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JULY/AUGUST 2014

M A G A Z I N E

HAPPY COMMUNIT Y SPACES BRINGING NEIGHBORS AND VISITORS TOGETHER

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

CONTENTS

Photo Courtesy: Cindy Roller

FEATURES

8 Good Public Spaces Build Better Communities East Texas communities are coming back together for fun and support in public arenas.

By P.A. Geddie

8

12 Back to the Delicious Basics at Greer Farm

This agritourism gem owned by Eva and Sid Greer is worth a visit for farm-to-fork meals and getaways.

By Elizabeth Branca

14 Learning the Fox Walk May Lead to a Better Life

The East Texas Survival School near Winnsboro teaches techniques to embrace wilderness living.

By Elizabeth Branca

DEPARTMENTS 5

ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE 6

Rental Car Usage Up At Tyler Pounds Airport, Longview Officials Attend Real Estate Convention, Longview Chamber Presents Awards At Annual Luncheon, Tips Offered To Prevent Identity Theft During Travel, TWDB Launches Interactive State Water Plan Website

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 16 Events

18 The Lady with the Pen Leads Norwegians to Texas y Lisa McKinney B

THE ARTS

20 Work of da Vinci Featured In Exhibit, TRAHC Summer Classes Continue Through July, TRAHC Juried Exhibition Set For Summer Showing

ON STAGE

22 ArtsView Announces Scholarship Winners, Auditions: ‘South Pacific’ at Lake Country Playhouse, ‘Hairspray’ Opens July 10 At Tyler Civic Theatrer

FILM

23 Cold in July Captures Lansdelion Feel.

By P.A. Geddie

Classic Movies: Great Stories, Beautiful Backdropsl.

12

Editor’s Note. Letters.

By Jules Scroggin and Jess LeBeau

MUSIC

24 Henderson County Arts Music Teachers Host Events, Fiddle Festival And Contest Announced in Greenville, Kilgore Concerts Continue Through August

LITERARY SCENE

26 Review by Patti Light: Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford 27 Poetry & Prose

10

PLAY

28 Lake Tyler Marina To Open Seven Days A Week, Swimming Pools Open Until August 9 In Tyler, Tyler City Council Awards Bid For Repairs To Dam

FOOD & DRINK

30 In the Kitchen with Artist Doug Brown As featured in Good Grub by Great Artists by Zeke & Marty

32 Thick & Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

By Debbie Davis

SHOP

34 Time It Lube Xpress Car Wash Opens, Ben Wheeler In Top 40 Texas Travel Destinations.

35 Gum Creek Mercantile Opens in Ben Wheeler

LIVING ROOM

26

20

36 Wilhite Landscape Offers Summer Lawn Advice

FEEL GOOD: Making a Difference

38 Center For Healthy Living Exceeds Expectations, Texas Young Lawyers Project Battles Substance Abuse, Safe Kids USA Launches Summer Car Safety Effort COVER. Downtown Sulphur Springs plaza

by Cindy Roller

SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

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county line Since 2000

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR P.A. Geddie PR & Marketing Leah Lynch Wendy Matthews Andrea Joyner CONTRIBUTORS Patti Light Jeremy Light Elizabeth Branca Lisa McKinney Jules Scroggin Jess LeBeau Debbie Davis Doug Brown Zeke & Marty SALES P.A. Geddie GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Jette Stephens DISTRIBUTION Pam Boyd Bombyk Leah Lynch David Michelina County Line Magazine is published once a month, 12 months a year. It is available free of charge in the Northeast Texas area in select businesses, limited to one copy per reader. Subscription costs: $18 per year in Texas, and $22 per year outside Texas. Bulk rate postage paid at Ben Wheeler, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. Contents COPYRIGHT 2014 County Line all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.963.8306. E-mail: info@countylinemagazine.com Website: www.countylinemagazine.com.

Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling 903.963.8306.

Serving the Upper East Side of Texas

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, What an exciting issue! We kick off July with celebrations of freedom throughout the Upper East Side of Texas.

Amongst the fireworks are great concerts and in Ben Wheeler a tribute to Brooks Gremmels who began the town’s resurrection a few years ago first with a July 4th event that brought neighbors together for the first time in decades and led to a thriving downtown area.

Creating good spaces for people to congregate is the topic of one feature this month and several of our communities do that very well through their parks, farmers markets, and downtown plazas.

Being able to have fun and find support on a regular basis with your neighbors and visitors is a very healthy thing. Communities that know and see each other on a regular basis have a much better chance of flushing out problems before they get out of hand like a bullied child or a hungry family. They can help young people feel good about themselves and

encourage kind, meaningful, and fun relationships. And tourists love to be part of a happy community as well so it’s a great boost to the economy.

Besides touting the benefits of human interaction, this issue also covers connecting with nature with the East Texas Survival School near Winnsboro. These are good things to know should you ever become lost in the woods but also just to know you are capable of living with only what nature provides.

At Greer Farm in Daingerfield guests experience a few more modern amenities than found in wilderness, but they do strive for excellence in sustainability and environmental stewardship. They grow their own food, share it with others, and offer delicious culinary experiences including farm-to-fork cooking classes.

Enjoy a fabulous summer and make your connections count!

P.A. Geddie Publisher & Managing Editor

LETTERS Dear Editor, I got the Jan-Feb issue. Even though I’ve lived in East Texas all my life, it turns out that there are some landmarks, restaurants, etc. in the Upper East Side that I have never heard about.

The article on Matthew McConaughey was great as well. Great work by Elizabeth Branca. In addition to new information, it provided a different twist on some things that I already knew about him. Some of it even reflected what I heard him say about his Just Keep Livin Foundation at the annual Mack, Jack & McConaughey fundraising gala that I attended in Austin back in April.

Love the magazine!

Hidden Star Retreat Ben Wheeler

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.

Carrie Williams Nacogdoches

List your events on WWW.COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM. CLICK ON MY ACCOUNT AT TOP OF THE PAGE AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. Questions? email: leah@countylinemagazine.com JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 5

ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Rental Car Usage Up At Tyler Pounds Airport

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport reports that rental car activity at the airport is at an all-time high.

The number of cars rented shows growth for the second year in a row. In 2012, rental car activity increased by 5.7 percent, then in 2013 it increased an additional 15.8 percent.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

facility, the rental car agencies can process returned cars much more quickly, resulting in faster turnover. The wash bay helps the rental car companies serve their customers more quickly and effectively.

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport presently has six rental car companies serving the airport. National, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget and Thrifty are each located in the commercial terminal building.

The year-to-date activity for 2014 shows an 18.1 percent increase in the number of cars rented compared to the same time last year.

Customers are urged to go to the airport’s website at www.FlyTYR.com to get more car rental information.

“We are hopeful this indicates a continued growth trend,” said airport manager Davis Dickson.

Longview Officials Attend Real Estate Convention

The airport initiated a new project in 2012 to construct a rental carwash center located on the commercial airport terminal campus. The project was completed in February 2014.

With the opening of the rental carwash

A team of four representatives from the Longview Chamber of Commerce and the city of Longview recently attended the annual Global Retail Real Estate Convention in Las Vegas.

Keith Honey, member of the chamber’s board of directors and manager

July 3-6 July 31-August 3 August 28-31

6 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

Ralph Waldo Emerson

of Governmental Affairs for AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company; city manager David Willard; interim development center director Michael Shirley; and Diana Northcutt, retail development coordinator for the chamber, attended the convention that took place May 18-21.

RECon is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, deal making and educational opportunities for retail real estate professionals from around the world. With more than 32,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors it is the largest industry convention, making it an unparalleled opportunity to do a year’s worth of business in just three days.

Longview representatives met retailers to discuss new and existing opportunities for retail development in Longview.

“This is where we plant the seeds and begin the deals that have brought a good number of new businesses to Longview. It is the most important an-

nual convention dealing with retail development,” Northcutt said.

Longview Chamber Presents Awards At Annual Luncheon The Longview Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding businesses in the Longview community at its 2014 Small Business Awards Luncheon and Leadership Longview Graduation, held on May 6 at Maude Cobb Convention Center.

The chamber presented awards to the following companies and individuals: Small Business of the Year – Cynergy Technology; Minority Business of the Year – bc SPA by Beauti Control; FamilyOwned Business of the Year – Longview Glass; Entrepreneur of the Year – Robert and Jo Ann Crawley, Robert’s Coffee & Vending Services; and Tourism Partner of the Year – Natalie Rabicoff.

The Leadership Longview Class of 20132014 also received recognition, as well as this year’s Youth Entrepreneur Academy’s (YEA!) graduates. This year’s YEA graduates are Anna Ward and Carter Sorrels, Foster Middle School; Skye Blatz, Judson Middle School; and Carolina Gonzalez, St. Mary’s School.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Byron Lichtenberg, founder of Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G), a company dedicated to providing a weightless experience using a Boeing 727 airplane. Lichtenberg is a retired airline captain with Southwest Airlines and is currently a visiting scholar at LeTourneau University.

Tips Offered To Prevent Identity Theft During Travel

Summertime means travel season is underway. While traveling is relaxing and fun, it can also be an identity theft nightmare.

Vacationers typically carry more personally identifiable information with them than usual, including passports, airline tickets and extra credit cards. Likewise, they also typically travel with more money in their bank accounts, making them prime targets for criminals.

The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas is warning consumers to use extra precautions to keep identity thieves from spoiling your vacations this summer.

“When consumers go on vacation, identity thieves go to work,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas, explained.

“A little preparation can go a long way toward making your trip more enjoyable.”

BBB provides the following 10 preventive tips to help avoid identity theft while you are away from home: 1.

Don’t announce your travel plans on social media; this invites identity thieves to target your house while you’re away. Turn off location settings and refrain from posting photos until you return.

2.

Place a hold on your mail. When criminals see an overflowing mailbox, they see an easy way to steal personal information. Likewise, have a neighbor pick up your newspapers or place them on hold as well.

3.

Carry only necessities in your wallet when traveling. Go through your wallet and leave at home your library card and other cards with your name on them. It’s a good idea to bring as few credit cards as possible when you travel, making them easier to keep track of as well as being easier to reconcile receipts with statements upon your return.

4. Set up a travel alert on your credit card accounts, and freeze your credit with the three credit bureaus. This will prevent others from attempting to create new accounts while you are away.

5. Leave your laptop computer at home if you can. If you must travel with a laptop, update your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Do not access bank accounts from your laptop while in a hotel room or at a coffee shop or any other Wi-Fi hot spot.

6. While staying at a hotel, lock important documents such as your passport in the hotel safe.

7. Use only ATMs located in banks. If you bring a debit card, use it as a credit card, refraining from entering your PIN number on unfamiliar devices.

8.

Protect your smartphone. Create a password for access, and use an appli-

cation with a GPS locator to find your phone if it is lost or stolen.

9. Don’t put your full name and address on luggage tags. Include just your last name and phone number.

10. Shred, or at the very least, tear up and discard used boarding passes.

Many travelers leave boarding passes behind in airplanes or hotels.

They often contain full names and other personal information.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to BBB.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, please call the BBB Hotline: 903.581.8373.

TWDB Launches Interactive State Water Plan Website

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote awareness about water shortages and create transparency, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) announces its new interactive website based on Texas’ 2012 State Water Plan.

This first-of-its-kind online application makes it easy to get details about water shortages based on such criteria as: • In multiple planning decades over the next 50 years, with changes over time; • At the community, state, region, county and entity level; • Within several map layer options.

Only projects that appear in the state water plan are eligible for funding from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) that was approved

by Texas voters last November. The new website lets water users statewide take an up-close look at data in the 2012 State Water Plan and how water needs change over time. These data arms communities with information as they plan for projects to submit for funding.

The user-friendly website is also easily viewed on most mobile devices. Future modules slated include population projections, water demand projections and water management strategies.

For details, contact Matt Nelson at matt.nelson@twdb.texas.gov or 512.

936.3550.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 7

Good Public Places Build Healthy Communities

By P.A. Geddie One of the things many Americans like about traveling in Europe is the way people gather in central places throughout each day and night. A diverse group of people from all walks of life leisurely stroll around water fountains or enjoy the shade of a tree, buy food from street vendors and outdoor café’s, and sit on welcoming benches to visit with neighbors and traveling strangers that entertain them with news from near and far.

Common ground in a community fosters sociability — pleasurable interaction that increases each other’s sense of well being. It’s not about enhancing one’s status or position — it’s a time for storytelling, joking, and sometimes, serious concerns that need love and support from others.

It’s a joyful and meaningful experience.

People interact with each other as fellow human beings, not in terms of specific roles such as employer-employee or cashier-customer. The status of each, their social or economic position, knowledge or fame is not as important as personal qualities, graciousness, cordiality and charm. The central square, market, or park is a safe place where people come to enjoy and learn from one another in a cooperative manner and is a symbol of unity for the communities that embrace it.

Prior to World War II it was common for people in East Texas to gather with their neighbors in downtown plazas and parks on a regular basis. Communities were small and everybody knew each other — most of them for their whole lives — and wanted to visit, swap stories, play a game 8 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

of dominoes perhaps, and lend a hand when needed. Families out on farms dotting the East Texas countryside looked forward each Saturday to ride into the closest “big” town to shop, get their mail, trade horses and mules, pick up a friend at the train station, and most of all, to visit with their neighbors.

