THURSDAY OCTOBER 28, 2021

“What we’re building is a tiny house on wheels. It’s going to be a 225-square-foot house mounted on a 20 x 8.5 foot trailer that is being built in Oregon.”

Hayden Korsmo, a Temple High School junior, makes a precision cut during Architecture & Construction class. Students are building a mobile tiny house that will be completed in the spring. David Stone | Our Town Temple

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple exclusive

Call it a really big little project.

Temple High School Architecture & Construction program is constructing a mobile tiny house, and the students are learning design, computer skills and craftsmanship in a real-world setting.

The program is a Career & Technical Education course that prepares students for jobs in the real world and provides a boost for furthering their education in college or technical schools.

The CTE program is known locally as Wildcat Workforce.

“What we’re building is a tiny house of wheels,” said Architecture & Construction program instructor Stephen Bishop.”It’s going to be a 225-square-foot house mounted on a 20 x 8.5 foot trailer that is being built in Oregon.”

But like just many products in this pandemic-era world, it’s taking a while to get the trailer shipped to Texas.

“It’s supposed to be on its way,” Bishop said.

The diminutive home will include a kitchen, a bathroom and two lofts — one for sleeping, the other for storage.

While waiting for the trailer, students have been building a model of the project and honing their woodworking skills. They also have been working on epoxy countertops for use in the little house’s bathroom and kitchen.

Once the trailer arrives, work will focus on building a foundation and framing.

“It’s a stick-built house,” Bishop said. “We will frame out the walls, buckle it in, then work on plumbing and electricity.”

To learn about the job ahead, students are getting help and advice from the Temple Area Builders Association and the city of Temple.

“We have carpenters, electricians and plumbers coming out to talk about the project and give us some pointers,” Bishop said. “We had to get a building permit from the city. We got turned down the first time but it’s all good now. That was definitely a real-world learning experience.”

In addition to building the structure, students also will build cabinets for the bathroom and kitchen.

“Furniture making is one of my loves,” Bishop said. “We will be designing and making our cabinets and countertops.”

Bishop plans on showing the mobile house at the Home & Garden Show in February.

“These guys work hard, but you never know what you might run into,” he said. “We would like to be a stop on the Parade of Homes route in April.”

Denise Ayers, director of the Career & Technology Education program, secured a $5,000 grant from the Temple Education Foundation to help fund the tiny-house project.

“That covered most of the trailer expenses,” Bishop said. “The cost of shipping that thing from Oregon to Texas is astronomical. I found a guy in Idaho who was willing to help. He gave us a fair price, now we just have to wait for delivery.”

The project also has the support of local businesses such as ABC Construction, who is donating roofing materials.

“The community has been awesome,” Bishop said. “We’re getting a lot of help.”

So what will become of the tiny mobile house once it is complete?

“That’s a great question,” he said. “We’re still working out the logistics. We may donate it, sell it or even have a raffle. We’re just not sure.”

“This is a great project for the students,” Bishop continued. “We are planning on building a tiny house every year. In the future, maybe the THS welding department can build the trailer.”

In addition to the grant, the project also is being funded by other Architecture & Construction program projects.

“We make things and sell them to the community,” Bishop said, pointing to a porch swing.

These community construction services include making jewelry boxes, cutting boards, tables, sheds, Christmas items and yard signs and special requests.

“We may start making corn hole boards,” Bishop said. “We’ve had several requests.”

Isaac Salinas and Jose Esquivel hold a model of a wall frame. The students will be using framing skills while building the tiny house. David Stone | Our Town Temple

Jose Lopez, a Temple High student, holds a countertop sample. Students have been sharpening their craftsmanship and will use similar countertops in the mobile tiny house. David Stone | Our Town Temple

POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST

Temple’s Bijou Opera House, shown in this old postcard illustration, served a medley of functions. The three-story, $25,000 brick building was the cornerstone of early Temple and it truly was a multipurpose facility. The first floor was a meat processing plant and market that housed several local butchers and meat dealer. The second floor was devoted to the Temple City Council, housing its chambers and meeting rooms. The third floor was an upscale opera house described by one publication as a “theater not surpassed in splendor by any of the metropolitan theaters in the state.”

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TPD: Put safety first at Halloween

Temple Police officers will be ready when the little ghosts and goblins come out on Halloween. They’ve loaded their patrol cars with treats to distribute throughout the city.

“If you see an officer, don’t be shy,” said Police Chief Shawn Reynolds. “We’re just as excited as you are about trick-or-treating and being involved in the community.”

