Best of the Upper East Side of Texas

Transcription

County Line
Complimentary
Copy
JANUARY 2011
to subscribe
see page 30
™
UPPER EAST SIDE OF TEXAS™
M A G A Z I N E
www.countylinemagazine.com
Best
Johnny Cace’s
Seafood Restaurant
Upper
P’s Gallery
of Fine Art
of the
East Side
of Texas
Songwriter
Heather Little
Remembering
Don Meredith
Exploring Kilgore,
Marshall, Longview,
and Gladewater
Catching the
Winter Blues
Staying
on Track
Circle of Friends
by Georgia Lange Moore
EVENTS • ART • POETRY • DINING GUIDE • KIDS’ KORNER • MUSIC • BOOK REVIEW
1st Monday Trade Days
Old Mill
Marketplace
and The Mountain
Great Shopping,
Entertainment,
Dining & Lodging
All in one convenient location
542 Hwy 64 E three blocks east
of Downtown Canton
903.567.5445
oldmillmarketplace.com
Canton, Texas
Be
Entertained!
INDOOR & OUTDOOR
SHOPS
PERFECT FOR ANY
WEATHER CONDITION
FREE
PARKING
134 W. Dallas St. • Canton, TX 75103
903-567-6801 • cell 214-802-7726
www.texasroadswinery.com
with completed
coupon presented
at gate
Open Wed - Sat 3 - 11 p.m. & Special Sundays 1-7 p.m.
EMAIL address___________________________
Name__________________________________
Address_________________________________
State/ZIP________________________________
Exp.3-7-11 CL
Eat.
Sleep.
Shop.
Come in as a Stranger and Leave as a Friend
• Karaoke every Wed & Thurs 6-10 p.m.
• Acoustic Jam Session Every 3rd Sunday 3-7 p.m.
• Fun & Music Every Fri & Sat Night 7-11 p.m.
• Try our new Wine Drinks
Texas Mary & Texas Sunrise
• Always free snacks anytime
at Texas Roads Winery
• New Year’s Eve with Tom Aduddel
• New Year’s Day – FREE Black-eyed Peas
& Cornbread all day for Good Luck!
Watch football on our wide screen TV!
Stop by for your
Texas Wine Passport
to enjoy the many
Texas wines.
Bldg 4000, booth 4343 and Trade Center 11,
booth 1 (on the First Monday grounds)
& inside Texas Roads Winery
Dec. 28-Jan. 2 & Feb. 3-6
Open late til 10:30 p.m.
themountainatcanton.com
Special Gifts in gift shop
Bling Wine Shirts & our Famous Wine-a-Rita
& Peach Bellini Mix
BRING IN COUPON FOR BUY 2
GET 1 for $5 EITHER LOCATION
EXPIRES JAN. 31, 2011
Want to check out
more customers?
County Line readers
want to check you
out too!
Call today to see how we can help you
meet your needs for the most cost-effective,
results-oriented advertising.
903.833.2084
2 • COUNTY LINE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2011
Editor’s Note
Dear Readers,
Welcome to 2011 and the first issue
of our 11th year! I am really excited
about all that this year is sure to bring.
Eleven is one of my favorite numbers!
In this issue is the 2010 Best of the Upper East Side of Texas. This year we
had more than four times the amount
of votes as we did last year. That is such
good news as it lets us find out more
and more of what this region has to offer. I am looking forward to trying out
some new restaurants and other places that I have never been to before.
Checking out the treasures of our little piece of the world here is a priority
for me this year and I start out sharing
with you this month about a road trip
I took with a friend. We had so much
fun! Sometimes simply having dessert
in a place you’ve never been or seeing
things you’ve never seen before is all
you need to make life full of one special moment after another. I am looking forward to my next trip to discover
more. Please send in your reviews of
adventures you’ve had in Northeast
Texas or let us know if you would like
us to check something out for you.
Also in this issue you’ll meet talented people like Heather Little of
Lindale, Paula Davis from Longview,
and we say goodbye to Mount Vernon’s Don Meredith. I am thrilled
to have a publication that can highlight the amazing people that either
call the Upper East Side of Texas
home now or got their start here.
It’s such a treasure hunt! Feel free
to send us names of talented people
you discover along the way.
Happy New Year!
P.A. Geddie
Publisher & Managing Editor
County Line
Establilshed
January 2000
Printed on recycled newsprint
with soy-based ink.
Contents
FEATURES
8 2010 Best of the Upper East Side of Texas
The votes are tallied and the winners are all over the Northeast
Texas map this year as our readership increases. Lots of new
places to try out this year and new sites to see.
12 Johnny Cace’s Seafood Continues to Please
Customers for More than 60 Years Now
DEPARTMENTS
4 Talk of the Town
Impact Van Zandt, Winnsboro Arts Market, Jefferson’s Opera
House Theatre Players, Tom Geddie Novel, Discovery Science
Place, Author Herb Marlow, Bellamy Brothers for SPCA of East
Texas.
6 Business
Call it fate or just two hungry-for-seafood chicks but County
Line’s P.A. Geddie and Patti Ramey both ended up at Johnny
Cace’s Seafood and Steak House recently so now there’s a
full-page of rave reviews for this Longview landmark.
By Patti Ramey and P.A. Geddie
Texas National Main Street Cities, Tyler/Longview Growth,
Lindale TJC Space, Songwriting Workshop, Mount Vernon
Music, Marshall Regional Arts Council, Canton I-Phone Application.
20 Heather Little is Going
Where Her Talent Takes Her
16 Grits & Gourmet Dining Guide
Singer-songwriter Heather Little is enjoying her craft and happy
about getting signed to country star Keith Urban’s publishing
company in Nashville.
By Tom Geddie
15 Kids Korner
16 Breakers by Jeremy Light
18 Calendar of Events
22 Music Listings
24 Poetry
23 P’s Gallery Shows Fine Art
Paula Davis recently opened a gallery in Longview featuring
original fine art by local and national artists.
By Tom Geddie
Beating Heart Packed by Marena Hussein, Good Stewards by
Richard Hutzeler, J’y Suis, J’y Rest by Julie Chitty Hubbard, and
I am a Shy and Quiet Woman by Haley Williams.
27 Bookmarks
25 He Was the Best Don Meredith He Could Be
The Mount Vernon native whose career led him to the Dallas
Cowboys and Monday Night Football and even acting is remembered.
By Tom Geddie
26 Adventures Lead to Fun, Food, and Finds
A recent road trip uncovers interesting people, places, and
food in Kilgore, Marshall, Longview, and Gladewater..
By P.A. Geddie
Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King and The Rules of the Red
Rubber Ball by Kevin Carroll
Reviewed by Jeremy Light and Patti Ramey
29 Feel Good
Staying on Track with Health-Conscious Goals
By Heidi Hoke, NC, MH, HHP
30 Outdoor Adventures
Catching the Winter Blues
By Barry St. Clair
31 Marketplace
County Line Magazine
Serving the Upper East Side of Texas
COVER: “Circle of Friends” by this year’s Best Artist,
Georgia Lange Moore of Winnsboro
Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee,
Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson,
Hopkins, Houston, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Marion, Morris,
Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Rusk, Sabine,
San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wood
Publisher & managing Editor: P.A. Geddie ASSOCIATE EditorS: Tom Geddie, Kevin White administration: Lori Easley Contributors: Patti
Ramey, Jeremy Light, Barry St. Clair, Heidi Hoke ART DIRECTOR: Kevin White ILLUSTRATION/PHOTOGRAPHY: Vern Dailey, Larry Brown, P.A. Geddie, Lynn
Adler, John Johanson, Bob Williams, Anayelli, Tom Geddie, Lindy Hearne sales: P.A. Geddie, Josh Gray DISTRIBUTION: Chris Beverage, Catherine
Lenz, Beckey Flippin, Billie Ruth Stanbridge. website: Geddie Connections
County Line Magazine is published once a month, 12 months a year. It is available free of charge in the Northeast Texas area, 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 2011 County Line all rights reserved.
Material may not be reproduced without written permission. Opinions expressed in articles appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Mailing address: P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754 Phone: 903.833.2084 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.countylinemagazine.com. Free listings are entered on a space available basis. Advertising space may be purchased by calling
903.833.2084.
Join County Line ONLINE throughout the month for more of WHAT’S UP in the Upper East Side of Texas!
www.CountyLineMagazine.com
www.facebook.com/CountyLineMagazine
JANUARY 2011 • COUNTY LINE MAGAZINE • 3
Talk of the Town
New Group To Support
Van Zandt Nonprofits
spectives about how to view the world
and express them.”
“These books are masterpieces . . . Your
words sing,” wrote Grammy-winning
songwriter Terri Hendrix.
A new group, Impact Van Zandt Women’s
Fund, is designed to help support 501c3
nonprofit agencies in Van Zandt County.
It’s modeled after the women’s philanthropic Impact Austin Fund and is supported through the East Texas Communities Foundation.
“They don’t reveal themselves all at
once, and they suggest more than they
reveal. A trove of gems,” wrote noted
songwriter Richard Dobson. “You will
want to keep Stolen Lies close by awhile,
a collection to ponder and marvel over,
each visit inviting another return.”
Charter members include Theresa Pirtle
Leftwich, Gretta Davis, Pat Hammond,
Sandra Husmann, Sue Richards, and Lou
Ellen Bliss.
Tom also teaches creative writing, including doing school programs. His recent workshop at Tyler Public Library
drew 40 attendees.
The group said an additional 15 women
promise annual contributions. Members
hope to recruit more members.
The fund requires a minimum annual
pledge and all members will meet annually to vote on fund recipients.
For more information, go to www.impactvzfund.com.
Winnsboro Arts Market
Plans Comeback in 2011
After a successful first run in 2009, the
weak economy and some growing pains
caused the cancellation of the 2010
Winnsboro Fine Art Market. With all of
the kinks now worked out, The Winnsboro Main Street Partnership plans to
hold the event again in 2011.
Steve Brohard, president of The Winnsboro Main Street Partnership, said, “Everyone has been asking about the art
market and expressing their disappointment at its cancellation this year. The
2009 event brought a lot of visitors and
revenue to Winnsboro and the Main
Street Partnership wants to continue to
promote events like this.”
Mary Smith, who coordinated the 2009
event, will be in charge of planning the
Winnsboro Fine Art Market which will
take place on November 5-6, 2011, in
Winnsboro’s downtown cultural arts district.
The Winnsboro Main Street Partnership is a non-profit corporation whose
mission is to support the development
of successful and thriving private sector businesses in the Downtown Historic District and throughout the City
of Winnsboro. For more information,
call Mary at 903.767.6532, email mary@
winnsboroart.com, or go to www.winnsboroart.com.
Teacher Joanna Goldman looks on as students (l-r)Yessica Decelis, Shelby Pitts, and Jacy Johns make gingerbread houses at Edom Bakery & Grill. They were displayed at the Lapoyner schools until Christmas so other
culinary students could see and study them. Then the students took them home. Photo by Tom Geddie
Opera House Theatre
Offers Arts Scholarship
Jefferson’s community theater group,
the Opera House Theatre Players, is
again offering an arts scholarship competition for senior students in several
area schools.
beth Burnam, a writer and editor herself. “Images that are so beautiful they
almost hurt . . . Your name will become
classic and set new standards and per-
His other books are Stolen Lies, a collection of free-verse poetry; He Dreamed
Fragments, a collection of short fiction;
What Texas Music Really Is, a collection
of columns about listening to music;
and the essays Love & Masks & Ghosts.
For more information, email [email protected].
Information and applications will be
mailed to the schools soon after the first
of the year. Several factors will be considered in choosing the student selected for the $250 scholarship including
grades, participation with the Players
during one of this season productions,
and school activities.
The scholarship will be awarded toward the end of the school term and
announced publicly at the annual
OHTP membership meeting and Ynot
awards banquet usually held in early
August. For more information, call
903.238.4888.
Tom Geddie Publishes
Novel of Future Humanity
County Line Magazine’s Tom Geddie has
published his fifth book, a novel named
For She Was Once the Thief of Time.
The book of “novel fragments” – sometimes seemingly disconnected chapters
written for a 21st century audience –
tells stories about humanity near what
may be the end of time.
Readers praise Tom’s writing.
“Lyrical. Wise. Textured,” wrote Eliza-
The Winnsboro Cultural Arts District awarded cash prizes to artists in the “Fine Art” sector of the Arts
Festival as part of a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Front to back: Bobbye Koncak, ($300
for first place for her watercolor), Richard Proffitt ($150 for second place for his photography), and Barbara
Sudik ($50 for third place for her oil painting). Photo by Bob Williams.
ery Science Place is creating partnerships
with the Children’s Advocacy Center
of Smith County and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children)
of East Texas. These groups will have the
opportunity to use the courthouse outside of regular museum hours. The goal
of these partnerships is to provide a safe
environment for children to be introduced to the judicial process, better preparing them for court appearances and
ensuring confidentiality.
For more information, call 903.533.8011
or go to www.discoveryscienceplace.org.
Prolific Herb Marlow
Publishes 2 New Books
Colfax-based author Herb Marlow has
two new books available, one that’s both
in print and electronic forms, and one
that’s strictly online.
Herb said to ask for Cowboy Riches at
any bookstore, and says it’s available as
an Ebook on Amazon Kindle and B&N
Nook.
The other book, Winchester Doctor, is
Herb’s latest Civil War novel for young
adults. It’s available in Ebook form.
The annual Native American Pow Wow is scheduled January 15 in Greenville to benefit the Greenville High School Native American Club. The event
includes Native American dancing, exhibits, speakers, crafts, food, and demonstrations by members of
many tribes in authentic regalia. It runs from 10
a.m. to 10 p.m. at Greenville High School, 3515
Lion’s Lair, and admission is free. For more information, call 903.450.1859. Courtesy photo.
Discovery Science Place
Opens Judicial Exhibit
Gifts from the Texas Bar Foundation,
Smith County Bar Foundation, and an
anonymous donor help assure the new
courthouse exhibit – a scaled version of
the original Smith County Courthouse –
at Discovery Science Place in Tyler will
give children and their families a better
understanding of the judicial system,
rights, and responsibilities under the
law.
The courthouse exhibit will include interior space furnished with a judge’s
bench, witness stand, and attorneys’
desks complete with experiential props
including costumes and gavels. Displays
will include informational materials to
educate on the judicial process, performing civic duty as a juror, and explanations
of what participants’ duties are during a
court session. It will also explain various
sectors of the law that might be most directly applicable to children.
The historic courthouse replica will be
used for other purposes as well. Discov-
Herb is a prolific author who writes fiction and nonfiction books for both children and adults, and does in-school programs with elementary school librarians,
teachers, administrators and students in
Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. For more information, go to http://
fourseasonsbookstore.com.
The Bellamy Brothers
Headline SPCA Event
The Bellamy Brothers and Paula Nelson
will perform at the February 12 fundraiser for the SPCA of East Texas in Tyler.
Paula is a daughter of Willie Nelson.
In addition to the concert, the event includes a dinner, silent auction, and raffle.
All proceeds go to the new SPCA of East
Texas to build a much-needed shelter
and help animals rescued during cruelty
investigations.
The goal of SPCA of East Texas is to design, build and operate a warm, family
friendly, local animal services center to
serve both the City of Tyler and Smith
County in the rescue and adoption of as
many homeless pets as possible. Additionally, the group will promote and educate
our community about the humane treatment of animals, pet overpopulation, and
the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Tickets for the event cost $125. It begins
at 6:30 p.m. at the Lone Star Event Center, 4036 FM 2767 off East Loop 323.
or go to www.spcaeasttx.com.
B
eyond The GarFloral
More
Than
Gators!
EAST TEXAS GATORS
AND WILDLIFE PARK
9 a.m. till dusk
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY
Restaurant OPEN All Year Long
Friday & Saturday STEAK NIGHTS
Entry Fee FREE from 5-8 p.m.
with Meal Purchase
All
9515 Hwy 1255
Between I-20 and Hwy 110
Grand Saline, TX
903-962-5630
www.easttexasgators.com
Fresh Flowers
Funerals • Weddings
Special Events and Unique Gifts...
(P
E
(Regular Menu Also Available)
941 S. Oak St, Van TX 75790
(903) 963-7400
BeyondTheGardenFloral.com
Don’t Miss the 3rd Annual
Canton
Western
Swing
Valentine Party
3 BIG Days – February 10-12, 2011
In the Giant Canton Civic Center • Canton, TX
HUGE Dance Floor! Shows start at noon each day
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Ted Scanlon & The Desperados
Shoot Low, Sheriff
Jake Hooker & The Outsiders
Bobby Flores
& The Yellow Rose Band
Billy Mata & The Texas Tradition
Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys
Ricky Boen & Texas Mud
Eddie McAlvain & The Mavericks
4 p.m. Fish Fry for $5
Sponsored by FSMF
$30 per day – $20 after 5 p.m. – $75 3-day pass • RV spaces $25 per day
For more info, call 1.800.243.6502 or visit www.swingcanton.com
Business
Historical Groups List
52 Main Street Cities
The Texas Historical Commission and
the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently recognized 52 National Main
Street Cities in Texas. Recognized were
Amarillo, Bastrop, Bay City, Beaumont,
Brenham, Canton, Canyon, Carthage,
Celina, Clifton, Comanche, Cotulla,
Denton, Elgin, Farmersville, Gainesville,
Georgetown, Goliad, Gonzales, Grapevine, Greenville, Harlingen, Henderson, Hillsboro, Huntsville, Kilgore, La
Grange, Laredo, Levelland, Livingston,
Llano, Longview, Lufkin, Luling, McKinney, Mineola, Mount Pleasant, Mount
Vernon, Nacogdoches, New Braunfels,
Odessa, Plainview, Rockwall, Royse City,
San Angelo, San Marcos, Seguin, Sonora,
Taylor, Tyler, Waxahachie, and Weatherford.
“In 2011, the Texas Main Street Program
celebrates its 30th anniversary and that
means we have not only newer programs
but also many cities whose Main Street
programs have stood the test of time,”
said Debra Farst, state coordinator of the
Texas Main Street Program.
“This recognition honors the many partners of Main Street in each community
as well as the progress each program
has made. Whether recently designated
or long-time programs, year to year, the
hard work of the many community members involved in the Main Street process
pays off. Through a focus on preserving
their authentic historic downtowns, the
whole community benefits.”
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center will
honor the recognized cities at the 2011
National Main Streets Conference to be
held in Des Moines, Iowa in May.
Cities chosen as National Main Street
Cities must show above average performance in 10 categories. The selection
criteria focus on planning, staff and volunteers, preservation ethic, training and
program assessment.
For more information, call 512.463.5758.
Tyler and Longview
Do Well in Jobs, Growth
Tyler and Longview finished in the top
20 small metropolitan cities in the 2010
Milken Institute rankings of the best-performing U.S. cities for creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth.
Tyler ranked seventh for 2010, down
from fourth in 2009 and Longview was
fifteenth, down from second.
Topping the list were Fargo (#1) and Bismarck (#2), both in North Dakota.
Components of the Milken Institute index job, wage and salary, and technology
growth.
Milken is a nonpartisan, independent
think tank that works to create a more
democratic and efficient global economy. For more information, go to http://
bestcities.milkeninstitute.org.
TJC Lindale Presence
Grows with New Space
The Tyler Junior College presence in
Lindale is growing to meet increased
demand. The college has entered into a
lease agreement that will provide an additional 2,700 square feet of space for
TJC-Lindale in the Identity Center, 2808
N. Main.
Fall enrollment at TJC-Lindale grew from
102 in 2009 to 267 this year.
The new space should be ready for spring
2011 classes and will provide three new
classrooms and two additional office
spaces, said Heather Stokke, TJC-Lindale
site coordinator. The college presently