Then the world got a little bigger. Many had to move to large cities like Dallas to find jobs and support their families. They found themselves in communities not defined by common acquaintance, knowledge, and culture, but by geography and economics, and often didn’t know their neighbors at all. And many of the towns they left behind all but dried up and blew away.

The world got even bigger the last decade or so when the Internet infiltrated everyone’s lives and took people even further away from face-to-face communication with their neighbors.

In recent years, however, and perhaps even because of the heavy swing of the pendulum towards isolation, developers in many cities — large and small — are seeing the importance of creating inviting centrally-located spaces for people to have real life experiences with others.

When one of Forbes’ list of the 400 most wealthiest Americans, Kelcy Warren, was growing up in White Oak between Gladewater and Longview, he probably made a few good memories during community gatherings in his small town that led him to get involved with the amazing 5.2-acre Woodall Rodgers deck park in Dallas

completed in 2012. His undisclosed millions of dollars donation gave him the right to name the space, now known as Klyde Warren Park, named for his son.

Klyde Warren Park is a favorite day trip for many from East Texas as it offers daily unique opportunities for dining (there are food trucks and great upscale restaurants), a children’s area with interactive fountains, playgrounds, a storytelling tree and kid-size amphitheater, live music, fitness classes, French bocci ball, ping pong, and foosball all amongst the beautifully landscaped, green-friendly outdoors adjacent to Dallas’ arts district.

It’s open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and park staff wheels out magazine and newspaper stands each morning and games like chess and checkers for guests to enjoy.

But Dallas isn’t the only place making progress in creating great spaces for people to enjoy good company.

When Tyler resident Don Warren (no relation to Kelcy) was approached about a year ago to help spearhead improvements in the park that unites his diverse neighborhood, he didn’t hesitate. Living just two doors south of Bergfeld Park he said he often sees and hears the sounds of what goes on there — people enjoying picnics, the clings and clangs of the swords of practicing fencers, and children laughing as they run around the dolphin statue, Splasher, at the center of a water splash pad.

“The park is the melting pot of the com-

The inviting Sulphur Springs downtown plaza is enjoyed night and day throughout the week by locals and visitors alike. Photos by Cindy Roller

munity,” Warren said, now a Tyler city councilman. “People from all different cultures come and it’s a fun thing to see all the people that use it.”

Warren likes that people are interacting with each other from the neighborhood and with visitors.

The new playground equipment planned for the facelift taking place this year encourages more interaction, he said.

of neighbors still visit a bit around the courthouse square and a enjoy a couple of outdoor eating areas.

“I see very few on their phones or pads or Facebook,” he said. “People are actually interacting — it’s exciting to see.”

One is a series of nets where as many as 20-30 kids can play together at one time.

Some towns that may have emptied out after the 1940s or so, have made a comeback in recent years and once again have crowds in their downtown areas on Saturdays in particular. Farmers markets draw everyone together ­— buyers and sellers, rich and poor, old and young, artists, musicians and other entertainers. Its a powerful place for social life and economic activity in downtowns like Mineola, Winnsboro, and Longview.

Warren said he and his family enjoy the park often.

“I have five grandkids,” he said, and within 30 minutes they are making friends.

Bergfeld Park recently received the designation of “Lone Star Legacy Park” for its special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas and what the park means to it’s community. One of the highest honors bestowed on a park, Bergfeld has endured the test of time and become iconic to those who visit, play and rest on its grounds.

MHS Planning and Design of Tyler recently completed a master plan for improvements to the park, which was adopted by the city council in November 2013. This plan was then used to design a new playground facility for the park and other renovations to make the park more user friendly, Warren said.

Other renovations include removing seats in the current amphitheater and replacing it with grass to encourage families to bring blankets instead of sitting in the hard chairs. The city shows movies and has other entertainment regularly in the park. There’s yoga on Sundays were anyone’s open to participate for free. Walkers and joggers are regulars at the park and many other activities make it a great place to congregate.

Clearly the largest gathering of a community in a central location on a regular basis in East Texas is in Canton with First Monday Trade Days. That first started out as neighbors visiting while they waited to take care of business at the downtown courthouse more than 150 years ago.

They began to trade horses and dogs and now it’s grown to a place where more than 6,000 local and visiting vendors sell to and entertain more than hundreds of thousands for four days each month.

During the rest of the month a handful

Rockwall also has a farmers’ market with thousands of locals and visitors mingling every Saturday. It’s pet friendly, has live music, and lots of sitting and eating going on. The Harbors at Rockwall next to Lake Ray Hubbard is also a favorite gathering spot of locals and visitors alike on any given day with inviting space for blankets and picnics, enjoying the lake view, outdoor cafe’s, shopping, and special events. A pedestrian plaza is expected to be complete by October 1 this year in downtown Rockwall inviting people to sit and visit in the center of town.

continued Page 11

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 9

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215 E. Tyler St. • Longview, Texas

The tiny village of Ben Wheeler epitomizes the concept of bringing the community together in a central location almost daily with thriving art and other quaint retail shops, two popular restaurants with outdoor seating, two park areas and an active outdoor pavilion with regular entertainment all enjoyable during a leisurely stroll about town.

An excellent example in East Texas right now of creating great common space to better their community is Sulphur Springs. City planners decided a few years ago that their lifeless, downtown area was at the root of many of their economic and social challenges.

City Manager Marc Maxwell said, “Downtown is the heart of the community. A few years ago what people saw in Sulphur Springs was a dying downtown, a place where nobody gathered, and certainly nothing going on after 5 o’clock.”

When the city decided to do something about that they started with Main Street, refurbishing a small section of old buildings into a spruced up area with shops, piped in music, benches, and inviting landscaping.

Maxwell said when they were just about finished with construction, since the street was already blocked off, they had a grand opening celebration on the downtown street where hundreds of people showed up. Having such a good time visiting with their neighbors, many were heard to say, “It’s a shame we can’t do this all the time,” Maxwell said.

That spurred city leaders to contact a leading expert in the country in public space design, Ian Lockwood, who lead the efforts to bring the downtown plaza to the heart of the city it is now.

They designed a comfortable and natural gathering space with their award-winning Hopkins County vintage courthouse as a backdrop and began to add bricks and statues and more.

Having lived with the decaying downtown area for so many years, the Sulphur Springs community was slow to come around to the fact that change was coming. One of Maxwell’s favorite moments of the process was when he finally saw people start to use the plaza.

“People were seeing the progress we were making on the streets around the square,” he said. “There was some excitement building but most couldn’t imagine the plaza. Until the day the grass went down. There was an immediate change.

The day after people were out with blankets and picnic baskets.”

Several more downtown side streets were renovated along with the downtown plaza which besides the grassy area to enjoy picnics and more includes an interactive splash fountain in the shape of a Texas star illuminated with ultra violet light at night, a stunning veterans memorial with granite walls, waterfalls, statues, inviting benches and picnic tables all around the plaza (places to sit are one of the most important elements to a successful common gathering space), and oversized playable chess and checkers games. There’s of-

ten live music going on but when there’s not, piped music is heard throughout the downtown area.

Local resident Pat Chase is sometimes on hand giving carriage rides.

They also have an interesting attraction on the plaza: two see-through public restrooms — thought to be the only ones in America — built with one-way mirrors so people can see out, but those outside cannot see in.

Several restaurants downtown have outdoor seating making guests a part of the common plaza experience and numerous retail shops keep people strolling around town.

Event coordinators are constantly working to keep activities happening on and around the plaza. They have two markets each Saturday, one early morning, more farm-product related, and another Saturday night that opens up to more art, food vendors, and entertainment. Their regular offerings also include outdoor movies and a long list of other activities throughout the week.

Whether there’s an event or not, people are there using the space, Maxwell said, and it’s brought a sense of pride to the community and enticing others to want to move there.

“When people are downtown now the positive energy is palpable,” he said. “It’s soothing. We just might live in the happiest place on earth.”

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 11

Back to the Delicious Basics at Greer Farm

The Greer’s kitchen is where guests spend a good deal of time enjoying farm-to-fork cooking demonstrations and delicious meals. Photo by Elizabeth Branca

By Elizabeth Branca Down a long verdant-rimmed lane of tawny dirt and stone, the historic hideaway Greer Farm is nestled off the beaten path near Daingerfield in the Upper East Side of Texas.

Moving past the front gate and blooming hedgerow, Bailey, a golden retriever, bounds from the wide-planked porch of the 1850s plantation-style home to greet visitors. The furry concierge’s affection is just one of the simple reasons guests immediately feel at home here.

This agritoursim gem — owned by Eva and Sid Greer — is the recipient of several awards and accolades from national magazines and television morning shows for good reason. The Greers raise vegetables and herbs, hay, fruit and berries, flowers, and Maine-Anjou beef cattle and share their offerings at markets, on the farm, and in culinary experiences including private dining, catering, and farm-to-fork cooking classes. They strive for excellence in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship and invite guests to visit their unique farm for a meal, a day trip adventure, or overnight getaway.

With summer’s arrival, the farm’s bounty is at its peak and for those who can’t spoil themselves with an overnight stay at one of the four lakefront cabins, taking advantage of the farm’s many seasonal activities is well-worth the trip.

From berry picking and farm-to-fork cooking classes, Greer Farms offers a perfect summer experience.

East Texas’ temperate mornings are a great time for day-trippers to pay the farm a visit. The fruit orchards occupy a fair portion of Greer’s 400 acres and in July and August visitors can gather a basket of blueberries, figs or plums.

Glorious flora abounds on the farm, with Eva’s hundred-plus varieties of antique roses dotting almost every corner of the property. In addition to admiring the landscaped blooms, visitors can also pick wildflowers and sunflowers, as well as fruit.

The Greers often greet their guests from one of the pine rocking chairs, which flank the expansive porch.

Eva, a Belizean beauty and chef, and her husband Sid, a graduate of Daingerfield high school and retired oil execu-

12 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

tive, have called Greer Farm their home since 1998.

“We had a business plan and just did things incrementally,” Sid said of the farms evolution. “The farm continues to grow and now we have meat, jams, private dining, cooking classes, breeding cows and cabins.”

After living abroad for many years, the Greers left London and relocated to the farm, which was owned by Eva’s family but had fallen into disrepair. Two years of architectural restoration and countless hours of hard labor brought the historic home and property back from devastation and into working condition.

Having briefly used traditional pesticides on his farm at its inception, Sid soon adopted more progressive farming methods such as mob grazing and wheat straw, keeping in mind his future goal — Sid hoped that one day Greer Farm would become a model of excellence in sustainable agriculture.

“Today our cattle is all grass fed,” he said. “They get hay from our farm — nothing artificial or with pesticides. Our lambs, pigs and chickens too.”

Whether engaged in a culinary class or just having a casual chat while sipping a glass of Eva’s home-brewed Kombucha, the Greer’s love of farming is more than just product knowledge — it’s about connection.

In Eva’s kitchen everything is from scratch.

“Even spices, like nutmeg and cumin are made from the seed. In class I like to show how to heat up the seeds to release the oils and then grind it into spice powders,” she noted.

Her cooking classes are three to four hours, vary according to season, capture her culinary style and celebrate the simple goodness of farm fresh flavors.

This summer’s course offerings include “Cooking from Farmers Market” that features chicken and peach skewers with peanut marinate, tenderloin with tomato jam, summer vegetables with black rice, fresh chopped salad, grilled corn on the cob with herbs and Cotija cheese, peach and blackberry polenta cobbler; “Jam Making” with blueberries, blackberries and peach jams, the ultimate BLT, and sparkling basil gin lemonade; “Free-Range Chicken” presents barbecue chicken corn cakes with fennel slaw, chicken lime soup with avocado, fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits, pecan-smoked chicken breasts with wheat berries and bacon, prosciutto wrapped chicken and cocoa nib gelato; “Keeping Cool in Texas” with peach lavender aqua fresca, heirloom tomato sandwich with basil pesto and fresh mozzarella, balsamic roasted beet salad with Haute goat cheese, green gazpacho with shrimp, smoked salmon and avocado spring roll, coconut milk and fresh corn ice cream; and “Breakfast Delights” with matcha latte, homemade granola, green onion and potato frittata, mango berry banana smoothie, scrambled eggs with prosciutto ham and spinach, sticky buns, and eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce.

ferings at the farm in Daingerfield, but products are also available at Longview Farmers’ Market and via the Greer Farm online store. Eva’s jams are a favorite with Grand Marnier blueberry, balsamic strawberry and green jalapeno some of the best sellers.

Another big point of pride is the Greer Farm eggs. The richly-hued orbs are used in Eva’s recipes as well as sold at market.

amalgamation of edible indulgence and earthy respite produced right in their backyard.

Whether spending a few hours picking the seasons best fruit or finding a serene sabbatical in a cozy cabin, the rhythmic din of Greer Farm’s flora and fauna will soothe even the most frazzled visitor with a remarkable sense of serenity.

