November/December 2017 County Line Magazine

county line Upper East Side of Texas

M A G A Z I N E

Red Brick

Renaissance Sulphur Springs for the Holidays

Hometown Hearts

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM

What’s Brewing Artisans Marketplace Andy Warhol Chanuka-Klezmer Kids Gift Ideas Marshall Wonderland Pipe Organ Fest

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CONTENTS 8

12

26 The Agora Borealis in Shreveport features young artists and pleasant surprises in its artisans marketplace.

STAGE 26 W innsboro Center for the Arts presents One Toe in the Grave.

LITERARY

30 Poetry by Judy Parsons, Darrell Lindsey, and Loretta Duckworth.

MUSIC

32 Live acoustic shows at The Old Firehouse in Edom, new albums for Lee Ann Womack and Mike Ryan, Chanuka-Klezmer and WindSync concerts, and Party Like It’s 1970 with the Doobie Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, and America, plus music listings.

FOOD & DRINK

36 Jim Willis lets us know what’s brewing in coffee houses around the Upper East Side of Texas.

38

LIVING ROOM 38 Explore some ideas for enjoying a cozy, relaxing, roaring outdoor fire.

FEEL GOOD 40 Help is on the way for those that stress out around the holidays.

COUNTY LINE KIDS

46 Fun and thoughtful gift ideas from area attractions.

county line Upper East Side of Texas

FEATURES

8 Red Brick Renaissance The oldest city in Texas embraces a new direction while paying homage to its history

By Jerry Permenter

12 Visit Celebration City

Sulphur Springs offers a playful weekend getaway for the holidays.

By Linda Ayers

42 Going Back and Moving Forward in My Hometown

Home is where the heart is for these four East Texans.

By Tracy Torma

DEPARTMENTS 5 Editor’s Note & Letters

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

18 T he T.C. Lindsey & Co. General Store in Jonesville celebrates 170 years, East Texas Pipe Organ Fest, and Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights, plus listings of fun things to do.

THE ARTS 24 Andy Warhol at Tyler Museum of Art, Jerry Goodale in Winnsboro, and numerous other arts events.

SEE WEBSITE EXTRAS! www.CountyLineMagazine.com 4 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

M A G A Z I N E

Red Brick

Renaissance Sulphur Springs for the Holidays

Hometown Hearts What’s Brewing Artisans Marketplace Andy Warhol

NOVEMBEER/DECEMBER 2017 COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM

Chanuka-Klezmer Kids’ Gift Ideas Marshall Wonderland Pipe Organ Fest

COVER: Downtown Nacogdoches, the oldest city in Texas. Photo by Jerry Permenter.

fl&

county line Since 2000

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR P.A. Geddie COPY EDITOR Steve Freeman

CONTRIBUTORS Tracy Torma Jerry Permenter Linda Ayers Bill Ayers Scott Martin Gaile Robinson

DESIGN & PRODUCTION P.A. Geddie

ADMINISTRATION Annette O’Brien Krista Leard

ADVERTISING

EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Readers, Welcome to the November/December issue full of fun and inspirational ways to spend this special time of year. Our features include Jerry Permenter’s views on the positive changes his beloved hometown of Nacogdoches is making to honor their heritage, while embracing new directions that help visitors and residents alike enjoy Texas’ oldest city.

Jerry is also one of four East Texans featured in Tracy Torma’s piece on people who were born in the region, went out and made careers for themselves in all corners of the country, and are back in their hometowns now making a difference.

Also featured is another jewel of a town in the Upper East Side of Texas. With a tagline of “The Celebration City,” Sulphur Springs is living up to that with more than 300 events taking place throughout the year. This article focuses on events and activities going on during

pa.geddie@countylinemagazine.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@countylinemagazine.com County Line Magazine is published every other month, 6 times a year. Subscription costs: $15 per year. Bulk rate postage paid at Ben Wheeler, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754.

Contents COPYRIGHT 2017 County Line all rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles or advertising appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.963.8306.

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the holiday season but much of it can be enjoyed any time throughout the year.

Our world is expanding as we welcome art by Andy Warhol to the Tyler Museum of Art and discover a young artists’ haven in Shreveport.

Live music keeps the warm and fuzzy vibe going in our neck of the woods, as do relaxing backyard fire pits, Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights, a 170th Anniversary at the T.C. Lindsey & Co. General Store, and a cup of hot coffee from one of our impressive shops around the region.

I got a little flashback to the 1970s when checking out the music coming up in the area: America, Marshall Tucker Band, and the Doobie Brothers all make appearances soon.

If the stress of the season ever gets you down, take a phrase from the Doobie Brothers and just “Listen to the Music.”

P.A. Geddie

LETTERS Your magazine really seems to help get our word out, so we are more than happy to submit events.

Brian Kremer Coordinator, Center for Earth and Space Science Education Tyler Junior College

(RE: Caldwell Family Builds Top Rate Zoo for East Texas, CL Archives: August 2012.)

As a child in the 1940s I attended the kindergarten/playschool that D.K. Caldwell had in his home. He had turned the back yard into a playground with swing sets, a small merry-go-round and a large sewer pipe that was fun to crawl through. The back yard also had the beginnings of the zoo with birds and monkeys. I also seem to recall an alligator or two.

Mr. Caldwell was not a pretentious man. The only sign of his wealth was a chauffeur he employed to drive his older model Oldsmobile around town.

There was a large holly tree in his

front yard that was always decorated with dark blue lights for Christmas.

In later years I would occasionally see him in the barbershop just across Front Street from his home. He was always a pleasant, friendly fellow.

Some may not know that H.L. Hunt once lived in the 300 block of Bonner Street just north of Mr. Caldwell.

What a contrast in character. (Hunt was the model for J.R. Ewing of Dallas fame.) D.K. Caldwell used his wealth for the enrichment of all.

David Lively Tyler

Please feel free to send us your comments.

County Line Magazine P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 email: info@countylinemagazine.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Live music at Stanley’s takes a break in December and kicks off again January 22, 2018!

6 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

We could tell you ab out Christmas in Palestine or you co uld just experience it. Enjoy holiday shopping on Main St reet, Food & Wine Events, Frost Fe st, and much more. Head to Palestine, Texas - one of "Tex as' Top Travel Destinations."

Polar Express Train Ride The Grinch's Lair Holiday Hayrides at Wildcat Golf Course

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 7

Red Brick Renaissance Oldest City in Texas Embraces a New Direction While Paying Homage to Its History

Article and photos by Jerry Permenter There’s a new world emerging into its rightful place of ownership in Nacogdoches, a city familiar in East Texas for Stephen F. Austin University (SFA), red brick streets, and a unique place in Texas history as the state’s oldest town.

With the recent renovation and re-opening of The Fredonia Hotel this summer, an anchor is firmly placed to enhance an already growing and thriving downtown of locally owned shops filled with a striking array of items crafted by East Texas artisans. The Fredonia originally opened in the spring of 1955 with its architect describing its mid-century modern design as “Creole modern” to reflect the French influence on the city’s early history.

The hotel has enhanced its mid-century polish with advanced technology, including scan cards for door entry, flat screen televisions and Wi-Fi throughout the property. The historic landmark is once again a gemstone on the city skyline with a changing kaleidoscope of colors illuminating the exterior of the Fredonia’s tower rooms at night, elevating the art form of laid back luxury for what is being hailed as an exquisite boutique hotel.

New restaurants include the hotel’s Nine Flags Bar and Grill, 1st City Cafe and opening soon is Republic of Fredonia Steakhouse, an addition to rival any in East Texas.

The hotel has already become a hub of renewed night life for the city with a constant stream of visitors from throughout the region.

A variety of local business owners have found their niche in Nacogdoches as well and now play key roles in the current “red brick renaissance” of its downtown.

The Bosslight Bookstore, a local favorite since it opened in the fall of 2016, plays a significant role in bringing new energy and music downtown, along with its books, including works by owner and author, Tim Bryant.

“I created the Bosslight space because I knew there was a niche that wasn’t being filled,” Bryant says. “When I first opened it, I had no idea about its outcome. But The Bosslight Bookstore slowly revealed itself to me as a needed space and I just kept going. There was this spirit of community opening up downtown and I simply followed it. It wasn’t something I planned; it was truly organic. A need was identified

8 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

and the right people came forth in a perfect synchronicity. If we could close our eyes and see what this place will look like in a year, we wouldn’t recognize it. This is the start of something, but it’s not the something it will become. And the momentum only builds each and every day.

I see The Bosslight as being a conduit for much of that creative energy emerging so quickly downtown right now.”

Gerry Larabee, the owner of Heart of Texas, which sells everything from hot sauce to everything Texas related, said “I had always been in office work, or a secretary, and I was bored with it. One year, I found myself between jobs, taking a vacation and I noticed while traveling there was a push towards all things Texas. So I decided to open Heart of Texas as a commitment to Nacogdoches. My mother had once owned her own little store, a classic old country store with gas pumps where she also did handicrafts, including ABOVE. Downtown Nacogdoches lights up at night. RIGHT TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE: The new 1st City Cafe in The Fredonia Hotel serves fresh farm-to-table Southern cuisine. Whitney Ronzello shows off one of the popular cakes at the Blue Horse Bakery. The Coca-Cola mural is on prominent view. The newly renovated Fredonia Hotel provides downtown lodging to visitors.

a little Texas ornament, and I wondered if I could sell those. And so it was on a whim I decided to start the business, as I’d never done anything like it before.