operates two classrooms with office space
in the center.
TJC-Lindale is “home” to licensed vocational nursing students and offers core
curriculum credit and continuing education courses.
“Our goal is to increase our course offerings so that students can take a full load
of classes here in Lindale,” Heather said.
The college will also offer a basic nurses
aid course at the Lindale location, with a
new class starting each month from January-April 2011 with clinicals at Mineola
Community Care Center and Wood Memorial Nursing Home.
Songwriting Workshop
Adds Grammy Nominee
Singer, songwriter Kasey Lansdale will
host a three hour workshop February 5
in Center designed to give performers
and songwriters a unique learning experience opportunity to work with one of
Nashville’s most respected singer/songwriters, Grammy nominee Roxie Dean.
Dean’s songwriting career includes a 2001
Nashville Songwriters Association Inter-
national “Top 10 Songs That You Wish
You’d Written” award for “Why They Call
It Falling” and a Grammy nomination for
co-writing “When I think about Angels.”
Roxie’s songwriting credits also include
cuts by Reba McEntire, Tracy Lawrence,
Chely Wright, Tammy Cochran, Jolie Edwards, and others.
Workshop topics include song critiques,
copyrights and publishing, fine-tuning
songs, preparing songs for a demo recording, understanding what publishing
companies are looking for, co-writing,
and song structure. Cost is $125, which
includes a concert by Roxie and Kasey.
The workshop is at the Fannie Brown
Booth Memorial Library, 619 Tenaha.
Advance reservations are recommended.
or email [email protected].
Mount Vernon Music
Wins Grant for $2,500
The Texas Commission on the Arts has
awarded Mount Vernon Music a $2,500
grant to support our outreach concerts
for residents of nursing homes. Set up
as a challenge grant, it requires MVM to
match the TCA’s funds.
The TCA praised “this group so
dedicated to reaching out to non-traditional audiences” and complimented the
work of dedicated MVM volunteers.
MVM’s “house call” performances have
been ongoing since the start of this season, with concerts brought to Paris, Winnsboro, and Mount Vernon. To donate or
for more information, call 903.563.3780
or go to www.mountvernonmusic.org.
Opera Theatre Players
Receive $1,500 Grant
Jefferson’s Opera House Theatre Players
received a $1,500 grant from the Marshall Regional Arts Council recently. The
grant will help the Players complete their
22nd season which began in November
with “Golden Era Follies” and ends in
July 2011 with the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “The Sound of Music.”
“We are so thankful that MRAC has again
supported us in this manner. We have
counted on them since our existence as
a non-profit theatre began two decades
ago and they have come through for us
every year but one since,” said Dorothy
Craver, theater president. “This is especially wonderful since we know that many
groups in the area are seeking additional
help because of general donations and
spending by the public being down due
to the current economic picture. They
know they are appreciated by every one
of us involved in the theatre as well as citizens of Jefferson for their support of the
arts in our area.”
Theater director Marcia Thomas also
praised the arts council, saying, “These
people have literally kept us from going
down a hole many times over the years
and we could not have existed all these
years without them. Additionally, we have
been the recipient of generous donations
from a local foundation, several individuals and, most importantly, from our great
members whom we recognized two years
ago with the annual Lucille M. Terry Cultural and Performing Arts Award.”
Canton Releases New
I-Phone Application
The City of Canton hosts the world’s largest outdoor trade day’s event, First Monday Trade Days, Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every
month. The East Texas event hosts thousands of vendors from across the country.
Shoppers can purchase anything from
rare antiques and collectibles, furniture,
fine home decor, arts and crafts, clothing,
jewelry, tools, produce, and much more.
The City of Canton and WorldLink Apps
of Frisco teamed up to provide visitors
with a mobile reference guide for information on trade day events, event calendars, maps, navigation, and general contact information.
Key features include notifications of
upcoming Trade Day events; scrollable
calendar showing Trade Day events and
event details; zoomable map of the Trade
Days area; Guide Me displays route for
traveling to the Trade Days area; turn-byturn directions; Canton Visitors Bureau
contact information and touch-to-call
phone numbers.
The First Monday Trade Days application
is available on iTunes for free. A version
for Android will be available this month.
Look for additional feature updates coming soon.
An economic impact report of First Monday completed March 2010 for Canton
EDC by leading Economist Ray Perryman of Perryman Group of Waco, TX.
states that Canton receives approx. 2 million “appearances” each year due to First
Monday Trade Days.
Winner of County Line’s Most Improved Small Town 2010!
New Year & New Places To Visit!
2010 has come and gone, but not without major additions to the streets of downtown.
Let 2011 bring you to Ben Wheeler where you’ll discover a few New finds.
Be sure to visit your other favorite places
while you’re in town!
Moore's Store
Winner - Best Burger
Winner - Best Live Music Venue
Runner Up - Best Dance Hall
Flying Fish Gallery
Live
Acoustic
Music!
Runner Up - Best Art Gallery
Wagon Wheel Forge & Gallery
Sojourn Gallery
Antiques & Texas Heritage
WhimZee
Rave Art Gallery (New Too!)
The Forge Bistro This unique bistro houses a handcrafted rustic cedar bar and features a delicious
menu of simple, yet flavor-filled food created by Executive Chef Christian Chavanne. The Forge also has live
entertainment most Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. holding a fondness for
Texas singer/songwriters. Nestled within an old blacksmith shop, The Forge Bistro is open Sunday, Tuesday &
Wednesday, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tue.–Wed. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thu.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Beer and wine available
Ages 13 & Up welcome after 7 p.m. when accompanied
by an adult. Karaoke nights, all ages welcome.
903.833.5100
1/1
1/7
1/8
1/14
1/15
1/21
1/22
1/28
1/29
All shows 7-10 p.m.
Jeff Allen Band - $10
Karaoke (Riley) - Free
Geezer - $5
Ben Lowery Band - $5
Wesley Pruitt Band - $8
Southern Made - $5
The Magills - $5
Davis Lane - $5
East Texas Jazz Orchestra - $15
Scoots ‘N Scoops Where Everything is Cool! Scoots ‘N Scoops is a Blue Bell Ice Cream shop that
also houses a gallery of vintage and race motorcycles and the Ben Wheeler T-Shirt Emporium.
903.833.1070 • Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation • www.benwheelertx.com • facebook.com/benwheelertexas
Best of the Upper East Side of Texas 2010
The growing variety of dining and entertainment options and other attractions
in this region can be mind boggling, but
is mostly enjoyable. Each January, County
Line Magazine offers up some examples
of the “best,” although that’s a subjective
and personal word for each of us. Here
are readers choices for the “Best of the
Upper East Side of Texas” for 2010.
Check them out. All of them. And let us
know who else should be in the running
for 2011, and what categories might need
to be added.
pinto beans, baked potatoes, cobblers,
ice cream, and drink. You can get order
to go, too. It’s all reasonably priced for
adults 12 and older ($12.95), seniors
60-plus ($10.95), children 5-11 ($6.50),
and children younger than five ($2.50).
Thursday-Saturday 5-9 p.m. Interstate
20 at FM 47. 903.873.-8645, www.robertsonsham-willspoint.com/Redbarn. Runners up: Lake Athens Marina and Rocky’s in
Grand Saline.
Best Barbecue
Bodacious Bar B Q in Sulphur Springs:
Draws customers from much of the world
as license plates on the wall and push pins
on the map show. Owner Galen Adams
grew up in the mostly East Texas chain
begun by his uncle Roland Lindsey with
an idea based on top quality meats, a secret sauce, and a pile of hickory, oak, and
pecan for cooking. The menu offers plate
dinners, sandwiches, side, daily specials,
a variety of family packs to go, and catering. 1220 Mockingbird, 903.885.6456.
Runners up: Cibo BBQ in Winnsboro and
Cowboy’s in Wills Point.
Red Barn in Wills Point: All-you-can-eat,
dine-in buffet on Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday nights includes fried catfish,
fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, fries, hushpuppies, salad, coleslaw, potato salad,
Best Place for Gas, Grub Best Malt/Shake
Dairy Palace in Canton: Thirty-six fla& Groceries
vors available, all made as diners watch
WAG-A-BAG #08 in Pittsburg. In addition
to gas (Mobil) and basic groceries, visitors to this longtime Pittsburg landmark
can get touted burgers, chicken, burritos,
and hot wings any time, and during the
week can choose sandwiches or even hot
lunches from the full deli kitchen. Monday-Saturday 5 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday
– the day or “rest” for staff – from 6 a.m.-9
p.m. 403 S. Greer, 903.856.2491. Runners
up: Mr D’s at Hwys 243 and 19 in Canton
and Martin’s Mill Store.
Best Hamburger
Best Chicken Fried Steak
Double C Steakhouse in Winnsboro:
Opened in 2007 in the historic Bowery
section of Winnsboro, there’s an extensive menu of appetizers; soups, stews,
and sides; Angus steaks; barbecue beef,
ham, and turkey; chicken; catfish and
shrimp; and burgers. The belly-busting,
plate-covering chicken-fried steaks with
salad, baked potato, white gravy, and
Texas toast is one of the most popular
selections. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. 206 Market,
903.342.3111, www.doublecsteakhouse.
com. Runners up: Texas Tea Room in Quitman and The Shed in Edom.
Best Coffee
Best Catfish
moores-store. Runners up: Edom Bakery &
Grill, Dairy Palace in Canton, and East Texas
Burger Company in Mineola.
with Blue Bell ice cream and real milk.
Basic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry
along with moo-lennium crunch, chocolate chip cookie dough, caramel pecan
fudge, pecan pralines and cream, cotton candy, banana pudding, and more at
this consistently popular, self-proclaimed
world famous site with a wide-ranging
breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
2203 N. Trade Days (Hwy 19 just south
of I20), 903-567-6551, www.dairypalace.
com. Runners up: Charley’s in Wills Point,
Dairy Queen in Quitman, and Edom Bakery
& Grill.
Best Pie
Best Breakfast
Kitchen’s in Mineola: Sometimes known
as the Texas Original Hardware/Deli, the
breakfast menu on weekday mornings
ranges from three-egg omelets to migas
(a corn tortilla with egg, tomatoes, onion
and jalapeno to pancakes with traditional
breakfast meats. The novelty-filled hardware store that shares the space opened
in 1899. Deli sandwiches and blackberry
cobbler are on the lunch menu, and
steaks are on the dinner menu on Friday and Saturday nights. 119 E Broad,
903.569.2236, www.kitchenshardwareanddeli.com. Runners up: Edom Bakery &
Grill and Lone Star Grill in Wills Point.
Market, 903.342.3343, www.artandespresso.com. Runners up: Mount Sylvan Coffee
Shop and Rockwell’s in Lindale.
Arts & Espresso in Winnsboro: The variety of aromatic and tasty coffee drinks
includes espressos (naturally), lattes,
cappuccino, café mochas, café au laits,
regular and decaffeinated house blends,
and adventurous combinations iced or
hot. Owners Marilyn Arnaud and Jim Hollowell also offer an ever-changing menu
of pastries, ice cream, and sandwiches
with the coffee and other drinks. On Friday or Saturday night, you might catch
some live music or even a poetry reading.
Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 7
a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 217
Moore’s Store in Ben Wheeler: There’s
the classic burger, of course, plus the Oh
So Blue topped with homemade bleu
cheese mayo, an onion ring, and applewood-smoked bacon, the chili cheese
burger, the patty melt, and the mushroom burger. There are also daily specials plus a menu of salads, sandwiches,
side orders, and fried pies (which are really, for the health conscious among us,
baked). Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Thursday, through
Saturday 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 1551 FM 279.
903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com/
Edom Bakery & Grill. Selection of madeon-the-spot pies (and other desserts) includes coconut cream, chocolate cream,
lemon cream, German chocolate, buttermilk, pecan, cranberry apple, apple,
fudge brownie, chocolate chip, key lime,
cherry, and peach. Not all of the varieties are available every day, but there are
more than enough choices to fill a tummy and tantalize the taste buds. All pastries baked daily, including cakes, cookies, bread, and more special desserts;
special orders with 24-hour notice. Monday-Wednesday 7 a.m.-4 p.m., ThursdaySaturday 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m.-8
p.m. FM 314 at Hwy 279, 903.852.5552,
www.edombakery.com. Runners up: The
Butcher Shop in Longview and Tea Room on
the Square in Canton.
Best Pizza
Cibo Vino in Winnsboro: Pizza isn’t all
that’s on the tasty and extensive Italian
and Mediterranean menu, but the Napolitano style pizzas from the wood-fired
ovens are a treat. Offerings including
margherita, Tuscan olive, meatball, white
cheese, Quattro formaggi (mozzarella,
feta, parmesan, and smoked gouda),
balsamic glazed pomodoro (tomatoes,
olives, onion, mozzarella, and basil), and
chipotle chicken topped with the house
salad. Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m.-2
p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
and 5-9 p.m., Saturday 5-10 p.m. only.
218 N. Main, 903.342.0028. www.cibovinoitalian.com. Runners up: Val’s Italian in
Canton and Bruno’s in Tyler.
Best Produce
Efurd Orchards in Pittsburg: Grows its
own fruits and vegetables on family land,
with more than 150 acres of peach trees
plus more land figs, plums, pecans, potatoes, okra, onions, cucumbers, squash,
tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelons,
strawberries, blueberries, blackberries,
peas and beans, and peppers. Plus peach
syrup; peach cobbler, jams, preserves,
and jellies; ice cream; salad dressings;
hot sauces; cider; and unusual specialties
such as Dr Pepper cake and frostings and
peach and onion salsa. Hwy 271 three
miles south of Pittsburg, 903.856.2253,
http://efurdorchards.com. Runners up:
Graham’s Produce in Edgewood and Goodson
Family Market in Canton.
Best Restaurant
Four Winds in Wills Point: Known for
its steaks, Four Winds also features chef
Frank Rumore’s seafood (scallops, crab
cakes, BBQ shrimp, shrimp remoulade,
lobster, catfish), pork chops, beef tips and
noodles, grilled chicken breasts, salads,
and sides (glazed carrots, mushrooms
and onions, baked potatoes, asparagus,
creamed spinach, green beans, creamed
corn). Steaks include rib eye, filet mignon, New York strip, chicken-fried beef
tenderloin, and even a steak salad. Plus
cabernet sauvignons, merlots, pinot noirs,
chardonnays, zinfandels, and other wines.
Tuesday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. 21191 FM 47,
903.873.2225, www.fourwindssteakhouse.
com. Runners up: Cibo Vino in Winnsboro
and Edom Bakery and Grill.
Best Salsa & Chips
Peralta’s in Winnsboro: What define a
good tortilla chip? Crisp, fresh, tasty,
and free. Thin, but strong enough that
it won’t break in the bowl or on the way
to the mouth loaded with salsa. And the
salsa itself – chunkier than thin – is more
about taste than heat. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
seven days a week. 903.342.5303, 813 S
Main. Runner up: Ochoa’s in Canton.
Best Salad
Sweet Pea Bistro in Athens: Spinach (baby
spinach tossed with dried cranberries,
smoked bacon bits, pistachios, tomatoes,
vinaigrette), chicken (homemade chicken
salad served in a baby iceberg bowl with balsamic vinaigrette), and broccoli (chopped
broccoli mixed with onions, bacon bits,
house dressing), all served with nut bread
and fruit. Also gourmet sandwiches, desserts, and drinks in the retail area of The
Sweet Pea Collection & Winnie & Tulula’s.
Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. plus
Friday and Saturday nights open until 9
p.m. BYOB. Great dinner menu includes
steaks, Chilean sea bass, calamari,... 119 E.
Tyler, 903.677.6868, www.facebook.com/
sweetpeabistro. Runners up: Our Special Touch
in Mount Pleasant and Edom Bakery & Grill.
Best Sandwich
Loose Meat at Mojo’s in Holly Lake: “Best
loose meat cheeseburger you will ever
have,” said one customer. And, “Great
food, great service, good atmosphere. The
owners are very attentive to their customers.” The sandwich comes with grilled onions, two kinds of cheese, lettuce, pickle,
and tomato on ciabatta. There are also
other sandwiches plus half-pound all-beef
hot dogs, pizza, salads, stuffed spuds, and
breakfast until 11 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday 7
a.m.-8 p.m. 2129 S FM 2869, 903.769.1000.
Runners up: Edom Bakery & Grill and The
Forge in Ben Wheeler.
Visit
Best Seafood
Johnny Cace’s in Longview: The extensive menu and special ambience that
can only be found in a restaurant more
than 60 years old, makes this restaurant a
shoe in for Best Seafood. See reviews and
learn more on page 11. Open Sunday 11
a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.
to 10 p.m.; Friday/Saturday 11 a.m. to
11 p.m.1501 E. Marshall Ave (Hwy 80).
903.753.7691.
www.johnnycaces.com.
Runner up: Four Winds in Wills Point.
...a straight shot to Cedar Creek Lake
• Dining
• Boating
• Shopping
• Fishing
• Lodging
• Skiing
• More...
We AIM
to please!
Best Steak
Four Winds in Wills Point: Diners who want
to stick with the steak here can start with the
26-ounce bone-in ribeye with brandy peppercorn sauce if you’re really hungry. Or
there’s the six- or 10-ounce filet mignon,
the 12- or 14-ounce New York strip, or the
12- or 14-ounce ribeye. Or chicken-fried
beef tenderloin, beef tips and noodles, or
even the steak salad (broiled steak, baby lettuce, grilled asparagus, tomatoes and crispy
fried onions with blue cheese-balsamic vinaigrette). Tuesday-Saturday 5-10 p.m. 21191
FM 47, 903.873.2225, www.fourwindssteakhouse.com. Runners up: Double C Steakhouse in
Winnsboro and 5D Cattle Company in Avinger.
Best Sweets
Sweet Shop USA in Mount Pleasant: Familyowned producer of handmade chocolates
features more than 100 options including
various Truffles, Famous Brags®, Nuts and
Chewies, and its signature Fudge Love®. Allnatural ingredients are simmered in large
kosher copper kettles. The chocolates are
distributed to Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s,
Lord & Taylor, Hallmark, Hallmark Flowers,
Central Market, Whole Foods, and other
stores. The outlet store is open to the public Monday-Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m.-6
p.m., Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday
9 a.m.-3 p.m. 1316 Industrial. 903.575.5505,
sweetshopsusa.com. Runners up: Mary of Puddin Hill in Greenville and Edom Bakery & Grill.
Best Tex-Mex
Mercado’s in Tyler. The menu doesn’t
stop here with the full complement of
traditional Tex-Mex appetizers and entrees. There are also steak, seafood,
chicken, and quail entrees and, for those
who need hardier liquids, a private club.
Festive decorations adorn the walls of the
numerous rooms, and the service is so attentive that it can sometimes be on the
point of hovering. Established in 1987,
Mercado’s is the forerunner of the popular and expanding Posado’s group. 2214
W Southwest Loop 323. 903.534.1754,
www.posados.com. Runners up: Los Pinos
in Ben Wheeler and Peralta’s in Winnsboro.
continued Page 10
We AIM
to please!
903.887.1087
www.gunbarrelcity.net
www.gunbarrelcityfestivals.net
For a really
big catch
cast your line
in the
County Line
Call today to see
how we can help you
meet your needs
for the most
cost-effective,
results-oriented
advertising.
903.833.2084
countylinemagazine.
com
BEST OF 2010 continued from page 9
open daily
Shop
throughout the month
Canton Main Street offers year-round opportunities for a good time!
You’ll find great dining experiences including baked goods, salads,
sandwiches and delicious Mexican and Italian dishes. Shoppers are
never disappointed with the many choices of goods from furniture to
home decor to jewelry and unique gifts and apparel for all ages. For
lodging in the Canton area including resorts, RV parks, bed and breakfasts, and hotel/motels — many offering complete getaway packages
— go to www.visitcantontx.com.
Dine
Stay

