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UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS

M A G A Z I N E

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terry britt aukse harris Valeria barnhill eva malevanskaya black beauty ranch EDOM ARTS FESTIVAL matt bradshaw caddo lake liefie li vine jefferson

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CONTENTS FEATURES

34

8 Black Beauty Ranch

Murchison ranch is the largest animal sanctuary in America.

By Tom Geddie

10 Mother and Daughter Artists

Whitehouse residents Valeria and Eva use art to express themselves, relax, and reach their goals.

By Tom Geddie

12 Graduate Fulfils Life-Long Dream Terry Britt recently got his college degree at the age of 47 after overcoming tremendous obstacles.

8

By P.A. Geddie

DEPARTMENTS 5

Editor’s Note. Letters.

6 ACROSS

News.

10

THE COUNTY LINE

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

LITERARY SCENE

15 News. Events. Big Foot Meets Mineola, Greenville Rally, Van Oil Festival, Mount Vernon 100th Year Celebration.

32 Review by Patti Light: Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate by Dan Miller and Jared Angaza

The Arts

32 News. Events. Book Fair, David Emrimo

8

20 News. Events.

33 Poetry & Prose

21 Tyler Jewelry Artist Finds Niche

33 Kids Enjoy the Power of Reading

By Patti Light

23 Edom Shares Art and More at Festival

On Stage

By Tom Geddie

PLAY

34 News. Events.

24 News. Events. ArtsView. Perot Theatre.

34 Get Away From It All at Caddo Lake

film

STAY

26 News. Events. Tyler Film Festival. The Ghosts of Wimberly. Peace Film.

Music

26 Music Notes. William Clark Green. Jimmy LaFave, Lou Ann Petty, Crossroads Music Company, Kasey Lansdale.

30 Matt Bradshaw Aims To Get People Moving Emotionally

By Tom Geddie

31 Music Listings

12

By Cindy Anne Duncan

35 There’s Room at the Inn in Jefferson

By Cindy Anne Duncan

Food & drink

36 Review: Liefie Li Vine

By Patti Light

23

LIVING ROOM Home. Garden. Real Estate

42 Master Craftsman Restores Furniture

By Veronica Terres

42 Country Cultured

By John Wilson 43 Becoming a Tiger Landscaper is not for Everyone

By Edward H. Garcia

FEEL GOOD

44 News. Events. Chinn Family. ETMC Quitman, Canton Assisted Living, Medicare Scams, Adrian Peterson, Petapalooza.

46 Lillie’s Law Program in Tatum Helps Teens Break Habit

By Patti Light

38 News. Events.

38 In the Kitchen with Debbie

SHOP

40 News. Events.

41 Find Home Decor in Northeast Texas

By Leah Lynch

SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

COVER: “Asian Mettle” by Bobbye Koncak is a mixture of several art mediums including watercolor, goldflecking, acrylic, and webbing.

The name was taken from the description of the word mettle: courage, fortitude, quality of character, and spirit. The Japanese lettering translates to “the greatest Japanese treasure.”

See more of Koncak’s work at the Edom Festival of the Arts October 19-20.

county line Since 2000

MAGAZINE

Publisher & managing Editor P.A. Geddie administration Lori Easley emarketing Leah Lynch Contributors Patti Light Jeremy Light Tom Geddie Leah Lynch Edward H. Garcia John Wilson Cindy Anne Duncan Veronica Terres Debbie Davis sales P.A. Geddie DISTRIBUTION Chris Beverage Pam Boyd Bombyk David Michelina Billie Ruth Stanbridge

County Line Magazine is published once a month, 12 months a year. It is available free of charge in the Northeast Texas area in select businesses, limited to one copy per reader. Subscription costs: $18 per year in Texas, and $22 per year outside Texas.

Bulk rate postage paid at Ben Wheeler, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. Contents COPYRIGHT 2012 County Line all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.833.2084 E-mail: info@countylinemagazine.com Website: www.countylinemagazine.com. Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling 903.963.8306.

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 or Twitter.

Go to LETTERS on www.countylinemagazine.com.

Serving the Upper East Side of Texas

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, There’s a WORLD of adventure for you right here in the Upper East Side of Texas this autumn! Throughout this issue you will find people, places, art, music, and more — with roots from places like Czech Republic, Russia, Japan, South Africa, England, Lithuania, Mexico, and more. It always amazes me how these issues come together with a common thread and this issue definitely introduces a world of fun.

Several towns are holding heritage festivals celebrating those who came before.

Settlers of East Texas came from Scotland,

Ireland, Germany, and many other countries. It is good to honor the work they did to pave the way for us to enjoy such beauty today.

Another thread running through this issue is people who found their passion and are living it out loud. Perhaps they will inspire others to do the same.

Here’s hoping you have your best autumn ever amidst the fine blend of cultures — including our beloved “country” culture — in our little piece of the world.

P.A. Geddie Publisher & Managing Editor

LETTERS Dear Editor, As we traveled on our vacation from San Antonio, to Terlingua, up to the Davis Mountains, then back again by way of Highway 90 — we like the scenic routes — we stopped at Langtry and experienced the Judge Roy Bean Museum and Visitor Center run by the Texas Highways Department. Among the numerous free publications offered for the taking, we found County Line Magazine—an East Texas publication—in West Texas! I read it front to back on the trip home, sharing highlights of articles with my husband as we started discussing the possibilities of a trip now to East Texas. What a wonderful publication full of event listings, shopping and restaurant venues, and especially articles that showcase the people and happenings of the area. Here’s to our next road trip full of music, sites and new cities to explore!

Thanks County Line.

Thanks so much for being a part of Art of Peace - Tyler! Your support of the arts in East Texas through County Line has helped connect a community of creative East Texans. We appreciate everything you do!

Anne McCrady Tyler I am an avid reader of the County Line Magazine. I have a lake home at Callender Lake, but live in Dallas, so I am not as familiar with East Texas. When I read about events happening around the Upper East Side of Texas, I am not always familiar with the city and more importantly, how far away it is from Callender Lake to determine if it is feasible.

The article (July/August) in County Line Magazine is amazing! Thank you for helping to share my story from The Voice. Love this magazine!

One suggestion is to include a map of the Upper East Side of Texas in the County Line Magazine with the major cities/highways shown so the readers can judge the distance for the highlighted events compared to where they live. It would be more convenient, and a service to your readers, to have this map as part of the magazine than having to pull out a map each month to locate these cities.

Amber Carrington Rockwall

Carol Walsh Dallas/Callender Lake

I love your magazine and look forward to the many interesting stories you offer concerning the Upper East Side. Great job!

NOTE: We are researching this idea Carol.

Thank you for the suggestion. In the meantime feel free to use the map on our media kit on the website which highlights our communities.

Lucinda Vela-Wick San Antonio

Glenda Schill Quitman SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 5

ACROSS THE COUNTY LINE Texas Basket Company Wins State Recognition

The Texas Historical Commission has recognized Texas Basket Company in Jacksonville as its Texas Treasure Business Award winner. The award program pays tribute to businesses that provided employment opportunities and support to the state’s economy for 50 years or more and that made exceptional historical contributions to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.

Texas Basket Company makes between 5,000 to 12,000 baskets per day, employing between 80 to 130. It sells to every state in the United States and some overseas locations.

Agreement with Developer Could Boost Tyler Center Tyler City Council approved a reimbursement development agreement with The Retail Connection for public land and public improvements. As part of a new retail development at S. Broadway and Toll 49, the city would obtain land to be used for construction of a hotel conference center expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Tyler each year.

“This is an incredibly unique opportunity for Tyler,” said Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.

“In fact, it has been called a once in a lifetime chance to bring more than $80 million in private investment to Tyler in one development. This investment is in addi-

tion to the hotel planned to be built with private funding adjacent to a city-owned conference center.”

positions at McDonnell-Douglas and in the banking industry, and worked as an assistant professor.

The first phase of the development is scheduled to open in summer 2014. Upon completion, the total project acreage will be approximately 80 acres and encompass more than 700,000 square feet of retail, restaurants, and entertainment in a contemporary and pedestrian friendly outdoor setting where family and friends can shop, dine, and be entertained.

Longview Efforts Win Award for Technology

The agreement also calls for The Retail Connection to provide 13 acres on the southern portion of their development to be used for the city’s planned hotel conference center.

ETCOG Names Shryock To Workforce Directorship

Douglas Shryock is the new director of Workforce and Economic Development for the East Texas Council of Governments, the regional planning organization for 14 East Texas counties. He is responsible for overseeing ETCOG’s publicly funded workforce development and economic development programs and services including the workforce and childcare subcontractors on behalf of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board.

Shryock retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel. He also held leadership

The Texas Association of Government Information Technology Managers recently awarded Longview its award of excellence for outstanding innovation and application of leading edge computing and communication technologies for its implementation of CitySend.

CitySend, launched in February 2012, is an online and mobile service request system that can be used on a desktop computer, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, or Windows mobile devices. Residents can identify issues, upload a photo or video of the concern, mark the geographic location on a map, and report it to the city. Each request is provided a unique tracking number so the user is able to see when action is taken.

CitySend also has a news feature that provides a feed of Longview news.

In addition, Longview was recognized by Azteca Systems with the Cityworks Exemplary User Award. Cityworks is the Geographic Information System-based work order management system used in many city departments that integrates with CitySend. For more information, call Justin Cure, information services manager, at 903.237.1048.

Stolen Statue Returned To Rightful TJC Home

A statue of long-time Tyler Junior College President Dr. Harry Jenkins – stolen in April 1995 – has been recovered and returned to the college.

“We are pleased that this valuable piece of TJC history has been returned to us and will once again be on display for faculty, staff and students to enjoy,” said TJC President Dr. Mike Metke announced.

Bill Bragg will lead the parade this year as the Ben Wheeler Fall Feral Hog Festival’s official grand marshal. As part of Bragg’s illustrious past, he served as the voice of Big Tex at the State Fair of Texas for 11 years. The event takes place October 26 and includes an array of fun, pig-themed floats, music all over town, a wild hog cook-off and more. The Fall Feral Follies and Hog Queen Coronation takes place the night before. For more information contact the Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation at 903.833.1070 and visit www.benwheelertx.com. Courtesy photo.

6 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

The life-size statue, weighing approximately 300 pounds (because it was metal, not because Jenkins was that large), was last seen on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1995.

Later that evening, a campus safety officer discovered it missing. Tire tracks at the scene led authorities to speculate a truck was backed up to the statue’s location. It is

The Quebe Sisters Band will perform at Wood County Electric Coop’s 75th Annual Meeting October 11 in Quitman. The group is made up of sisters Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe, as well as guitarist Joey L. McKenzie and swinging upright bassist Gavin Kelso. Courtesy photo.

presumed at least two people were involved in the theft. A sharp cutting instrument was used to remove the statue from its footing.

use of natural gas vehicles by presenting a check for $142,761 at the Tyler City Council meeting.

The case remained unsolved until Dr. Metke and TJC criminal justice students launched a new investigation in August 2011. News coverage of the new investigation eventually led to the statue’s recovery.

“I am very pleased that the City of Tyler has led the way in East Texas in saving thousands of dollars on fuel and operating costs by using Texas-produced natural gas instead of imported oil,” Porter said. “Not only do these natural gas vehicles save money and reduce dependency on foreign oil, they are reducing exhaust soot by 99 percent, which is good for the environment and our children.”

Bernardo “Berny” Trevino, who had taken possession of the statue several years ago after it was left at an Austin apartment, and his friend Matthew Spencer Remington searched the Internet for information about the statue’s sculptor, John Harper.

Harper’s name was inscribed on the statue.

Internet searches revealed stories about the college’s re-opened investigation as to location of the statue, and Trevino called the Tyler Police Department.

TJC Campus Police Chief Randy Melton and Criminal Justice Professor and Department Chair Jason Waller went to Austin to confirm that the statue belonged to TJC. “We are grateful to Mr. Trevino and Mr. Remington for their interest in finding the statue’s rightful owners and arranging for its return to TJC,” Melton said.

Metke said the statue will be cleaned and repaired – there is a small dent near its top – and then re-introduced as a TJC campus landmark, this time inside Jenkins Hall.

Tyler Wins Recognition For Natural Gas Vehicles

Texas Railroad Commission Commissioner David Porter recognized Tyler for its

The CNG conversion project is an outcome of the Industry Growth Initiative, a plan adopted by Tyler to enhance industry growth.

One of the major industries identified in the plan is 21st Century Energy, due to the prevalence of natural gas in the Barnett and Haynesville shales near Tyler. Experts estimate that the Haynesville shale contains enough natural gas to fuel the country for the next 100 years.

Van Approves Upgrades For Industrial Area, Theater

Van City Council approved a state loan of $1.06 million to upgrade Park Row Lane to a concrete, commercial-grade roadway in its industrial district. Economic Development Corporation Director Jerrod Fishback called the approval “a big step for us.”

fic,” Fishback said.

Some of the money will also be used to help renovate a former theater building downtown that most recently was used as an auto parts store.

Test Hay from Local Fields At Cherokee County Sale

One way for farmers to get hay tested for free is to enter either a square bale or a large trash bag full of hay in the annual Cherokee County hay show and sale. Entrants are provided with a detailed analysis of the hay crop.

Hay samples must be produced in Cherokee County, and the deadline for entering is September 14.

Testing results will be given during the annual hay show and sale October 22 at the Cherokee County Exposition Center in Jacksonville. A barbecue dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with the auction following at 7 p.m. The grand champion and reserve champion hay along with the blue ribbon hay will be sold during this event. All proceeds benefit the youth of Cherokee County.

The upgrade comes with the recruitment of East Texas Seals to a 20,000-square-foot building in the district.

Hay entry drop off locations are at the Texas A&M University Extension Office in Rusk, Alto Feed in Alto, Farm and Ranch Feed in Jacksonville, Southland Feed in Jacksonville, Steele’s Feed and Seed in Troup, and Tri County Sale Barn in New Summerfield.

“It became clear the current roadway would not be able to handle that type of truck traf-

For more information, call Aaron Low at the extension office at 903.683.5416.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 7

Black Beauty Ranch Recognized as America’s Largest Animal Sanctuary

By Tom Geddie The Free Dictionary defines “sanctuary” as both a sacred place, as a place of refuge or asylum, and as a reserved area where animals, especially wild animals, are protected from hunting or molestation. It is a word often heard in discussions at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch near Murchison.

It is known as America’s largest animal sanctuary.

A plaque on the gate to the 1,310 acres of rolling hills quotes from the final lines of Anna Sewell’s classic children’s book Black Beauty, about a horse that is mistreated as it is passed from owner to owner before finally finding peace: “I have nothing to fear, and here my story ends. My troubles are all over, and I am at home.”

That novel so impressed Amory, a noted writer and critic described by The Humane Society of the United States as “the founding father of the modern animal protection movement,” that today, 15 years after his death, Black Beauty Ranch remains home to more than 1,000 animals of 42 species.

The ranch has four lakes and a dozen ponds and brooks. Many of these species — including chimpanzees, antelopes, a bison and a water buffalo, antelopes, an ostrich and an emu, red turkeys — and more than 500 horses and burros, run free within the fenc-

es; others, such as the tigers, bobcats, chimpanzees, are penned. Many were rescued from research laboratories, circuses, zoos, captive hunting operations, factory farming, and government round-ups.

The story of Amory’s rescue shows both the ranch’s determination and its figurative heart.

Amory and his Fund for Animals bought the first 85 acres in 1979 as a permanent home for 544 burros rescued from the Grand Canyon. Those burros faced extermination by the Bureau of Land Management after landowners complained the burros competed for scarce resources without contributing to the region. Amory hired ex-Vietnam helicopter pilots, using slings on the bottom of the helicopters, to pull every one of those burros — one at a time — out of the canyon without injuring any of them.

Ben Callison is director of Black Beauty Ranch after being a volunteer for eight years. He oversees 22 full-time employees, four interns, approximately 50 steady volunteers, and a stream of other volunteers.

Staff and some of the volunteers get to know many of the animals by name and habits.

Chimpanzees, for example, live as family groups in the wild, but must be

8 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

penned — in big, roomy pens — at the ranch.

“In the wild, they get daily enrichment and social structure from that group, but once they are taken from the wild there is no way to put them back,” Callison said. “We give them as enriching an environment as possible, which is always second to a wild existence. Chimps are such highly social, intelligent creatures that the challenge is to constantly change their environments.”

Staff hangs “jolly balls” under some trees in the 800-acre horse and burro area, filling them with, for example, peanut butter or other treats; the animals sometimes use them like tether balls. Treats for the primates include sticks with honey and seeds on them; for the pigs, bags to rip open and get to special treats — all in moderation and as part of planned diets.

Some of the animals even, in their own ways, paint, with the pictures sold as part of fundraising efforts.

“The paintings are byproducts of our enrichment program,” Callison said.

“For many years, painting is something all primate facilities have done, and we develop enrichment programs for every single animal. Why limit it to just chimps? We don’t force any of them, but we began trying enrichment with different animals. Some of them really enjoy it.”

“I have nothing to fear; and here my story ends.

My troubles are all over, and I am at home.”

Anna Sewell, Black Beauty

Callison said painting — with nontoxic children’s paint — is one of the favorite activities of two female tigers which end up covered in the paint, and then groom each other. The scent is one of the fascinations. Callison said the ostriches are fascinated with the process, and that some of the horses paint, too.

