyn Stark Overton THIRD PLACE
Mint Green
Mint green, Is a favorite of mine. Blonde, Brown, Red, All the colors follow suit. They are the colors of past Lovers. I’ve been in love many a timewith people. music. art. The World. I fell for life. I fell for the− intricacies, the confusion, the laughter, and even the sadness. These things, They make up who we are. Humans. Sheyenne DeCapua Cayuga MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 17
JUNE 20 1ST DAY OF SUMMER
THIS TIME OF YEAR MAY 28
were too busy to sit down for a meal. He included the new creation on his menu by 1880.
Athens Is Home of the Hamburger National Hamburger Day is May 28 and while people celebrate with a thick, juicy one with everything on it, they may be interested to learn that the East Texas town of Athens holds claim to where the allAmerican sandwich got its start.
Athens celebrates the Uncle Fletch Davis Hamburger Festival in late September each year. Davis, a cook with enterprising ideas, reportedly created the hamburger — ground beef between two pieces of Texas toast — for his customers who
The burger’s popularity went national when Davis and his wife served up hamburgers as food vendors at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. As time passed, other tales of the origin of the hamburger emerged, including one that tied the burger’s beginnings to Hamburg, Germany. Still, Athens has plenty of reasons to celebrate its own version. The most notable — especially for Texans — is the fact that the 80th session of the Texas Legislature passed a resolution in 2007 dubbing Athens “the original home of the hamburger.” JUNE 27
Happy Birthday
Will Jennings
MEET THE N
INJA TURTLE
S!
Saturday
7 a.m.-11 p.m. Arts & Crafts Vendors & Food
WHISKEY MEYERS COLE RISNER MIKE RYAN 106.9 The Ranch Battle of the Bands Carnival FIREWORKS!
The East Texas native and songwriter extraordinaire not only celebrates his birthday this month but Will Jennings was recently named to the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association. He was among good company since other inductees this year were Roy Orbison, Joe Ely, and J.D. Souther. Jennings is an American songwriter, who is popularly known for writing the lyrics for “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme for the film Titanic. He has won several awards including three Grammys, two Golden Globes, and two Academy Awards. Throughout his career, Jennings wrote for a wide variety of artists including Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Joe Sample, Rodney Crowell, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Buffett, Barry Manilow, Peter Wolf, Celine Dion, and Roy Orbison. Find out more about Jennings in an exclusive interview in the County Line archives, countylinemagazine.com.
18 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
JUNE
Ellen DeGeneres Celebrates Two Milestones
PAPER
Indulge YOU DESERVE IT
SUBSCRIBE!
Still just $15 per year! SUBMIT ORDER ON WEBSITE OR MAIL TO P.O. BOX 608 BEN WHEELER, TX 75754 This summer marks the 40th anniversary of Ellen DeGeneres’ graduation from Atlanta High School in Northeast Texas in 1976. By all accounts and not surprisingly she was fun and outgoing. She liked to play tennis and was “Outstanding Tennis Player” of 1975 among other awards she garnered during her high school years. DeGeneres moved to Atlanta with her family when she was 16 years old from the New Orleans area. After graduation she turned to stand-up comedy and by the early 1980s she was touring nationally and was named the funniest person in America after winning a Showtime competition. This led to better gigs including her first appearance on The Tonight Show in 1986.
Today, DeGeneres is enormously successful with her own Emmy-winning TV talk show still going strong since 2003; more than 70 awards for comedy, acting, and entertainment; and hosting the Oscars in 2007 and 2014. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. She’s also a spokesmodel for Covergirl cosmetics company and is an active animal advocate. Releasing June 17 is the animated Finding Dory, the long-awaited sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo, featuring DeGeneres in the lead role. She voices Dory, the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish that reunites with her loved ones and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.
county line Upper East Side of Texas Regional Magazine
fl&g 903.963.8306 countylinemagazine.com
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 19
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Check out the eMAGAZINE www.countylinemagazine.com for extended event listings.
Concrete Floats in Engineers’ Canoe Competition Lake Tyler joins the globe’s sites of engineering feats extraordinary when student engineers put to the test their seaworthy vessels actually made of concrete. The University of Texas at Tyler serves as host for the 2016 American Society of Civil Engineering Concrete Canoe National Competition to be held in June. All report, presentation and canoe judging is held June 9 and 10 on the UT Tyler campus. Races are held Saturday, June 11, at the Green Acres Baptist Church Retreat Center at Lake Tyler, 6163 N. Peninsula Road, Whitehouse, Texas. Nearly 500 students representing about 24 schools compete. During the annual contest, collegiate teams build canoes with concrete and are judged in four categories: technical design report, oral design presentation, canoe final product, and racing. They each win their respective regions to qualify. Serving as this year’s host, UT Tyler automatically earns a spot to compete at nationals, no matter their finish at regionals. This year’s canoe consists of two halves that connect together in the center with concrete bolts. She is named “Bridgette” since she looks like an open drawbridge on display. UT Tyler won regionals in 2009, 2012, and 2013. At nationals, UT Tyler has placed as high as 11th in the nation, with several top 20 finishes.
UT Tyler’s team and its canoe named “Ace in the Hull” won first place in the Texas-Mexico region and went on to place 11th in the national competition in 2012. Pictured l-r are Art Reilly, Jennifer Moore, Neda Hosseiny, and Bobby Fuller. Courtesy photo.
“Our students have learned so much about teamwork, motivation, trust, and leadership, not to mention all of the technical skills in the competition,” said Dr. Michael McGinnis, College of Engineering interim dean. For more information and event times, visit uttyler.edu/ce/ concrete-canoe.
Stars and Scars Mud Run Scheduled in Kilgore on up. Businesses, families, and other groups can also form teams to compete. The registration fee ranges from $35 for early sign-ups to $65 for race day sign-up. The 10K choice adds $20 to each rate. Registrants prior to June 15 get free event T-shirts.
For a true adventure bound to make competitors get “down and dirty,” sign up for the Stars & Scars Mud Run happening in Kilgore on Saturday, June 25. Host for the first-time event, the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau expects hundreds of 5K/10K obstacle runners at the starting gate in Rabbit Creek Offroad Park, 1217 Post 20 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
Oak Road. “Rabbit Creek is the perfect location,” said Cindy Morris, chamber president. “It offers a natural terrain course that will feature 10-plus obstacles.” The 5K/10K run begins at 8 a.m. with registration starting at 7 a.m. Ideal competitors range from weekend warriors through seasoned athletes 13 years old
Post-race activities include food, drinks, entertainment, and mud volleyball. The organizers seek food and product vendors, business sponsorships, and volunteers. “Our focus is to make it an outstanding event for Kilgore that attracts visitors and that provides a fun weekend activity for area residents,” said Jessica Woodall, co-chair of the event. For more information, visit www.starsandscarsmudrun.com.