For a Shopping Adventure as Big as Texas
Original Grounds
World Famous
First Monday Trade Days
The World’s Oldest & Largest Trade Market
Dec. 30-Jan. 2
Feb. 3-6
Mar. 3-6
Thursday thru Sunday
Before the 1st Monday
of Every Month, Rain or
Shine, Sun Up til Sun Down
More than 7,000 vendors with fine
arts, animals, antiques, collectibles,
home furnishings, outdoor and indoor
decor, garden varieties, and much,
much more! Something for everyone
is available at Canton’s First Monday
Trade Days!
The Arbors
The Mountain
Dog Alley
Old Mill Marketplace
Canton Marketplace
Canton Civic Center
(Antiques/Collectibles)
& More!
CVB Office 903.567.1849 or 877.462.7467 • www.visitcantontx.com
Best Winery
Tara Vineyard and Winery in Athens:
Varieties and labels produced in East
Texas and elsewhere include Texas
Blanc du Bois, American Chardonnay,
Angel’s Kiss (Blanc du Bois with a citrus introduction), Something Sweet
white, Lenoir Blush, Southern Sunset,
(light, tangy sweet red wine blend),
Sweet Scarlet Rose (full-bodied sweet
red), Stagecoach Red blend, American
Merlot, American Syrah, Gone with the
Zin American Zinfandel, Petite Syrah,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,
Barbera, and Cynthiana. Tastings of all
of the wines are available. Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-early evening/sunset.
Saturday opens 2 p.m.8603 CR 3914,
903.675.7023, www.tarawinery.com. Runners up: Los Pinos in Pittsburg and Kiepersol
in Bullard.
Best Annual Event
Fire Ant Festival
in Marshall: Nobody likes the pest
called the fire ant,
but
everybody
likes the festival in
its name every second week in October since 1982:
“if you can’t beat
’em, join ’em.” There’s a parade, a bicycle “Tour de Fire Ant,” a 5K “Six Feet
on the Street” run, dominos and rubber
chicken throwing contests, kids’ activities,
a chili cook-off and more. Plus plenty of
food. W. Austin, Wellington, and W. Rusk
streets. 903.935.7868, www.marshall-chamber.com. Runners up: Fall Feral Hog Festival
in Ben Wheeler and Autumn Trails in Winnsboro.
Best Attraction
The Eiffel Tower in Paris. Texas, that is.
With a giant red
cowboy hat on
top. Yes, it’s a
65-foot-tall (plus
the hat) replica
of the famous
Eiffel
Tower
in Paris, and it
draws quite a
few visitors, too.
That’s just one
of the ways you
show civic pride
in a town that
local residents
like sometimes like to refer to as the second largest Paris in the world. Hwy 82 at
the corner of Jefferson and S. Collegiate
next to Love Civic Center. 903.739.9912.
Runners up: Edgewood Heritage Park Historical Village and the Museum for East Texas Culture in Palestine.
Best Fishing Hole
Lake Fork between Yantis and Quitman:
Sitting on 27,264 acres with a maximum
depth of 70 feet, the predominant fish
species are largemouth bass, crappie,
channel cats, white bass, and sunfish. A
combination of restrictive harvest regulations, stocking of Florida strain largemouth, and abundant habitat has contributed to Lake Fork’s development as
one of the country’s premier trophy bass
lakes. More than 65% of the Texas top 50
largest bass (including the current state
record) were caught in Lake Fork. On
the Sabine River in Hopkins, Rains and
Wood counties. 903.878.2262, www.tpwd.
state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/
lakes/fork. Runner up: Lake Cypress Springs
near Mount Pleasant.
Best Bed & Breakfast
Pecan House B&B in Pittsburg: With
carefully restored original timber floors,
high decorated ceilings, and architectural features, this home evokes a Victorian residence. The law library can seat
20, and the Chelsea Lounge is a popular
setting with diners. Home-cooked English gourmet breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, and gourmet dinners. For a
small fee, take a chauffeur-driven Rolls
Royce Silver Spur to nearby Los Pinos
vineyard and winery. Available for corporate lunches and other events. Pecan
House Bed and Breakfast.212 College,
903.856.5504, www.pecanhousebnb.com.
Runners up: Rose Manor in Wills Point, Thee
Hubble House in Winnsboro, and Hunter’s
Moon Farmhouse in Winnsboro.
Best Golf Course
Links at Land’s End in Yantis: The 18hole, 6,664-yard course is somewhat challenging at par 71. One hole literally ends
on a peninsula jutting out into the waters
of Lake Fork and half of the holes are
along the shore of Lake Fork. The other
half of the holes meander through the
trees and among some nice homes. The
PGA member staff is knowledgeable and
friendly. Avid Golfer rated it as the #1 Hidden Gem. Approximate weekend price
range: $45.00 to $59.00. 285 Private Road
5980, 903.383.3290, www.golflakefork.
com. Runners up: Garden Valley Golf Resort
and Twin Lakes in Canton.
Best Birdwatching
Mineola Nature Preserve: At various
times of the year, diligent birders and
other visitors have claimed to spot wood
ducks; mallards; snowy and great egrets;
great blue, little blue, and black-crowned
night herons; belted kingfishers; great
horned, eastern screech, and barred
owls; red-tailed and red-shouldered
hawks; Carolina chickadees and wrens;
tufted titmouses; northern cardinals;
red-bellied and downy woodpeckers;
prothonotary warblers; northern parulas; swallow-tailed kites; painted and indigo buntings; blue grosbeaks; summer
tanagers; eastern kingbirds and woodpeewees; blue-gray gnatcatcher; white
eyed, yellow-throated, and red-eyed vireos; wood storks; northern bobwhites;
greater roadrunners; various wading
birds, and more. On the Sabine River
between Mineola and Lindale on Hwy
69: 903.569.8228, www.mnpfriends.org.
Runners up: East Texas Arboretum in Athens
and Tyler State Park.
Best Bookstore
Beauty and the Book in Jefferson: It’s the
only hair salon/book store in the world
with a shrine to Oxford American Magazine and then-publisher John Grisham is
a magnet of sorts for authors as the home
base for the more than 300 Pulpwood
Queen Book Clubs. The bookstore features local and regional books, children’s
books, beauty and girlfriend books, official Pulpwood Queen and Timber Guy
Book Club selections, and owner Kathy
Patrick’s own book, The Pulpwood Queens’
Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life.
More than 500 authors and other celebrities have visited the store. 608 N.
Polk, 903.665.7520, www.beautyandthebook.com. Runners up: Books a Million in
Longview and Barnes & Noble in Tyler.
Best Hotel/Motel
Best Camping Spot
Tyler State Park north of Tyler: The 985.5
acres include a 64-acre lake. Activities include picnicking, camping, boating, fishing, birding, hiking, mountain biking,
lake swimming (unsupervised), and nature study. Campsites ($13-$20 a night)
include 37 tent sites with water, 20 with
electric and water hook-ups, and 57 with
electric, water and sewer hook-ups. Other
facilities include restrooms with and without showers; picnic sites with one pavilion, and a dining hall with a full kitchen
for day-use only. The park store seasonally rents boats and mountain bikes. 789
Park Road 16, 903.597.5338, www.tpwd.
state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/tyler.
Runner up: Lake Tawakoni State Park.
Best County Courthouse
Hopkins County in Sulphur Springs: Built
in 1895 and restored, the Romanesque
Revival, pink granite and red sandstone
structure is a Texas and national historic
landmark occupying the northeast corner of the spacious town square. Massive Roman arches at the entrances are
topped by second-story porticos which
are crowned by third-story open porches. The courthouse, designed by J. Riely
Gordon, received the East Texas Historical Association 2005 Lucille Terry Historical Preservation Award. Downtown.
903.438.4006, www.hopkinscountytx.org.
Runners up: Henderson County in Athens
and Van Zandt in Canton.
Best Dance Hall
Star Dust Dance Barn in Edgewood:
A 2,100-square-foot dance floor which
dominates the building, with picnic-size
tables line both sides. Most people come
to dance, some to learn, some for fellowship in the space built by Dorothy Miller. The Star Dust hosts country dancing
with a live band– waltz, two-step, line, a
bit of jitterbug, drawing 75 to 125 or so
smoke-free, alcohol-free people – from
teens to octogenarians, leaning heavily toward the older side. County Road
1113, 903.873.8023, countrydancer@
wildblue.net. Runner up: Moore’s Store in
Ben Wheeler.
The Excelsior House in Jefferson: Welcoming guests with elegance and taste
since the late 1850s, including Ulysses
S. Grant, Oscar Wilde, Rutherford B.
Hayes, and Lady Bird Johnson. Southern charm graces this historic hotel with
rich rosewood, cherry, and mahogany
furnishings that are an antique lover’s
delight. Beautifully appointed ballroom,
dining room, and manicured grounds.
Each room has its own private bath with
shower, cable television, and telephone.
Rooms approximately $90-$160. Each additional person age four and older $20.
Constructed of brick and timber, with
lacy iron work gallery. 211 W. Austin.
903.665.2513.
www.theexcelsiorhouse.
com. Runner up: Best Western Mineola.
Best Improved Small Town
Ben Wheeler: Almost fading away after
World War II, the small Van Zandt County community thrives again today thanks
to Ben Wheeler Development Company
and Ben Wheeler Arts & Historical Foundation. The popular Moore’s Store and
the newly opened Forge both feature
popular menus and live music on most
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
There’s also the Scoots ‘n’ Scoops Blue
continued Page 13
Johnny Cace’s Seafood Continues to Please
Customers for More than 60 Years Now
During a recent Road Trip (see page 26
for that story) my friend and I were told
about Johnny Cace’s Seafood & Steak
House in Longview. So we went there for
lunch on a Thursday and were not disappointed by anything. We started out with
oysters on the half shell. What a treat!
I followed that with an order of stuffed
hand-breaded shrimp stuffed with crabmeat dressing, a fully-loaded baked potato and a fresh garden salad. My friend
had the crawfish etouffee with rice and
salad and a baked potato. It was so delicious and our waitress, Betty, was so pleasant and accommodating. She has been
with the restaurant for about 35 years, a
testament to how they treat employees
and how the staff in turn treats customers. I took photos and made notes and
planned to do a review which I am sort
of doing right here. But there’s more.
On Friday when deciding where to go to
lunch before we left Longview, we wanted
to go back to Johnny Cace’s for more! So
we had lunch there that day as well. Our
waiter Lane took great care of us and we
ordered the relish tray this time which
was so good I got an order of the cheese
spread and croutons to take home with
me. We ordered from the lunch menu
this time and I had the Seafood Combo
with fried catfish shrimp and crabmeat
dressing and my friend had the broiled filet with cole slaw. Lane brought us a taste
of their chicken soup too. Everything was
as good as it was the day before and then
some. About mid-way through lunch I
checked my email on my Blackberry and
found this month’s restaurant review
from Patti Ramey. What a surprise to find
she had reviewed Johnny Cace’s! Patti’s
review is good so I am not going to go
on too much more about my experience
except to say I agree with her and will be
back there very soon. — P.A. Geddie
Johnny Cace’s Seafood
& Steak House
1501 E. Marshall Ave. (Hwy. 80)
Longview
903.753.7691
www.johnnycaces.com
Review by Patti Ramey
Recently, on a date with my darling husband-to-be I was inspired by the idea of
great seafood. Naturally, that made me
grab my trusty dining review partner and
head out to the best seafood in East Texas. Confession time — I only eat a limited
amount of seafood, but my Aunt Winnie is
Clockwise from top left: Crawfish Etouffee; Johnny Cace’s easily recognizable sign on Highway 80 in Longview; shrimp stuffed with crabmeat; oysters on the half shell; and waitress extraordinaire Betty McCrary who’s been at the restaurant 35 years. Photos by P.A. Geddie
an artist at the fare, hence she had to come
with me.
Johnny Cace’s in Longview is an institution
in fine dining in East Texas and holds a special place in my memory book. I ate a fabulous meal there on my 30th birthday and
my aunt would try to get me to eat during
my cancer treatment by pulling in, sitting
down and ordering me their delicious salt
rubbed baked potato and a heaping serving of their bread pudding. You will find
that I love to talk about Cace’s food.
I am going to destroy all the myths about
why people say they cannot afford to eat
at Johnny Cace’s. Dinner is a fine dining
dinner menu, but still almost the most expensive thing on the dinner menu is a Loin
and Lobster dinner which includes tenderloin of beef, rock lobster tail, salad, veggie
and baked potato for $32.99. The seafood
is always fresh. Try the combo of Newburg
Shrimp and Shrimp etouffee for $11. This
may also surprise most, but steaks at Johnny
Cace’s are the prime cut and fired around.
Always juicy and beautifully cooked. I always
order the same—the flatiron. It is prefect
and served with compound bleu cheese
butter. This is not a low-calorie meal.
The myth is completely blown away by saying one phrase….LUNCH MENU. Dinning at Johnny Cace’s at lunch is a brilliant
idea and nothing is over $8.95. In fact a Seafood Platter for $7.95 includes four pieces
of fried fish, one succulent crab cake, two
jumbo butterfly fried shrimp, potato of the
day, and cole slaw. You can also choose from
gumbo or soup of the day and a great salad.
My aunt and I dinned for less than $26 for
lunch and that included our signature dessert which was $6 and two drinks.
The things that make Johnny Cace’s a
place that people drive hours to eat at are
things that weave in your memories. The
first is always the service. The waiters and
waitresses at Johnny Cace’s are always top
of the line in service and they each throw
in their individual personality of southern
charm. I was taught my correct fork usage
at Johnny Cace’s when I was eleven.
Another special thing about Johnny Cace’s
is the freshness of the food. They pride
themselves on using as much locally grown
ingredients as possible. In the summer, do
not miss the mozzarella and heirloom tomato salad.
Then there are signature dishes or items,
he most famous being not composed of any
protein at all — the relish tray. The relish
tray is really why some folks drive to Johnny
Cace’s. At dinner it comes with your meal,
but at lunch you must order it. It is crisp
homemade bread-and-butter pickles, pickled okra, corn relish and cheese spread
served with garlic croutons. It is why people
walk out with most of their meal in a take
home container. Yes, we ate too much relish tray. The cheese spread I would put on
shoe leather and eat.
But wait, don’t miss dessert. They have
yummy offerings like cheesecake, brownie bottom pie and such, but really it’s all
about the bread pudding (original or white
chocolate). It is piled high and oozing
with a rum sauce that smells like heaven.
Here is my tip-add a scoop of rum raisin ice
cream— you won’t regret it.
Having a Johnny Cace’s experience is fine
dinning at its best and you always want more.
I advise folks to browse their menus online
and remember Cace’s is closed on Mondays.
There’s nothing like food that builds memories and I have lots of Johnny Cace’s in my
memory files. I hope you will too.
Bell store and motorcycle museum and
other unique stores downtown: Flying
Fish Gallery, Players, Antiques & Texas
Heritage, Whimzee, Sojourn Gallery,
Harrison & Son KnifeSmith, Wagon
Wheel Forge & Gallery, and the new one
in the blue building called Rave Art Gallery that houses Steel Metals and other
artists. Hwys 773 and 279 south of Hwy
64. 903.833.1070, www.benwheelertx.
com. Runners up: Sulphur Springs and
Winnsboro.
Best Lakeside Town
Gun Barrel City: On the eastern shore of
Cedar Creek Lake, this community grew
from 60 residents in 1970 to a booming
5,145 in the last census; surely it’s considerably more now. The name is derived
from its motto, “We shoot Straight with
You.” It began as an unincorporated area
known as the Old Bethel Community and
once sheltered outlaws including Bonnie
and Clyde. After completion of the lake,
and was incorporated on May 26, 1969.
Today, it’s grown into the central hub and
access point for the lake and draws lots of
visitors, particularly during the summer
boating season. 903.887.1087, www.gunbarrelcity.net. Runners up: Hideaway and
Yantis.
Best Live Music Venue
Moore’s Store in Ben Wheeler. Eclectic
mix of original and cover music three
nights a week, ranging from country to
big-band jazz to classic rock plus a menu
that includes burgers, daily specials, appetizers, and beer and wine. The bigband East Texas Jazz Orchestra plays
once a month; Bugs Henderson blisters
his guitar from time to time, and other
local and regional bands including Tommy Alverson, Max Stalling, blacktopGYPSY, Wesley Pruitt Band, WhiskeyFish, and
others. There’s even room for some dancing. Thursday-Saturday music begins at 7
p.m. 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.
benwheelertx.com. Runners up: Southern
Junction in Rockwall and Music City Texas
in Linden.
Need More Customers?
Best Museum
The Longview Museum of Fine Arts:
Founded in 1958 with consulting assistance from Jerry Bywaters, director of
the Dallas Museum of Art, the museum’s
permanent collection of more than 300
paintings, etchings, woodcuts, photographs, works on paper, lithographs,
serigraphs, collages, and sculpture rotate
through the main Wrather Gallery. The
adjoining Premier I and II galleries host
well-regarded traveling exhibits six times
a year and the Judge J.T. Smith Sculpture Garden rotates exhibits annually.
Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday
noon-4 p.m. 215 E. Tyler Street, 903-7538103www.lmfa.org. Runners up: Northeast
Texas Rural Heritage Center (with its Ezekial
Airship) in Pittsburg and Mineola Historical
Museum.
Best Nature Walk
Mineola Nature Preserve: Nearly 3,000
acres includes a bluebird trail, live beehive, equestrian trails, chimney swift roost,
herds of longhorns and buffalos, a sensory garden, and wildflower area. Along the
approximately four miles of handicapped
accessible trails, there are observation
platforms for viewing the local wildlife.
Future projects are a mountain bike trail,
a rest area along the river for canoes and
kayaks, and more foot trails. The City of
Mineola is also working with some outside entities in creating a mini ecosystem
for educational programs. On the Sabine
River between Mineola and Lindale on
Hwy 69: 903.569.8228, www.mnpfriends.
org. Runners up: East Texas Arboretum in
Athens and Tyler State Park.
continued Page 14
GEDDIE CONNECTIONS
provides a full spectrum of
communication services to help
advertising &
public relations
you successfully promote your
business, town, or special event.
brochures & fliers
Our diversity and years of proven
copy writing
graphic design
media planning
& placement
corporate
id Packages
direct mail marketing
collateral materials
internal
communications
press releases
& by-lined articles
special events
experience enable us to develop
marketing strategies that work.
We offer fresh, creative solutions
in all areas of marketing, public
relations,
and
advertising,
including producing effective
communications
through
the
Internet as well as in print, radio,
and television.
We also produce special events and
print and online publications.
Coordinating your promotional
efforts
through
one
source
ensures that you reach the
market that counts in the most
cost-effective way. Whether you
web site development
& hosting
need a complete advertising and
social media
marketing
simply a brochure or newsletter
newsletters
& Publications
and more!
public relations campaign or
or a Facebook presence at this