But I found my way of life in this store and it suits me. I just love my life right here.”

Blue Horse Bakery is a premier bakery serving a variety of lunch and dessert specialties in downtown Nacogdoches.

Blue Horse owner Whitney Ronzello noted, “When looking for a location downtown, our current site worked out well as we always wanted to be near the real center of town. A true variety of businesses was sorely needed downtown and we wanted to offer the community something different. Now, every day when I ride to work I see people painting new building sites and continuing to revitalize the downtown area. Though I graduated

from SFA as an animal science major, our bakery has been in business since early 2015 when it outgrew my home-based business. It became a true passion of mine.”

Blue Horse Bakery is expanding its savory side, now offering cake and cookie decorating classes. Blue Horse is also adding additional gluten free, soy free and a vegan line of products soon.

The City of Nacogdoches also continues to invest in updating and enhancing its downtown area, with more grand seasonal displays each year. Ongoing community efforts continue annually as well to highlight the natural beauty of downtown and its historic red brick streets.

For the holiday season, Nacogdoches celebrates their Nine Flags Festival with a variety of events from November 4 to De-

cember 20. The festival pays homage to the rich and spirited history of the town that includes three attempts to establish a Republic of Texas, thus nine flags have flown over Nacogdoches as opposed to the six that have represented Texas.

The festival theme this year is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and events include a holiday parade, Christmas markets, Wassail Fest, Jingle Bell Run 5K, home tours, theatre presentations, and numerous other events held on the historic square, truly one of the oldest avenues to ever to grace the state of Texas.

The community bringing about the “Red Brick Renaissance” invites visitors and residents alike to experience one of the most beautiful and historic downtown areas in the state. Everything old is truly new again.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 9

WINNSBORO CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT

Best Live Music Venue!

ANNIE MAE’S COFFEE SHOP & CAFE

LIEFIE LI VINE

108 W. Elm St. - (903) 347-6510

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

COPPER LEAF DAY SPA

WinnsboroCulturalDistrict.com

209 N. Main St. - (903) 342-7772

Texas Certified Cultural Arts District

Neptune’s Car Adler & Hearne

November 11

Harpeth Rising December 2

A Comedy by Jack Sharkey Directed by Bob & Becky Hibbard PERFORMANCES NOV 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 12 Tickets $12. Available at WCA or online at our website.

DIRECTIONAL WELLNESS

213 N. Main St. - (903) 342-7772

LA CONCHITA

205 N. Walnut St. - (903) 347-1213

ART EXHIBITS Jerry Goodale Photography Oct 27 -Nov 25 Men in the Arts Exhibition Dec 1 - Jan 13 Reception Dec 1, 5:30 p.m.

THE ROOSTER CAFE

THE BOWERY

111 Broadway - (903) 347-6541

Dining, Music, Arts, & Entertainment

Barrel House Bar & Grill

STAR DRAGONFLY HERBS

204 Market St. - (903) 347-1282

300 N. Main St., Suite C - (903) 588-4313

100 East Cedar Street • 903-588-0465

200 MARKET STREET • 903-342-0686 10 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

903-342-3666

DINE. SHOP. STAY. ARTS. ENTERTAINMENT. All shows start at 7:30 PM. Tickets available online at www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com; Winnsboro Emporium, 212 Market St., 903-342-6140; and at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts.

BEAUWEEVILS

205 N. Main - (903) 342-6800

r June 25

LONE REPUBLIC STEAK HOUSE

Frank Martin Gilligan January 3

George Winston

206 Market St. - (903) 347-6526

CLARA IDA FRANCES

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

FLOWERLAND/215 MAIN

215 N. Main St. - (903) 342-1050

February 10

Individual Concert Tickets on Sale Now for Remaining Concerts

PRICES ARE $25, $19 and $12 FOR EACH CONCERT Tickets are available at the WCA or online at winnsborocenterforthearts.com/sunday_classical_series

BETSY’S BOUTIQUE

THEE HUBBELL HOUSE

216 N. Main - (903) 347-6511

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

MONDAY NIGHT LIVE

WINNSBORO EMPORIUM

Food. Wine. Arts. Crafts. Produce. Music.

212 Market St. - (903) 342-6140

Rich in history. Steeped in country. First in class.

FINDERS KEEPERS ANTIQUES CULTURE CLUB, GALLERY OF ARTISTS

304 N. Main St. - (903) 347-1271

Logos represent donors or supporters and are utilized by permission only.

107 E. Elm St.

WINNSBOROCENTERFORTHE ARTS.COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 11

Visit Celebration City for the Holidays Sulphur Springs Offers a Delicious Playful Weekend Getaway

By Linda Ayers Located just off Interstate 30 between Dallas and Texarkana, Sulphur Springs is a great weekend destination year-round and a magical setting during the holidays.

Thanks to a major downtown renovation, the town has something going on every Saturday in its Celebration District, from shopping and dining to family-friendly events.

The showpiece of Celebration Plaza is the beautiful courthouse, built in 1895. Set near the back of the plaza, it anchors the space visually, inviting people to stay and enjoy themselves.

Celebrations worth noting this time of year in Sulphur Springs include the Annual Car Show, November 4; Veterans Day Parade and Salute the Veterans BBQ Cook-off and Family Fun Fest, November 11; United Professional Rodeo Association Finals, November 17-19; Turkey Trot, November 23; Christmas in the Park, starts at sunset November 25 and December 2; Christmas on the Square/Lighted

Christmas Parade, December 1; Northeast Texas Choral Society Christmas Concert, December 2; and the 2nd Annual Christmas Market on Main, December 9.

Throughout the holiday season, the downtown area is festively decorated and the plaza invites visitors to rest and take in the ambience in between shopping and dining. Music is often playing at the plaza and downtown venue Muddy Jake’s offers live music Saturdays with performers like Kid Icarus Project, Nevermind, and Droo D’Anna.

Most of the downtown shops and restaurants are closed on Sunday, so visitors need to gear Celebration District activities to Friday night and Saturday.

Those looking for overnight lodging have many choices from a variety of hotel/motels along Interstate 30 to the warm-andfuzzy bed and breakfasts closer to town.

One of those to consider is The Oaks Bed and Breakfast. This 1930s house has three guest rooms, each furnished by a local

12 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

continued page 15

PHOTOS (above): The 1895 Romanesque Revival architectural styled courthouse is the foundation of the downtown scene in Sulphur Springs; (below) Apfelstrudel with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream is a favorite at Joe’s German Restaurant; big windows in Phinesse Farms Winery provide a front-row seat of downtown while enjoying a nice glass of wine. Photos by Bill Ayers

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 13

14 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

PHOTOS (left): The bratwurst, potatoes, and red cabbage at Joe’s German Restaurant — with outdoor seating overlooking the downtown square — are as German as it gets and (below) they serve beer on tap in glass boot-shaped mugs. (above) Arturo’s Wood Fired Pizza is a Celebration Dining District favorite with selections sure to please both vegetarians and meat lovers. Photos by Bill Ayers

SULPHUR SPRINGS continued from page 12 shop. Since the furniture is on consignment, guests can purchase anything they like. Another perk of staying at The Oaks is getting insider tips from owner and host Ben Thesing. He and his wife Allison grew up in Sulphur Springs, moved away, and decided to come back to raise their family. They are always available to provide guests with a list of “must-sees” in Sulphur Springs.

Visitors can get Saturdays off to a good start with a visit to one of the local coffee shops. Those that stay at The Oaks may have a taste of what awaits at Coffee Off the Square, as the Thesings are the owners of both establishments. In addition to coffee and breakfast fare, Coffee Off the Square also serves lunch.

while waiting for the shops to open. Start with one of Sulphur Springs’ most famous attractions, the glass-walled public toilets. Billed as the only public toilets of their kind in the United States, they are something to see. Or not. Built of one-way mirrors, the reflective surfaces blend in with their surroundings. Visitors can step inside with confidence though, because although people inside the bathroom can see out, those peering in can see nothing but their own reflections. Like the rest of Celebration Plaza, these restrooms are handicapped accessible.

Another local coffee shop, Rooster Roast Coffee Bar, includes a gallery of original artwork.

Another popular destination on the plaza is the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial, which honors the Hopkins County men and women who served in the Armed Forces. A computerized kiosk offers more information on veterans as well as a way to search for a particular individual. An impressive statue of a Korean War soldier is also an inspiring tribute to United States’ veterans. Posed in front

There’s plenty to do at Celebration Plaza

continued page 17

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 15

16 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

SULPHUR SPRINGS continued from page 15 of a large American flag waving in the breeze, it is cause for reflection.

By mid-morning most of the stores surrounding the plaza are open and visitors can turn their attention to some serious shopping. Offerings range from clothing boutiques like Sister Babyz and Marlene’s Sass and Class, to shops like Gourmet Kitchen & Company, featuring kitchenrelated decor and cooking gadgets. Discover the perfect blend of practical and whimsical here, from kitchen tools shoppers might not know they needed until they saw them, to gifts for foodie friends.

