January/February 2016 County Line Magazine

CARROLL SHELBY. BOWERY STAGE. TEX RITTER. RED RIVER STEAMBOATS.

county line JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS

M A G A Z I N E

Best of the Upper East Side of Texas

COMPLIMENTARY COPY COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM

TO SUBSCRIBE SEE PAGE 21

SINGING VALENTINES. HUDDIE LEDBETTER. DIVERSE VOICES. LIGHTEN UP.

VISIT JEFFERSON TEXAS QUILT SHOW january 22-24

MARDI GRAS UPRIVER

february 5-7

ROMANTIC GETAWAY

february 14

Take it easy!

903.665.3733

f

VisitJeffersonTexas.com

Ryley Tharp

Rafael Espinoza

Ritchie Valens

Shea Birdwell

The Big Bopper

Buddy Holly

FEBRUARY 2 • Mineola League of the Arts, 200 W. Blair. • 903.569.6983 2 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

ATHENS, TEXAS Welcome to Our Backyard

Scenic Drives, Local Wineries, Art Galleries, Shopping, Fishing, Zipline Tours, Nature Trails, Farmers’ Market Year-Round Events at Henderson County Regional Fair Park May: Annual Old Fiddler’s Contest and Reunion July: Fireworks at the Fishery September: Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival, Outdoor Expo and Blue Gill Family Fishing Festival October: East Texas Arboretum Fall Festival November: Athens Scenic Fall Foliage Driving Trail, 19th Annual Turkey Trot December: Christmas Parade, Holiday on the Square, North Pole Athens

Stay & Play!

For information about hotels and upcoming events, 1-888-294-2847 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 3 www.AthensTX.org/CLM5

CONTENTS

FILM

7

30 Northeast Texas in the Movies

LITERARY 32 Mr. Owita’s Guide to Gardening Review by P.A. Geddie 33 Poetry by Chance Carrier, Kendale Barker, and Stormy Yates 33 Annual Kids Poetry Contest

MUSIC 34 East Texans’ Grammy Nominations 34 Music Listings 36 The Bowery Stage 2016

FOOD & DRINK 38 Cassolet recipe 39 Chocolate Souffle

by Chef Lyndsay Caldwell

16

12 FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

6 County Line Hall of Fame

5 Letters

Top restaurants and chef are inducted into the County Line Magazine Hall of Fame this year for consistently getting the most nominations and winning Best categories at least three times.

7 Best of the Upper East Side

of Texas

Take some time to explore and get to know this year’s highlighted treasures of the region.

5

Editor’s Note

EXPLORE 40 Orion-Journey to Mars

LIVING ROOM 42 Curb Pet’s Inappropriate Chewing 43 Fireplace Safety

FEEL GOOD THIS TIME OF YEAR

44 Lighten Up East Texas

20 Area Markers Note Black History

45 Children’s Group Seeks Volunteers

20 Leadbelly’s East Texas Roots 21 Singing Cowboy Tex Ritter

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT 22 Red River Steamboats

By Steve Freeman 23 Events

12 Shelby’s Legacy Races On

From East Texas chicken farmer to international auto icon, the late Carroll Shelby set the world on fire.

By LouAnn Campbell and Steve Freeman

THE ARTS 24 Star Harbor Watercolor Show 24 Longview Perspective 25 Kids Art Contest

16 Singing Valentines Melt Hearts

The romantic serenade is alive and well with local musical groups.

By Steve Freeman

26 Embracing Diverse Voices

STAGE 28 Comedian Marty Allen 28 Daddy’s Dyin’ -- Who’s Got the Will

SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Downtown Winnsboro Photo by Michael Alford

fl&g +

county line Since 2000

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR P.A. Geddie CONTRIBUTORS Steve Freeman LouAnn Campbell Lyndsay Caldwell COPY EDITORS Steve Freeman Jill Couchman GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINT PRODUCTION P.A. Geddie ADMINISTRATION Annette O’Brien DISTRIBUTION

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, Happy New Year! We’re kicking off the year by highlighting some of the best treasures in our midst. It’s by no means a comprehensive list—there are hundreds of people, places, and events worthy of letting you know about and we’ll continue doing that throughout the year.

We also learn about the late Carroll Shelby and how much he accomplished for the world in his time on earth and how he appreciated his roots in East Texas.

In February the harmonic singing groups we have in the region start getting in to the love business helping deliver special valentine greetings. We’ve got all the info you need to hire them yourself if you have a sweetheart to impress.

Try out a couple of delicious recipes in

the Food & Drink section this month and then read about how you can win a car by shedding a few pounds!

Find out how to sign your kids up for art and poetry contests on pages 25 and 33 -- these are very important ways kids and teens can express themselves in a positive way.

Spend a little time reviewing history with the markers around the region noting the contributions of some of our African American neighbors through the years, read about singing cowboy Tex Ritter and blues giant Huddie Ledbetter and explore the route some of the early settlers took to get here by steamboat.

Create your own history with fun and meaningful moments in 2016.

P.A. Geddie Publisher & Managing Editor

LETTERS

Tom Geddie David Michelina

County Line Magazine is published every other month, 6 times a year. It is available free of charge in the Northeast Texas area in select businesses, limited to one copy per reader. Subscription costs: $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 2016 County Line all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.963.8306. E-mail: info@countylinemagazine.com Website: www.countylinemagazine.com. Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling 903.963.8306.

Serving the Upper East Side of Texas

Dear Editor, Thanks for the great article (Ally Venable-Nov/Dec 2015).

Ally Venable Kilgore Your Nov/Dec issue of County Line is the best ever. Beautiful! It’s a treasure.

James Wilkins Tyler November 4, 2011, Don Henley lost a faithful fan of his to ALS. Our mother, Teena Hullum, would near always have the Eagles playing when I got in her car.

It was one of the things I loved seeing in her—her love of music. They certainly brought it out. In reading your article on Don Henley, I came to find he and I share the same birthday, July 22. I never knew he was from our region and

though I’ve been to his concert and always loved the Eagles, it is indeed a whole new point of appreciation I now have for them with his ties to this great state and region.

Thank you for the walk down memory lane. Both for my mama, and for Don. Holly L. Hullum Wills Point My compliments to P. A. Geddie for the excellent interview with one of my icons (Don Henley-Nov/Dec 2015). We are returning to the Northeast Texas area after an absence of many years. With the excellence in journalism found in this publication, we are happy to be back.

Beverly Sellers Tyler

CHECK OUT COUNTY LINE DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS @ www.CountyLineMagazine.com Responsive eMagazine works great on DESKTOPS, PADS, and MOBILE PHONES! Set up a SHORT CUT TO THE COUNTY LINE ON YOUR DEVICES! Subscribe to eNewsletters including Weekender and FEAST Texas!

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county line MAGAZINE

Hall of Fame

New Chef and Restaurants Inducted into County Line Hall of Fame

ART & ESPRESSO

WINNSBORO. Best Coffee

BEAUTY AND THE BOOK HAWKINS. Best Book Store

CROSSROADS MUSIC COMPANY WINNSBORO. Best Live Music Venue

DAIRY PALACE CANTON. Best Hamburgers Best Malt/Shake

EAST TEXAS BURGER COMPANY MINEOLA. Best Hamburgers Five D Cattle Company. Avinger. Photo by Patti Light

FIVE D CATTLE COMPANY AVINGER. Best Steak

FOUR WINDS STEAKHOUSE WILLS POINT. Best Restaurant & Best Steak

FRANK RUMORE WILLS POINT. Best Chef. Four Winds

JACKSON YORK Best Chef

LAKE FORK Best Fishing Hole

THE LINKS AT LAND’S END YANTIS. Best Golf Course

MILL CREEK RANCH RESORT CANTON. Best RV Park

MINEOLA NATURE PRESERVE Best Nature Walk and Bird Watching

MOORE’S STORE BEN WHEELER. Best Live Music Venue

QUITMAN COMMUNITY THEATRE Best Small Theatre Company

RC & MOON PIE MURAL BEN WHEELER. Best Sign

STANLEY’S FAMOUS PIT BAR-B-Q TYLER. Best Barbecue

THEE HUBBELL HOUSE WINNSBORO. Best Bed & Breakfast

THE SHED CAFE EDOM. Best Pie, Best Wait Staff

TOM PERRYMAN KKUS THE RANCH, TYLER. Best Radio DJ

TYLER STATE PARK Best Camping Spot

WINNSBORO Best Small Town

The Upper East Side of Texas is home to many of “the bests” in the state, but when a business or place consistently receives the most nominations in the annual County Line Magazine BEST they are inducted into a category of home to the greats.

The criteria are simple: win the same category three times, and make the hall of fame.

Entering the Hall of Fame this year is Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, East Texas Burger Company, Five D Cattle Company, and Chef Frank Rumore.

Stanley’s barbecue is known far and wide winning awards across the state of Texas and even in New York. Located in the hospital district in Tyler, they are known for their fall-off-the bone baby back ribs, brisket, sausage, and pulled pork. The restaurant also serves a side of excellent entertainment to the Upper East Side of Texas, with local and state-wide musicians rocking the Stanley’s stage every Monday-Saturday during most of the year. 525 South Beckham Avenue.

903.593.0311. StanleysFamous.com.

East Texas Burger Company in Mineola wins the hearts (and bellies) of East Texans and visitors alike with their homestyle burgers. Burgers come in quarter pound and half–pound sizes and fresh fries are cut one potato at time. If they have any room left in them, guests can

6 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

indulge in the restaurant’s homemade baked and fried pies. 126 E. Broad St. 903.569.3140. EastTexasBurger.com.

Five D Cattle Company in Avinger is well worth the wait to dinner time to enjoy their savory steaks. The selections of high-quality seasoned steaks range from a flat iron to rib eye and T-bone. After your steak, save room for their apple, peach, or blackberry cobbler. The perfect combination of friendly staff and mouth-watering steaks is what makes this steakhouse stand out in Northeast Texas. It’s BYOB if you need a good red wine to go with your steak. #8 Main St. 903.562.1291. FiveDCattle.com.

A three-time and well-deserved winner, it’s clear to see that Frank Rumore is a favorite throughout the state of Texas and beyond. Chef Rumore spent 25 years with Del Frisco, 15 of those as executive chef at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House in Dallas before moving to the former ranch house of Dallas Cowboy’s legend Lee Roy Jordan, now the rustic chic Four Winds Steakhouse located amongst 1100 acres of old oaks and a small pond. Four Winds made the list of top OpenTable’s 100 Steakhouses throughout the nation.

Rumore’s specialties range from 26-ounce rib eyes with a brandy peppercorn sauce, pecan-breaded catfish, fried shrimp, and marinated grilled chicken breast served with fresh vegetables. 21191 FM 47. 903.873.2225. FourWindsSteakhouse. com.

Best of the Upper East Side of Texas In its 12th year now, County Line Magazine’s annual survey keeps uncovering more and more local gems in the Upper East Side of Texas. More than 1500 nominations were received this year and 2015 showed that our region continues to grow as a Texas treasure with delicious food, wonderful attractions and beautiful backdrops, one-ofa-kind shops, exciting entertainment, and many talented individuals.

This year’s winners represent a great selection of the best of 2015 in the Upper East Side of Texas. If your favorites didn’t make the cut this year, please let us know about them and we’ll spread the word.

Best Barbecue

Big Smith’s Bar-B-Q. Sulphur Springs.

Serving the region for almost 25 years, they specialize in beef ribs, barbecue dinners and sandwiches. 9601 Texas Hwy 154 South. 903.383.2706. bigsmithsbbq.com.

Best Breakfast

Kitchens Hardware & Deli. Mineola. Not their first win, dining at Kitchens is just fun in a comfortable historic building with lots of menu items to choose from including their hearty breakfasts. 119 E. Broad St. 903.569.2664.

Best Brew

Stanley’s Famous Bar-B-Q. Tyler. Stanleys makes sure they have lots of tasty beers to go along with their award-winning barbecue including seven different craft beers on tap. They also serve more than 70 American whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes. 525 South Beckham Ave. 903.593.0311. StanleysFamous.com.

Best Catfish

Happy’s Fish House. They consistently get rave reviews for their fried catfish and other seafood as well as alligator bites! 2202 E. 5th St. 903.944.7921.

Best Chicken Fried Steak

Buttermilk’s. Canton. It’s hard to get

anything at Buttermilk’s that’s not completely delicious but their chicken fried steak is absolutely at the top of the list with its exceptional hand-breaded black angus steak served with cream gravy. 100 W. Dallas St. 903.567.3287

Best Coffee

Reka’s Rise & Shine Coffee Co. Emory.

This quaint coffee house is just a block away from downtown Emory in the historic Cities Service Station. From basic freshly ground black coffee to flavors like White Mocha Pumpkin Frappuccino they fit the tastebuds of locals and visitors alike. 234 E. Quitman St. 903.473.2015.

Best Dog-Friendly Cafe

The Forge Bar & Grill. Ben Wheeler.

Big overhead doors on two sides of the building extend this little gem nestled in a corner of downtown out onto a patio with a view where pets are welcome.

They also have a big backyard where pet owners enjoy walking around and eating at picnic tables. 1610 FM 279.

903.833.5970. theforgebenwheeler.com.

Best Hamburger

CB’s Sandwich Shop. Greenville. Open since 1941 the locals still flock to this landmark eatery for the great burgers as well as their famous hand-made onion rings. 3304 Wesley St. 903.455.7661.

Best Malt/Shake

Steak ‘n Shake. Tyler. With an extensive menu of flavors like Vanocolate, Strawnana, Egg Nog Milkshake, White Chocolate, Peppermint, and Cookie Butter, just to name a few, this place satisfies the whole family. 3915 University Blvd.

