MONDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2021

FUNDRAISING PERFORMANCES SET FOR TCT

Cast members from All Together Now practice at Temple Civic Theatre.

Nov. 12, 14 show is part of global effort to support community theater

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

The Temple Civic Theatre will join with 2,500 theatrical organizations from 50 states and more than 40 counties in producing their own production of Music Theatre International’s All Together Now.

Music Theatre International created All Together Now as a fundraiser for local theater groups that will be performed over the upcoming weekend in auditoriums across the planet, Temple Civic Theater spokesperson Regina Corley said.

Local performances will be Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m.

All Together Now features songs from MTI’s beloved catalogue of musicals including Annie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Come From Away, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof and many more.

“TCT’s production of All Together Now features familiar actors and new faces to our stage,” Corley said.

According to Director Sara Harris Baker, All Together Now provides an additional opportunity for the public to come back to the theater.

“The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and community theaters are no exception,” she said. “TCT has been dark for nearly two years, just starting the 2021-2022 season a few months ago. During that time, there was little going on in the way of fundraisers or performances. We are so grateful to the patrons who gave their support during the pandemic, and now we need everyone in our community to come back to the theater.”

Ruby Jett, president of the Temple Civic Theatre’s board of governors, said the show has something for everyone.

“Disney favorites, Broadway’s newest hits, classics, it’s all in this show,” Jett said. “It’s always a pleasure to work with our community’s veteran performers, but there are some amazing newcomers in this cast, too.”

Cast members will include Dan Becker, Victoria Bongat, Daniel Clark. Maddie Clark, Sean Clark, Regina Corley, Jeffrey Ellis, Jo Elwood, Henleigh Hardt, A.J. Johnson, Brian Johnson, Eden Johnson, Joel Johnson, Lily Johnson, Noah Johnson, Teri Johnson, Daphne Patrick, Luke Picarazzi, Paige Rendon, Levi Santana, Malachi Santana, Micah Santana, Priscilla Santana, Dawn Svor and Spencer Tolleson.

Misty Haberer Barham is the choreographer for the production, and Wayne Bachus will serve as musical director. Tanya McMillan is the production manager, Jennifer Murphy is stage manager, Chris Eshbaught will play drums and Ashton Yarbrough is the bassist.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting http://templecivictheatre.com or calling the Box Office at (254) 778-4751.

FedEx plans Temple logistics center

FedEx, a national package delivery service company, has plans to build a 250,000-square-foot logistics facility in Temple’s Northwest Industrial Park, City Planner Jason Deckman said today.

Temple City Council will consider plat approval for the project at its Nov. 18 meeting.

The plat was approved last week by the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission and now moves to the full City Council, Deckman said.

The 52.9 acre property is located at 11400 and 11601 NW H.K. Dodgen Loop and is owned by the Temple Economic Development Corporation.

A portion of the property was recently rezoned to light industrial to match the surrounding lots, Deckman said.

Temple High choir students earn Outstanding Performer honors

Two Temple High School choir students have been recognized as Outstanding Performers for their performances in the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in May. The two students will also be recognized at the Temple ISD board of trustees meeting tonight.

Cody Little and Michael Barfoot are among a group of just 238 students from across the state to earn the Outstanding Performer recognition.

The award represents an individual’s attainment of superior musicianship as demonstrated in the exacting competition of the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Little and Barfoot were selected in May after more than 20,000 students participated in the state contest.

In addition to assigning a rating to each performer, each solo judge may designate exemplary soloists as Outstanding Performers.

“Cody Little and Michael Barfoot are two of the finest young men I’ve had the privilege of working with in my time at Temple High School. Their gifts in music are apparent, but this award is not earned by just talented individuals,” said Cameron Roucloux, head choral director at Temple High School.

“The top two percent of students who compete at Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest receive this award,” he said. “This award is earned by students who have outworked everyone else. They have put in countless hours since they first stepped foot in the Temple High School Choir program, and all of that hard work came to fruition with them both earning this award. We are so proud of them and celebrate this accomplishment with them.”