time, we’re here to meet your
needs.
Call today!
903.833.2084
www.geddieconnections.com
Best Park
Caddo Lake State Park: Caddo Indian
legend attributes the formation of the picturesque lake to a giant flood. Scientists
believe the lake formed when floodwaters,
blocked by massive log jams on the Red
River, backed up into the Cypress Bayou watershed. Thick bald cypress and a tangle of
aquatic plants thrive in the waters at Caddo
Lake State Park. Fishing is excellent. Other
activities include camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking, nature study, and boating.
It was the only natural lake in Texas until it
was artificially dammed in the early 1900s
when oil was found and in 1914 for flood
control in 1914. 245 Park Rd 2, Karnack.
903.679.3351, www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/
findadest/parks/caddo_lake. Runners up:
Children’s Park and Bergfeld Park both in Tyler.
Best RV Park
Ben Wheeler t-shirts including Ben Addiction,
Has Ben, Ben Naughty, I Ben Had, etc. – all
focused around the straightforward and serious sign “Ben Wheeler Matters.”
Best Small Town Downtown
Mineola: With a plethora of good restaurants, coffee shops, antique stores, and
other retail along the Hwy 80 and Hwy 69
junction, and with its own Amtrak train station, downtown is a magnet for regional
and even further away shoppers. The first
city government was organized in 1873 and
the town incorporated in 1877 as a railroad
and farming center. Downtown even has
one of the region’s few remaining theaters,
the historic Select, which hosts first-run
movies, stage plays, concerts, and more.
903.569.2087, www.mineolachamber.org.
Runners up: Jefferson and Sulphur Springs.
Mill Creek Ranch RV & Cottage Resort
in Canton. Named Texas Park of the Year
by the Texas Association of Campground
Owners & Texas Recreational Vehicle Association, the site has well-designed and appointed RV sites, and landscaped cottages
on well kept grounds plus a grand lodge,
outdoor pavilion, pools, and gardens. Also
hosts corporate and social events, occasional music festivals, and RV rallies. A typical
visitor comment: “I don’t think we have ever
stayed at a nicer campground in 20 years of
travel. Without exception, every employee
was friendly and helpful. They all made us
feel like family.” Hwy 19 just south of I20.
903.567.7275, www.millcreekranchresort.
com. Runners up: Lake Athens Marina and
Governor Jim Hogg City Park in Quitman.
Texas Community College. Her work can
be seen in her own studio and at museums in Pittsburg and Mount Vernon, and
is available at The Frame Up Gallery in
Mount Vernon. Her next scheduled show
is in April at the Franklin County Arts Alliance in Museum. In 2004, Georgia married another artist, sculptor Al Moore,
and together they operate Bent Pine
Studios. 903.365.2536, www.bentpinestudios.com. Runners up: Joe Hopps in Edom
and Paige Bridges in Wills Point.
Best Art Gallery
P’s Gallery in Longview. The focus in
this 800-square-foot space is mostly on
local and regional artists, and the quality of the work is outstanding. The current show will be on the walls (and, in
some cases, on the floor) through January. The show – a mix of paintings in several styles and of sculpture – features six
local artists, two regional artists, and one
from New York: Joshua Kight, Robert
Jessup, Stacy Deslatte, Dennis O’Bryant,
Cece Bode, Paul Anderson, Jan Statman,
Melinda Buie, and Cheryl McClure.
A new show will go up during the first
week of February. 712 Glencrest, Suite
B. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 903.212.2626. Runner up: Flying Fish
Gallery in Ben Wheeler.
Best Barber/Hair Stylist
Dana Johnson at Salon Elegance by Dana
in Winnsboro. In business in Winnsboro
since 1993, and at Salon Elegance for a
year or so, Dana offers hair cuts, coloring, tanning, and waxing for men and
women. Her “secret,” she says, is listening
to the clients and giving them what they
want. Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5
p.m.; later by appointment. 403 Beavers,
903.342.6688, www.salonelegancebydana.
com. Runners up: Stan Brown at City Barber
Shop in Wills Point
Best Sign
Moon Pie/RC mural in downtown Ben
Wheeler: The mural of a country boy enjoying a Moon Pie and an RC, painted by
Brent Hale, conjures olden and seemingly
simpler times. It fills the south wall on the
side of the Scoots ‘n’ Scoops ice cream shop,
motorcycle museum, and t-shirt emporium.
903.833.1070, www.benwheelertx.com. Runners up: mural on Canton’s downtown square
and, one voter commented, “my pulse.”
Best Play
“Sanders Family Christmas: Smoke on
the Mountain II,” presented by Quitman
Community Theatre. The second in a trilogy of bluegrass gospel musicals features
music from the “Oh, Brother, Where Art
Thou” era as the Sanders family tries to
witness the community of the fictional
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. It’s a
loosely structured review in which group
numbers are spaced out between solos,
and punctuated with a few characterdeveloping monologues. 903.967.2164,
www.qctheatre.org. Runners up: “The Altos” and “Scrooge,” both at Winnsboro Center
for the Arts, and “Man of La Mancha” at
Lake Country Theater in Mineola.
Best Small Theatre Co.
Quitman Community Theatre: Founders Becky and Bob Hibbard have been
involved in live theatrical productions
in the past in other communities, and
brought that love with them when they
moved to Quitman in 2004. The group’s
goals include providing quality theatrical
productions, introduce theater to new
fans, helping local actors perform, teach
aspiring actors, and providing scholarships to deserving Quitman High School
drama students while helping “make the
world a better place by the infusion of
culture into our society.” Performances
are at Carroll Green Civic Center, 602 S
McAllister. 903.967.2164, www.qctheatre.
org. Runners up: Lake Country Playhouse in
Mineola and Talent Box in Wills Point.
Best Theatre
Actor/Actress
Best Slogan
“I’ll meet you at 2 in the morning if I
know you’re coming.” The longtime and
widely known through his radio commercials advertising slogan for Canton
Chevrolet dealer Henry Lewis signals a
friendly, customer-focused desire to sell
you a car. Runner up: selection of puns on
hired both of them on the spot. His specialty is Italian cooking – he trained in
Italy – and he’ll gladly create something
on the spot to satisfy a customer’s whims.
Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. plus
Friday and Saturday nights open until 9
p.m. BYOB. Great dinner menu includes
steaks, Chilean sea bass, calamari,... 119
E. Tyler, 903.677.6868, www.facebook.
com/sweetpeabistro. Runner up: Jackson
York at Edom Bakery & Grill.
Best Artist
Georgia Lange Moore, Winnsboro: Georgia studied sculpture under Octavio
Medallin and has taught art at Calvary
Lutheran School in Dallas at Northeast
Best Chef
Jeff Redden at Sweet Pea Bistro in Athens. Jeff, a Dallas native, had a fine dining restaurant in Oklahoma but moved
back to the Cedar Creek Lake area and
was shopping with his wife Misty one day
at Sweet Pea Collections in Athens. He
noticed the bistro, got into a conversation with owner Gloria Kerzee, and she
Bob Hibbard of Quitman Community
Theatre: Bob is QCT’s artistic director
and has been acting for 40 years. He’s
a member of the Screen Actors Guild
and the American Federation of TV and
Radio Artists and has performed with
Denzel Washington, James Woods, Peter
Fonda, Brian Dennehy, Yvonne DeCarlo,
James Farentino, and many others. He’s
had lead roles in “The Odd Couple,”
“Oliver!,” “Peter Pan,”” How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,”
“Bye Bye Birdie,” and more. Bob is also
a licensed auctioneer, a Mensan, and a
retired prison warden. Runners up: Keith
Haisten and Michael Phifer.
Inspired by Nature
Sayadream
Studio & Gallery
Celebrating the Ceramic Arts
Offering Beginning & Advanced
Pottery Classes
Classes begin each month
Limited to 4 students
A wonderful gift idea for
ALL AGES!
Coming in January!
PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY
Birthday Parties & Special Events
Located in Downtown Alba
on the Square
903-497-6136
Want to check out
more customers?
County Line
readers want
to check you
out too!
Call today to see how we
can help you meet your
needs for the most
cost-effective,
results-oriented
advertising.
903.833-2084
Grits & Gourmet
next ordered the lobster bisque. This is a
delightful creamy soup with generous bits
of lobster meat within. This made a perfect
complement to the avocado fries.
Lunch Tue.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner Tue.-Thur. 4:30-9 p.m., Fri. 4:30 - 10 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sun.-Mon.
Saloon open to Midnight for Concerts & Special Events
206 Market Street • Downtown Winnsboro
903.342.3111
Check our website for upcoming events!
www.DoubleCSteakhouse.com
Breakers
5106 Old Bullard Road, Tyler
903.534.0161
By Jeremy Light
Open 24/7 • Full Menu
Breakfast anytime
Hwy. 19 near I-20 in Canton
“World Famous Hamburgers”
903-567-6551
www.dairypalace.com
Fewer things rival a good book except a
good meal. It’s even better when the meal
eaten is at a place you have seen numerous times but never bothered to visit. Perhaps you have seen Breakers before while
you were visiting Tyler. If you have always
passed it by, I encourage you to stop. You
will not be disappointed.
Accompanied by my lovely fiancé, I walked
into Breakers unsure of what to expect. I
imagined a knockoff version of Red Lobster. Instead, we were treated to a fantastic
Best of the Upper
East Side of Texas
2010
Best Steaks and
Best Restaurant
experience well worth the reasonable price
we paid to dine in.
Breakers is surprisingly large on the inside,
given its modest-sized building. With soft
lighting and the pleasant whoosh of plantation fans overhead, the restaurant for all
intents and purposes makes you think you
have stepped into what I imagine California must be like.
From the reception of our drinks and appetizers, I was encouraged. The wait staff
made the best Arnold Palmer I have ever
tasted and the avocado fries must be ordered. Fried much like the standard mozzarella sticks at most chain restaurants, the
avocado is sweet and tempting, and, combined with crisp, spicy batter, the opening
dish foreshadowed great things to come. I
As an entrée, I tried the fried seafood sampler, a truly wonderful dish of crisp clams,
flavorful shrimp, and perfectly-battered
fish, with a side of spicy red pepper-dusted
French fries. You may also substitute sweet
potato fries, which, by the way, are fantastic.
Diners can also enjoy the Siren-like appeal
of the paella, paneed chicken with shrimp,
broiled lobster tails, and the intriguinglynamed shrimp and grits.
Although I was too full to try any dessert, I
cannot wait to try the key lime pie and the
orange cream cheesecake. Either of these
would have been a perfect capper to a marvelous dining experience.
Located near Times Square Cinema, eating at Breakers before or after the movie of
your choice would certainly provide a memorable night out for you and yours. Enjoy
a family-friendly evening at an overlooked
Tyler treasure by kicking back with a reasonably priced (most entrees are between
$15 and $25) meal and a sophisticated surrounding sure to endear all patrons.
A.J.’s Fish House
All You can eat buffet
Fried Catfish & Shrimp
and all the trimmings
Voted 2009 Best Catfish
in Northeast Texas
by County Line readers!
Thurs-Sat 4-9 p.m. Sun 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hwy 17 @ 515 junction • Alba, TX 903.473.4198
Tuesday & Wednesday
DINNER SPECIAL
Mixed Green Salad
Choice of Fresh Fish of the day, Ribeye Steak, or Filet Mignon
Served with Whipped Potatoes and Green Beans
$24.95
Located in a beautiful
lakeside lodge
at 21191 FM 47
in Wills Point,
one block north of Interstate
20, Exit 516
50 Texas Wines
Open Tuesday - Saturday
5pm. to 10pm.
Plan your party here!
Available for Special Events
Open 7 days a week
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations Recommended
903.873.2225
www.fourwindssteakhouse.com
Savannah Winery & Bistro
PRIME RIB Saturdays
Grilled to perfection
by Chef Todd
SavannahWineryTX.com • 903.567.6810
574 E. Dallas (Hwy. 64) • Canton, TX
Sweet Pea
Bistro
and
Lake Athens
Marina
Espresso
Bar
• RV Park
• Restaurant
Come See Why
County Line Magazine
readers voted for
Sweet Pea Bistro!
BEST SALAD
in the
Upper East Side of Texas
&
• Meeting Facilities
• Bait Shop
BEST CHEF
SAM’S
FOOD MART
FM 2495 Adjacent to the
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
RV Park/Pavilion: 903-675-8686
Fax: 903-675-8647
Restaurant: 903-677-8774
Bait Shop: 903-677-7490
www.lakeathensmarina.com
[email protected]
(inside Exxon)
Hwy. 64 in Ben Wheeler
Fresh Daily
Burgers, Hot Pizza, Sandwiches,
Breakfast, Old-Fashioned Malts,
Shakes, Groceries
Open 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. 7 days a week
903.833.1718
Jeff Redden
soups
• salads • desserts • gourmet sandwiches
organic & free trade coffees • cappuccino • signature mint tea
Dinner menu includes steaks, chilean sea bass, calamari, ...
Bistro open Wed.-Thur. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. BYOB.
Nestled into the retail area of Sweet Peas with an incredible selection of
shabby, vintage, rusty chic and quirky finds for your home and garden.
119 E. Tyler
Athens, TX 75751
903-677-6868 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Wed.-Sat.
www.sweetpeacollection.com
winnieandtululas.blogspot.com • facebook.com/sweetpeabistro
ROBERTSON’S HAMS
Cured & Smoked
Ham, Turkey, Sausage
“Real” Beef Jerky
ALSO Burgers, Barbecue,
Shakes, and Bluebell Cones!
120 @ FM 47, Exit 516
Wills Point
903-873-8645
robertsonsham-willspoint.com
Mon-Wed 9 a.m. -7 p.m.
Voted
Best Catfish in
Northeast Texas
2010
Thurs- Sat 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
THE RED BARN
Catfish and Shrimp Buffet,
Homemade Desserts
Thurs- Sat 5 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
MOORE’S Store
Since 1933
Sun/Tues/Wed
10:30 - 2:30
Thurs/Fri/Sat
10:30 - 10:30
Great Hamburgers,
Sandwiches, Munchies
& Moore!
Serving Beer & Wine
WiFi Available
Ben Wheeler, TX • 903.833.5100
Live Music Thur/Fri/Sat
OPEN 7 DAYS A
WEEK
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
15821 Hwy 64
Ben Wheeler, TX
Calendar
County Line makes every effort to ensure accurate
information. However, pricing, dates, and/or hours
could change. Please call ahead before making
plans. For more listings or organizations and activities and for a list of annual events in and around
East Texas, visit www.countylinemagazine.com.
Through January 1
Land of Lights Christmas Park. Athens. More
than one-mile-long ride with more than two
million lights plus music. $15 family vehicle, call for other pricing. 1500 NW Loop 7.
903.677.6354.
Rail of Lights New Year’s Train. Jefferson.
Old-fashioned steam train ride through the
lights along Cypress Bayou River includes the
tale of New Year’s traditions, customs and superstitions plus beverages, noisemakers, and
a simulation of the New Year’s Eve ball dropping in Times Square followed by a fireworks
show. $12.75-$18. 6-9 p.m. Historic Jefferson
Railway, 400 E. Austin. www.RailofLights.com.
Through January 2
24th Wonderland of Lights. Marshall. Festival
of holiday lights, music (see music listings),
and family fun features more than a million
lights in hundreds of displays on the town
square and other local landmarks. Includes
16-foot snow globe, open-canopy outdoor ice
skating rink, Santa, holiday parade, refreshments, celebrity chef cooking classes, horsedrawn carriage rides, bus tours, and more.
Check out www.countylinemagazine.com and Facebook for more!
903.935.7868, www.visitmarshalltexas.org.
Through January 4
16th Annual Festival of Trees. Lufkin. More
than 70 trees three to 12 feet tall, each individually decorated in a unique theme. Free.
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and
Sunday 1-5 p.m. Museum of East Texas, 503 N.
Second. 936.639.4434, www.metlufkin.org.
December 30-January 2
First Monday Trade Days. Canton. The oldest
and largest flea market in the world. The ultimate shopping experience. Wander 300 acres
of antiques, arts and crafts, and hand-made
articles. Entertainment throughout the days
and nights includes music, demonstrating
artists, and western gunfights. Includes the
Original grounds, Dixie House section, East
Gate Marketplace, The Arbors, Old Mill Marketplace, The Mountain, The Villages, Dog
Alley, and more. More than 6,000 vendors.
Free admission. Open sun up to sundown.
903.567.6556, 903.567.5445, www.cantontx.
com or oldmillmarketplace.com.
January 2
Texas Writers’ Network. Tyler. Informal gathering of writers and aspiring writers for mutual support, critique, and networking for adults
and teens. Free. 2 p.m. Tyler Public Library, 201
S College. 903.593.7323), www.tylerlibrary.com.
January 4
Ride with
the #1 car
insurer in
NORTH TEXAS.
Amanda Froebe, Agent
1401 S Main St.
Lindale, TX 75771
Bus: 903-882-5333
www.amandafroebe.com
INSURING that you will know
our office is relocating!
Our new office address:
1401 S Main St.
Lindale, Texas
903-882-5333
Like a good neighbor,
State Farm is there.
CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7.
®
1001142
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
State Farm Indemnity Company
Bloomington, IL
FOR RENT
***Great for Horses***
4/2, metal shop, small barn,
5+ acres, Van schools
Located in Ben Wheeler
$1500
FOR SALE
***Great for Horses***
4/2, newly renovated,
almost 8 acres
Located in Kaufman
Call for Price
***Great for Kids***
3/2, across from elementary
in Van (one of the top school
systems in Texas), newly
renovated
$117,000
903.880.0336
214.415.5626
Project Graduation Tour of Homes. Van.
At least 10 homes will be decorated for the
tours that give graduating seniors of Van High
School a day at Shenanigan’s in Rockwall.
903.963.5865.
January 7
First Friday Art Tour. Tyler. Features Studiously Slangy and Bohemian, The Tile Club –
Artists of America’s Aesthetic Movement from
the Graham Williford Collection. Free tour;
lunch optional. 11 a.m. Tyler Museum of Art,
1300 S. Mahon. 903.595.1001, www.tylermuseum.org.
January 8 & 15
Trails to Trout Kid’s Fishing Event. Tyler. 2,000
rainbow trout and channel catfish stocked to
provide a free fishing opportunity for area
youth and their adult fishing mentors. Bring
all equipment and bait necessary for fishing;
a limited amount will be available for those
who cannot bring their own on a first-comefirst-served basis. No fishing license required.
Sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The Nature Center,
11810 FM 848. 903.566.1615, craig.bonds@
tpwd.state.tx.us.
January 11-14
Symphony Stories. Tyler. Introduction to classical music for young children, celebrating
some of the best music from popular Disney
films and featuring musical games and stories.
Sponsored by the Women’s Symphony League
and the Friends of the Library. Preschoolers,
their families, and childcare groups; registration required for groups. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College. 903.593.7323),
www.tylerlibrary.com.
January 13
Jon Landau. Tyler. Presentation by the producer of the two highest grossing films of all
time – “Avatar” and “Titanic” – Landau has an
Academy Award and two Golden Globes. $16$36. 7:30 p.m. UT Cowan Center, 3900 University. 903.566.7424. www.cowancenter.org.
January 15
Native American Pow Wow. Greenville. Dancing, exhibits, speakers, crafts, food, and demonstrations from members of many tribes in
authentic regalia. Benefits Greenville HighSchool Native American Club. Free. 10 a.m.10 p.m. Greenville High School, 3515 Lion’s Lair.
903.450.1859.
American Girl Reading Club. Tyler. American