4 p.m.-9 p.m. Free. 301 N. Washington. 703.702.7777 visitmarshalltexas.org
EVENTS Every Saturday
Historic Jefferson Railway. $12-$15; lap children under 6 free. 400 E. Austin. 866.398.2038 jeffersonrailway.com Journey to Space. Tyler. 3 p.m. $5-$7. Center for Earth and Space Science Education. 1411 East Lake Street. 903.510.2312 tjc.edu/cesse/ shows
Ongoing
The Pullman Table. Rusk. TSRR Depot. Park Rd. 76. 877.726.7245 texasstaterr.com
April 30-May 1
Multicultural Festival. Nacogdoches. Free. Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 2508 Appleby Sand Rd. 888.OLDESTTOWN. visitnacogdoches.org
May 5-7
Rains County Founders Day Festival. Downtown Emory. 903.473.2465. foundersdayfestival.org
May 6-7, 20-21 June 3-4, 17-18
Jefferson Flea Market. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 213 W. Broadway St. 903.431.0043 jeffersonfleamarket.net
May 7, June 4
Explore Emory: Girls Night Out. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Emory. 903.473.2465 emorytx.com
May 7
Heritage Festival. San Augustine. 936.201.9798. sanaugustinemainstreet.com Run for the Roses. Downtown Winnsboro. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Market St. 903.342.3654 winnsboroedc.com Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Athens. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. 11:30 a.m. 5550 FM 2495. 1.888.294.2847 athenstx.org/clm5
May 14, June 18
Lake Country Home and Outdoor Living Show. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Mineola Civic Center. Highway 69/Highway 37. 903.569.2087 Balloon Fest. Canton. $10 per car. 800 Flea Market Rd. 903.567.1849 visitcantontx.com
May 13-15
12th Annual Legends of Lake Fork Tournament. Quitman. Lake Fork Marina. Hwy 17. 903.765.2764 rainscountychamberofcommerce. com
Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch Visitation Program. Murchison. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. $54$162. 12526 County Road 3806. 903.469.3811 visit.fundforanimals.org
Jacksonville Tomato Fest. Downtown Jacksonville. 9 a.m. Commerce Street. jacksonvilletexas.com
May 16, June 20
Space Camp. Tyler. 9 a.m.-Noon. $178 per person. Center for Earth and Space Science Education. 903.510.2312 tjc.edu/cesse
Monday Night Live. Winnsboro. 200 N Market. 903.342.6140 winnsborocenterforthearts. com
May 20
Rock and Roll Friday at the Dome. Tyler. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Center for Earth & Space Science Education. 1411 E. Lake Street. 903.510.2312 tjc.edu/cesse Dinner with Dave. Palestine. 7 p.m. $10. Palestine Public Library. 903.729.4121 dogwoodchildrensfestival.com
May 20, June 17, July 15
June 13-17
June 17-19
Vintage Market Days. Nacogdoches. 10 a.m.5 p.m. $5-$10; 12 and under free. Expo Center. 3805 NW Stallings Dr. 888.OLDESTTOWN easttexas.vintagemarketdays.com
June 20-24
Robot Camp. Tyler. $142. Center for Earth and Space Science Education. 1411 East Lake Street. 903.510.2312 tic.edu/cesse
June 21-25
Rock and Roll Friday at the Dome. Tyler. $5. Center for Earth and Space Science Education. 1411 East Lake Street. 903.510.2312 tic. edu/cesse
East Texas Comedy Festival. Tyler. Liberty Hall Theater. 103 E Erwin. 903.595.7274 libertytyler.com
May 21
Stars and Scars Mud Run. Kilgore. 7 a.m. Rabbit Creek Offroad Park. 1217 Post Oak Rd. 903.984.5022 starsandscarsmudrun.com
Weekend Warrior Race. Whitehouse. 7:30 a.m.-Noon. $25-$55. Camp Tyler Outdoor Schools. 15143 Camp Tyler Road. 903.752.1401 weekendwarriorrace.com 3rd Annual Dogwood Children’s Literacy Festival. Downtown Palestine. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Crawford, Queen, and Oak Streets. 903.727.8798 dogwoodchildrensfestival.com
June 25
Downtown Tyler Wine Swirl. Tyler. $50. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Gallery Main Street. 110 W Erwin. 903.593.6905 tylerwineswirl.com.
July 4
May 21
Fireworks Festival and Freedom Celebration. Longview. 11 a.m. Free admission/ parking. Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Complex. 100 Grand Blvd. 903.753.3281 visitlongviewtexas.com
Nacogdoches Brewfest. Nacogdoches. $25$35. Expo Center. 3805 NW Stallings Dr. 888. OLDESTTOWN nacbrewclub.com
Poppers in the Park. Emory. rainscountychamberofcommerce.com
Ben Lowery. Ben Wheeler. $7. Moore’s Store 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
National Polka Festival. Ennis. IH-45. 972.878.4748 visitennis.org
May 28, June 25
Parents Night Out. Tyler. 7 p.m.-11 p.m. $20 per child. Glass Recreation Center. 501 W. 32nd St. 903.595.7271
June 2-5, 30-July 3
First Monday Trade Days. Canton. First Monday Grounds. 903.567.6556 firstmondaycanton. com
June 3-4
May 14
9th Annual Tamale Festival. Diboll. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Free. Old Orchard Park. 700 Hall. 936.829.4888 cityofdiboll.com
Annual Hwy 82/287 Yard Sale. Clarksville. 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m. 903.427.2645 redrivercoc.com
May 14, June 11
Heritage Turnip Green Festival. Easton. 185 Kennedy Blvd. 903.643.7819
Saturday.
Texas Blueberry Festival. Downtown Nacogdoches. Free. tbf.nacogodches.org
STAGE
May 27-29
May 13-14
Second
June 11
Downtown
Marshall.
June 3-5
May 14-15, 20-22
Bonnie & Clyde in Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage at Winnsboro Center for the Arts. 200 N Market. 903.342.6140 winnsborocenterforthearts.com
June 3-4
Cheaters. Longview. 7 p.m.-8 p.m. $10-$12. ArtsView Children’s Theatre. 313 W. Tyler St. 903.236.7535 artsviewchildrenstheatre.com
June 3-5, 10-12
The Glass Menagerie. Longview. 7:30 p.m. $12-$15. Grace Crossing United Methodist Church. 903.431.0224 theatrelongview.com
June 30-July 31
Texas Shakespeare Festival. Kilgore. Van Cliburn Theatre. 903.983.8601 texasshakespeare. com MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 21
Five Abandoned Places in Northeast Texas Photos by Stan Johnson
There’s something eerie, yet beautifully intriguing, about old structures covered up with nature or decay because humans no longer care for them. Once thriving operations, one can now only speculate about the memories made in these locations. Photographer Stan Johnson shares here a few of his favorite forgotten places in the Upper East Side of Texas. Above is what one might call, “the Last Swann Song” as this once promising
22 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
community of shops now sits empty with boarded up windows on Swann Street near downtown Tyler. Below is an old railroad bridge rotting away in Scroggins. The town began in 1850 and grew up around a sawmill and was a shipping point on the East Line and Red River Railroad constructed through the area in 1877. At right, top, is an old bait house that sits next to the abandoned country store in Coke, located at the intersec-
tion of FM 69 and Highway 515. Right, center, is the art deco Overton Theatre building. It closed in 1965 and was used in the past as storage for a former furniture store. Owners John and Loretta Posey talk about fixing it up one of these days. And right, bottom, is an inside shot of the auditorium of former Talco High School where many games and performances took place long ago.
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 23
FOOD & FUN! Kids Eat Free Tues. Unplug & Wine Down Wed. Live Music Fri. & Sat. Open 7 Days a Week
903.833.5100
18
MooresStore.com
Live Music Wed- Sun. Open Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Wed./Thur. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri./Sat. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.
TheForgeBenWheeler.com 903.833.5970
Summer Celebration LIVE MUSIC Every Sunday Evening
6 Featured on “The Texas Bucket List” and “Expedition Texas” “Best Town of East Texas 2014” — County Line Magazine 2 Award-Winning Restaurants
24 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
July/August
Pickin Porch
Northeast Texas People
“I like how everyone knows everyone. I like to go to Barnes and Noble and the Rose Rudman Trail. I moved to Tyler from the country of India when I was 14. I like the kind of life I have here compared to what it would have been in India. I wouldn’t have grown as much as I have as a person.” Lee Maqsood, Tyler.