“We put a little grain down on the canvas, and the horses push the paint around to make colorful images,” he said.

Black Beauty Ranch brings in animals from all over the country: locally, regionally, and nationally in cooperation with the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, other animal welfare groups, sheriff’s departments, and others.

“We do our own investigations and rescues, and the Humane Society does its own, too,” Callison said. “When we do a seizure, we ensure there is a way to stop whatever scenario they came from, to stop the cruelty and neglect. Many times if somebody else saves a horse, it’s not stopping the abuser from getting another one. But we go through the legal process. Alex, the tiger that just came in, came from a guy who was a drug addict in Kansas and abandoned the animals in the back yard. We legally seize these animals, and we want to make sure we are helping the issue, not enabling somebody to just get another one.”

The Fund for Animals has also won legal actions to protect endangered species and prevent inhumane hunting and trapping practices.

A second facility on the Black Beauty Ranch grounds is the Doris Day Horse Rescue and Adoption Center, which rescues and rehabilitates abused and neglected horses to help place them in safe, permanent, loving homes. It is also affiliated with the Humane Society.

“Cleveland and Doris were very close friends and she had a dream to create the horse rescue and adoption center,” Callison said. “So she started that here two or three years ago. It’s the first-ever true adoption program we’ve had here because our own mission is sanctuary; once an animal is here, it’s here for life. With more than 500 horses, we love that, and they live well beyond the years anyone could expect them to live.

But that means we have very limited intake. Now we can evaluate new ones for adoptability, seeing if they can be rehabilitated, trained, and adopted. Those that can’t because of medical, behavioral, or other issues go to sanctuary.”

With a $2 million annual budget, Black Beauty Ranch, a 501c3 nonprofit corporation, is totally funded by donations from the public.

While the ranch is not a zoo and is not open for regular public visitation, it holds open houses twice a year and sponsors a 5K “Freedom Run” every year. The next one is on October 12

and October 19; another will be next spring.

“The visitor center and gift shop will be open where people can learn about all the programs,” Callison said. “We will have walking tours for the farm animals and limited primate tours, plus tour buses and hay rides to see the remainder of property with staff staged at every single area to share the animals’ stories and issues, and what we are working towards.”

The Doris Day center is open every day except Sunday, and the ranch plans to eventually open its visitor center every day.

“Our mission at the center is to provide a home for these animals. We want to minimize the impact of people coming through the animals’ home,” Callison said.

A representative from Black Beauty Ranch will also be at the Ben Wheeler Book Fair November 30, selling copies of The Ranch of Dreams, which tells the center’s story; Amory’s The Cat Who Came for Christmas; and possibly other books.

For more information, go to www.blackbeautyranch.org or call 903.469.3811.

Scan to see video about Black Beauty Ranch or go to www.youtube.com/ watch?v=6lifGkijVhc

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 9

Photo by Tom Geddie

Mother and Daughter Express Themselves With Art

By Tom Geddie Valeria Barnhill and her daughter Eva Malevanskaya are one example of the cliche “like mother, like daughter.”

Both are artists. Both were juried into the recent Art Walk in downtown Tyler. Both have intertwining interests in other art forms.

Valeria began painting just a very few years ago, when she was 42; Eva, at 11, is already an accomplished artist (with room to grow).

This is part of their story.

Valeria grew up in Russia, where her family owned an interior and floral design company with about a hundred employees. She earned a civil engineering degree from St. Petersburg State Transport University.

In the family business, Valeria would sometimes sketch quick images to illustrate ideas to customers; she’d drawn all her life, she said, but only with a pen.

She and Eva came to the United States in 2008 after a two-year MySpace friendship with Terry Barnhill that turned into a courtship. The Barnhills now live in Whitehouse.

“We listened to music together and sent messages online,” Valeria said. “In a year he decided to come see me in Russia, and we decided to get married. In another year, we got married.”

Valeria didn’t actually begin to paint until she came to the United States.

“When I started to paint, Terry didn’t take it seriously,” she said. “I always try something new. I was in a new country with new opportunities. It was some-

10 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

thing I dreamed of, so I am doing it. A long time ago, I dreamed of an art gallery somewhere in Europe, maybe Germany or Sweden. I didn’t imagine life would bring me to America.”

Valeria tried to find work as an engineer, but said nobody was hiring. One day she repaired her own necklace, and decided to begin making jewelry.

“I did some shows, but I always wanted to make art on canvas with real paint,” she said. “All my work before was drawing sketches, to show an idea of what I wanted to give the customer. I was making it with the pen, and I never or very seldom used other colors.

The first time she painted acrylics and colorful inks on canvas was in 2010; she also makes some art on a computer.

Right from the start, the paintings were bold.

“I was always attracted to bright colors,” she said. “In Russia, we have many museums in the classic arts but they are not so bright. Modern art always attracted me more.”

Valeria is a prolific artist whose sometimes whimsical subjects — often influenced by modernism and cubism, and the works of Marc Chagall — come from her own imagination.

“Always from the head,” she said.

“Sometimes I want to draw one thing, but I will change the subject in a few minutes. Always from the head. I like fantastic subjects, and my art is always emotional. That’s what people tell me.”

She encourages other people to paint, although she never had to encourage Eva. “I would like to tell people who never tried to do it, to know that they can draw,” Valeria said. “I started to paint when I was 42 years old. It’s not hard.

The art is just your impressions. You just need to, like in anything, want it.

You need to want to draw, to paint. Just work, don’t wait for inspiration.

“Eva encouraged herself. When I am painting, she is trying to do something too.”

Eva said she’s been drawing ever since she could hold a pen.

“It’s interesting and it’s fun. It inspires me to be even more, to learn how to do new things and make your art better,” she said. “You can express yourself. It calms me down, and gives me time to relax.”

Eva also likes to make jewelry and she recently made a three-minute iPad movie, “The Genie Dog,” about a talking dog that could grant three wishes.

Naturally, for an 11-year-old, the third wish she wanted was for kids to rule the world. She also went on the runway at a youth fashion show at the East Texas State Fair, wearing a red, gray, black, and white cotton fleece poncho she designed. When she was five years old in Russia, she was a child model in two shows and did two art shows of her own.

Eva is a prolific reader.

“I like the writer of the ‘Magic Tree House’ books (Mary Pope Osborne) and I also like A.L. Alexander (author

of Poems that Touch the Heart),” she said.

“And Roald Dahl is awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome.”

Like her mother, Eva is a prolific visual artist, too, using acrylics, watercolor, pens, colored pencils, and crayons.

“Sometimes I just make doodles on my folders for school. I don’t even get in trouble because first I finish my work for class and then I draw. That’s something I love about it.”

Family is the most important thing to Eva “because my family loves me and because they care about me, and I love them and care about them.” With all the attention Valeria and Eva get, she calls her stepfather, who is a master electrician, an artist in the kitchen.

“He likes to cook. He’s really good. He can cook everything, and he’s always looking something new,” Eva said. “I like spaghetti and I love his macaroni and other pasta. I also like his pork. He makes it on the grill.”

She said her mother is her hero.

“She helps me go through life. Sometimes she helps me not to be nervous, and she’s taught me lots of art things.

She taught me my manners. She moves me to the goal. She just makes my goals come true, makes me reach my goals,” Eva said. “Once my mom brought me to One Source Talent (a modeling and acting school), and they said I was good and to come to the second meeting.

But we decided to wait a while because it costs a lot of money and there were more important things to do, so we decided to wait.”

While Eva pursues her own, many goals, she’s also sure to spend some time at Valeria Art Lab, 8362 Paluxy Drive in Tyler, which her mom opened this summer. The lab combines an art gallery with some of the other elements she grew up with in Russia: floral arrangements, floral design, interior design, jewelry design, design classes, and more.

“I like to star in my movies, and to film movies, and to hang out with my friends, and to make jewelry. I also make greeting cards,” Eva said. “I want to be an actress, a model, an artist, a businesswoman, and to be the president of the United States.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 11 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 11

Graduate Fulfills Life-Long Dream and Inspires Others To Overcome Challenges

By P.A. Geddie

Greek mythology than the average kid.

Many people in and around Van Zandt County recognize the name Terry Britt.

He’s brought them reliable, well-written news stories in the Van Zandt Newspapers for 13 years or so during two different intervals in his 29-year journalism career.

Soon a number of incidents, and family lifestyle, would set the course for a long life of overwhelming challenges.

Friends and colleagues of the salt-andpepper-haired 47-year-old know him to be a kind, gentle, handsome man with above-average intelligence and often hear him talk about his beloved son Ryan and his favorite Guinness beer.

A couple of years ago Britt decided to fulfill a long-desired dream to finish college.

While continuing to work as a reporter full time for the Van Zandt Newspapers, he took a leap of faith and enrolled at the University of Texas at Tyler and graduated, Magna Cum Laude, this past May with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Journalism.

Finishing a college degree is quite remarkable for anyone at this stage of life, but those who know Britt were not completely surprised. After all, they thought, he’s a very smart, confident, well-adjusted man from a good solid family. Right?

What people soon learned about Terry Britt would change their perception of him from just the “smart guy” to a level of pure inspiration and a shining example of never giving up on yourself.

Riding on the exhilaration of reaching his dream, Britt decided it was time to share his true story in hopes that it may help others. In an Internet blog he wrote this summer, he reveals his shocking history of being a childhood sexual assault victim, bullying, being homeless, walking in on his mothers suicide attempt, chronic depression, divorce, bankruptcy, and poverty.

He was sexually assaulted by a neighbor at the age of six and asked to keep quiet about it by his mother, both of them fearing an act of vengeance by his father.

“So I went through the rest of my childhood and teen years with a very dark knowledge and horrid self-image throughout, but I said nothing.”

He was bullied all through school being the “odd man out” often due to his higher-than-most IQ and low self esteem.

Twice in his childhood the family found themselves homeless. After an injury his father never worked again and suffered a complete nervous breakdown. There was often not enough food to satisfy their hunger.

“I basically lost count during this time how many times the refrigerator was nearly empty or I overheard my mom on the phone begging a local grocery for bread and milk on store credit,” Britt recalls.

Perhaps the worst emotional toll came one day when he walked in to the kitchen to find his mother had swallowed an entire bottle of pills.

“We barely got her to the local emergency room on time,” Britt said. “She underwent a stomach pump and spent several days in the hospital. When she did finally come home, ... it was three weeks before she didn’t have to ask someone else who I was.”

Despite these debilitating conditions, Britt knows he was given a few chances along the way that made a difference.

Far from his self-confident exterior, he states, “Instead, ... was a man who lived most of his childhood and adult life with one foot constantly dangling off the cliff of oblivion and self-destruction.”

For one, his parents made a financial sacrifice at one time to get him a set of World Book Encyclopedias.

Britt started life in rural Sweetwater, Tennessee. The oldest of three brothers, he was more interested in reading and

Then, at the age of 14 he was offered a job with the sports editor of one of the local newspapers.

“I learned to challenge myself,” he said.

12 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

“It led to the start of my newspaper journalism career and it probably saved my life,” he said.

He continued to battle depression and deal with family issues and as he always intended he went off to college to further his education. It wasn’t long before he succumbed to emotional and financial pressures and began binge drinking.

“That was part of the darkness and trauma that I was never able to talk to anyone about,” he recalls. “I started a heavy drinking habit out of self-loathing more than anything.”

Fortunately, his peers and a newspaper advisor saw what was happening and took him aside to tell him he needed to stop.

“It was a wake-up call that led me to the realization that I was intentionally harming myself. And I knew that wasn’t the way to deal with things,” he said.

He cleaned up the drinking habit but ongoing social and psychological struggles, and a lack of money, led him to drop out of college after three and a half years of coursework in which he said he never performed to his potential.

Over the next few years Britt worked odd jobs, for a retail computer software store, and as often as possible as a reporter for newspapers. He was transferred to Texas at one point and spent some time in the Arlington area before returning to the University of Tennessee to try to finish his college degree.

“I thought I could finish my degree and kinda restart my life again,” he said.

He was just there three weeks when he got some bad news.

“My mom had tried to kill herself again” he said. “She was at a local hospital for at least six months for suicidal tendency treatment. That pretty much took the wind out of my sails.”

He barely finished the hours he’d signed on for in college and decided he “just didn’t want to do it any more.”

“I was back in a depression-laden mess at that time,” Britt recalls.

He had met and dated a young woman in Texas and decided to leave his Tennessee problems behind him and go back to Texas. He and his girlfriend married and within a year or so they had their son, Ryan.

Unfortunately the marriage did not survive and Britt found himself once again moving around taking reporter positions with a variety of newspapers in Texas and Tennessee.

He finally landed as a reporter in Van Zandt County for seven years while his son was growing up. When Ryan went in to high school and didn’t need him as much he once again roamed around the southern states and Tennessee before returning to the Van Zandt Newspapers in 2007 where he remained until just a few weeks ago.

His parents are both gone now, his father passed in 1999 at 72 and his mother died from a blood clot in 2005 at 63.

His son Ryan is now an adult and the two are very close.

Besides being near his son, his decision to return to college in 2011 and finish his degree was the best road he’s taken in his adult years he said.

“Not having my college degree finished was a nagging weight that had left me with a sense of having fallen short of my potential and my ability — it was not a true indicator of me. It was finally time to finish this once and for all.”

thing began to stir in him that said “why not go further?”

“This has reintroduced to me how much I loved doing academic writing,” he said. ”The whole experience at UT Tyler made me feel so wanted and so appreciated there.”

It all comes back to that — a need for acceptance.

“We don’t necessarily like to salt it down to something like that but really it does. I felt like somebody there.”

His newfound true confidence and love of the work has inspired Britt to get his Masters degree. He starts classes at the University of Texas at Austin this fall. That will take about two years and after that he plans to spend the next four years getting his PhD. His dream job is to help develop the next several generations of writers and journalists and to help young people in general to find their best path in life.

“The reason I came out about so much that happened to me so long ago in relation to where I am now and where I am headed, is because of everything I see around me, particularly with young people.”

As a reporter he’s just noted two teen suicides this summer. He’s witnessed numerous other kids undergoing battles with

depression with suicidal thoughts and bullying and the horrible effects of abusive relationships, he said.

“At some point someone like me has to stand up and say, wait a minute, it doesn’t have to rule your life. Whatever is happening to you, whatever trials or horrific ordeals you’ve gone through, that’s not all there is,” Britt says passionately. “First of all you don’t deserve any of it, you never did. Secondly, you don’t have to let it rule and define you for the rest of your existence. If you need an example here I am.

I know what you are going through because I was there. I was there. I lived every horrifying moment. You can turn within yourself and find that inner strength and resolve to beat everyone who’s trying to knock you to the ground.”

These things are still difficult for him to talk about — and he does so occasionally through teary eyes — but he says it’s finally time now that he is in a position where he can be a “shining example.”

His journey from a physically and emotionally distraught youth to an awardwinning journalist, with a B.A. in English, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and most recently enrolled in a Masters degree program at UT Austin, and to being an amazing dad to boot, more than qualifies him for the position.

To read more about Terry Britt’s story go to www.terrybritt.wordpress.com.

His time at UT Tyler was memorable.

“I am so glad I made the decision to do it there,” Britt said. “It is a tremendous university with great professors and a great atmosphere.”

Returning as an older student had it’s challenges but he was up for that.

“One of my English professors said ‘Let me tell you, it takes a lot of guts to set foot on this university after that much time away from the college environment and do what you’ve done in two years, going up against people half your age.’”

Once Britt accomplished this goal someTerry Britt stands proudly in his graduation gown adorned by top honors he earned while getting his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas at Tyler at the age of 47. Photo by Julie Vaughan SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 13

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

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

FM 279

Downtown Ben Wheeler, Texas Open Tuesday thru Saturday

903.714.5911

KNIFEMAKING CLASSES Learn to make custom, handmade knives from a master knifesmith.

Gift Certificates Available!

 Wonderful Weekends all through the Fall!

Greater Northeast Texas Gun Show

www . harrisonknives . com

Get ready for a squealin’ good time!

Sept. 14 – 15. Guns, knives, reloading supplies and more.

55th Annual Autumn Trails

October 25-26 LIVE MUSIC ALL OVER TOWN*

FRIDAY! MOORE'S STORE ELEVEN HUNDRED SPRINGS

THE FORGE CAFE ANTARSIA

SATURDAY!

One of the oldest annual events in Texas! Events every weekend including the famous annual Trail Ride. Check out the details on our website.

Winnsboro Fine Art Market

PICKIN ' PORCH BEN LOWERY & TEXAS EXPRESS TEXAS ROUNDUP blacktopGYPSY

THE FORGE CRAIG WALLACE HEATHER LITTLE MATT BRADSHAW CHASE & THE NEW SOUTH

Get the full schedule at www.benwheelertx.com

MOORE’S STORE

Fall Feral Follies, Wild Hog Cook-Off, Parade, Live Music and Lots More!

ZYDECO STINGRAYS

*Some have cover charge.

Stage times TBD. Check website.

Fall Feral Follies

Friday 8 p.m.

Hog Queen Contest followed by Eleven Hundred Springs concert and dance

Grand Marshal Bill Bragg, former voice of “Big Tex” Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation www.benwheelertx.com • 903.833.1070 14 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Nov. 2 – 3. Juried art show in the Historic Main Street District. Over 40 artists offering paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography and more.