Other must-see shops downtown are Secret Gardens, Danna’s Southern Charm & Florist, and Town Square Antiques.

Two of the most unusual shops in the Celebration District are The Bookworm Box and Hampton House Jewelry and Rock Shop. New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, who was born in Sulphur Springs, owns the Bookworm Box. The store sells only autographed books, and profits from all sales go to charities.

Most titles are young adult/new adult romances, the genre Hoover writes. The shop is an offshoot from the subscription mail-order service by the same name that PHOTOS (left top): Redneck Bar & Grill is known for good steaks. (left bottom). The Bookworm Box is well worth a visit. (above l-r) Gourmet Kitchen & Company features decor and more and Hampton House Jewelry and Rock Shop is full of interesting items. Photos by Bill Ayers

ships autographed copies of books to readers. The mail-order service, like the store, gives all profits to charity.

and The Alcove2 which serves American cuisine with a wide selection of craft beer and wine.

Wes Hampton and his wife, Angela, own Hampton House Jewelry and Rock Shop.

Follow lunch with homemade ice cream in a homemade waffle cone from Magic Scoop General Store. Or pick up a snack at Sweet-N-Salty, whose old-fashioned popcorn machine was featured on The History Channel’s American Restoration.

Adults will want to visit the Phinesse Farms Winery, with their trademark wine, Noblianti Natural. They even offer a wine called The Backyard, that, according to the menu, pairs well with a peanut butter sandwich.

The shop is part museum, part rock, jewelry, coin, and clock shop, embracing all of the couple’s interests and areas of expertise. As a certified jeweler, Angela brings her skills to her custom jewelry designs and the repair and restoration of vintage jewelry. Wes, in addition to repairing antique clocks, makes custom knife and gun handles from stone. He is also an amateur paleontologist. On display in the back room is an almost complete, fossilized skeleton of a Mosasaur that Wes unearthed from a bank of the nearby North Sulphur River. Standing next to the skeleton and surrounded by ornate antique clocks and slabs of precious stones, Wes remarks, “Passion is what fuels everything we do.”

Indeed, the passion the shopkeepers have for their unique product or service is one of the things that make spending time in Sulphur Springs so delightful. This extends to the eateries, which are numerous and varied. Arturo’s Wood Fired Pizza is one of the local favorites, with selections sure to please both vegetarians and meat lovers. For sandwiches, check out the Plain & Fancy Sandwich Shoppe or grab a burger from Burgerland. Stuffed baked potatoes are available at The Potato House. Other dining choices include The Corner Grub House, Pioneer Café,

Recommended repeatedly for dinner is Redneck Bar and Grill. In contrast to its name, the ambience leans more toward classy, with cozy tables and dim lighting.

Grilled steaks, shrimp and fish are on the menu, but the favorite by far seems to be the steak.

Those that enjoy authentic German food can visit Joe’s German Restaurant.

Although the decor, a combination of American Indian, Texan, and European, may lead guests to believe this is not the real deal, never fear — the bratwurst, potatoes, and red cabbage are as German as it gets, and the beer on tap is served in glass boot-shaped mugs.

For those looking to play, have fun, and celebrate, take a drive over to Sulphur Springs for a day or a weekend. Go to visitsulphurspringstx.org for more information on events and everyday activities.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 17



CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

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

Early General Store Marks 170th Birthday

By Steve Freeman With the snap of a rusty spring closing a screen door, visitors to the T.C. Lindsey & Co. General Store are transported back in time. The store sits at 2293 FM 134 in the community of Jonesville located 17 miles east of Marshall and six miles west of the Louisiana border.

Somewhere along about a decade after the Republic of Texas formed, a businessman named William Harrison Jones started the unsettled area’s first trading post and post office. The year was 1847.

Although the location was remote, settlers needed his business with its growing variety of merchandise like farm tools, clothing, and shoes for all ages, food, linens, medicines, toys and more, so they went out of their way to get there.

This hidden gem marks its 170th birthday this year with a celebration at the store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 4. The 3,000-square-foot store keeps the ambience of days gone by and mixes in new products to serve today’s market.

The manager, Jonathan Miller, whose mother’s maiden name is Vaughan, says his great great grandfather, Dr. Samuel Vaughan, bought into the store in about 1870. In time, the Lindsey General Store was a Vaughan/Miller family business entirely, he says.

In the 1970s brothers Sam and Tom Vaughan saw the value in turning the store into a living museum of commerce.

They placed new and interesting items for sale next to items quickly becoming antiques. Some merchandise had price tags and some (antiques) didn’t.

“My grandfather’s brother had a cast iron stove in the store and he told everybody ‘It’s not for sale.’ Then in the ‘80s, someone offered a ridiculous amount of $1,000 and he sold it — but he always regretted it and never sold anything else,” Miller says of the museum-type items they don’t want to leave the building.

Miller figures it’s a 50-50 percentage division of the new and the old merchandise in the store today that attracts visitors from near and far.

Visitors still find a collection of children’s shoes in original boxes, as well as brandnew blue jean overalls and replicas of women’s bonnets in the clothing section.

Games that a grandfather can remember playing as a child sit next to new games that today’s youth enjoy.

Popular sections in the store include the front facade of an old post office window, old candy machines, the slice-your-own cheese wheel, and the fireplace with an inviting rocking chair nearby.

Nostalgic purchases popular with shoppers include pocket knives, working kero-

18 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

sene lamps, and mayhaw jelly.

The authenticity of the store draws in more than lost travelers with its interior sometimes used in movie and television productions. Also, Miller says, because the store has occasionally appeared in popular travel guides, he regularly meets tourists from faraway places like Sweden, Germany, and Japan.

Otherwise, Lindsey’s retains its best-keptsecret status. And that’s okay.

“We prefer a slower pace to life,” he says.

“Something to be said for slowing down and getting away from the main road.”

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy dignitaries to occasionally veer off the main road and visit was a young girl who bought Cracker Jacks® there many moons ago. She went by the nickname of Lady Bird and lived just 15 miles north at Karnack and she became the First Lady as the wife of President Lyndon Johnson.

Imagine the stories this old treasure could tell from the years gone by as it keeps making new memories every day.

T.C. Lindsey & Co. General Store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

They are holding their annual Christmas Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 9. Call 903.687.3382 or visit their Facebook page for more information.

EVENTS Dates and times are subject to change. Always call ahead before planning a visit.

November 3

Taste of the Holidays. Center. Windham Civic Center, 936.598.3682, shelbycountychamber.com

November 3-4

Pinecone and Mistletoe Christmas Market.

Center. Windham Civic Center, 936.598.3682, shelbycountychamber.com

November 4

History, Haunts & Legends. Jefferson.

Downtown Jefferson, 903-665-3733 Scarbrough Haven Fall Tour. Emory. Scarbrough Haven, facebook.com/ScarbroughHaven

November 7

Pooches on the Patio. Tyler. Rotolo’s Pizzeria, 8970 S Broadway Avenue, spcaeasttx.com Metalsmithing. Texarkana. LeGrand & Sons Welding & Ironworks, 903.792.8681, trahc.org

November 10

Deck the Halls. Mount Pleasant. mtpleasanttx.com

November 10-11

Winnsboro Art and Wine Festival.

Winnsboro. Downtown Winnsboro, Market St, 903.426.8207

November 11 - December 27

Polar Express at The Texas State Railroad.

Palestine. Texas State Railroad Palestine, Depot Park Road 70, 903.723.3014, visitpalestine.com Heritage Syrup Festival. Henderson. Various locations throughout Henderson, 866.650.5529 ext. 268, visithendersontx.com Edgewood Heritage Festival. Edgewood.

Heritage Park Museum, 903.896.1940, edgewoodheritagefestival.com Toys for Tots Casino Night. Jefferson.

Jefferson Tourism Center, 903.665.3733 Pro Wrestling at the Palestine Civic Center.

Palestine. Palestine Civic Center, 903.723.3014, visitpalestine.com

Pull Out All the Stops for East Texas Pipe Organ Fest Nothing rocks a building like a magnificent pipe organ sounding out the power and emotions of an expert player.

This year’s East Texas Pipe Organ Festival offers the chance to hear 13 recitals by an esteemed group of 13 musicians.

The series runs November 5 through 9 at venues in Kilgore, Longview, and Shreveport.

Highlights include an organ duo on Tuesday and the organ’s accompaniment for the silent film Girl Shy, starring Harold Lloyd, on Wednesday.

Among the artists are Alan Morrison, esteemed for his work on stage and in education as well as his appearance on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and Paul Halley, fivetime Grammy Award winner.

The 2017 festival schedule at a glance: • November 5. 8 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore • November 6. 10 a.m. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Kilgore; 3 and 8 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore • November 7. 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Shreveport; 3 p.m. First Baptist Church, Shreveport

Pawpa’s House in the country

1601 VZ County Road 1512 Van Texas

903.571.3620 • fb.com/PawpasHouse

• November 8. 10 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore; 2 p.m. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Kilgore; 8 p.m. music accompanying silent movie Girl Shy, First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore • November 9. 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, Longview; 7:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore, followed by reception with hors d’oeuvres Concerts are free. For more information visit easttexaspipeorganfestival.com.