“I grew up in Arp. I like the nature that always surrounds you. I love the breeze and how I feel like I’m always in the trees. I love the landscape and how the people are so nice. Everyone always wants to talk.” Whitley Crawford, Arp
“I moved to Winona, Texas, from California when I was 16 years old. I had never been fishing. My step-dad took me out. He taught me how to bait a hook and how to catch a fish at Tyler State Park and Lake Hawkins. I was upset one time because I wasn’t catching anything, so I threw my pole down. All of a sudden, I got a bite and caught a big catfish. I wound up finding a really good spot that day.” Rhonda Wright, Winona
“I’m from Paris, Texas. I lived in the same house my whole life. I knew everyone, and going to Wal-Mart, eating out, going to the movies, and going bowling was fun. I moved to Tyler to attend college and so I could be close to Paris. I was intrigued by the hills, trees, and flowers. They are so pretty in the spring. My next stop is the DFW metroplex, but I’ll always love East Texas.” Emily Springer, Paris.
“I’m from Palestine. They are famous for the Dogwood Trails. I remember going there every year with my family to have a picnic and see the dogwoods blooming. They’re my favorite flower.” Savannah Harris, Palestine
by LouAnn Campbell
“I moved to Tyler when I was five years old. I was very shy and introverted. In 2014, I was an Azalea Belle. That really got me out of my shell. I learned to talk to people and relax when I was all dressed up in my dress. I was shaking hands, talking to people, and waving to everyone.” Anna Cannon, Tyler
“I was born on the Fourth of July in the middle of fireworks. My mom told me I was special. I went to Dallas to join the Navy. I met two girls the night before I was going to leave for Navy Officer Training School. I kept both their names and phone numbers. When I came back to town, I flipped a coin and it landed on Peggy’s side. We went out every night for the six nights I was there. I had to leave again for the Navy so, we wrote letters and called each other every day. When I got back to Texas, I called her and we went out four more times. I asked her to marry me. We were married for 62 years. She died yesterday (Saturday, April 2, 2016). When she was sick, I tried to make her recipes, but they never turned out. I tried to make corn beef and cabbage in the crock pot, but it tasted terrible.” Jack Jones, Tyler MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 25
THE ARTS
Blue Dog Art Featured in Longview Exhibit The Longview Museum of Fine Arts is presenting “The Art of George Rodrigue: A Retrospective,” a collection of more than 50 original paintings by the famed artist through June 25. The exhibition spans Rodrigue’s entire oeuvre, including landscapes, Cajuns, and perhaps his most popular images — Blue Dogs — as well as selections from “Hurricanes,” a series of abstract works. The pieces are on loan from private collectors, public collections, and the Rodrigue Archives. Born and raised in New Iberia, Louisiana, Rodrigue (1944 – 2013) is best known for his Blue Dog paintings,
Local Student Wins Place in State Art Contest
Dace Lucia Kidd of Tyler is one of the winners of the 2016 International Emerging Artist Awards based in Dubai, United Arab Emerates. Her art is featured in a gallery show from May 16 through June 16 at TAG bxl in Brussels, Belgium, along with 29 other artists from all over the world. Originally from Riga, Latvia, Kidd now lives in Tyler. This piece, “Voyaging Friend,” helped win her a place in the show. Learn more about Kidd at daceluciakidd.com. 26 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
Nine-year-old Makayla McLemore of Ben Wheeler won a runner up spot in the 2016 Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Treasures of the Texas Coast Children’s Art Contest.
the South Central Gallery of the Texas Capitol May 24-31.
Makayla attends Martins Mill Elementary.
As one of the 40 winners, Makayla receives tickets to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and prizes from the Texas General Land Office.
Her artwork appears with the other winners in the 2017 Adopt-A-Beach calendar. It is also on public display in
For more information visit TexasAdoptABeach.org or call the GLO at 1.877. TXCOAST.
Just 40 pieces were selected out of more than 5,000 entries from across the state.
ARTS
May 21
Gallery Group. Marshall. Gingko Leaf Gallery. 903.471.5225 gingkoleafgallery.com.
24th Annual Juried Student Exhibition Opening Reception. Texarkana. 11:30 a.m.-Noon. Free. Regional Arts Center. 321 W 4th St. 903.792.8681 trahc.org
Through May 7
May 21-June 25
May 6, June 3
Spectrum Exhibit. Texarkana. Regional Arts Center. 321 W 4th St. 903.792.4992 trahc.org Lennox Woods - The Ancient Forest Exhibit. Texarkana. Regional Arts Center. 903.792.8681 trahc.org.
Through May 15
Chihuly: Works from Texas Collections. Tyler Museum of Art. 903.595.1001 tylermuseum.org
24th Annual Juried Student Exhibition. Texarkana. Free. Regional Arts Center. 321 W 4th St. 903.792.8681 trahc.org
June 9
Opening of Urban Underground Exhibit. Tyler. 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. Gallery Main Street. 110 W Erwin. 903.593.6905. DowntownTylerArts.com
which catapulted him to worldwide fame in the early 1990s. His art studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette followed by the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, gave him a foundation that spawned one of the greatest success stories in southern art. Rodrigue, who began painting in the third grade while bedridden with polio, had already won local acclaim for his rich portrayals of the landscape and people of South Louisiana when Blue Dog transformed the image of the original Cajun werewolf dog — the loup-garou — into an international pop icon. Longview Museum of Fine Arts is located at 215 East Tyler Avenue, Longview.
POTTERS BROWN STUDIO & GALLERY
DRAGONHEAD RETREAT B&B on 25 Wooded Acres at 675' Outside Living Area • WiFi • Kid Friendly 903-520-2069 • www.Vrbo.com/559168 www.dragonheadretreat.com
Original Handmade Stoneware 903.852.6473 www.pottersbrown.com
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
BLUE MOON GARDENS Perennials. Herbs. Garden Art. Gift Shop Open Daily 9-5 • 903.852.3897 www.bluemoongardens.com
MARIPOSA CABIN Quiet Relaxation in the East Woods Hand-crafted, lofted 1 bedroom cottage 903-571-2423 • www.Vrbo.com/354940
THE FARM HOUSE RETREAT A Unique East Texas Experience Lodging, Weddings, Retreats 903.749.1682 www.facebook.com/thefarmhouse retreatweddings
VINTAGE EDOM Coffee Shop. Mid Century Cool Items. Vintage Antiques. Boutiques. Collectibles. Arts & Crafts. 903.852.5552 • VintageEdom.com
www.VisitEdom.com MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 27
FILM
Ring in Freedom for the Free State of Jones By P.A. Geddie Releasing on June 24 this year is the Free State of Jones starring Longview native Matthew McConaughey as the lead character, Newton Knight. Set during the Civil War, it is based on the true story of Knight who was a farmer, soldier and was best known as the leader of the Knight Company, a band of army deserters that turned against the Confederacy during the Civil War. Knight and his men attempted to form the “Free State of Jones” in an area around Jones County, Mississippi, at the height of the war. He opposed slavery and a “rich man’s war,” with only the poor doing the actual fighting. When Knight and his men deserted and formed their own company, their main hideout was located along the Leaf River at the Jones-Covington county line. Local women and slaves provided food and other aid to the men. Legends claim the women blew cattle horns to signal the approach of Confederate authorities and some say an iron bell was also used to alert Knight and his men of danger. Dennis Rials, formerly of Jones County, Mississippi, now living in Dallas, says he thinks he has that very bell that often
28 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
saved the lives of Newton Knight and his men. Inherited about 20 years ago from his father, Sandy Rials, the bell is 18-inches tall with an iron ball in the middle of it. The bell came to him with stories of how it helped to warn the men of Knight Company. “I don’t know how my daddy got the bell, but I can guess,” Rials said. “He negotiated for Shell Oil Company to drill oil on people’s land, and often people gave him a bottle of whiskey or other items. I think maybe somebody gave him the bell during that time.” Wanting to protect this piece of history, Rials made a place for it at the top of the six-story building housing his business, Bedrock Foundation Repair, in Dallas. “I built a series of decks at the top of the building and then added a roof over the bell so it’s enjoyable even in the hot summer or on rainy days. Every so often I ring this bell and think of the Free State of Jones, ringing in the freedom of one courageous, free man from Jones County, Mississippi.” Rials feels like he’s gotten to know Newton Knight from the stories he heard and he’s looking forward to the movie. “Newt was definitely a maverick, an independent thinker, and anti social. He
did not care what others thought. He followed his own path. He did what he thought was right, and he fought to protect his family. Much of Newt’s gang activities involved robbing and stealing from others for food and livestock. They ambushed many Confederate units, stole from them, and destroyed their ammunition when they could. It was certainly a pain in the side for the Confederate Army.” Knight survived the war. He married a former slave, Serena Turner, and they established a small biracial community in southeastern Mississippi. He later married another former slave named Rachel and they had several children. Newton Knight died on February 16, 1922, at the age of 84. In spite of a Mississippi law that barred the interment of those of European and African descent in the same cemetery, he was buried next to Rachel on a hill overlooking their farm. His engraved epitaph states, “He lived for others.” The “Bell of Freedom,” once thought to be used to warn the Knight Company of impending danger, has come a long way from the battlefields of Jones County, Mississippi, to this modern view of downtown Dallas. INSET. Matthew McConaughey portrays Newton Knight in the movie “Free State of Jones” releasing this summer. Bell Photo by Dennis Rials.