While picking over a brimming bowl of freshly-laid eggs in their kitchen the farmers explained that since their hens are free-range with a diet sans any chemicals, the yolks are more vibrantlycolored and richer in flavor. Taking a recently baked lemon tartlet from the fridge, Eva noted that her egg dishes have both phenomenal taste and color due to the eggs.

For private dinners and celebrations, a fresh garden flower-decorated dining room can accommodate up to 30 guests, with chef Eva designing the perfect menu from Greer Farm’s unique

Bailey, the golden retriever, hitches a ride on the farm golf cart to inspect the fruit orchards with Chef Eva and Sid Greer. Below. Sid shows off one of the farm’s many hens. Photos by Elizabeth Branca.

“You can pick-your-own berries and later in the day take a canning/cooking class on how to prepare them,” Eva said. “ I can’t stand waste and I started making jams after a surplus of berries.

I never use canned or frozen — everything must be fresh.”

The best way to get a taste of the farm is to take in the stunning scenery and ofJULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 13

Learning the Fox Walk May Lead to a Better Life

By Elizabeth Branca

In an effort to live a happier existence, modern man has a variety of means to relax and refocus. From gadgetry and apps with meditative melodies to opulent vacations and cars, people often look to consumerism for contentment and to technology for peace of mind — but with little relief.

East Texas Survival School, located on a bucolic stretch road in Winnsboro, shares key principles for living a more self-reliant and peaceful life by learning to feel at home in the woods by connecting deeply with what nature provides.

Founders Renae Williams and husband, Shawn Keon, inspired by their passion for the environment, conservation and native American culture, opened their school in 2012 and teach classes to families, curiosity seekers, naturalists, as well as veteran outdoorsmen.

“We mentor people between old ways and new ways like a middle ground,” explained Keon, who attends Texas A&M for Wildlife Management and studied environmental science at Austin Community College, “and there are a lot of different levels to the schools. We teach survival skills, along with sustainability and personal growth.”

Class offerings include earth skills like finding shelter, water, fire, food and tracking in an emergency situation, as well as sustainable living skills like solar water heating, composting and gardening.

Renae Williams demonstartes how to start fire naturally and (at right) how to install a solar still to gather drinking water at East Texas Survival School near Winnsboro. Photos by Elizabeth Branca

sonnel, we have had all types of people of all ages take classes here,” said Keon, who at 15-years old had his future career in the military sidelined due to a medical condition. “They all have one thing in common — wanting to reconnect. Students want to reconnect both internally and externally with the natural world and within themselves.”

Whether it’s the basic survival course or self-defense, the school’s curriculum focuses on the key concepts of confidence and self-reliance.

Few people will ever find themselves in a life or death circumstance in the woods, so most may not see the relevance of a survival training class. But survival training isn’t just about finding food, water and shelter — it’s about living a more meaningful, self-sufficient life with a deeper connection to the natural world.

Each course begins with a brief introduction, followed by a personal interview. The interview is akin to an assessment which helps to pinpoint the client’s needs and interests, as well as help the instructors determine the student’s sense of awareness and connectedness.

“From lawyers to doctors to military per-

“Every class is different because there

14 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

is a basic outline, but we design the course according to what piques the student’s interest” explained Williams, who met her husband while attending a survival class at Tom Brown Jr’s Tracker School in New Jersey. “Some students stay for the day, but others may require a longer stay for intensive courses.”

Accommodations include a camper, as well as backcountry campsites.

After the assessment class begins, the first field lesson is fox walking.

Fox walking is the technique of treading barefoot across terrain for heightened awareness, and for Williams and Keon it’s all about mindful connection.

From the beginning it’s easy to recognize that they live their craft and years of survival training has given them a profound awareness of the people, places and things around them.

“Congruence,” explained Keon, whose martial arts training includes Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Ju Jitsu, “is being able to think about something and act upon it so your whole being is behind it. It’s what we teach.”

Keon, the son of an Army Ranger, was born in Peabody, Massachusetts, and began martial arts practice very young with the encouragement of his father. His lifelong martial arts studies gave him the tenor of an old warrior, as he explains every lesson with calm precision.

Williams, a petite natural beauty, was home schooled in rural East Texas and grew up on the land where she and her husband now conduct survival school classes. Her fascination with flora and fauna started at an early age. The Cherokee descendent recalls her mother read her stories of native local tribes and primitive cultures, which inspired her to study survival skills and master the arts of basket-making and pottery.

“What kept the Apache alive when the cavalry was after them for years was awareness,” she noted.

Plant identification is a major part of the basic course curriculum and remarkably Williams identifies a wide variety of native plants and flowers that dot the landscape.

She recognized a cluster of plantain and explained how the plant can be used to make a poultice which draws out poison,

then proceeded to note honeysuckle, blackberries and dewberries amongst the grass and foliage.

Pointing to a leafy green yarrow plant topped with blooms, she detailed the medicinal use as a hemostasis, but also explained the binomial name and meaning.

“Small white clusters of flowers identify the most medicinal, as well as poisonous flowers including water hemlock,” she stated and added that deadly water hemlock is currently in bloom on their property.

From bad breath to snake bites to indigestion, she readily calls out a dizzying amount of flora and its uses.

After the intro field lesson, the classroom moves into a wooded area for shelter building and other training.

Artfully, the couple built a debris hut to illustrate what type of structure is needed to keep alive when shelter or blankets aren’t available. They delve into the materials, ground conditions and architecture required, even outlining the pitfalls of fire ants and other hazards.

Later, class moves creek side and the duo begins to instruct the how-to’s of carving and fire making. Basic fire skills require bow drill know-how, which is a primitive fire making method which takes patience and lots of practice.

For Williams and Keon, it’s not only an opportunity to show off more of their amazing skills and knowledge, but it’s where the lessons become more interactive.

During the bow drill exercise they take time to remind students to maintain a grateful mindset. Gratitude might be the school’s most important principle, Keon said, and added that there are seven tenets, including inner vision or gut feeling, sacred silence, and passionate choice, that guide their school’s practices.

Throughout the days’ lessons students are reminded to breath, be present, and grateful, which gives every task a spiritual element.

Under close instruction and supervision, students learn to carve the bow drill’s spindle and fireboard, as well as make the twine necessary for fire starting without the help of matches.

For neophyte fire starters, it may take a lot of pulling and determination, but a spark is guaranteed.

Other instructions of the day include wildlife tracking, as well as trap and snare setting.

In summation of the day’s training, the couple’s final lesson is the blindfolded field stalk. To test student’s gained sense of awareness, the barefooted and blindfolded participants are asked to follow drumbeats across a field.

“The process is the journey guided by God and the sacred question essentially,”Keon said. “The stories of Hercules and Achilles are stories about us. They teach morals about living. Everybody’s life is a hero story and they are all tied together.”

Treading lightly over thorny vines and unruly tufts of grass, students must trust in the process and tap into their confidence, as well as newly learned skills in order to make it across the rugged turf.

Shawn Keon shows how to build a survival hut out of debris, which could save a life if trapped in the wilderness. Photo by Elizabeth Branca

From the moment they are fox walking blindfolded across the wild topography, it seems easier to enjoy the touch of the wind, the song of the birds and the warmth of the sun — at last, a peaceful journey.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 15



CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

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

EVENT PICKS Every Thursday

Cruise Night. Athens. Classic cars,street rods, rat rods, project cars and trucks,new cars, motorcycles and more. Free. Downtown Athens, 219 S. Palestine Street. (903)-675-8616.

July 31 – August 3, August 28 - 31

First Monday Trades Days. Canton. The oldest and largest flea market in the world. The ultimate shopping experience. Wander 300 acres of antiques, arets and crafts, and handmade articles. Free. First Monday Trades Days Grounds. 877-462-7467. www.visitcantontx.com.

Through July 31

Turtle Pilgrimage. Uncertain. Hundreds of female red-ear sliders come ashore to lay eggs. The City post signs along the roadways to alert motorists to protect the reptiles.

Caddo Lake. (903) 789-3443.

July 3 – 5

Timpson Frontier Days. Timpson. Live demonstrations, folklore, entertainment, arts & crafts, parade, pageant, rides and more.

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Free. Downtown Timpson & SoSo Park. Jacob Street 936-254-2603.www. shelbycountychamber.com.

July 3-5

Independence Day Celebrations. Ben Wheeler, Commerce, Gilmer, Paris, Kaufman, Gun Barrel City, Whitehouse, Canton, Edom, Mineola, Mount Pleasant, Tyler, Uncertain, www.countylinemagazine.com.

July 10 - 12

25th Annual WHAT-A-Melon Festival. Center.

WHAT-A-Melon Pet show, Miss WHAT-A-Melon Pageant, Seed Spittin’ Contest, largest watermelon contest, carnival rides, arts & crafts, food vendors, live entertainment. Historic Downtown Center Square. 100 Courthouse Square.

936-598-5651. www.shelbycountychamber.com.

Sky diver Jack Pyland crosses the sky with an American flag as Misti Plank sings the Star Spangled banner at this year’s Wings Over Pegasus event in Murchison held to raise funds for the Pegasus Project, a non-profit horse rescue organization. To learn more visit www.pegasusrescue.org. Photo by Wendy Matthews

July 26 – 28

Naples Watermelon Festival and Rodeo.

Naples. Since 1945, the last weekend in July is this community’s annual PRCA Rodeo (Jul 26 & 28) and Watermelon Festival (free watermelon for everyone) on the final day. There is a vibrant parade, bands, crafts, entertainment, street dance and more. Call for a list of event times and costs. 112 Hilltop Dr. 903.897.2037. www. city-of-naples-texas.com/events.php.

August 13 - 16

44th Annual New Boston Pioneer Days. New Boston. Week-long events include antique car show, pancake breakfast, parade and concert with The Bellamy Brothers. 100 Center Street, 903.628.2581.

August 23

Hot August Night. Sulphur Springs. Hot

August Night is a fund raiser for all 12 volunteer fire departments in Hopkins County with a BBQ contest, firefighter challenge and country music concert. 100% of money raised goes to the local VFDs. Civic Center. 1200 Houston Street. www.visitsulphurspringstx.org.

August 30 Garrison Homecoming. Garrison. Garrison Homecoming is set for August 30 on Labor Day weekend. The schedule includes a 10 a.m. parade, barbecue lunches for sale starting at 11 a.m., bounce houses, bull riding, 42 and washer tournaments, games for kids, vendors of all kinds, cake auction at 2 p.m. and much more. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admittance, games and food costs. Garrison Square, Hwy 59 and FM 95 N. 936.347.2316.

September 5 - 13

Have a bloomin’ good time in Tyler this summer.

Gregg County Fair. Longview. Gregg County Fairgrounds. http://greggcountyfair.com.

September 17 - 21 Texas State Forest Festival. Lufkin. George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center, 1200 Ellen Trout Drive. www.texasstateforestfestival.com.

September 19 - 20 VisitTyler.com

16 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

15th Annual Lone Star Quilt Show. Sulphur Springs. FBC Regional Outreach Center. 115 Putnam Street. www.visitsulphruspringstx.org.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 17

The Lady with the Pen Leads Norwegians to Texas

By Lisa McKinney Born in Norway in 1815, Elise Tvede lived a comfortable, pastoral life as an upper-class clergyman’s daughter. After the death of her parents, she married Sven Foyn, a whaling magnate, and continued a life of ease until the suffering of others caught her attention.

“The Lady with the Pen,” as she became known, used her writing and journalism skills as a young woman to fight for education, particularly for women.

She became caught up in the modern spirit in Norway and founded a school for girls and began writing for a Norwegian magazine owned by Johan Reinert Reiersen. Though she was something of a social crusader, her editorial work in Norway was disguised as a man’s because females were not supposed to take on a public presence outside the home.

Elise was not a woman bound by convention, although she did not chafe at convention for its own sake. She did chafe at fulfilling only a wifely role in those days and amicably divorced her first husband.

Looking for better social and economic possibilities like many Europeans, Reiersen, who is considered the “Father of Norwegian Immigration to Texas,” made his way with others to the New World in 1845 leaving Elise to run his publication. The first Norwegian settlement in the United States was founded that year a few miles west of the Neches River in Brownsboro (then called Normandy) in Henderson County.

Reiersen and Elise continued publishing in Norway for a couple of years and used the medium to encourage others to come to Texas. When he stopped the magazine in 1847, Elise decided to head to the land of the free as well.

She began to plan for a voyage to the United States, hiring the boat, and purchasing supplies for the voyage for her group. This was standard, although the ship captain turned out to be a rascal and a flop, losing his way, and provisions had to last for weeks longer than expected — she shared with others who had run out.

The Four Mile Lutheran Church near Mabank, founded by Norwegian immigrant Elise Waerenskjold and others, is the location for a celebration of American freedom July 4 by their descendants and neighbors.

At just 32 years old, Elise was a long way from her once “life of ease,” nearly starving on the overcrowded immigrant boat and even found herself slogging through the swamps between New Orleans and Shreveport.

“much better behaved than Norwegian livestock.” But mostly when she wrote back home to encourage emigration, she wrote of Texas freedom. That is the character trait that has persisted to this day.