903.944.7926. steaknshake.com.

Best Pie

Ain’t Just Pie. Greenville. Homemade pie flavors include traditionals like Blue Ribbon Buttermilk and Pap’s Texas Pecan; cream pies like Luscious Lemon,

Cuckoo for Coconut, Gone Bananas; and fruit pies including Old Fashioned Apple, Very Cherry, and Blueberry Bliss.

Speciality pies include Caramel Apple, Chocolate Turtle, and Chocolate Pecan Drunk Honey. 2205 Lee Street.

903.455.4314. justpie.net.

Monk’s Oven. Winnsboro. Second win in a row this fairly new place continues to wow their customers. Located in the cultural arts district, Monk’s is the people’s pick when it comes to pizza, offering pies by the slice to as big as a whole 20-inch. Pizza toppings range from BBQ chicken to supreme and all the in-betweens. Other offerings on tap include soup, salad, dessert, beer and wine. 204 Market St. 903.347.1282.

Best Produce Rockwall Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday in season finds downtown Rockwall hopping with live music, pet walking, and lots of deliciousness from local and surrounding farmers. Visitors find plenty of tomatoes, squash, peas, onions, okra, melons and more including fresh baked croissants, chocolate, jams and jellies, and hand-made soaps. Downtown Rockwall, 101 Rusk Street. 214.543.4066. rockwallfarmersmarket.org.

Best Restaurant Landon Winery & Bistro. Greenville.

Winner of several national awards this past year for their crafted wines, the restaurant is a favorite dining location as well as wine tastings, local happy hours, and other special events. The menu includes soups and salads, pastas, and chef specialties like pecan crusted tilapia, panko encrusted chicken, grilled salmon, and certified Angus beef. Located in a historic downtown building with outdoor patio seating as well, its atmosphere is enjoyable anytime of the day. 2508 Lee St. 903.454.7878. landonwinery.com.

Continued Page 8

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BEST OF continued from Page 7

Best Queso

TaMolly’s. Greenville. Also locations in Paris and Texarkana, TaMolly’s offers a variety of quesos including the classic yellow and another with melted cheese and fresh jalapenos. But perhaps it is Bob’s Dip that wins the queso prize with melted cheese, spicy beef and sour cream. 6929 I-30. 903.454.6193. tamollys.com.

Best Salsa and Chips

Villa Montez. Tyler. With their fresh herbs and vegetables grown onsite, their sauces are fresh and delicious. Coupled with crispy chips and the ambience offered in this mansion on the hill it’s a good experience. And it doesn’t hurt that they make a delicious freshlysqueezed lime margarita to go along.

3324 Old Henderson Hwy. 903.592.9696. villamontez.com.

Best Salad

Potpourri House. Tyler. Second win in a row it’s hard to beat this salad bar with huge selections including cornbread salad, chicken salad, pasta salad, soups, baked potatoes, and more. 3320 Troup Hwy. Suite 300. 903.592.4171. PotpourriHouse.com.

sive seafood menu with fish and shrimp tacos, fried shrimp, catfish, oysters, and crawfish tail, po-boy sandwiches, and much more including buckets of frog legs. House specials include crawfish etouffee and shrimp creole. 116 F Johnson St. 903.753.6722. fishermansmarketlongview.com.

Best Sandwich

Best Steak

Moore’s Store. Ben Wheeler. It’s a meat lovers paradise at Moore’s with delicious burgers made from 100 percent Angus beef, and sandwiches include the Dancing Pig pulled pork, club, blt, grilled chicken breast, several turkey choices.

Vegetarians enjoy the double-decker grilled cheese and Secret Garden veggie wraps. 1535 FM 279. 903.833.5100. mooresstore.com

Best Seafood

Fisherman’s Market. Longview. Exten-

Culpepper Steakhouse. Rockwall. Intriguing rustic atmosphere with prime, dry aged, and premium gold Angus cuts of corn fed beef. Steaks include prime strip, Angus NY strip, rib eye, t-bone, and filet mignon. 309 I-30 Frontage Rd. 972.771.1001.

Best Tex-Mex

3 Brothers Mexican Grill. Mount Vernon. It didn’t take long for this new restaurant in downtown Mount Vernon to gain local favor for good Mexican fare.

Good reviews for service, food, and prices and ambience in historical downtown location. 102 E. Main St. 903.270.6216.

Best Vegetarian

The Blue Frog Grill. Marshall. The city of Marshall has an ongoing program encouraging folks to eat vegetarian and several restaurants have stepped up to the plate including this long-standing breath of fresh air in the downtown area.

Their plant-strong offerings include a “meat” loaf wrap, black bean veggie wrap, grilled avocado lettuce wrap, black bean burger, and Chef’s salad. 303 N. Columbus. 903.923.9500. thebluefroggrill.com.

Best Winery

Kiepersol. Tyler. Sixty-three acres of vineyards produce delicious award-winning wines. There’s a wine tasting room, restaurant, and nearby RV park and bed and breakfast for those making this an overnight destination. 3933 FM 344 E. 903.894.8995. kiepersol.com.

Best Afternoon Stroll

Mineola Nature Preserve. Mineola.

Beautiful tree-lined pathways provide 8 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

views of lakes and rivers, birds, plants, wildflowers, and other wildlife. 1860 County Road 2724. 903.569.6183. mineolanaturepreserve.com.

room and parlor to visit with others. 202 N. Newsom St. 903.569.6634. munzesheimer.com.

Best Annual Event

Walleye Park. Lake Cypress Springs/ Mount Vernon. Operated by the Franklin County Water District, the park offers premium RV pads, picnic tables, grills, boat ramp, playground, tennis court, baseball field, volleyball areas, and more. SE 4220. 903.537.4536.

Edom Festival of the Arts. Edom. Going on now for more than 40 years, the craft community of Edom knows how to show art lovers a good time. The downtown area is lined with local artists throughout the year and during this event the third weekend each year in October they are joined by hundreds of 60-70 juried artists featuring pottery, paintings, jewelry and more. Several stages of music showcase local and visiting talent and a children’s area gives birth each year to up and coming young artists. Downtown Edom. 844.633.6689. edomfestivalofthearts.com.

Best Antique Store

Uniques & Antiques. Mineola. Antique mall with more than 60 vendors with items ranging from music memorabilia to glassware to books and furniture. 124 S. Line St. 903.569.1133.

Best Camping

Best County Courthouse

Cass County Courthouse. Linden. The recently restored brick antebellum courthouse is the oldest one in Texas still used as the seat of county government. Former children of the county Don Henley and William Hines donated funds to match those received from the Texas Historical Commission to complete its renewal. 100 Houston.

903.756.5732. lindentexas.org.

Best Dog Walk

East Texas Arboretum. Athens. Enjoy 100 acres of wooded beauty, trees, flowers, and wildlife with your furry companion on a leash of course. 903.675.5630. easttexasarboretum.org.

Best Fishing

Lake Tawakoni. Fish species included striped and hybrid striped bass, white bass, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. 10822 FM 2475. 903.560.7123.

Best Getaway

Sabor a Pasion. Palestine. This East Texas culinary destination offers osteriastyle dining at Restaurant Abergine with locally-grown ingredients used in their menu items including salads, pastas, ribeye steaks, fish, New Zealand pavlova and other specialty desserts. Guests can dine at Tuscan tables with views of a vinecontinued Page 10

Best Art Gallery

Gingko Leaf Gallery. Marshall. Promising “art for the imagination” this location houses artwork from numerous artists in a historic old Elks Lodge building that received a Texas Preservation Award in 2015. Mediums include fiber arts, metal sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry and more. Classes, workshops, and demonstrations are also offered in the gallery.

212 N. Washington. 903.471.5225.

Best Attraction

Caldwell Zoo. Tyler. Beautiful awardwinning zoo with elephant facility, giraffe barn and other natural animal environments. 2203 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 903.593.0121. caldwellzoo.org.

Best Bed and Breakfast

Munzesheimer Manor. Mineola. Visitors rave about their stay at this manor built in 1898. Some of the highlights of a stay here include morning coffee deliveries, claw-foot bathtubs, formal dining JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 9

BEST THE UPPER EAST SIDE

2008

OF TEXAS

crab, chicken fried steak, chicken strips, boiled or fried shrimp, salad bar and cobblers. Take-out includes special family packs of fried catfish. Thursday-Saturday 4-9 p.m., Sunday 11a.m.-2 p.m. 903.473.4198. 5375 FM 17, 903.473.4198, www.ets-systems.com/ajsfishhouse.

Runners-up: Red Barn Café in Wills Point and McCurdy’s in Mount Vernon.

Best Chicken-Fried Steak Double C Steakhouse, Winnsboro The entrees include a chicken-fried steak that fills a plate.

The cook won’t give up the recipe, relying on “secret ingredients” to satisfy customers’ cravings. MondayWednesday 4:30-8 p.m., Thursday-Friday 4:30-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 206 Market, 903.342.3111, www.doublecsteakhouse.com. Runners-up: Four Winds in Wills Point and Ole West Steakhouse in Athens.

Best Coffee Canton Square Bakery Full espresso bar featuring popular Community Coffees to go with breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, salads, side dishes, and baked goods. Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sundays during First Monday. 105 S. Buffalo, 903.567.4630. Runners-up: Caffe Tazza in Tyler and Holly Perk Coffee Co. in Mineola.

BEST OF continued from Page 9

yard. Monthly and private cooking classes demonstrate a variety of topics from handmade pasta to preserving the harvest. The onsite bed and breakfast is an escape for relaxing and unwinding with breakfast provided as a delicious start to the day. Culinary and spa packages are available. 110 CR 406. 903.729.9500. saborapasion.com.

where the roof caved in and sat empty for many years. Now it’s an eclectic outdoor beer and wine garden with a delicious menu that includes ribeyes, glazed pork chops, sweet potato fries, and Szechuan pork tacos, enjoyed with craft beers and wines under the stars. It closes down December-February and regulars eagerly await their reopening each spring. 107 Grand Ave. 903.609.8806.

Calico Cat. Greenville. One of the Uptown Forum Shops in historic downtown Greenville, Calico Cat Contemporary Clothing & Gifts is a favorite shop for many in the region. They have shoes, jeans, wearable art, accessories, Brighton handbags and jewelry, books and toys for children, home fragrances, and distinctive gift items. 2610 Lee Street.

903.454.3311. calicocatgreenville.com.

Best Golf Course

Webb Hill Country Club. Wolfe City.

Located on 230 beautiful wooded, rolling acres it features an 18-hole regulation length course. 438 FM 2358.

903.496.2221.

Best Historic Building

107. Paris. Maybe the best use of a historic downtown building, especially one

Best Lakeside Community

Holly Lake Ranch. Hawkins. A recreational resort community on 3,500 acres set against a lush backdrop of pines, the resort hosts more than 20,000 vacationing guests each year. Amenities include an activity center, arcade, picnic areas, movie theater, playground, snack bar, canoeing, fishing, golf, hiking, mini golf, pedal boats, badminton, basketball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, tennis, volleyball, a hot tub and outdoor pool. 210 Golf Drive. 903.769.2138. www.silverleafresorts.com/resorts/holly-lake-ranch

Some of the people and places voted the best in the region include from top left clockwise: Best B&B, Thee Hubbell House, Winnsboro (photo by P.A. Geddie); Best Seafood, Four Winds Steakhouse and Best Chef, Frank Rumore (photo by Tom Geddie); Best Nature Walk and Best Birdwatching, Mineola Nature Preserve (photo by Gary Edwards); and Best Play and Best Small Theatre Company, Quitman Community Theatre. “Smoke on the Mountain” cast photo: Front row (l-r): Blake Durham, Keith Haisten (Best Theatre Actor), Donna Henderson, Bob Hibbard; second row: Jeff Norris, Shelby Salley, Ashlee Salley, Tara Moore, Michael Phifer, Ulna McWhorter; third row: Ann Norris, Cora Beaty (director),Gordon Schulz, Ann Rutherford; back row: Betty Stribley, Ted Beaty, Kelly McDowell, Becky Hibbard (producer), Randy Parrish, Ron Sheppard, Charlotte Hollis. (courtesy photo).

“Best” is almost always subjective, often depending as much on personal preference as on any objective criteria.

That said, here are the readers choices for the “Best of the Upper East Side of Texas” for 2008.

Take this list as an opportunity to congratulate familiar winners and to explore new and interesting places in the region, especially in these days of thrifty “staycations” instead of long-mileage vacations. For the many excellent places that didn’t make this year’s finalists, there’s plenty of opportunity to become better known during 2009.

Best Barbecue Bodacious Barbecue, Winnsboro Hickory-and- oak-smoked barbecued beef, pork ribs, ham, turkey, and sausage meals with choice of two vegetables (baked beans, potato salad, or coleslaw), and a drink runs about $7. Dine in, take out, or order a shipment right to the doorstep via FedEx. Fourteen locations in Texas;

winning Winnsboro location: 328 E. Coke, 903.342.1210.

Runners-up: Cripple Creek BBQ in Athens, Mack’s Split Rail in Mineola.

Best Hamburger East Texas Burger Company, Mineola Customers Dan Rather and Sissy Spacek praise this place; so would Bonnie & Clyde if they were still alive.

Big selection of quarter- and half-pound burgers along with fries and onion rings, grilled chicken sandwiches, chicken-fried steaks, catfish, and peanut butter, coconut, chocolate cream, and fried apricot pies until they run out. Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Hwys 80 and 69, 903.569.3140, www.easttexasburger. com. Runners-up: Dairy Palace in Canton and Lake Athens Marina.

