WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2021

“There are a lot of artificial trees on ships waiting to be unloaded. They likely won’t make it to stores in time for Christmas.”

Cut Christmas trees are available locally at Robinson Family Farm — 3780 White Owl Road in Temple — and at several retail chains.

Expert: Cut Christmas trees are available locally, but buy soon

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Despite an ongoing shipping crisis, a local Christmas-tree growers organization says there will be plenty of fresh-cut trees for the holiday but you might want to buy soon.

“There’s a lot of pre-cut and cut-your-own trees out there, but I suggest you buy early,” said Stan Reed, executive director of the Temple-based Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association. “But artificial trees, that’s a different story.”

Reed said world-wide shipping issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic have delayed shipping of artificial trees and other Christmas items.

“There are a lot of artificial trees on ships waiting to be unloaded,” he said. “They likely won’t make it to stores in time for Christmas.”

The world’s supply chain is under pressure from surging consumer demand, labor shortages and overseas manufacturing delays related to the pandemic. Supply chain disruptions have led to higher freight costs, delivery times and inflation.

“The goal of a supply chain is to get the right products to the right place at the right time in the right condition. If there’s a disruption, one of those things isn’t happening,” explained Cheryl Druehl, a supply chain expert and professor at George Mason University’s School of Business.

Reed said the Christmas tree industry has a strong network of shipping cut trees, particularly to Texas. Trees not grown in the Lone Start state — such as Fraser firs — usually come from North Carolina, Michigan or Oregon, he said.

“Right now, there are trees in Temple, Texas,” he said. “But I suggest buying early.”

Robinson Family Farm, 3780 White Owl Road in Temple, is selling cut trees every day and will do so until they run out. Several chain retailers in the area also have trees for sale, but area H-E-B stores are not stocking full-size Christmas trees this year.

Those shopping for artificial trees are advised to buy now.

“The demand this year for artificial Christmas trees is going to be extremely strong and so I think from a consumer perspective people definitely shouldn’t wait,” explained Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company, a top importer and wholesaler of artificial Christmas trees and holiday decorations.

“Consumers should buy now because right after Thanksgiving, which is a peak time for us, I think there’s going to be a lot of empty shelves,” he added.

Butler said a steady increase in consumer spending on home goods throughout the pandemic, overall fatigue from two years of pandemic, as well as larger gatherings this winter because of vaccinations, were indicators of higher demand this season.

“If you see something you like, buy it,” advised Jami Warner, the executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association. Warner explained that ongoing supply chain disruptions have particularly affected artificial trees, which are mostly imported from Asia and taking longer than usual to get to the U.S.

MSNBC contributed to this report

“We will begin clearing the land by the end of 2021 in preparation for greenhouse construction, and we expect to have a portion of the facility completed by the end of 2022.”

Revol Greens hopes to begin growing lettuce in its greenhouse near Heidenheimer by the end of 2022. The greenhouse shown above is part of Revol’s complex in California.

Land clearing to begin at Revol site

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

A Minnesota-based lettuce company will begin clearing land near Heidenheimer in December to build a massive hydroponics greenhouse, a company spokesman said Tuesday.

Revol Greens received unanimous approval of a tax abatement this summer and is moving forward with its growing plans.

“We will begin clearing the land by the end of 2021 in preparation for greenhouse construction, and we expect to have a portion of the facility completed by the end of 2022,” said Revol spokesperson Tristan Simpson. “Then we can start our growing process.”

The facility will be located along FM 436 south of Heidenheimer.

Revol plans to build a 40-acre greenhouse as part of a four-phase project that will produce the world’s largest lettuce greenhouse, Simpson said. The facility eventually will employ 150 people within four years.

Once phase two of the project is complete, the Temple greenhouse will produce more than 17 million pounds of greens every year.

Revol currently operates greenhouses in Minnesota and California, but the Temple facility will represent the company’s first venture in the South.

Currently, Revol's greens are available in stores and restaurants across the Midwest. The new Temple operation will allow the company to distribute its products throughout Texas and the South.

Products from the Temple greenhouse will move from the facility to market three to four days faster than food products coming from the west coast, enhancing freshness.

"We selected Temple for our new facility in order to expand our production and distribution capabilities," said Mike Wainscott, CFO of Revol Greens. “Temple's central location in Texas means our products will reach shelves and tables throughout the southern U.S. efficiently.”

“We're eager to begin production in Temple,” he said.

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Walk to Remember is patterned after the above event in Florida. In Temple, Pepper Creek Trail will be lined with remembrance boards in honor of passed family members, friends and pets.

Walk to Remember honors loved ones, pets

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Central Texans will honor deceased loved ones and family pets Dec. 12 with a remembrance walk and ceremony at Pepper Creek Trail in Temple.

“Walk to Remember will honor all those who are no longer walking with us,” said event organizer Sabrina Young of Young’s Daughters Bereavement Center. “They are still in our hearts, and this helps us hold on to their legacy.”