Director Launches Film Program at Wiley College Having first become acquainted with Wiley College during the filming of The Great Debaters in which he acted in a supporting role, film director Nate Parker has more plans for the college in Marshall. Now a board trustee at the college, Parker has announced plans to launch the Nate Parker School of Film, Drama and Theatre in fall 2016 and the Nate Parker Summer Film Institute scheduled for July 8 through 17.
Nate Parker announced plans for a film program when he spoke at the 143rd Founders Observance Scholarship Gala in March at Wiley College.
The additions come from work by the Nate Parker Foundation, which has a mission of leveraging film and philanthropy to transform the quality of young peoples’ lives through education, cultural enrichment, social justice, and economic
Check Out this Bleeping Movie Service
Check out VidAngel.com. This online movie streaming service allows viewers (or parents) to filter out parts of the movie they may find offensive such as profanity, crude phrases, nudity/immodesty, violence/blood/gore.
empowerment. In partnership with Wiley College, Parker’s Foundation has created comprehensive curricula to prepare the next generation of actors, filmmakers, and writers. Parker’s relationship with the college dates back to 2007 when he played the supporting role of real-life student debater Henry Heights in the movie The Great Debaters, based on actual events at the college. Since then, his directorial debut Birth of a Nation won the Sundance Film Festival’s Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize. Fox Searchlight acquired the film for a record-setting $17.5 million. “I kind of crossed a threshold when I first came here,” Parker said. “I came here wanting to be a good actor, and I left wanting to do good for others.”
Jamie Foxx is Cast as Little John in new Robin Hood
Summer 2016 Releases Include Something for Everyone
Oscar-winning Hollywood actor and Terrell native Jamie Foxx is cast as Little John in the latest Robin Hood movie set to release in 2017.
There are any incredible amount of movies releasing this summer so there should be something to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Two are rooted in very different Civil War themes than movies of old with Free State of Jones based on a true story of deserters that opposed slavery, and Captain America: Civil War that follows Marvel’s comic books storyline. Romance films include Mothers & Daughters with Susan Sarandon, Sharon
Stone, Courteney Cox, Christina Ricci, Mira Sorvino, and Eva Amurri Martino. For those that thrive on drama, there’s Money Monster with George Clooney and Julia Roberts while Mila Kunis, Christina Applegate, and Kristen Bell keep the comedy flowing in Bad Moms. For a complete list and more information, including movie trailers on each of the upcoming movie releases, go to countylinemagazine.com.
The star, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 2004 Ray Charles bio-pic Ray, will play the Merry Man in Robin Hood: Origins, said to be a Batman Begins-style origin story. British actor Taron Egerton, who appears in this year’s Eddie the Eagle film as British underdog ski jumper Michael “Eddie” Edwards, will play Robin and Bridge of Spies actress Eve Hewson will play Maid Marian. It is directed by Otto Bathurst, who also directed the Peaky Blinders TV series. MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 29
FILM Video Contest Stars Bankhead Highway This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Bankhead Highway, which traverses through much of East Texas while connecting the east coast with the west coast. To celebrate, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) asks for general public submissions of video capturing experiences along the highway.
US 67 (former Bankhead Hwy) through Mount Pleasant c. 1940, Titus County (TxDOT Archives)
The Faces and Places of the Bankhead Highway contest invites amateur and professional filmmakers to explore and document the restored courthouses and historic downtowns that have anchored their communities for generations. Participants can show how to have a road trip adventure and present their perspectives on how Texans remember the iconic route.
the birth of the modern interstate highway system. In Texas, the Bankhead Highway covers more than 850 miles between El Paso and Texarkana. Northeast Texas segment features 158 miles of that, mostly along I-30 and including the towns of Rockwall, Greenville, Sulphur Springs, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant, and Texarkana. Filmmakers may plan their Bankhead Highway journey using THC’s “Historic Bankhead Highway” mobile tour, available on the their travel website. Sub-
Known as the Broadway of America, the Bankhead Highway spanned from San Diego to Washington, D.C., signaling
KILGORE, TEXAS EAST TEXAS OIL MUSEUM Open 9-5 p.m. Tues. - Sat. & 2-5 p.m. Sun.
STARS & SCARS MUD RUN June 25, 2016
EastTexasOilMuseum.com
StarsAndScarsMudRun.com
TEXAS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL June 30 through July 31
BASEBALL, BALLOONS & ROOT BEER July 20, 2016
missions are due by August 8. Selected submissions are shared on THC’s social media channels throughout the contest period. Six finalists are screened at the DRIVEN Film Festival in Mount Vernon September 9 through 11, and a cash prize is awarded to the winning video. As part of the centennial celebration, many opportunities to experience events that capture the period’s special legacy are scheduled. Find out more at http://texastimetravel.com/bankhead.
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. TexasShakespeare.com
VisitKilgore.com
KILGORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITORS BUREAU 813 N. Kilgore St. • Kilgore, Texas 75662 903-984-5022 • Fax 903-984-4975 • VisitKilgore.com
30 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
Hwy. 259 at Ross St, Kilgore, Texas On the Kilgore College Campus, 903.983.8295
www.EastTexasOilMuseum.com
Enjoy Farmers’ Markets in the Upper East Side of Texas
SOME OPEN YEAR ROUND. CHECK WEBSITES FOR DAYS AND TIMES AND INDIVIDUAL MARKET AND FARM OFFERINGS.