Best Breakfast Winnsboro Bakery & Café All egg dishes (sausage, bacon, country ham, pork chops, Benedict) prepared with two eggs and served with choice of toast (sourdough, wheat, rye) or biscuit plus choice of hash browns, grits, or home fries. Also pancakes, French toast, breakfast sandwiches, and variety of omelets.

Served Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-10 a.m. 210 N Main, 903.342.6119, www.winnsborobakery.com. Runners-up: Granny’s Kitchen in Quitman, Edom Bakery & Grill.

Best Malt/Shake Dairy Palace, Canton Blue Bell ice cream, real milk, and 36 flavors including moo-lennium crunch, chocolate chip cookie dough, caramel pecan fudge, pecan pralines and cream, cotton candy, and banana pudding along with basic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry at this consistently popular site with a wide-ranging breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu available 24 hours a day. 2203 N. Trade Days (Hwy 19), 903.567.6551, www.dairypalace.com. Runners-up: Braums in Athens and Kitchen’s in Mineola.

Best Catfish AJ’s Lake Fork Fish House, Alba Southern-fried catfish tops the seafood buffet that also includes fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, corn nuggets,

Best Pie Edom Bakery & Grill All pastries and baked goods made fresh daily: pies, cakes, cookies, muffins, breads, and more to complement

8 • COUNTY LINE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2009

Best Gift Shop

Best Place for Gas, Grub & Groceries Brookshire’s, Various locations With sales totaling $2 billion a year, Brookshire’s is easily the leading grocer in the Upper East Side of Texas.

While this category was originally intended for the small mom-and-pop kinda gas stations that also provide some groceries and sit-down meals of various sorts, readers see Brookshire’s locations that also have gas stations as a logical choice; most of the stores serve grub, too. Runnersup: The Outpost in Winnsboro and Kidd Jones in Chandler.

Best Hotel/Motel

Best Western Plus. Emory. A little off the beaten path but a perfect location for those that need to stay near Lake Fork.

Its restaurant, Pier 515, has a good menu and a bar open Wednesday to Sunday.

1026 E. Lennon Drive. 855.996.9651.

Best Improved Small Town

Mount Vernon. One of just three cities in Texas selected to lead the Bankhead Highway tourism initiative, Mount Vernon jumped on board with six large history/ mystery historical panels and videos on the effort. They produced a Drive Film Festival with the Franklin County Arts Alliance and also had a Tallulah Dahling Dash and vintage car show. Their courthouse was renovated in 2014 and the downtown plaza is home to numerous events like the Piney Woods Wine Trail Festival, Wine in the Pines, and a music concert series.

903.537.4070. visitmtvernontx.com.

Best Live Music Venue

Stanley’s. Tyler. During most of the year, Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q brings talented musicians from all over the world to East Texas almost every night of the week. From Americana to R&B to Country, there’s always something different to hear while enjoying great barbecue, craft beers, and good company. 525 S. Beckham Ave. 903.593.0311.

Best Museum

East Texas Oil Museum. Kilgore. Winning also in 2013 this East Texas treasure is a tribute to the independent oil producers and wildcatters. It’s a fabulous display and authentic re-creation of oil discovery and production in the early 1930s from the largest oil field inside U.S. boundaries. Relive the East Texas oil boom days in the life-size Boom Town USA exhibit. Hwy. 259 at Ross St. 903.983.8295. easttexasoilmuseum.com.

Best Nature Walk

Dupree Park Nature Center. Mount Vernon. A 57-acre nature preserve featuring primitive, winding walking trails. It sits next to the Bankhead Highway Visitors Center and is marked by 65 signposts and printed guide to flora and fauna.

NW 1017 County Road. 903.537.4365.

Best Park

Spring Hill Park/Neal McCoy Playground. Longview. Picnic area, hiking/ biking trail, multi-use courts, practice backstops, a 5,605-square foot universally accessible playground, and a splash pad. 3100 Mona Dr. 903.237.1270.

10 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Best RV Park

Jellystone Park at Whispering Pines. Tyler. “Yogi Bear” themed park set on 47 acres north of Tyler. 5583 FM 16 East.

903.858.2405.

Best Scenic Drive

Dogwood Trails. Palestine. Enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park and the surrounding area each spring. 903.723.3014. palestine-tx.org.

Best Shopping Experience

Downtown Mineola. Park the car and stroll the downtown shops to find antiques, apparel, gifts, coffee, fudge, fried pies, furniture, garden art, home decor, jewelry, and more. More than 35 retail stores and several dining choices to round out the day. 800.MINEOLA. mineola.com.

Best Sign

The Bowery. The metal sign stretches across the sky above Market Street noting the historical name of the street around 1900 because of its saloons, brothels, and gambling halls. winnsborotexas.com.

Best Slogan

“Get Your Yum at the Luscious Crumb.”

The yummy cupcakes at the Luscious Crumb inspired the slogan. 120 S. Pacific. 903.569.6367.

Best Small Town

Winnsboro. This town has won this accolade a number of times and has even been inducted into the County Line Magazine Hall of Fame. It continues to stand out as one of our bests in the region as it redefines itself year after year through a team of dedicated business men and women that work tirelessly to bring great dining, hospitality, shopping, art, festivals, music, and other entertainment through its charming, ever-evolving doors. winnsboroonlineguide.com.

Best Small Theatre Company

Best Chef

Christian Mailloux. Palestine. Executive Chef Christian Mailloux is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He is the chefowner of Red Fire Grille in downtown Palestine. He has extensive knowledge of wine and food pairing and is committed to using the finest ingredients in his menu that includes chicken liver mousse, fried frog legs, mushroom Napoleon, grilled filet mignon, lamb gnocchi, and fresh butternut squash ravioli to name a few. 400 N. Queen Street.

903.723.2404. redfiregrille.com.

Lake Country Playhouse. Mineola. The group produces four live plays each year at the Historic Select Theater. 903.569.2300. lakecountryplayhouse.com.

Best Actor/Actress

Hailey Kratzmeyer. Sixteen-year-old Hailey Kratzmeyer from Mineola played the lead in Lake Country Playhouse’s summer musical, “The Fantasticks” directed

by Bob Hibbard. Her lilting high soprano voice and refreshing acting was a big hit with the audience.

Best Animal Rescue

Best Artist

Karen Musgraves. Mineola. Talent runs in the family and this mother of singersongwriter Kacey and professional photographer Kelly knows how to use paints and brushes very well. She enjoys painting wildlife and western-inspired subjects like cowboy boots. karenmusgraves. com.

The Pegasus Project. Rescuing 100s of neglected and abused horses, this non-profit group provides a sanctuary and place for healing and training and finds forever homes for each horse.

903.469.3578. mypegasusproject.org

VISIT

Best Local Band

King Richard and the Bayou Boys. The Tyler-based group was named East Texas Music awards Best R&B band of 2015.

They blend boogie, blues, rock and roll and southern soul music to make it their own. kingrichardthebayouboys.com.

Gun Barrel City ...a straight shot to Cedar Creek Lake

Best Local Singer-Songwriter

Connie Mims Pinkerton. Connie enjoys writing and co-writing for a variety of projects and leads the Nashville Songwriters Association International/East Texas in Tyler. conniemims.com.

Come Stay & Play.

We Aim to Please!

Best Play

Dixie Swim Club. This production was presented by the Palestine Community Theatre. It’s a funny and touching story of five unforgettable women and friendships that last a lifetime. The show was written by Jesse Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, and was directed by Carol Moore. The friends are played by Kathy Lamb, Kathrine Newton, Dr. Jan Sikes, Shelley Jenkins, and Dixie Dorsett.

903.922.1327.

903.887.1087 www.gunbarrelcity.net www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 11

Carroll Shelby’s Legacy Races On East Texas Chicken Farmer Became International Auto Icon

By LouAnn Campbell and Steve Freeman The name Carroll Shelby is hardly recognized by most East Texans, but the Shelby name is admired far, far beyond the region that gave him his start.

Just using the word “Shelby” conjures up images to many of classic sports car designs, racing championships, 5,000plus member car clubs, car museums in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Boulder, Colorado, and memorabilia for sale up to hundreds of thousands of dollars on eBay and elsewhere.

The son of a rural Texas mailman, Carroll Shelby went on to acclaim as, first, a celebrated race car driver, and then designer of one of the most famous American performance race cars — the legendary Shelby Cobra sports car, which also influenced his designs of versions of Chrysler Viper and the everpopular Ford Mustang. The Los Angeles Times called him a “cult classic car designer.”

being the 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

Even after his death at age 89 in 2012, the legacy of Carroll Shelby lives on in his family, in Shelby Corporation, in his children’s health and education foundation, and in East Texas. It’s there that he was born, is buried, and there that his scholarship program at Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) still trains and certifies auto mechanics.

A Texas Original

From humble beginnings, Carroll made his way in life with the lessons learned during the great depression

But there is so much more to the man, the proud Texan, who became an iconic figure in 20th century America. The larger-than-life entrepreneur created an auto parts and design-licensing empire, appeared twice on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine as “Driver of the Year,” and helped found the famed Terlingua International Chili Championship. His “Carroll Shelby’s Original Texas Brand Chili” is still available on grocery shelves.

“I like to get into things other people are not in, to see if I can make it work,” he once said.

All the while, Shelby achieved notoriety by being named to both the international and national motor sports halls of fame. And since art imitates life, Hot Wheels® cars produced 11 toy car designs in his honor, the most recent Carroll Shelby accepts the grand prize in his signature overalls at the 200-mile race at Riverside International Raceway in 1960, shortly before his retirement as a racer due to health issues.

12 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

era. Born in Leesburg between Winnsboro and Pittsburg on January 11, 1923, he grew up and learned the value of hard work and developed a passion for airplanes and racing cars.

As a young adult, he followed his interest in flying by joining the U.S. Army Air Corp, becoming a sergeant. He was first stationed at Lackland Air Field and in Wichita Falls as an instructor pilot.

“He probably loved airplanes more than cars; a lot of people don’t know that,” said Aaron Shelby, grandson of the late Carroll Shelby. “His stories about flying are comical. He would

drop love letters to my grandmother (Jeanne Fields) who was home on the farm near Dallas.”

After World War II, Shelby attempted various odd jobs — a trucker, oil driller, and chicken farmer — but nothing suited him, nothing brought him passion, as much as his memories of speed — either flying or driving. He went on to racing champion and car design fame, but his roots were deeply embedded in East Texas.

“I think East Texas was Carroll’s heritage. And for me that’s my family’s heritage. It will always hold a dear place in our hearts,” Aaron said.

Shelby owned a variety of ranches in Northeast Texas with miniature horses and African cattle while keeping his hand in high-performance design into his later years.

He was buried in his hometown of Leesburg, but not before he inaugurated scholarships for student auto mechanics at NTCC that actually saved the program.

The Carroll Shelby Automotive School at NTCC began over a meal between Shelby and the college’s vice president, Dr. Jon McCullough, in 2007. Shelby found out the college had a culinary program and he and his new friend, Jon, would partake of the chef’s food.

The conversation naturally steered to auto mechanics and when Shelby found out the program was too expensive for most East Texas kids to pursue and that a gift of $50,000 in scholarships would help 18 to 20 students, his decision was definitive.

“All he said was ‘done!’” McCullough said.

The sports car legend had a heart for guys who grew up in East Texas and just needed a chance to succeed, he added. Shelby’s foundation became annual benefactors and its chief made occasional trips to the campus to meet and talk with students, who loved his life stories.

From the six students enrolled prior to that, the program has 53 this year.

Shelby also chipped in one-quarter of a million for equipment, tools, and machinery.

Shelby’s attraction to sports cars and driving are evident in photos taken in his later years (inset) and in 1965 next to the popular Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.

The Starting Line It was in 1952, just short of his 30th birthday, that Shelby got into a race car for the first time and won a race in Norman, Oklahoma. He drove a little MG. Realizing that he was pretty good at racing cars, the victory changed the course of his life. He surrounded himself with good people and became an accomplished race car driver.

overalls enhanced his popularity. But his health presented problems that would take him out of racing for good.

In February 1960, Shelby experienced chest pains and doctors eventually diagnosed it as “angina pectoralis,” in which the coronary arteries are starved for blood. In December, Shelby competed in his last race and won the USAC driving championship for 1960.

He won four races in borrowed cars before the Aston Martin sports car team noticed and added him to their team to race throughout the world. He raced MGs, Cadillacs, Ferraris, Maseratis, and Aston Martins on the most famous speedways in the world.

Shelby was told that if he didn’t stop and take care of himself, he may see the same fate as his father, who had died of heart disease. He wasn’t sure what to do next after eight years of racing cars. However, he did own a small sports car dealership in Dallas.

While arguably one of the most famous race car drivers of all time, his greatest moment was winning LeMans 24-hour Race in an Aston Martin DBR1/300 in 1959.

Meeting Chrysler Corporation’s Lee Iacocca and some people from the Ford Motor Company through racing would prove to be the connections Carroll needed in order to begin building and designing race cars. continued page 15

Shelby’s personality, good looks, driving expertise, and trademark striped

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 13

Discover the East Texas Oil Fields of the 1930s

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

MUSEUM HOURS Tues-Sat 9am - 4pm April-Sept 9am - 5pm Sun 2-5p.m.

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

www.EastTexasOilMuseum.com 14 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

SHELBY continued from page 13 “He basically hounded them for about a year,” Aaron said.

When Carroll was in England, he saw the AC Ace Car, a little English sports car with a small motor in it. He felt that if he could get some money and some of Iacocca’s V-8 engines, he could make something out of them. Iacocca was known to say they finally gave it to him so that he would stop bothering him.

The year the first Cobra came out was 1962. Model 260 was a little Cobra which led into the 289.

“With bailing wire and duct tape, he got the whole thing put together,” Aaron said.