Those who participate in Halloween activities are encouraged to celebrate safely to protect themselves, family and friends from COVID-19.

The CDC recommends families to keep activities outdoors, wear a cloth or surgical mask; a costume mask isn’t sufficient to prevent the spread of the virus. Trick-or-treat in small groups, and wash hands before eating candy.

The Temple Police Department also wants to remind families to practice the following safety tips for a scare-free Halloween:

• Be visible.

• Avoid trick-or-treating alone.

• Stay off the roads and use sidewalks whenever possible.

• Only eat wrapped or packaged candy. Avoid eating homemade treats.

• Motorists must use extra caution while driving.

AROUND TOWN: CATS AT SUNSET

Mo and Jesse James are shown with a gorgeous Temple sunset Wednesday just north of Temple in this photo submitted by Jemma Bolton.

Fill the chief’s office with canned goods

The Temple Police Department is asking the public to fill Chief of Police Shawn Reynolds office with canned goods to support Temple food pantries

“We thought this would be a fun way to come together with our community for a great cause,” said Chief of Police Shawn Reynolds. “We are proud to be a drop-off location and have the opportunity to help local food pantries continue their mission to feed our neighbors in need.”

Donations will support St. Vincent De Paul of Greater Temple, Inc, Love of Christ Food Pantry, Taylor's Valley Baptist Church and Churches Touching Lives for Christ.

Residents will have the option to drop-off canned goods or monetary donations at the Police Station lobby through Nov. 17.  

The department has a designated box for donations. 

Altrusa seeks scholarship donations

Although Altrusa International of Temple will not be holding its traditional Taste of the Holidays Luncheon & Fashion Show, the organization is working to make this year’s scholarship fundraiser a success.

To fund the scholarship project, raffle tickets will be sold for five prizes, including a Starfire pendant.

Raffle tickets are $25 each and may be purchased by sending a check to Altrusa International Foundation of Temple, P.O. Box 1251, Temple, TX 76503.

Donations to the scholarship program also are appreciated.

Belton Lake

GOOD. Water lightly stained; 70 degrees; 1.08 feet low. The Fall pattern has begun as the lake has turnover. White bass are schooling in 45-53 feet of water. When the bite is aggressive, drop MAL Heavy Lures with silver blades and whitetails to fish vertically, and when the bite is holding to the bottom, allow the MAL Heavy Lure with a white blade and chartreuse tail to fish horizontally. Crappie are fair on minnows in brush piles and timber in water depths 14-25 feet. Catfish are good on chicken liver, live, and cut bait.

Stillhouse Hollow

GOOD. Water lightly stained; 70 degrees; 0.61 feet low. The Fall patterns continue. White bass are schooling in 45-53 feet of water. When the bite is aggressive, drop MAL Heavy Lures with silver blades and whitetails to fish vertically, and when the bite is holding to the bottom allow the MAL Heavy Lure with a white blade and chartreuse tail to fish horizontally. Crappie are good on minnows and jigs in brush piles and timber. Blue catfish are good with fresh-cut bait and live bait.

WHAT’S HAPPENING, CENTRAL TEXAS?

Christ Episcopal to host Halloween concert

Who’s up for a little spooky fun?

Christ Episcopal Church is hosting a Halloween concert at 4 p.m. Sunday live at the church and streaming on the church Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/christchurchtx).

The concert is part of Christ Episcopal’s Music to Help Others series.

Music will be performed by Leon W. Couch III on piano and organ, Sheryl Goodnight on flute, soloist Gerald Nicholas, and Lois Reiter and Sarah Mukaddasi on violins.

There also will be a time for sing-a-long Pumpkin Carols!

The concert will benefit the Temple Literacy Council and a $5 donation would be appreciated. Those watching via Facebook can donate via mail or online.

Christ Episcopal, located on the northern end of downtown Temple on Main Street, sponsors the ongoing music series to raise money for community charities.

“The concerts utilize the abundant number of professional and semiprofessional musicians in Central Texas,” said Ami Hooper, the church’s communications director.

“The Sunday afternoon concerts range in genre from jazz, opera, classical, instrumental and contemporary gospel,” she said.

So far, the church has raised thousands of dollars to help the homeless, food banks, medical clinics serving the poor and children’s charities.

Central Texas largest and most complete calendar of event:

October

October 28-31 - “Leading Ladies” at Temple Civic Theatre. Ticket link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=1

October 29, Friday - Uncasing of the Colors for the 607-member 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the 3rd Squadron, 36th Infantry Division, now headquartered at the Texas Army National Guard on Airport Road in Temple. Santa Fe Plaza, 10 a.m.