When Elise finally was able to settle with the other Norwegians in the Brownsboro Colony, she became one of its most outspoken and effective champions. She admired the independent spirit — she was a true Texan.

Elise married another immigrant in Brownsboro, Danish-Norwegian Wilhelm Waerenskjold.

One of her well-known writings is called the “Texas Manifesto,” in which she blazed through an effete Frenchman’s critical account of Texas. He was obviously never here, she wrote.

She went on to praise the corn and beans, although Texas produced smaller potatoes. She praised the “amiable nature” of the animals, which were

18 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

After a time in the Brownsboro Colony, the Waerenskjolds and others moved over to an area now known as Prairieville or Four Mile Prairie that straddles southwestern Van Zandt and Kaufman counties. She said it reminded her more of her homeland with rolling agricultural opportunities. There was more room for settlement there and the government eventually opened the way for the Mercer Colony land to be settled free of legal entanglements.

Elise Waerenskjold, also sometimes called Elise Van Shaw, was a no-nonsense “mother of her people” for more than 40 years in Prairieville and one of the state’s leading pioneer heroines of the early settlement of Texas.

with the vertical panels (as opposed to a horizontal log building), is long gone.

The church is still situated on land donated by Elise and Wilhelm Waerenskjold located at 460 VZCR 2607, Mabank.

She defended her abolitionist heart in the midst of Civil War Texas. Some say the presence of the Norwegians in Van Zandt County is the origin of its “Free State” nickname.

The church celebrates an “Old-Fashioned Fourth of July,” starting with a memorial service at 11 a.m. July 4.

Elise Waerenskjold eventually moved in with her eldest son, Otto Waerenskjold, in Hamilton, Texas, after having lived at Four Mile Prairie for 46 years.

She died January 22, 1895.

Her numerous writings about Norwegian immigrant life in Texas remain an invaluable source of information and in 1961 they were published in a book called “Lady With the Pen: Elise Waerenskjold in Texas.” She is also written about in numerous other books of heroic pioneer women of Texas.

The church she helped found, now Four Mile Lutheran Church, still holds worship, although the original church,

A flag raising and singing of the StarSpangled Banner follows lunch at noon.

The church raises money to tend to its historic cemetery by selling silent auction items, something similar Elise was known to do for years herself as she sold books and seed corn door to door to raise money to keep her own homestead and her community going.

It is said that with the exception of Ireland, no nation sent a larger percentage of its people to the United States than Norway. Ultimately, by 1925, about onethird of Norwegians had left the country. The Lady with the Pen and other immigrants from Norway brought a fascinating heritage and built a sturdy ethnic community that still thrives in pockets around East Texas today.

Enjoy Shopping, Dining, Entertainment, Nature & History in Mineola, Texas!

ACOUSTIC MUSIC ON THE STREETS

EVERY SATURDAY! Johnson St. Gazebo or Peterson Park 6 p.m.

MAIN STREET FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays, 7:30-11 a.m. (or until they run out) Pavilion West of Depot on Front Street

July 4th Celebration

Entertainment, Food, Free Fireworks Mineola Civic Center

Mineola Nature Preserve 7 a.m. until sunset EQUESTRIAN. HIKING. BIKING TRAILS. P H O T O G R A P H E R S PA R A D I S E .

B I R DW A T C H E R S D R E A M .

www.mineolanaturepreserve.com 1.800.646.3652

VISIT THE MINEOLA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

114 Pacific St (Hwy. 69). Free.

Open Thur, Fri, Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

1.800.MINEOLA • www.mineola.com D E S I G N A T E D DA I LY S T O P • A M T R A K T E X A S E A G L E • 1. 8 0 0 . 6 6 9 . 8 5 0 9

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 19

THE ARTS

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”

Pablo Picasso

The machines of famed inventor Leonardo da Vinci are the subjects of a special exhibit through September 7 at the Center for Earth & Space Science and the Discovery Science Place in Tyler. Courtesy photo.

Work of da Vinci Featured In Exhibit

while the Discovery Science Place hosts Earth and Fire.

Leonardo da Vinci was not only a great painter and sculptor but also a genius designer, architect, and engineer far ahead of his time. This summer, the public can witness the genius of da Vinci first hand through a special exhibit in Tyler.

When you purchase a da Vinci Summer ticket, you gain access to the entire Machines in Motion exhibit at both venues, and a day pass to see as many planetarium shows in our dome as you’d like.

The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) 26th annual juried exhibition, featuring artists 18 years and older, opens July 11 and continues through August 9.

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit the da Vinci Summer website at davincisummer.com.

You may also purchase tickets at the door at either venue.

The exhibition, sponsored by E-Z Mart, takes place at the Regional Arts Center at 321 West Fourth Street in downtown Texarkana.

The Center for Earth & Space Science Education and Discovery Science Place proudly present “Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion,” an interactive exhibition with 40 operational, actual-size working machines, continuing through September 7.

All straight from the mind of da Vinci himself, these machines are brought to reality by a modern team of scientists and artisans using the same craftsmanship that Leonardo would have used in his time.

The exhibit is organized into four parts, based on pre-scientific studies of the elements of nature: earth, water, air and fire. The Center for Earth & Space Science Education hosts Water and Air,

TRAHC Summer Classes Continue Through July The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) offers a number of summer art camps and classes for various ages in July. Children’s classes and camps cover weaving, Picasso, and more. Adult classes include mosaics, watercolors, and oil painting.

For more information or to register for classes, please contact Amy Donohoe at 903.792.8681 or adonohoe@trahc.org.

20 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

TRAHC Juried Exhibition Set For Summer Showing

Awards given in this exhibition include the Yates Collection Purchase Award - $1,000; Best of Show - $1,000; First Place - $750; Second Place - $500; Third Place - $300; and Fourth Place - $200.

For more information, contact Amy Donohoe at 903.792.8681 or email her at adonohoe@trahc.org.

ARTS EVENTS Through July 14 Scott M. Lieberman, M.D.: At the Vantage Point. Tyler. Tyler Museum of Art. 1300 S. Mahon. 903-595-1001. www. tylermuseum.org.

July 11 – August 9

county line

TRAHC’s 26th Annual Juried Exhibit.

Texarkana. Texarkana Regional Arts Center, 221 Main Street. 903-792-4992. http://trahc.org

July 12

Reception for Diversity Exhibit. Tyler.

Join us to celebrate the grand opening of Gallery Main Street’s Diversity fine art exhibit. The event will feature music, refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artists. Main Street. 110 W Erwin. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Free. 903.593.6905. www.cityoftyler.org.

Regional Magazine for the Upper East Side of Texas

August 1

Michelson Museum of Art Walking Tour. Marshall. Marshall Architectural Walking Tour led by Tony Crosby. Guests enjoy a wine and cheese reception. 6:30 p.m.

Michelson Museum of Art. 216 N. Bolivar Street.

903.935.9480. www.michelsonmuseum.org.

GOT YOU COVERED

September 13

Reception for Movements of the Mind Exhibit. Tyler. Join us to celebrate the grand opening of Gallery Main Street’s Movement of the Mind fine art exhibit.

The event will feature music, refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artists. 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Free Main Street. 110 W Erwin.

903.593.6905. www.cityoftyler.org.

Call today. 903.963.8306. market@countylinemagazine.com

www.countylinemagazine.com

fl&

f JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 21



ON STAGE

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

ArtsView Announces Scholarship Winners

ArtsView Children’s Theatre announces the winners of its 10th anniversary year scholarship program. The purpose of the program, which is administered by the ACT Board of Directors, is to identify and honor high school students who live in the greater Longview area. This year’s scholarship recipients are Mickey McFall and Allison Garrett.

Shawn ‘Mickey’ McFall is a senior at White Oak High School. McFall made his debut acting on the stage at ArtsView and later became involved with the technical aspects of working backstage. He is planning to attend Claremont-McKennaScripps College in California to pursue a double major in Economics and International Relations. His goal is to acquire a J.D. in Law. Allison Garrett is a senior at Pine Tree High School. She was in one of ArtsView’s first productions, “Happily Ever After.”

She has “grown up” at ArtsView, participating in camps, classes and productions.

Garrett is planning to attend the University of Texas at Austin to participate in the Theatre Studies program. She hopes to get her master’s degree in acting and pursue a career as a college theater professor.

For more information about ArtsView’s Scholarship Program and to find out more about the 2014 Season or ArtsView’s PATHS (Performing Arts Theatre School), please visit the website at www. artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.

Auditions: ‘South Pacific’ at Lake Country Playhouse

Lake Country Playhouse presents the musical, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s immortal “South Pacific” July 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 and August 1, 2 and 3, at the Historic Select Theater in Mineola.

Based on James Michener’s first book, “Tales of the South Pacific,” the musical is set in an island paradise during World War II. It follows two parallel love stories, threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Some of the memorable songs from this musical are “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair,” “Bali Hai” and “Some Enchanted Evening.”

The director of this production is Brett Murphy. For additional information or for tickets, contact Lake Country Playhouse at 903.569.2300.

The hit musical “Hairspray” comes to the Tyler Civic Theatre for multiple performances in July.

Lizzy Tucker, Hannah Johnson, Mike Leatherwood, Nick Gilley, LeeAnna Burgdorf, Ryan Ordmandy, Bailey Mayo, London McGee, Kara Kuczkowski, Raychel McKelvy, Sharon Wilson, Chloe Durham, Cedrick Cain, Kendall Phillips, Terrance Horn, Sharon Wilson, N’Kima Browning, Sir Isaac Nelson, Zach Woods, Kelsey Kilgore, Beryl Thompson, and Gayla Morrison.

The play opens July 10 at 7:30 p.m. Other performance dates and times include July 11-12 at 7:30 p.m., July 13 at 2 p.m., July 17-19 at 7:30 p.m., July 20 at 2 p.m., July 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and the finale on July 27 at 2:30 p.m.

The chorus includes Skyler Brumit, Megan McGaughey, Brianna Wilson, Tambra Fore, Nadalie Gill, Sarah Pharr, Lindsey Surles, London Hibbs, Ryan Jackson, Rachael Cilliers, Sarah Payne, Abigail Ventress, Nicholas Moy and Thomas Surles.

“Hairspray” is a musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name. The songs include 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues. In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, plump teenager Tracy Turnblad’s dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and meets a colorful array of characters.

“Hairspray” is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960s.

The crew includes co-directors Justin Purser and Stephen Rainwater, music director Grace Johnson, choreographer Shelby Anderson, stage manager Kelsey Kilgore, producers Melanie Brumit and Susan Surles, producer liaisons Sheri Rains and Jan Barton, costumes staff Jan Barton, Samantha Greene and Gayla Morrison, and technician Jesse Collins.

‘Hairspray’ Opens July 10 At Tyler Civic Theatre

The Tyler Civic Theatre’s cast for this show includes Emily Hinkie, Roger Pharr, Walker Delk, Emily Rohrman, Bryant Huey, Zach Hughes, Amanda Spangler, Sarah Smith, Stephen Rainwater, Sherry Hawkins, Ryley Tharp, Allison Pharr,

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STAGE EVENT PICKS August 18 – 27

The White Liars. Paris. Paris Community Theater, 30 N. Plaza. (903) 784-0259. http://www.pctonstage.com

September 4 – 7

Rabbit Hole. Paris. Paris Community Theater.

903.784.0259. http://www.pctonstage.com

September 5 - 14

Harvey. Tyler. Tyler Civic Theater, 400 Rose Park Drive. 903.592.0561. http://www.tylercivictheater. com



 FILM

“There ought to be an un-Edison, an un-Thomas Alva Edison who un-invents things, and the first thing they ought to un-invent is that television.”

Roger Hobbs (Jimmy Stewart), Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation

Summer Classic Movies: Great Stories, Beautiful Backdrops

By Jules Scroggin and Jess LeBeau Our summer movie reviews are almost a travelogue; you’ll see cinematic landscapes of Northern California and Venice. The fact that interesting stories are included makes them all the more enjoyable as summer movie viewing fare.

When Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation came out in the theaters in 1962, we begged our uncle to take us to see it one hot summer afternoon in Commerce. He obligingly did so and it has been a favorite ever since. Jimmy Stewart plays Mr. Hobbs (nicknamed Boompa), a gruff, curmudgeon but one who is always willing to step in and help when his family needs him. In one humorous scene, he is enlisted to help his son-in-law win over a potential employer who comes to stay at the decrepit vacation home on the beach (filmed near Malibu) where Mr. Hobbs, wife Peggy (played by Maureen O’Hara) and family are staying.

The employer, Mr. Turner, (John McGiver) is an avid bird watcher and Mr. Hobbs tries to be entertaining as he spends endless hours looking for an elusive rare bird, only to see barn swallows. The movie is based on a novel written by Edward Street, who also wrote another classic favorite, Father of the Bride. Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation is a funny, lighthearted movie the whole family can enjoy together.

Our second movie, A Summer Place was considered fairly risqué at the time; an older married couple has an affair and then their children become involved. The musical track includes the song, Theme From A Summer Place, which became a hit in 1959 written for the film

by Max Steiner. Although a melodrama, it was relevant at the time and still evokes the feeling of romantic, misunderstood youth and older love which is redemptive. While it was supposed to take place on Pine Island in Maine, it was actually filmed along the

coast of the Monterey peninsula in Northern California. It stars Sandra Dee, Troy Donahue, Dorothy McGuire and Richard Egan.