Only one Cobra was produced first because Carroll didn’t have the money for more. He was able, however, to get every car magazine in the country to test the car.

“For every test he would paint the car a different color so they all thought there were a handful of these cars out there.”

The first Cobra is still part of the Carroll Shelby estate. The car is on display in the Shelby American Museum in Las Vegas.

The Cobra’s development and acceptance led into the rest of his admired design and production. It got him back into the racing world, which he really enjoyed. It also resulted in the formation of the Shelby American Racing Team and the arrival of the bigger 427 Cobra. That is what led to Ford wanting his help with the Mustang.

ing iconic and Shelby’s influence in turning out muscle car varieties garnered more success for the East Texan.

By some estimations, Shelby’s high performance designs resulted in some 14,000 Mustangs and 1,000 Cobras produced and sold since then.

Non-Stop Legacy

Today, Shelby’s companies are engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of performance vehicles and related accessories worldwide, as well as the licensing of the Shelby brand to third parties in connection with various products, including vehicles, memorabilia, video games, models, toys, branded apparel, styling, and performance parts.

Shelby American employs 125 in Las Vegas and produces seven to 10 vehicles a week. The last super-car Shelby conceived, the Shelby 1000, is a $210,000 Mustang that can hit 200 mph.

With his extensive business dealings set, Shelby took on some philanthropic endeavors and side business-type hobbies in his senior years.

The Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation was set up after he had his heart transplant in 1990. Shelby was one of the nation’s longest-living heart transplant recipients and was also a kidney transplant recipient. His health care needs opened his eyes to others.

The foundation is dedicated to providing financial support for children and medical professionals to help overcome life-threatening health issues worldwide, in addition to its commitment to education. The foundation has helped numerous youngsters undergo major coronary surgeries and provided seed monies to launch health care programs and facilities. Organizations conducting research in coronary and organ transplant management also receive grant money from the foundation.

The fact that Shelby’s life was filled with diverse interests — hot rods to health care and education — only illustrates his Texas-sized personality.

“He could relate to anyone,” said Aaron of his grandfather. “He could associate with anyone and that’s what I hear the most today is what people tell me about meeting him. It was like you were talking to a friend. It didn’t matter if you were talking about cars or cows or airplanes or medical stuff. You just felt like you were just having a conversation with a friend of yours. It takes a special personality to be able to do that.”

While perhaps not original with him, the East Texas native lived by a mantra he quoted often. Shelby once famously looked into a camera during an interview and summed his life up succinctly: “Yesterday’s history. Tomorrow’s a mystery. So live for today.”

Naming the Mustang GT 350 was simple. At the factory in Los Angeles, there were two buildings and it took Carroll 350 steps to go between the buildings.

According to Aaron, “The GT part was pretty easy —‘Grand Touring’ — since it was going to be a race car. A lot of people think the 350 equated to the engine. It was close to the engine size, but not quite. It was really walking off the 350 steps between the two buildings.”

Mustang was well on the way to becom-

Shelby checks out the work of students at Northeast Texas Community College with Chase Burge and Ron Hillman. His scholarship program continues.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 15

Singing Valentines Melt Hearts The Romantic Serenade is Alive and Well With Local Musical Groups

By Steve Freeman As she stood, there feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and adoration, a group of tuxedoed men sang an oldfashioned love song that just about brought tears to her eyes.

They were not on stage, nine rows up, under bright lights — they were standing right there on her front porch.

The song wasn’t about an old faithful pick-up truck, or racial injustices, or a hook-up with a stranger. The lyrics expressed love specifically — undeniably — for her, making her feel tender and precious — even though the house was a mess, the news of global tragedy never ends, and the dog just chewed up a couch pillow.

where she worked, sat her down, gave her a rose, and sang her two love songs. “Oh my goodness, it was one of the best Valentine’s Day gifts I’ve ever received,” Whitehead said of the gift from her husband, Howard. “It was very romantic. I even requested the same gift another year because I loved it so much.”

On Valentine’s Day weekend, February 12-14, the singers-for-hire break into smaller groups, hop into SUVs and cars and make their deliveries as pre-set by those significant others.

With advanced planning, singers find

Let me call you Sweetheart, I’m in love with you.

Let me hear you whisper that you love me too.

Keep the love-light glowing in your eyes so true.

Let me call you Sweetheart, I’m in love with you.

Similar scenarios are repeated numerous times over Valentine’s Day weekend. It’s the time of year in which various singing groups go beyond stage performances to share the gift of song as, well, a gift to a significant other: an unsuspecting wife, husband, fiancée, mother, boyfriend, girlfriend, man-friend, or lady-friend.

Serenaders from the East Texas Men in Harmony (based in Tyler), the Heart of the Pines Chorus (Nacogdoches), and VocalTeaz (Texarkana) are delivering “Singing Valentines” — akin to singing telegrams sung by a barbershop quartet — this year.

The Heart of the Pines group delivered one of their gifts in recent years to Allicia Whitehead of Nacogdoches.

They entered Calvary Baptist Church A love song sung by a quartet from the East Texas Men in Harmony was the perfect prelude to Chase English’s marriage proposal to Casey Thomas at The Potpourri House restaurant in Tyler. Quartet members, left to right, are the late Stan Borum, and Wilson Renfroe, Bob Arbuckle, and John Cavanaugh. Courtesy photo.

16 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

the recipients at certain places such as at home or work, a restaurant, or somewhere else public.

After announcing the name of the person setting up the “gift of song,” the singers treat the loved one to a harmonic a cappella musical number, heavy on loving lyrics, sentimentality, and emotional tugs at the heartstrings.

The reactions are priceless according to the singers. “Women usually cry, men sometimes squirm and are embarrassed, but it’s a nice way to let

someone know you care and it’s always a lot of fun,” said Kay Awtrey, planner for the Nacogdoches chorus.

Because of the wide range of scenarios, two of the groups offer more than the traditional standards. The options include the pop songs “Sugartime,” “Happy Together,” “Hey, Good Lookin,’” and “We Go Together” from the musical Grease.

As mementoes of the special occurrence, the singers may give a greeting card bearing the thoughtful sender’s name, and maybe a rose and a photo of the moment. Prices range from $35 to $50 or so, and depending upon the group employed, a delivery can be customized with song choice and other planned actions.

Past assignments have ranged from the “set up” for a marriage proposal to delivery to a teacher in a packed elementary school cafeteria where a rare hush came over the students to hear the beautiful song.

One delivery embarrassed both the recipient and the quartet, according to Jenny Mercing, a bass from Mayflower, Arkansas, with VocalTeaz. The couple was sitting in a hot tub when they arrived to sing.

Serenading has been around for centuries. Its origin probably occurred in Italy during the Medieval era. The presentation consisted of light music sung and/or played on a guitar or lute, and directed to a lover’s lady.

The typical imagery is of the woman in a window or on a balcony and the melodic Romeo somewhere in view outside.

What the East Texas music makers add is tight-knit a cappella harmony — lead, alto, tenor and bass. The resulting sound is rarely heard in our modern, digitized, and heavily-engineered songs popular today and so the requests for Sing Valentines come in year after year.

Heart of the Pine Chorus members put even another twist on the expression of love, stereotypically delivered by a male and heard by a female. An all-female group, the group typically delivers about 30 Singing Valentines every February.

Betty Barnes received a rose and seranading from the Heart of the Pines Chorus. L-R front row Dianna Smith, Betty Barnes and Teresa Reed. Back Row L-R Janice Watson, Sandy Fortenberry, Judy Crow, Becky Crawford, Marilyn Tutwiler, and Melinda Weidermann. Courtesy photo.

Why people hire serenaders is obvious, but why do the singers give up whole days and even weekends to sing to virtual strangers? The funds help pay for song rights and other expenses for the groups. More importantly, chorus members simply love to sing to others.

couples like to share in stories later.

“Oh, man, this is the most fun we have all year; it’s really a blast,” said Bryan Black of East Texas Men in Harmony.

The group performs about 50 appearances each year.

Book Your Singing Valentine

One recipient sent word back that she was not the only one impressed: “Tell the guys that all the women here are still swooning over ya’ll.”

All three groups sing to male or female recipients. For some men, that might be challenging, but Black said that when the men sing to another man, they just keep in mind that they’re singing on behalf of the guy’s lady-friend.

The song was delivered to a couple by the Nacogdoches group once. It became a memorable delivery because the early-morning meeting resulted in the pair standing there in their pajamas, newly awakened.

The Tyler group finds that they often sing to a loved one as a prelude to a marriage proposal. It’s a great way to create that memorable moment that

The resulting sound is just as heartwarming as the loving gesture. Black said there’s something about live acappella vocals in close harmony that people really enjoy.

East Texas Men in Harmony (30-mile radius around Tyler) Offering a song, silk rose and valentine card, this all-male group expects to be active all three days of Valentine’s Day weekend. The delivery fee is on a scale, depending upon desired location and time. www.etmeninharmony.com Heart of the Pines Chorus (Nacogdoches County and beyond) This female group sings one of a handful of song choices and gives a rose and a digital photo of the event to the recipient (male or female) for $35. www.heartofthepineschorus.org VocalTeaz (20 mile radius around Texarkana) A female quartet made up of female choirs from Texarkana and Little Rock, AK, this group sings two songs and gives the recipient a rose and a valentine card for the price of $45. Appointments will primarily be schedule on the Friday before Valentine’s Day. Contact 903-244-0132.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 17

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www.PegasusRescue.org • 903-469-3578 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 19

THIS TIME OF YEAR

By Steve Freeman

FEBRUARY

Area Markers Note Black History

A journey to see Texas historical markers related to African-American history in northeast Texas is a good way to observe Black History Month in February.

By rough count, there are some 30 state markers in the region. The majority are churches, schools, and cemeteries. Others are early settlements, homes, and people and general property related to African-American history through the years.

Since Texas did not join the union until 1845, and was a slave state, the stories and significant sites span the range of African-American history — including emancipation (1863), the Civil War (1865), and the struggle for civil rights.

Three communities to consider are in Houston and Cherokee counties: The Givens Homesite is three miles south of Crockett. George and Lula Givens were children of former slaves who married and bought 34 acres there.

Successful at farming, the family contributed to the development of a nearby school and baptist church. Their home

was the center of the African-American community known as “Givens Hill.”

Not far away, the Wheeler Springs Community, nine miles north of Crockett, was also an early settlement that drew blacks turned freedmen after the Civil War. In time, the community built a church, school, and cannery.

One mile north of Forest in Cherokee County, the site of Wildhurst sits. While not directly related to African-American history, the old sawmill town that reached 400 people in the 1920s was three-fourths black. Segregation meant separated addresses for black schools, houses, and churches. They shut down in 1944.

served in schools in Neches and Tucker until he became the Texas Education Agency area supervisor for vocational agriculture in 1942.

Alonzo Marion Story of Palestine (18821966) was a beloved educator with local and state influence. Even though he taught in a segregated school until retirement, the district named a new desegregated high school after him in 1953. Story was also a leader in the Texas State Teachers Association and the East Texas Teachers Association.

William Madison McDonald (1866-1950), of Forney was the child of former slaves.

After several years of teaching school, “Gooseneck Bill” as he was nicknamed, took an interest in politics, law, and business. McDonald was an early leader in Texas politics as part of the “Black and Tan” faction, a group of whites and blacks who shared leadership roles. He also served in Texas’ African American Masons. Throughout his life, McDonald was a leader in the struggle for social justice, advocating persistence, and civic and moral responsibility as the steps to equality.

Paul L. Rutledge Sr. (1904-1961) of Tucker, Texas, was another educator who was a positive influence on school children. He

These and many other markers are worth exploring on the Texas Historical Commission website at www.thc.state.tx.us.

his guitar, which he did frequently in saloons and dance halls in the region.

leased in seven because he wrote a song in honor of Texas Governor Pat Neff. It was during one of his run-ins with the law — and taking a bullet to the stomach — that Leadbelly earned that nickname and added to his legend.

Three individuals are noteworthy:

JANUARY 20, 1888

Blues-Folk Artist “Leadbelly” Had East Texas Roots

The roots of blues and folk music have many strands, and one of the best started in East Texas. That’s where a blues original picked up a guitar for the first time on his way to influencing many musicians to follow.

Born January 20, 1888, Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter moved with his family from Louisiana to a small farm in Harrison County in 1898 according to the Texas State Historical Association. A natural talent for the guitar, Leadbelly was soon drawn to performances after leaving home at age 13. He became a minstrel in Shreveport and later in Dallas and Fort Worth. Farming was in his past — he still worked as a farmhand in counties east of Dallas in the summers — but his future was bound to include singing and playing

The people who came to recognize Leadbelly’s gift helped him achieve his place in music history. Blind Lemon Jefferson of Dallas partnered with Leadbelly and together bolstered each other’s artistic growth and recognition. Leadbelly developed a unique style with 12-stringed guitars that got him noticed even more.

Also, famed Texas folklorist John Avery Lomax — an early recorder of unrecognized artists who were seminal in the genre’s origins — considered Leadbelly a real talent. Lomax helped Leadbelly gain national prominence starting with performances in New York City.

Leadbelly’s life includes convictions of criminal activity. He was convicted of murder, and sentenced to 30 years but was re-

20 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

He is best known for writing the song “Goodnight Irene,” recorded by the Weavers in the early 1950s. His influence goes much further. Folk artists Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger were among his admirers.

Leadbelly, who died in 1949, was inducted posthumously in the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is buried near Shreveport.

Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones once said he tries to “Keep rolling, to grow up the art of rock n’ roll, to age with the weather-beaten dignity of my mentors, the great, hard-living bluesmen like Leadbelly.”