October 29, Friday - Michael Salgado at Schoepf’s in Belton. 6 p.m.

October 29, Friday - 1st Annual "Monster Mash Ballroom Bash" at Arthur Murray Temple. Join us for a few tricks, some yummy treats, and lots of dancing! Costumes are encouraged, and anyone is welcome — no dance experience needed, $15 per person. RSVP (254) 231-3444 7:45 p.m.

October 29, Friday - Calling all boys and ghouls! Don’t forget to stop by the Monster Mash at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Learn a few new dance moves at the Monster Mash prom. Grab a treat or two and have a spooktacular time. 6-8 p.m.

October 29, Friday - Halloween Party at Firestreet Pizza. High octane rock & roll. 6 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - 24k Comedy Magic Show, Corkys Wine & Beer. 8 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Do you have your Halloween costumes ready? Enter Temple Fire & Rescue’s costume contest during Fire Safety Day this Saturday! Aside from the costume contest we will have fire safety demonstrations, tours, and activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Fire Station.

October 30, Saturday - Spur Classic Pickleball Tournament at Wildflower Country Club. Registration at 7:30 a.m., matches start at 8.

October 30, Saturday - Trunk or Treat at Faith Baptist Church, 1102 S. 51st , Temple. 7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Lake Belton High School Trunk or Treat. Sponsored by Vista Community Church. 5-7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Halloween Party at O’Briens Irish Pub featuring Jay White & The Blues Commanders. 9 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - The city of Temple will host Fright Fest from 6-8 p.m. at Santa Fe Plaza (301 W Avenue A). Attendees will be able to trick-or-treat, enter a costume contest and enjoy a fire dance show. This event is free to the public and registration is not required.

October 30, Saturday - Downtown Belton Candy Trail. 4-6 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Halloween Bar Crawl, Mo’s Rail Yard Saloon. 4-11:59 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Barktoberfest, Dog costume contest at 5:30; adoptable dogs on site. Barrow Brewing Co., Salado. 1-7 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Trunk or Treat at Express ER in Temple. 4 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Bulls & BBQ, Live bull riding followed by concert with Jake Worthington and Keith Braxton. Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton, Noon.

October 30, Saturday - Tablerock’s Fright Trail. One-half mile walking trail presents thrill, chills and haunting skits. Salado. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - BooCru at Crusader Stadium. UMHB in Belton. Wear your Halloween costume to the UMHB v. Belhaven game. Trick or Treat at 10 locations inside the stadium during the first half. Halftime parade of costumes on the football field. Noon.

October 30, Saturday - Trunk or Treat. VFW Post 1820, 3302 Airport Road in Temple. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in parking lot.

October 30, Saturday - Trunk or Treat at Keller Williams Advantage. 3 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Trunk or Treat at Fellowship Baptist in Morgan’s Point. 6:30-9 p.m.

October 30, Saturday - Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat at Everest Rehabilitation Hospital of Temple. 10 a.m.

October 31, Sunday - Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat at Canyon Creek Baptist Church. 6-8:30 p.m.

October 31, Sunday - Edward Scissorhands, free movie at Cultural Activities Center. In this 1990 film, a scientist builds an animated human being but dies before he can finish the assembly, leaving the young man with a freakish appearance accentuated by the scissor blades he has instead of hands. The event will include a pre and post-movie discussion with Professor Dr. Joseph Taberlet. 2 p.m.

October 31, Sunday - Fall Festival at The Vine Church on 31st Street. Rain or shine. 6-8 p.m.

October 31, Sunday - Taylor’s Valley Harvest Party. Food, family fun, candy, costume contest, hay ride. Taylor’s Valley Baptist Church. 5 p.m.

November

November 2, Tuesday - Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Wilson Park Recreation Center. Celebrate Hispanic and Mexican culture and heritage on this one-day festival for Day of the Dead. 6 p.m.

November 4, Thursday - Spur Classic Sporting Clay Shoot, Weber Shooting Range. 8 a.m.

November 4, Thursday - Brown Bag Bingo, Sammons Community Center Bring a brown bag with a small, non-food Bingo prize inside. 5 p.m.

November 5, Friday - First Friday Block Party: Veterans Day. Fun, food, music and shopping downtown Temple. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

November 6, Saturday - Chris Hillman, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 p.m.

November 6, Saturday - Holiday Craft Bazaar at Gober Party House. Handmade and original items. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

November 7, Sunday - Temple Symphony Piano Trio featuring Suzanne Jacobson on violin, Cory Blaise on cello and Kiyoshi Tamagawa on piano. Cultural Activities Center. 3 p.m.