Near Canton, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, Tyler, Mineola. One hour to Dallas.

A Great Satellite • Wireless Internet Jacuzzi Tub • Hot Tub Getaway!

Fully Equipped Kitchen Handicap Accessible

Hit the Bricks. Tyler. Dowtown, visittyler.com Medieval Wine Faire & Harvest Moon Dance. Jefferson. Downtown Jefferson, 903.665.3733, tourism@cityhallofjefferson.com Red, White and Blue Festival. Bullard.

Downtown Bullard, 903-894-4238, bullardchamber.com Classic Car Show. Sulphur Springs.

Downtown Sulphur Springs, 903-885-7541, sulphurspringstx.org

November 17

Festival of Trees. Canton. Museum/Chamber, continued on page 17 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 19

The Oldest Christmas in

November 4th

Polar Express Holiday Showing | 7pm Nacogdoches Railroad Depot

November 16-18

Holiday in the Pines Nacogdoches Civic Center

November 16-17

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker | 7:30pm W.M. Turner Auditorium, SFA Campus

November 25th

Wassail Fest | 11am-3pm Downtown Nacogdoches Model Train Exhibit Opening Nacogdoches Railroad Depot

December 1st

Old Fashioned Christmas at Millard’s Crossing 5pm-9pm Opening of Christmas Ornament / Toy Exhibit 12:30pm-5pm | Cole Art Center

December 2nd

Jingle Bell Run | 8am Downtown Nine Flags Christmas Festival | 9am-10pm Downtown A Very Victorian Christmas | 10am-4pm Sterne-Hoya House Museum & Library Lighted Christmas Parade | 6:30pm Downtown Wine, Whiskey & Brew Tour | 1pm

Holiday Events

November 4th - December 20th

December 4th

Percussion in the Pines | 7:30pm Cole Concert Hall, SFA Campus

December 8th

Wine, Whiskey & Brew Tour | 1pm Jingle & Mingle | 5:30pm Downtown

December 9th

Downtown Progressive Dinner | 5:30pm Downtown Pancakes with Santa | 8am Fredonia Hotel Pints on the Patio | 2pm-10pm Fredonia Brewery

888-564-7351 VisitNacogdoches.org/nine-flags-christmas-festival 20 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

December 10th

Unsilent Night | 7:30pm SFA School of Music

EVENTS continued from page 19 903.567.1849, visitcantontx.com

November 18-December 16

Downtown Marshall Turns on Holiday Magic with Wonderland of Lights

Holiday Market Days at Palestine Farmers Market. Palestine. Farmers Market Pavilion, 903.731.8437, visitpalestine.com

November 18

35th Annual Christmas in Crockett.

Crockett. On the Square, 936.544.2359, crockettareachamber.org Reel East Texas Film Festival. Kilgore.

Texan Theater, reeleasttexas.com Colfax Community Bazaar. United Methodist Church 903.707.3505

November 20

Monday Night Live. Winnsboro.

November 23-December 31

Wonderland of Lights. Marshall. Various locations throughout Marshall, 903-702-7777, wonderlandoflights.com

November 25-December 23

Santa’s Workshop. Palestine. 903.723.3014, visitpalestine.com

November 25

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony. Jefferson. Downtown Jefferson, 903.665.3733

November 2-3, November 30-December 3

First Monday Trade Days. Canton.

903.567.6556, firstmondaycanton.com

November 30 - December 3

35th Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes.

Jefferson. Downtown Jefferson, 903.665.3733, visitjeffersontexas.com

December 2

Christmas on the Square. Mount Pleasant.

Mount Pleasant, mtpleasanttx.com

December 1-3

Frost Fest. Palestine. Historic Downtown Palestine, 903.729. 6066, palestinefrostfest.com

December 6

Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Lufkin. Temple Theater at Angelina College campus, 936.633.3220, angelinaarts.org

December 7-December 9

Pegasus Project Horse Rescue Open House. Murchison. The Pegasus Project, 903.707.5866, pegasusrescue.org

December 16

Holiday Farmers Market & Craft Show.

Palestine. Farmers Market Pavilion, 903.731.8437, visitpalestine.com Derrick Lighting. Kilgore. World’s Richest Acre, kilgorechamber.com

Photo courtesy of Wonderland of Lights

Now in its 31st year, historic downtown Marshall transforms into a winter wonderland for the Wonderland of Lights kicking off November 22 and running through December 31. Lights and activities are open Tuesday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 4-10 p.m. They are closed every Monday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The Harrison County Courthouse is the shining star of the festival with thousands of white lights illuminating the night air. Attendees can enjoy horse drawn carriage and waggonette, train, and carousel rides as well as outdoor ice skating and live music nightly.

Santa’s Village makes its debut this year featuring three themed tiny houses; a bakery, a train depot, and a cozy place to take a picture with the big man himself.

Frosty’s Big Bounce is another new addition to Wonderland of Lights this season. This area features an inflatable snowman bounce house, face painting, and photo opportunities.

Each week features a different special event. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Third Annual Wassail Walk where guests peruse downtown businesses

while sampling Wassail, a traditional apple cider. Merchants vie for the highly coveted title of Wassail Fest champion voted on by the general public.

The Lighted Christmas Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 2.

The East Texas Baptist University Hockey Team takes the rink for “Tigers on Ice” at 5 p.m. Sunday, December 3. The team is introduced followed by short scrimmage, then autograph signing and an evening of skating with attendees.

The Jingle Bell Run returns to a nighttime lit event and is slated for 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 5.

Returning for its second year is the Outdoor Christmas Market, a vendor fair featuring homemade Christmas and holiday crafts, decor and plenty of great “stocking stuffers” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 9.

Wonderland of Sights, a self-guided art, history, and steeple tour, takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 16.

For up-to-date schedule changes, entertainment, and more information, call 903.702.7777 and visit wonderlandoflights.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 21

ANDY WARHOL

SCREEN PRINTS

& SNAPSHOTS through

January 7, 2018 Visit www.tylermuseum.org for updated information about educational programming and special events.

Tyler Museum of Art (903) 595-1001 • www.tylermuseum.org

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22 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Destination

MINEOLA for the Holidays!

Thanksgiving – January 4, 2018 Santa’s Little Red House & Letters Drop Off Mineola Historical Museum November 30 Jingle Bell Bash Community Tree Lighting & Visit from Santa 6 P.M. Mineola Civic Center 903.569.6115

December 1 Main Street Window Lighting & Decorations Downtown Mineola

Christmas Jamboree Dinner & Dance 6-10 P.M. Mineola Civic Center 903.569.6115

December 2 Mineola League of the Arts Bazaar Doors open at 10 A.M. 903-569-8877

Mineola Tour of Homes presented by: Mineola Landmark Commission 1 – 4 P.M. 903.569.6983

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting 5:30 P.M. Downtown Mineola Come visit with Santa at the Gazebo

December10 & 12 “Winter Fantasy” 7:30 P.M. Lake Country Symphonic Band lakecountryplayhouse.com

1.800.MINEOLA www.mineola.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 23

THE ARTS

Andy Warhol Works Featured at Tyler Museum of Art from 1986 of such iconic subjects as John Wayne, Teddy Roosevelt, and Geronimo, and pieces from his 1981 “Myths” series, featuring “Mickey Mouse,” “Howdy Doody” and “Superman.”

Rounding out the exhibition is a selection of Polaroids and silver gelatin prints, shot from 1958 until Warhol’s 1987 death and offering insight into his intimate relationship with his celebrity friends – Dolly Parton, Jack Nicklaus and Pia Zadora among them.

The show is open to the public at the TMA, 1300 South Mahon Avenue on the Tyler Junior College main campus.

Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors.

For more information, call 903.

595.1001 or visit tylermuseum.org.

ARTS EVENTS Dates and times are subject to change. Always call ahead before planning a visit.

Through November 6

On the Cutting Room Floor Exhibit. Tyler.

Gallery Main Street, 903.593.6905, downtowntylerarts.com

Through December 17

The father of pop art — Andy Warhol — takes up residence for three months in the Tyler Museum of Art through January 7. The museum curated an exhibit of Warhol’s “Screen Prints & Snapshots” that showcases several distinct bodies of work from the artist’s

later career. Warhol was known for his renderings of Campbell’s Soup cans, Brillo boxes and the “cult of celebrity” that surrounded his Manhattan studio The Factory.

Through January 1, 2018

Highlights include silkscreen prints

Andy Warhol: Screen Prints & Snapshots.

Tyler. Tyler Museum of Art, 903.595.1001, tylermuseum.org

The Garden of Ambition

November 4-January 8, 2018

EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY O C TO BER 17 THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 2017

November 4 - 24

MALLORY PAGE

Andy Warhol, Moonwalk, 1987, 38 x 38 inches, silkscreen. Photo: D. James Dee. © 2017 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, New York

Mallory Page. Longview. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 903.753.8103, lmfa.org Shades of Black and White Exhibition.