Wild West Days Nov. 15 –17 . Spectacular Historical Reenactments

Enjoy our Christmas Parade, Holiday Shopping and Award-Winning Restaurants Visit our site WinnsboroOnlineGuide.com This ad sponsored by the WEDC and Winnsboro Four Corners Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit organization.



culture & entertainment

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

Rally ’Round Greenville Benefits Wounded Warriors

The Rally ‘Round Greenville BBQ CookOff on Sept. 20-21 in downtown Greenville, will benefit the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation. Cook-off organizer David Slaughter said the non-sanctioned event should be a fun, relaxed experience for each participant even as they benefit a great cause.

The Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation raises awareness, to honor and to empower wounded United States military, helping them assimilate back to daily life upon returning from combat. They group seeks to provide wounded veterans injured from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with funding to defray basic costs of living incurred as a result of short- and long-term injury care.

The Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau conducts the annual Rally ‘Round Greenville Festival, which will once again feature a Friday night kick-off concert/ street dance with Emerald City Band. Jack Ingram will perform in a free concert Saturday night. Other activities include music all day Saturday and Sunday, a kids’ alley, an art show, crafts and food vendors of all kinds, and the cotton patch classic bicycle ride.

For more information, go to www.greenvillechamber.com or call 903.455.1510.

Help Celebrate Veterans At 34th Van Oil Festival

Van celebrates both its 34th annual Oil Festival and military veterans October 12.

This year’s festival theme is “Let Freedom Ring in Van.” A special float in veterans’ honor will be provided, representing each branch of the armed forces.

A “Shoot Van” photography contest, open to any resident of Van Zandt County, will feature photos that best capture Van. Contest entry fees will benefit the Van Parks Department. Judging results, prizes as well as a silent auction of the photo entries will be open to the public at the festival.

The downtown Main Street festival be-

“Big Foot” is already checking out the town as Mineola Nature Center prepares to welcome him to Big Foot Meets Naturfest October 11-12. Photo by Johnny Taylor.

gins with a 7:30 a.m. pancake breakfast at Van United Methodist Church, followed by a 10 a.m. parade. There will be food, a clown, a bounce house, a dunking booth, antique cars and trucks, face painting, entertainment, a penny scramble, and more until 2 p.m.

both groups are looking for people who will buy one or more plants from the coordinated list.

For more information, email cteague@ comvtx.com or call 903.537. 4070.

EVENTS

The festival gets an early start with the annual Oil Queen pageant contestant tea September 22, followed by the Oil Queen pageant October 5. A special fundraising photo contest gallery viewing and wine tasting event is held October 4.

County Line makes every effort to ensure accurate information. However, information could change.

Please call ahead before making plans. For more listings or organizations and activities and for a list of annual events in and around East Texas, visit countylinemagazine.com.

For more information, call 903.953.7075.

Every Friday & Saturday

Beautify 100-year-old Plaza in Downtown Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon Main Street Alliance and the Downtown Business Association recently celebrated the 100th birthday of the plaza with birthday cake, ice cream, lemonade, and more. Next on the agenda: Cypress Basin Master Gardeners designed a landscape plan for the plaza, so

Greenville Ghost Walk. Greenville. Weekend Ghost Walks highlighting the city’s history and architecture. Some say historical figures from the past 160 years still frequent their old haunts. Steven Reese conducts the tours by lamp light in Victorian costume, beginning at the Heritage Garden near the Farmer’s Market two blocks east of the Hunt County Courthouse on Washington Street.

The location of the old gallows, a haunted winery and a 1920s Egyptian Revival former continued page 17

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 15

Mineola Iron Horse Heritage Day Festival

Van Oil Festival October 12, 2013

Friday, November 1, 5 p.m.

Saturday, November 2

Downtown VAn Pancake Breakfast, Van UMC, 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Vendors, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Parade, 10 a.m.

Antique Tractors at Farmhouse

9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Historic Downtown Mineola

Food , Fun, Vendors, Chili Cook Off, and Carnival Free concert Friday night featuring Rafael Espinoza

Food, clown, bounce house, dunking booth, antique cars/ trucks, face painting, entertainment, penny scramble, and more.

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SATURDAY—OCT. 12 9 AM—5 PM

Vendors - Live Entertainment - FREE Kid’s Area - Health Fair - $1,000 Raffle Car Show - State Championship BBQ Cook Off & Tasting Tent Cemetery History Walk - Silent Auction

Don’t forget First Monday Trade Days Aug. 29—Sept. 1 and Oct. 3—6 16 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

EVENTS continued from page 15 mortuary building are among the stops.

Many landmark buildings are also included on the tour. Greenville joins Jefferson, McKinney and several other area towns in offering the popular Ghost Walks to visitors. 6:30 p.m. $12. Hunt County Heritage Garden, 2300 Washington Street, Historic Downtown Greenville. 903 455-1510. www.greenvillechamber. com.

September 10

Cruise Night. Canton. Hosted by Canton Square Bakery and Cafe. Held on the corner of Buffalo and Tyler St. and around the Courthouse. Great food and family fun. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Free. Buffalo and Tyler Street. 105 S. Buffalo. 903-567-4630. www.rgcarshows.com.

12th Annual Autumn Days in Ennis Fall Festival

Downtown Ennis Saturday, October 19, 2013 10 am- 4 pm

• Arts/Crafts • Live Entertainment • Food • Children’s Activities FREE ADMISSION 972.878.4748 • www.visitennis.org

September 14

Reminisce, Rhythm and Root Beer. Mineola. A celebration of Mineola’s Heritage and Community Hospitality. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mineola Historical Museum. 114 N. Pacific.

903.569.6993. www.mineolahistoricalmuseum. com.

“Fiesta Tejas” Second Saturday Event Series. Corsicana. Activities include Charreada (Mexican rodeo) demonstrations and Ballet folklorico. Visit local merchants, street, and food vendors. Enjoy live music by Mariachi and Conjunto bands. Vendors wanted. 4 - 9 p.m. Free to Public. Downtown Corsicana, 122 W. 3rd Avenue. 877-648-2688. www.corsicanasecondsaturdays.com.

September 17 – 20

Hopkins County Fall Festival. Sulphur Springs. Parade, trades day, gospel song festival, concerts, golf tournament, fun & games carnival, arts and crafts, quilt show, street dance and catfish cooking contest.

7 a.m. Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.

1200 Houston Street. 903-885-6515. www.hopkinscountyfallfestival.com.

October 1 - 31

55th Annual Autumn Trails. Winnsboro. See website for event dates and times. Downtown Winnsboro. www.winnsboroonlineguide.com.

October 5 – 27

Pumpkin Patch Express. Palestine. Take a train ride aboard Texas State Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch, where kids can pick out their own pumpkin, visit Trick or Treat Street, play games, relax on a hayride, and sing and dance with a live children’s entertainer. 11 a.m. Palestine Depot. Park Road 70.

877-726-7245. www.texasstaterr.com.

October 5

Indian Summer Days. Sulphur Springs. Experience Indian Summer Days with Native American dancers, Civil War enactors, musical groups, candle making, quilt show, butcontinued Page 8 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 17

ter churning, soap making, blacksmithing and gristmill operation. Also enjoy Dutch oven cooking and the meals by purchasing a set up for all the good food. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $3. Heritage Park. 416 Jackson St. N. 903-8852387. www.hopkinscountymuseum.org.

October 11

75th Annual Meeting. Quitman. Featuring the Quebe Sisters Band. Tour the new facilities of the Wood County Electric Co-op.

Tours begin at 9 a.m. Band begins at Noon.

Meeting at 2 p.m. Free. Jim Hogg City Park. 501 S. Main Street. www.wcec.org.

October 11 -12

Paris Texas Antique Fair. Paris. Hosted by Two Rivers Antiques, the juried event features a variety of quality antiques, one of a kind treasures and very unique finds, as well as vintage clothing, jewelry, and linens. Fun, food, and fabulous antiques. Includes delicious homemade food, wine from Paris vineyards, free husband parking, and vintage trailer tours from Sisters on the Fly. A version of the Antique Roadshow invites guest to bring items to find out their value. Visit Historic Downtown Paris and enjoy A Party on the Plaza Friday night from 7-10 p.m. with live music, delicious food and drinks and cruise through the downtown shops. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. $3 for 12 and over. 903-249-

4211. Red River Valley Fairgrounds, 570 E. Center St. www.paristexasantiquefair.com.

October 12

13th Annual Autumn Stroll. Canton. Live music, Lone Star BBQ Society Sanctioned State Cook-off, Arts/Crafts, Children’s Area, Downtown Merchants sidewalk sales, Silent Auction, Car Show, Health Fair, Blood Drive.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free . Downtown Canton. 119 N. Buffalo St. 903-567-1849. www.visitcantontx. com.

Van Oil Festival. Van. Sponsored by the Van area Chamber of Commerce. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Free. Downtown Van. (903) 963-5051. www. vantx.com.

October 17 – 20

Texas Rose Festival. Tyler. Enchanting ceremonial events, the Queen’s Coronation, the Rose Show, Queen’s Tea and Rose Parade against a backdrop of brilliant roses. There is a cost for some events. Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, 1900 W. Front St. 903-592-6978. www. texasrosefestival.com.

October 18 - 31

4th Annual Fright Night. Palestine. Hosted by the Palestine Fire Fighters Association. $5 with a donation of 2 canned goods. $10 general admission. 3600 W. Oak Street.

903.723.3014. www.palestinefrightnight.com.

Mary and David Mock III recently exchanged wedding vows on a historic train engine in Palestine. The groom’s father David Mock, Jr. (pictured in the cab) worked for the Texas & Pacific Railroad back in the 1960’s as a telegraph operator.

This engine is a sole surviving example of superpower steam locomotives. Both the groom and his father dressed as train conductors for the wedding.

Courtesy photo.

Van Zandt County Regional Airport

Fly-In/Open House Saturday, October 12, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hands on Aviation Fun for the Whole Family (All pilots flying in receive a FREE pancake breakfast)

36671 State Hwy. 64 Wills Point, TX 75169

214.212.4632 • 214.803.5621 18 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Visit Historic Downtown Mineola Too! Unique antique shops, clothing stores, great restaurants, homemade fudge, gourmet coffee, and more.

903.569.6983 • www.mineolahistoricalmuseum.com

EVENTS continued from page 15

October 24

Halloween at the Hatchery. Athens. A safe trick-or-treating atmosphere where local businesses and organizations hand out free candy, and the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is decorated throughout with a Halloween theme. 6 - 8:30 p.m. $1 admission, donation to local charities. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. 5550 FM 2495. 903-676-2277. athenstx.org/things-to-do/halloween-at-the-hatchery-2013.

October 25 - 26

Hog Fest. Ben Wheeler. Free. Downtown Ben Wheeler. FM 279. 903.833.1070. www.benwheelertx.com.

Best of 2013

Upper

East Side of texas

•LUFKIN ANGELINA

ST. AUGUSTINE

The Moonlight Special Dinner Train. Palestine. This fall-themed dinner train will run on the evening of a full moon. The steam powered train departs from the Palestine Depot after a reception in the portico. Passengers will enjoy a peaceful ride through the East Texas Forest country to the Mewshaw Siding and back. Guests are welcome to BYOB. 6 p.m. $65. Palestine Depot. Park Road 70. 903.723.3014. www.visitpalestine.com.

C ounty L ine M agazine

October 18

SABINE

Cast your vote for the Best of the Upper East Side of Texas 2013! One entry per person please. No ballot stuffing.

Entries must come directly from the voter, not an individual or business being voted for—suspicious votes will be discarded. We’ll print the results in our January 2014 issue. Voting ballot is also on www.countylinemagazine. com. All entries must be received by November 15, 2013. Use additional sheet of paper as needed.

Best Barbecue_______________________

Best County Courthouse______________

Best Breakfast_______________________

Best Fishing Hole____________________

Best Catfish_________________________

Best Gift Shop______________________

Best Chicken-Fried Steak_____________

Best Golf Course____________________

Best Coffee_________________________

Best Historic Building________________

Best Hamburger_____________________

Best Home Decor Shop______________

Best Malt/Shake____________________

Best Hotel/Motel____________________

Best Pie____________________________

Best Improved Small Town____________

Best Pizza__________________________

Best Lakeside Town__________________

Best Produce_______________________

Best Live Music Venue_______________

Best Restaurant_____________________

Best Museum_______________________

Annual Heritage Square Car Show. Sulphur Springs. Restricted to 1987 and older classics, antiques, street rods, race cars, originals, etc. Awards presented at 3 p.m. 8 a.m.

Downtown on the Square. 903-885-1236. www. visitsulphurspringstx.org.

Best Queso_________________________

Best Nature Walk____________________

Best Salsa & Tortilla Chips____________

Best Park___________________________

Best Salad__________________________

Best RV Park________________________

Best Sandwich______________________

Best Scenic Drive____________________

Hot Pepper Festival. Palestine. Featuring a BBQ and chili cook-off, kids zone, arts & crafts and a pepper-eating contest.

Live music and the Dogwood Jamboree. Musical performances by JB & the Moonshine Band, The Bigsbys, Backseat Molly, Darc Thirty, Westbound 21 Band, Mark Allan Atwood and Brimestone Band. Historic Palestine and Old Town Palestine. 903.723.3014. www.cityofpalestinetx.com/hotpepper.php.

Best Seafood________________________

Best Sign___________________________

Best Steak__________________________

Best Slogan_________________________

Best Tex-Mex_______________________

Best Small Town Downtown___________

Best Winery_________________________

Best Artist __________________________

Best Afternoon Stroll________________

Best Chef___________________________

Best Annual Event___________________

Best Local Band ____________________

Best Antique Store __________________

Best Local Singer/Songwriter_________

Best Art Gallery_____________________

Best Play___________________________

Best Attraction______________________

Best Small Theatre Co._______________

Best Bed & Breakfast_________________

Best Theatre Actor/Actress___________

Best Camping Spot__________________

Write in _________________________

October 26

October 28

Children’s Fall Festival. Canton. Games, candy and costume contest with prizes. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Donation of one can good for Manna . Canton Civic Center. 119 N. Buffalo St. 903-873-8049. www.visitcantontx.com.

October 31

Mall-O-Ween. Palestine. Come dressed in best costume and enjoy the fun. Free. Palestine Mall. 903.723.3014. 256 Loop. www. visitpalestine.com.

November 9

37th Edgewood Heritage Festival. Edgewood. The Edgewood Heritage Festival is marking its 37th year as one of the premier annual festivals in Van Zandt County. 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m. Free. Heritage Park Museum of East Texas. 103 Elm Street. 903.896.1940. www. edgewoodheritagefestival.com.

Name _____________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Phone_____________________________________________________________ Email (to receive weekly eNews) _____________________________________ Comments_________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Feel free to submit extra sheet of paper for more comments. Mail to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754. Must be received by November 15, 2013.

Ballot also available at www.countylinemagazine.com for your convenience.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 19

the arts Tyler Studying Building As Potential Art Center

Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass has appointed a task force to recommend to City Council potential use of parts or all of the S.A. Lindsey Building at Elm and Broadway as an art center.

“We envision this art center serving our art community as well as becoming a tourism destination for the region,” Bass said.

The S.A. Lindsey Building was gifted to the city in 2010 by the R.W. Fair Foundation and the Fair estate. The eight-floor, 50,000-square-foot building is currently vacant.

The Art Center Task Force will be cochaired by Don Warren and Beth Whitney. Other members include Dana Cargill, Tracy Kenner, Mary Kay Lust, John Mussel man, Jim Pendleton, and Dr. Aubrey Sharpe with more to be named.

Mike Butler and Jason Jennings from Butler Architectural Group will be consulting architects.

The task force is expected to make recommendations by January. It is anticipated that the primary funding source for the arts center will be private donations.

“Our first step would be a complete renovation of the exterior and first two floors of the building, including major infrastructure upgrades in the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and elevator systems,” Jennings said. “For that work, the initial estimate placed the cost at a little more than $2 million. The building, which is constructed of concrete and steel, is in remarkably good shape and ready to be put back into service.”

Tyler Museum of Art Names New Director

The Tyler Museum of Art has hired Christopher M. Leahy of Alexandria, Virginia, as executive director from more than 80 national and international applicants.

“Finding an executive director for any nonprofit organization, especially one as complex and high-profile as the museum, is not an easy task, and we’re

Check out COUNTY LINE ONLINE for our extended coverage of art news and events. www.countylinemagazine.com

thrilled that we were able to conclude this search sooner than we anticipated,” said Verna Hall, president of the board of trustees. “With Chris, we are confident we have chosen the candidate with precisely the right combination of administrative expertise, artistic sensibility and bold vision to lead the TMA into the future.”

Leahy has more than 30 years of leadership and management experience, most recently as vice president for finance and administration at The Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, Virginia.

His previous leadership roles include positions as chief financial and chief administrative officer at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art and Design and director of finance at The Phillips Collection, both in Washington, D.C. Prior to moving into nonprofit leadership, he was chief financial officer of an Alexandria-based for-profit defense consulting firm. He spent 21 years of active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army, a career which culminated in the post of senior program and budget officer for the Department of Defense Counter-Drug Program at The Pentagon before he retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1993.

Leahy replaces Kim Bush Tomio, who resigned in August 2012 to accept a position at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco after a 12-year tenure at the TMA. For more information, call 903.595.1001 or go to www.tylermuseum.org.