In all of the spinster roles that Katherine Hepburn played: The Rainmaker, African Queen, Summertime is the most poignant. She plays an elementary school teacher on vacation in Venice. At first she is at loose ends trying to socialize with a young couple (Darren McGavin of A Christmas Story and Mari Aldon). She is ultimately left on her own to explore Venice which

is beautifully filmed and with a music score Summertime in Venice.

She meets the quintessential Italian lover, Rossano Brazzi, which starts a could-be romantic affair.

Until she meets him, her solitude in one of the most romantic cities in the world is heartbreaking but there is also humor to lighten the mood. The great film director David Lean said this was his favorite movie that he directed. The screenplay by Lean and H.E. Bates is based on the play The Time of the Cuckoo by Arthur Laurents.

Cold in July Captures Lansdelion Feel

By P.A. Geddie “Cold in July,” an adaptation of Nacogdoches author Joe Lansdale’s novel, debuted recently and is currently in select theaters and on Video on Demand.

The movie stars the award-winning actor, Michael C. Hall from the Showtime hit series, “Dexter,” as well as Sam Shepard and Don Johnson.

On a hot East Texas summer night in 1989, family man Richard Dane (Hall) awakens to the sound of a burglar breaking into his home. In a panic, he shoots the intruder dead—but this nightmare is only just beginning. Although he’s hailed as a smalltown hero, Dane soon finds himself fearing for his family’s safety when the burglar’s excon father, Ben (Shepard), rolls into town, hell-bent on revenge. However, not all is as it seems. Misled by the cops and desperate for answers, Dane embarks on an increasingly berserk, bloodstained quest to discover what really happened that night.

Joe Lansdale’s multi-talented daughter Kasey’s music is featured in the film including Back of My Smile, and Foolin Around, a song

on her album, “Restless” produced by John Carter Cash.

Kasey said all the filming took place in upstate Kingston, New York.

“I think East Texans will be surprised how much the locations, the set, and even the accents of the actors seem authentic,” she said.

“They did a great job of replicating home.

Don Johnson in those Porter Wagner style shirts are priceless, not to lessen that amazing mullet that Michael C. Hall is sporting.”

Kasey said to look for her dad in the film in a quick cameo. Although she didn’t say where, another source says he plays a priest at a graveside.

In all she said she’s happy with the outcome of the film.

“I am of course biased,” she said, “but I think it captures the ‘Lansdelion’ feel wonderfully. There are of course always some things that you wish were there from the novel, but considering they have less than two hours I think Jim Mickle (director) and everyone else involved did the story great justice.”

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

MUSIC NOTES

Henderson County Arts, Music Teachers Host Events

The Henderson County Arts Council recently sponsored two events at the Cain Center in Athens. One was an art show and sale featuring artists from around the county, and the other was a music recital/competition that featured young musicians who study with local music teachers Nancy Hicks, Nancy Newman, Camille Smith and Marylyn Wright.

The Henderson County Music Teachers have “resurrected,” according to the organization’s president, Marylyn Wright, music professor emeritus from Trinity Valley Community College. Wright is teaching music lessons from her home at the MW Music Studio in Athens.

The teachers continued meetings this year and reorganized after several years of inactivity, when several music teachers had relocated or retired. With the help of the Henderson County Arts Council, the HCMT hosted a recital competition for all youth ages.

Local artist and arts council board member Charlie Bullock inspired other artists to support the event. Bullock, along with Christy Barrett, Steve Willis, Toni Stanford, Celene Terry, Meridel Clement and Daniela Matchael, also a board member, showed their support by displaying a beautiful assortment of local art.

The winners are: Grades K-2 – first place, Slade Upchurch, piano; second place, Luke Scala, violin; third place, Ellee Commander, piano.

Grades 3-5 – first place, Clary Smiley, pi-

et Dance

June 6 and ble Band . -10

Friday, July 25 The Bluebirds

Street Dance 8 p.m. - 10

Friday, August 15 Back to School Party Daniel Foster and Levi Kitchen 9 p.m. - 12 Downtown Kilgore Free family-friendly concerts www.cityofkilgore.com/mainstreet

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

ano; second place, Aidan Kocian, piano; third place, no award given.

Grades 6-8 – first place, Christian Kocian, piano; second place, Camye Chesney, piano; third place, Austin McQueen and Alejandra Pedroza (tie), piano.

Grades 9-12 – first place, Dane McAfee, piano; second place, Jacob Grasch, piano; third place, Hannah Furlong, piano.

Fiddle Festival And Contest Announced in Greenville

The city of Greenville, the estate of Bob Wills and The Bob Wills Heritage Foundation announce details of an exciting new music weekend coming to downtown Greenville this fall. The Bob Wills Fiddle Festival and Contest takes place the weekend of October 31-November 2 at venues around downtown Greenville, including the Texan Theater, which will re-open this fall following a multi-million dollar renovation, and the historic Greenville Municipal Auditorium.

A fiddle contest featuring nationally recognized judges is expected to draw fiddlers of all ages from around the country for preliminary rounds on Saturday and finals on Sunday. The evenings will feature nationally known western swing acts at the Texan Theater and GMA. The Saturday night concert at the GMA is headlined by the Time Jumpers, whose members include Vince Gill and Nashville session fiddle player and Whitewright native Larry Franklin.

One of the organizers of the event is Carolyn Wills, the daughter of Bob Wills. Western swing is the official state music of Texas and Bob Wills is the universally acknowledged “King of Western Swing.” The city of Greenville is proud to launch this annual event in cooperation with the Wills Family, The Bob Wills Heritage Foundation and contest organizers Sherry and Joey McKenzie.

Contact Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau 903.455.1510 for more info.

‘Fridays After 5’ Series Continues Through August

Kilgore Main Street Program has concerts in July and August to close out the 2014 “Fridays After 5” series.

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On July 25, The Bluebirds play a street dance starting at 8 p.m. The Bluebirds have been performing as a 6-7 piece blues/soul/dance band. Dirty Redd on trumpet and Omenka on sax along with Ben Kitterlin on drums is the core unit.

Jason Coffied is first call guitarist and Julieann Banks has been the female vocalist and plays bass for the Van Morrison Tribute featuring Bruce Flett.

The players and singers may change, but the blues/roots/R&B keeps the dance floor packed. One might compare The Bluebirds to other perennial favorites that have evolved like Roomful of Blues, Fabulous Thunderbirds, or Louisiana’s LeRoux.

On August 15, Daniel Foster and Levi Kitchen play from 9 p.m.-midnight for Kilgore Main Street’s Back to School Party. Foster has a unique style of music, traditional country with a hint of early gospel exposure. He also covers many classic country tunes as well as “original” songs audiences are sure to love.

Kitchen, minister of music at Kilgore’s Cornerstone Fellowship, is a singer/ songwriter who has performed and recorded music most of his life. He plays a broad range of styles from hard/progressive rock to acoustic blues/jazz.

All concerts are free to the public and family friendly. The concerts take place at 198 North Commerce Street. Visit the city website at www.welcometokilgore.com or visit the “Fridays After 5” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ KilgoreMainStreet.

MUSIC Every Tuesday

Pickin’ and Grinnin’. Edom. 6 - 8 p.m. Free.

The Shed Cafe, 8337 FM 279. 903-852-7791. www. theshedcafe.com.

Every Wednesday

Boogie Woogie Wednesday. Marshall Live music. 7 - 9 p.m. Free admission. OS2 Pub. 105 E. Houston. 903-938-8966. www.facebook.com/birthplaceofboogiewoogie

Every Thursday – Saturday

Live Singer/Songwriters. Ben Wheeler. The Forge. Hwy 279. 903.833.5970. benwheelertx.com.

Every Thursday – Friday.

Live Music. Tyler. Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-

Amphitheater. 903.887.1087. www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net.

July 11 Albert & Gage at The Bowery Stage. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. Advanced $12, $20 Reserved, $15 at the door. The Bowery Stage at Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market Street, (across from the depot). 903-342-0686.winnsborocenterforthearts. com.

July 19 Donny Edwards ‘A True Tribute To Elvis.

Crockett. Special guest performer is Dion Pride (son of Charley Pride). Both entertainers are fronted by the eight-member band Fever. 7 - 10 p.m. $20. Crockett Civic Center. 1100 Edmiston Dr. 281.713.2795. www.donnyedwardslive.com.

July 25 Street Dance. Kilgore. The Bluebirds Play. 8 p.m. Free. Downtown Kilgore. (903) 984.5081. www.cityofkilgore.com/mainstreet.

July 26 Faber and Friends. Longview. $22- $27. Belcher Center. 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. 903-233-3080. www. belchercenter.com.

August 2 BettySoo. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. The Bowery Stage at Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market Street, (across from the depot). 903-342-0686.winnsborocenterforthearts.com.

August 8 Wild Ponies. Tyler. 7:30 p.m. $25 at the door, $20 in advance. Longview Museum of Fine Arts.

215 East Tyler Street. 903.753.8103. lmfa.org

August 14 This summer, classic music fans will rejoice as the renowned Happy Together Tour 2014 comes to Greenville. The 30th anniversary of the tour that celebrates the biggest hits of the sixties and seventies is scheduled for August 16 at Greenville Municipal Auditorium.

Que. 525 S. Beckham Ave. 903.593.0311. www. stanleysfamous.com.

Every Friday – Saturday

Live Bands. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. Hwy. 279. 903.833.5100. www.benwheelertx.com.

Live Jazz. Pittsburg. 7 - 10:30 p.m. No Cover Charge. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, 658 County Road 1334. 903.855.1769. www.lospinosranchvineyards.com.

Every Saturday

Acoustic Music on the Streets. Mineola. Pickers and audience welcome. Bring instruments and chairs. Indoors in bad weather. 6 p.m. Free.

Johnson St. Gazebo. 1.800.MINEOLA. www.mineola.com.

Bluesman Craig Wallace. Ben Wheeler. 3 - 6 p.m. Free. The Forge, FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.

July 4 Concerts & Fireworks. Ben Wheeler. Featuring Mouse & The Traps, Jimmy Wallace, Jerry Don Branch, blacktopGYPSY, Stratoblasters, Chase McClanahan, Travis Bolt, Heather Little, Craig Wallace, and Wesley Pruitt. Downtown.

903.833.1070. www.benwheelertx.com.

Fireworks & Freedom Celebration. Longview.

Featuring Neal McCoy and Holly Tucker, amusement rides, water spray area, roller derby, car show. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd. 903.237.1230. www.longviewtx.com.

Sandi Patty. Lufkin. The Pines Theater, 113 S. First St. Call for ticket prices. 936.633.0349. www. thepineslufkin.com.

August 15 Back to School Party. Kilgore. Daniel Foster and Levi Kitchen Play. 8 p.m. Free. Downtown Kilgore (903) 984.5081. www.cityofkilgore.com/ mainstreet.

August 22 Emily Earle and Tom Whall. Longview. 7:30 p.m. $25 at the door, $20 in advance. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 East Tyler Street.

903.753.8103. http://lmfa.org

August 23 Jawbone. Texarkana. 7:30 p.m. $35 for VIP (includes Pre-Party), $15 in advance and $20 day of the show. Perot Theater. 219 Main St. 903.792.4992. http://www.trahc.org

July 5

September 6

Casey Donahew. Vanilla Ice. Gun Barrel City.

July Fest also features Back in Black, Wesley Pruitt, and Kadie Lynn, plus 106.9 Battle of the Bands, carnival, car show and more. GBC

Beyond the Pale. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. The Bowery Stage at Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market Street, (across from the depot). 903-342-0686. winnsborocenterforthearts.com.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 25

BOOKMARKS

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Though the main story is the tale of an abused and neglected Chinese girl left to fend for herself and a newborn merely with the melodies that come from her voice, it is all the tales on the side that make this book one you might start reading again soon after you finish it the first time. Can anyone save the boys and girls at the orphanage? Why do the nuns there keep so many secrets? What are the tales of Asa Berger?

The story keeps you returning.

Songs of Willow Frost

By Jamie Ford Ballentine Books

Reviewed by Patti Light “The rain had stopped by the time Liu Song got off work, but the sky was still a perpetual mass of gray. Gaslights on each city block flickered to life, illuminating oily rainbows that swirled down fetid gutters and storm drains clogged with rotting leaves.”

Here we are in 1934 Seattle, in a city bursting with new immigrants and old ways as it writhed in the growing pains of a pre-war world. This canvas is painted with colors, sounds, images, smells and taste by the gifted pen and wordsmithing of Jamie Ford. Songs of Willow Frost is his sophomore outing and it captures the reader’s heart just like his Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

Following the yearning adventure of William Eng as he searches for the mother that abandoned him to an orphanage, this novel creates characters that sing from the pages and a city that once was a chaotic stream of hungry men and women looking for the American dream. William and his mother are captivating as each chapter tangos between his story and hers — the luck of a publisher to find such an author that knows the art of invoking emotions.