JANUARY 12, 1905

Cowboy Tex Ritter Remembered in Carthage Country Music Museum A country and western legend first sang to the world in East Texas and went on to become a leading celebrity of his day.

PAPER

Indulge YOU DESERVE IT

Tex Ritter was born “Woodward Maurice Ritter” on January 12, 1905, in Murvaul, Texas, southwest of Carthage. He was the youngest of six children. The family moved to Nederland, near Beaumont, and he began studying music with voice, trumpet and guitar lessons.

He studied pre-law at the University of Texas-Austin.

By the time of his death on January 2, 1974, Tex had racked up several hits including “Jingle, Jangle, Jingle,” “Whoopie Ti Yi Yo,” and “There’s a New Moon Over My Shoulder.” He recorded more than 20 albums.

His most famous hit was “Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin’,” which was also the title track for the popular movie High Noon (1953). The song’s composer received an Academy Award for “Best Original Song” that same year.

Despite his musical talent, Ritter achieved more success from the 1930s to the 1960s as a film, radio, and television star. He appeared in some 80 films, many of which were “singing cowboy” movies. He was ranked as one of the top 10 money-making stars in Hollywood for seven years.

It was while in a lead role in the Broadway play “Green Grow the Lilacs” in 1931 that he was given his stage name of “Tex.” Members of the cast started calling him Tex because of his accent.

He was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964 and joined the cast of the “Grand Ole Opry” in 1965. In 1974, Tex died of a heart attack just days

Movie posters of yesteryear movie star Tex Ritter are on display at the Tex Ritter Museum, Carthage.

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from his 69th birthday. He was buried in Port Neches, Texas.

Still just $15 per year!

Carthage is home to the Tex Ritter Museum, which opened in 1993. The collection grew to include memorabilia of other country music celebrities. The larger collection became the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and is housed in the same building as the original Ritter Museum.

The Hall of Fame celebrates the talent of nearly 50 artists. Tex Ritter was one of the first honored.

Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available at http://www.carthagetexas. us/halloffame.

SUBMIT ORDER ON WEBSITE OR MAIL TO P.O. BOX 608 BEN WHEELER, TX 75754

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JANUARY 2016 This January, why not start the year with an empty jar and fill it with notes and mementos about good things that happen? Then, at the end of this year, on New Year’s Eve, empty it and reflect on the good things that happened this year. Keeps things in perspective!

903.963.8306 countylinemagazine.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 21



CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

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

An artist’s rendition of the Heroine steamboat shows the vessel’s combined purpose of carrying passengers, soldiers, and shipments. In 1999, the remains of the Heroine were uncovered from the Red River near the Lamar-Red River county line. The ship is believed to have hit a submerged log and sank in about 1838. The joint excavation and study by Texas and Oklahoma authorities greatly enhanced the understanding of steamboat travel on the river.. Photo courtesy of Dr. Kevin Crisman, Texas A&M University.

Red River Steamboats Brought Settlers to East Texas

By Steve Freeman

Taking a look at the Red River today— often shallow and showing many sand bars—doesn’t conjure up images of passing seafaring vessels, but the Red River of yesteryear was a key passageway for transporting early settlers and facilitating commerce to and from the nation’s newest frontier.

The first steamboat traversed the Red River 200 years ago. Back before railroads crisscrossed the expanding west, a primary mode of transportation if not hauled by teams of horses were ships. All that was needed was a waterway — various luminaries like Sam Houston, David Crockett, and James Bowie came to Texas via steamboat, according to The Handbook of Texas.

And not just one or a few steamboats forged the river either. Armchair expert Mike McCrary of northwest DeKalb has documented some 200 steamboats making the voyage. He believes that the Red River is under appreciated and overly ignored by people today.

“It was simply a way of life for the early settlers; it’s a story never told,” he said.

McCrary, 71, lives a few miles from the river. He began studying it with a particular interest in steamboat travel 20 years ago and has collected 25 notebooks of information.

The Red River borders the northern edge for some 200 miles of its total 1,600-mile stretch from the Texas panhandle to mid-

22 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Louisiana. From there it joins the Atchafalaya River and proceeds to the Gulf of Mexico. Geographically, the river’s Texas portion connected the Northeast Texas region to “civilization,” including vibrant New Orleans and points further up the Mississippi River — St. Louis and via man made canals Chicago, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh.

The Texas portion enters the state on the very northeast corner and divides the state’s northern border from Oklahoma.

The river’s prominence has resulted in historic land deals between the U.S. and Spain, Mexico, and the Republic of Texas itself. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 solidified the river’s presence on U.S. maps of the time.

Early steamboats were named Laconia, Violet, Red Warrior, Bull of the Woods, Belle Gates, Napoleon and Arkansas Traveler. They carried passengers, pecans, corn, buffalo hides, cotton, ammunition, bootleg alcohol, coffee, tobacco, and cattle. McCreary said the only other option—travel by horse-drawn wagon—would have taken several months whereas steamboat travel took a week from New Orleans. They also carried both Confederate and Union troops at times.

Seeing a ship on the river today would be shocking. Since the 1890s, merchants and travelers started preferring the faster and more direct routes of the growing railroad industry. Besides, a good look at a map shows that the Red River’s disadvantage was its meandering course.

Still, the river and the boats that traveled it were instrumental in settling the area and then supplying its people with products, staples, and equipment. In return, the river’s eastern and southern route helped settlers sell cotton, animal hides, wood, and other items to big city markets.

Several plantations, including those owned by Native Americans in northerly Indian Territory, were located along both sides between Texas and Oklahoma. The latter state’s Fort Towson, opened in 1824 north of where the river meets the Red River and Lamar county lines. The fort was a key frontier outpost that played roles in protecting settlers and keeping the peace.

EVENTS Through January 3 Curious Exhibit. Palestine. 201 W. Oak St., Old Town & Historic Main Street.

903.723.3014. visitpalestine.com.

Dec. 31-Jan 3, Jan 28-31, Mar 3-6 First Monday Trade Days. Canton. 903-5676556 firstmondaycanton.com Christmas Park Land of Lights. Athens.

1500 N.W. Loop 7. 903.675.7469. athenstx.org.

December 31-January 3 First Monday Trade Days. Canton.

903.567.6556. firstmondaycanton.com.

January 2 Explore Emory: Girls Night Out. Emory. emorytx.com.

The river was a gateway to Texas then.

Early Anglo settlements offering welcoming ports were at Pecan Point and the former Jonesborough in Red River County.

Fannin County also includes various state historical markers related to early steamboat travel and its settlement.

“There sometimes were eight boats at a landing at one time; they were thick on the river,” McCrary said. Some catered more to passengers by offering private cabins and dinner service. One journalist said menu items on the R.W. Powell steamboat rivaled any restaurant in New Orleans.

It was on a trip to the fort to deliver military supplies and troops for the Texas Revolution against Mexico that gives a good understanding of steamboat traffic 200 years ago. In 1999, waters in the area receded enough to reveal a sunken steamboat called the Heroine, which ran aground more than 150 years earlier.

Teams from both states, including Texas A&M University raised what remaining pieces of the boat they could and they’re now on display at the Oklahoma History Center.

Dr. Kevin Crisman, professor of nautical archeology at A&M, was instrumental in resurrecting the ship and conserving and restoring what remained of its body and the cargo. Artifacts included barrels of pickled pork, beans, and flour—a year’s worth of food for the fort’s soldiers.

Another tragedy occurred on Caddo Lake when the Mittie Stephens steam-

January 16-February 27

Perspectives Photography Exhibit. Longview Museum of Fine Arts. 215 E. Tyler St. 903-7538103 lmfa.org

January 22-24

Jefferson Quilt Show. Jefferson.903.665.

3733 visitjeffersontexas.com

February 1

Kevin Johnson. Greenville. GMA. 903-4573126 showtimeatthegma.com

February 6

Freeze Your Fanny. Longview. 300 W. Cotton St. 903.753.3281 visitlongviewtexas.com

boat caught fire, killing more than half of its 107 passengers in 1869 while in route to Jefferson. Jefferson became an important port in Texas between 1845 and 1872 because an impassable logjam that stretched 75 miles on the Red River north and south of the city of Shreveport caused the waters of the lake and Big Cypress Bayou, flowing through Jefferson, to rise enough for steamboat travel. Today, the Graceful Ghost Paddle Wheel Steamboat in Karnack retells the story during a ride on the lake.

It all started to change after the Civil War. Ambitious railway companies started laying tracks in Texas that originated from all points east. The International Railroad Company built to Longview in the early 1870s and the Red River Railroad Company arrived in 1879.

Once called the “Almighty’s natural highway” in a newspaper of the day, the river’s importance subsided in time. The unpredictable water level, rising or falling 15 to 20 feet in many cases, made travel decisions a daily task. Railroad systems were transforming travel and moving freight.

The river was eventually dubbed a “steamboat graveyard,” said McCrary.

One of the busiest ports, Jonesborough, had even vanished by 1950.

“You hardly see anyone on the river now when it was once a busting area; it’s pretty dead now,” said Crisman. “The importance of the steamboats really can’t be underestimated. They were like interstate highways and airports are to us today.”

Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd. keeplongviewbeautiful.org

Feb 24-27

The Drowsy Chaperone. Tyler Junior College.

Wise Auditorium. 903-510-2212 tjc.edu/theatre

January 8

Brian Regan. Longview. LeTourneau University. 903-233-3080 belchercenter.com

February 20

Dancing with the Movies. Greenville. Texan Theater. 903-259-6360. texantheatergreenville.com

February 27

February 5-7

TAO: Seventeen Samurai. Longview. LeTourneau University. 903-233-3080 belchercenter.com

February 13

Go to countylinemagazine.com for an extensive calendar of events.

Mardi Gras Upriver. Jefferson. 903.665.3733 visitjeffersontexas.com Death by Chocolate. Longview. Maude

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 23

THE ARTS FOR THE LOVE OF ART

The Star Harbor Watercolor Society presents its annual show and sale February 21 at Star Harbor City Hall, 99 Sunset Blvd. near Malakoff. This event features a unique variety of artistic style, color, subject matter, and technique — all original watercolor artwork. Artists are present to meet

those who attend. Pictured is a piece by the society’s current president, Celene Terry. This is a free admission event, complete with live music, art demos, and refreshments. For more information call 903.451.4016 and visit starharborws.org.

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE Photographs accepted in this year’s juried Perspectives Photography Exhibit include a wide variety of photographic techniques and subject matter.

The photos are on exhibit from January 16-February 20 at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler Street. Pictured are “Little Red” by Lindsay Steele and “Downstream from Lake Irene” by Vince Adamo. For more information call 903.753.8103 and visit lmfa.org.

24 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Adopt-A-Beach Is Subject of Kids Art Contest

40 finalists. All 40 winners will receive a ticket to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, a ticket to the Exhibit Hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, a ticket to the Houston Zoo, two all-day passes to Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, a certificate of recognition and prizes from the Texas General Land Office, and a calendar displaying the winning artwork.

Winning artwork will appear together in a 2017 calendar, which will be distributed across the state.

Young artists who explore Texas’ beaches through art can win big prizes through a statewide program called Adopt-A-Beach “Treasures of the Texas Coast” Children’s Art Contest. The deadline to submit artwork is Wednesday, March 2, 2016.

“Many young students across Texas have not yet had the opportunity to visit our beautiful coast,” said Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush. “This competition encourages kids to learn about the Texas coast and then be creative in demonstrating what impacts them through their art. The coast is an important part of our shared heritage as Texans and this competition promotes a deeper appreciation for this vital resource.”

This year’s grand prize winner will receive two round-trip coach-class tickets from United Airlines to any United destination in the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean; one seven-night Caribbean cruise from Royal Caribbean International departing out of Galveston, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, or Puerto Rico; and a class party at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels.

The grand prize winner’s teacher will also receive two round-trip coach-class tickets from United Airlines, and one seven-night Caribbean cruise courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.

Ten winners will be chosen from each of four grade-level categories (K – 2nd, 3rd – 4th, 5th, and 6th). One grand prize winner will be chosen from the

Open to students in grades K-6 across Texas, the contest motivates thousands of young artists each year. Only one entry per student is allowed, and all entries must have a completed parental release form taped to the back. Parental release forms may be printed from the Land Office website located at www. texasadoptabeach.org.

For more information and contest guidelines, contact the General Land Office at 1-877-TXCOAST FREE or visit www.texasadoptabeach.org.

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BLUE MOON GARDENS Perennials. Herbs.

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MARIPOSA CABIN Quiet Relaxation in the East Woods Hand-crafted, lofted 1 bedroom cottage 903-571-2423 • www.Vrbo.com/354940

VINTAGE EDOM Coffee Shop. Mid Century Cool Items.

Vintage Antiques. Boutiques.

Collectibles. Arts & Crafts.

903.852.5552 • VintageEdom.com

www.VisitEdom.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 25

THE ARTS

Tyler Museum is Embracing Diverse Voices

Celebrating 45 years of serving the greater East Texas community, the Tyler Museum of Art casts the spotlight on our nation’s diversity for its first major exhibition of 2016: Embracing Diverse Voices: 90 Years of African-American Art. The show opens to the public January 17 and continues through March 20 at 1300 S. Mahon Avenue on the Tyler Junior College main campus. Admission is free.

TMA members and special guests are invited for a first look at the exhibition during the Preview Reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. January 16 at the Museum. To RSVP or for information on becoming a TMA member, call 903.595.1001 or visittylermuseum.org.

Organized by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Embracing Diverse Voices explores the broad range of experience and artistic expression among American artists of African descent. Spanning almost

a century, these works demonstrate a wide range of stylistic approaches and viewpoints – some offering a glimpse of an artist’s personal vision, with others speaking out as bold political and social calls to action.