ARTS EVENTS Through October 20

Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920 - 1945. Tyler. An exhibition that spotlights the vastly influential style of Japanese Art Deco. Featuring close to 200 decorative art objects, paintings and prints drawn from the Levenson Collection of Florida, the world’s premier assembly of Japanese art in the Deco and Modern style. Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. Tyler Museum of Art. 1300 South Mahon Ave. 903-5951001. www.tylermuseum.org.

September 6 - 27

Judged Art Show & Contest. Bonham. All

20 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

artists and media welcome. Reception and viewing are free. Small fee for entering art into the show. $15. Creative Arts Center, 200 W. 5th St. 903-640-2196. www.creativeartscenter. us.

September 6 – October 18

“A New Look at the West” - Western Art Show & Sale. Corsicana. It’s the West with a twist; fresh perspectives and innovative styles, showcasing the West through the eyes of the modern artist. All proceeds from the sale go directly to further the mission of the Pearce Museum. Signature artists for the 2013 show are Nelson Boren, Karen Cooper, Rebecca Tobey, Pete Zaluzec, and Judith Durr. Pearce Museum, 3100 W. Collin Street.

(903) 875-7642. www.pearcecollections.us.

September 14 - October 26

Tejano: Contemporary Hispanic Artists of Texas. Longview. Curated by John Hillier. Tuesda-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Noon-4 p.m. $5 for non members.

Longview Museum of Fine Arts. 215 E. Tyler Street. 903.753.8103. www.lmfa.org.

September 16 - 20

Art of Peace-Tyler Art Show. Tyler. A public exhibition of visual art interpretations of peace by selected local and regional artists.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free. Regions Bank Lobby. 100 E Ferguson. 903-581-3764. www.tylerpeace. com.

September 19

Art of Peace Art Show Reception. Tyler. The public is invited to enjoy the Art of Peace exhibit and also have a chance to meet Art of Peace supporters and some of the featured artists at this noontime reception. 12 - 1:00 p.m. Free. Regions Bank Lobby. 100 E Ferguson.

903-581-3764. www.tylerpeace.com.

September 20 - 21

Christmas Scrapbook. Sulphur Springs.

Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild’s 14th annual quilt show. Free. Hopkins County Civic Center. 1200 Houston Street. www.sulphurspringstxquilts.com.

October 19 – 20

Edom Festival of the Arts. Edom. Downtown Edom. www.edomfestivalofthearts.com.

October 5 - 31

Within Reach - The Hands Exhibit. Bonham.

Open call to artists: each artist may submit up to 3 works depicting hands. All media are welcome and encouraged. Pieces accepted beginning Tuesday September 25 Wednesday, October 3. Creative Arts Center.

200 W. 5th Street. www.creativeartscenter.us.

Tyler Jewelry Artist Finds Niche with Wire and Stones

By Patti Light

TEJANO

Hollywood awards shows are known for several things, but one of the more famous is the phrase, “Who are you wearing?”

And although “an Aukse”hasn’t been a response, it may very well be someday soon.

Aukse Harris is a wife, mother of two, and professional member of the Tyler Junior College housing staff. She is also a talented artist, with a multitude of handiwork skills that are quickly becoming the buzz in East Texas.

After setting up shop at the Salvation Army, the Henderson Syrup Festival, and various East Texas locations, Harris heard various customers say to her, “so you are the artist,” and also said that many of them “threatened to slap her because of the price” of her art.

Harris creates unique pieces from silverplated and silver nickel wire, including a veritable rainbow of colors with polished stones all the way up to the semiprecious.

Harris crochets wire and finds beauty in what might seem to many others to be entirely innocuous. Her passion, creativity, and an instinct for the beautiful are all readily apparent in every piece she creates.

The native-born Lithuanian recalls her start down the path of creative jewelry making. “We couldn’t go to the craft store to buy things. We had to use random pieces,” she said. This early foray into the realm of jewelry made Harris into a sort of modern day bricoleur. From her very first piece, Harris says, “two things happened.

I didn’t stop with one, and people started wanting to buy.”

And buy they have. Harris is currently selling many of her pieces on etsy.com, not to mention near her workplace and to fellow employees. Each piece is handmade, and quite often, custom made. In fact, Harris makes many pieces named after clients for whom she has created. There are the Diana and the Happy Patti, pieces named for women with whom she works. Not every piece is named, however. “It is more special if only a few pieces are named, as opposed to every single one,” she says.

Aukse’s husband, David, has gotten into the creative business as well with his own

TOP: Jewelry artist Aukse Harris. BOTTOM: Model Dajana Phillips wears Haris’ Ring of Fire red turquoise crocheted choker. Photos by Patti Light.

customized bullet artwork, rifle slings, and various pieces from parachute cord. His wife says, “before this got started, he had a hard time making a knot. Now he makes (as many as) 40 pieces a day.”

Further, the two make their pieces from American-made materials, an aspect of which the Harrises are extremely proud.

“Many of the pieces out there are made from the cheapest materials. I wanted pieces made entirely from American companies.”

So what is the future of Goldendaze Jewelry, the Harris’ creative organization?

“I am interested in making smaller pieces and also starting my own website,” Harris said.

G COMIN /13 9/28

ATION FOR MORE INFORM

VISIT LMFA.ORG

For now interested parties may find her work on www.etsy.com/shop/goldendazejewelry so they can proudly say they are wearing “an Auske.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 21

EDOM What a trip!

ARTS • EATS • ETC www.VisitEdom.com

The shed cafe Voted #1 Cafe’ in East Texas 903.852.7791 www.theshedcafe.com

lAMBS ANTIQUES Antiques Plants Yard Art Much More 903.852.7820

DRAGONHEAD RETREAT

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

Potters Brown Studio & Gallery

Original Handmade Stoneware

903.852.6473 903-520-2069 www.pottersbrown.com www.dragonheadretreat.com 22 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Blue Moon Gardens Perennials. Herbs.

Garden Art. Gift Shop Open Daily 9-5 903.852.3897 www.bluemoongardens.com

Edom Shares Art and More at Annual Fest The small East Texas community of Edom readies itself for an influx of visitors for the twelfth annual Edom Festival of the Arts. Fine art, live music and plenty of food fill the festival grounds behind the resident artists’ studios on the one main street in town, Farm to Market Road 279. Hours for the festival are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 20.

This juried show is known for having only high-quality, handmade, original art and crafts. Visitors express surprise at finding exceptional art in the middle of a meadow located in the center of this tiny hamlet.

A sampling of artists featured at this year’s fair are below.

Jason Hooper Studio Pottery Jason Hooper is nine years into his life as a potter, looking forward to a lifetime working with clay in its myriad of forms.

He works at his home studio creating wheel-thrown stoneware pottery that is functional and decorative.

ates glossy stoneware vases, bowls, cups, and other pieces bearing his signature clay frog.

Striving for a balance between aesthetics and function, Chin’s goal is simply to create “good” ceramics. His subtle glazing adds an extraordinary level of elegance to his pottery.

In addition to great art the festival offers free concerts throughout the weekend.

Acoustic musicians roam the festival grounds playing traditional American music. Harpists entertain with Celtic music, while on stage a variety of Texas musicians play and sing original songs.

The festival provides fun for the entire family. A Kid’s Art area is free and helps children express their artistic talent through painting. They can take their masterpiece home with them, or donate it to become part of the festival gal-

lery. Paintings and murals from previous years decorate the festival grounds.

Food vendors provide standard fair food including corn dogs, nachos, sausage on a stick, hamburgers, fried Twinkies, funnel cakes, and much more. Zemer’s homemade Root Beer brings their delicious, frothy beverage here for the first time. Cajun gumbo returns by popular demand as well as crowd-pleasing frozen tropical sorbet.

Admission to the festival is free. Handicap access is available at the gate, located at the corner of FM 279 and FM 314 South.

Edom is located halfway between Dallas and Shreveport, 20 miles west of Tyler.

Take exit 540 off Interstate 20 and drive 10 miles south to Edom. More information and driving directions are available on www.EdomFestivaloftheArts.com.

Hooper’s inspirations come from abstract and traditional forms, usually with simple lines and geometric influences.

These are complemented by rich glazes and glaze combinations where the overlap adds flow and depth to the surface, sometimes giving fluidity and other times finely accentuating the contours of a vessel.

Endangered Species Studio Donald and Peggy Pimpler are husband and wife working together to create fun, quirky mixed media assemblies and sculpture from metal and found objects.

Their studio and gallery, Endangered Species Studio is located in Cameron, Texas.

The Pimplers create mixed media pieces for the home and large metal sculptures for the yard or garden.

V. Chin Vorakit Chinookoswong, known widely as V. Chin, has been crafting fine porcelain and stoneware pieces for over 30 years. A veteran of art festivals and gallery shows throughout Texas, Chin cre-

A sampling of art featured at this year’s Edom Festival of the Arts includes (from top clockwise) a trumpet vase by Jason Hooper, Earth Angel by Donald and Peggy Pimpler, and a stoneware piece

by V. Chin. Courtesy photos.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 23



on stage

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

ArtsView Theatre Group Names Playwright Winners

schooled student Christin Nelson was the grades 6-8 winner.

ArtsView Children’s Theatre in Longview named the winners of its Performing Arts Theatre School playwright contest, for original works from entrants, ages kindergarten to adult. This year’s theme was “Galaxy Quest: Space Stories That Are Out of This World.”

“Universe Wars” by White Oak High School’s Kelsey McFall was the grades 9-12 winner.

Ameri Shaye Garrett and Karlyn Jones won the K-2 award for “From Earth, with Love,” a short film they made with friends.

“The Adventures of an Unknown Galaxy” by Sierra Lopez, Austin Gattis, Tifanie Barham, Bryce Wallace, Brenner Ratzlaff, Cloee Pratt, and Cameron Strickland from White Oak Intermediate School won for grades 3-5. The school included the playwright contest into its lesson plans for the entire fifth grade, and this is the team that edged the other groups.

“A Race to Save the Earth” by home-

Students performed all of the winners at ArtsView, directed by Jacob Justice. For more information, go to www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com.

New Season Announced For Perot Theatre Series

Tickets for the 2013-2014 Perot Theatre Series are now on sale, with Broadway musicals, plays, ballets, and concerts coming to Texarkana.

The schedule includes Clint Black (Sept. 28), Vienna Boys Choir (Oct. 26), Stephen Lange in “Beyond Glory” (Nov. 9), “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” (Nov. 30), “A Christmas Carol” (Dec. 21), “Beauty and the Beast (Feb. 13), Moscow Festival Ballet with “Sleeping Beauty” (Feb. 18), “The Miracle Worker” (March 1), and “The Ad-

24 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

dams Family” (April 3). The events are sponsored by Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council.

Tickets are on sale now at the Perot Theatre box office, 903.792.4992. For more information, go to www.trahc.org.

events September 5

Dr. Carl Weiman. Tyler. How advances in research on learning can dramatically improve science and engineering education. 7:30 p.m.

UT Tyler - Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.

903.566.7424. www.cowancenter.org.

September 12

Cirque Eloize Cirkopolis. Tyler. Cirkopolis combines the worlds of circus, dance and theatre.

7:30 p.m. UT Tyler - Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd. 903.566.7424. www.cowancenter.org.

September 12 – 21

Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo. Corsicana.

Charlotte and George Hay are on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac, one nostril, and Noel Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they

might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee.

Warehouse Living Arts Center, 119 W. 6th Avenue.

903.872.5421. www.warehouselivingartscenter.com.

Menopause the Musical. Tyler. Four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, and more. This is a hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and & 80s. Adult Humor. 7:30 p.m. UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd. www.cowancenter.org.

Live Music, Theater, Comedy and Movies!

Downtown Tyler • 103 E. Erwin • Tyler, Texas 75702 a department Of the city Of tyler

September 7 at 8 p.m.

 East Texas All Star Showcase OctOber 5 at 8 p.m.

Girls Night Out w/ Monique Marvez and Sheena Simmons

October 4 – 13

Red Velvet Cake Wars. Palestine. In this riotously funny Southern-fried comedy, the three Verdeen cousins: Gaynelle, Peaches and Jimmie Wyvett could not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion. Texas Theater, 213 W. Crawford. 903.723.9595. www.thetexastheater.com.

October 8

Katie Couric. Tyler. 8 p.m. UT Tyler - Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd. 903.566.7424. www.cowancenter.org.

October 26

Transylvania’s Got Talent. Linden. A comedy spoof of the popular America’s Got Talent and other reality/talent shows, with a Halloween theme. Concession stand. Doors creak open at 6 p.m. Show 7 p.m. $13.13. The Texas Music Barn, 301 E Houston St. 800-959-5796. www.texasmusicbarn.com.

Gun Barrel City

OctOber 18 at 8 p.m.

 Monte Montgomery

OctOber 19 at 7 p.m.

 Splat the Cat

 CLASSIC MOVIES 

September 5 at 7 p.m.

OctOber 3 at 7 p.m.

September 12 at 7 p.m.

OctOber 10 at 7 p.m.

September 13 at 7 p.m.

OctOber 17 at 7 p.m.

September 14 at 7 p.m.

OctOber 24 at 7 p.m.

September 19 at 7 p.m.

OctOber 31 at 7 p.m.

Rear Window (1954) Vertigo (1958)

Friday the 13th Part 1 and 2

Kids Movie - The Sandlot (1993) Rebecca (1940)

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) The Exorcist (1973) Alien (1979)

The Thing (1982)

Halloween (1978)

...a straight shot to Cedar Creek Lake

For ticket information go to LibertyTyler.com

September 26

Visit

Come Stay & Play.

We Aim to Please!

903.887.1087 www.gunbarrelcity.net www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net

October 29

Deer Camp: The Musical. Tyler. Hilariously follows four fearless deer hunters on their annual trek to deer camp. Featuring two of Newhart’s favorites: My Brother Darryl and My Other Brother Darryl, Tony Papenfuss and John Voldstad. 7:30 p.m. UT Tyler - Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd. 903.566.7424. www.cowancenter.org.

Ed Asner as FDR. Corsicana. FDR explores the life of one of America’s best-loved presidents and the events and decisions that shaped a nation. 7:30 p.m. $30 - $40. Palace Theatre, 112 W. 6th Avenue. (903) 874-7792. corsicanapalace.com.

WCEC Invites All Members to the

75th Annual Meeting FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013

Governor Jim Hogg City Park  Quitman, TX Tours of the New Headquarters, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

501 S. Main Street, Quitman, TX The Quebe Sister Band, 12:00  Meeting, 2:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 25

film

Downtown Tyler Festival Will Include Short Films The Downtown Tyler Film Festival, set for September 25-28 features short films of 10 minutes and less, with all genres including comedy, drama, action-adventure, sci-fi, horror, documentary and more. Awards totaling $2,500 will be presented to the winners in the categories of best narrative, best documentary, best Texas film, best animated

film and best student film.

This is the third year of operation for the film festival, which is a project of the City of Tyler Main Street Department and the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition in cooperation with the volunteers of Heart of Tyler.

In the first year of the festival, only Texas-made films were accepted. In 2012, the festival expanded to include vari-

ous genres and entries from all over the world. This year, the festival committee received more than 40 entries from entrants worldwide.

“The festival was created by our DTAC Film Working Group to encourage the art and industry of filmmaking in our downtown area,” said Main Street Department Leader Beverly Abell. “This is a quickly growing industry that provides businesses and jobs, as well as art in the community.”

The festival will feature screenings of selected films at Liberty Hall each night. A second screen will be on-site at Gallery Main Street. In addition, educational workshops will be held throughout the day on September 28.

For more information, go to www.TylerFilmFest.com or call 903.593.6905.

Old Firehouse in Edom Hosts Music, Film Series

Beginning its fifth season of entertainment, The Old Firehouse in Edom will feature Bill Ward in its acoustic concert series on September 21, and the first 2013-14 independent film screening of “The Playroom” on September 28.

My Texas Music says “Bill Ward’s use of folk, pop, and rock rhythms are a symphony of intrigue and emotion. Ward steps to the plate with this CD and touches all the bases.”

“The Playroom,” an official selection of the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival, is a coming-of-age drama about the fine line between childhood and adulthood. Set in the suburbs during the 1970s, the story unfolds like a dream wrapped around a family drama, one in which all members of the Cantwell family struggle to find their way in a rapidly changing world.

Texas director-producer of the film, Julia Dyer, and actress Alexandra Doke, who appears in the film, will be present for a question and answer session at the conclusion of the screening.

Future concerts and films will be scheduled each month through May; the schedule is at www.theoldfirehouse.net.

Admission prices for concerts are typically $12 in advance and $15 and the door, and films range between $8-$10.

26 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

All events are on Saturday evenings, with concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m. and movies at 7 p.m.

Call 903.852.ART1 (2781) for more information.

“The Ghosts of Wimberley” Plans to Begin Production

A full length feature film, “The Ghosts of Wimberley,” is being produced by Pecan Street Productions of Austin in conjunction with SOMA Productions of Dallas. The screenplay is written and the film directed by David A. Cox of Austin and Cedar Creek Lake.

The story is about a 10-year-old girl’s battle with polio in the late 1940s, prior to any cure for the disease. It takes viewers on a journey from World War II and a father with amnesia confined in a London hospital to a ghostly encounter with the girl’s deceased mother to save her daughter. It’s based on Cox’s own life.

Cox said the 10-year-old being a girl seemed a better choice since he believed the bond was stronger between a father and daughter. The ghost is used as a catalyst to weave four partially true stories together.