history through crafts, games, and reading
aloud from American Girl books. This month’s
book focus is: Kirsten, a Swedish immigrant
on the American Frontier. For girls ages 5-12
and their mothers or other significant adults.
10 a.m.-noon. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College.
903.593.7323), www.tylerlibrary.com.
January 15-16
Gun Show. Longview. Buy, sell, trade at hundreds of displays of new and old guns, ammo,
gun parts, book, knives, coins, jewelry, camouflage, militaria, and related items. Adults
$7, children 6-11 $2; under 18 admitted with
parent only. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Longview Exhibit
Building, 100 Grand. www.greatsoutherngunshow.com.
January 16
Wedded Bliss Wedding Show. Longview. East
Texas vendors and upcoming seasonal fashion trends. Advance $10; door $12. 1-4 p.m.
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex,
100 Grand. 903.295.1284, www.theweddedbliss.
com.
January 17
Day of Celebration. Winnsboro. 11th annual
Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Free.11
a.m.-2 p.m. Winnsboro Auditorium, 904 Wheeler.
903.975.4346.
January 18
DayCare StoryShare. Tyler. Books, stories,
songs for childcare groups. Reservations required. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tyler Public Library,
201 S College. 903.593.7323), www.tylerlibrary.
com.
January 20
Business Expo. Tyler. Approximately 150 vendors. Free admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sponsored
by Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. Harvey
Convention Center, 2000 W. Front. 903.592.1661,
www.tylertexas.com.
January 21-22
Cowgirl Get-Together. Athens. $10 meal ticket. Friday 4 p.m. All day Saturday. Cain Center,
915 S. Palestine. 903.451.3620, www.cowgirlgettogether.com.
January 22
Artistry & Architecture: A European Experience. Longview. Food and drink from Europe
plus live jazz and silent auctions to benefit
the Longview Symphony Orchestra. $25. 7-10
p.m. Eclectic Arcitecturals, 1201 Champion Way.
903.236.9739, www.longviewsymphony.org.
Place your ad here
and see
immediate results!
Call 903.833.2084
January 22, 29, February 5, 12
Roots 101: Beginning Genealogy. Tyler. Members of the East Texas Genealogical Society
offer a four-session course to help trace family roots. For adults; registration required.
Free. 1-4 p.m. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College.
SPCA Benefit Concert Fundraiser. Tyler. Silent auction, raffle, dinner, and concert with
the Bellamy Brothers and Paula Nelson. All
proceeds go to the new SPCA of East Texas.
$125. 6:30 p.m. Lone Star Event Center, 4036 FM
2767 off East Loop 323. 903.596.7722, www.spcaeasttx.com.
January 25
February 18-19
Club Read. Tyler. Discussion of The Girl with
the Dragon Tattoo, written by Stieg Larsson.
Free. 10 a.m. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College.
Where Were You in ‘42? Longview. Two-hour
USO-style show set in the 1940s. $5. 6:30 p.m.
First Christian Church, 720 N 6th. 903.918.6783,
[email protected].
DayCare StoryShare. Tyler. Books, stories,
songs for childcare groups. Reservations required. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tyler Public Library,
201 S College. 903.593.7323), www.tylerlibrary.
com.
February 19
January 25, 29
ArtCards. Tyler. Rubber-stamping, embellishing, and card-making for adults and teens;
registration required. $10 supply fee payable
at the beginning of the class. 10:30 a.m.-noon.
Tyler Public Library, 201 S College. 903.593.7323),
www.tylerlibrary.com.
January 28-30
29th Annual Boat, RV & Camping Expo.
Longview. Billed as the largest boat and travel expo east of I-35, includes more than 150
boats, 100 RV/travel trailers, and 50 ATVs and
motorcycles from East Texas. Adults $6, ages
6-12 $1, 5 and younger free. Friday noon-8
p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.5 p.m. Maude Cobb Activity Center, 100 Grand.
903.237.4021, www.texaslakecountryexpo.com.
January 29-30
Jack Russell Dog Show. Athens. Free to spectators. Henderson County Fairpark Complex, 3356
Hwy. 31E. 903.670.3324.
Harlem Globetrotters. Dallas. First-class basketball comedy. $15-$140. Saturday 1 p.m.,
Sunday 2 p.m. Eclectic. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory. 214.665.4217, www.americanairlinescenter.com.
February 3-6
First Monday Trade Days. Canton.
903.567.6556, 903.567.5445, www.cantontx.
com or oldmillmarketplace.com.
February 7
Grand Winter Celebration. Longview. Performed by East Texas Symphonic Band. $1;
students and children free. 7:30 p.m. Belcher
Jr. Chapel & Performance Center, 2100 S Mobberly.
www.belchercenter.com.
February 11-13
Home Product Show. Longview. Remodeling
and building exhibits presented by East Texas
Builders Association. $5; 12 and younger free.
Friday 6-8:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Sunday 1-4 p.m. Maude Cobb Convention and
Activity Complex, 100 Grand. 903.758.6146,
www.belchercenter.com.
February 12
Dinner, Music, Comedy, and Fun. Wills Point.
Features Vern Dailey, David Cline, Barbara
McMillen, Steve Morgan, Bryan Cline, Roddy
Brown, and Suzanne Watson. $20. 6:30 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Building, 307 N. Fourth.
903.873.8945.
A Fair of the Heart. Longview. Community
health fair with health screenings, giveaways,
health education, and more presented by
Good Shepherd Medical Center. Maude Cobb
Convention and Activity Complex, 100 Grand.
903.758.6146, www.goodshepherdhealth.org.
WORKSHOPS
January 6
Material Girls Quilt Guild. Mineola. Nancy
Gibson demonstrates making a felted wool
pillow. Free. 10 a.m. Mineola League of the Arts,
200 W. Blair. 903.569.8877, www.mlota.org.
January 18-20
Part 1: The Process of Collaboration. Edom.
links leadership, community organizing, program development, and grant writing. . $800;
some scholarships available. Circle of Ten Retreat
Center, off Hwy 64 east of Edom. 903.541.0013,
www.etvv.org.
January 24
Watercolor Demonstration with Herb Bryant.
Mineola. Free 2 p.m. Mineola League of the Arts,
200 W. Blair. 903.569.8877, www.mlota.org.
February 3
Material Girls Quilt Guild. Mineola. Lavern
Harmon demonstrates English paper piecing.
Free 10 a.m. Mineola League of the Arts, 200 W.
Blair. 903.569.8877, www.mlota.org.
printed on traditional paper and canvas by
Jeffrey Gottesman. Photo collages of local
colleges, and lighted porcelain lithophanes.
903.852.2781, www.jeffreylancephotography.
com.
derson, Dennis O’Bryant, Cheryl McClure
and Stacy Deslatte. Free admission. TuesdayFriday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m.
P’s Gallery, 712 Glencrest, Ste B. 903.212.2626,
[email protected].
Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District. Flying
Fish Gallery. Randy Martin’s kinetic metal art,
Sherri’s collage art, and other works by various artists. 903.833.5743. Harrison and Sons
Knifesmith. Dan Harrison. World-renowned
custom hand-made knives. 903.852.3791. Sojourn East. Portraits and other paintings by
Mary Hortman. 903.3433385.
Through January 4
Through January 2
L.O. Griffith: Painting the Texas Landscape.
Tyler. More than 70 pieces by early Texas artist that have not been featured in a major
exhibition in more than 70 years. Adults $7,
students and seniors $5; TMA members free.
Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tyler Museum
of Art, 1300 S. Mahon. 903.595.1001, www.tylermuseum.org.
Through January 5
The Art of Scouting: A BSA Centennial Celebration. Texarkana. Collections from Caddo
Council Boy Scouts of America and other
area Boy Scout Councils, with original paintings by Norman Rockwell and Joe Csatari
from the National Scouting Museum. Regional
Arts Center, 321 W. Fourth. 903.792.8681, www.
trahc.org.
Through January 29
Inaugural Exhibit. Longview. Art exhibit featuring: Robert Jessup, Melinda Buie, CeCe
Bode, Joshua Kight, Jan Statman, Paul An-
Best in Show Exhibit Series 1. Tyler. Winners
from the first six months of the 2010 exhibit
schedule: Judy Wilder-Dalton, Maureen Killaby, Patricia Canfield, and Susan Wallis-Chesley.
Reception 4-8 p.m. December 9 during downtown Tyler ArtWalk. Free admission. MondayWednesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday-Friday
10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Gallery
Main Street, 110 W. Erwin. 903.593.6905, www.
DowntownTylerArts.com.
January 1-31
The History of Typography. Tyler. Free.
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 10
a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday
noon-4 p.m. Tyler Public Library, 201 S College.
January 8-29
Art and Photography by Woody Starkey. Palestine. Opening night reception 5-8 p.m.
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Museum for
East Texas Culture Art Gallery, 400 Micheaux.
903.723.1914, www.museumpalestine.org.
January 15-February 26
Photography by Burton Pritzker. Longview.
Black-and-white photography with a unique
viewpoint. Opening night gallery talk 6-7 p.m.,
reception 7-9 p.m. Free to museum members;
continued on page 21
Destination
Pittsburg!
February 5
Songwriter 101 Workshop. Center. Presented
by Grammy nominee Roxie Dean and Kasey
Lansdale includes critique, Copyrights and
Publishing, songwriting structure and tips,
Preparing Songs for a Demo Recording,
Understanding what publishing companies
are looking for, and co-writing. $125. Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, 619 Tenaha.
936.552.4930, [email protected].
ART
Ongoing
Edom Craft Community. Potters Brown. Doug
& Beth Brown. Colorfully glazed high-fired
stoneware pottery. 903.852.6473. Zeke & Marty. Jewelry combining precious metals with
found objects, stone and polished bone. Also
gourmet tools of hammered stainless steel and
polished antler handles. 903.852.3311. K.C.
Studios. Workshop and showroom for Ken
Carpenter’s jewelry, old-time wood signs, and
custom-carved redwood signs. 903.469.3908
or 469.3934. Arbor Castle Birdhouses. Joe
Hopps. Unique birdhouses. 903.852.7893,
www. arborcastlebirdhouses.com. Jeffreylance
Photography. Color and b&w artistic images
• Texas Main Street City
• Antiques
• Shopping & Dining
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Authentic English Tea Rooms
• Depot & Farmstead Museums
• The Ezekiel Airship
• Prayer Tower Gardens & Chapel
• Historic Homes
• Vineyards & Wineries
• Orchards
• Lakes
Local Events/Festivals
• Mardi Gras for the Museum: March
• Pioneer Days Festival: 2nd Sat. in April
• Farmer’s Market: May thru Aug.
• Pittsburg Rodeo: May
• Movies in the Park: Monthly in Summer
• Independence Day Blast
• ChickFest: 3rd Saturday in Sept.
• Downtown Alive Concert Series: Oct thru Dec.
• Trick or Treat on Main Street
• Christmas in Pittsburg: 1st Sat. in Dec.
Local Links:
• Pittsburg Chamber:
pittsburgchamber.com
903-856-3442
• City of Pittsburg:
pittsburgtexas.com
903-856-3621
• Camp County:
co.camp.tx.us
903-856-3845
• Rural Heritage Museum:
pittsburgtxmuseum.com
903-856-1200
Heather Little is Going Where Her Talent Takes Her
By Tom Geddie
a grown-up.”
Recently, Heather Little posted a “status
update” on Facebook that could serve as
an anthem of sorts for, if we’re honest
with ourselves, most people.
In truth, she grew up
in Princeton, near
McKinney, and spent
a lot of time in Austin.
“It’s true,” she wrote. “God really did bless
the broken road that led me here. I love it
here. Potholes, ditches, traffic, black ice,
etc. The cool thing about a (expletive deleted) road is that somewhere, however
indirectly, it is connected to a good one
and I’ll eventually ‘accidentally’ choose
that turn.
Influences
include
Joni Mitchell and
Rickie Lee Jones as
writers, and Bonnie
Raitt, Janis Joplin,
and Trisha Yearwood
as singers, although
she doesn’t sound like
any of them.
The Lindale-based singer-songwriter –
another in a long line of East Texas talents – admits to having “kinda a rough
time of it the past three years,” but seems
to be on the verge of going where her talent can take her.
She loves her three kids.
She’s got a new songwriting contract with
a Nashville-based publishing company.
She plans to finally release her first CD
in 2011.
And, oh yes, she’s engaged.
It’s not that Heather’s a stranger to success. She co-wrote, among other songs,
two of Miranda Lambert’s hit songs –
“Me and Charlie Talking” and “Gunpowder and Lead.”
It’s just that sometimes some things seem
to go wrong.
“It’s been hard the last three years or so.
Lots of things,” she said, without getting
into specifics. “If I don’t think about it
too hard I could say, boy I wish that had
been different. But if we go back and map
it out then most of the horrible things in
our lives are part of what got us to the
next good thing. It’s kinda like the story
of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ We couldn’t really go back and change things.”
The kids come first: ages 13, 9, and 7.
“My kids are important,” she said, “and
having a solid foundation in that – knowing my kids and family are okay and all of
that is in order. If that gets out of whack
everything would get out of whack.”
Then there’s the publishing deal that
helps pay the bills
“That’s exciting,” she said. “It takes me in
a new direction.”
Heather is, in fact, the first writer signed
to country star Keith Urban’s publishing
company, which is so new that it’s still
nameless and will lead to Nashville trips
Heather wrote her
first song when she
was six and sang it
into a tape recorder.
“It was something
about holding the
world in my hands,
and I put in that it
would be nice to live
on a farm because
Heather Little is the first writer signed to country star Keith Urban’s new publishing company. She will take Nashville trips once or farm rhymed with
twice a month and write on her own and with other songwriters from time to time.Photo by Anayelli.
something else.”
once or twice a month. She’ll write on
her own and she’ll write with other songwriters from time to time.
“It’s exciting,” Heather said. “I think I
prefer the strangeness of it over the monotony and redundancy of the typical
Nashville company.”
Speaking of Nashville, her fiancé, Darron
Standifird, also lives in Tennessee.
“It’ll be a long engagement,” she said.
They first met in a tiny, popular Nashville
bar called Loser’s.
“Everyone goes there,” she said, “We met
there and dated for about four months.
Then we didn’t see each other for a
while, and kinda came back together this
last spring.”
Then there is the prospect for her first
CD, which will be on a regional label
once the legal details are worked out.
ful. When I write something I really, really love and feel like it’s with my whole
heart, I’m thinking somebody’s going to
get this and it’s going to make total sense
to them, or they’re going to hear it and
say I ought to be in the funny farm.”
She’s rather possessive of her songs, too,
as any real artist should be. That’s cost
her money from time to time.
“You can’t care too much (about commercial considerations) or go back and
change something to accommodate
somebody’s taste,” she said. “I’ve heard
from different publishers who like a song
except they want to change one word or
line, and my response to that is always,
‘That’s interesting. I like it the way it is.’”
Heather does some solo work, but likes
to perform with guitarist-songwriter –
and most consistent co-writing partner –
Drew Hall from Canton.
She describes her sound, in a way, by
what it’s not.
“Drew is definitely my musician of
choice,” she said. “If I could have three
more of him it would be perfection as far
as I’m concerned. He’s amazing and he
knows me musically better than anyone
else on Earth.”
“I can’t say it’s really country. I can’t say
that it’s rock. I don’t even know if folk or
Americana gets it,” she said. “Some of it’s
got a lot of jazz. Some of it’s kinda soul-
The only biographical information on
Heather’s Facebook page – the page with
the statement about the broken road
leading to the good one – is, “I’m secretly
Heather’s written maybe 200 songs, and
is also working on new material for the
CD.
Her first “real” song came, she said, when
she was nine, and she began “tinkering”
with a guitar at 13.
She moved to Lindale at Miranda Lambert’s invitation in 2004, after they’d met
in a songwriting contest Miranda was
judging.
“My (now) ex-husband and I lost our
house in Greenville, but Miranda’s family
knew of a house. We were able to move
to Lindale and get a house that was really
cheap on rent and close to Miranda and
her family so we would be able to write
together.”
It pleases Heather when somebody “gets”
one of her songs, which is often.
“I guess my favorite thing is when somebody hears a song and says they know exactly what I mean, or that’s happened to
them but they didn’t realize it until they
heard that song – something they can
hear and relate to and find a place for in
their own life.”
That kind of realization comes to her, too,
when she hears a special song at just the
right moment, whatever the traffic’s like
or whatever the conditions of the road.
“I’m 34 now, and I can drive down a road
and hear a song I’ve heard my entire life.
And all of a sudden it makes sense.”
CALENDAR continued from page 19
$5 non-members. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4
p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. Longview Museum
of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler. 903.753.8103. www.
lmfa.org.
January 16
Spring Lecture Series I: Women Artists of the
Cornish Art Colony. Tyler. Lecture by Alma
Gilbert-Smith, director of The Parrish House
Museum, Plainfield, New Hampshire. Limited
seating. Members free; adults $7, students and
seniors $5. 2 p.m. Tyler Museum of Art, 1300 S.
Mahon. 903.595.1001, www.tylermuseum.org.
January 16-April 17
The Cornish Art Colony: Giants of America’s
Gilded Age. Tyler. Paintings, sculpture, etchings, and watercolors by some of America’s
most influential creative talents. Members
free; adults $7, students and seniors $5; 12
and younger free. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Tyler Museum of
Art, 1300 S. Mahon. 903.595.1001, www.tylermuseum.org.
February 4
First Friday Art Tour. Tyler. Free guided tour
featuring The Cornish Art Colony: Giants of America’s Gilded Age. Lunch optional. 11 a.m. Tyler
Museum of Art, 1300 S. Mahon. 903.595.1001,
www.tylermuseum.org.
February 14
Seniors’ Day. Tyler. Age 65 and older invited
to free tours of The Cornish Art Colony: Giants of America’s Gilded Age. 10:45 a.m. and
11:45 a.m. Complimentary lunch. Reservations required. Tyler Museum of Art, 1300 S.
Mahon. 903.595.1001, www.tylermuseum.org.
ON STAGE
January 21-23, 28-30
Play On! Lindale. Comedy of a play within
a play. $10. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m.,
Sundays 2 p.m. Lindale Community Theater, 111
W. Van. 903.638.0402, www.lindalecommunitytheater.org.
January 21-30
Alice in Wonderland. Tyler. Classic tale of
Alice’s visit to a land brimming with strange
and marvelous characters directed by Robin
Root. $18. Nightly 7:30 p.m. except Sunday
2:30 p.m. Tyler Civic Theatre Center, 400 Rose
Park. 903.592.0561, www.tylercivictheatre.com.
January 22
Third Annual Dallas Burlesque Festival. Dallas. $15-$100. 8 p.m. House of Blues, 2200 N.
Lamar. 214.978.2583, www.hob.com/venues/
clubvenues/dallas.
January 26
Berenstein Bears in Family Matters. Tyler.
Musical for kindergarten through fourth
grade. $6. 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. UT Tyler
Cowan Center, 3900 University. 903.566.7424,
www.CowanCenter.org.
January 27
Swan Lake. Longview. Performed by the
Russian National Ballet Theatre. $38$62. 7 p.m. Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly.
903.233.3080, www.belchercenter.com.
Images with deep roots in rural East Texas are on display at Winnsboro Center for the Arts
(WCA) through January 22 in an exhibit by photographer and touring songwriter Lindy