Little was a four-year member of the THS Meistersingers and also performed with Polyfoniks for three years. He graduated in June of 2021. Barfoot is a junior at THS and is a three-year member of Meistersingers.

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Temple JROTC to honor veterans

The Temple High School Air Force JROTC will honor local veterans Thursday with a Veteran’s Day ceremony.

The event will be at 9:30 a.m. in the Temple High School competition gym.

Veterans and community members are encouraged to attend. The ceremony will be modified slightly from the normal outdoor format to accommodate the indoor setting.

Rucks on Main helps fill food banks

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Saturday’s Rucks on Main raised more than 5,000 pounds of food to help feed veterans and the homeless in Central Texas.

Rucks on Main, a group of mostly ex-military men and women, hold 10K rucks twice a year in Temple — once over Memorial Day weekend and again around Veterans Day.

“We’re trying to raise awareness of veteran needs and feed the hungry,” said Wes Albanese, founder of the organization.

J.D. McBride, one of the organizers of Rucks on Main, said 160 people participated in Saturday’s event commemorating Veterans Day.

“This was our third Main Street ruck, and it was the biggest and best event so far,” McBride said. “This is definitely a growing event.”

The group has ideas for making the event even bigger, including adding a parade, an all-day celebration with bands and picnics, and light-post banners honoring local military heroes.

“A lot of us are here because of the VA Center and Fort Hood,” McBride said. “Rucks on Main gives soldiers and veterans a chance to be a part of the local community.”

FLASHBACK: COCHRAN, BLAIR & POTTS

Cochran, Blair & Potts staff stand in front of the Belton store in this undated photo.

Early store sold cattle-drive gear, dry goods, coffins and buggies

By DENISE KARIMKHANI, special to Our Town Temple

Cochran, Blair & Potts — the oldest department store in Texas — originated in Centerville when Henry Cook and his son-in-law, Thomas W. Cochran, opened a mercantile business in 1869.

The business stocked dry goods, hardware, drugs, coffins and included a lumberyard. To take advantage of the railroad boom, the firm relocated to Belton in 1883.

Over the years, business partners died, company names changed, and other partners joined the firm including Jesse S. Blair and Arthur H. Potts. The business became known as Cochran, Blair & Potts in 1917.

The design of the building served as a model for other department stores. Architects designed the front with two entrances on either side of a glass window.

Only the highest quality products were used in the construction of the Belton store. Four coats of varnish covered brown mahogany fixtures with a finish of an oil pumice stone rub. Dressing rooms were equipped with wall-to-wall mirrors and connected to the alterations department to allow for quick service.

Traveling cowboys and herders congregated in Belton, located on the Chisholm Trail. The cowboys’ demands for goods, equipment, and services such as saddles, ropes, and blankets kept the firm in business.

The store expanded its inventory to include chaps, hat bands, cattle whips, fancy spurs, gun holsters, and carriages and buggies. When Arthur Potts joined the firm, it was reported that the store sold a dozen buggies a day.

The store’s inventory was destroyed by fire in 1928, but it was able to reopen in 1929. The corporation was dissolved in 1938 and the business became a partnership owned by members of the Cochran, Blair, and Potts families. The firm, which became solely owned by descendants of Roy Campbell Potts in 1970, was incorporated in 1977.

Currently the store sells mostly boots and other types of footwear and men’s and women’s clothes.

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POSTCARD FROM THE PAST

The Texas Theater opened its doors on South 1st Street on Nov. 27, 1941, in the old Moss Rose Cafe building. The first movie in the theater was “Maryland,” a drama starring Fay Painter and Walter Brennan. The Texas Theater balcony was huge, capable of seating 165 patrons. The Texas was one of the last downtown movie houses to close. After modern, multi-screened theaters opened behind the mall and further south on S. 31st Street, the Texas changed to an “adult” format. In the above photo, a Texas Theater concessions attendant — wearing a dress and jewelry — sells a Mission Orange drink to a customer during the theater’s heyday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING, CENTRAL TEXAS?