Rally ‘Round Greenville

WOW WEEKEND - SEPT. 20-22 FREE ADMISSION

Friday Night Street Dance with Emerald City Band!

Saturday Night

Jack Ingram Free Concert

Wherever You Are

Barefoot and Crazy

That’s a Man

Love You

• Two entertainment stages - Music all weekend • BBQ Cook-Off benefits Texas Wounded Warriors • Arts & Crafts Vendors • Cotton Patch Bicycle Ride • Kids Alley • Wine Tasting & Beer Garden • Art Show • Sidewalk Sales • Visit our Historic Downtown New this year - Check out ‘Hart’s Hideout’

Filming is to begin in and around Wimberley this fall, with release in 2014.

FILM EVENTS

City of

September 22

Peace Film - “Opening Our Eyes.” Tyler. An acclaimed documentary featuring global stories about the Power of One. This film follows 11 individuals on six continent and ordinary people following their dreams, passions and ambitions and doing extraordinary things. Liza Ely and Rica Garcia lead an audience discussion after the film. 2 - 4 p.m. Free. Tyler Public Library. 212 N Bonner.

903-581-3764. www.tylerpeace.com.

September 28

“The Playroom” - Independent Film Showing. Edom. Special Q&A Session with Director-Producer Julia Dyer and actress Alexandra Doke (Janie). 7 p.m. $8. The Old Firehouse in Edom. 8241 FM 279. 903-852-2781. www. theoldfirehouse.net.

October 11

Free Outdoor Movie-Old Yeller. Canton.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concession stand open for popcorn, hotdogs and drinks.

8:30 p.m. Free. Plaza Theater. 119 N. Buffalo.

903-567-1849. www.cantonmainstreet.org.

s dor Ven Now l Cal

CALL 903-455-1510

or visit greenvillechamber.com alluring. comforting. thrilling. embracing. transporting. satisfying mount vernon music presents star pianist and overton, texas, native

Ann Heilgman Saslav SEPTEMBER 7, 2013 • 7:30 P.M.

With Mark Miller and Elizabeth Elsner, violins Ute Miller, viola Craig Leffer, cello

Mount Vernon Music is your local source for outstanding live performances of the world’s greatest music.

Visit www.mountvernonmusic.org or call 903.563.3780 to learn about our exciting lineup of events, and how you can play a part in the beauty of Mount Vernon Music.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 27



music notes Flint Native’s New Songs Rise to Top of Texas Charts Flint native and Lubbock resident William Clark Green climbed to the top of both The Texas Music Chart and the Texas Regional Radio Report with “She Likes The Beatles” from his third CD, Rose Queen.

The Texas country album is filled with youthful attitudes – his characters are stubborn or drowning or leaving this town but the wind keeps pushing them back again, or who are not going to miss her or everybody telling him he did her wrong – and good writing.

In the title song, he works at the feed store and she’s next in line to be the rose queen. His family told him it would never work out, but he can’t resist stealing a kiss.

When she comes back from college, she tries to act like she doesn’t remember him.

In “Dead or in Jail,” he sings that he’s got a pocketful of chitins’ and collard greens (which must be kind of messy), and knows that people believe he’ll end up dead or in jail In “Drowning,” he wants her to listen to his anger while he listens to her lies, and he ends up alone; he lights a match with lightning and now he’s drowning in the rain.

“In “She Likes the Beatles (and I like the Stones),” he acknowledges that he loves her despite their differences; she brings the coffee when he’s down.

“Songwriting is reality,” Green said of the songs on his third album. “People are scared to put reality on paper, but this is

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

10 times more reality than my past work . . . Songwriting is exactly what is in your heart, in my opinion, it is not about writing a hit. It is about revealing your heart and your feelings on the paper.”

TMA Winner Lou Ann Petty Helps Military Families

Texas Music Award winner Lou Ann Petty from Cumby has partnered with Operation Homefront to assist military families in Texas. Petty’s original song “Soldier’s Wife” has been nominated for 2013 song of the year by the Academy of Texas Music and is now available for digital download on iTunes with 85 percent of the proceeds of each purchase go to Operation Homefront Texas.

Petty has strong ties to the military with multiple family members having served, and wishes to turn those ties into assistance.

“The debt we owe our military families is one that simply cannot be repaid, but using this song to provide funds that might otherwise be unavailable is one small way to say thank you,” Petty said. “We wholeheartedly agree with the mission and values of Operation Homefront Texas, and we are grateful for the chance to support our military families through this wonderful organization.”

She said the song is intended not only to acknowledge and celebrate sacrifices made by military wives, but to provide comfort to the husbands, knowing that their wives are strong and resolved to maintain the home and family until he returns.

To download the song and show your sup-

Born in Wills Point, world-acclaimed singer/ songwriter Jimmy LaFave returns to East Texas October 18 for a concert at Crossroads Music Company. For tickets and more information go to www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com.

port for military wives, go to www.LouAnnPetty.com or download directly from iTunes. For more information on Operation Homefront Texas, go to www.OperationHomefront.net/Texas.

Crossroads Music Company Announces Fall Line-up Crossroads Music Company & Listening Room in Winnsboro has just announced their line-up of performers for the remainder of 2013. Crossroads is an intimate listening environment with concerts held in the Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market Street. They are in the County Line Magazine Hall of Fame for “Best Live Music Venue.”

September 7 brings the talented and engaging Rhett Butler. USA Today described his performance as “Light hearted banter.

Deadly serious playing style” and the Austin Chronicle said of Rhetts’ signature act of playing two guitars at the same time, “10 fingers, 2 guitars, and a roomful of jaws

28 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

hitting the floor.” The “.org” in his website is a special story in its’ own and, hopefully, he’ll tell you about it. Learn more at www. rhettbutler.org.

September 14 features Winnsboro’s own Lynn Adler of the award winning duo of Adler & Hearne. Lynn’s wonderful voice and persona will be joined by four other female performers in a show called Women in the Round – part of the Winnsboro Center for the Arts celebration of Women in the Arts. See www.adlerhearne.com.

The crowd pleasing singer/songwriter, novelist, politician, humorist Kinky Friedman appears September 28. Visit www. kinkyfriedman.com.

October 5 brings Grammy Award Winner Brad Davis and his acoustic band to town. Brad’s playing credentials include a long list. He’s written movie scores and appeared on several network TV evening shows. His bluegrass sounds include a little like gospel music. See www.BradDavisMusic.com.

On October 12, Druha Trava comes back to town as part of their 2013 U.S. Tour.

These five guys won the Andel Award, which is the Czech Republic equivalent of the Grammy, which is where they are from. Their acoustic folk/rock/bluegrass sound always entertains. Visit them at www. druhatrava.us. Unconfirmed, but looking very likely to open is the 2011 British Country Music Award winner for “Americana Act of the Year,” The Good Intentions, coming from Liverpool on their first U.S. Tour. Check them out on www. thegoodintentions.co.uk.

A week later, on October 18 Jimmy LaFave will be there with his “red dirt music” that he’s played around the world since the 1980’s. He’s a Kerrville Folk Festival regular and a winner of the 1995 Austin Music Awards Best Singer/Songwriter. See www. jimmylafave.com.

On November 9, one of the sweetest voices around, Heather McCready will bring her trio to town with singer/songwriter/ producer Milo Deering and cellist Brian Magnus. Visit www.heathermccready.com.

TRAHC PRESENTS

• FREE PRE-PARTY in front of the Perot Theatre at 6:30PM!

• TRAHC HERO AWARDS Presentation before the show.

For more information go to www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com. Tickets are available on the website or at 903.342.1854.

For most concerts, ticket prices are $15 for advanced general admission, $18 at the door or $20 reserved.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 29

Bradshaw Aims To Get People Moving Emotionally

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By Tom Geddie Matt Bradshaw is, at 24 years old, lucky enough to make a living doing what he loves best: writing songs and singing them in front of audiences.

The 2006 Wills Point High School graduate gets to perform at least three times a week – sometimes four – and has a brand new, seven-song album that shows off the range of his work, which fits loosely into the so-called – and eclectic – Americana roots genre which also includes the popular Texas/Red Dirt country-rock scene that isn’t really Bradshaw’s thing.

He shows on the album that he doesn’t want to be pigeonholed into the Texas country-rock scene.

“I picked out seven songs that are totally different from one another, to show each kind of different style of writing on each one, to show the variety of stuff,” Bradshaw said.

He began writing when he first began playing guitar at the age of 15, and got serious about it a year or two later. His father always had a guitar around, and invited people to the house to jam.

“It appealed to me as way to relax and hang out,” Bradshaw said.

“This year has been a really good writing year,” he said, admitting that he has no idea how many songs he’s written although that number is well over a hundred. “I try to be as creative as I can.

That keeps me moving. It’s always good for me to be writing like I am. Each and every song I write affects me a little bit.

Certain songs, I might call favorites. If any one means more to me than the others, it might be ‘Before it Rains,’ but I love the whole CD. That one, I wrote about living

Photo by Tom Geddie

Bradshaw’s music is more true to his influences – Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Chris Knight, Levon Helm – than much of that Texas/Red Dirt sound, which claims some of the same influences. He also gives nods to Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Bellamy Brothers, Billy Joe Shaver, Brandon Rhyder, Rusty Wier, Deryl Dodd, Skip Ewing, Stoney LaRue, Bart Crow, Django Walker, Jerrod Birmingham, Cooder Graw, Tommy Alverson, and Brian Burns.

life, how everybody is trying to do something and everybody goes through ups and downs, good and bad times. You’ve gotta hold your head up and go at it.”

The sampler CD’s title is Rough, Tired and Blue. It’s filled with familiar subjects like hard times, perseverance, and longing love. Canton’s Drew Hall produced, mixed, and mastered at Rosewood Studios in Tyler, with musical contributions

by Steven Kent (drums), Alec Edge (bass), Wes Hendrix (lead guitar, banjo), and Heather Little (background vocals).

“Those guys were just amazing,” Bradshaw said. “Drew Hall and them made a perfect combination. Drew is a great guy to cut a record with him. I couldn’t have handpicked a better guy.”

Bradshaw has been performing since he was 17. A lot of his gigs still are in Northeast Texas, and he is slowly expanding his range.

“I play all over the region, from Galveston to Shreveport to College Station – anywhere I can – from Stillwater to San Angelo to the other side of Ruston.

“Mostly it’s me and a guitar,” he said. “My most favorite shows are when I get to play at The Forge in Ben Wheeler. I love that place, and any time I get to be part of that

30 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

song swap with Heather Little. She is by far my most favorite person to sit down and play with in a song swap.”

He doubts he could do anything else than what he does for a living, at least not with the same passion.

“I love to play my songs and interact with people,” he said. “My most favorite thing is after a show when somebody says they really like a song because they’ve been there.

That’s what we all try to do. We are all trying to affect somebody in our own way.”

A good song to Bradshaw is one that “gets people going a little bit, from one emotion to the next. I play some songs that people say, ‘That’s me. I feel you on that.’

That’s pretty much what I want to happen.”

Bradshaw fills as many dates as he can, and travels back and forth to Nashville, working on getting a publishing contract to write songs.

“I’m constantly listening to music,” he said. “When I’m in Nashville, I’m hanging out with (Canton native) Jeff Allen, who put me onto some people including Buddy Miller and Channing Wilson, and I went right out and bought their records.

The more I listen, more I want to write. I don’t want to limit myself.”

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music listings

Clint Black. Texarkana. 7:30 p.m. $38 - $56. Perot Theatre, 321 W. 4th Street. www.trahc.org.

Every Tuesday

Kinky Friedman. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. $30 standing room/$35 advanced general admission. Crossroads Music Company & Listening Room, 200 Market Street. 903.342.1854. www. crossroadsmusiccompany.com.

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 Saturday

Acoustic Music on the Streets. Mineola. Pickers and audience welcome. Bring instruments and chairs. Indoors in bad weather. 11 a.m. Free.

Johnson St. Gazebo. 1.800.MINEOL. mineola.com.

September/October

The Twin Fiddle, Gary P. Nunn, Jason Eady Band, Jeff Allen Band, No Justice, Clayton Gardner, Ben Lowery & Texas Express, William Clark Green, Cody Canada and the Departned, Kyle Gaston, Billy Joe Shaver, Wesley Pruitt, Pushwater, Chris Wayne, Eleven Hundred Springs, Zydeco Stingrays. Ben Wheeler.

See website for dates, times, and cover charge.

Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www. benwheelertx.com.

September/October

Steve Carpenter, Shawn Wooten Ramoth Gilead, blacktopGYPSY, Matt Dunn, Clint Williams, Wesley Pruitt, Ben Lowery & Wes Hendrix, Guitar Center King of Blues 2009, Kirby Kelley, Heather Little, Matt Bradshaw, Nate Kipp, Ann Armstrong, Steve Hughes, Jimmy Wallace, Jerry Don Branch, Homefire Horbour, Stan Lawhorn, Big Mike, Cafe anastasia, Travis Bolt, Craig Wallas, Chase and the New South, Jeff Allen Band. Ben Wheeler. See website for dates, times. The Forge, 1610 FM 279. 903-833-5970. www.benwheelertx.com.

September 6

Country Fair 2013. Dallas. With Pat Green, Roger Creager, Sunny Sweeney, Kylie Rae Harris, Montgomery Gentry and Josh Grider. 4:30 pm. $48 - $37. Gexa Energy Pavilion, 1818 First Avenue. www.ticketmaster.com.

September 7

BackRoads Musicfest. Nacogdoches. Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, JB and the Moonshine Band, Jason Cassidy, and Backseat Molly. 2 p.m.

Presale $20. Nacogdoches Expo Fairgrounds, 3805 NW Stallings Dr. www.outhousetickets.com.

An Evening with the King. Texarkana. Featuring Donny Edwards as Elvis with the Fever Tribute Band. 7 p.m. $24 - $34. Perot Theatre. 321 W. 4th Street. 903.792.8681. www.trahc.org.

Tres Medlock Band. Palestine. 10 .pm. The Shelton Gin. 310 E. Crawford Street. www.reverbnation. com/venue/sheltongin.

Chris Styles. Athens. 8 p.m. Eddy’s. 1801 Flat Creek Road. www.facebook.com/pages/Eddys/298093576904531.

Rhett Butler Trio. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. $15 advanced general admission/$18 at the door.

Crossroads Music Company & Listening Room. 200 Market Street. www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com.

October 5

September 13

Miranda Lambert. Dallas. With Brett Eldredge, The Cadillac Three, Dierks Bentley, and JBM. 7 p.m. $40 - $68. Gexa Energy Pavilion. 1818 First Avenue www.ticketmaster.com.

Grammy Award Winner Brad Davis, and his Acoustic Band. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. $15 advanced general admission/$18 at the door.

Crossroads Music Company & Listening Room, 200 Market Street. www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com.

September 14

October 6

Chris Wayne Band. Athens. 8 p.m. Eddy’s. 1801 Flat Creek Road. www.facebook.com/pages/Eddys/298093576904531.

Earth, Wind, and Fire. Grand Prairie. 7 p.m. $39.50 - $69.50. Verizon Theater. 1001 Performance Place. www.verizontheater.com.

Lynn Adler & Women in the Round. Winnsboro.

7:30 p.m. $15 advanced general admission/$18 at the door. Crossroads Music Company & Listening Room. 200 Market Street. 903.342.1854. www. crossroadsmusiccompany.com.

October 12

September 18

Mumford & Sons. Dallas. 7 p.m. $30 - $50. Gexa Energy Pavilion. 1818 First Avenue. www.ticketmaster.com.

September 21

Bill Ward. Edom. 7:30 pm. $12 advance / $15 door. The Old Firehouse in Edom, 8241 FM 279.

903-852-2781. www.theoldfirehouse.net.

Jeremy Milligan. Athens. 8 p.m. Eddy’s, 1801 Flat Creek Road, www.facebook.com/pages/Eddys/298093576904531.

Grits & Glamour Tour - Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan. Corsicana. 7:30 p.m. $40 - $50.Palace Theatre, 112 W. 6th Avenue. (903) 874-7792. www. corsicanapalace.com.

Compassion International Gospel Show. Linden. 7 p.m. $30. Starring Bebo Norman with Andrew Peterson and Sara Groves. Music City Texas Theater, 108 Legion Street. 903-756-9934. www.musiccitytexas.org.

September 22

Sammy Fox & The Intervention. Palestine. 10 p.m. The Shelton Gin, 310 E. Crawford Street. www. reverbnation.com/venue/sheltongi

Druha Trava with The Good Intentions. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. $15 advanced general admission/$18 at the door. Crossroads Music Company & Listening Room, 200 Market Street. www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com.

October 18

John Fogerty. Grand Prairie. 7 p.m. $39.50 $69.50. Verizon Theater, 1001 Performance Place. www.verizontheater.com.

Jimmy LaFave. Winnsboro. 7:30 p.m. $20 advanced general admission/$25 reserved seating. Crossroads Music Company & Listening Room, 200 Market Street, 903.342.1854. www. crossroadsmusiccompany.com.

October 19

The Dogwood Jamboree - Hot Pepper Country. Palestine. Branson-style country music showcase including comedy and talent search.

7 p.m. Advanced tickets, $12. At the door, $15.

Palestine Civic Center, 1819 W. Spring Street. www. visitpalestine.com.

October 26

Jason Aldean 2013 Night Train Tour. Dallas.

With Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett. 7:30 p.m. $31 - $61. Gexa Energy Pavilion, 1818 First Avenue. www.ticketmaster.com.