This is truly a story of love and forgiveness, of mothers and sons, of history and generations. Liu Song is a scared girl before and after. William is the bravery she birthed into the world. If you have not read Jamie Ford before this novel, buy it and his first at the same time. I have told many since I first discovered him in 2010, he’s the American author generations to come will be required to read. He writes of history, culture, race issues, coming of age and love, like the classical storytellers in the vein of Faulkner, Fitzgerald and Dumas.

Ford is very receptive to his readers. Follow him on Facebook and jamieford. com.

Settle in and know that all changes when Liu says , “This is where our lives changed. This is where I lost you.”

Public Library Receives Grant From Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival has awarded the Tyler Public Library a collections grant of $2,480.91. The grant will be used to fund the library’s high interest/ low vocabulary literacy collection.

“We are extremely grateful to receive this grant,” said Mary Vernau, city librarian. “The funds will enable us to enhance our collection which benefits new adult readers.”

Every year, public libraries across Texas apply to the Texas Book Festival to receive grant funds. The grants are intended to help initiate or continue innovative literacy and technology programs and to update and increase book collections. This year, the festival is distributing grants up to $5,000 to 19 libraries. Since its founding, the festival

26 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

has contributed more than $2.5 million in grants to over 600 Texas public libraries.

“Our public libraries provide invaluable services that advance the causes of literacy, education and life-long learning. We are committed to supporting the important work of Texas public libraries,” Lois Kim, executive director of the Texas Book Festival, said. “We are proud that we can continue to help libraries meet the needs of their community.”

The Texas Book Festival raises money for the grants from individual, corporate, and foundation sponsorships, the annual gala, and from book sales at the annual festival. The 2014 Texas Book Festival is scheduled for October 25-26 in Austin.

For more information about the Texas Book Festival, visit www.TexasBookFestival.org.

Authors Sought For Annual Ben Wheeler Book Fair

Published local and Texas authors are invited to apply for spots in the third annual Ben Wheeler Book Fair, which is set for Saturday, Nov. 29, in conjunction with the fall festival in one of the state’s emerging tourist destinations.

The 25-30 authors accepted into the event will be able to sell their books, meet with fans and make new fans, and trade tips with other authors. Authors who make the cut keep all the money from their sales since there is no fee to participate.

The book fair is scheduled from 10 a.m.4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the old Elwood Schoolhouse, 5475 FM 858 in downtown Ben Wheeler, sharing space with the Ben Wheeler Children’s Library.

Last year’s book fair attracted approximately 250 shoppers and other visitors, and 88 percent of authors said their sales met or exceeded expectations.

Last year’s attendees came from as far away as Alexandria, Louisiana; Austin; Dallas; and Kansas, rating the overall experience a 9.4 on a 10-point scale.

Visitors are encouraged to spend the rest of the day at the fall festival, shop-



POETRY & PROSE My Angel of Precious Stone

I woke up one morning, And heard not one tiny thing.

So I went outside And smiled big and wide.

There stood a horse, I gasped of course.

And on her magnificent head, Was a bow the color of red.

She’s yours my Dad said smiling, My heart began to sing.

My heart simply burst with happiness, I ran over and gave her a kiss.

You’re my Nikika I said standing with her alone, In other words my Angel of Precious Stone.

Linda Louise Stamper, 13 Edom

SATISFY

YOUR

SWEET TOOTH in Corsicana!

Change I don’t know him anymore, He just sits there.

He’s not the person he was, We’re both changing.

Just filling in the empty spaces, Adjusting to the loneliness.

I hide the things that remind him of the past, The last thing we need is to stop and look back.

Stormy Yates, 14 Nacogdoches

The century-old soda fountain at The Diner is just one excitement awaiting your family in Corsicana. More sweets from fruitcake to small-batch chocolate, a new $8 million family fun complex, the state’s largest domed planetarium and a barrel full of Texas oil history, it’s all just ...

An hour down the road, a world away!

CorsicanA T E X A S

www.visitcorsicana.com ping at local galleries and retail stores and dining at Moore’s Store and The Forge Bistro, both of which are frequent winners of the “Best of the Upper East Side of Texas” awards presented by County Line Magazine.

Authors in past years represent a wide variety of genres general and historical fiction, Christian mystery and fiction, mystery, suspense, western, romantic mystery, science fiction and fantasy, humor, inspirational/self-help, poetry, short fiction, music criticism, essays, romance, detective, and children’s fiction

and poetry. They include Texas Literary Hall of Fame inductee Joe Lansdale and his daughter Kasey Lansdale, Texas Book Award winner Joe Nick Patoski, Jay Brakefield, John Borgstedt, Ine Burke, Evelyn M. Byrne, April Nunn Coker, Richard Dobson, Bob Doerr, Ruth Drayer, Ann Everett, Ann Fields, Tom Geddie, Imaj, Jim Jarvis, Patricia La Vigne, Jean Lauzier, Melinda Richarz Lyons, Marvin S. Mayer, J.L. Mbewe, C.R. Myers, J.L. “Doc” Pendland, Anne Redelfs, Bobbie J. Shafer, Robert L. Stevens, and Melissa Walker.

For more information about the event, go to the book fair’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/BenWheeler-Book-Fair.

For more information, call Tom Geddie at 903.963.3788. To apply for possible inclusion in the book fair, published authors should email tomgeddiemuses@ gmail.com for an application. Deadline for applications is July 31 to give organizers enough time to properly market the event and the authors; some authors will be announced beginning in mid-July.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 27



PLAY

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”

Lao Tzu

Four Pedals of the Rose Trail Wins Award for Tyler The Texas Trails Network honored the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department, the Tyler Bicycle Club, Smith County Court-at-Law No. 3, and All Saints School with the “Great Texas Two Step Award” at its recent state conference in Fort Worth.

(TBC) contacted the Smith County Sheriff’s Office to get permission to use Smith County Jail trustees as part of their labor force. TBC members Billy Hibbs Jr. and Trey Bryant received permission from the Tyler Parks Board for use of the land.

This award was presented for the partnership between these groups for the design and creation of the Lindsey Park Mountain Bike Trail.

Work on the trail was greatly accelerated through the help of Smith County Court-at-Law No. 3 Judge Floyd Getz.

With the help of Judge Getz, crews of two to three dozen people would turn out to complete their community service hours. Also, a group of students from All Saints School volunteered time on a Saturday to work on the trail.

The award recognizes special cooperation between various government, citizen, and non-profit entities with regard to trail use, planning, design or implementation. According to the nomination, the 10-plus mile trail was constructed entirely by volunteers and opened on January 5, 2013.

“Community partnerships and involvement are important in our community,” Tyler Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie Rollings said. “This award is an example of how working together brings success.”

When the trail was being developed, members of the Tyler Bicycle Club

“Each crew was supervised by one or more bike club volunteers and assigned to clear a different section of the trail. It amazed me how much we were able to get done that way in such a short time,” Getz said. “Many of the folks that were initially court-ordered to be out there on certain dates came back out again on our later work days simply because they enjoyed getting their hours that way.”

28 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

Thousands of dollars were saved on this project through the use of volunteer labor, Rollings said. The cost of the design, the land, materials for bridges and the trail, erosion control, and promotion of the trail through brochures and news releases were all funded by the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department.

With the addition of the Lindsey Park Mountain Bike Trail, Tyler became one of the few communities in the country that offers four completely different trail riding experiences. Known as the “Four Pedals of the Rose,” those who ride, run, or walk the more than 33 miles of trails at Lindsey Park, Faulkner Park, Tyler State Park, and the University of Texas at Tyler can register their accomplishment with the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department and receive a decal proclaiming “I Rode the Pedals of the Rose.” Registrants will also receive a letter of congratulations from Rollings.

For more information contact the Parks Administration Office by phone at 903.531.1370 or e-mail at parks@tylertexas.com.

Lake Tyler Marina To Open Seven Days A Week The Lake Tyler Marina is now open seven days a week from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through the end of August.

During a recent meeting, the Tyler City Council ratified a short-term lease with Lake Tyler Marina Resort for the operation of the Lake Tyler Marina.

signed emergency card to enter without an adult. To fill out an emergency card, parents or legal guardians can stop by the pools and fill out a card which is good for the summer season.

For more information please contact Debbie Isham, special events/recreation manager at 903.531.1214.

30th Anniversary Tour de Paris Bike Rally.

Paris. 6 a.m. $25. Love Civic Center. 2025 S. Collegiate. 903.784.2501. www.tourdeparis.org.

Tyler City Council Awards Bid For Repairs To Dam

On May 20, staff concluded negotiations for a short-term (not to exceed 90 days) lease with Lake Tyler Marina Resort. The purpose of the short-term contract agreement is to provide for marina operations while a longer term lease can be negotiated.

In January 2013, Wisenbaker Fix & Associates and their geotechnical subconsultants began the engineering and design for the repair of issues discovered at the Lake Tyler Dam. The plans were forwarded to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Dam Safety Section for review in September 2013.

Lake Tyler Marina Resort assumed operations of the marina on May 22, 2014.

It is anticipated that a long-term lease between the City of Tyler and Lake Tyler Marina Resort will be completed before the end of June.

Swimming Pools Open Until August 9 In Tyler The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department announces that Fun Forest Pool, 900 N. Glenwood, and Woldert Park Pool, 701 W. 32nd, are now open until Aug. 9.

Fun Forest is closed Sundays and Mondays and open Tuesdays-Thursdays from 1-6 p.m. for open swim and Fridays-Saturdays from 1-7. Lap swim is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.

Woldert Park Pool is open Monday-Saturdays from 1-6 p.m. for open swim.

Admission is free to both pools but youth ages 12 and under must have an adult present with them at all times and youth 13 – 18 years of age must have a

Bird and Nature Walk. Athens. Explore the TFFC interpretive wetland trail and other areas of the hatchery. 9 - 11 a.m. TFFC Admission: $5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors 65+, $3.50 children 4-12. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 249. 903-676-2277. athenstx. org/things-to-do/bird-and-nature-walk-november-2013.

July 19

On March 3, 2014, the city terminated a lease, with Daveryl Holdings, LLC, for the Lake Tyler Marina. Between April 4 and May 20, the marina has been operated by the City of Tyler Water Utilities staff, Thursdays through Sundays.

“The long-term lease we are working on will address outstanding issues from the previous lease such as, but not limited to, RV space rental, boat slip repair, facility maintenance, subleases and sales documentation,” said Utility and Public Works Director Greg Morgan.

July 12 and August 9

During a recent meeting, the Tyler City Council authorized a construction contract for the Lake Tyler Dam repair project with Gracon Construction, Inc.

The TCEQ provided comments and requested additional modeling that had to be addressed before the project could proceed into construction. Revised plans were submitted on December 20, 2103, and written authorization to bid and award the repair project was received on March 28, 2014.

The Lake Tyler Dam was constructed in 1948-1949, using the best engineering practices at the time. Due to the foundation material used in the original construction, it is believed that there has always been seepage along the downstream toe of the embankment.

Due to recent rains, the lake is currently at overflow capacity with water running over the spillway.

OUTDOOR EVENTS July 4

Fireworks at the Fishery. Athens. Visitors are encouraged to fish in the stocked casting pond while waiting for the fireworks, which will begin at dark. No license is required to fish, and bait and tackle are furnished for free as long as supplies last. Fishing ends approximately 30 minutes before the fireworks begin. 4 – 10 p.m. Free after 4 p.m.. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495903.676.2277. http://athenstx.org/ things-to-do/fireworks-at-the-fishery-2014

September 20 - 22

Lake Fork Big Bass Splash. Lake Fork. CR 1558. http://lakeforktexas.com.

September 27

Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament. Athens. Join the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center for a fun-filled day of trying to catch the biggest Bluegill. The cost is $15 per family team, entry includes family admission.

The tournament awards prizes for the heaviest stringers of sunfish, but the event is really about adults and children having fun fishing together. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. 5550 FM 2495. 903.676.2277. http://athenstx.org/things-to-do/bluegill-familyfishing-tournament-2014.

Live Music, Theater, Comedy and Movies!

Downtown Tyler • 103 E. Erwin • Tyler, Texas 75702 a dePartMent of the City of tyler

July 3 at 7:30 P.M.

ETSO presents

“As American As Apple Pie” July 10 at 7 P.M.  Jaws (1975) July 12 at 3 P.M.  The Goonies (1985) July 17 at 7 P.M.  Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) July 19 at 3 P.M.  The Dark Crystal (1982) July 24 at 7 P.M.  Grease (1978 July 26 at 3 P.M.  The Wizard of Oz (1939) July 29-august 2 9:30 a.M. to 12:30 P.M.

 APEX: So You Think

You Can Act? Summer Camp august 2 at 3 P.M.

 Ghostbusters (1984) august 9 at 3 P.M.  Willy Wonka (1971) august 16 at 8 P.M.

Edwin McCain in Concert For ticket information go to LibertyTyler.com

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 29

FOOD & DRINK In the Kitchen with Artist Doug Brown from “Good Grub by Great Artists” by Zeke & Marty

Good Grub by Great Artists is a cookbook by Zeke and Marty who visited 60 artists’ studios and kitchens, shooting thousands of images and traveling nearly 15,000 miles to compile. The cookbooks are available for $24.95 plus $2.05 sales tax each from the couple at their eponymous Edom gallery, 8271 FM 279 or on their website www. zekeandmarty.com.