Hearne. Hearne finds inspiration for his photos and his songs from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The exhibit includes glimpses from his East Texas piney woods home outside Winnsboro, to images captured ‘on the road.’ Plus a few song lyrics thrown in for good measure.
The exhibit features framed and matted fine art prints, and photo note cards, and the works
are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the art center.
WCA exhibit hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and during special
events. It’s recommended that patrons call the volunteer-managed art center to verify hours of
operation at 903.342.0686.
Winnsboro Center for the Arts is at 200 N. Market St., across Broadway (Hwy 11) from the
Winnsboro Depot. Winnsboro is an official State of Texas Cultural Arts District.
YEEHAH
February 1-5
Mama Mia! Fort Worth. Musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” and “Super Trouper
with a tale of love, laughter and friendship.
Tuesday-Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 p.m.,
Saturday 2 and 8 p.m. Bass Performance Hall,
525 Commerce. 877.212.4280, www.basshall.
com/eventsnew.jsp.
February 3-4
A Color Purple. Tyler. Broadway musical
based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel
by Alice Walker and the movie by Steven
Spielberg. $26-$66. 7:30 p.m. Cowan Center,
3900 University. 903.566.7424, www.cowancenter.org.
February 4
Ferdinand the Bull. Longview. Musical tale
of Ferdinand, who would rather pick flowers
than go into the bullfighting ring. Aimed at
grades K-6. Adults $8; 14 and younger $3. 1
and 7 p.m. Belcher Jr. Chapel & Performance
Center, 2100 S Mobberly. www.belchercenter.com.
January 9
Best In Texas Barrel Racing. Athens. Free to
spectators. Henderson County Fairpark Complex,
3356 Hwy. 31E. 903.670.3324.
January 15
Hog Validation. Athens. Free to spectators.
Henderson County Fairpark Complex, 3356 Hwy.
31E. 903.670.3324.
January 22-23
Team Roping. Athens. Henderson County Fairpark Complex, 3356 Hwy. 31E. 903.721.0303,
www.fireitupproductions.com.
February 11-12
Trinity Valley Community College Rodeo. Athens. Free to spectators. Henderson County Fairpark Complex, 3356 Hwy. 31E. 903.670.3324.
February 18-20
USTRC East Texas Championships. Athens.
Henderson County Fairpark Complex, 3356 Hwy.
31E. 254.968.0002, www.ustrc.com.
Marda Light of Nacogdoches torches out a special
calli lily at a metal-working class with Randy Martin at the Flying Fish Gallery in Ben Wheeler. Photo
by John Johansson
Music
County Line makes every effort to ensure accurate
information. However, pricing, dates, and/or hours
could change. Please call before making plans. The
events calendar lists general-interest festivals that
often include music. For a list of annual events in
and around East Texas, visit www.countylinemagazine.com.
Every Thursday
Art&Music on the Patio. Tyler. Local artists
and musicians. For the cost of what’s ordered.
5-9 p.m. Caffe Tazza, 4815 Old Bullard. www.caffetazza.net.
Live Acoustic Music. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m. The
Forge, 1610 FM 279, 903.833.5970, www.benwheelertx.com.
December 29-January 1
Coby McDonald Band. Rockwall. Country. 8
p.m. except January 1 10 p.m. Southern Junction Nightclub and Steakhouse, 5574 Hwy. 276.
972.771.2418, www.southernjunctionlive.com.
January 1
Kevin Fowler. Rockwall. 8 p.m. Southern Junction Nightclub and Steakhouse, 5574 Hwy. 276.
972.771.2418, www.southernjunctionlive.com.
Nightwork. Lindale. 7:30 p.m. Red 55 Winery,
119 N. Main. 903.882.9305, www.red55winery.
com.
Jeff Allen Band. J.P. Fisher opening. Ben
Wheeler. 7 p.m. $10. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM
279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com.
Richard Stuart & One Night Stand. Jefferson.
8 p.m. Auntie Skinner’s Riverport Club, 107 W.
Austin. 903.665.7121, www.auntie-skinners.com.
January 5-9
Marcus Lindsey Band. Rockwall. Country. 8
p.m. Southern Junction Nightclub and Steakhouse,
5574 Hwy. 276. 972.771.2418, www.southernjunctionlive.com.
Faint To Fiction and Echelon High. Athens.
$10. 8 p.m. Lakeview Lodge, 1801 Flat Creek.
903.677.2957, www.thelakeviewlodge.com.
Cody Canada & the Departed. Fort Worth.
Americana. $12-$16. 9 p.m. Billy Bob’s Texas,
2520 Rodeo Plaza, 817.624.7117, www.billybobstexas.com.
The Gourds. Dallas. Americana. $13.50 8 p.m.
The Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis. 214.924.0725,
www.thekessler.org.
Ruby Jane, Bravo Max, Jitterbug Vipers. Dallas. Advance $12, door $15. 7 p.m. The Kessler
Theater, 1230 W. Davis. 214.924.0725, www.
thekessler.org.
Small Potatoes. Dallas. Folk. $15-$18. 8 p.m.
Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, NorthPark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central Expy. 214.363.0044,
www.unclecalvins.org.
January 21-22
The Casey Martin Band. Athens. 21 and older
$5, under 21 $8. 8 p.m. Lakeview Lodge, 1801
Flat Creek. 903.677.2957, thelakeviewlodge.com.
January 8
Perfect Stranger. Original lineup. Nacogdoches. Advance $27, door $32 if available. 8
p.m. Banita Creek Hall, 401 W. Main. www.
banitacreekhall.com.
American High, Storm The Skies, and I Met
Tragedy. Athens. $10. 8 p.m. Lakeview Lodge,
1801 Flat Creek. 903.677.2957, www.thelakeviewlodge.com.
Geezer. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m. $5. Moore’s Store,
1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.
com.
STYX. Fort Worth. Classic rock. $20-$35.
9 p.m. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza,
817.624.7117, www.billybobstexas.com.
January 13
Rodney Parker and Fifty Peso Reward plus
Kyle Bennett Band. Longview. 8 p.m. Graham
Central Station, 1016 McCann. 903.932.3498,
www.outhousetickets.com.
Jackson Taylor and the Sinners plus Robert
Stowell. Longview. 8 p.m. The Levee, 111 Joplin.
903.932.3498, www.outhousetickets.com.
January 14
Ben Lowery Band. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m. $5.
Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.
benwheelertx.com.
Al Jarreau. Longview. $38-$62. Jazz-pop.
7:30 p.m. Belcher Center, 2100 S Mobberly.
903.233.3080, www.belchercenter.com.
Jerrod Niemann. Fort Worth. Country. $12$16. 9 p.m. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza,
January 15
Disney in Concert. Tyler. Songs performed
by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra from
some of Disney’s most popular films including “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,”
“Beauty and the Beast” and orchestra music
from “Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Along with the orchestra and vocalists, the
concert features film clips and rare artwork
projected above the orchestra on a giant
screen. $10-$55. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Cowan Center,
3900 University. 903.566.7424, www.etso.org.
Gurf Morlix sings “Clay Pigeons” at the Blaze Foley tribute in Athens December 18 at Yelof’s, a new
venue featuring BBQ and live music. Photo by P.A.
Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100,
www.benwheelertx.com.
January 7
Oliver Sudden. Athens. 21 and older $5, under 21 $8. 8 p.m. Lakeview Lodge, 1801 Flat
Creek. 903.677.2957, www.thelakeviewlodge.com.
Wesley Pruitt Band. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m. $8.
Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.
Geddie
January 22
Singer-songwriter Lindy Hearne visited with Roy
Clark before his show in Marshall in early December. Lindy toured with Roy for a couple of years
in his earlier days as a musician. Photo by Lynn
The Magills. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m. $5. Moore’s
Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com.
benwheelertx.com.
Andrew Daniel. Mount Vernon. Classical
guitar joined by flutist Debbie Ragsdale and
violinist Mark Miller performing works by
Piazzolla, Albeniz, Leisner, and others. $15;
members $10, students free. 7:30 p.m. Mount
Vernon Music Hall, 402 Leftwich. 903.563.3780,
www.mountvernonmusic.org.
Loretta Callens. Tyler. Acoustic. Free admission. 8-10 p.m. Java Jams, 100 Rice Road inside
Brookshire’s. 903.534.3234, www.brookshires.com.
Chuck Costa. Edom. Folk. Advance $12, door
$15. 7:30 p.m. The Old Firehouse, 8241 FM 279.
903.852.2781, www.theoldfirehouse.net.
Palmetto State Quartet & Trusting Hymn. Athens. Gospel. $12.50-$15.50. 6 p.m. Texas Gospel
Music Hall, Hwy 19S. 903.677.2492, www.texasgospelmusichall.com.
Charlie Robison. Linden. Americana.
$20. 7:30 p.m. Music City Texas. 108 Legion.
903.756.9934, www.musiccitytexas.org.
Adler
Joe Ely. Dallas. Americana-rock. Advance $25,
door $30. 7 p.m. The Kessler Theater, 1230 W.
Davis. 214.924.0725, www.thekessler.org.
January 16
Open Jam Session. Canton. Free admission;
free food for players. 3-7 p.m. Texas Roads
Winery, 134 W. Dallas. 903.896.1809, www.texasroadswinery.com.
January 18
Joe Satriani. Rock. Dallas. $52-$277. 7 p.m.
Eclectic. Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville.
214.824.9933, www.granadatheater.com.
January 20
Stoney Larue. Longview. 8 p.m. The Levee, 111
Joplin. 903.932.3498, www.outhousetickets.com.
Cory Morrow. Nacogdoches. Americana.
Advance $27, door $32 if available. 8 p.m.
Banita Creek Hall, 401 W. Main. www.banitacreekhall.com.
January 21
Trout Fishing in America. Longview. Eclectic.
LMFA members $30, nonmembers $35. 7:30
p.m. Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler.
903.736.9531, www.lmfaconcerts.com.
Bach’s Lunches. Longview. Harpist Lydia Covey accompanied by organist Bill Bane. Free.
Noon-1 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, 906 Padon. 903-236-9739, www.longviewsymphony.org.
Southern Made. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m.
$5.
Whiskey Myers. Nacogdoches. Advance $27,
door $32 if available. 8 p.m. Banita Creek
Hall, 401 W. Main. www.banitacreekhall.com.
Les Freres Michot. Crockett. $16.50. 7:30 p.m.
Camp Street Café, 215 S. Third. 877.544.8656,
www.campstreetcafe.com.
James McMurtry with Jason Eady. Dallas.
$15-$25. 7 p.m. Americana. Eclectic. Granada
Theater, 3524 Greenville. 214.824.9933, www.
granadatheater.com.
Tracy Lawrence. Fort Worth. Country. $12$25. 9 p.m. Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza,
January 23
Randy Newman. Fort Worth. 7 p.m. Fort
Worth. Eclectic. Bass Performance Hall, 525
Commerce. 877.212.4280, www.basshall.com/
eventsnew.jsp.
January 26
Guitar Masters featuring Eric Johnson. Dallas. $30-$50. 7 p.m. Eclectic. Granada Theater,
3524 Greenville. 214.824.9933, www.granadatheater.com.
January 27
Joshua Bell. Tyler. Classical violinist. $21-$66.
7:30 p.m. UT Cowan Center, 3900 University.
903.566.7424. www.cowancenter.org.
Whiskey Myers. Longview. 8 p.m. Graham Central Station, 1016 McCann. 903.932.3498, www.
continued Page 23
outhousetickets.com.
P’s Gallery Shows Fine Art
Rich Man’s Family by Joshua Kight is one of the pieces that grace the walls of P’s Gallery in Longview.
By Tom Geddie
Paula Davis has turned a lifelong dream into
reality, carving out a space in Longview’s
Guthrie Creek office complex into a fine art
gallery that blends works by local artists with
regional and national talents.
The current show will be on the walls (and,
in some cases, on the floor) through January.
The show – a mix of paintings in several styles
and of sculpture – features six local artists,
two regional artists, and one from New York:
Joshua Kight, Robert Jessup, Stacy Deslatte,
Dennis O’Bryant, Cece Bode, Paul Anderson, Jan Statman, Melinda Buie, and Cheryl
McClure.
Prices range from $100 to $10,000.
Brief looks at two of the painters show the gallery’s quality.
Jessup is a professor in the College of Visual
Art and Design at the University of North
Texas. His paintings are in the collections
of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New
York, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the High
Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Dallas Museum
of Art, and others.
Kight, who lives in Austin, is a Hunting Art
Prize finalist who’s won a number of awards
and shows frequently, with four installations
during 2010.
Both artists also have pieces at the Longview
Museum of Fine Arts.
A new show will go up during the first week
of February, although Paula hasn’t yet announced the artists.
The gallery opened on October 2 on the second floor of the Guthrie Creek office com-
plex is officially 800 square feet, but the art
spills out into the foyer and hallway. Paula
also offers installation services for clients.
Paula, who was born in Carthage and grew
up in Longview, said she opened the gallery
because the area did not have one.
She’s a self-taught painter and sketch artist
who began her career in 2002 as events coordinator for the Longview Museum of Fine
Arts and then became assistant to the director. Some of her own favorite artists and influences include Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse,
and Jackson Pollock.
She’s liked the arts pretty much all of her life,
and has dreamed of opening a gallery for
years, she said.
“I just want to promote local and regional artists and provide a venue in East Texas to buy
quality fine arts – to keep the money home.
“We have the museum of fine arts, but a
fine art gallery had not existed,” she said. “I
wanted to offer quality original art to people
locally so they wouldn’t have to go to larger
cities to buy it. We should look at art with an
open mind. Art enhances our lives. It takes us
to places that are peaceful or restful, or sometimes disturbing as we try to figure out where
the artist was coming from.”
The space also hosts what’s informally known
as Roxie’s Readings on Friday nights every
couple of weeks, drawing 20 or so people to
read their own short fiction, poetry, or essays
or just to listen to others.
P’s Gallery is at 712 Glencrest, Suite B just
east of McCann Road and across from Kmart.
Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday
through Friday. For more information, call
903.212.2626.
MUSIC continued from page 22
February 3
Rich O’Toole. Longview. 8 p.m. The Levee, 111
Joplin. 903.932.3498, www.outhousetickets.com.
Josh Abbott. Nacogdoches. Advance $27, door
$32 if available. 8 p.m. Banita Creek Hall, 401 February 4
W. Main. www.banitacreekhall.com.
The Statesboro Revue. Athens. 21 and older
$5, under 21 $8. 8 p.m. Lakeview Lodge, 1801
January 28
Flat Creek. 903.677.2957, www.thelakeviewlodge.
Davis Lane. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m. $5. Moore’s com.
Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, www.benwheelertx.com.
February 5
Stormy Weather. Athens. 21 and older $5,
Dave Mason. Dallas. Blues-rock. $25-$45.
under 21 $8. 8 p.m. Lakeview Lodge, 1801 Flat
Eclectic. Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville.
Creek. 903.677.2957, www.thelakeviewlodge.com.
214.824.9933, www.granadatheater.com.
January 29
February 10-12
Third Annual Western Swing Valentine Party.
Charlie Robison. Nacogdoches. Americana. AdCanton. $30.00 a day; two-days $50. After 5
vance $27, door $32 if available. 8 p.m. Banita
p.m., $20. Canton Civic Center, 800 Flea Market.
Creek Hall, 401 W. Main. www.banitacreekhall.
800.243.6502, www.swingcanton.com.
com.
Kasey & Joe Lansdale. Crockett. Kasey will play February 12
2 sets of music and Joe will discuss his writing Anthony Ainsworth. Athens. 21 and older $5,
and storytelling. $16.50. 7:30 p.m. Camp Street under 21 $8. 8 p.m. Lakeview Lodge, 1801 Flat
Café, 215 S. Third. 877.544.8656, www.campstreet- Creek. 903.677.2957, www.thelakeviewlodge.com.
cafe.com.
February 17
East Texas Jazz Orchestra. Ben Wheeler. 7 p.m. Gladys Knight. Tyler. Seven-time Grammy
$15. Moore’s Store, 1551 FM 279, 903.833.5100, winner. $46-$76. 7:30 p.m. UT Tyler Cowan
www.benwheelertx.com.
Center, 3900 University. 903.566.7424, www.
CowanCenter.org.
Diddley Squat Blues Band. Winnsboro. Eclectic. $15 advance; $18 door; $20 reserved. 7 p.m. February 18
Crossroads Music Co., 204 Market. 903.434.2888, Legacy of Floyd Cramer. Marshall. Floyd’s
www.crossroadsmusiccompany.com.
grandson, Jason Coleman, plays the legend’s
music. $15. 7:30 p.m. Marshall Convention
Jeb Alan Rutherford. Athens. $10. 8 p.m. LakevCenter, 2501 East End. 903.935.4484; marshaliew Lodge, 1801 Flat Creek. 903.677.2957, www.
lartscouncil.org.
thelakeviewlodge.com.
Poetry
Zonta Club of Longview
Presents the 37th annual
Antiques Show and Sale
Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 6, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Center (on Cotton Street)
$10 Weekend Pass
Proceeds to support non-profits helping women and children
Featuring the Zonta Tea Room & Dessert Bar
Ace Water Well & Pump Service
Deep & Shallow Well Drilling
Complete Pump Service
Serving All East Texas
Beating Heart Packed
I want to run
Far into the unknown.
To vanish, into a speck.
Living until the air
Is stolen from me.
I wish not to know
The outcome,
The beginning,
Or the End.
Only to be present
For the journey.
Taking a train,
Or walking the way.
Alongside batman,
Or teleporting there.
To my never land,
Where there is no turning back.
No questioning.
No existence of doubt.
Only a suitcase,
With my beating heart packed.
Good Stewards
It all started in Tyler, Texas*
where a few persons were
disgusted, viewing metal,
glass, plastic, paper scraps
smothering grassy spots
along the highways.
They stepped out as pioneers-brave souls who dared to seize
and bag the refuse. Some who
drove by laughed and sneered
at such goings on while a few
added insults tossing debris
as they sped away.
But in time seeds of trust
began to sprout as weary
drivers drank in gorgeous
wild flowers amid green carpets.
Like gentle rain softening
hard roots, clean stretches
enchanted hearts and minds.
The movement started to grow
then mushroomed.
Marena Hussein
Today it blooms in the hands
White Oak
of those who gather the pieces
leaving natures’ grace.
J’y Suis, J’y Reste
(Here I Am, Here I Remain)
* Adopt a highway programs started
in 1985 now include 48 states.
Where do I go from here?
All Major
Credit Cards
Accepted
903-852-5353
The winds of change blow north
Lic #54748APK
And thus I follow.
But where is my heart?
If it is split in two, how will I survive?
A/C Repair Parts & Equipment
Direct To You
From Two Locations!
Repair or Replace Your Own:
Condensers Air Filters
Fan Blades
Evap-Coils
Capacitors
Furnaces
• A/C Tool Rental •
• Technical Assistance •
• Installation Supplies •
Motors
Relays
Contactors
Visit our Central Heat & A/C Equipment Showroom
Installation & service available • Español available on request
Open To Public
10226 Plano Rd Ste 104
Dallas, TX 75238
Ph: (214) 340-9421
Fx: (214) 340-9371
www.af1ac.com
My love will be true to both I fear.
And thus my days will be spent
I am a Shy and Quiet Woman
I am a shy and quiet woman.
The world doesn’t know I am here.
In faithfulness to where I am
They look around me like I’m not there.
With a longing and heartache
They say nothing to me.
To be where I have been.
But that is where I am now.
I’m the only one who knows I’m here.
I feel I don’t belong here.
The Cooling Station
25693 Interstate 20
Wills Point, TX 75169
Ph: (888) 632-4292
Fx: (214) 340-9371
www.thecoolingstation.com
AIR FORCE ONE AIR CONDITIONING
TACLA1761C
Richard Hurzeler
Tyler
Frost was sorry he could not travel
both at once
I feel like a stranger to this world.
I am a shy and quiet woman.
And be one traveler.
No one hears me.
But I have traveled both and am
They hear no words of me.
Back where I began with miles to go.
I feel like a ghost to them.
So where do I go from here?
Julie Chitty Hubbard
Canton
Haley Williams
Quitman
(written in 9th grade)
He Was the Best Don Meredith He Could Be
By Tom Geddie
Jeff and Hazel’s son, Don Meredith, was always one of the great ambassadors for The