Peace Concert with Sara Hickman. Tyler. Liberty Hall, 103 E Erwin. 903-581-3764. www.tylerpeace. com.

Tom Kimmel. Edom. 7:30 pm. $12 advance / $15 door. The Old Firehouse in Edom, 8241 FM

Honda Civic Tour Featuring Maroon 5. Dallas.

With Kelly Clarkson and PJ Morton. 7 p.m. $35 - $100. Gexa Energy Pavilion, 1818 First Avenue. www.ticketmaster.com.

Vienna Boys Choir. Texarkana. 7:30 p.m. $32 $48. Perot Theatre, 321 W. 4th Street, 903.792.8681. www.trahc.org.

September 28

279. 903-852-2781. www.theoldfirehouse.net.

October 29

Wesley Pruitt Band. Palestine. 10 p.m. The Shelton Gin, 310 E. Crawford Street. www.reverbnation. com/venue/sheltongin.

Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash. Texarkana. 7:30 pm. $32 - $48. Perot Theatre, 321 W. 4th Street. 903.792.8681. www.trahc.org.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 31



bookmarks Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate

By Dan Miller and Jared Angaza Thomas Nelson Publishers ISBN: 9780849947421

Reviewed by Patti Light “Why do those young (men/women) act that way?” I hear this question every day in my career. The actions and reactions of Generation X and Y and Millennials in juxtaposition to the ways and wisdom of the baby boomer generation are a conversation in every form of media these days. Which is why when Wisdom Meets Passion by the father-and-son team of Dan Miller and Jared Angaza was handed to me I devoured it with a hunger I have seldom experienced as a reader in the past few years.

The two examine how an older generation’s concepts of what success and happiness have become, but is obsolete in the eyes of the younger generations.

Miller looks at life as a Midwesternraised man who has created a life examining what makes a happy and productive career. He has made a name for himself by a being the best-selling author of the book 48 Days to the Work You Love. He examines ideals that people have for their lives, relationships and especially their careers.

The concept that Angaza explores is that of a man raised to study life and happiness in the most unchartered ways. Angaza’s unorthodox views of success and happiness have led him to live in Mombasa, Africa. He has stripped life down to the essential fascinations and kindness he dreamed of as a child.

I found each chapter to have tools that spoke to me as a career woman and as an artist. Both authors try as gentle as possible to debunk the money myth in modern careers as equaling success.

They use stories and career experiences to illustrate how you can take what you love and make a happy life. So often in society we are told that a car, 401k, mortgage and a steady paycheck means happiness. These are authors willing to say not so.

I found Miller’s constant attempts to sell his other books and web program

annoying at times and Angaza gets a little preachy on the African issue of trade. The message in the book is much needed on communication, creativity and purpose. Sometimes authors need to get out of their own way and let the solid advice shine. This is true in Wisdom Meets Passion.

Recently, while exploring the growth of my own career and work, I too have asked many of the questions the book asks. It gives me fuel to look at the younger generation I work with daily.

I now understand why sometimes they act the way they do.

LITERARY NEWS Local, Regional Authors At Ben Wheeler Book Fair

The second annual Ben Wheeler Book Fair features approximately 25 selected local and regional authors talking with visitors and selling their books. It’s scheduled for November 30.

Visitors can buy from a wide variety of genres including adult and youth fiction, romance, humor, mystery, western and historical fiction, Christian fiction and humor, children’s fiction and picture books, child advocacy, science fiction and fantasy, horror, photography, music and culture, memoir, poetry, and more.

Many of the authors will make formal presentations about their books and writing.

Among the confirmed authors are Tyler native Richard Dobson, who returns from his home in Switzerland with Pleasures of the High Rhine, A Texas Singer in Exile. He spent time in the 1970s with Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell and others in the fertile Houston folk scene, and has had songs recorded and co-written by David Allan Coe (“Piece of Wood and Steel”), Clark (“Forever, for Always, for Certain,” “Old Friends”), Nanci Griffith (“Ballad of Robin Winter-Smith”), Kelly Willis (“Hole in My Heart”), and others.

Among other confirmed authors is Imaj, whose first novel, Harlow, tells the story of a bi-racial girl confined to

32 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

her father’s castle in a labyrinth of secrets. Imaj is also a country singer and songwriter, visual artist, actress, and humanitarian who is the daughter of actor Philip Michael Thomas from the original “Miami Vice” television series.

Book fair sponsors are County Line Magazine and Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation.

The book fairis from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the old Elwood Schoolhouse, 5475 FM 858 downtown behind Moore’s Store.

For more information, go to “Ben Wheeler Book Fair” on Facebook, call 903.963.3788, or email geddiependrift@aol.com.

New Newtonberg Book

By Jacksonville Librarian

Jacksonville librarian David Emprimo didn’t expect much when he published Welcome to Newtonberg, his debut collection of short stories, last year. As he said at the time: “The important thing is to get the stories out there so other people could enjoy them.”

Now readers can return to Newtonberg, that “southern cousin to Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon and Jan Karon’s Mitford”, in a new book, All That Remains: A Newtonberg Story. The book tells the story of young Maggie Sinclair as she experiences life, friendship, and her first love in post-World War II Newtonberg.

For more information, go to http:// newtonberg.wordpress.com.

Literary events September 17

Peace Tales. Tyler. Local storytellers and community peace-workers present stories of compassion. Audience members are invited to share their own stories of experiencing peace. 6 - 8 p.m. Free. FRESH by Brookshires Patio. 6991 Old Jacksonville Hwy. 903-5813764. www.tylerpeace.com.

September 18

Speak Your Peace Music & Poetry OpenMic. Tyler. This open mic venue turns its focus to Peace as musicians, singer-songwriters and spoken word artists entertain and inspire. 9 p.m. - Midnight. Free. Cork, 5201 S Broadway. 903-581-3764. www.tylerpeace.com.

 poetry & prose

Kids Enjoy the Power of Reading

Influence

My father used drugs You could say He was the best influence Looking back at How he was Looking back at What he put me through I could say I won’t ever put my child Through that I could say I never want to be That person Seeing my dad The way he was I’m never using drugs I don’t want to be That person I won’t be That person He was a good influence Once seeing him fall I told myself That won’t be me He has now been sober For two long years He was a good influence Trent Williams 8th grade, Cushing

Now Remember this moment in the back of your mind, like a picture in a scrapbook.

Remember every word said.

Remember every footstep.

Remember now.

Remember the day when everything fell apart, just like learning how to walk.

It’s like life – you’re going to trip and fall and try again until you get it right.

But let me tell you something.

You can’t expect to be perfect.

Kendra Barker 6th Grade, Kaufman

Susie Tull from Edgewood takes a room full of kids on an adventure during one of the reading programs at the Van Zandt County Library in Canton. Photo by Tom Geddie

By Tom Geddie It’s easy to write that the Van Zandt County Library is going to the dogs, but the truth is that the dogs are coming to the library as part of a special reading program for children.

Amidst the read-a-story sessions and other special programs at the library in Canton, Therapy Dogs International brings five or six or so specially trained dogs to the library every second Wednesday of the month to listen – listen – as children read to them. Generally, the readers are in the kindergarten-third grade range, although some younger children – and some adults – come just to pet the dogs.

“Kids pick out a book, sit down and read to the dogs,” said Susie Pulley, library director. “Statistics show that these kids do better in all school subjects because the dogs listen, but are nonjudgmental. The dogs are trained to sit there and look at the book and look at the kid. It does help the kids to read better.”

Most sessions last an hour or an hour and a half, with anywhere from 10 to 20 children sharing time with the dogs, which are brought, as part of the “Children Reading to Dogs (Tail Waggin’ Tutors)” program, to Canton from the Dallas area.

Therapy Dogs International also provides dogs for disaster stress relieve, assisted living and nursing homes, hospice, hospitals, schools, and more. The main objective of the reading program is to allow children to practice reading without being self-conscious.

Author Cassandra Clare put it this way in Clockwork Prince: “It was books that made

me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone.”

Tail Waggin’ Tutors is only one of the programs the library uses to reinforce the power of reading, an activity that increases comprehension and knowledge, improves communication skills, and develops more accomplished thinkers.

Volunteers read stories to roomfuls of children during the summer, while special guests including Lyndale the Literary Lion present polished programs that encourage reading. Sensible Dentistry sponsors the programs, paying for all of the prizes, readers, and special guests. This year’s grand prize was a Kindle Fire.

With budget cuts for the past three years, the library is relying more on its Friends of the Library group and other supporters. Friends of the Library has spent more than $30,000 on the library the past two years to upgrade computer and networking equipment, improving the ability to access many library services by computer and cell phone, pay for electrical and remodeling work, and buy all of the library’s new children’s books.

“We could not have this county library without them,” Pulley said.

The library now has 38,715 books, DVDS, and VHS tapes, averaging about 3,300 checkouts a month. It also has a dozen indemand computers for public use.

Hours at the library, 317 First Monday Lane, are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

For more information, call 903.567.4276.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 33

play



Get Away From It All At Caddo Lake

By Cindy Anne Duncan If you are looking for a place with quiet water and amazement, head on over to beautiful Caddo Lake near Jefferson.

Caddo Lake is the largest natural lake in the south and the scenery is amazing and ideal for artists, birdwatchers, photographers, and sightseers.

There is so much to do at Caddo Lake, but quite simply put, its beauty is by far enough. There is no better way to see and truly experience the lake than by paddle boat, canoe or kayak, where you can see some of the most beautiful areas of the lake that are not accessible by large motor boats. These are areas where wildlife is most abundant. Canoe rentals are available, though unless you really know the lake, a lake tour is recommended. Consider Johnson’s Ranch, Crip’s Camp, and Shady Glade and Mystic Tours.

As for as food, Caddo Lake has it there fresh and hot. Catfish of course is a must, though there are quite a variety of restaurants to choose from with some overlooking the water. A few to mention are Shady Glade, Riverbend, Big Pines Lodge, and The Light House.

Be sure to visit the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge founded in 2000 on the

City Adopts Master Plan For One of Newest Parks

Tyler City Council unanimously adopted a master plan for Gladys and T.B. Stewart Park, including approximately 2,600 linear feet of concrete trails, 900 linear feet of decomposed granite trails, icons describing the history of the St. Louis Community, a community garden with a barn/garden shelter, a small pond, picnic pavilion with nearby playground, heirloom garden, and a pavilion/stage for outdoor events that opens onto a lawn area. The plan also includes restrooms, a 19 car parking lot and a windmill.

The delicate, painterly Caddo Lake “landscape” by Jan Shannon of Uncertain.

site of what use to be the Longhorn Ammunition plant.

This is a fabulous place to visit. There is a six-mile long self guided auto tour on paved roads, and is also a great place for hikers and bikers to explore on many miles of paved roads, as well as gravel roads for the young at heart. Wildlife Observation Trail is a nine-mile path for horseback riding and hiking only.

There is a variety of bed and breakfasts to choose from on Caddo Lake. All are very distinctive and relaxing, with some even having screened in porches, or decks and boat docks. Each is cozy and well equipped, some with fireplaces and outdoor grills.

Go to www.visitcaddolake.com for further information about Caddo Lake and all it has to offer.

For birdwatching, the Fish and Wildlife service have recorded 216 different kinds of birds. They have also recorded 47 mammals and 90 reptiles and amphibian species on the refuge. The foliage is a “fall wonderment” to discover and if you are a photographer, well, enough said, you will be thrilled with this experience.

Before you leave the area, make sure to drive through Caddo State Park because it is absolutely a beauty to behold. They have cabins to rent as well.

The park is a nine-acre parcel comprised of open meadows, mature hardwoods, a stand of pines, and a drainage swale.

The site also contains a rock house with a garage. A site plan was prepared for the house that provides a meeting space to accommodate small groups.

seniors 65+, $3.50 children 4-12. 9 -11 a.m.

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495, TFFC 903-676-2277. athenstx.org/thingsto-do/bird-and-nature-walk-september-2013.

events Septmeber 14 & October 12

Bird and Nature Walk. Athens. The monthly bird watching outings take place the second Saturday of every month. Explore the TFFC interpretive wetland trail and other areas of the hatchery. Admission: $5.50 adults, $4.50

34 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Sometimes it is just a good idea to get away from it all, to relax, enjoy, and simply slow it all down and live life.

September 28 Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament. Athens. Try to catch the biggest Bluegill at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and on Lake Athens. The tournament awards prizes for the heaviest stringers of sunfish. 9 a.m. 2 p.m. $15 per family team, entry includes family admission. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM. 903-676-2277. athenstx. org/things-to-do/bluegill-family-fishing-tournament-2013.

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stay There’s Room at the Inn in Jefferson

Excelsior House you’ll enjoy sitting out on the front porch to enjoy the cool night air and lush simplicity of this romantic getaway in time. Each room has its own bath complete with shower, cable television, and telephone. The overstuffed beds are a treat, as well as the exquisite antiques throughout the house. You will truly feel the special magic that only The Excelsior House can give.

By Cindy Anne Duncan Make plans this fall to step back in time, to slow down the fast pace and simply enjoy the pure romantic magic of Jefferson, Texas. This lovely little town has kept its rich history and beautiful antebellum and turn-of-the-century homes, many of which are now bed and breakfast inns.

Many of the bed and breakfasts have private cottages as well as multiple amenities including catering, honeymoons, and wedding packages. Dining with other guests for breakfast served in elegant Southern style is a favorite activity.

Things to do in Jefferson include visiting the historic Excelsior House, even if it’s not your lodging choice. Since 1850 travelers have lavished in the “Southern Charm” of this beautiful historical hotel. Make sure not to miss the Koi fish pond in the center of the elegant court yard.

A stroll down Main Street is a must or a tour on a horse-drawn buggy. The Corkyard is a great place for a lovely glass of wine and their famous brie for an appetizer. The Austin Bistro, Memories and More, or Lamache’s, are just a few wonderful restaurants to try. For a little music and dance, Auntie Skinner’s will not let you down.

If you do chose to stay the night at The

The next morning make sure you sip your coffee with their wonderful “Orange Blossom” muffins. They are worth the indulgence. Then it’s off to tour a piece of history, shop the many antique shops, as well as viewing a mixture of the arts and many different shops this town has to offer.

Jefferson is for whatever suits your fancy.

Make sure to visit the The Fudge Shop and indulge yourself with some “yummy” sweets as well as tasting the pastries at The Bakery!

For a list of bed and breakfasts, restaurants and all the attractions and history this quaint little town has to offer visit www.visitjeffersontexas.com.

Above: One of the quaint B&Bs in Jefferson is Austin Street Cottages. Below: Memories & More Restaurant & Piano Bar. Photos by Ron Mundon, East Texas Exposed

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 35

grits & gourmet: FOOD & DRINK Liefie Li Vine

302 North Main Street WINNSBORO 903.347.1111 www.liefie.us

Review by Patti Light After hearing positive word of mouth about this fine cuisine restaurant in Winnsboro, it was time to visit Liefie Li Vine.

The unique fare was accompanied by live music just outside on a cozy, covered back porch.

The interior of the restaurant is dim and comfortable, just like small town restaurants should be. Service is impeccable, friendly, and, in my case, beyond the norm. Further, the food affords diners the opportunity to partake of traditional South African dishes accompanied by Texas wines. The combination is truly extraordinary.

As appetizers, try the aphrodisiac mus-

One of the favorites at Liefie Li Vine’s in winnsboro is the creamy bunny chow chicken with a rich white wine cream sauce served in a homemade bread bowl. Photo by Patti Light

sels or the vinger happie platter, a delectable smorgasbord of African quiche, salami, Mediterranean olives, cheese, frikkadelle, seasonal grapes, and fresh baguette served with garlicand-herb-infused olive oil dipping

Best of the Upper East Side of Texas Best Steaks and Best Restaurant 2010 - 2011 Best Steaks 2012

sauce. The quiche and frikkadelle, separately or together, are worth the entire visit.

Among the entrees, the bunny chow will more than likely fill up any room left from the appetizers. As stated on the menu, the dish has no relation to bunny rabbits. Instead, it is the perfect comfort food — a combination of hollowed out homemade bread, perfectly seasoned and cooked, and covered in white wine sauce. It is practically its own food group. Then there is the savory flat iron steak topped with an interesting “monkey sauce.” The menu also features beef curry and salmon, no doubt as tasty as the aforementioned.

As a wonderful way to round out the evening, a young server prepared his own batch of mussels just for me, something I did not ask for but I am glad was proffered. Be sure to take advantage of the excellent wine selection.

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 36 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Liefie is a place to kick back on a lazy weekend. This is a location that lives up to the oft-applied restaurant term “fusion” — in this case, the familiar friendly atmosphere of small town Texas and the taste of a culture few of us are privileged to savor with any regularity. Liefie is one of the must stops on any diner’s checklist. Let South Africa sweep you away while Texas holds you steady as you fly. Or dine.

Grits & Gourmet continued Page 38

Friday Saturday

Oct. 25th 5 pm—9 pm Oct. 26th 10 am—5 pm ADMISSION IS FREE

1

$ 00

per tasting

must be

21 or over

ID REQUIRED Downtown Mt. Vernon, Texas for more info 903.537.4070

Wine in the

4th Annual

Pines

the place for food & fun!

lIVE mUSIC

covered Patio

MAIN STREET ALLIANACE | WWW.MTVERNONWINE.COM

Field to Feast Dinner september 21, 2013 • 5:30 p.m.