EDOM BlueberryHillFarms.com • GREENVILLE GreenvilleFarmersMarket.com MINEOLA MineolaFarmersMarket.com • MOUNT PLEASANT MtPleasantTx.com MOUNT VERNON facebook.com/MountVernonTxFarmersMarket • PARIS ParisTexas.gov ROCKWALL RockwallFarmersMarket.org • SULPHUR SPRINGS SulphurSpringsFarmersMarket.com WINNSBORO WinnsboroFarmersMarket.com MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 31
LITERARY
Catrow Highlights Children’s Literacy Festival The third annual Dogwood Children’s Literacy Festival, set for May 21 in Palestine, features David Catrow, a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. Formerly known as the United Way Learning Festival, the event to keep children engaged in reading throughout the summer is sponsored by the United Way of East/Central Texas, said Mary Raum, vice president of that organization. This year, the activities are based on illustrations from Catrow’s books. Throughout the day, he and various Palestine citizens appear in costumes as characters from his stories as those stories are read. Each child receives a United Way lanyard to wear. After each reading, pins representing the different stories are given out for children to attach to the lanyards. The dramatic readings are spaced out over a six block area and feature additional activities the kids can participate
in along the route to the next dramatic reading. By the route’s end, a child can head over to the United Way Book Vault to select a book to take home. The entire event is free. Food is available for purchase and participants can relax at a picnic area where a book signing by Catrow occurs.
The night before (May 20) the festival, a “Dinner with Dave” is held at the Palestine Public Library. The dinner features a kid-friendly menu and each child who attends receives a Catrow book with the purchase of a child dinner ticket. More information is available at dogwoodchildrensfestival.com.
Romance Stories Feature Pets and Benefit Charities Tyler writer Olivia Hardin teamed up with six other bestselling authors from across the nation to release an anthology of steamy romances, each featuring a scene-stealing pet. The best part is that all of the net proceeds of Love Paws are donated to animal rescue charities. Love Paws debuted April 19 in celebration of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. This anthology features short stories with a little bit of steam, a little bit of sweet, and happy endings all around. Each one also includes a pet, just to give the romance a helping hand — or, in this case, paw. The individual authors and their contributed chapters are Becca Boyd, “Fire Up;” Rene Folsom, “By Chance: A Playing Games Spin-off Novella;” Alison Foster, “Saving Grace: A Beautiful Ruin Story;” Hardin, “All in the Takeoff: A Rawley Family Romance;” Tawdra Kandle, “My One and Always (An Always 32 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
Love Short);” Lyssa Layne, “Dig Deep;” and Juli Valenti, “Taunt: A Twisted Wolf Tale.” Each author selected her very own special organization to receive a portion of the profits. Hardin chose Pets Fur People, Tyler’s no-kill animal rescue shelter. In 2011, Hardin and her husband visited the shelter, not thinking they could replace their deceased 13-yearold beagle. They found a tiny tricolored puppy there, adopted it, named it Bonnie Sue, and eventually discovered it was a corgi mix. Adopting a shelter pup was one of the best decisions they ever made. When the idea of the short stories to benefit animal rescue charities came about, Hardin knew it was a wonderful opportunity to tell the world about Pets Fur People. To order Love Paws, visit booklaunch. io/lovepawsanthology/lovepaws.
WINNSBORO CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT
MONK’S OVEN
CLARA IDA FRANCES
204 Market St. - (903) 347-1282
219 N. Main St. - (903) 342-6137
Michael Martin Murphey May 12
Judy Collins June 14
Sara Hickman July 9
LADLES TO LINENS
BEAUWEEVILS
215 N. Main St. - (903) 342-1050
205 N. Main - (903) 342-6800
Rhett Butler May 28
Neptune’s Car June 25
LIEFIE LI VINE
THEE HUBBELL HOUSE
302 N. Main St. - (903) 347-1111
307 W. Elm St. - (800) 227-0639
FINDERS KEEPERS ANTIQUES
WINNSBORO EMPORIUM
304 N. Main - (903) 347-1271
212 Market St. - (903) 342-6140
BREWBAKER’S
210 N. Main St. - (903) 342-6119
100 East Cedar Street • 903-588-0465
COPPERLEAF DAY SPA
209 N. Main St. - (903) 342-7772
Logos represent donors or supporters and are utilized by permission only.
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 33
200 MARKET STREET • 903-342-0686 • WINNSBOROCENTERFORTHE ARTS.COM
MUSIC
Check out the eMAGAZINE www.countylinemagazine.com for extended event listings.
Gilmer Band Expands Boundaries
MUSIC PICKS Monday-Saturday
Live Music. Tyler. Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ. 525 S Beckham Ave. 903.593.0311 stanleysfamous.com
Every Saturday
Live Music. Vintage Edom. Noon-3 p.m. Free. 8334 FM 279. 903.852.5552 vintageedom.com
May 4
Steve Carpenter. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
May 6
Purple. Tyler. 8 p.m.-Midnight. $5. Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ. 903.593.0311 stanleysfamous.com Callahan Divide. Ben Wheeler. $7. Moore’s Store. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
May 7
Stoney Larue. Nacogdoches. Banita Creek Hall. 936.462.8000 banitacreekhall.com
East Texas’ own Darrin Morris, a rising country music artist, has added a powerful manager to his band’s team by partnering with Upward Artist Management which promises to increase Morris’ presence regionally and nationally as well as get noticed in the hot Nashville scene.
from the owners and the customers was such that they were asked to come back and play on a monthly basis. Before they knew it, one show led to another and over the last three years they played all over their home state of Texas, as well as Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Wyoming and Nashville.
The Darrin Morris Band calls Gilmer, Texas, home. The group is a five-time East Texas Music Award winner, rising through the Texas music ranks to be one of the most entertaining bands in the Lone Star State. Band members include lead singer Morris, drummer Jeremy Moore, Blake Watson on the bass, rhythm guitarist Josh Smithers, and lead guitarist Wes Jeans.
The band has gained a solid reputation as a premier contemporary country band and continues to build momentum, recently releasing their first CD of original songs, titled Country to the Bone. Musically, each song is down to e arth and touches the emotions and hearts of those listening.
The band’s publicist is Black Diamond PR Firm based out of Dallas with CEO Brandy Runyan and other staff members from Sulphur Springs and other parts of Northeast Texas. The Darrin Morris band began playing in October 2012 with just a few friends getting together to play at a local restaurant outside of Gilmer. The response
34 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
Several performances are scheduled in Northeast Texas including the Lone Star Ice House, Longview, May 6; Neon Country, Jacksonville, May 13; East Fork, Yantis, May 14; Marshall Civic Center, May 20; The Back Porch, Kilgore, May 21 and June 18; Diamond B Franchise, Jefferson, June 11; and Coconut Island Bar & Grill, Seven Points, June 25. Find out more about the band at darrinmorrisband.com.