Athens. Gallery 211, 903.292.1746, artgallery211.net

Through January 7, 2018

Heavy Metal Exhibit. Tyler. Gallery Main Street, 903.593.6905, downtowntylerarts.com Art Show Opening. Pittsburg. Northeast Rural Heritage Museum (Depot Museum) 903.960.0422, lindasciongaysculpturestudio.com

November 10-11

Winnsboro Art & Wine Festival. Downtown, winnsboroonlineguide.com, 888.559.4333

903.753.8103 • LMFA.org 215 E. Tyler St. • Longview, TX 75601

24 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

November 18 - December 23

Men in the Arts. Winnsboro. 903.342.0686, winnsborocenterforthearts.com

Texas Made for the Holidays

SHOP EDOM Gift Thoughtfully This Year! open throughout the holiday season

Edom Holiday Stroll November 24-25

BLUE MOON GARDENS 903.852.3897

bluemoongardens.com

Arts • Eats • Retreats

ARBOR CASTLE BIRDHOUSES 903-852-7893

arborcastlebirdhouses.com

POTTERS BROWN STUDIO & GALLERY 903.852.6473 pottersbrown.com

VisitEdom.com

DRAGONHEAD RETREAT

BUFFALO CLOVER ART STUDIO

903-520-2069

817.721.7778

dragonheadretreat.com

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Jerry Goodale Photography Exhibit Takes Place at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts Through November 25

ZEKE & MARTY 903-852.3311 zekeandmarty.com

NOMINATIONS

OPEN Sep 1 - Nov 15

BEST OF 2017 Cast your nominations for your favorite people, places, food, and other things in the Upper East Side of Texas.

Winners are announced in the January/February 2018 issue and promoted throughout the year.

Jerry Goodale has traversed his adult life with a camera in hand, capturing beauty and meaning through his lens with images from points around the world. Images that show the human spirit — like his photo of this cowboy above — are part of an exhibit taking place at Winnsboro Center for the Arts through November 25.

Besides photography, Goodale is a writer and a fly fishing guide. For more information on the exhibit visit winnsborocenterforthearts.com.

county line

countylinemagazine.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 25

26 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Agora Borealis Features Young Artists and Pleasant Surprises in an Artisans Marketplace ing style is not as refined as Chambers’ but his subject matter is age-appropriate and speaks to members of the sneakerhead subculture who can spot the difference between Air Jordan and Air Yeezy at 50 paces. His “Jordan 12, flu game,” a black and red shoe in profile, was a welcome sign of new life among the tired portraits of cute animals and pretty people.

Article and photos by Gaile Robinson Interesting art by young artists is on view in the art gallery Agora Borealis in Shreveport. It is similar to an antique mall, with artists’ booths in a fine old service station built in 1927 in what is now a transitional neighborhood.

There is an uneven assortment of art and hand-made items but with pleasant surprises.

Products like jewelry, soaps, lighting fixtures, and fine furniture combine with the art in this artisans marketplace.

Best of the lot is a painting (below) by local artist Joshua Chambers, “they are repeatedly captured and released again,” (acrylic on wood panel, $1,500). The image of a body huddled on the roof of a flooded house had an alarming resonance after the recent floodings in

Houston and Florida. He incorporates the title as a text block on the painting but also subtly embeds it in much larger type into the sky, so that only in certain light conditions is it apparent.

Repeated messaging and text incorporation is well handled and his scenes of atmospheric simplicity are lovely.

Also of note are the portraits of athletic shoes (above) by Eric Francis. His paint-

The Agora Borealis is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 421 Lake Street in downtown Shreveport. For more information call 318.268.3011 and visit their website, theagoraborealis.com.

Gaile Robinson is a freelance writer whose work has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth StarTelegram and The Week.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 27

STAGE Comedy Has One Toe in the Grave

STAGE PICKS Dates and times are subject to change. Always call ahead before planning a visit.

October 27-November 5

The 39 Steps. Sulphur Springs. Main Street Community Theater, 903.885.7541, sulphurspringstx.org

November 4

The Wonder Bread Years. Crockett. Crockett Civic Center, 1163 Edmiston Drive, 936.544.4276, pwfaa.org

November 16

My Son Pinocchio, JR. Longview. ArtsView Childrens Theatre, 313 W. Tyler St., 903.236.7535, artsviewchildrenstheatre.com

What does a rising young bachelor executive do when his boss is coming to dinner to meet his mandatory wife? In Jason’s case, he asks numerous women to play the part of his wife for the evening and ends with much more than he bargained for in the comedy One Toe in the Grave by Jack Sharkey.

The show is directed by Bob and Becky

Hibbard and stars (l-r) Kay McEntire, Kelly Lewis, Jerod Currier, Val Vetter, Randy Parrish, Shannon Monk, and Tonja Williams.

Performances are at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts on November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 12. Tickets are $12 at winnsborocenterforthearts.com. Call 903.342.0686 for more information.

November 17

Great Moscow Ballet presents the Nutcracker. Longview. LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave., 903.233.3080, nutcracker.com

November 30

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.

Tyler. UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd, 903 566-7424, cowan@uttyler.edu

December 2

The 12 Daze of Christmas. Athens.

Henderson County Performing Arts Center, 400 Gibson Rd., 903.675.3908, hcpac.org Rhythmic Circus. Longview. LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave., 903.233.3080, belchercenter.com

December 3

Velveteen Rabbit. Henderson. Henderson Civic Theater, 903.722.5221, hendersoncivictheatre.org

December 8

Russian Grand Ballet presents The Nutcracker. Crockett. Crockett Civic Center, 1163 Edmiston Drive, 936.544.4276, pwfaa. org Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Tyler. UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd, 903.566.7424, cowan@uttyler.edu

SEE OR LIST MORE EVENTS ON

COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.com

28 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

The Lone Star Carriage Company JEFFERSON, TEXAS

Historic Tours • Romantic Rides Moonlight Excursions CHRISTMAS LIGHT RIDES Available Fridays and Saturdays with weekly rides by appointment

Competitve rates. Various Carriages.

Birthday parties, proms, proposals, weddings, anniversary, holiday events, hay rides, special occasions, school field trips, group tours, and even funerals.

Book in Jefferson or we can travel to your location!

www.JeffersonTexasCarriage.com • 903-926-8216 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 29



POETRY

Bluebonnet Road

Horse Drawn Hearse

Hue so dark he looks fashioned from the moonless night People stand in silence, some in respect others in fright Hooves pound the earth resounding in a hollow thunder Proclaiming to all, what was living, he now takes under Smoke spraying from his nostrils as if an old steam train Peering his onyx eye through his long and blackened mane Then consumed with pride, he raises his commanding head And pulls his menacing carriage where rest the pitiful dead Somberly trudge the mourners behind this powerful beast Following the mighty stallion to the grave of the deceased Some believe his haunting gaze has cast this dreadful curse So all eyes avert to the earth as the stallion draws his hearse Judy L. Parsons Tyler

Poetry Submissions Welcome

We welcome poetry submissions from all ages throughout the year. Those under 18 years old require parental consent.

Send submissions via email (preferred) to editor@countylinemagazine.com or mail to County Line Magazine, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754.

30 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Though I have snagged my shirt on bits of this barbed wire day, and herded my thoughts into a narrow pasture where no birds sing, perhaps I can yet reach that barefoot feeling thought reserved for children who spend their smiling hours counting skips of rocks in summer streams.

I will dream my way to that, wait for a host of stars to blossom on bluebonnet road.

Darrell Lindsey Nacogdoches

Beauty

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder We’ve all heard that old cliché But the beauty will fade as we get older Then what will we say?

Beauty is only skin deep, we all know that’s true What we sow we shall reap when this life is through But it’s what’s within us that never grows old And shows what we are or what we can be Do we have compassion for others or are we bitter and cold The truth will be evident when there’s no outer beauty to see.

Loretta Duckworth Sulphur Springs

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For more information, call 903-510-2312 or visit sciencecenter.tjc.edu

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 31

MUSIC

See countylinemagazine.com for extensive music listings.

The Old Firehouse Features Pettis and Prasada-Rao

See Marshall Tucker Band in Greenville November 16 The Old Firehouse in Edom presents acoustic concerts by Pierce Pettis November 11 and Tom Prasada-Rao (photo) December 2. Pettis is a masterful songwriter who draws on the humor and trials in daily life. Prasada-Rao is a favorite on the folk scene for many years. His rich, effortless voice, fine musicianship, and extraordinary songs, are a must. Doors open for concerts at 6:30 p.m. for “Schmooze Hour” and music begins at 7:30. Admission is $12-$15. Call 903.852.2781 and visit theoldfirehouse.net.

On November 16, The Marshall Tucker Band plays at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium. With hit singles like "Heard It in a Love Song," "Fire on the Mountain," "Can't You See," and "Take the Highway," The Marshall Tucker Band is a fan favorite since the ‘70s. While labeled as a Southern rock band, their music includes country, jazz, blues, Rock & Roll and all things in-between. Tickets run from $36 -$56 and can be purchased from showtimeatthegma.com. Call 903.457.3126 for more information.

Mike Ryan Brings New CD and Performances to ET

Womack Has New Album Full of East Texas Soul

Mike Ryan’s new album, Blink You’ll Miss It recently released and his tour brings him through East Texas this fall.