Central Texas largest and most complete calendar of event:

November

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

November 9, Tuesday - Baby Bookworms for ages 0-12 months at Temple Public Library. 11 a.m.

November 9, Tuesday - Czech Film Night & Matinee at The Beltonian. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

November 10, Wednesday - School-Age Story Time for K-3rd Grade at Temple Public Library. Features short film, stories and constructive play. 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.

November 11, Thursday - Veterans Day Celebration and Patriot Way Brick Walk sign dedication. 8:30 a.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 13, Saturday - 2nd annual Blue Santa Toy Run at Fire Base Brewing. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - Preschool Story Time at Temple Public Library. 10:30 a.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 12, Friday - Bike Night at Horny Toad Harley. Live music by Scratch 3, beer, giveaways. 6-8 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - "Tea with the Princesses" with the Belton High School Magic Belles; 10am and 1pm at North Belton Middle School. Visit beltonmagicbelles.com for info.

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 16, Tuesday - Tarok Card Party & Lessons. Czech Heritage Museum. 7-9 p.m.

November 18, Thursday - Turkey Day Table Art. Need some centerpieces for your big Thanksgiving dinner? What’s better than an adorable handmade craft made by your little turkey? Kids will make different types of table art for you to display. Register at templeparks.com. Open to ages 2-6. $7 per child.

November 19, Friday -  Yuletide Tour of Homes. To purchase tickets, visit www.TempleChildrensMuseum.org/events.

November 19, Friday - Book Cellar Investigation. $20 per person. 8 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.

November 19, Friday - Justin Hewitt at O’Briens. 9 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 - Facing the Inferno wildfire exhibit opens at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.

November 20, Saturday - Game Show Night by Texas Red at Fire Base Brewing. 7-9 p.m.

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 21, Sunday – Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), free movie at Cultural Activities Center. King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles. Shrubberies not required.  The event will include a pre and post-movie discussion with Professor Dr. Joseph Taberlet. 2 p.m.

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

November 27-28 - Kris Kringle Mart presented by KC Council 3444, 2218 W. Avenue D, Temple. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December

December 2 — Die Hard at The Beltonian. It IS. a Christmas movie!. 6 p.m.

December 3, Friday - Sammy G’s Toy Drive Block Party at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

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

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

December 4, Saturday - Santa at the Depot, Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, 5-8 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Lance Wade Thomas rocks O’Briens. 9 p.m.

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 4-5 - Kris Kringle Mart presented by KC Council 3444, 2218 W. Avenue D, Temple. 10 a.m. to 4 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, Friday - TISD Jazz Band – Merry Christmas and All That Jazz at Meridith-Dunbar Early Childhood Academy Auditorium, 5:30 p.m.

December 10, Friday - Bone at O’Briens. 9 p.m.

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 11, Saturday - Tucka Texas Takeover with LJ Echols, Fat Daddy and Mr. Smoke. VFW Post 1820, Temple. 7 p.m.

December 12, Sunday - Temple High School Band Winter Concert in the THS Auditorium, 2:00 p.m.

December 13, Monday - Temple High School Orchestra Christmas Concert at THS Auditorium, 7 p.m.

December 14, Tuesday - Temple High School Choir Holiday Gift at THS Auditorium. 7:30 p.m.

December 17, Friday - Matt Cearley & The Rowdy Few, O’Briens. 9 p.m.

December 19, Sunday – When Harry Met Sally… (1989), free movie at Cultural Activities Center. Boy meets girl, boy sees other girls, and girl sees other boys.  Maybe boy and girl should have seen each other.  “I’ll have what she’s having.”  The event will include a pre and post-movie discussion with Dr. Joseph Taberlet. 2 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.

December 31, Friday - New Year’s Eve at O’Briens with the Jason Custer Band. 10 p.m.

December 31, Friday - New Year’s Eve at Bo’s Barn with the Craig Howell Band. 9 p.m.

January

January 29, Saturday - Parker McCollum Red Dirt Mardi Gras at Bell County Expo. 8 p.m.

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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