May 8
Paul Simon. Dallas. 8 p.m. Winspear Opera House. 2403 Flora St. 214.880.0202 attpac.org
May 13
Michael Martin Murphey. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage. 903.342.6140 winnsborocenterforthearts.com
May 14
Chris Colston. Ben Wheeler. $7. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com The Eric Moseley Duo. Edom. Noon-3 p.m. Vintage Edom. 903.852.5552 vintageedom.com
May 18
Owen Tiner. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
May 20
Drew Womack Living Room Concert. Forney. 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. $18. Historic Spellman Home. 214.533.3919 forneyarts.org/concerts
Mike and the Moonpies. Ben Wheeler. $10. Moore’s Store 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
May 21
Ben Lowery. Ben Wheeler. $7. Moore’s Store 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com Michael Gonzalez. Edom. Noon-3 p.m. Free. Vintage Edom. 8334 FM 279. 903.852.5552 vintageedom.com
May 27
The Kid Icarus Project. Ben Wheeler. $5. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
May 28
East Texas Jazz Orchestra. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. $12-$15. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
June 11
June 18
June 16
Chris Colston. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
Casting Crowns. Longview. 7:30 p.m. Belcher Center. 2100 Mobberly Ave. 903.233.3080 belchercenter.com Glenn Miller Orchestra. Mineola. 7:30 p.m. $20. Select Theater. 114 N Johnson St. 903.569.2300 lakecountryplayhouse.com 8Ball Aitken. Ben Wheeler. Free. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
June 17
Edwin Holt’s Redclay Roadhouse Band. Tyler. 8 p.m. $30. Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ. 525 S Beckham Ave. rosepickermusic.com
Dogwood Jamboree. Palestine. 7 p.m. $12.50$15. Civic Center. 1819 W. Spring St. 903.729.7080 dogwoodjamboree.org
June 25
Mike Ryan. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com Chris Knight. Lindale. 8 p.m. Love and War in Texas. 120 E North St. 903.780.7589 Neptune’s Car. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage at Winnsboro Center for the Arts. 200 N Market. 903.342.6140 winnsborocenterforthearts.com
Paul Shafer. Tyler. Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ. 525 S. Beckham Ave. 903.593.0311 stanleysfamous.com Rhett Butler. Winnsboro. $12-$20. The Bowery Stage at Winnsboro Center for the Arts. 200 N Market. 903.342.6140 winnsborocenterforthearts.com
June 3-4
T-Bone Walker Blues Fest. Longview. Maude Cobb Convention Center. 100 Grand Blvd. tbonewalkerbluesfest.com
June 4
Edwin Holt’s Redclay Roadhouse Band. Longview. 6:30 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention Center. 100 Grand Blvd. tbonewalkerbluesfest.com Wesley Pruitt Band. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
June 10
JD Souther. Linden. Music City Texas Theater. 108 Legion St. 903.756.9934 Pushwater. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 1551 FM 279. 903.833.5100 mooresstore.com
Judy Collins Performs in Northeast Texas
Singer/Songwriter Stage Headliners & Highlights FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 10:00 pm
Gretchen Peters
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016 11:30 am 8:45 pm 10:00 pm
Performing Songwriter Contest Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines Slaid Cleaves
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016 1:00 pm 3:45 pm 5:00 pm
Budding Talent Vocal Contest Billy Crockett Eliza Gilkyson
OTHER FEATURED PERFORMANCES Peter Frampton • Toadies • Survivor • John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx • Finger Eleven • John Waite Jimmie Vaughn • The Guess Who • Soul Asylum • Black Joe Lewis Hoobastank • Alien Ant Farm
Singer/Songwriter Workshop “The Part That Ain’t Art” and “The Part That’s Art” Taught by Indie Songwriter Terri Hendrix and Producer and Multi-Instrumentalist Lloyd Maines The incomparable Judy Collins is scheduled to perform on The Bowery Stage in Winnsboro June 14. For more information visit winnsborocenterforthearts.com.
Friday, May 20, 9 am-4 pm, for more info and to register, visit http://wildflowerfestival.com/singersongwriterschool.html
#WAMfest2016
WildflowerFestival.com MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 35
Bluegrass Kicks Off Festival The Texas Blueberry Festival kicks off Friday night with the Blueberry Bluegrass Concert in the Park June 10 at Festival Plaza in downtown Nacogdoches. The concert starts at 6 p.m. and features The Baker Family, an award-winning band from Birch Tree, Missouri; The Coleman Brothers and the Lone Star Boys, featuring brothers Craig and Corey Coleman from Troup; The Bottom Dollar String Band, a progressive bluegrass band from Austin; and Catahoula Drive, a traditional bluegrass and gospel band from Pineville, Louisiana. Food vendors offer a variety of tasty dishes, including catfish, barbecue, snow cones, and blueberry lemonade. Some booths also feature homemade items from a local farmers’ market. Organizers encourage attendees to bring blankets and lawn chairs. No coolers or alcohol are allowed. Visit tbf.nacogdoches.org for parking instructions and more information.
The award-winning Baker Family from Birch Tree, Missouri, joins local favorites The Coleman Brothers and the Lone Star Boys, the Bottom Dollar String Band from Austin; and Catahoula Drive from Pineville, Louisiana.
The Texas Blueberry Festival continues Saturday with a full day of activities in downtown Nacogdoches, including a blueberry pancake breakfast, competitions, and more live entertainment.
Walt Wilkins, Crystal and Will Yates, Headline Wine Fest The Piney Woods Wine Festival is held in Lindale this year at the Picker’s Pavilion, 205 E. North Street in downtown Lindale. The event features wine tastings by the 16 wineries that make up the Piney Woods Wine Trail, many of them national award winners. Wine is sold by the bottle or glass and samples are $1 each. There’s a $5 admission fee. Live Texas music is scheduled in conjunction with the new restaurant and music venue Love & War in Texas Lindale location. Music starts at 7 p.m. Friday night featuring Crystal and Will Yates and Jon Christopher Davis. Crystal Yates was named one of the top 20 “Influential Women of Indie Music” by Nashville Music Magazine. She’s releasing her next album, The Other Side this summer. Saturday features Kylie Ray Harris and Bo Brumble with headliner Walt Wilkins. Wilkins is fast becoming a favorite in the region as he has been with the rest of the world for a long time. His natural songwriting style leaves a lasting impression on his audience. Keep in touch with the latest developments for the festival on Piney Woods Wine Trail Festival’s Facebook page or call 903.881.5103.
36 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
HOURS Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm FRIday: 11am-1 am SATurday: 11am-2 am
1125 E 5th St. (midtown) 903-202-0295
Mon -Sat
EVERY FRIDAY BLUES/ FUNK/ SOUL/ ROCK/ AMERICANA/ ROOTS
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 37
FOOD & DRINK
Restaurant Offers Fresh Menu and Inviting Ambience
Photos by Stan Johnson
By Steve Freeman As the proverb goes, there’s nothing new under the sun. A new restaurant in Tyler challenges that notion by doing fresh things with tried-and-true ingredients. Roast Social Kitchen offers up a sort of nouveau Mediterranean cuisine. It’s ideal for health-conscious eaters, but traditionalists find plenty to like there too. The combinations are part of the charm. Scanning the menu reveals interesting and inviting possibilities. Have you ever had grapes on a pizza? How about eggs? Or potatoes? Or hot honey? Gourmet and new renditions of classic pizzas make up the main entrees, yes, but plenty of other starters and sides are equally enticing. Try the cauliflower and grapes dish or the pork and ricotta meatball soup with Parmesan broth. Many items feature soppresatta, defined as “pepperoni’s sophisticated older sister.” “It’s a lot of stuff I’ve been using a long time, but then I’d say ‘Let’s give that a try,’” said owner and creator Jen Pencis. The new restaurant comes from the entrepreneurial vision of she and her husband Nick, owners of the popular Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, also in Tyler. Jen explains the name comes from that “Roast,” the focus of growing and making food in-house, “Social,” the style of eating and “‘Kitchen’ is obvious.” 38 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
The menu plays down the fact that most of the food is organic and appropriate for people with dietetic intolerances because people can eat right without being confused or reluctant due to strangesounding terminology, she said. When a diner wants to order gluten-free, they are encouraged to use the code words “Ella Bea,” after a 10-year-old family friend who suffers from food allergies. A foundational part of pizza — the dough — also has fresh and tasty origins. The restaurant consulted with culinary experts to come up with a signature recipe, and so all the dough is made inhouse, too. Besides the main course, the desserts are equally interesting with names like Carrot Cake Woopie Pie, Lavender Cheesecake and Date Night, which pairs dates with whipped ricotta topped with pecans. If visiting with children, the kids menu will suit them. They also have an extensive specialty drink menu for the adventurous. Located at 1125 E. Fifth Street the restaurant serves lunch and dinner between the hours of 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., but is open till 1 a.m. on Fridays and 2 a.m. on Saturdays. Customers walk up to the counter to order and the wait staff delivers food to the table.