Upper East Side of Texas with both his talent
and his down-home sense of humor that always seemed to cut through pretension.
Dandy Don died December 4 in his adopted
Santa Fe home after suffering a brain hemorrhage and lapsing into a coma. His longtime
wife, Susan, and daughter were at his side.
The Mount Vernon native – the first floor of
the Fire Station Museum is dedicated to his
honor – was an All-American quarterback
at Southern Methodist University in Dallas before gaining real fame with the Dallas
Cowboys, leading the team to three consecutive division titles and two National Football
League championship games from 1960-68,
and being named the league’s player of the
year in 1966.
His pioneering role as a color – and colorful
– analyst on Monday Night Football alongside Howard Cosell and Keith Jackson and
then Frank Gifford opened the door for the
flood of former players analyzing games today. He won an Emmy as a broadcaster.
His signature, perhaps, as an analyst was sing-
ing the Willie Nelson song “The Party’s Over”
when one team built a seemingly insurmountable lead over the other.
His humor was quick.
In a 1972 game at the Astrodome as the Oakland Raiders were pounding the home team
Houston Oilers 34-0, the camera panned
across a nearly empty section of seats. One
fan, sprawled across a couple of rows, looked
defiantly into the camera, and made an obscene gesture that went across the nation on
TV.
“He thinks they’re No. 1 in the nation,” Don
quipped.
Of his one-time coach, the legendary Tom
Landry, Don once said, “He’s a perfectionist.
If he was married to Raquel Welch, he’d expect her to cook.”
As a player, Don performed without the
supporting cast that future Cowboys Roger
Staubach and Troy Aikman had.
“Our offensive line was not very good early
on,” said former linebacker Lee Roy Jordan.
“He got beat up pretty bad -- broken noses
and collarbones and ribs, at least two concussions, even a collapsed lung – everything
you can think of, Don had it. But he was one
tough individual. He was the toughest son of most of last years near
a gun I’ve ever seen, and very, very competi- his home two-story adobe
tive.
home, often playing the
FreeCell computer-based
It was not unusual for the beat-up quarter- card game. He was a winback to walk back into the huddle singing a ner at that, too, with statistics showing he won
country song.
18,339 of 21,959 games (83 percent)
“Don Meredith was a true legend, whose dis- The Meredith exhibit in the Fire Station Muarming style and quick wit helped him suc- seum, 201 S. Kaufman in Mount Vernon, emcessfully transition from star NFL quarterback phasizes his small-town values.
to broadcasting legend. He helped launch
Monday Night Football on ABC in 1970 and His first job was at his dad’s Meredith Dry
his contributions over the next decade helped Goods at age six or so, propped on the countransform sports television’s signature series ter by the front door and instructed by his
into a cultural icon,” said George Bodenheim- dad: “Son, when you see someone come in
er, president of ESPN and ABC Sports.
that door, you greet ’em by their name. Even
a dog likes to hear his name.”
Don retired from football in 1969 because, he
said, his heart was no longer in the game and He went on to become an all-state player
he didn’t want to shortchange anyone.
in both football and basketball, and was an
“A” student who participated in 4-H, Future
He also had forays onto the stage and into Farmers of America, student council, and the
the movies and television (even guest-hosting Methodist Church Youth Fellowship.
“The Tonight Show” – and even recoded a
couple of songs – but it was his Monday Night Don had already been accepted to SMU’s law
Football job – even more than his playing days school when he signed with the Cowboys – a
– that made Jeff and Hazel’s son a household decision and a path he’d never regret.
name.
“I never had a burning desire to be anyone
After a minor stroke six years ago and an thing other than to be the best Don Meredith
ongoing battle with emphysema, he spent I could be,” he once said.
Visit the Best Small Town Downtown
in the Upper East Side of Texas!
Best
Nature Walk
Mineola Nature
Preserve
MINEOLA
Visit a Day, Spend a Night, Stay a Lifetime!
Best
Bird Watching
Mineola Nature
Preserve
Congratulations to our winners and these Runners Up in County Line’s Best of the Upper East Side of Texas:
Best Burger – East Texas Burger Co.; Best Hotel – Best Western; Best Museum – Mineola Historical Museum;
Best Theater – Lake Country Playhouse; Best Play – Man of La Mancha
Mineola Historical
Museum
Open Thurs. – Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
114 Pacific St (Hwy. 69)
Free admission
Best
Breakfast
Kitchens
Deli
AMTRAK TEXAS EAGLE
Designated Daily Station Stop
Tickets---1-800-USA-RAIL
Experience Fine Dining, Shopping,
& Lodging In Historic Mineola!
1.800.MINEOLA • www.mineola.com
Road Trip
Adventures Lead to
Fun, Food, and Finds
Exploring Kilgore, Marshall,
Longview, & Gladewater
Article and photographs by P.A. Geddie
On a recent crisp clear morning, a friend and I set out
to explore a few of our Upper East Side of Texas towns.
Arriving near Kilgore on Highway 31 we stopped for
lunch at the Country Tavern which has been serving famous “Tavern Ribs” for more than 60 years. The place
was packed on this midday Wednesday and everyone
seemed to be enjoying the ribs as they scarfed them
down with beans and potato salad. I did find the ribs to
be very falling-off-the-bone tender but I preferred the
taste of the brisket. The Country Tavern has a full service bar, pool table, and has a banquet room available
for special occasions.
Michael Martin Murphey (right) with Heartlight Ministries executive
director Mark Gregston.
tunes. His lead guitar player, upright bass man, and fiddler provided the perfect accompaniment to this genuine
cowboy crooner. Our dinner was served by teens that were
currently residing at Heartlight Ministries which offers
counseling opportunities to help adolescents and their families through troubled
times. It was a heartfelt evening to say the
least and I look forward to learning more
about this program and coming back for
the next Murphey show.
over to Marshall for the afternoon visiting Blue Frog Grill,
Bandstand Music, and OS2 Restaurant to name a few. We
watched kids and adults alike ice skate right in the heart of
downtown Marshall next to the magnificent courthouse.
It’s open until January 17
this year. They provide
skates and it is just $10 for
a 90-minute session. Open
4-9:30 p.m. During the
end-of-the-year holidays
Marshall also holds Wonderland of Lights with the
whole town lit up and light
shows on the courthouse.
It’s a magical thing to see
so mark your calenders to
see it in 2011. Throughout the year Marshall has many
events, museums, concerts, and downtown shopping offers a full afternoon of choices.
Our next adventure took us to Gladewater, the Antique Capital of East Texas. There are more than 200 antique
and crafters in more than 30 antique
malls and individual shops. We had
the honor of taking a tour of the town
with eight-year-old Abby whose mother works in Red Rooster Antiques.
Seeing “old” stuff through her young
eyes was quite entertaining. I particular enjoyed watching her try to push
numbers on the rotary phone from
the 1960s. I refuse to call it an antique
or even OLD since I well remember
using one just like it myself.
After lunch we headed on in to Kilgore for dessert at Nan- Thursday morning we found our way to
ny Goats Cafe & Feed Bin. Their homemade cakes and downtown historic Longview where we
pies and cookies all looked delicious. We chose a little saw so many unique shops and restaupudding with whipped cream dessert that did not disaprants. Today, I wanted
point. Their menu into visit the Longview
cludes a variety of hot
Museum of Fine Arts
and cold sandwiches
on Tyler Street. The
and soups. The ambimuseum has a perance made our early
manent collection of
afternoon visit very
more than 300 paintenjoyable. The room
ings, etchings, woodGladewater, like Kilgore, Marshall,
is decorated with ancuts, photographs,
and Longview have so much more to
tiques and booth seats
and sculptures. On
share so it too is staying on my “return
as well as old colorful
this day, the museum
to soon” list.
wooden chairs and
was hosting a holiday
tables. Several painttea room and marNanny Goats
If you have stories of adventures in
ings on the walls show
in Kilgore has
ket. Dining tables
Northeast Texas you would like to
the importance of the
a fun and
were
beautifully
share, please send them to info@
inviting decor
history of Kilgore and
decorated to reflect
or
call
Top: “Spain” table at LMFA decorated countylinemagazine.com
its contribution to the that makes you
different countries by Marcia McDaniel. Bottom: Terry 903.833.2084.
oil industry. There are want to sit and
and their customs. Rickman and Cathy Cace design their
stay a while.
currently more than
The market featured own jewelry in between their work at Country Tavern, 903.984.9954, www.countrytavern.com
80 oil derricks dotting
a variety of products Johnny Cace’s Restaurant.
the Kilgore skyline
including jewelry deKilgore
Chamber
of
Commerce,
today. The downtown
signed by Terry Rickman and Cathy
903.984.5022, www.kilgorechamber.com
area has numerous
Cace. Cathy told us about Johnny
Cace’s
seafood restaurant and that is Heartlight Ministries, 903.668.2173, www.heartlightministries.org
shopping and dining places that intrigued me so I will
be going back there to explore more of this progressive where we headed for a most delightful lunch (see review Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 903.753.8103, www.lmfa.org
on page 12). The museum regularly
town in the very near future.
holds special events including live muLongview Convention & VisiMoving on to Longview, we checked in to the Home- sic concerts throughout the year. They
tors Bureau, 903.753.3281,
wood Suites by Hilton. Very nice accommodations are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday www.visitlongviewtexas.com
with a fireplace and conveniently located to all things Friday and Saturday from Noon to 4
Marshall Convention & VisiLongview.
p.m. Admission is $5 for non-museum
tors Bureau, 903.935.7868,
www.visitmarshalltexas.org
On this particular Wednesday evening we had plans members. Longview has so much more
to see Michael Martin Murphey perform at Heartlight to offer so I will be making a return trip
Gladewater Chamber of
Ministries a few miles east of Longview in Hallsville. It there very soon to discover more of
Commerce, 903.845.5501,
was an incredible evening with dinner and a show by their treasures.
Murphey that was outstanding. He sang all the old favorites like Wildfire, Carolina in the Pines, and “lope-along”
After lunch at Johnny Cace’s we headed Eight-year-old Abby tries to figure out how to use a rotary
phone common in the 1960s.
www.gladewaterchamber.
com
Full Dark, No Stars
By Stephen King
Reviewed by Jeremy Light
Just when I start to lose my faith in Stephen King, he produces a work of the
highest caliber, thus renewing my belief
in him as a master storyteller. Full Dark,
No Stars is that work.
It appears that the icon of all things horror works better when his prose is restricted to a manageable word count. Full Dark
is not one work
but four. Comprised of truly
visceral premises, each of the
stories in this
fantastic new
collection takes
the reader on
a hurtling, and
surprisingly
heartfelt, tour
through
the
quotidian realities of life. And
then he gives the reader that extra special Stephen King knife to the windpipe.
“1922,” the opening salvo of Full Dark,
relates the story of a man who kills his
wife to take control of the land they own.
Naturally, he has a good reason. She really did need to go. However, King adds
a twist on this Poe-inspired revenge fantasy: the man involves his adolescent son
in the cover-up. What follows is a recollection of the fallout. King cleverly shows
the reader what happens in the temporal
world while simultaneously adding an almost Lovecraftian supernatural edge to
the events. This story alone is worth the
price of admission to King’s theater of
the malevolent.
As with any good compilation, music and
fiction or otherwise, the second offering
needs to raise the stakes. Not only does
King take it up a notch, he buries a power
tool in it when he finishes. “Big Driver”
introduces us to a children’s author who
takes an unfortunate shortcut on her way
home, only to find herself raped and left
for dead by a hulking “do-gooder” after
her car has a flat. King slyly admits that
woman revenge fantasies were his inspiration for this particular tale by mentioning Charles Bronson and Jodie Foster
within his character’s thoughts. Thus
begins a quest for revenge which happens to include something that only King
could imagine: a talking GPS system with
unusual advice.
“Fair Extension,” considered by many to
be the most disturbing of King’s tales,
actually made me laugh. Not because
the story’s not good, but because it is a
brilliant piece that might have appeared
on the Twilight Zone. King explores the
consequences of removing bad luck from
one’s life and subsequently wishing it
upon someone else.
“A Good Marriage,” my personal favorite
in this quartet, reveals a wife who discovers her husband harbors a dark secret
in his garage. How does she reconcile
a wonderful, love-filled life with the grotesque horrors lurking behind her husband’s careful façade? King answers this
perfectly.
Since his piece de resistance Bag of Bones,
I think King has struggled with his craft.
It seemed like he had become a paycheck
player whose typewriter ribbon was comprised entirely of dollar bill ink. Now,
King has returned to the writer he always
should have been and is now typing with
his original color: blood red.
us that we can find what we excel at and
make a difference with those talents. Well,
they are the brainchild of Kevin Carroll,
the Nike Inspire man. He is a sports and
advertising genius, but that is very little of
what his small 3x5 book is about.
The Rules of the Red Rubber Ball is
about finding your passion. For Carroll it
was sports for a young African American
boy abandoned by his parents and left
to his grandmother. He was always daydreaming and found nothing that captured him…until. We all know a red rubber ball. We played four-square or dodge
ball with it in elementary school. It has
that ribbed texture and distinct feel and
smell. It was that ball and playing sports
that made Carroll come alive. He studied, breathed and dreamed sports to the
point that one teacher sent him home to
his grandmother with a note pinned to
his shirt that asked her to get him to
focus on something other than sports. As
a sports fan I cam thankful grandmother wrote back that if it made him happy
leave him be.
For the first mixed media pages of this
small hand-sized book Carroll tells his
The Rules of the Red Rubber Ball inspiring story and then as you fold out
the centerfold you discover his question
By Kevin Carroll
to you. WHAT IS YOUR RED RUBBER
Reviewed by Patti Ramwy
BALL? What is your passion? Carroll uses
his advertising sense to walk the reader
I always think of the New Year as a time,
through step-by-step look at your life and
like millions of others, to look at your
what drives you.
passions, goals and the year ahead. Sometimes we set goals that we know we are not The best thing and why I always turn to
going to accomplish just to
this book is its length at less
make ourselves seem more
than 60 pages. It makes you
motivated.
focus and find the core to
where you are going withLovely readers, this year
out a game stopping stuffy.
I am going to do only two
I recommend this book
things for my goals. Numhighly for high school seber one is what my book is
niors, college students and
all about. Number two we
those finding themselves in
will discuss later. To let you
a tough spot. It is simple in
know how important my seits approach. What would
lection is to me I will share
you do for free? That is
with you that I carry it with
your passion, it may not be
each day. The Rules of the
your job, but Carroll will
Red Rubber Ball by Kevin
help you explore how to
Carroll is the book I bring to you for this make it a priority in your life.
January of 2011. It is not a new book, but
it will be new to many.
I know my red Rubber Ball…service and
college students. This year I will make my
The rules of the what? By who? It is sim- passion stand out for East Texas. My secple. Carroll introduces you to a path to
ond goal, well it happens June 11. I am
finding your passion in very simple forchanging my name. My number two is
mats. Kevin Carroll may not be a houseto spend next January 1, 2012 as the wife
hold name for you, but he is. Remember of my new husband. Come to think of it
the “Just Do it and Inspire” campaign by both my red rubber balls revolve around
Nike a few years back? You know the ads finding my passion and my center. What
of which I am referring, that convinced is your red rubber ball?
Hampton House
Jewelry
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
Bookmarks
305 Main Street
Angela C. Hampton
Board Certified Jeweler
Certified Gemologist
Jewelry Repair and Restoration
903.439.0294
HamptonHouseJewelry.com
Authorized E-File Provider
Bill Hullum, CPA PC
649 W. Main • Box 545
Van, Texas 75790
903-963-5865
www.billhullumcpa.com
Monthly Bookkeeping
Rates Starting at $35/month
• Tax Planning for Tax Reduction
• Audit Representation
• Bank Reconciliation
• Budgets & Forecasts
• Sales Tax/Multi State Taxes
• Payroll/Quarterly Reports
• Individual, Corporate, Partnership Tax Preparation
• Experienced Water District Accounting
We bake everything fresh. Fabulous Catering Available!
Arbor
Castle
Featuring
Executive Chef
Edom Bakery & Grill is going Wi-Fi
Come in to dine & get connected
All You Can Eat Buffet
Monday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm
Birdhouses
Downtown
Edom, Texas
Voted Best Chef in the
2009!
Serving Country Gourmet
7 Days a Week Starting at 7 a.m.
Dinner Served Thu - Sun
Birdhouses
Feeders
Daily Breakfast Special $4.00
Monday - Friday 7- 10 am
Ken
Carpenter
Jewelry
Saturday All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet
Thursday 5-9 pm
Mon - Wed closed at 4 p.m.
903-852-5552 • www.edombakery.com
Seed
Potters Brown
birdbaths
gifts
Studio and Gallery
Fairies
garden
sculptures
Sales • Service • Rentals
and more!
Joseph Hopps
903.852.3311
903-852-7893
E
Downtown
Golf CaRtS
903-539-4621
dom
www.arborcastlebirdhouses.com
www.kuntrykarts.com
Downtown Edom
on FM 279
903-852-6473
www.pottersbrown.com
903.852.5232
Handcrafting
silver and gold jewelry in
Downtown Edom for 20 years.
Shiloh Acres
Plant Farm
Antiques
Yard Art
Plants
Much More
Little pink building next to The Shed
Lambs Antiques
Downtown Edom
903-852-7820
Zeke & Marty
Jewelry Studio
Downtown Edom
903.852.3311
Custom Orders
Welcome
www.zekeandmarty.com
GEDDIE
CONNECTIONS
Reaching the market that counts.
advertising & public relations
brochures & fliers
copy writing
creative graphic design
media planning & placement
corporate id Packages
direct mail marketing
collateral materials
internal communications
press releases & by-lined articles
special events
web site development & hosting
newsletters
and more!
903.833.2084
www.geddieconnections.com
Shop in the shade
of the East Texas Pines
Specializing in quality perennials,
ground cover and vines
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
4332 FM 279
Between Edom & Ben Wheeler
903-833-5008
FAX 903-852-5728
Blue Moon Gardens
Herb and Garden Shop
Perennials • Herbs • Antique Roses
Garden Art • Bird Feeders • Chimes
13069 FM 279
903-852-3897