Regular TMA hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; the Museum is closed Mondays and most major holidays.

Encompassing painting, photography, sculpture and prints, the exhibition features close to 60 works by 25 of the most prominent African-American artists of the last century, including Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Ernest C. Withers and Kara Walker, plus Jacob Lawrence’s complete 22-piece Legend of John Brown series. A common thread among the works — from James Van Der Zee’s portraits of Harlem men and women, to Catlett’s acclaimed Madonna and Ron Adam’s homage to master printmaker Robert Blackburn — is the complex, but fundamental, expression of identity.

Pictured above l-r:

26 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Romare Bearden, American, 1914-1988, Mecklenberg Autumn, 1979, lithograph.

Collection of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Permanent Collection Fund Purchase. 2007.23.

Copyright: VAGA, info@vagarights.com.

Elizabeth Catlett, Mexican (b. United States) 1919-2012, Madonna, 1982, lithograph.

Collection of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Permanent Collection Fund Purchase. 2008.3.

Copyright: VAGA, info@vagarights.com

WINNSBORO CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT

MONK’S OVEN

CLARA IDA FRANCES

204 Market St. - (903) 347-1282

219 N. Main St. - (903) 342-6137

Vance Gilbert

Ray Wylie Hubbard

January 16

January 28 GRAPE BISTRO & WINE BAR

DITTO GALLERIES

217 Market St. (903) 347-6510

245 Private Road 8571 - (903) 285-2174

Pierce Pettis

Albert & Gage

February 12

February 27

ALL SHOWS START AT 7:30 P.M. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: LIEFIE LI VINE

302 N. Main St. - (903) 347-1111

www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com; Winnsboro Emporium, 212 Market St., 903-342-6140; and Winnsboro Center for the Arts

THEE HUBBELL HOUSE

307 W. Elm St. - (800) 227-0639

Classes at Winnsboro Center for the Arts Lindy Hearne - Guitar and Keyboard - Mon. & Tue. Efton Edwards - Painting, Acrylic & Oil - Mon. & Thu. Robin Sanchez - Yoga - Wed. evenings Kathy Rachal - Advanced Painting - Fri. Nancy Beauchamp - Pastel Art - Tue.

ART & ESPRESSO

WINNSBORO EMPORIUM

111 E. Broadway - (903) 342-3343

212 Market St. - (903) 342-6140

BREWBAKER’S

210 N. Main St. - (903) 342-6119

100 East Cedar Street • 903-588-0465

COPPERLEAF DAY SPA

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 27

200 MARKET STREET • 903-342-0686 • WINNSBOROCENTERFORTHE ARTS.COM

STAGE

Classic Funny Guy Marty Allen Comes to Texan Theater It would be only a slight exaggeration to say that comedian Marty Allen and the Texan Theater have something else in common besides being the place for his 7 p.m. performance January 30.

And that is that Allen has been around almost—not quite, but almost—as long as the historic Texan Theater in Greenville.

Allen is still going strong at age 93, as is the renovated venue which dates back to the late 1800s. The comparison wouldn’t be lost on Allen because his longevity is part of his hilarious appeal.

The guy’s resume reads like a guided walking tour through the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He’s worked with so many of entertainment’s top stars that names like Ed Sullivan, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Phyllis Diller, and the Beatles are part of his story.

The funny man with the wild hair and buggy eyes really got around. He worked in many of the top nightclubs, becoming an opening act for many established singers of the era. He also appeared as a regular on such celebrity-packed game shows as Hollywood Squares and Password, to name a few.

Allen brings his stories and his wife of 30-plus years to the Texas stage — Karon Blackwell, a brilliant singer, songwriter and pianist.

Karon sings and plays high energy pia-

no, and Marty brings his masterful comedy to a polished act that leaves brimming audiences standing.

For tickets, call 903.259.6360, or visit their website, texantheatergreenville.com. n

Workshops by Playwright Precede His Staged Comedy A special treat awaits fans of the Lindale Community Theater as it prepares to present the uproariously funny comedy Daddy’s Dyin’: Who’s Got the Will, written

by Del Shores. Del Shores himself will conduct workshops for would-be actors.

“I’m excited to come back to the Tyler area for two acting workshops and to attend the opening night of Lindale Community Theater’s production of my play,” Shores said.

Shores is a playwright, actor, director, and producer with Texas roots. His films include Sordid Lives, Blues for Willadean and Southern Baptist Sissies. He also wrote and executive produced Showtime’s groundbreaking Queer as

Folk for the last three seasons, wrote and produced for Dharma & Greg, Ned & Stacey and Touched by an Angel. He has many film and theater awards, including Lifetime Achievement awards from LA Weekly and FilmOut San Diego and

28 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

is the 2013 recipient of The Stanley Kramer Emerging Filmmaker Award.

A “Scene Study” workshop is set for 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. January 30. It is limited to 18 participants.

“I love my scene study workshops because I get to do what I love most — direct actors,” said Shores. “This is where you push yourself, choosing the scenes that challenge you.”

The second workshop, “Audition Bootcamp,” takes place 6 to 10 p.m. January 31 and is limited to 12 actors.

“I’ve designed this audition-intensive for those ready to conquer auditions. … Nerves, preparation, learning to love to audition, and trusting your gut are strong themes,” he said.

Each individual workshop is $125 or if taken together are $200 total. Sign up at http://www.lindalecommunitytheater.org.

In the play bound for the Lindale stage, a father who is suffering from advanced dementia and nears death when his four adult and dysfunctional children gather around him. It’s a mixed bag of personalities that brings the laughs.

Dates and times have not been set.

The theater is at 109 W. Hubbard Street.

BRAHMS AND SCHUMANN

with the Orchard Ensemble and pianist EVAN MITCHELL

Saturday. January 23. 7:30 p.m.

Gorgeous music for piano, clarinet and strings

by Romantic Era masters

HYMNS OF HEARTACHE, SONGS OF HOPE

Gospel artist Natasha Wells, mezzo soprano, and Alison Read, harp, performing spirituals

Sunday, February 28. 3 p.m.

Mount Vernon Music Hall

903.563.3780 WWW.MOUNTVERNONMUSIC.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 29

FILM Film Industry Showcases Area Towns and Venues

Actors and film crew members work out a scene for the movie The Epoch, which was filmed near Jefferson.

By LouAnn Campbell They’re selling East Texas. From a small office in Longview comes all the information a producer would need to pick a filming location for a movie or TV show.

Their website works like a real estate listing service. Photos pop up of enumerable sites, including courthouses, water towers, cemeteries, parks, schools, bodies of water, businesses, classic cars, ranches, and historic homes. A movie producer could pick Marietta’s City Hall, an empty parking lot in Longview, the Hodge Podge Cabins in Uncertain, or Bo Pilgrim’s bighead in Pittsburg, among many others.

The Northeast Texas Regional Film Commission has been assisting film, television, and media professionals find the resources, locations, and trades people and “extras” they need for their

production needs since 2006. The agency represents a 21-county area.

Well-known projects that have hit either the big or small screen over the years have included The Great Debators 2007), starring Denzel Washington, about the famed Wiley College team from Marshall; and TV episodes of Extreme Makeover and a filming by Animal Planet.

The movie The Epoch will be filmed in Jefferson in March through the locator service. The story, first appearing in a novel, follows emotional and cultural changes felt by a young girl in Brazil in the 19th century when issues of slavery, human rights and the place of women in society are debated.

“Jefferson stole my heart from the time I saw its welcome sign,” said the writer who requested anonymity. The city attracted her because of its historic and

30 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

authentic look and because good actors and filmmakers were available in the region.

The commission’s purpose is primarily to contribute to the Lone Star State’s economy. “When movie and TV productions come to the area they are only there a short time and require little infrastructure. They stay in local hotels and eat at local restaurants which helps the economy,” said Ron Hollomon, commission director.

In 2008, Camp Fern, located between Marshall and Henderson was the selected as the site for the production of the movie Friday the 13th, the 12th installment of that franchise. In the two days they were on Camp Fern, $100,000 was spent on hotel, meals, gas, location fees, parking, road work, lawn mowing, police, equipment rentals, and food catering services.

The same can be said for Mineola where in 2013 the cast and crew worked for three weeks on the movie The Bigfoot Wars. According to Lynda Rauscher, Mineola’s community development director, the film company used local retailers, restaurants, contractors, carpenters, and various others to work on the film. “The City of Mineola experienced greater sales tax revenue during the time the cast and crew was in our community,” she said.

Why East Texas? Why not? Nicholle Walton-Durban has produced three films there: Bigfoot Wars, and Shadow People and Sprit Riders, both shot in Winnsboro.

ana sees movie and film production in the Shreveport-Bossier area and New Orleans,” Hollomon said.

If you would like to see how your city or county can become “film friendly” contact 903-241-1144 or hollomon.ronald@sbcglobal.net.

Marshall, Camp Fern, Jefferson, Pittsburg, and Lake of the Pines have all been locations for movie production in the last five years. These locations seem to frequent horror and zombie movies.

Young people from the area come out

and dress in blood and gore to be cast as extras in the zombie roles.

Lake of the Pines becomes the salt-water lake that was stocked with massive flesh-eating sharks in the 2010 movie Shark Night 3D. “They used mechanical shark heads and floating shark bodies to create the scenes,” said Belinda Blalock-Brunson, deputy director of the commission.

For a full list of all movies and television shows filmed in East Texas, visit www.netexasmovies.com.

“We love shooting our movies in that area; the towns are always so accommodating and helpful,” she said.

Filmmakers are drawn here because of ambience, ease of movement, low traffic, town squares, large lakes, and large wooded areas. There is also a large population interested in filmmaking who come out to be cast as extras in the movies. This teaches people about film production as well as creating a following for the movie.

There are advantages for media companies, too, in the form of financial incentives and deals. Texas Film Commission, under the Office of the Governor, provides qualifying film, television, commercial, visual effects, and video game productions the opportunity to receive cash grants based on a percentage of a project’s eligible Texas expenditures, including eligible wages paid to Texas residents.

The Northeast Texas regional office is actually funded by cities and counties located there. Each entity represented pay annual dues or help sponsor the organization. The support makes the city, town or county a “film friendly” locale.

Interesting sites are photographed and offered, like the others, to prospective producers. The Texas Film Commission also provides training and marketing advice to community representatives through the Film Friendly Texas program.

Increasing the media production industry in East Texas is possible, said Holloman, because just across the eastern border, Louisiana has achieved an enviable attraction for producers. “Louisi-

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www.mooresstore.com • 903.833.5100 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 31

LITERARY

Late Author’s Book Presented in Jefferson Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart

by Carol Wall The Berkley Publishing Group ISBN 978-0-399-15798-1 Review by P.A. Geddie Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening is really not about gardening so much as it is about an unlikely friendship that found its way to a deep respect for everything they eventually found they had in common and about appreciating beauty.

It’s based on the true life meeting of cancer fighter Carol Wall and Giles Owita, a Kenyan-born landscape designer who took on the task of rehabilitating Wall’s neglected yard in Roanoke, Virginia.

At the time of their first meeting Wall

is a woman both resentful of her disease and constantly worried about her health. Mr. Owita who becomes her gardener and her “friend of virtue,” Aristotle’s phrase for the highest order of friendship, in which the only design is devotion.

Over the months which turn into years, Mr. Owita’s calm resolve quenches Wall’s panic. He teaches her not to let illness define her, and she receives a new concept of freedom. Ironically, unknown to Wall until much later, Mr. Owita is battling his own frightening disease.

Initially, Wall wonders if she can work well with Mr. Owita, for she hates flowers, and he is determined not to follow her orders to dig up her azaleas. Instead, he nurtures them into a profusion of blooms. Wall’s aversion to flowers symbolizes her brokenness, but Mr.

2016

“In this profoundly moving memoir, Owita teaches Wall how to find grace amid heartbreak and to accept that beauty exists because it is fleeting — as in her garden, as in life.”

People Magazine Owita persists in assisting not only with her yard but with her spirit. Without telling Wall he plants an abundance of white flowering bulbs. When these daffodils, crocuses, snow drops, and tulips bloom in the spring, Carol is cured from her spiritual malaise and feels a childlike joy among the flowers. “Giles broke me,” she says in recognizing that not only every yard, and but every life must have flowers.

Mr. Owita’s Guide to Gardening is a poignant story of two unlikely friends affirming life within the eventuality of death.

Deadline March 1, 2016

2016

Carol Wall passed away December 14, 2014, just nine months after Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening, her first book, was published to critical acclaim.

Her husband Dick Wall is carrying on the message of her book, speaking to readers and groups across the nation.

Friends of the Library are hosting a reading and book signing by Dick Wall 6 p.m. January 19 at the Jefferson Carnegie Library, 301 W. Lafayette Street. A wine and cheese reception is free and open to the public. For more information call 903.665.8911

32 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016



 POETRY The Garbage Way Up to the Sky The garbage is way up to the sky, When I go by I always say hi.

The garbage is 200,073 feet up and as I take more garbage out I also say good bye I never tell the garbage to leave I just say hi and bye, that is probably why the garbage is way up to the sky.

Chance Carrier Grand Saline, 3rd grade

What Can I Do To Make This Right What can I do to make this right I just want to put an end to this fight I wish I had someone to kiss goodnight Or someone to hold me tight Tell me what I have to do to make this right.

Kendale Barker Cushing, 7th grade

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

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

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

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

Stormy Yates Cushing, 8th grade

Young Audiences Announces Annual Poetry in Schools Contest Providing opportunities for Northeast Texas Student Poets

The Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools contest is presented by Young Audiences of Northeast Texas in conjunction with the Rusk County Poetry Society, Inspiritry, County Line Magazine, and Region 7 Education Service Center.