Best Steakhouse
County Line Magazine 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
888.300.6623. COMMUNITY CALENDAR: HopCal.com
Top 100 American Steakhouses OpenTable.com
A Texas Tradition & Over 20 Varieties of Hamburgers Hand Dipped Blue Bell Breakfast Anytime Hwy 19 near I-20, Canton, Texas
Open 24/7 903-567-6551 dairypalace.com
MORE FOOD & FUN!
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
Go to County Line eMagazine for more fun food and drink articles, recipes, dining ideas, wineries, farmers markets, and events.
Make A Reservation
countylinemagazine.com/ Food-Drink
www.fourwindssteakhouse.com
903.873.2225
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 39
EXPLORE THE UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS
Letterbox Enthusiasts Hunt for Treasures By Britne Hammons The historic Oakwood Cemetery in Jefferson is not the most likely place to find a teenage girl happily meandering through graves and tombstones. But to Caitlin Thomas, the hunt for treasure is an adventure that propels her through the grim, moss-covered grave markers. Caitlin, a 13-year-old from Jefferson, makes it her quest to find hidden treasure in the unlikeliest of places throughout East Texas. Her hunt goes by the name of letterboxing, a puzzle-solving internet-based game with its own subculture of participants around America and beyond. While it actually involves no actual letter or note, the adventure does include a weatherproof box concealed in a public place. The mission is to find the box using challenging clues. The box holds a logbook and perhaps other mementos left by its “finders” over time. The logbook contains thumbprints, signatures, and stamp marks from those who have found the hidden treasure and left their marks. The Jefferson letterbox is just one of about 600 boxes hidden in Northeast Texas and some 90,000 boxes hidden in the United States. Fans view a full listing of letterboxes, along with clues to find them, at www.letterboxing.org. They go by names both recognized and mysterious in a region. The Jefferson letterbox goes by “Angels of Oakwood.” Other Northeast Texas boxes are named “Sissy Spacek” in Quitman, “Pancake Capitol of Texas” in Hawkins, “Tallest Civil War Soldier” in Mount Pleasant, “Stop and Smell the Roses” and “Zeus Hits the Books” in Tyler, “Glass Castles” in Nacogdoches, and “Hoss” in DeKalb. In East Texas, the hunt for a box can take a searcher from the swampy, alligatortrodden landscape of Uncertain, Texas, to the historic grave of Jefferson’s most famous murder victim, Diamond Bessie. Caitlin started her search for the letterbox buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Jefferson at the coin-covered gravestone of Diamond Bessie. 40 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
LiveEntertainment Arts & Crafts Food • Fun Tomatoes! Tomatoes!
Caitlin’s search for the “Angels of Oakwood” letterbox led her on a path starting with Diamond Bessie, going to two Confederate soldiers’ graves, then to the final resting places of two treasured dogs owned by the original proprietor of The Excelsior House in Jefferson, and finally to a small corner of the cemetery. Buried underneath a pile of bricks lay the Angles of Oakwood letterbox.
jacksonvilletexas.com
“I never really know where my clues will take me,” Caitlin said. “I don’t really realize it until after I find the box, but I end up learning a lot about the history of the town in which I hunt for letterboxes. I can’t describe how exhilarating it is to find a clue, then another and another until I end up at this little spot and start digging up these old letterboxes,” she said.
Once a letterbox is found, the finder”can make an imprint of a stamp within the letterbox in a personal log book and then leave a mark of his or her personal stamp in the logbook. “I go to these places around East Texas that no one has ever even heard of,” Caitlin said. “People ask me what I am doing running around in a cemetery or digging on the banks of a Jefferson bayou. All I say is that I’m digging for buried treasure and most people just look at me funny. But once I find something, they ask how they can find stuff too. It’s really addicting.”
RESTAURANT – LIVE MUSIC – FULL BAR — MOORE FUN! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. ENJOY SPORTS TV. FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS.
While actual treasure like gems and gold are not found in the letterboxes, the wealth obtained by learning local history and lore is surely the reward. “I have been to some of these letterboxes that have not been opened in five or six years. Not only are you cracking open a bit of history from six years ago that no one else has touched, but you just learned about Confederate soldiers from Jefferson, and how awesome is that?” Caitlin said. PHOTOS: Top-bottom. Caitlin Thomas, 13, starts out her search for a letterbox in the historical Oakwood Cemetery in Jefferson. She inspects the grave of James Fitzgerald, who died in 1902. Fitzgerald’s grave was one stop on the way to unearthing a letterbox in the cemetery. She digs up the box on the edge of the cemetery and uses an angel stamp from the letterbox, Angels of Oakwood, to signify finding the hidden treasure. Various stamps dot the pages of a notebook stored in the box. Caitlin spends some research time near the gravesite of Jefferson’s famous murder victim, Diamond Bessie. Photos by Britne Hammons
DAILY BEST Burgers and Fries!
PICK UP ORDERS WELCOME
County Line – 1
LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4.75”w X 2.275”
FRI MAY 20 Mike & the Moonpies
M A Y J U N E
SAT MAY 28 East TX Jazz Orchestra
FRI JUN 3 Kris Gordon
SAT JUN 25 Mike Ryan
WEDNESDAY’S
THURSDAY’S
FRIDAY’S
SATURDAY’S
4th Steve Carpenter 11th Jamie Lin Wilson 18th Owen Tiner 25th Doug Kent
5th Austin Layne 12th Elaina Kay 19th Bri and Landon
6th Callahan Divide 13th Grady Spencer 20th Mike & the Moonpies 27th Kid Icarus Project
7th Gary Patrick 14th Chris Colston 21st Ben Lowery & Texas Express 28th East Texas Jazz Orchestra
1st Brother Sister 8th Ryan Reid 15th Devin Leigh 22nd Doug Kent 29th Nathan Bonnes
2nd Tiffani Watkins 16th 8Ball Aitken 23rd Clint Alford
3rd Kris Gordon 10th Pushwater 17th Jesse Jennings 24th Jason James
4th Wesley Pruitt Band 11th Parker McCollum 18th Chris Colston 25th Mike Ryan
www.mooresstore.com • 903.833.5100 MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 41
LIVING ROOM
Enjoy the Outdoors All Year Long with Enclosure System By Steve Freeman
Homeowners can now comfortably enjoy the outdoors all year long regardless of the weather forecast, thanks to advances in enclosure systems. One option, called Eze-Breeze, turns the sides of an exterior-facing room into a light-weight floor-to-ceiling window system. Each window easily opens and closes. And it costs about onethird less than that of traditional glass enclosures. Projects start at approximately $5,000 installed under an existing porch roof. “This gives residents maximum views and even greater control of welcoming nice breezes in or keeping hot or cold weather out,” said Misty Fagan, owner of Straightline Siding, Tyler. Made by PGT Industries, each window pane is made of strong 10-mil vinyl — as transparent as glass, but weighing and costing much less. They fit together with a custom-ordered track system of frames in colors that can compliment any home style. Vinyl windows may sound odd to homeowners, but the difference in the look in these and glass is negligible. Also, Eze-Breeze windows withstand breaking or cracking like typical glass panes. The material actually stretches when accidentally hit, but will then return to its original and transparent form in minutes. In cases where the vinyl is pierced or damaged, a pane can be replaced easily and inexpensively. The vinyl panes come in four colors — clear, smoke gray, bronze, and dark gray — for reducing solar heat gain or UVrays. The tint range also gives the resident greater communion with nature while offering maximum privacy. The panes also feature specialized fiberglass screens that deliver more solar protection or greater insect blocking ability. The four-track system allows 75 percent ventilation, compared to conven42 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
tional windows that have two panels which only permits the window to be opened less than 50 percent. If a wide-opened environment is desired, the panels can be removed and stored until needed again due to extreme weather times of the year. The system may also include a Cabana door. Eze-Breeze can be installed in just a few
days. Each installed system also comes with a lifetime warranty on frames and a 10-year warranty on vinyl, screens and moving parts. “It’s a great way to enclose an existing open air porch or replace an existing screen enclosure,” Fagan said. Learn more about Eze-Breeze at straightlinesiding.net or call 903.894.8428.