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 10am-5pm
bluemoongardens.com
Feel Good
Staying On Track with
Health-Conscious
Goals
By Heidi Hoke, NC, MH, HHP
Most all of us want to make responsible
decisions regarding good health, however, there are times when distractions
seem to override our immediate response and we ‘get off track’. It is very
important to remember that this is easily corrected and there is no reason to
feel discouraged and give up when these
times occur. Here are some helpful suggestions to stay on track and get back on
track if you find yourself derailed.
Drink water. Water not only suppresses
the appetite, but detoxifies at a cellular
level. Drink 1-2 quarts per day, especially when on a weight reduction program.
When the body is dehydrated, fat is not
as easily released from body tissue. We
need plenty of water for released fat to
be ‘washed’ out of the body. To stay on
track, drink water as a substitute for sodas, caffeinated drinks, and fruit juices.
All are too high in sugar. You won’t be
doing yourself a favor by drinking diet
sodas, either. All are loaded with neuro-toxic additives and sugar substitutes
that the increase appetite and retain
water. Remember that water is the best
natural diuretic.
Eat well. Eating well means a high quality (daily) diet of 1-2 servings of lean,
unprocessed meat; 5-7 servings of raw
or fresh fruits or vegetables; 1-2 servings of fat-free dairy; 1-2 servings of
whole grain. To stay on track, cook simple. It is not necessary to complicate
meals by over-preparing food. Use pure
spices, instead of oils and salt, as they
are healing and contribute to a healthy
metabolism. Limit use of cooking oil to
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil.
Keep food selections natural by avoiding food from a box or package; if it
doesn’t grow…don’t eat it.
Snack on fruits and vegetables. Dried
fruits are healthier than candy, however
often equally as high in calories. Additionally, they often contain neuro-toxic
preservatives and additives that can sabotage weight loss. To stay on track, keep
a supply of cut and cleaned vegetables
in the refrigerator to grab when a snack
attack hits. We often go for what is fast
and easy, so if these foods are available,
it makes it easier to stay loyal to your
weight loss program. When going to
Joan Beasley
Kick Back. Relax.
[email protected]
Let the County Line
work for you!
903-852-6334
parties, stay with the fresh stuff!
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol contributes to
inflammation and excessive water retention. It also often has as many calories per gram as fat. To stay on track,
drink club soda or spring water with a
twist of lemon or lime. This is the best
alternative at parties and keeps you hydrated for optimum weight loss.
Take a walk. Take a ten-minute walk especially when under immediate stress.
Exercise relieves stress by increasing
oxygen throughout the circulatory system, thus clearing the mind. Exercise
also stabilizes reactive hormone production which reduces the tendency to
hold on the fat and water due to the
‘fight or flight’ stress reaction. To keep
on track, use this time of activity for recharging. Share this quality-time activity with pets, friends and family.
Take nutritional supplements. Most people of all ages do not get the essential
daily vitamins and nutrients from the
food they eat. Nutritional supplements
come in many forms such as nutritional
shakes, energy bars, multi-vitamins, vita-chews, and weight-loss supplements.
To stay on track, keep a supply at home
and at work to make sure you get a daily
intake. Keep in mind that RDA nutritional levels are minimal, not optimal.
It is good to select a high potency formula.
Be realistic. Maintaining a food journal
may also be helpful. Remember that
balance, variety and moderation is essential for healthy spiritual, mental,
and physical health. Don’t be too hard
on yourself, if you get derailed. Keep
your intentions positive, forgive yourself, and get back on track tomorrow.
Heidi is a qualified Nutritional Consultant,
Master Herbalist, and Holistic Health Practitioner, presently studying on-line at the Global
College of Natural Medicine, a fully accredited
college in Santa Cruz, California. She is continuing her studies there, working toward a
Ph.D. in Naturopathy. She has a private practice offering a Homeopathic HCG weight loss
program, orthomolecular nutrition, Ayurvedic
medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and
energy healing therapies, as she is a Reiki
Master, Level III and Reiki teacher. Additionally, Heidi is co-founder and Vice President of
Operations of Innovapaedics, Inc., and was
recently appointed as Director of Operations for
APET SPCA. For more information contact
Heidi at 903-569-9913; www.life-balanced.
org
Full Certified Hypnotherapist
& Astrologer
Edom, Texas
• Eliminate stress in your life with Hypnosis
healing techniques. Live longer, feel better,
and enjoy peace & harmony. One hour will
change your life.
• Understand your
personal path and find
the roadblocks to your
success with a personal
interpretation of your
astrological chart.
Call today to see how we can help you
meet your needs for the most cost-effective,
results-oriented advertising.
One call for your
health, life and financial
insurance needs.
•
•
•
•
•
Health insurance
Dental
Vision
Life insurance
Hospital indemnity insurance
•
•
•
•
•
Juvenile life insurance
Cancer insurance
Critical illness
Long term care
Fixed annuities
Call Humana MarketPOINT
today: 1-800-336-6719
GHA0838ES2
NETX 09/10
art
with an
edge
[email protected]
downtown Ben Wheeler
903-833-5743
!!
DISCOVER VAN TEXAS Outdoor Adventures
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
,
C. MILLER DRILLING
Water Wells Done Right
Deep Well Drilling & Service
Catching the
Winter Blues
Residential •Agricultural • Commercial
Pump Service, Pulling & Sales
Ask About Our Sand-Free Water Guarantee
Every
Please visit
theDeep Well Pressure Cemented
let us
install
your well
right
www.cmillerdrilling.com
Van Economic
Serving
Development North East Texas Since 1983
Master Texas License 2464
Corporation’s website
7355 East Hwy 154 • Winnsboro
www.vanedc.org
800-594-2187 • 903-725-6524
north east texas area
• wood county
[email protected]
Riley
Dirt
Services
Sand • Rock • Select Fill
Driveways • Dozer • Roads
Lakes • Ponds • Housepads
BBENNY
enny K.
K. R
RILEY
iley
P.O.Box
Box
P.O.
72 •72
941•S.Van,
Oak •Texas
Van, TX
903-963-7400
903-574-5549
BENJAMIN
E. BUNT
Place
your
D.D.S.
adFAMILY
here
& GENERAL
DENTISTRY
and see
immediate
903-963-8681
results!
299 QUAIL STREET
VAN, TEXAS 75790
Call 903.833.2084
High Speed Internet
BILL HULLUM
Point to
Point
Give yourself and others a full year of GOOD
TIMES
CPA PC
Networking
LookingACCOUNTING
for something FUN in Northeast Texas?T1's
FINANCIAL SERVICES
TAX RETURNS • PAYROLL
IRS AUDITS • SALES TAX
SUBSCRIBE
12 issues just $18
Authorized IRS e-file Provider
903-963-5151
[email protected]
www.texascellnet.com
County Line
Software Installation & Training
QuickBooks ProAdvisorSINCE
& Peachtree
2000
409 W. Main • Van
903.963.5865
email:[email protected]
m a g a z i n e
SUBSCRIPTION
SUBSCRIPTIONFOR
FORMYSELF
MYSELF
Great idea for:
Name
____________________________________________________
Name ____________________________________________________
your homeand business
Address
Address __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
friends __________
and family
City
________________________
City ________________________ State________
State________ Zip
Zip __________
customer
and
employee
Phone
Phone____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
appreciation gifts
GIFT
GIFTSUBSCRIPTION
SUBSCRIPTION
SUBSCRIPTION
FOR MYSELF
Name
Name ____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Name
____________________________________________________
Address
Address __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Address
__________________________________________________
City
________________________
City ________________________ State________
State________ Zip
Zip__________
__________
City ________________________
State________ Zip __________
Phone
____________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________________________________
Phone
____________________________________________________
Individual
subscription
Individual
subscriptionrates
ratesare:
are:
S,S,
❏❏ $18
❏❏ $22
$18per
peryear
yearininTexas
Texas
$22per
peryear
yearoutside
outsideTexas
Texas
GIFT
SUBSCRIPTION
Total
TotalPayment
Payment $______________
$______________ Make
Makechecks
checkspayable
payabletotoCounty
CountyLine
LineMagazine.
Magazine.
EE
Name
____________________________________________________
❏
❏ Visa
Visa ❏
❏ MasterCard
MasterCard ❏
❏Discover
Discover
Address
__________________________________________________
Credit
CreditCard
Card##____________________________________
____________________________________- -_______
_______(auth.
(auth.code)
code)
Signature
___________________________________
Exp.
City
________________________
State________
Zip __________
Signature ___________________________________
Exp.___________________
___________________
*Note
address
on
credit
cardpayment
if different from above to: County Line, P.O. Box 608, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754
Return
this
form
with
*Note address
on credit
card if differentattached
from above
Phone
____________________________________________________
nth!
onth!
Return
this
form
with
attached
ReturnFor
this
forminformation
withpayment
payment
attachedto:
to:County
Line,P.O.
P.O.Box
Box1320,
1320,Van,
Van,TX
TX75790
75790
more
call 903.833.2084
orCounty
email Line,
[email protected]
Individual
subscription
rates
are:
For
more
information
call
903.963.3788
or
email
[email protected]
S,
For❏
more
information
call
903.963.3788
or
email
[email protected]
$18 per year in Texas
❏ $22 per year outside Texas
Total Payment $______________
Make checks payable to County Line Magazine.
E
30 • COUNTY
JANUARY
❏ Visa LINE
❏ MAGAZINE
MasterCard •❏
Discover2011
!
Credit Card # ____________________________________ - _______ (auth. code)
Signature ___________________________________ Exp. ___________________
By Barry St. Clair
Nothing gets the adrenaline of a catfish angler
going faster than a baitcasting reel set in clicker
mode buzzing like an angry insect. That means
that a fish has taken the bait and it also is an indication that the whisker-fish on the other end of
the line is good sized, maybe even trophy-sized
if the quarry is blue catfish. While many anglers
hang up the rod and reel for a rifle or shotgun
in the fall, other anglers break out their big guns:
stout rods and reels loaded with magnum test
fishing line and hooks large enough to handle
catfish that can weigh over 100-pounds.
Blue catfish are one of three species of catfish
accorded gamefish status in Texas. The other
two are the channel and flathead catfish. Blues
have the potential to grow the largest of the three
species. The state record (also a former world
record) blue catfish weighed 121.5-pounds and
was caught from Lake Texoma in 2004 by a rod
and reel angler from the shore. Fish that size are
rare but blue catfish easily reach the 20-40-pound
range and fish weighing 40-60-pounds are not
that uncommon. Excellent populations of blue
catfish are present in most Texas impoundments.
Fishing for catfish is usually associated with soaking bait in shallow water during the warm season
when fish are actively cruising close to shore
looking for an easy meal. But winter is when
the larger blue catfish, which are usually fairly
solitary, start to gather in schools and move into
deeper and warmer water as winter’s chill cools
the surface areas beyond their comfort level.
This is the time of year when anglers in the know
can enjoy some of the most awesome catfishing
possible and tangle with trophy-sized blues on a
regular basis.
As the water in coves and shoreline areas cool,
bait fish naturally migrate towards deeper and
warmer water. Generally they follow the underwater highways submerged creek channels provide. This has a tendency to concentrate schools
of bait in certain areas in reservoirs particularly
those where major tributaries join the main
creek channels in open water areas. The bait in
essence funnels into these places and remains
throughout the winter. They will move up and
down these channels as water temperatures and
weather patterns dictate. Where there are concentrations of bait, especially in the winter, large
numbers of blue catfish will be patiently following them.
The cold water affects blue catfish in the same way
as any cold-blooded species; their movements become slower and more deliberate. Their feeding
style changes accordingly. The reason they follow
schools of bait fish around is the promise of an
easy meal. Bait fish have relatively short lifespan
and many die in the winter time. Blue catfish are
genetically programmed to know that and they
simply tag along with the bait so they can pick up
those that die and fall to the lake bottom.
There are two basic methods for locating and
catching them. One of the easiest is to drift fish
areas where creek channels come together in 2040-feet of water. A popular catfish rig for this type
of fishing consists of pieces of cut shad or carp
that are rigged on at least 25-30-pound test line
with a 1-3-ounce egg sinker and a 4/0-5/0 bait
holder hook. The egg-shaped weight is slid on
the line first and then a stout swivel is attached
to the main line. A leader of at least 2-feet is then
tied onto the other end of the swivel and the
hook to the end of the leader. The idea is to keep
the bait just off the bottom as it drifts.
The other method is to locate fish hanging close
to bottom structure and anchor over them. This
type of angling requires being able to interpret
the readings from electronic fish finders. Good
places to locate blue catfish using this method
are deep water humps, drop-offs and the confluence of underwater creek channels. Blues will
hold in these areas because they are also prime
areas for bait fish to congregate in the winter.
A good rig to use in this situation is to attach a
three way swivel to the end of your fishing line,
on the bottom eyelet tie on a two-four foot leader
and attach a 1-3-ounce bell sinker. To the other
eyelet tie a 1-foot leader and attach a 3/0-5/0 bait
holder hook. Bait up with chunks of cut shad,
perch or carp, drop the rig to the bottom and
set the reel in a rod holder with the spool in click
mode and wait for a fish to pick up the bait and
swim off with it. Give them a 10 count before
setting the hook.
Catch and release of trophy-sized blue catfish is
becoming more popular as anglers discover the
excitement and thrill of catching these big fish in
the winter. There is no reason to kill them as they
are the brood fish that will ensure the population
of blue catfish remains strong in Texas waters.
Keep the smaller ones as they have less body fat
and taste better too. Catching the winter blues
takes on a whole new meaning when the topic
is fishing for trophy-sized blue catfish. And right
now is a good time to go.
The statewide limit for blue catfish is 25 per
person per day and they must be a minimum of
12-inches in length. There are several excellent
catfish guides services in Northeast Texas that
specialize in trophy fishing for blue catfish. Find
them on the internet.
Barry St. Clair is a freelance outdoor writer from
Athens and also holds sthe state record for largemouth bass in Texas, a fish that weighed 18.18
pounds and was caught in Lake Fork in 1992.
Contact Barry at [email protected].
County Line Marketplace
County Line Marketplace is an effective, economical way to advertise. Call 903.833.2084 today.
Affordable Painting
405.338 5295
WILLS POINT CHEVROLET
Announces
In our world-class service department,
We now service ALL MAKES & MODELS
Cars • Trucks • SUVs
staining, power washing
interior/exterior
houses, boatdocks
QUALITY MAINTENANCE SAVES YOU MONEY
Jeff Redden, owner
[email protected]
Wills Point Chevrolet • Wills Point, Texas
903.873.2561 • www.willspointchevrolet.com
Shopping For
Health Insurance?
Call Us First!
great room FOR RENT
at the BEN WHEELER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Showers • Birthdays • Holiday Parties • Reunions
Full kitchen, nice bathrooms, plenty of parking.
$100 for 4 hours • No alcohol
Call to make reservations today!
903.833.5505 or 903.469.3048
EXPERIENCED SALES
REPS NEEDED
Email resume to
[email protected]
Office 903.963.8887
Cell
903.752.3684
800.413.1998
121 W. Main
Van, Texas 75790
sew ‘n sew
Q U I LT FA B R I C
Brown 30% off
Sewing & Quilting Notions
Alterations
Mon, Tue & Fri 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Thur 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Closed Wed & Sun
22390 East Hwy 64 • Canton • 903.567.4640
www.dwaynewheelerinsurance.com
www.wagonwheelantiquemall.com
Open Season
UPTOWN
“Miller spins a tight tale that's a cut above the
average police procedural." - Publisher's Weekly
Feeding • Watering • Walking • Care & Affection
by Maryann Miller • Mystery * Hardback
At retail stores * Ask your local library to order it
Contact the author for signed copies:
[email protected]
STAWAY RANCH
RV
PARK
We welcome
FULL TIME • PART TIME
RALLIES & ANY OCCASION
REUNIONS • WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAYS
Toll Free 877.375.4477 • www.stawayranch.com
O u t O f To w n S e r v i c e s
In-Your-Home Pet Care
Elderly & Home Care
Light Housekeeping • Meals Prepared • Companionship • Daily Visits
Local Transportation • Mail & Newspaper Pickup • Plants Watered
Presence In Home
George Ann Hughes — 903.833.9194 or 903.262.9912
Plumbing
“by” Roger
M-8528
903-833-5667
Serving East Texas
Accredited
Charlie Robison
January 22, 2011
7:30 p.m. • tickets: $20
e
x
p
BUSINES
S
THURSDAY
JANUARY 20
9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
HARVEY
CONVENTION
CENTER
2011
Presented by
Tyler Area
Chamber of Commerce
Platinum Sponsors
AT&T Mobility and Yellow Pages • Better Business Bureau • CBS 19
Copeland Insurance Group • KLTV – Channel 7 • Lamar Outdoor Advertising
NBC Channel 56 • Skillern’s Business Systems • Suddenlink • Tyler Morning Telegraph
108 Legion Street, Linden, Texas 75563
903.756.9934 • www.musiccitytexas.org
#1
Voted 2010 Bes
in the Upper East Golf Course
t Side of Texas
– County Line
Prime Sponsors
Aramark Uniform Services • Austin Bank • East Texas Radio Group • Southside Bank
Teletouch Communications • Texas Spine & Joint Hospital / Azalea Orthopedics
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler College of Business and Technology
East Texas Gold & Silver
is buying & paying TOP DOLLAR for...
Magazine
G Gold Jewelry
G Silver
G Platinum
G Diamonds
18 Hole Championship Golf Course on Lake Fork
Overnight accomodations & Corporate meeting spaces
Fine Dining Restaurant & Banquet Pavillion
Complete Hunting, Fishing and Golf Packages
Memberships starting as low as $110 per month
G Coins
Gun Barrel City
(903) 887-9090
G Sterling
Flatware
G Vintage
Coca-Cola Items
G Dental Gold
G Vintage Oil
& Gas Signs
G Broken Jewelry G Vintage Guitars
& Amplifiers
G Class Rings
G Pocket & Wrist
Watches
Hours: 10-6 Mon-Fri • 10-3 Sat
located next to Lowe’s behind Burger King

Best of the Upper East Side of Texas

Transcription

Similar documents

KTSU 90.9 FM 13th Annual Tennis Classic

TASUS Corporation by Walter Barkalow

The Destination is Worth the Journey! Call 877

Shanequa Reed - ZeeBox Media Group

Village at Cedar Park

How it works… Get moving….hop a bus and see Waco!

Private Drinking Water Well Basics

RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN Education

Gala Evening Combines Classical Music and Texas

IUNDf, I]IHISII HIFEE