Registration for the walk will begin at 5 p.m. and at 5:40 p.m. participants will stand in unity to share losses. Following an invocation, a moment of silence and a candlelight ceremony, people will walk the trail.

The cost of the event is $50 to cover the cost of a remembrance board that will be placed along the walkway.

The signs will include a photo of the loved one or pet, their birth date and passing date, and a memorial message. Participants are asked to submit a photo and information to Young’s Daughters Bereavement Center, 4235 E. Business 190 in Temple, by 2 p.m. Dec. 9 so the remembrance boards can be built. Information also can be emailed to youngsdaughtersfuneralhome@gmail.com.

Along with the memorial board, participants will receive a pin to wear that includes a photo of the loved one or pet, a candle for the ceremony and a purple bracelet. Additional signs for a second loved one can be purchased for $25.

“Remembrance walks are popular in other areas, but this is the first one we’ve done,” Young said. “This is open to the entire community — we’ve all experienced loss.”

For additional information, contact Young at (254) 401-1302 or by email.

POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST

A postcard reproduced in an old Temple newspaper shows the Catholic Sisters Convent, located at 5th Street and Avenue F. This structure served as the convent’s kitchen and dining hall. Drs. Arthur Scott and Raleigh White bought the property in 1905 and converted it into Temple Sanitarium. It was later renamed Scott & White.

I don’t think this was actually a postcard, but it also was pulled from an old Temple newspaper and the quality is poor. But, this is the first Girl Scout troop in Temple marching in a 1922 parade. The girls are being led by Mrs. A. Ford Wolf, the troop’s organizer and leader.

Road closures to begin on 4th, Central

Partial road closures on 4th Street and Central Ave. are scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 29.

The 4th Street closure will extend from Adams Avenue through the intersection with Central Avenue. Central will be closed from 2nd to 6th streets.

This 11-month closure is related to the construction of the six-story parking garage with retail space being constructed in downtown Temple.

Detours will be implemented in the area, and access will be maintained to businesses. Drivers should use caution and pay attention to all traffic control devices.

For more information, visit letstalktemple.com or call the City of Temple Engineering Department at (254) 298-5660.

WHAT’S HAPPENING, CENTRAL TEXAS?

Central Texas largest and most complete calendar of event:

Temple Public Library

TEEN CRAFT CORNER: Every 4th Monday at 5 p.m. Join us for Teen Craft Corner! Take a break from the stresses of school and life, and create something fun during our monthly craft program! Our crafts will include projects such as string art, painting, learning about artists and their techniques, mixed media, and so much more! All supplies provided. (254) 298-5557

GREAT BOOKS ADULT BOOK CLUB: 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6 p.m. Seminal texts of Western civilization, pre-20th century philosophers, scientists and novelists. Readings span from Homer and Plato to Nietzsche and Freud. (254) 298-5557

BABY BOOKWORMS (Ages 0-12 months: Every Tuesday at 11 a.m.  A half-hour of book sharing, rhymes, songs, exercises and parachute play. (254) 298-5557

SCHOOL-AGE STORY TIME (K-3rd Grade): Every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. A half-hour of short films, stories and constructive play. (254) 298-5557

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME (Ages 3-5): Songs, stories, and a variety of literacy activities. (254) 298-5557

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (Ages 12-18): First Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. Looking to explore the world of D&D but not sure where to start? Join us at the Library for our Beginners Dungeons & Dragons Program!

Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum

FACING THE INFERNO: THE WILDFIRE PHOTOGRAPHY OF KARI GREER: Colorful, intimate, and intensely dramatic images that capture the work of wildland firefighters in this new exhibit that runs through Jan. 15. Amazing photography.

November

November 24, Wednesday - Comedy Open Mic at Corkys. Up-and-coming comics, humorists or regular Joes can get 5-minutes to try our their set, work on jokes, or just try to see if they can make the crowd laugh. This is adult humor and intended for mature audiences. 8 p.m.

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

November 26, Friday — Kenny Orts & No Chance Band at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

November 27, Saturday - Wreath Laying Ceremony at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. 10 a.m.

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

November 27, Saturday — Dave Jorgensen at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

November 27, Saturday - Beer Run 5K at Fire Base Brewing Co. Ever wanted to run for beer? Here's your chance. It’s a friendly little 5k right here in Downtown Temple. $10 entry fee gets you your first beer upon completion. Route and more details to follow, but we're working to keep it relatively simple and safe.

November 27, Saturday — Small Business Saturday in Temple. Businesses will be offering specials throughout the day.

November 27, Saturday - Name That Tune Bingo at Fire Base Brewing Co. We've all got Friends in Low Places so come on down to Fire Base Brewing for Name That Tune Bingo: Country Music Edition! YeeHaw!!! $2 gets you started for chances at prizes, drinks and brewery swag! Family Friendly! 7:30 p.m.

November 28, Sunday - Margarita Madness at Corky’s. Four types of margaritas and more. 2-6 p.m.