DB’s Chicken and Peas (serves 8)

8 bone in chicken thighs, skin removed 1 yellow onion chopped 4 cloves garlic chopped 2 tbsp oil ¼ tsp crushed red pepper 1 tsp cumin 3 lbs purple hull peas---fresh or frozenthawed 3 cups chicken stock 2 cups water paprika salt and pepper to taste Salt & pepper chicken thighs and rub with paprika. Brown 4 thighs on both sides in a dutch oven with 1 tbs oil. Remove to a platter and repeat process with another tbs of oil and 4 thighs. Remove when browed. Add cumin, red pepper, onion and garlic and toast. Add half of the broth to release the fond and stir for a few minutes. Add the rest of the stock and water. Add peas and bring to a boil. Add chicken with accumulated 30 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

juices back to the pot and simmer for 45 min till peas are soft and tender. Adjust with salt and pepper.

If you are a believer that “pig fat rules,” after browning the chicken, add a couple of slices of chopped bacon to the pan before adding spices and onions for some really great flavor.

This recipe was developed in the 80’s when I was living in the woods of deep East Texas.

The nearest grocery store was 30 minutes away, and one had to learn how to plan for a weeks food supply. All of the ingredients for this dish could be kept frozen or they will keep dry.

As artists we learn how to create from the everything/nothing space. As human beings we have a need to create or destroy. So we make it, then we eat it, which satisfies all of our needs at the same time. — Doug Brown

FOOD EVENTS Saturdays, Through October Winnsboro Farmers Market. Winnsboro.

8 a.m. – Noon. Downtown, Market Street.

903.629.3332. winnsborofarmersmarket.com.

Athens. 8 a.m. – Noon. 212 N. Palestine just off the downtown square. 903.944.8516. atxfm.com.

Paris Farmers Market. 8 a.m. – Noon. Market Square. 903.784.9293 Sulphur Springs Farmers Market. Sulphur Springs. 6 - 10 p.m. Downtown Square Park, 903.885.7541. sulphurspringsfarmersmarket.com.

Through July 31 Echo Springs Blueberry Farm. Brownsboro.

Blackberries, blueberries, honey, local produce, available for parties, picnics and school tours. Cash, check, or debit. 7235 FM 607.

903.852.3779. www.echospringsblueberryfarm.com.

Winnsboro Farmers’ Market Market Street Downtown Winnsboro

Saturdays, Through August 2 Mineola Farmers Market. Mineola. 7 a.m.

Pavilion west of the depot on Front Street. http:// mineolafarmersmarket.com.

Through July 31 Blueberry Hill Farms. Edom. Since 1982, provides a wide variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and indoor market with honey, jams, jellies, crafts and more; no pets allowed and pickers are advised to bring coolers to transport produce. 10268 FM 314.

903.853.6175. www.blueberryhillfarms.com.

Texas Blueberry Farm. Avinger. Fresh blueberries, but fresh frozen available for sale throughout the year and environment is toddler friendly. 533 County Rd. 1650.

903.562.1013. www.texasblueberryfarm.com

Through July 12

Moss Springs Berry Farm. New Boston.

Fresh, local fruits and vegetables, farm fresh eggs, grass fed beef, organic and pastured pork, pastured chicken, quail and quail eggs, local honey, baked goods 8 a.m. to Noon Saturdays rain or shine April 5 – Oct. 25 Special Events. Guest Chefs. Tastings. Recipes.

www.WinnsboroFarmersMarket.com • 903.629.3332

Blackberries. Pre or Self-Picked. Cash only.

1529 FM 2149 West. 903.826.3164.

August 1 – September 30

O’Farrell Country Vineyards & Winery. Atlanta. Self-pick muscadine grapes and wines made from muscadines, peaches, plums, blackberries and blueberries. Cash, check, or debit. 7152 FM 995. 903.846.2054.

Through August 31

Angelina County Farmers Market. Pollok.

Ridgeview Farms -apples, blackberries, blueberries, peaches and pre-picked produce in season. 5471 State Hwy 7 West. 936.853.3286.

Through September 27

Rockwall Farmers’ Market. Rockwall. With more than 30 vendors, the market offers local fruits and vegetables, fresh baked breads, natural beef and poultry, farm eggs, seafood, honey and much more. Located on the Historic Downtown Square, the market is one of the area’s most popular destinations for locals to purchase fresh produce and specialty foods. Nearby guests can visit the shops and eateries, each offering its own unique flavor and appeal. 101 E. Rusk Street. (972) 772-6400. www.rockwall.com/mainstreet/farmersmkt.asp.

Saturdays, Through November 22

f

Historic Longview Farmers Market. 7:3011:30 a.m. Cotton Street between High and Center.

903.746.2708. historiclongviewfarmersmarket.com.

Best of the Upper East Side of Texas Hall of Fame

Open 24/7 Full Menu Breakfast Anytime!

Hwy 19 near I-20

903-567-6551

www.dairypalace.com

Pawpa’s House in the country

Satellite • Wireless Internet Jacuzzi tub • Hot tub Fully equipped kitchen Handicap accessible Near Canton, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, Tyler, Mineola.

One hour to Dallas.

1601 VZ County Road 1512 Van Texas 903.571.3620 • www.pawpashouse.com

Tuesday & Wednesday DINNER SPECIAL Mixed Green Salad Choice of Fresh Fish of the day, Ribeye Steak, or Filet Mignon Served with Whipped Potatoes and Green Beans $26.00

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

Available for Special Events

Reservations Recommended 903.873.2225 www.fourwindssteakhouse.com JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 31

Gluten-Free Delicious with Debbie Davis

A heart transplant is a tough way to learn that wheat sensitivity, (symptoms or not) causes inflammation throughout the body which over time, turns to scar tissue. Because my mother went through this, I was inspired to create health-benefitting glutenfree dessert recipes that actually taste really good.

What I have come to discover about the bad rap that the vast majority of ready-made commercial gluten-free deserts has earned, is that it is well deserved. They’re made with high carb rice flours, starch, and xanthan gum. These cookies are made with almond meal, coconut oil, and pecans — a bit yummier. Enjoy. — Debbie Davis

Thick & Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

WET INGREDIENTS: In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg and egg white until 4x bulk. Whisk in coconut oil and vanilla.

WET INGREDIENTS 1 egg + 1 egg white 3 TBSP coconut oil, melted, or pure vegetable oil 1 tsp pure vanilla extract DRY INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 cups almond meal 2 TBSP potato starch (or corn starch) 1/4 cup Enjoy Life chocolate mini-chocolate chips 1/4 cup coarsely chopped Enjoy Life dark chocolate chunks (substitute chocolate chip brands if you prefer) 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 1/2 tsp baking powder, (I use aluminum free Rumford) 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/3 cup Imperial brown sugar, lightly packed 20 inch piece plastic wrap to roll cookie dough Parchment paper to line baking sheet 32 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

DRY INGREDIENTS: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond meal, potato starch, baking powder, salt, pecans, chocolate chips and chunks.

STIR TOGETHER: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir just until combined. Dough will feel wetter and stickier than traditional cookie dough.

ROLL: Drop dough into a ‘blob’ on left side of plastic wrap. Fold right side of plastic wrap over dough to cover. Squish covered dough into a tubular shape. Roll remaining plastic wrap around tubular cookie dough.

CHILL: Refrigerator dough at least 2 hours or overnight.

BAKE: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice dough into 1/2 inch rounds.

Place on parchment lined baking sheet approximately 1 1/2 inches apart. Press down slightly to flatten. Bake until center puffs-up and edges golden, about 8-10 minutes.

Debbie Davis and her husband Ken own and operate East Texas Burger Co. and La Waffalata in downtown Mineola where they offer a big variety of homemade, health-benefitting gluten-free menu items. Visit Debbie on Facebook@EastTexasBurgerCompany.

www.VisitEdom.com

DRAGONHEAD RETREAT B&B on 25 Wooded Acres at 675' The Lodge (sleeps 9+) Cedar Cabin (sleeps 4+) Outside Living Area • WiFi • Kid Friendly

903-520-2069 www.Vrbo.com/559168 www.dragonheadretreat.com

THE SHED CAFE Voted #1 Cafe’ in East Texas 903.852.7791 www.theshedcafe.com

ZEKE & MARTY

903.852.3311 www.zekeandmarty.com

’s Lamb PINKS ANTIQUES & UNIQUES Antiques. Plants. Yard Art. Much More Little Pink Shop next to The Shed Cafe

903.852.7820

TRINITY PINES RETREAT & WEDDING VENUE Weddings, Reunions, Retreats Vacation House Rental 214.478.8999 www.trinitypinesedom.com

POTTERS BROWN STUDIO & GALLERY

Jewelry Studio Custom Orders Welcome

fl&

THE FARM HOUSE RETREAT Come meet May and June!

903.749.1682 www.farmhouseretreat.com

Original Handmade Stoneware 903.852.6473 www.pottersbrown.com

BLUE MOON GARDENS Relax & Unwind

Perennials. Herbs.

Garden Art. Gift Shop Open Thurs.-Sun. 9-5

903.279.2308 www.woodhavencabins.com

903.852.3897 www.bluemoongardens.com

WOOD HAVEN CABINS

SHOP. DINE. STAY.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 33



SHOP

“Treat yourself to a little retail therapy.”

Unknown

Time It Lube Xpress Car Wash Opens Time It Lube announced the opening of its new Xpress Car Wash in Tyler this summer.

The wash is the first of its kind in the area, and offers unlimited car wash packages for as low as $15 per month. Multiple package levels are available, as well as non-membership services for those wanting just a single wash.

The car wash is an addition to the Time It Lube location at 2121 West Southwest Loop 323. The wash is designed to be quick, easy, and energy efficient all while using the most sophisticated technology to produce the best results.

The wash is first in the area complete with an innovative glass structure and powered by Tommy Wash circular arch equipment and power jets. The dual belt conveyor system allows for easy, damagefree control of each vehicle’s tires, and

a large LED loading screen ensures the experience is as simple as possible.

The wash not only features the most cutting edge equipment, but also uses a water reclaim system which filters and reuses approximately 60 percent of the water used in a single wash.

For more information about Time It Lube’s Xpress Car Wash or oil change services, visit www.timeitlube.com.

Ben Wheeler In Top 40 Texas Travel Destinations Texas Highways readers recently named Ben Wheeler one of their “Top 40 Travel Destinations.” Ben Wheeler is the No. 21 destination on the list.

Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation Manager Jenni Wilson stated, “This is a very exciting honor for our town. Since, the revitalization began, The Foundation and the community have been working in tandem to try to get the word out about the gem of a

COUNTY LINE MARKETPLACE

Bill Hullum, CPA PC

Voted Best RV Park 2013 County Line Magazine Lake Bob Sandlin 903.856.3643 www.barefootbaymarina.com

Life With Pets

A Unique Shopping Experience for you and your pet.

Bring your dog to shop for basics and discover unique items from Molly Mutt, PetKiss, AromaPaws and more.

5304 Old Bullard Rd. - Tyler

For more information about Ben Wheeler, call 903.833.1070.

GON WHEEL WAANTIQUE MALL

649 W. Main • Box 545, Van, TX 75790 903.963.5865 123 West Frank St. 625 Hwy 31 East #6 Grand Saline, TX 75140 Chandler, TX 75758 903.849.4994 903.962.6200

www.billhullumcpa.com

WE SELL CARS FOR LESS Ray Ridings Buick GMC Canton, Texas 903-567-4131 www.RayRidings.com

Ray Ridings Wills Point Chevrolet Wills Point, Texas 903-873-2561 www.willspointchevrolet.com

We BUY cars too!

34 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014 “Our

www.alifewithpets.com

Since 2008, through the efforts of Gremmels and the Foundation, the 501 c (3) organization behind the town’s growth, development and renewal, events like the annual Fall Feral Hog Festival & World Championship Wild Hog Cook Off have helped bring thousands to town for a weekend-long of fun in an effort to introduce the surrounding communities Additionally, artisan shops housing unique finds from custom knives to custom hats, and two eateries – Moore’s Store and The Forge Bar & Grill – have helped map out Ben Wheeler as a mini-Mecca for live music and a community-friendly stage for homegrown Texas talent.

To advertise, call 903.963.8306 or email sales@countylinemagazine.com

Authorized E-File Provider

Fishing • Sports Bar • RV Park Marina • Store • Cabins • Camping Boat rental • Boat Ramps Swimming • Sand Volleyball

town we have here. This acknowledgement gives us a bit more validation that what the late Brooks Gremmels started in 2008 — to bring the town back to life for generations to enjoy — has resonated with people near and far.”

World Class Service is Second to None”

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

Gum Creek Mercantile Opens in Ben Wheeler Ben Wheeler continues to make headlines due to the revitalization of this once ghost town. What started as one man’s (Brooks Gremmels) mission turned into a community-wide focus.

“People that were from here wanted to come back and help” said born and raised Ben Wheeler native Joey Stanger.