First, he plays at Silver Saloon in Terrell December 1 and then at Love & War in Texas in Lindale December 15. Get more information on mikeryanband. com.

Lee Ann Womack’s new album “The Lonely, The Lonesome and The Gone,” is now available for purchase. It combines country, soul, gospel, and blues — genres that tie well to her East Texas roots. Reviews to date say it’s her most personal and open work yet. She cowrote the majority of the songs and husband Frank Liddell is the producer.

Party Like It’s 1970 Something With Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers play at 7:30 p.m.

January 11 at UT Tyler Cowan Center in Tyler. They’re sure to include some of their chart-topping hits like “Black Water,” “China Grove,” “Listen to the Music,” and “Long Train Running.”

RESTAURANT LIVE MUSIC FULL BAR MOORE FUN! Ben Wheeler, TX

mooresstore.com 903.833.5100 32 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

“I wanted to get out of Nashville and tap the deep music and vibe of East Texas,” Womack says. “I wanted to be sure this record had a lot of soul in it, because real country music has soul. I wanted to remind people of that.”

MUSIC

Chanukah-Klezmer Concert Scheduled in Tyler

Dates and times are subject to change. Always call ahead before planning a visit.

November 2-5

Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards. Jefferson. Downtown Event Courtyard, 925.497.3915, texassounds.org

November 2

America. Tyler. UT Tyler Cowan Center, 903.566.7424, cowan@uttyler.edu

November 3

Doctor Doctor. Kilgore. The Back Porch, 9903.984.8141, thebackporchkilgore.com

November 5

Windsync. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage @ Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 N. Market St., 903.342.6140, winnsborocenterforthearts.com Charlie Daniels Band. Longview. LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave., 903.233.3080, belchercenter.com

November 6

Vienna Boys Choir. Mt. Pleasant. Whatley Center at Northeast Texas Community College, 2886 FM 1735, 903.434.8181, whatleycenter.com

November 10

Dale Watson Concert. Greenville. Texan Theater, texantheatergreenville.com

Rabbi Neal Katz (pictured) and Congregation Beth El are proud to produce the 10th annual ChanukahKlezmer concert at 7 p.m. Monday, December 4 at Liberty Hall in downtown Tyler. The program features Klezmer music — which is the music of Eastern European Jewish life (think Fiddler on the Roof and Hava Nagilah). Additional musical selections focus on popular Chanukah melodies. Katz leads an assembled band of some of the finest local musicians, and other musical acts perform as well. This evening of holiday fun is a favorite for many in East Texas and the public is invited to attend. Tickets are $10-$15 and available on libertytyler.com.

December 4

December 10

Blacktop Mojo. Jacksonville. River Run ATV Park, riverrunpark.com

Michael Martin Murphey. Lufkin. The Pines Theater, 113 S First St., 936.633.0349, thepines.visitlufkin.com

Winter Fantasy. Mineola. Lake Country Playhouse, 114 N. Johnson St., 903.569.2300, lakecountryplayhouse.com

November 11

December 9

December 11

Sunny Sweeney. Yantis. Neon Moon Restaurant and Social Club, 4672 W State Highway 154, 512.312.9350, sunnysweeney.com Charlie Robison. Jacksonville. River Run ATV Park, 903.724.4100, riverrunpark.com East Texas Men in Harmony. Lindale. Lindale Community Theater, 109 W. Hubbard Street, 903.638.0402, lindalecommunitytheater.org Pierce Pettis. Edom. The Old Firehouse, 903.852.2781, theoldfirehouse.net

UT Tyler Christmas Concert. Tyler. First Presbyterian Church of Tyler Sanctuary, 230 W. Rusk St., 903.597.6317, fpctyler.com/events/ uttconcert

Celtic Tenors. Mt. Pleasant. Whatley Center at Northeast Texas Community College, 2886 FM 1735, 903.434.8181, whatleycenter.com

Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly. Tyler.

Liberty Hall, 103 E Erwin St, libertytyler.com

Mt. Vernon Music Chamber Trio.

Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage, 903.342.0686, winnsborocenterforthearts.com

January 1

WindSync Brings Revolutionary Chamber Music to Winnsboro

Adler & Hearne. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage, 903.342.6140, winnsborocenterforthearts.com

November 16

Jason Crabb. Lufkin. The Pines Theater, 113 S First St., 936.633.0349, thepines.visitlufkin.com

November 19

The Soldier’s Tale. Mt. Vernon. Mount Vernon Music Hall, 903.563.3780, mountvernonmusic.org

November 24

Lance Lopez. Kilgore. The Back Porch, 904 Broadway Blvd

December 2

Harpeth Rising. Winnsboro. The Bowery Stage, 903.342.0686 winnsborocenterforthearts.com Tom Prasada-Rao. Downtown Edom. The Old Firehouse, 903.852.2781, theoldfirehouse.net

WindSnyc brings its “revolutionary” chamber music to Winnsboro Center for the Arts on Sunday, November 5 as part of the arts center’s second Sunday Afternoon Classical Series.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 33

VISIT

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

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We Aim to Please!

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34 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

One of the Coolest Small Towns in Texas

Kids Eat Free Tues.

Unplug & Wine Down Wed. Live Music Fri. & Sat. Open 7 Days a Week

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Texas Highways

Open Wednesday – Sunday

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17-18

Enjoy the holiday season in magical Ben Wheeler

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Steel & Magnolia’s BE’s Records

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 35

FOOD & DRINK

What’s Brewing

1

Article and photos by Jim Willis Really good coffee houses offer a wide selection of great coffee in a place that encourages relaxation and conversation. They have attentive wait staff and baristas that are excited to please guests with their creations. They can be a refuge, a meeting place for friends or a place to meet for business or study or work or just a place to sit and enjoy a book and a cup. The ones included here do all those things.

2

The Foundry

Tyler. (Photos 1 & 6) The Foundry is a block south of the downtown square and has a different energy than many other coffee houses. It is well designed and decorated, making good use of the building’s industrial interior. In addition to the main space there is a sitting area to the left of the front door, a “study room” towards the back and even an entertainment space separated by a roll up warehouse door. Each latte is an artful creation lovingly poured into white ceramic cups. The Foundry is a part of Bethel Church which meets on the upper floor. Everything about the space and the operation says “class.” 202 South Broadway, 903.944.7805, foundrycoffee.com.

Coffee Off the Square

Sulphur Springs. (Photo 2) Located just a short half block north of the courthouse, the downtown location makes this a popular place for lunch. The ceramic fountain just inside the front door is reminiscent of a Mexican patio and is an appealing place to gather around and enjoy the wide selection of coffees.

204 Church Street, 903.335.8896.

Jo’s Downtown

Mount Pleasant. (Photo 3) This lovely old two story 1894 building was purchased

by Ark Ministries who founded Center 36 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

3

4

Church on its upper floor and Jo’s Coffee House as a non-profit on the first floor. The name Jo’s is from the building’s previous tenant, Jo’s Antiques. It’s on the corner of the square in Mount Pleasant and it’s spacious. The very tall ceiling room stretches from the front of the building to the back where it opens onto a shady deck. There’s upstairs seating as well. The main room is a collection of smaller eclectic spaces with a long table in front, a couch and chairs by the fireplace, and several other sitting areas. 102 N. Jefferson Avenue, 903.577.0567, josdowntown.com.

Speakeasy Coffeehouse

5

Quitman. (Photo 4) Speakeasy is in an (almost) 100-year-old building that really was once a speakeasy, located across the street from the courthouse.

The theme is readily seen in the menu items, like the Greta Garbo or The Babe specialty lattes, and heard in the house music. It’s a large comfortable space that offers several areas for gathering and visiting. It’s the first pearl in a downtown Quitman renovation plan.

103 North Main Street, 903.760.2739. speakeasycoffee.net.

Watermelon Mills

6

Mount Vernon. (Photo 5) Located on the southeast corner of the downtown square, Watermelon Mills is the winner of the 2016 County Line Magazine Best Coffee award. This is a relatively new business that is an integral part of the downtown renovation taking place in Mount Vernon. There’s seating around a cozy fireplace or enjoy the outdoors on their sidewalk tables or deck. The furniture is a thoughtful selection reflecting period styling. 100 Houston Street, 903.270.2551, watermelonmills.com.

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LIVING ROOM

Cozy Up to a Relaxing, Roaring Outdoor Fire

By P.A. Geddie One of the joys of living in the Upper East Side of Texas this time of year is the magic of a backyard campfire in full view of a glorious night sky filled with sparkling stars. Whether these special evenings are enjoyed by invited guests or are a regular occurrence for a household, it’s a favorite pastime for many. Here are a few tips for creating lasting good memories.

Health and Safety First • Whether you dig a hole in the ground or have a nice, rock-lined pit, make sure the area is away from buildings, wooded areas, or overhanging electrical wires.

• Save the lint from the clothes dryer -- it comes in handy for starting a fire.

• Make sure there’s some light on any dark paths getting to and from the fire so people don’t trip over straying logs or an uneven terrain.

• Stringing white lights around the area can help with safety and also can contrib-

ute to a party atmosphere. Candles or lanterns on tables are also a nice touch.