November 11, Thursday - Veterans Day Celebration and Patriot Way Brick Walk sign dedication. 8:30 a.m.

November 11, Sunday - Downtown Drag! A drag show at Corkys Wine & Beer. 7 p.m.

November 11, Friday - The College of Visual & Performing Arts presents One Voice in concert. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

November 11-14 - "Our Town," a Pulitzer Prize winning play by Thornton Wilder, Temple High School, Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. More information at: http://www.ThespiansR.Us

November 11-14 - The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Beltonian Theatre, 6 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - Market in the Vines. Take a walk through the vines and shop with over 50 vendors! Free to the public. 3 Texans Winery. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - Downtown Temple November Market. his will be our second to last market of the year and just in time to start your holiday shopping for all your friends and family. From soaps to jewelry, baked goods & jams, even custom wood working items, our market has something for everyone. 2 N. Main, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - A Night in Vegas…St. Mary’s Catholic School Casino Night. Live auction, silent auction, games, drawings. Benefits the school’s educational programs. Cultural Activities Center. 6 p.m.

November 14, Sunday - St. Mary’s Traditional Turkey Dinner, KC Hall at 2218 W. Ave D, limited seating or to go plates, $12 plate includes Turkey, dressing, roll, gravy, coleslaw, green beans, cranberry sauce and dessert. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

November 19 through January 15 - Facing the Inferno wildfire photo exhibit opens at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.

November 20, Saturday - Casey Donahew at Bell County Expo Center’s Assembly Hall.

November 20, Saturday - Belton Market Days. Downtown Belton. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

November 20, Saturday - The Gathering. Native American music, dancing, food. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for picnicking and fun. Yetti Polk Park in Belton. 11 a.m.

November 25, Thursday - Thanksgiving Outdoor Movie Night at Barrow Brewing in Salado. “A Christmas Story.” 6 p.m.

December

December 3-5 — Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre.

December 4, Saturday - Barrow Brewing Christmas Market, Salado. Noon.

December 4, Saturday - Temple Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert featuring soprano Priscilla Santana and tenor Brian Joyce. Temple High School. 7:30 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Chisholm Trail Christmas Ball featuring Rick Trevino. Bell County Expo Center. 6 p.m.

December 6, Monday - The 75th Annual Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. This year's theme is “The Magic of a Traditional Christmas." Details will be made available on templeparks.com.

December 10-12 — Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre.

December 11, Saturday — Downtown Temple Holiday Market & Food Truck Frenzy. We are excited to partner our market with a Food Truck Event! Come join us and support local businesses in our area! 2 N. Main Street. 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

December 11, Saturday - 5th annual Holiday Extravaganza at the Troy Community Center. Shop with local small businesses. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

December 23, Thursday - Santa & Elvis at Fire Street Pizza. 6-9 p.m.

December 31 - January 1 - Texas Elite Pole Vaulting. The Expo Explosion, the second largest indoor pole vaulting event in the country. Bell County Expo Center’s Garth Arena.

LIST YOUR EVENT! Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line. Keep it short and sweet — what, when and where. You may include a short description. You must include a phone number for verification purposes. The phone number will not be published unless requested by submitter.

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Temple to host Workshop, Maintenance Rodeo

Temple will host the 2021 Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) Central Region Workshop and Maintenance Rodeo on Nov. 4-5 at the Mayborn Civic & Convention Center.

“We’re honored to host an event that provides professional development and networking opportunities to these Parks and Rec professionals,” said Kevin Beavers, director of Parks & Recreation. “Watching the maintenance crews show off their skills during the rodeo also adds an element of excitement.”

The event will begin with a workshop that features presentations on industry-specific topics. Five speakers in the lineup are city of Temple employees.

“We want this workshop to be a hub of information that is applicable to the various divisions within Parks and Recreation,” said Michael Mayfield, Recreation Division director.

Parks employees will compete in the maintenance rodeo. Events will include obstacle courses, irrigation assembly, plant and weed identification and other challenges that incorporate job skills.

Temple hosted the TRAPS Central Region Maintenance Rodeo in 2020, and Temple Parks & Recreation ranked third overall in the competition, with a few staff members securing a spot on the podium for individual events.

“Representing the city is the main goal, but placing in the competition and advancing to the state rodeo is important to us, too,” said David Cobb, Temple Parks & Recreation employee and reigning regional champion of the irrigation assembly event.

18 cities are registered to attend the workshop and maintenance rodeo, including Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock and New Braunfels.

For more information, call the Parks & Recreation at (254) 298-5690.

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