Last year the team received poems from nearly 600 student poets that submitted their work to the contest, now in its third year.

Open to any public, private, or home schooled student in the Northeast Texas Area, the poetry contest aims to provide students with the opportunity to express themselves through writing, but also to learn about the art form of poetry and using language to its fullest potential.

“Students remind us of what poets know; that every moment is poetic,” says local poet and Inspiritry owner Anne McCrady who oversees the contest judging and emcees the award ceremony.

The contest is also a learning opportunity for area educators. Through the partnership between Young Audiences and Region 7 ESC, McCrady presents two full-day professional development workshops for teachers who desire to learn more about teaching poetry and engaging their students in a love of language. The workshops are held January 11 for secondary teachers and January 13 for elementary-level educators. Participants may register online at www. esc7.net.

Submissions for the 2016 contest are

open on February 1 and are accepted until through March 1. A panel of judges consisting of local writers and artists select three winning poems from each grade level, and the winning students are honored at an awards ceremony April 26 at Region 7 ESC in Kilgore.

Winning poems are published in the annual Northeast Texas Poetry in Schools Anthology, as well as in the May/June issue of County Line Magazine. More information on submission guidelines and the contest is on www.yanetexas.org Young Audiences has been serving the Northeast Texas community since 1997, using the power of arts to enrich the lives of children and enhance their education. Young Audiences’ highly trained teaching artists present performances, workshops, and residencies for students and professional development for educators. To schedule a program, visit www.yanetexas.org, or call 903.561.2787.

He Ain’t Heavy...He’s My Brother

By Rocky D. Hawkins “An eyewitness account of the rough-andtumble world of East Texas hustling...”

Available at Gladewater Books. 903.845.4843 Hastings/Longview/Tyler. Amazon.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 33

MUSIC

Grammy Nominations Include Northeast Texas Talent

A Celebration of Music. Longview. Strauss, Shostakovich, Beethoven, and more. Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. 903.233.3080. belchercenter.com

January 22

The Texas Tenors. Longview. LeTourneau University. 903-233-3080 belchercenter.com The Eric Moseley Duo. Tyler. Jake’s, 111 E Erwin St. 903.526.0225. jakestyler.com.

Kid Icarus Project. Tyler. Republic Icehouse, 3807 University Blvd., 903.504.5860, republicicehouse.com.

January 23 Some of the area’s contributors to country, Americana, and contemporary Christian music could win the coveted 2016 Grammy Award.

The Recording Academy announced the nominees for the 58th annual Grammy Awards and four native Northeast Texans are on the list. Winners are announced at the gala event to be broadcast on CBS live February 15 from the Los Angeles Staples Center.

Under the auspices of The Recording Academy, the Grammys honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency, and overall excellence in the recording industry without regard to album sales or chart position.

Jacksonville native Lee Ann Womack leads the pack with two nominations from her work. She is up for “Best Country Solo Performance” for the song “Chances Are.” Her recording of that tune penned by Houston songwriter Hayes Carll is also nominated for “Best Country Song.” She won her first Grammy in 2003 for a collaboration with Willie Nelson.

Another nominated East Texan in the country category is Mineola’s Kacey Musgraves for “Best Country Album” on Pageant Material. She has already won one of two of her Grammys in this category for the album Same Trailer Different Park in 2014. The other win that same year was for her co-written work on the song “Merry Go ‘Round.”

Don Henley of Gilmer is up for the “Best American Roots Song” for cowriting with Stan Lynch the tune “The Cost of Living,” performed by Henley and Merle Haggard. This is a new category for Henley. He already holds two Grammys, both for “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.”

Also up for another Grammy is Chris Tomlin of Grand Saline and Tyler. His album Love Ran Red is nominated for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.” He won his first statue in 2012 for the same category.

Search the County Line Magazine archives online for more information on these talented performers from the Upper East Side of Texas.

Evan Mitchell/Orchard Ensemble: Brahms and Schumann. Mount Vernon Music Hall.

903-563-3780 mountvernonmusic.org King Richard & The Bayou Boys. Tyler.

Republic Icehouse, 3807 University Blvd., 903.504.5860, republicicehouse.com.

Stoney LaRue. Linden. Music City Texas Theater, 108 Legion St. 903.756.9934.

January 28

Ray Wylie Hubbard. The Bowery Stage @ Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 N. Market St. 903-342-0686 winnsborocenterforthearts. com

January 29

Wayland Hicks. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store.

903.833.5100. mooresstore.com.

January 30

Chubby Knuckle Choir. Nacogdoches. Liberty Bell Bar, 422 E. Main Street, 936.622.6425. libertybellbar.com.

February 2

The Day the Music Died. Mineola. 200 W. Blair. 1.800.mineola mineola.com

February 5

King Richard & The Bayou Boys. Kilgore.

The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141. thebackporchkilgore.com.

February 6

Chase McClanahan. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 903-833-5100. mooresstore.com

MUSIC LISTINGS Every Wednesday

Unplug & Wine Down. Ben Wheeler. Acoustic singer-songwriters and wine specials.

Moore’s Store. 903.833.5100. mooresstore.com.

January 9

Gary Patrick. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store.

903-833-5100. mooresstore.com

January 14

The New Mastersounds. Tyler. Stanley’s Famous. 903-593-0311 stanleysfamous.com

January 15

Tejas Brothers. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store.

903-833-5100. mooresstore.com

Edwin Holt’s Redclay Roadhouse Band. Tyler. Liberty Hall, 110 W. Erwin St. rosepickermusic.com

February 10

Steve Carpenter. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store.

903-833-5100. mooresstore.com

January 16

MilkDrive. Nacogdoches. Liberty Bell Bar, 422 E. Main Street, 936.622.6425. libertybellbar.com.

34 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

continued page 37

January 14

The New Mastersounds

January 29

Luke Wade w/Chance Pena

February 5

Shinyribs

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 35

MUSIC

Bowery Stage Sets Line-Up for 2016 Season Mark your calendars for 13 musical acts (so far) set to entertain on the intimate Bowery Stage of Winnsboro Center for the Arts.

The new schedule for the site known for its acoustics includes singer-songwriters, instrumentalists, and country, folk and world music artists known for being crowd-pleasing performers.

Some are Winnsboro favorites and others are new to the stage.

Vance Gilbert leads off the new year’s schedule with a January 16 show. He is described as something with “the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil and the guitar playing of a god.”

Ray Wylie Hubbard brings his unique brand of Americana tunes and five decades of songwriting to the stage on January 28.

Tom Paxton is often compared to Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie in the way he addresses in song society’s missteps, even while celebrating the bonds of family, friends, and community. He’s scheduled for April 23.

Another strumming pro to grace the stage May 21 is Rhett Butler. This guitar aficionado plays five to six guitars in every show—and sometimes two at a time.

Sarah McQuaid takes the stage September 10 and has a voice like velvet and songs of honesty and adventure.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit winnsborocenterforthearts. com.

Ray Wylie Hubbard is one of many shows scheduled to for The Bowery Stage in Winnsboro this year. Courtesy photo.

The Day the Music Died

Pierce Pettis (February 12) is a master songwriter well worth the listen.

Four acts featuring couples are headed to The Bowery too. First up is Austinbased Albert & Gage and their close, loving harmony on February 27. Neptune’s Car appears June 25, bringing their acoustic duo folk sound to the stage. Adler & Hearne, appearing October 1, is a local duo that serves up “Texas Folk” infused with jazz and blues.

The Laws close the season in concert October 22 with their vocal bluegrass and folk offerings.

The Pine Curtain (formerly the Randy Brown Trio) is a three-person act that won the B.W. Stevenson Songwriting Competition last year. They are set to play The Bowery Stage March 12.

Claude Bourbon (April 2) has a repertoire of music featuring French, Spanish, and even Delta blues influences.

Balladeer Michael Martin Murphey is on tap for May 13. Winner of numerous awards, the guitar-playing singer has topped pop, country, bluegrass, and western music charts for years.

On February 2, 1959, three of the biggest stars of the day — Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) — played their last show.

The next day the talented trio died in a small plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.

Fifty-seven years to the day, three talented local men take to the stage to honor them, playing some of the greatest songs of all time in “The Day the Music Died.” The show features Rafael Espinoza as Ritchie Valens, Ryley Tharp as The Big Bopper, and Shea Birdwell as Buddy Holly.

“The Day The Music Died” is an en-

36 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

tertaining production honoring these rock & roll legends while educating the community on the history of this iconic American music and its influence on today’s culture. They will show the impact it has had on them personally.

“The Day the Music Died” is one night only, Tuesday, February 2 at the Mineola League of the Arts, 200 W. Blair Street. Tickets at the door are $25. Advance tickets are $20 per person, $30 per couple, and $10 for students and available at Mineola League of The Arts, The Rafael Espinoza Music Academy, Mineola City Hall, and Mineola Chamber of Commerce. For more info call 903.638.8023.

MUSIC continued from Page 34

February 12

The Fifth Dimension. Greenville. Texan Theater. 903-259-6360 texantheatergreenville.com Lecrae. Longview. LeTourneau University.

903-233-3080 belchercenter.com Pierce Pettis. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage @ Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 N. Market St. 903-342-0686. winnsborocenterforthearts. com East Texas Jazz Orchestra. Ben Wheeler.

Moore’s Store. 903-833-5100. mooresstore.com

Chris Colston. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store.

903-833-5100. mooresstore.com

February 20 Ally Venable Band. Kilgore. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway. 903.984.8141. thebackporchkilgore.com.

February 27

Albert & Gage. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage @ Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 N. Market St. 903-342-0686. winnsborocenterforthearts.com Close To You - Sounds of The Carpenters.

Greenville. GMA. 903-457-3126 showtimeatthegma.com

Pierce Pettis. Edom. The Old Firehouse, 8241 FM 279. 903.852.2781. theoldfirehouse.net

Jaden Farnsworth. Tyler. Jake’s, 111 E Erwin St. 903.526.0225. jakestyler.com.

February 26

February 28

Kid Icarus. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 903833-5100. mooresstore.com

Hymns of Heartache, Songs of Hope. Mount Vernon Music Hall. 903-563-3780 mountvernonmusic.org

February 13

Wesley Pruitt. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store.

903-833-5100. mooresstore.com Bret Michaels. Tyler. The Oil Palace. 10408 Highway 64 East. 903.566.2120. oilpalace. com.

February 17

Marshall Regional Arts Council Presents

BILLY DEAN

Jopi Drew. Ben Wheeler. Moore’s Store. 903833-5100. mooresstore.com

February 18

Billy Dean. Greenville. GMA. 903-457-3126 showtimeatthegma.com

February 19

Billy Dean. Marshall. Texas Convention Center, 2501 East End Blvd. South. 903-935-4472 marshallartscouncil.org

LIVE ON STAGE

Friday. February

Pianist Evan Mitchell performs Brahms and Schumann with the Orchard Ensemble January 23 at Mount Vernon Music Hall. Lauded for his impassioned and vigorous playing, Mitchell has established himself as a bold and versatile artist. He’s performed in New York’s Steinway Hall and at Carnegie Hall and in nine countries on four continents.. This marks his first performance in Mount Vernon. For more information call 903.563.3780 and visit mountvernonmusic.org.

19, 2016. 7:30 p.m.

Marshall, Texas Convention Center 2501 East End Blvd. South Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Available at The Marshall Regional Arts Council Office, 2501 East End Blvd. S; The Greater Marshall Texas Chamber, 208 E. Burleson; The Marshall, Texas Convention and Visitors Bureau, 301 N. Washington; The Weisman Center, 211 N. Washington, Gingko Leaf Gallery, 212 N. Washington/ Marshall; Marion County Chamber, 115 N. Polk St/Jefferson; KMHT Radio, 2323 Jefferson Ave./Marshall; KGAS Radio, 200 W. Wellington/Carthage; KPXI/KWRD Radio, 1101 Kilgore Drive/Henderson; and Online: Marshallartscouncil.org Special Billy Dean Hotel Rates Stay in a partner hotel and receive free tickets to the concert.

903.702.7777

Hotel Partners

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 37

FOOD & DRINK

Cassolet from Feed My Sheep

Marshall’s Big George Wants to be Your Butcher

A steak is like a pink elephant: The mere mention of it and you can’t stop thinking about it. The same can be said about the words “George Foreman,” salesman with a knock-out punch, and a Marshall native. His name is synonymous with that little grill with the household name.

Cassolet 1/2 cup coarsely chopped carrots 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 cup chopped onion 3 tsp. minced garlic 2 (14-oz.) cans cannellini beans 1 (14-oz.) can stewed tomatoes 1 lb. chicken breast, cubed 1 lb. Polish sausage links, fully cooked 1 1/2 cups chicken stock 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp. dried thyme 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes 1 bay leaf Place carrots, bell pepper, onion, garlic, beans, undrained tomatoes, chicken

A Texas Tradition

and sliced sausage in a 4-quart slow cooker or Dutch oven.

In a bowl, combine broth, wine, parsley, thyme, red pepper and bay leaf. Pour over ingredients in slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Discard bay leaf.

Many other delicious recipes are available in Feed My Sheep, a new cookbook produced by the Dinner Bell cooks (from First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs) under the direction of Chef Lyndsay Caldwell.

Proceeds from the sale of book go to feed those in need in Hopkins County. To order call 214.478.3712 or email sallyhamilton7@ gmail.com.

MORE FOOD & FUN!

& Over 20 Varieties of Hamburgers Hand Dipped Blue Bell Breakfast Anytime Hwy 19 near I-20, Canton, Texas

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Now, Foreman is bringing the two worlds of steak and grilling together. The celebrity entrepreneur has launched an online specialty meat company. The George Foreman’s Butcher Shop at www.gfbutchershop.com hawks beef as well as chicken, pork, and assorted side dishes.