• Make sure there’s plenty of safe seating for everyone and keep plastic away from the fire.

• Make sure your county is not under a burn ban.

• Be sure to put the fire out completely before calling it a night — the wind can send sparks flying or blow chairs or other objects into hot coals, creating a fire hazard. Keep a water hose handy for stray sparks and to help put out the fire when done.

• Smoke is a harmful irritant to people with asthma and allergies. People with these conditions need to sit further away and out of the smoke. Make sure the wind is blowing it away not towards you so it does not irritate the lungs. Some may find it helpful to wear masks. Be sure to wash your clothes and shower after sitting near the fire.

38 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Activity Ideas

• Try traditional activities for fun around the fire like roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, telling ghost stories, and playing games like Truth or Dare.

• Invite some musical friends and savor the group singing, rhythm, and sounds joining in harmony with nature.

• Bring out the sparklers for a New Year’s Eve gathering around the fire.

• Add bubbles. Whether blowing them one at a time, or using a bubble shooter, or a large wand, the effects of the bubbles floating above the fire is fun. Try sending up a large one and quickly blow a few small bubbles to get the feel of a sea creature under the ocean.

First, and foremost for a memorable time, is just enjoying the outdoors, relaxing, and “fire talk.” As the stresses of the day begin to melt away around the mesmerizing flickers and flames of an outdoor fire, it seems to bring out the most delightful conversations.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 39

FEEL GOOD Give Yourself a Break From Holiday Stress There’s help for those who feel overwhelmed by the holidays — both before they arrive and after they pass. County Line Magazine turns to Scott Martin with the East Texas Stress Reduction Clinic in Tyler for guidance.

Why do the holidays — a favorite time for many — cause internal conflicts and anxieties for others?

The holidays are filled with emotional triggers of anxiety from memories of both perfect and imperfect childhoods and expectations. It’s a happy equation if your expectation of life minus your reality of life equals your level of happiness. The expectations of the holidays are what tend to ramp up people’s anxieties: appropriate gifts to buy; budgets

Explore Wood County!

to maintain, or blow; events that include rubbing elbows again with people we might not spend personal time with the rest of the year for good reason.

EXPLORE WOOD MeetingCOUNTY the locals has never been so memorable

Are there quick psychological fixes for these problems?

When people feel overwhelmed, it is a good strategy to take a breath and get specific at identifying what is being held in such a way that it is causing you stress. There are situations you can either change or not change. If you can change them, then do you choose to do so? The next question, then, is how to accept those things you cannot choose to change, right? A very important reminder here is that the “pain” of mental emotional health is “in the body.” We do not have painful thoughts or emotions, we have thoughts and emotions that then send a biological signal into the autonomic nervous system of the body. How you yourself are holding an issue frequently has positive outcomes for the issue itself. At the very least, you can decrease your own suffering even if you can’t change the situation.

How do you define “mindfulness?”

www.woodcountytx.com “Beyond the Lure of Big Fish”

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40 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Jon Kabat-Zinn, the creator of MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), defined mindfulness as paying attention on purpose without judgment and with loving compassion for your self. I define mindfulness as the practice of “presence,” remembering to give yourself a break. If you want to change anything, you have to bring presence to it.

The brain is going to do what it expects

to do. If that expectation is staying in a story of frustration, then that is what it will do. If it expects to focus on how the body is holding the story, then you will see an increase of communication between the brain and the body, bringing more control over how that body is holding that stress.

What is it about being “present in the moment” that is so freeing and helpful for people?

e t a r b e l e Come C s!

With U

Think of a gear system. If you are lost in a story where the reality you are in and the reality you want to be in are different, then you are suffering. Paying attention to something like breath or body sensation brings you out of the story and into the present moment.

That decreases an enormous amount of mental and physical energy. For people who practice presence in some established ways, we see studies showing a decrease of 30 to 40 percent in medical and psychological symptoms across the board because stress is such a contributor to our health.

What general advice would you give people related to the holidays?

I would say spend a bit of time in mindful inquiry with “how you are going to hold” this holiday within you, recognizing what triggers from past mental or emotional traumas need some attention, and processing and making a clear commitment to practice presence daily so that you have more of an ability to respond to stressors instead of react.

And remember to give yourself some compassion — be nice to yourself.

We also know that the two biggest predictors of happiness are gratitude and social connection. Take a 30-day gratitude challenge and write down several things every day in a journal for which you are grateful — no matter how small or large. Also, spending time and having social connection with others is also a great predictor of happiness. So make plans to go to that Christmas party, seek out opportunities to just hang out with family and friends.

Scott Martin is the founder and current director of the East Texas Stress Reduction Clinic in Tyler. He holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler and is trained and recognized to teach the internationally acclaimed “Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction” program. Learn more at etsrc.org.

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WWW.YAMAYOGA.NET 903.316.9471 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 41

Going Back and Moving Forward

In My Hometown

By Tracy Torma Some say you can never go home again.

But for these Upper East Side Texans, home is where the heart is. They left to pursue careers and passions, but have returned home to make a positive impact on their communities.

It’s a trend County Line has noticed as we report on happenings across the region – East Texas natives returning to their roots and becoming involved in civic activities and organizations to help their hometowns thrive. Here are four of their stories.

Marketing Historic Palestine Mary Raum

Mary Raum was a newborn in Ohio when her father traveled to Palestine to help his sister-in-law restore an old home. He loved the city so much, he packed up the family, including fivemonth-old Raum, and moved to Palestine in 1981.

Today, as Palestine’s tourism marketing manager, Raum is encouraging people to visit her historic hometown, which is only second to Galveston in the number of historic properties in the state.

Raum would pack up and move herself after graduating from high school to pursue her love of fashion. She moved to Los Angeles, working her way through the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After graduating with highest honors in 2001, she worked for the Gap and May Co, Inc. L.A. She then moved to Dallas as a buyer for a jewelry store and later J.C. Penney Co., where, with a reputation as a problem solver, Raum was placed in a variety of lagging departments to help boost sales. In 2012 after she and her husband, Shane, had twins, they decided to ditch the two-hour-a-day big-city commute and move back to her hometown of 18,000.

Raum first got involved in the community as executive director of the United Way of East/Central Texas. In her first

Home is Where the Heart Is for These East Texans

year, the organization exceeded its yearly fundraising goal, going from $87,000 to $115,000. While at the United Way, she started the Dogwood Children’s Literacy and Art Festival, an event where children from the community enjoy an afternoon with authors and illustrators to encourage reading and spark the imagination. She became volunteer operations director of the Curious Museum, a hands-on exhibit based on the world-famous Exploratorium in San Francisco that promotes creativity and innovation skills.

In February 2016, she began her current role as Palestine’s tourism marketing manager, combining her love of history, her marketing expertise and problem-solving skills together to “sell” the city of Palestine to visitors.

On a typical day, she is working to enhance the overall marketing strategy and customize it to special events, such as Christmas activities in Palestine, including the Polar Express Train RideTM. Or, she might be designing content for the annual Dogwood Trails festival in the spring or getting the word out about the beautiful Fall foliage in the area as people plan to get out of the big city.

All of this is in addition to maintaining a standard of excellence through her staff at the Palestine Visitor Center who support efforts to create welcome bags and tours for groups visiting the city.

Raum likes personalizing each visit, whether providing a bus tour for a group interested in seeing architectural details or customizing a list of activities for guests attending a wedding ceremony at the Museum of East Texas Culture.

“We try to customize any special requests. It’s those little memories that make people want to come back,” she says.

Mary Raum, Palestine

Since Raum took the role, city hotel occupancy tax rates are on the rise. In the spring, rates were up as much as 28 percent. This fall, the city attracted more than 800 dogs and 2,300 people to the Master Nationals Retriever Club Championship. Raum worked with the 42 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

city to loosen leash laws during the three weeks the AKC-registered dogs and their owners and handlers were in town for the competition, changing the tagline of the town’s Visit Palestine ad campaign – “Champagne Served, Boots Welcome” – to “Retrievers Welcome: We’re All About the Dogs.”

“We ‘welcome all’ as a community, but with each special event, we try to tailor the tagline for the event or season,” she explains. “I’m most excited about educating people on what we have to offer. It’s highly gratifying when people leave our visitors center and say, ‘I had no idea there is so much going on in town.’”

Like many of his peers, Kevin Banks left his hometown of Greenville for greener pastures after graduating from high school in 1978. But after a career with The Walt Disney Company, today he’s bringing a touch of magic to Greenville as tourism manager for the city and director of the Greenville Municipal Auditorium After earning his business degree with a specialty in marketing from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce), Banks went to work for SangerHarris department store, joining its executive program while a student and moving from a part-time dock position to assistant store manager at one of the retail chain’s largest stores in Fort Worth.

But his career changed in 1989 when he decided to pursue a childhood dream of working for Walt Disney World. As part of park operations at Disney World in Florida, he served as attractions host of the Great Movie Ride at Disney Hollywood Studios. As a VIP tour guide, Banks hosted people from around the world, including President Jimmy Carter and his family and Julie Andrews and her daughter.

Banks later moved into the marketing arm of Disney, called Synergy, where he worked with all other divisions of the company on cross-promotional opportunities, including those with Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line.