GON WHEEL WAANTIQUE MALL
One of a Kind 305 Alaska • Van, Texas
Voted Best Antique Store by County Line Magazine readers
12,000 square feet
Home Decor & Furniture
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
4BR, 3BA, 2GA with 2300 Sq ft on over half an acre. Gourmet kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, breakfast area, and formal dining. Home elegantly includes two master suites with large walk in closets. Open concept, all new electrical, plumbing. Features custom lighting, instant hot water, large utility room, oversized garage, stone fire place and much more. MLS # 10062880 Schedule your showing today.
Brian Braquet 903-539-1878 www.BrianBraquet.com
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 43
FEEL GOOD
Nick Transfers from Foster Care to College In 2015, The Department of Family and Protective Services awarded Nick (last name withheld for confidentiality) with the “Texas Foster Youth of the Year” award. He spent six years in the foster care system and is now attending college with a 3.5 GPA. Like many foster children, Nick’s story begins with a loss: in his case, when his aunt and uncle gave up their rights to him, leaving him in the foster care system. “At first it was a difficult thing to process, you know, being left by your family — the ones who say they love you,” Nick said. “It was hard to cope with. But over the years I started realizing that this is probably the best thing that could have happened. It’s been so beneficial — I couldn’t see it going any other way.” In his years in the system, Nick learned to find familial support in unexpected places. Nick bonded with other young people in foster care, who gave him strength to carry on even in the toughest of circumstances. “Being in [the foster care system], you hear a lot of different, horrible stories. Some of the stories I’ve heard made me think, wow, I was the lucky one. If they can still be here, I can push on too.” Pushing on proved difficult, and Nick had a particularly huge hurdle to overcome in the rejection of his biological family.
so helpful through this whole process.”
“[It was] the most difficult thing that I’ve had to overcome, dealing with the rumors and all of the problems,” Nick said.
“College is a hard time for any teenager,” Nick added, “so it’s really great to have them.”
Luckily, Nick found a family with DFPS and BCFS Health and Human Services, who helped him land on his feet to transition out of foster care into higher education. Nick reaches out to his connections whenever he needs something, and they do their best to help him.
Nick is currently studying at Tyler Junior College, where he hopes to get his feet wet before attending a larger university. His major is biology, and his current goal is to become a doctor someday. Having experienced hardship himself, this career choice has to do with his drive to help others that are sick or struggling.
“BCFS has been like another family to me. I have my case manager, and then her boss — they treat me like one of their own. They’ve had a big impact on me, getting me to college and getting all of my financial aid in order. They’ve been 44 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
Nick poses for his prom photo with two of his foster care supporters, Collette Stec (left) and Nancy Mumford.
“I don’t like the idea that someone’s hurt, and I can’t help them,” he explains of his chosen path. “That really doesn’t sit well with me.”
With optimism, ambition, and a go-to system, the future is Nick’s to conquer. He’s learned that it’s okay to accept assistance when he needs it, because as strong as he’s become, everyone needs a support system. “The most important thing I’ve learned is how to use my resources,” Nick said. “I’m not the kind of guy that likes to take a lot of help from people. If I can do it on my own, I want to do it on my own. They showed me that they’re just here to help, whether I want it or not. It showed me how much at times I really do need help — and that was a big deal for me.” Learn more about BCFS services at bcfs. com/Tyler.
ATHENS, TEXAS Welcome to Our Backyard
Scenic Drives, Local Wineries, Art Galleries, Shopping, Fishing, Zipline Tours, Nature Trails, Farmers’ Market Year-Round Events at Henderson County Regional Fair Park n Splash Pad Open/Kiwanis Park May 14, June 11, June 18: Black Beauty Ranch Tours May 7: Cinco de Mayo Celebration n May 17: Farm & Ranch Tour May 27-28: Annual Old Fiddler’s Contest and Reunion June 4: National Fishing Day n Juneteenth Celebration July 4: Fireworks at the Fishery
Stay & Play! For information about hotels and upcoming events, 1-888-294-2847
www.AthensTX.org/CLM5
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 45
Real East Texas Events
T-Bone Walker Festival with Keb Mo June 3-4, 2016
Fireworks Festival and Freedom Celebration
Great Texas Balloon Race
Longview Kennel Club Dog Show
InkLife Tattoo and Music Festival
July 4, 2016
July 22-24, 2016
July 29-31, 2016
August 12-14, 2016
Longview, Texas is home to exciting summertime events. VisitLongviewTexas.com | 903.753.3281 | 300 W. Cotton St., Longview, TX 75601
THE ART OF
Featured in Southern Living, Texas Monthly & Texas Highways!
East Texas’ only professional theatre!
The Merchant of Venice Directed by Leslie Reidel
Blithe Spirit
Directed by Nathanael Johnson
King Henry V
Directed by Stephen Wyman
Carousel
Directed by Stephen Terrell
The Belle of Amherst
Directed by Raymond Caldwell
Spirit of the Sea
Written & directed by Jason Richards
GEORGE RODRIGUE A RETROSPECTIVE
APRIL 9 to JUNE 25, 2016 SPONSORS: Jennifer & Landon Ogilvie I Julia & Bo Powers Citizens National Bank I Charlotte & John Wrather I Tower Honda East Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse I RBC Wealth Management Inspire Marketing I Janel & Jamey Walker I Longview News-Journal Martin Midstream Partners LP I Hollandsworth Family Foundation
For the schedule, please visit LMFA.org, or call SIGN UP NOW! 903.753.8103
June 30 – July 31 Van Cliburn Theatre in Kilgore, Texas TSF Ticket Office (903) 983-8601 www.TexasShakespeare.com 46 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • MAY/JUNE 2016
903.753.8103 • LMFA.org 215 E. Tyler St. • Longview, TX 75601
CREATIVE DESIGNS, EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY WWW.PAULMICHAELCOMPANY.COM | 903.567.0363 CANTON, TX | 1930 N. TRADE DAYS BLVD. |
MAY/JUNE 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 47
Jay Novacek Texas Rancher Former All-Pro Tight End Dallas Cowboys
“This is our lifestyle. Heritage is our lender.” For many Texans, owning land is a lifestyle choice. Like Jay and Amy Novacek, they choose to spend time where the air is a little fresher, the traffic a little slower and everything just seems a little quieter. If you’re one of those Texans, there’s a lender you need to know. For almost a century, Heritage Land Bank has been financing land for those who want their own piece of Texas. If you’re ready to buy, talk to a Heritage lender today.
Finan cing the
Wide-Open Space
903.534.4975 • HeritageLandBank.com/CountyLine EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
NMLS# 408898
s