Bella Stella Vineyard, 818 CR 440, Winnsboro, Texas

Open 24/7 Full Menu Breakfast Anytime!

Hwy 19 near I-20

An evening of locally harvested Food, Wine, Live Music, & Vineyard Tour

903-567-6551

www.dairypalace.com

A relaxing, cozy setting with a variety of local Texas wines.

Sit and enjoy the ambiance or amble through the shop area of unique items of clothing, jewelry, and home decor.

www.pocketshoppes.com

WiFi Available

Tickets $80 per person. Limited seating.

Available in Winnsboro at Art & Espresso, Ladles to Linens, City Hall, and at Winnsboro Farmers’ Market on Saturdays 8 a.m. to Noon or call 903.629.3332.

www.winnsborofarmersmarket.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 37

In the Kitchen with Debbie Over the years, customers at our burger joint have taught me hands down, when it comes to chicken fried steak— it must be hand breaded, crispy, and smothered in cream gravy.

When I discovered I was allergic to wheat, something I missed most of all was crispy, fried, breaded anything. That is why I adore this gluten-free version.

One of the secrets to creating crispy gluten-free breading is combining different gluten-free flours with cornstarch. And here’s another tip: to keep breading from falling off steaks during frying, allow breaded steaks to set five minutes before cooking. Works every time.

Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy Batter: 1 egg, 1 cup buttermilk Breading Mix 4 cubed steaks pounded flat ½ cup Brown Rice Flour ½ cup Oat Flour 1/3 cup Cornstarch 1 teaspoon salt (or less to taste) 1 teaspoon ground pepper (or more to taste) Gravy 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 tablespoons Breading Mix 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 ½ cups milk Vegetable oil to cover bottom of pan but not tops of steaks Instructions BATTER: In a flat bowl whisk egg and milk. Add meat. Drizzle batter over meat to coat. Set aside.

BREAD: In a small bowl whisk flours, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Spread Breading Mix evenly over large dinner plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons for gravy.

DREDGE: Gently shake egg batter from steak. Press steak into Breading Mix to thoroughly coat. Flip meat to other side. Repeat. Lie breaded steak on parchment paper or baking sheet. After all steaks are breaded, set aside five minutes but no longer than 15 minutes before frying.

GRAVY: Melt butter and olive oil in small pan over low heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons Breading Mix until thoroughly combined. Immediately stir in milk. Increase heat to medium stirring constantly until gravy thickens. Remove from heat.

Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

FRY: Pour oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Decrease to medium heat before adding steaks. Cook 2-3 minutes per side. Remove crispy fried steaks from pan and place on cooling rack. (Using a cooling rack helps to keep steaks crispy on both sides.) Serve immediately smothered in cream gravy with whipped sweet potatoes and steamed green beans…enJOY!!

Debbie Davis is an award-winning restaurateur and cookbook author. She and husband Ken own and operate East Texas Burger Co. and La Waffalata in downtown Mineola. Both restaurants offer gluten-free menu items. Visit Debbie on Facebook@EastTexasBurgerCompany.

38 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

FOOD & DRINK continued from page 36 NEWS Luscious Crumb Owner Wins “Cupcake Wars”

Owner Dawn Trammell at The Luscious Crumb in Mineola won the $10,000 grand prize in the televised “Cupcake Wars.”

“Cupcake Wars” was the Food Network’s number-two rated show. Four bakers showed up to compete to be Cupcake Wars champions. Each episode had a theme that the bakers’ creations must match.

“It was the most grueling competition we have ever been involved with,” Trammell said. “The clock is real and only the best bakers in the country are asked to participate so it is an extremely tough competition to begin with, but add that clock, and it becomes even tougher. But as only one of eight Texas bakeries to ever be featured on the show and only the second one from Texas to win the competition, we are very honored to have had the chance to compete.”

As the winner, Trammell, with her daughters Rachel Pantusa and Heather Trammell, were asked to cupcake cater an 80’sthemed party in Los Angeles for platinum recording star Taylor Dayne, who had the hits as “Tell it to My Heart” and “Every Beat of my Heart.”

Trammell opened The Luscious Crumb in 2011 after decorating cakes since 1981, when her wedding cake did not show up at her wedding. After having her new brother-in-law get a grocery store sheet cake (whose only colors available were green and orange), she vowed to never have this happen again. From then on, she self-taught herself the ins and outs of cake decorating.

Baking came natural to Dawn because of her close ties with her grandmother, Sarah Elizabeth Potter. They spent many hours in the kitchen together.

She opened a cupcake shop in Lindale in 2011, where she was bombarded with requests for other sweets such as decorated cakes, cookies, brownies, and more. She later relocated to Mineola, offering numerous options including more than 100 different cupcake flavors.

The Luscious Crumb is at 130 E. Broad.

For more information, call 903.569.6367 or go to http://thelusciouscrumb.com.

events Every Saturday

Winnsboro Farmer’s Market. Winnsboro.

Features Traveling Chef Debbie Fleming, Best Chef in County Line Magazine’s 2012 Best Of edition. Open every Saturday from 8 am-Noon rain or shine (April 6 - Nov. 2) at the Jack Cross Pavilion in City Park on Wheeler Drive. Shop for the freshest local fruits and vegetables in addition to pork, poultry, eggs, breads, honey, and dairy products; browse the selection of crafts, and taste the culinary delights created on site. Come see why this market was chosen for Best Produce in 2011. Check the website for events including homemade ice cream contest; salsa and tomato tasting; Iron Chef competition; farm tours; film festival; and gourmet farm dinner. Find the weekly products list at www.winnsborofarmersmarket.com. 8 a.m.

- Noon. Free. Jack Cross Pavilion, City Park. www.winnsborofarmersmarket.com.

Saturdays, Through October 26

Sulphur Springs Farmer’s Market. Sulphur Springs. Join us downtown every Saturday night for live music and lots of vendors at the Farmers Market on the Square. 6 – 10 .pm. Downtown Square, Main St. 903-8857541. www.sulphurspringsfarmersmarket.com.

September 7, 14, October 5 & 19

Wine Making Workshop. Sulphur Springs.

Workshop covers four Saturday nights and will last approximately one hour each night.

On the last night, each individual will bottle and cork their own wine to take home. $60.

Limited seating. 7:30 p.m. Main Street Winery, 204 Main St. 903-335-8905. www. pocketshoppes.com.

September 21

Farm Dinner. Winnsboro. The Texas Chef’s Association comes together for one delicious evening to prepare local farmers produce and products. Join us for a night of wine tasting as we welcome Bella Stella Vineyard to Winnsboro. Included in the evening is music, wine tasting, and tour. 5:30 p.m. $80 per person. 818 CR 4440. 903.629.3332. www.winnsborofarmersmarket.com.

Peace Meal. Tyler. This open-table, multicultural community gathering will include interesting conversations and guest speaker Carmen Sosa, founder of East Texas Community Food Coalition. 6 - 8 p.m. $10. East Texas Islamic Society. 10569 St. Hwy 64 E. 903581-3764. www.tylerpeace.com.

4th Annual Lone Star BBQ Society CookOff. Canton. State BBQ Cook-Off, entry fee

Discover the East Texas Oil Fields of the 1930s

October 25 – 26

Wine in the Pines. Mt. Vernon. About 18 wineries attend from as far south as Houston, as far north as Paris, as far east as Naples and as far west as Wichita Falls. Admission is $5 per person and tastings are $1 each. Wine available by the tasting, glass, ottle. Art, crafts and food vendors. Live entertainment.

Friday evening features a stroll among the lights to sip, savor, shop and walk around the square. $5 admission. $1 per tasting. Friday 5-9 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Mt. Vernon Square. 113 Main. 903-537-4070. www.mtvernonwine.com.

October 26

September 16

October 11 - 12

$100 for one or all meat categories. Categories: Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, 1/2 Chicken & Pork Butt. $6000.prize money. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. First Monday Grounds. 119 N. Buffalo.

903-567-1849. www.visitcantontx.com.

World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest. Sulphur Springs. 140 cooking teams stirring up hearty chicken or beef stew in huge cast iron pots over open wood fires.

Visitors are encouraged to get to the stew grounds early so they may enjoy seeing the campsites uniquely decorated with wagon trains, simmering pots and glowing campfires. Just $5 buys a bowl (for all the stew you can eat), along with cheese and crackers.

8 a.m. - 6 p.m. $5. Buford Park, Buford Park, 903-885-6515. www.sulphursprings-tx.com.

Wilhite

Landscape & Lawn Care, ltd.

The East Texas Oil Museum is located on the campus of Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. This fascinating museum houses the authentic re-creation of oil discovery and production in the early 1930s from the largest oil field inside U.S. boundaries.

Museum Hours Tues-Sat 9am - 4pm April-Sept 9am - 5pm Sun 2-5p.m.

Hwy. 259 at Ross St, Kilgore, Texas On the Kilgore College Campus, 903.983.8295

Landscape & Garden Works for Tyler and Surrounding Areas Since 1983

www.EastTexasOilMuseum.com

Hwy 64 West, Tyler (903) 593-5975 www.wilhitelandscape.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 39

PARIS TEXAS

ANTIQUE FAIR October 11-12

Friday 9 a.m. -6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Red River Valley Fairgrounds Gate $3. Portion donated to Episcopal Day School

Hand Picked Dealers, Antique Appraisals “Sisters on the Fly,” Vintage Trailer Tours Project Redo Raffle, Husband Parking Delicious Food, FREE Parking

“Party on the Plaza” Friday 7-10 p.m.

Historic Downtown Paris Live Music & Dancing Free Food & Drinks Late Night Shopping

paristexasantiquefair.com

903-249-4211

Sara Hickman Sunday Sept. 22 7:00 pm @ Liberty Hall Downtown Tyler a part of

0F PEACE WEEK

September 14-22

• Music • Film • Art • • Children’s Activities • • Poetry • Storytelling • • Peace Meal •

for more info visit:

www.tylerpeace.org

Shop Guitars Etc. Among Top 100 Music Retailers in Rankings Guitars Etc. in Athens is designated as one of the top 100 music instrument and product retailers in the world by the National Association of Music Merchants.

“We love helping the families in Athens and the surrounding community live happier lives through music by offering quality instruments, a great team that makes learning music fun and easy, as well as supporting and hosting community concerts so that music becomes a part of bettering their life,” said owner Will Burgin.

Music product retailers were judged using a numeric rating by a panel of impartial expert judges selected by, but not otherwise affiliated with NAMM. Guitars Etc. and Burgin received this recognition because they, according to the judges, “understand that great customer service is the key to success of a retail store; are a proven community advocate for music education and music-making; provide a retail experience worth returning for and recommending to others; have a floor plan, merchandising and marketing that encourage repeat sales; prepare for future success with sound planning, marketing and training initiatives; and use the web and social media in engaging, effective ways.”

NAMM is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. The group has approximately 9,000 member companies in more than 87 countries.

Lufkin Antiques Weekend Includes Multiple Options Lufkin will host an antiques weekend October 18-19, with at least eight stops downtown.

Events on Friday and Saturday will include warehouse sales, specials in the shops, and lunchtime music in the park.

40 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Saturday will feature the vintage flea market and food trucks in the parking lot of Heritage Antiques. Shoppers can start anywhere, and pick up a map to all other locations.

For more information, call 903.632.

0110.

SHOPPING EVENTS August 29 – September 1, Oct. 3-6 and October 31 – November 3 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.

September 12 – 13 Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale. Tyler. More than 1,000 East Texas families bring their gently used children’s and maternity clothing as well as shoes, equipment, baby furniture, outside playground equipment, nursery and maternity items, books, software, videos, toys, furniture and home decor to the Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale. It offers more than 30,000 sq. ft. of space and 3 days of shopping featuring a presale for volunteers and sellers and a half price sale on the last day. The CCC Sale is a great way to clean out no longer needed items and earn money at the same time. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free Admission. Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St, 903-705-2236. www.cccsale.com.

October 11 – 13 Lewis Auto Swap Meet. Canton. Held in First Monday Trade Days 4000, 4500 Pavilion Hwy 19. Open to the public. Cars, Trucks, Parts, Tools, etc. for sale. Full RV Hookups available. 8 a.m. Free Admission and Parking First Monday Trade Days Grounds. Hwy 19.

903-567-6762. www.visitcantontx.com.

October 18 - 19 Quilt Show. Canton . Heritage Quilt Guild of Van Zandt County Quilt Show, more than 100 quilts entries in judged show with vendors and bazaar. Slient auction, demonstrations, and a raffle quilt. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $3.00 Children under 12 Free. Canton Civic Center , 800 Flea Market Rd. , 903-567-4511. www.visitcantontx.com.

Find Home Decor in Northeast Texas

By Leah Lynch In the not so distant past, for anyone looking to decorate a home, a trip to Dallas would be in order. This is no longer the case, as the Upper East Side of Texas has stepped up its game when it comes to home décor.

It’s no secret that home decor abounds at First Monday Trade Days in Canton for a few days each month and people from all over the world find just what they are looking for, including TV show stars.

Year round, Canton also offers some great finds with Paul Michael and Décor & Price. The Paul Michael store is filled with unique furniture, dishes, frames, rugs, and more. In addition to these items, Paul Michael offers a vast array of seasonal merchandise, including custom wreaths or a large assortment of ribbon for the buyer to customize his or her own space. The store is expanding

to offer even more home decor in the months to come.

New to Canton is Décor & Price. Located on I-20, this location brings exceptional home décor at low prices. The large warehouse setting is easy for shoppers to navigate and the store has some great gift items as well.

There are also many treasures that await shoppers in the Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs areas.

Ladles to Linens on Main Street in Winnsboro, offers high quality, stylish products ranging from kitchen supplies to items needed to create a livable space outdoors. Shoppers find Winnsboro filled with other shops, too, that offer a wide variety of items needed for the home, including a large number of antique stores.

In Sulphur Springs, browse a large assortment of antique stores in addition to shops like Danna’s Florist. Danna’s

County Line Marketplace R. Ann Aduddell, D.D.S., P.C. Bart F. Miller, D.D.S., M.S. - Orthodontics

Medicaid Accepted Financing Available

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

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

We Sell Cars for Less Ray Ridings Buick GMC Canton, Texas 903-567-4131 www.RayRidings.com

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

We BUY cars too!

“Our World Class Service is Second to None”

not only offers beautiful floral arrangements, but many gift and home décor items that are displayed with a special touch. Don’t forget to check out Main Street Pocket Shoppes as well for some great finds.

In Athens, The Sweet Pea Collection on the square has everything anyone would need to furnish and stylishly decorate a home. The custom bedding is like none other to be found in the area, and it also offers antique as well as custom-made furniture.

Kilgore’s TwoOFive offers a beautiful showroom of hand-selected furnishings with traditional furniture as well as contemporary and transitional. Ask to see the catalog of custom upholstery and create a room that only you could imagine.

So many East Texas towns these days offer shoppers a great experience to find new things for their home and most have great dining opportunities as ell to make for a fun shopping/dining day trip.

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

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Biggest & Best in East Texas Furniture, Antiques Collectibles

Vintage Record Albums Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Decorator Items, and so much more!

30+ Dealers, 12,000 sq. ft.

of Quality Merchandise Open 7 Days, Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5

903-469-4321 7 miles East of Athens 7150 SH 31E • Murchison www.wagonwheelantiquemall.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 41

Living Room

Country Cultured

Master Craftsman Restores Furniture in Ben Wheeler

By John Wilson When you’re raised in the city and retire to an expected easy, laid-back pace in East Texas, the lessons comes quickly. People are eager to help, look you right in the eye and say what they mean. What you see is what you get. This alone threw me right away.

By Veronica Terres On FM 279 in Ben Wheeler sits a little wood working shop called The Furniture Restorer, where Kerry Dugger spends his days diligently honing his craft. Dugger, a master craftsman in furniture making, has had a more than 36-year-career restoring antiques, refinishing furniture and creating new, custom pieces. His passion for woodwork and the basic skills he learned from woodworking in junior high eventually led him to work with The Vasek Company of Dallas, an 11th generation family of master craftsmen.

In 1980, Dugger opened his own shop in Cedar Creek Lake and then opened a second location in Ben Wheeler last year.

Dugger specializes in antique restoration and reproduction. Materials, such as lacquer-based finishes, and his techniques for hand stripping, as opposed to dipping or the use of vats, allows him to maintain and preserve the fine woods he’s given to work with. His love and appreciation for all types of wood is greatly expressed in his labor with older pieces. Additionally, his skills allow him to duplicate one-of-a-kind pieces or broken/missing pieces on antiques.

For instance, if grandma’s old side chair is missing a leg or arm, then Dugger can reproduce it—and that’s actually one of his favorite parts of the job—making something old new again.

“What gives me the most fulfillment is bringing back the beauty of older pieces that may have been neglected or need special attention,” he said. “I get a lot of satisfaction from my customer’s reaction when they see a piece restored back to its original state.”

Fortunately Dugger’s passion for his work isn’t lost on the fact that his craft and expertise is becoming a dying art. “I have trained many people throughout my career and what I’ve discovered is most are more interested in immediate gratification and aren’t willing to put in the time and labor necessary,” he explained. “My skills are definitely a fading craft.”

But, what hasn’t faded is the legacy Dugger’s pieces will behind. Take for instance a client whose own legacy is quite historical. In 1994 Dugger was commissioned to restore an antique partner’s desk that was passed down to then, Texas Governor George W. Bush.