“It just made sense when I wanted to start a new business it should be located here.”

Joey Stanger, founder of Stanger Surveying in Tyler, Canton and Fairfield, joined forces with Shaun Crook, a biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, and his wife, Laura Crook, who was employed by Stanger Surveying Tyler, to open Gum Creek Mercantile, featuring custom, quality wood flooring, doors, home furnishings, jewelry, and more.

The Crook’s, who both attended Stephen F. Austin State University receiving undergraduate degrees in Forest Management and Masters of Science moved to Ben Wheeler and built their own home from trees harvested locally. This idea soon evolved from their house to a storefront.

“It was a risk — the building we purchased was a feed store and had to be completely renovated. I think we would have been better off tearing it down” Shaun said.

“The town watched our progress and teased that we only put up one board per

day,” Laura adds. “Regardless of the slow process we have now completed the store and are looking forward to people making the trip to see our work.”

All of the wood floors, walls — exterior and interior — doors and some furniture are made from local trees that the couple harvested, kiln dried, milled, and processed themselves.”

“We wanted our store to be a showroom of the high quality things we build, as well as a unique gift shop,” Laura said. “We have something for everyone. Most of the products we carry are made in the USA and in Texas. We have Ticklebutton Jewelry from Corpus Christi, Farmhouse Fresh from Frisco, Wimberly Farms infused cooking oils, and Texas Rangers hot sauce and queso.”

This summer Gum Creek will host live music and offer locally grown fresh produce, gourmet food samples, sidewalk sales, girl’s night out and more.

Gum Creek Mercantile is located at 13878 Highway 64 in Ben Wheeler right next to the Texaco. They are open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Stay up-to-date with the latest happenings on their Facebook page www.facebook. com/gumcreek and visit their website www.gumcreek.net or call 903.330.4566.

JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 35



LIVING ROOM

Wilhite Landscape Offers Summer Lawn Advice To achieve a thick, vibrant lawn and keep it that way through the sweltering summer takes a lot of work, according to certified landscaper James Wilhite with Wilhite Landscape in Tyler.

“To enjoy your outdoor space this summer it’s important to keep it in good shape,” Wilhite said. “And putting in the time now to keep it healthy makes it easier to manage when cooler weather arrives.”

Here are some tips from Wilhite to keep lawns and trees healthy throughout summer.

1. Pest Control: Since a single insect can lay thousands of eggs, it’s important to stay on top of pests to keep their attacks on the lawn to a minimum. Check leaves and needles of plants and keep an eye out for chew marks, curled leaves, or feeding trails for indications of insect activity. Wilhite Landscape offers chemical-free pest management to optimize plant ecosystems above and below the ground instead of applying pesticides for a beautiful, healthy lawn and flowers.

2. Yellow Patches: Many things can kill patches of grass in an otherwise healthy lawn. To keep the patch from spreading treatment is needed. This year there’s a serious outbreak of take-all patch, a disease of St. Augustine grass caused by the fungus “Gaeumannomyces.” Fluctuating

“Porch Rules: Read a book, sip your favorite drink, listen to the birds, take a nap, enjoy the windchimes, see the beauty in the changing seasons, relax.”

weather and dampness has driven the normally inactive disease out of control.

The problem with the warm again cold again weather is that it encourages the grass to grow even though the roots have not established. Grass must have roots to pick up nutrients for the manufacture of chlorophyll otherwise it becomes yellow grass. Spring fertilization might have made it worse as fertilizer encouraged the grass to grow without roots. The solution is to apply a foliar fertilizer with iron and if needed a fungicide to combat the take-all patch to help the grass stay healthy until it can establish roots. The warmer weather will encourage rooting. It’s important to watch the weather and the progress of your lawn this summer as it gets a late start on rooting and all it will take is an early hot dry start to summer and your lawn could be in trouble again.

3. Water: Monitoring watering is integral in maintaining a health lawn. Always adjust the amount of watering to consider rainfall as too much water is not only wasteful it can harm the lawn’s lifespan while too little water leaves the lawn susceptible to disease, insect and weed infestations. A well-maintained lawn in East Texas needs one inch of water per week to stay green and growing. It’s better to run an automatic sprinkler system every three to four days for longer periods than every day for 10 minutes or so. This prevents roots from growing closer to the surface.

Early morning watering is best, as watering in the evening can increase the likelihood of disease development because the lawn will remain cool, dark and moist for an extended period of time.

36 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

4. Mowing: Mowing has more impact on the health and growth of a lawn than any other regular maintenance activity in the summer. The height of the mower blades depends on the type of grass. Grasses like Bermuda can handle shorter cutting heights between 1.5 and 2 inches, while St. Augustine needs to be higher at 2.5 to 3.5 inches. It’s best to mow early in the morning after the dew has dried or in the evening when temperatures have dropped.

Since grass is between 80-90 percent water, clippings and nutrients can be recycled back into the lawn, providing beneficial organic material for future growth.

5. Weeds: Different types of weeds germinate at different times throughout the year and it’s an ongoing battle to remove them. The weeds that germinate in the summer generally grow rapidly, produce a flower, go to seed and then die with the onset of fall. Many summer weeds are easily controlled by pulling them out by hand, because they usually cannot re-grow from the remaining roots. They can also be spot treated with a post-emergent herbicide or vinegar. If using an herbicide, make sure it is labeled “safe for southern lawns.” The best overall method of controlling weeds is a thick, well-maintained lawn, as windblown weed seeds will have a harder time germinating in the middle of a lush lawn.

Proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing discourages many weeds from ever germinating. Thin lawns are filled up with weeds as nature does not like to see a void.

Others ways to handle weeds is just to mow them or enjoy them if they are wildflowers.

Visit www.WilhiteLandscape.com to learn more about summer lawn care.

| 903.865.1235

27,000 sq ft home decor warehouse at wholesale prices. Open to the public.

Your parent’s healthcare needs should be handled by skilled medical professionals.

Bethany HomeHealth is here for you. Trusted, qualified home health care serving the Palestine area.

www.DandPInteriors.com 21504 Interstate 20 |Canton, TX

3

WILHITE

0

LANDSCAPE

YEARS

1983-2013

♦

Experience. Quality.

Customer Satisfaction.

www.bethanyhealthcare.com • Skilled Nursing • Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech/Language Pathology • Medical Social Services • Home Health Aides • Certified Ostomy/Wound Care • Infusion Services • Diabetic/Insulin Management • Cardiovascular Management • Low Vision Enrichment • Patient & Family Disease Education Your loved one could have a condition that qualifies for Medicare coverage for home health services. Check with your family physician or call:

903-727-2016

Landscape & Garden Works for East Texas Hwy 64 West, Tyler (903) 593-5975 ft www.wilhitelandscape.com JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 37

FEEL GOOD: MAKING A DIFFERENCE Center For Healthy Living Exceeds Expectations

percent were clinically overweight or obese and 65 percent were uninsured.

During a recent meeting, the Tyler City Council received a report from the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) on the operation of the Center for Healthy Living located at 2815 Frankston Highway.

“This is a great time to recognize this partnership between the city of Tyler and NET Health,” then-Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass said. “This facility offers wonderful classes and screening to help prevent chronic illnesses in the population as well as to detect and manage the diseases for those already affected.”

The Center for Healthy Living officially opened on October 16, 2013, and provides diabetic management, cooking classes, tobacco cessation programs, nutrition counseling, access to WIC, immunization services, health coaching, education campaigns, navigations services, mobile mammograms, vaccination clinics and blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, weight and BMI screenings.

The center has served 312 people from the time it opened through the end of February. However, many of those individuals come to the center weekly. Of the patients screened at the clinic, 80.5

for

WH IT ENING

beautiful IMPL ANT S lasting change C OSM ETI C D ENT IST RY

Texas Young Lawyers Project Battles Substance Abuse

A new multimedia project from the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) educates young people about the dangers and real-life consequences of substance abuse.

Through BSAFE: Battling Substance Abuse For Everyone, TYLA aims to provide resources to those struggling with substance abuse and inform the public about the use and benefits of drug courts.

The project includes a three-part DVD and written materials targeted at middle and high school students, their parents and educators.

“Substance abuse is a factor in many of the cases I see,” said TYLA President Kristy Blanchard, a family law attorney in Plano.

“My hope for this project is that TYLA can help protect students from substance abuse and educate them about the very real legal and physical consequences of addiction.”

BSAFE tells the story of multiple young people who have battled and overcome drug dependence. Through their eyes, viewers see firsthand just how easily one can slide from youthful experimentation to substance abuse and addiction.

J. Brandon Allen, D.D.S Randy Bell, D.D.S. 903.675.3811 208 Crestway Street, Athens crestwayparkdental.com

In a second video aimed at parents, educators, and other adults, the BSAFE project details the warning signs of substance abuse and provides resources to help families cope with and overcome addiction. A third video explains drug court system in Texas, which provides first-time drug offenders with an opportunity to avoid criminal prosecution in exchange for participating in an approved rehabilitation program and remaining drug-free.

TYLA also produced a pamphlet for par-

38 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JULY/AUGUST 2014

ents and educators containing warning signs of substance abuse, helpful tips on what to do if you suspect substance abuse, and information on the numerous resources available to families dealing with these issues. TYLA is working with educators to get these materials into schools starting later this spring.

A grant from the Texas Bar Foundation is funding the project. Since its inception in 1965, the foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably funded bar foundation.

BSAFE: Battling Substance Abuse For Everyone is available at www.tyla.org.

Contact TYLA at 800.204.2222, ext. 1529, to request a copy of the DVD or written materials. Many other outstanding TYLA public service projects that serve vulnerable populations – youth, seniors, domestic violence victims – are also available on the TYLA website.

All licensed Texas lawyers who are 36 years old or younger or who are in their first five years of licensure, regardless of age, are automatically members of TYLA. Commonly referred to as the “public service arm” of the State Bar of Texas, TYLA’s main purposes are to facilitate the administration of justice, foster respect for the law, and advance the role of the legal profession in serving the public.

The State Bar of Texas is an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of Texas that provides educational programs for the legal profession and the public, administers the minimum continuing legal education program for attorneys, and manages the attorney discipline system.

Safe Kids USA Launches Summer Car Safety Effort

As we approach summer in Texas, the danger of children dying from being left unattended in vehicles increases, warns Melisa Rhodes, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent, Van Zandt County.

Safe Kids USA has launched a campaign titled, ACT. ACT stands for:

Avoid heatstroke-related injury, Create reminders, and Take action. The campaign is designed to link together these simple heatstroke prevention steps.

The problem is that temperatures in parked vehicles rise very quickly. According to figures from San Francisco State University’s Department of Geosciences, in just 10 minutes, the temperature inside of a vehicle can increase by almost 20 degrees.

A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s, making children more vulnerable to a deadly condition known as hyperthermia, or heatstroke. Heatstroke can occur at body temperatures above 104 degrees.

Even mild outside temperatures can pose a threat, but with Texas temperatures climbing into the upper 90s each day, the danger becomes even greater.

Statistics from San Francisco State University show that Texas leads the nation with the highest number of vehicle heatstroke deaths during the years 1998-2013, with 92 deaths during that time. Nationally, there have already been two deaths due to heatstroke so far in 2014, with one having occurred in Texas. Last year in Texas, there were five vehicle heat-related deaths.

Nationally, there were 44, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In more than half of the cases during that time period, the death was due to the child being ‘forgotten’ by the caregiver. Such deaths are preventable when parents take precautions to make sure that children are not left alone in vehicles and cannot gain access to unlocked vehicles. According to Safe Kids, onethird of the heat-related deaths in 2000 were due to children becoming trapped in a vehicle they had crawled into.

Although many parents may think that this will never happen to them, it is a tragedy that can and has happened to many families. It is important that parents talk to their babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for their children to make them aware of the dangers of hyperthermia deaths.

Look for the ACT and Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car campaign promotions. For more information, vishttp:// nlyca.safekidsweb.org/resources.

Yama Yoga Wellness Spa & Boutique

Where Your Journey Begins

Daily Classes • Beginner • Stretch • Vinyasa • Pilates • Massage • Reflexology 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training • Kids Yoga • Chair Yoga Weekend Workshops • Sunlighten Far Infrared Sauna • Life Coaching Reiki • Hypnotherapy • Nutritional Counseling • Teeth Whitening Cuts, Color, Facials & Waxing • Gifts 1023 S. Trades Day Blvd. (Hwy 19), Canton, TX 75103

WWW.YAMAYOGA.INFO 903.316.9471 JULY/AUGUST 2014 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 39

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.

ATHENS www.ATXFM.com

EDOM www.BlueberryHillFarms.com

LONGVIEW www.HistoricLongviewFarmersMarket.com MINEOLA www.MineolaMainStreet.com PARIS www.ParisTexas.com

NACOGDOCHES www.NacogdochesFarmersMarket.com ROCKWALL www.Rockwall.com/MainStreet

SULPHUR SPRINGS www.SulphurSpringsFarmersMarket.com

TYLER. www.TylerFarmersMarket.org

WINNSBORO www.WinnsboroFarmersMarket.com