His last job was with Disney Theatrical Group in New York City.

Kevin Banks, Greenville

Promoting the Magic of Greenville Kevin Banks

After reaching his 25th anniversary with Disney, Banks decided to take early retirement.

“I loved New York, but I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life there. I had to decide: Do I move back to Orlando or home to Greenville? I felt I could have a bigger impact here,” he says.

For the past two years, he’s been adding Disney magic to his role with the city.

As director of the Greenville Municipal Auditorium, Banks took the position during the middle of a fundraising campaign to help buy new seats for the auditorium, a 1,400-seat venue located in a beautiful art deco building built in 1939.

With his help, the team has raised almost half a million dollars to get new seats installed. At the same time, he found an opportunity to restore some of the original art deco interior that had vanished over the years. Today, the team is only $2,000 away from reaching its fundraising goal.

Besides hosting local dance recitals and high school band concerts, the auditorium features musical performances ranging from Broadway to big band to country. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs there three times a year.

When he’s not managing the auditorium, Banks is promoting Greenville.

“We’ve got an award-winning winery, a growing public art program, great boutique shopping and down-home restaurants.”

Banks has updated the town’s brochure, website and advertising, all with consistent messaging – something he learned at Disney.

His work is paying off. Information requests from potential visitors are on the rise, going from 800 requests a year to more than 2,000 this year. He’s tapped photography students at Texas A&M Commerce to help build a photo library and communications students to assist with social media to promote the city.

He’s helped generate interest in the Downtown Strolls in Greenville, where downtown businesses work together to present an open house.

“I try to convey to our businesses some of the guest services’ success of Disney, where everything within their four walls speaks to people. It makes our downtown more inviting and people will remember us and come back.” continued page 44

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 43

“I’ve always been an adventurer, eager to experience new places, so I like to say that we headed west and just kept going until we eventually landed back in Winnsboro. Our kids would come to Texas every year and it was the highlight of their summer. They learned to drive on the property and fished in the pond.

They didn’t want to see the house leave our family. It feels right for us to be here now.”

Mary White, Winnsboro

So when White moved to Winnsboro in 2014, she became active in the Winnsboro Center for the Arts, founded in 2001 to provide more cultural and artistic opportunities and to make them accessible to everyone.

“I came into the center just as major renovations were being completed.”

A new listening room was added – The Bowery Stage – which seats around 100 people and has now become the center’s “claim to fame,” hosting a popular series of intimate concerts each year.

Renovations also included space for an art gallery and instruction as well as for a small gift shop.

HOMETOWN continued from page 43 Expanding Cultural Opportunities in Winnsboro Mary White Mary White left her hometown of Winnsboro for a successful 30-year biomedical career on the East Coast, never really expecting to live there again. But as the years passed and her children’s summers spent at their grandparents’ home became a cherished tradition, she began to think more about a return. Today, she’s making an impact on cultural opportunities for the community with her involvement at the Winnsboro Center for the Arts.

A biology major at Southern Methodist University, White received her master’s degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and a doctorate in immunology and medical microbiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. She married an SMU classmate, Brad Scharf, from Arlington, whom she met while attending an SMU summer math program for high school students. After spending three years in Germany, the couple settled in the Bos-

ton area, where White worked in biotech and her husband was an electrical engineer.

In 2002, White left her position as senior vice president of research for a small biotech company so that she would have more time to manage her aging father’s care and also to spend more time playing the piano. Music has always been a serious hobby for White, who is classically trained in piano; however, in recent years, she has spent more time learning to play jazz. She studied jazz at a community music school in Winchester, a suburb of Boston, where she later served on the board of the school, using her management skills honed in biotech to help the school grow.

“I realized the importance of the arts and how everyone needs that exposure.

You don’t have to be a performer to benefit,” she says.

White and her husband purchased her parents’ home in the 1990s when her parents began to consider downsizing, and with that purchase came the decision to eventually return to Winnsboro.

44 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

“Everyone was very enthusiastic, but it seemed to me that they were unsure of how to move to the next step,” White says. “I felt like I had arrived at a good time in that my skill set and nonprofit experience might be useful in helping them to build their development program and add more structure to the organization. The arts community here is a wonderful group of dedicated people, and I really enjoy working with them.”

Today, as president of the board for the center, White is working to expand arts educational opportunities, especially for children. One of the center’s biggest successes is the summer drama camp where students write and perform a musical. A second drama camp was added this past summer and White hopes to add a third camp featuring arts and crafts or perhaps music next year.

“We also offer private lessons in guitar, keyboard, ukulele, and we’re looking for a children’s art instructor so we can add children’s art classes to the program in the future.”

Membership is expanding and White hopes to build grant opportunities for the center.

“Small towns really have a lot to offer,”

she says. “Winnsboro is a Cultural Arts District and Winnsboro Center for the Arts is often referred to as the ‘heart of the arts in Winnsboro.’

“The community has a reputation of being at the forefront when it comes to cultural activities. We have so much going on with our concert series, an annual art and wine festival, nice restaurants, things for people to do on the weekends. It’s exciting to see my little hometown developing in such a way.”

Creating a Stronger Nacogdoches Jerry Permenter Jerry Permenter grew up dirt poor on a red dirt farm 15 miles from the Nacogdoches city limits. The experience influenced Permenter to build a career in health care that today still has an impact on the oldest town in Texas.

As the youngest of eight children, Permenter remembers drawing water from a well. They had no running water or telephone. And, they couldn’t afford health care.

“We only went to the dentist when we needed to have a tooth pulled,” he recalls. “My sister had epilepsy with severe seizures, but we only sought care when something acute happened.”

treatment. Twice a week, he drove patients to the East Texas Medical Branch in Galveston – a 400-mile round trip – becoming an underground railroad of sorts for people with AIDS. He received his first grant from the Texas Department of Health to do breathing treatments for patients in his bedroom.

“I had no training as a respiratory therapist. I did it because no one else would do it.”

Permenter began receiving funding from other resources and soon his agency grew from his spare bedroom into a large organization serving the community. Over the years, he developed six health care projects of national significance and served on the board of the National AIDS Housing Coalition.

Today, he continues his work providing health care for the underrepresented in South Texas, recently opening the first Health Equity Clinic in San Antonio to provide health services for the LGBT community. The center also provides services for a cross-section of the community, including the elderly.

The organization he founded in Nacogdoches is today called Health Horizons of East Texas and continues to advocate for those affected by HIV/AIDS, as well

as provides community health care services. Permenter recently toured the center’s new facility, which happens to be on the road to the house where he grew up.

“It’s a humbling experience. When you see a population go without health care, creating structural interventions in a community where people can go and receive health care is vital.”

Besides leaving a legacy of health care in Nacogdoches, Permenter is an avid promoter of the Garden Capital of Texas. He serves on the city’s planning committee for the annual Nine Flags Christmas Festival and the “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” parade produced by the Nacogdoches Area United Way. “I want my grandchildren who live in Houston to have the East Texas experience and to walk the red brick streets I did as a boy.”

What does it mean to go back and help his hometown thrive?

“There are always opportunities to create a difference in your community.

Bloom where you are planted. I made sure I did that. To me, giving back to where you are from is really vital for the success of every community.”

So it’s no accident that Permenter devoted his life to ensuring adequate and accessible health care for all.

Jerry Permenter, Nacogdoches

Today, Permenter is author of a forthcoming book to be published next year chronicling his experiences in East Texas. Red Dirt Boy is a compilation of stories, including one based on a young woman in an iron lung whom he passed every day on his bus ride to school.

“As a young boy, I had this heart of compassion for her, but didn’t know what to do to make it better,” he says. “Out of that, I started doing things to find a way to help people.”

When the AIDS epidemic hit East Texas in the 1980s, Permenter found his calling. At age 30, he was a student at Stephen F. Austin State University struggling to find his way after working a variety of jobs ranging from welding to TV commercials.

He founded the East Texas AIDS project and, within six months, was helping patients out of his home get critical NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 45

KIDS COUNTY LINE f

CountyLineKids

Shaping the Future of the Upper East Side of Texas

Fun and Thoughtful Gift Ideas from Area Attractions

➤ Astronaut Nutcracker $9 small $30 large

Orange Flight Suit 3 months to Size 14 $50

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Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center 5550 FM 2495, Athens 903.676.2277 tpwd.state.tx.us Plush Fish, 12-14 inches long, $14.95 each

Texas Forestry Museum 1905 Atkinson Drive, Lufkin 936.632.9535 treetexas.com Rustic Handmade Log Truck $45

Discovery Science Place 308 North Broadway Tyler 903.533.8011 discoveryscienceplace.org

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Dino DNA $14.99

Green Engineering Kits $19.99

46 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM •NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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Model Temperance Thomas

NASA Columbia Museum 375 Sabine Street Hemphill 409.787.4827 nasacolumbiamuseum.com

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • COUNTYLINEMAGAZINE.COM • 47

What Heritage Means to Me

Jay Novacek Joshua, Texas

“There’s nothing quite like … early morning in the country when the grass is still wet and the day is young.

It’s just me and the dogs and the sounds of the morning. It’s the life I always wanted and Heritage helped make it happen.”

Find your Heritage at Heritage100.com

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