December

December 1, Wednesday - Comedy Open Mic at Corkys. 8 p.m.

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

December 2, Thursday — Teen Dungeons and Dragons for beginners at Temple Public Library. 5 to 7 p.m.

December 2, Thursday — Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing Co., 7 p.m.

December 3, Friday — Mark Richey at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

December 3, Friday - Christmas and Holiday Season First Friday downtown Temple. 5 p.m.

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

December 3, Friday - Clint Walker Blues Band is back at O’Briens Irish Pub. 9 p.m.

December 3-4 - Christmas on the Chilsom Trail, Central Avenue and East Street in Belton. 6 p.m.

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

December 3,4,10,11 — “A Christmas Carol” at Tablerock Amphitheater in Salado. 7 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Todd Snider, Cultural Activities Center, 7:30 p.m.

December 4, Saturday — Marcus Lindsey at Bo’s Barn, 9 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Preschool Story Time at Temple Public Library. 10:30 to 11 a.m.

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

December 4, Saturday - Santa at the Depot, Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, 5-8 p.m. Put on your jammies, grab your favorite stuffed animal and come enjoy a magical evening with Santa at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Visitors can marvel at the sights and sounds of the holiday season as they wander through the winter lights on the Santa Fe Plaza and enjoy Christmas music. Enjoy delicious hot chocolate available for purchase from Kona Ice while waiting to see the man in the big red suit! TICKETS ON SALE at https://bit.ly/3CfFHFE. ALL tickets are ADVANCE purchase only. Tickets are required for admission. Limited ticket quantity is available. Tickets are $5.00 per person, children 2 and under are free. Ticket includes visit with Santa and a gift bag for children. General museum admission will be closed on December 4th to prepare for Santa's visit.

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, Saturday - Game of Thrones Trivia Night at Fire Base Brewing. Free to play. 7 to 9 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Epically Hogwarts Holiday at Mayborn Science Center in Killeen. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 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 and City Christmas Tree Lighting will begin at 6:15 p.m. This year's theme is “The Magic of a Traditional Christmas." Details will be made available on templeparks.com.

December 6, Monday — Belton Lake Parade of Lights at Dead Fish Grill. Watch boats on the lake decked with Christmas lights. Hot chocolate and chocolate bombs filled with marshmallows. 6 to 9 p.m.

December 7, Tuesday — Baby Bookworms ages 0 to 12 months at Temple Public Library. 11 to 11:30 a.m.

December 7, Tuesday — Tarok Card Party and Lessons at Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center. We play for fun! Come learn to play Taroks, the 1400s European card game Czech brought to Texas in the 1800s. It’s just as popular today and tournaments are held all over Texas. Jimmy and Carolyn Coufal are award-winning tournament champions who teach and advise us purely for the love of the game. No fees or admissions. Just come join us! 7 to 9 p.m.

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 — Vista’s Jingle Jam 2021 at Vista Community Church. Join us for the most fun, biggest, Christmas party of the year for your whole family. We'll play games, sing Christmas songs, have Christmas cookies and cocoa, and hear the Christmas story in a way kids can understand. And it is totally FREE! We’ll have a Jingle Jam session at 5:30pm and 7pm.

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

December 10, Friday —Branded Heart at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

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

December 10-12, The Texas Nutcracker, performed by Classical Ballet Conservatory of Lisa's Dance Connection, performance at the Cultural Activities Center.

December 11, Saturday — Adult Lego Club at the Temple Public Library. Creative building as well as conversation about our favorite bricks.

December 11, Saturday — Downtown Temple Holiday Market & Food Truck Frenzy. Its Holiday Season! We are excited to partner our market series with another Food Truck Event! Come join us in Downtown Temple and spread some holiday joy by supporting local businesses in our area! We will have plenty of vendors, food trucks to satisfy anyone's cravings, live music and activities for kids! Come find that perfect gift for your loved ones - whether it be a new piece of jewelry, some unique bath products, or a fun knickknack. 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 11, Saturday — 35 South at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

December 11, Saturday - Holiday Laser Light Show at Barrow Brewing Co. in Salado. Part of the 61st annual Salado Christmas Stroll. 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 17, Friday — Hyway Traveler at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m.

December 17, Friday — “It’s a Wonderful Life” at The Beltonian Theatre. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — “It’s a Wonderful Life” at The Beltonian Theatre. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — The Real Gun Show at Bell County Expo Assembly Hall. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

December 19, Sunday — The Real Gun Show at Bell County Expo Assembly Hall, 10 a.m. to 4 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 18, Saturday - Shinyribs, Cultural Activities Center, 7:30 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — People’s Choice at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

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

December 25, Saturday — Christmas Dance at Bo’s Barn featuring Secondhand Rose, 8 p.m.

December 20-25: “The Polar Express” at The Beltonian Theatre. Visit https://TheBeltonianTheatre.com/Movies for show times.

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. $25 includes cover, party favors, champagne, and breakfast with black-eyed peas.

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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