“The partner’s desk was handed down to him through the family to be used in the library at the Governor’s Mansion. It needed structural stabilization because the top was bowing. So, I duplicated four legs that were an eight-rope-taper twist and then attached them under the drawers to support the failing top. I performed a full restoration of the piece as well,” he explained.

After personally delivering the desk to the Governor’s Mansion, he wouldn’t be finished with his commission until he worked on a total of two partners’ desks, a dining table and several other smaller pieces for the former governor.

While the majority of his clientele aren’t so historically high profile, Dugger takes pride in every piece – not just heirlooms and antiques. He explained that he can take furniture that has lost its use and repurpose it into something more suited to meet the client’s specific needs. Custom pieces are also near and dear to him.

“I enjoy taking raw wood and designing a piece that is superior in quality and will last a lifetime,” he explained. While, his favorite work is done on Victorian-era style furniture it’s his passion to create and restore pieces for the next generation that keeps him going.

“Whether it’s bringing back the beauty and life to the wood of old pieces or creating new ones to last a lifetime – it’s about giving that person or family something back that will speak to the legacy they’re leaving behind.”

For more information visit TheFurnitureRestorer.net or call 903.880.7486.

42 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Here you never kid a motorcycle officer that he shouldn’t have left The Village People.

You don’t purchase an expensive tractor just because Mr. Green Jeans had one. You don’t try to reason with East Texas wasps that want to build little homes outside every corner of your house. And what’s with the millions of ants turning my property into a ski resort without a partnership agreement?

Who gave them power tools?

One recent lesson is the most confounding so far. If passion is a sin, then one of my greatest is the love of ice-cold buttermilk.

Not long ago, my craving drove me to the local gas stations. Rounding the beef jerky, I could spot there were only a few cartons left … and all for me! As I approached, a middleaged woman ahead reached in the door and cradled-out all of the remaining gold.

Every single carton! “ Excuse me,” I blurted, “but are you going to drink all that tonight? Are you deep in some behemoth, all-city biscuit contest?”

“Naw,” she replied, “gunna pour it all down the tol-et.”

My brain shifts sideways. “Beg pa-pardon,” says I with panic beating out confusion.

“Pour it all down the toilet?”

“Yep, beats the heck outta Riddex. Do it once a month. Hadn’t had to pump in nine years,” she says with authority.

“But everyone told me specifically to use Riddex,” I said. “I’ve only had to have it serviced three times this year.”

“Ha! You know what Riddex is dontcha? It’s when ya shoot yer ex-husband!”

I sensed this could turn uglier than purchasing staple goods with a Shell card. “Ma’am, could I talk you into just one of those? I really need it tonight,” I pleaded.

“Awe, you look like yours must be backin’ up to,” she said. “Here ya go. Oh, one more thing. Make sure you flush it real good a cupla times.”

Bless the country cultured!

Becoming a Tiger Landscaper is Not for Everyone

By Edward H. Garcia I’ve never been much of a lawn man.

Even in North Dallas, where lawn is king, ours was the one that was pale green from a lack of fertilizer in the summer and the one with the unraked leaves in the fall. So it was a relief when we moved to our not-on-the-lake home here on the Upper East Side not to have to worry about sod and seed and weed and feed.

That is not to say that things don’t grow around us: on the two acres or so we’ve cleared (make that “cleared”) around the house, we have a variety of hardwoods and pines and cedars and vines and poison ivy and ferns that come back year after year. All of that but no lawn. I’ve been thinking of putting up a sign: “Leaf Preserve--No leaf will be disturbed.” Of course, that’s not true. As Spring rolls in, I try my best to disturb them into mulch.

The best thing for me now about my landscaping style is that I don’t have to worry about offending my neighbors. None of my nearest neighbors can see our house from theirs, and I’m sure they don’t give the wildness of our “estate” a second thought.

Still, I remember when I would reluctantly head out to the front of our house in Dallas with rake and leaf bags in hand lest the abundant oak leaves blow into a neighbor’s impeccably maintained yard.

These ruminations on lawn care have put me in mind of the controversy a couple of years ago about “tiger moms.” If you’ll recall, Amy Chua wrote a book describing and extolling her way of raising children — strict discipline, homework before TV, perfection in school work and extracurricular activities like playing a musical instrument. A lot of commentators pushed back, arguing that tiger mothering was controlling and even abusive. Chua said she was not advocating her parenting style, but describing it in a humorous and self-mocking memoir. On the other hand, a lot of people liked the idea

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

of strict upbringing for children, and they would probably respond to critics something along the lines of “Oh, yeah? Then why are your children so lazy and rotten and mine so polite and accomplished?”

To me those people who have meticulous lawns are the equivalent of tiger moms -tiger landscapers. Their lawns are better behaved than mine, their bushes more accomplished than mine.

So should I feel threatened by those beautiful lawns or try to become a tiger landscaper myself? I remember talking to a young neighbor in Dallas who told me his ambition was to win “Yard of the Month.”

I took a look at my bucket list but never did find Yard of the Month anywhere on it. I wished him good luck and hope that by now he has achieved his dream.

One of the advantages of being an old guy is that things don’t have to be either/ or. I don’t need to make moral judgments about other people’s lawn care or parenting, and I don’t need to accept anybody else’s judgment about the way I do things.

I can admire a neighbor who lives on our walking route and sits in his lawn pulling up weeds and placing them carefully in a bucket. I just can’t bring myself to be him.

| 903.865.1235

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

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 43

FEEL GOOD Family Helps Find Guitars For Students, Sick Children

Longview businessman Ken Chinn is giving away guitars because his teenage daughter, Tara, gave him “the look.”

The guitars are for sick and needy children who want to play but whose families can’t afford to buy guitars for them.

To avoid Tara’s look in the future, Chinn, who can’t fill the whole need by himself, is also asking for donated guitars.

“That look said, ‘Dad, this is something you must do,’” Chinn said, recalling being on the receiving end from Tara, a patient at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. The pair was at the hospital where Tara has been treated for frontal lobe epilepsy for the past seven years.

Tara brought along her guitar to pass the time on this particular visit.

A nurse mentioned the Children’s music therapy program, and the father and daughter, who both love music and play guitar, and a music therapist told them the program had just four guitars.

Tara gave her dad the look.

“Tara had carried her guitar into her room and stuck it in the corner,” Chinn said. “The charge nurse saw the guitar and asked if we would like to bring in a musical therapist. We said, of course.

The music therapist, Karen Norris, comes in, and I’m completely blown away. Music therapists are psychologists and musicians together. They relate so well to patients and their issues. My question was, I guess you have plenty of guitars for your program. To my shock,

Ken and Tara Chinn pose with patient Austin Hooper, 5, and his new guitar at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. Photo by Juan Pulido.

she hung her head. She said, I wish it were so.”

Children’s has four full-time musical therapists, each with only their own instruments that they share with patients.

“So this is when my daughter gives me this look. She knows I’ve already been giving away guitars. So I told them I’d give them 10 guitars. I thought she was going to hug and kiss me right on the spot.”

Chinn and Tara found and donated 11 – not 10 – brand new guitars in various sizes and colors, plus, guitar straps, picks, tuners and gift bags for patients. Some will be designated for music therapists to use as teaching instruments and some will be given to patients who might not be able to afford instruments to take home to keep.

Yama Yoga Studio & Wellness Center

Where Your Journey Begins.

Daily Classes • Beginner • Stretch • Vinyasa • Pilates 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training Weekend Workshops • Sunlighten Far Infrared Sauna Massage • Life Coaching • Reflexology • Hypnotherapy Personal Therapy • Reiki • Nutritional Counseling 18402 FM 1255, Canton, TX 75103

www.yamayoga.info 903.316.9471 44 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

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The father and daughter also brought along young guitarist Matthew Davidson to perform for patients and their families.

The Chinn Guitar Project has also been giving guitars to school districts for the past year, including Atlanta, Jefferson, Linden, Spring Hill, and Texarkana.

“There are many more on the wish list, and the group of potential donors is growing as well,” said Chinn, a financial planner for Wells Fargo in Longview.

“The response has been incredible.”

Music therapist Karen Norris at Children’s said the gift of music is priceless, especially since the extra guitars can be “loaned” to patients to keep in their rooms.

“With teenagers, the one common language is music,” Norris said. “Giving them a tool to express themselves is a gift beyond measure.”

One of the younger patients is five-yearold Austin Hooper. As his name was announced, Austin cast aside his walker to give his new blue guitar a bear hug.

“He always wanted to play his big brother’s guitar, and it’s great that he has one of his own now,” said his mother, Elecia Hooper.

To help or for more information, go to “Chinn Guitar Project” on Facebook.

ETMC Quitman Hospital Celebrates Grand Opening

East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System and the Wood County Central Hospital District recently celebrated the opening of the new, state-ofthe-art ETMC Quitman facility.

The spacious lobby houses all the components and services patients and guests will need when arriving: reception and registration; clinic, diagnostic and outpatient waiting; dietary and public dining; access to administration and meeting the lobby and the Level IV trauma center.

Reflecting the environmental nature of Wood County with its woods and waters, the finishes throughout the new hospital include natural materials such as wood, stone and live trees and plants.

The ETMC First Physicians clinic in Quitman now is housed inside the hospital, with space for eight providers, approximately 10,000 square feet for offices and exam rooms. Four providers are on staff: Dr. Beverly Waddleton; nurse practitioner Kimberley Lowry, RN, FNP, family medicine; Dr. Rick Martinez, internal medicine; and Dr. Annelise Ribeiro, pediatrics.

“We are excited to provide all these services under one roof,” said Warren Robicheaux, administrator of ETMC Quitman. “It offers great convenience for the patients and better coordination of care for our providers. Everyone benefits.”

Canton Adds New Facility For Assisted Living Home

The Country Place Senior Living facility recently picked Canton to begin its expansion into Texas, which should eventually include 70 planned residences.

Canton is not only the first in Texas to be built by the company but also the first to have two separate assisted living residences to be built side by side, each on two-acre parcels.

Scheduled to open in January 2014, Country Place Senior Living assisted living residences will be equipped with fully accessible private bathrooms, large sitting and sleeping areas, and a hospitality kitchen. In addition to the private living suites, the 17,700-square-foot building continued page 46

Who can be a member and experience better loan rates and lower fees with My Credit Union?

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Look at the many benefits you get as a My Credit Union member:

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Credit Union Checking Account • No monthly service charge w/ $50 min. bal.

• $50 minimum balance to maintain • Debit cards • Low cost checks • Free checks to Seniors 55+ • No limit on number of checks per month • Only $50 to open • Lower fees for services

New Car and Truck Loans Best Rates in the County • Up to 72 months, as low as 2.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) • Up to 100% financing for qualified members • Call for pre-approval or apply online Debit Card • Doubles as your ATM card • Money to pay for purchases is deducted from checking account • Safer and more convenient than carrying cash • Free ATM locations nationwide Auto Refinance Specials • 2% off your current APR (certain restrictions and qualifications apply) • Lower your payments and save interest • It’s easy–we do all the paperwork

Mortgage & Home Equity Loans • As low as 3.99% APR (some restrictions apply) • Low fixed rates Youth Accounts • 15-day average closing • Youth Club for Kids with free membership to • Your loan stays local credit union • $20 minimum balance compared to $200 at Free 24-Hour “My Teller” Access Line 1-800-235-8392 most banks • Hear balances on all savings, checking and loan • Discount Six Flags tickets accounts • Kids Club Prize Giveaways • Transfer loan payments P/C Access • List recent checks that have cleared • View your account or statement online • Listen to your latest deposit • Transfer funds • Order a check from your account • Make loan payments

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903-567-5981

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903-569-0303

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Locations also in Watauga, Fort Worth, and Euless.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 45

Lillie’s Law Program in Tatum Helps Teens Break Habit

FEEL GOOD continued from page 45 next door to the existing Canton Oaks facility will include a large dining area, indoor and outdoor social areas, a guest suite, exercise facility, library, commercial kitchen facilities, and other amenities.

Personal and healthcare services will be offered by staff 24 hours, seven days a week. Services will include three home cooked meals daily, housekeeping and personal laundry services, a life enrichment program, help with dressing, bathing and grooming and assistance with personal medications.

By Patti Light For many Texas communities and families, the death of even one child is life changing. Many deaths and injuries to teen drivers can be avoided by simply changing one dangerous habit: texting.

Texting while driving has surpassed drinking and driving as the #1 killer of teen drivers, according to the National Traffic and Highway Association.

In Texas, the use of handheld devices including cell phones and iPads is prohibited while driving in a school zone for all adult drivers, but for teen drivers (referred to by most laws as novice drivers) it is illegal. The Texas House of Representatives voted in April to make a moving violation for texting while driving punishable by a $100 fine. It is one step closer to getting the practice banned all together in the Lone Star State.

The Center for Disease Control states that every day nine people are killed on U.S. roads as a result of distracted driving and that 31 percent of drivers ages 18-64 have reported sending a text while driving in the past 30 days. Half of teen drivers report to national and state insurance representatives that they regularly text while driving.

The community of Tatum learned this statistic all too well in 2011 when it lost 16-year-old Tatum High School student Lillian Propes to a single-car accident resulting from her reaching to screen a text while driving. The school and classmates had a wake up call on their own habits.

Now, even two years later, students at this high school still sign the pledge to not text and drive. They call it “Lillie’s Law” and it targets awareness in teen drivers and passengers about promoting distraction-free driving.

As the astonishing number of car accidents a year involving texting drivers continues to grow, it is important to make others more aware of ways to help young drivers become safer behind the wheel. Here are some ways to combat the habit: Ride with a teen and observe his or her driving habits.

Be a good example and do not text or email while driving.

Discuss the financial and life-threatening issues of texting while behind the wheel.

Have teens sign a pledge and help start a school program.

Do not agree that texting while at a stop light is okay.

Make storing the phone in a backseat or trunk a practice while driving.

Designate a phone handler in the passenger group in the car. This will have someone responsible for the driver’s phone so the driver is not distracted.

The days of defensive driving have evolved into more than just yielding for more than external stimuli for a driver. By using common will power and practice role modeling adult drivers can help teens enjoy one more day of freedom behind the wheel.

46 • CountyLineMagazine.com • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Mercy Rushing, Canton EDC executive director said, “We started working with them in June 2011 and today we are so happy to see our relationship blossom into this wonderful new business for Canton and when completed they will have 48 units to offer the Canton community along with providing approx. 40 new jobs and approximately $6 million in capital investment to Canton.”

BBB Warns of New Scams That May Target Medicare

The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas warns elderly and disabled residents to beware of unsolicited phone calls from unscrupulous people looking to obtain Medicare or Medicaid information.

If the scammers obtain banking, Medicare/Medicaid or Social Security information, they could use it to commit identity theft and steal funds from accounts.

Anyone who suspects fraud should contact local police or the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General at 800-HHS-TIPS. For more information, go to www.easttexas.bbb.org.

Petapalooza Back in Tyler For Adoptions, Information

East Texas’ largest pet adoption event is back in Tyler once again. Texas Petapalooza will host more than 20 animal rescue groups along with their furry foster critters at Bergfeld Park from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Among the animals up for adoption are cats, dogs, and miniature horses of several breeds and ages. All available pets up

for adoption will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered as age appropriate.

There will also be numerous venders of pet products and services such as a lowcost pet vaccination clinic, grooming, pet photography, specialty pet foods, trainers, custom ID collars, pet clothing, pet accessories, customized “bling,” event T-shirts, agility and obedience demonstrations, face painting and interactive games for kids on how to best care for pets.

There will also be information on lowcost spay and neutering options for those who qualify,

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Family pets are welcome to attend on leashes as long as vaccinations are up to date. For more information, call 903.953.7075.

For NFL MVP Peterson, Helping Is What It’s About

National Football League MVP Adrian Peterson returned to his native Palestine this summer for the annual day named in his honor, and once again the focus was on helping improve the lives of children.

Every year, Peterson and his family give back to hundreds of families-in-need in their hometown of Palestine, Texas, by donating boxes of food. He also participates each year in Vikings Children’s Fund Summer Lunch Program to secure meals for hungry children and raise awareness about the USDA Summer Food Service Program.

Peterson established the All Day Foundation in 2008 to inspire hope and build a better future for at-risk-children. The Foundation promotes the well-being of at-risk kids by partnering with nonprofits and developing new programs in four primary areas: sportsmanship and leadership, youth education and enrichment, providing food to children and families in need, and supporting the athletic and academic successes of University of Oklahoma student-athletes.

The foundation also supports the work of partner organizations, such as Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore’s DNA Foundation, which supports and develops innovative programs that address the root causes of child sex slavery.

For more information, go to www.alldayfoundation.org.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 • CountyLineMagazine.com • 47

BigFoot Meets

October 11-12 Bigfoot Bash

Friday, 6-10 p.m. $25 or 2 for $40 BBQ, Beer, & Entertainment by DAZED! Bigfoot Dance, Look-A-Like Contest. Adults only over 21.

BIGFOOT MEETS NATUREFEST

Saturday. Chasing Bigfoot 5K Fun Run, $20 NatureFest Activities Free. Bigfoot Calling contest, Bigfoot Rock Throwing Contest. East Texas Astronomers.

Concert by Rafael Espinoza. Storytellers.

1860 CR 2724, Mineola, texas Phone: (903)569-6983, (800)646-3652 www.mineolanaturepreserve.com

1.800.MINEOLA www.mineola.com

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