The direct-to-consumer service offers “hand-trimmed, hand-seasoned, handwrapped, and hand-delivered” choices.

The meats are either USDA Choice or Prime Premium in quality. No antibiotics or steroids are used and animals are fed a vegetarian diet.

As usual, Foreman promises high quality and individualized attention to your order. According to the website, “Every piece of meat is hand selected by our butchers with you in mind as if you were standing at the butcher counter yourself.”

Orders are even wrapped in “old-school butcher paper.”

Go to County Line eMagazine for more fun food and drink articles, recipes, dining ideas, wineries, farmers markets, and events.

Foreman rose from a poverty-stricken family to become a two-time world heavyweight boxing champion. Initially, his fighting ways caused him several run-ins with the law, primarily in Houston. Once he rechanneled that energy, his life was never the same.

countylinemagazine.com/ Food-Drink

The senior Foreman still maintains a ranch in the Marshall area and visits there often.

38 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Chocolate Soufflé

by Chef Lyndsay Caldwell

Best Steakhouse

County Line Magazine Hall of Fame

Soufflé recipes generally stop people in their tracks, but if you follow a few simple techniques, they are super easy to make and anyone who indulges in them will surely be impressed.

Before we get started on the recipe, the most important thing to remember is that water and chocolate are long time enemies. As long as you respect this relationship, you have nothing to worry about. Be sure to completely dry any utensils used in the process. This applies to egg yolks as well. If any yolk or water gets into the egg whites, they will not aerate properly. The last thing to know before getting started is that investing in good chocolate is important for the best results here. So reach for the bag that costs a little extra. You’ll be glad you did.

Chocolate Soufflés

Makes 3-4 2-inch ramekins 3 tbsp. whole milk 5½ tbsp. sugar, divided, plus additional for dusting 4 oz. semisweet chocolate 2 egg yolks 3 egg whites Confectioners’ sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Combine milk and 4 tbsp. sugar in a small saucepan and stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Stir in chocolate and cook until melted, 1–2 minutes. Transfer to a glass bowl and cool for 5 minutes, then beat in egg yolks.

2. Beat egg whites in a nonreactive bowl until foamy, then sprinkle in remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.

3. Generously butter three to four small ramekins, (about 2 inches deep) then lightly dust with sugar. Mix one-third of the beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture, then very gently fold in remaining whites, one-third at a time. Do not over mix. Spoon batter evenly into prepared dishes.

4. Make sure that oven racks allow soufflés enough room to rise as much as 2 inches above the dish. Bake until soufflés have risen, about 25 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Soufflés begin to deflate after about 2 minutes and must be served immediately upon exiting the oven. However, if you wanted to make these the day before, you may freeze the soufflés in their ramekins overnight before baking. Place them in the oven frozen and allow a little extra time for baking.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 39

EXPLORE New Exhibit Examines Manned Space Travel

Astronauts Rick Linnehan and Mike Foreman try out prototype system inside a mockup of NASA’s new Orion spacecraft (inset) built to take humans farther than they’ve ever gone before. A life-size model is now on display at Discovery Science Place in Tyler. Photos courtesy of NASA.

“Orion- Journey to Mars,” the newest exhibit at Discovery Science Place in Tyler, is now open to the public. This interactive exhibit allows visitors of all ages to learn more about manned space travel through hands-on displays and a life-size model of NASA’s Orion space capsule.

Orion is NASA’s newest crew module that will carry four astronauts into deep space, back to the Moon, and eventually to Mars one day. The Discovery Science Place received the low-fidelity engineering mock up of the Orion capsule from NASA Houston in late 2014 and began designing their new exhibit with the model as its centerpiece.

Features of the exhibit include a remote-controlled Mars rover, a spaceship-themed crew seat that guests can sit in complete with controls seen on

the capsule, hands-on displays that highlight the difficulties of working in space using the gloves worn by astronauts, a “build and launch” rocket computer simulation and an interactive display that demonstrates the relationship between mass, gravity and weight.

“The Discovery Science Place is excited to bring this evolving exhibit focusing on current events in space exploration to East Texas students and families,” said museum executive director Chris Rasure. “As future news from the world of space science comes to light, whether that be about the search for water and the potential for life on Mars, or the first manned Orion test flights, we intend to add to and modify our exhibit to reflect those developments.”

The Discovery Science Place is a community-supported children’s museum

40 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

that strives to inspire interest and education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning through hands-on, interactive exhibits for children of all ages. Through its partnerships with community donors and local businesses, the Discovery Science Place offers an educational atmosphere where families are encouraged to create, invent and explore. The museum consists of three exhibit halls that house both signature exhibits that are permanently housed at the museum, as well as those that rotate through for special exhibitions.

The museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, including admission rates and memberships, visit the website at discoveryscienceplace.org.

Enjoy a variety of remarkable shopping opportunities and special events throughout the year!

FOOD & FUN! Kids Eat Free Tuesday. Unplug & Wine Down Wednesday Live Music Friday & Saturday Nights

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ART GALLERIES • ART CLASSES • EMBROIDERY • GIFTS • MERCANTILE • JEWELRY CUSTOM KNIVES • UPCYCLED CLOTHES • POTTERY • LOCAL BED & BREAKFASTS ART SHOWS • MUSIC & EVENTS • BAR • RESTAURANTS • FINE DINING

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 41

LIVING ROOM

ing exposed or to a wrecked coffee table.

When dogs repeatedly and inappropriately chew shoes, furniture, valuables, or potentially dangerous items, most likely they are bored and need more exercise and interactive time. This can be good for their humans too since indoor behavior tends to cause inactivity.

Curb Pet’s Inappropriate Chewing This Time of Year With These Tips While humans get “cabin fever” during winter’s frigid weather, this time of year is also frustrating to pets who would rather spend most of their time outdoors.

Dogs especially tend to resort to inappropriate chewing, but there are ways to curb the impulses, according to the Van Zandt Animal Care Center in Wills Point.

Chewing is normal dog behavior and related to their kinship to wolves. To correct and modify inappropriate chewing, the pet requires training and increased physical and mental activity, not medication.

Perhaps everyone with a dog knows of this problem. There is nothing worse than coming home to a sofa with its stuff-

Walk and exercise the offending pooch once or more each day and add daily play time that incorporates engaging, active games like fetch or hide-and-seek. If the weather is uncooperative, then go to a spacious room or try the garage.

The more active, busy, and entertained your pet is the less anxious it is and the improper chewing should diminish.

Owners may also provide pets with safe, breed and size-appropriate, durable chew toys. Pick chew toys that won’t break or sliver and choke or injure the pet in case ingestion is attempted. No chew toy is absolutely indestructible, so ask a veterinarian what toys are best for the furry friends.

Make New Memories This Year in the Upper East Side of Texas

ATHENS. BEN WHEELER. CANTON. EDOM. GREENVILLE. GUN BARREL CITY. KILGORE. MINEOLA. MOUNT VERNON. JEFFERSON. LONGVIEW. MARSHALL. TYLER. WINNSBORO. WOOD COUNTY. 42 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Ensure Fireplace Safety Before Heavy Winter Use

More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuelfired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.

In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, an average of 50,100 home heating fires occur in the United States each year and result in an annual average of approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries and $326 million in property loss.

Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.

H

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that homeowners take a few steps when evaluating a chimney sweep to perform an annual inspection or related service on their chimney or vent. Proper care and regular service can help protect families from preventable fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.

However, it is important to choose the professional wisely. Here are a few questions to ensure the person hired is a credible service technician:

1. If repairs are suggested, ask for proof of the recommended repairs and do not feel pressured into allowing work to begin immediately.

How long has the chimney sweep company been in business?

What is their rating with the Better Business Bureau and does the company have unresolved complaints filed agains them?

3. Do your homework. Educate yourself before the service person arrives about products and repairs specific to fireplaces and chimneys.

Does the company or individual carry a valid business liability insurance policy to protect your home and furnishings against accidents?

For more information on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call the BBB Hotline at 903.581.8373 or use bbb. org/scamtracker/east-texas/.

Does the company maintain professional credentials? Will a CSIA Certified

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

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FEEL GOOD

Big Prizes Await Biggest Losers in East Texas Lighten Up East Texas is a free contest encouraging people in East Texas to lose at least five percent of their weight.

When they do they are entered into grand prize drawings held in May. Any East Texan over the age of 18 can enter.

Top prizes include $1,000 Brookshire’s grocery gift cards and a 2016 vehicle from Allen Samuels Tyler.

The weight loss incentive was created

by Fit City Tyler, a coalition dedicated to motivate citizens of East Texas to live healthier lives.

Participants from the first year (2013) combined to lose 4,717 pounds, individuals from the second year (2014) combined to lose 9,310 pounds and entrants from the third year (2015) combined to lose 7,838 pounds.

The fourth year of Lighten Up East Texas begins Monday, January 4. Participants need to register before February 29 for contest eligibility. All persons who register a starting weight will then need to have their final weight taken between the dates of April 25 and May 8.

To be eligible for the grand prize drawings each person registers at any weighing location and lose at least five percent of their registered starting weight.

An additional entry can be earned for every five percent of weight that is lost (10 percent = two entries, 15 percent = three entries) up to a maximum of four entries. The randomly selected winners of the new cars during the first three years of Lighten Up East Texas each lost less than 10 percent of their starting weight, which was between nine and 15 pounds for each person. The first two winners were both over the age of 60, and one of last year’s winners was an 18-year old high school student. On average each of these prize winners lost less than one pound per week.

Participation within Lighten Up East Texas can be performed on an individual basis and/or by recruiting individuals to create a weight loss team of up to a maximum of eight people. Team registration into Lighten Up East Texas

can provide friendly competition at a workplace, between family members who may live in different East Texas cities, or among groups of friends who enjoy the motivation and accountability.

Data collected from the first three years of Lighten Up East Texas show a statistical significance among persons on a team achieving a higher percentage of weight loss compared to registered individual participants.

Lighten Up East Texas is also promoting team participation within Walk Across Texas, a free initiative that is offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agency and by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.

Walk Across Texas challenges teams of eight people to dedicate eight consecutive weeks and to collectively walk 830 miles, or the distance from Texarkana to El Paso. Successful completion of Walk Across Texas means that each team member is required to walk (jog, run or dog-walk) a minimum of 1.85 miles per day, which is the same as eight laps around the track of a football field.

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Any company in East Texas and any community organization can become a registration location, as long as there is at least one reliable weight scale and there are employees and/or volunteers that will collect all completed registration forms. The location can provide weekly or monthly weigh-ins for persons registered. Some groups also provide their own pool of prizes that are available only to persons who register at their location.

Great success is seen at school campuses, where the school/district nurse or PTA members led the recruitment process. Private companies, non-profit organizations and community groups have also held registration for Lighten Up East Texas for their employees and for their customers and volunteers. Any business (non-profit or for-profit) that is interested in becoming a registration location should email their request to LightenUpEastTexas@gmail.com.

Learn where you can find your closest registration location by visiting LightenUpEastTexas.com.

Children’s Group Seeks Volunteers The Children’s Advocacy Center, Van Zandt County, helps abused children get out of danger and into better situations, but the organization couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers — and the need is great right now.

“We need volunteers desperately,” said Darla Costlow, volunteer coordinator and community educator. “We want the children of Van Zandt to be safe and know that there are people who are looking out for their best interests.”

CAC’s mission is to strive to reduce trauma to child victims of physical and sexual abuse through a unified effort that facilitates thorough investigations, effective prosecutions, and the healing of children and their families. The organization serves about 15 children each week.

Volunteers help with either direct or indirect needs of the organization. Direct participation means helping the family advocate when children come into the center for their forensic interviews. It is how they can help or prevent a child or children from being abused, or being abused again. Indirect help is usually performed at the Canton office and includes performing clerical duties, cleaning the office, answering the phone, making volunteer packets, and stuffing envelopes.

The volunteer determines the hours to work and they are never put in a place of danger and never take children home, a common misperception.

To be accepted, a prospective volunteer must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and love children, Costlow said.

“Anyone who has a heart for children. No one wants to see a child hurt, or suffer at the hands of evil. Whenever our volunteers are working either directly or indirectly, they are working for a child.”

YAMAYOGA spa school retreat Massage. Aroma Touch. Reiki. Facials/Chemical Peels. Pedicures/Manicures.

Natural Hormone Replacement/Medical Weight Loss. Boutique. Infrared Sauna.

YOGA Daily Classes • Stretch • Beginner • Flow • Vinyasa & 200 HR Teacher Training 1023 S. Trades Day Blvd. (Hwy 19), Canton, TX 75103

WWW.YAMAYOGA.NET 903.567.0077

Pure, serious, results-focused skin care!

Facials, Eye Treatment Waxing & Tinting, Chemical Peels

Michelle Lintner, Master Aesthetician 1023 South Trade Days Blvd Canton, TX. 214.862.5664

www.glowskinstudios.com

ft& Lose a Few Pounds and Your Name Goes in to a Drawing for Big Prizes!

Any East Texas resident over the age of 18 can register for FREE into the Lighten Up East Texas regional weight loss challenge.

Individuals or teams of up to eight friends and family members can enter.

Visit the ENTRY page of LightenUpEastTexas.com. Prize drawings for a 2016 vehicle and other great prizes are earned for every 5% of lost weight.

Contact Costlow to receive an application at darlacac@etcable.net or 903-567-1212.

“Our program would be unsuccessful without volunteers,” Costlow added.

Take the challenge!

Prospective volunteers living in other areas of Northeast Texas can find the child advocacy center serving their area at www. cactx.org.

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