FRIDAY | JANUARY 7, 2022 | FIRST FRIDAY IS TONIGHT

‘Children’s’ author to hold First Friday book signing in Downtown Temple

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Cheryl A Hinckley will be at Precious Memories Downtown to sign copies of her new children’s book, A Texas Dog Named Lucy Mae. But don’t be surprised if most of the folks in line are not kids.

“It’s a children’s book, but adults love it,” Cheryl said Thursday. “So many people love dogs, and Lucy’s story puts smiles on their faces.”

Cheryl, a Kansas native who has lived in Texas since 1964, will be signing books at Precious Memories starting at 6 p.m. Books also will be available for purchase.

A Texas Dog Named Lucy Mae is Cheryl’s first installment of a nine-part series on rescue dogs. The book was finished this past fall and is available at Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.

“Lucy Mae was a Great Pyrenees I adopted from Fuzzy Friends in Waco,” she said. “All of the dogs in the series are rescue dogs that have been in my life. Besides Lucy Mae, I’m writing about Boots, Yo-Yo, Sir Highland Rebel, Nippy, Lady, Patches and Emma Mae. The eight remaining Rescue Dog books are in various stages of development. When I’m finished with the dogs, I have three kitties to write about.”

The Rescue Dog series has been years in the making.

“This has been my dream for a long time, but life took up my time,” she said. “Working, raising a family, being a community volunteer … then my husband was very ill. After his death, I began writing again. He was very supportive and he wanted to be my warehouse manager.”

Now, Cheryl said, she is devoted to completing the children’s book series and starting other writing projects.

A Texas Dog Named Lucy Mae is illustrated by a young man out of the Dallas area — Aaron Luker.

“Aaron is an aspiring writer, although his direction is quite different from mine,” she said. “Still, I am going to help him get started, and I’m hoping he will continue to illustrate my stories. He is very talented.”

Cheryl said she wants her book to be an educational tool for children.

“There’s a page in each book — What Can You Remember About the Dog,” she said. “The questions listed will allow the reader an opportunity to recap what they read in the book.”

Cheryl said she hopes to finish the Rescue Dog series by 2023, then start on her cat stories.

“These stories are about the animals’ different personalities and the joys they have given to my family over the years,” she said. “They all have crossed the rainbow bridge, but they are remembered with smiles and love,” she said.

One of the many five-star reviews posted on the Barnes & Nobles website was from a reader in North Carolina.

“So great to have such a book illustrating the rewards of the animal rescue concept,” the review stated. “So many pets need a home and they have so much to offer a family. At this time when we could all use a happy ending, I recommend this book not only for kids but for ‘children’ of all ages. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.”

An autographed copy of A Texas Dog Named Lucy Mae may be purchased directly from Ms. Hinckley by emailing her at cahinck@hot.rr.com. The price of the book is $20, which includes shipping and handling.

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Rental Reinvestment Program offers incentives for improving rental properties

The Rental Reinvestment Program offers property owners grant funds to renovate rental housing located in low-to-moderate income Temple neighborhoods.

The application and eligibility requirements are available on templetx.gov.

“Affordable housing is a significant contributor to individuals’ quality of life. This program allows tenants to benefit from home improvements while rewarding property owners for investing in the renovations,” said Nancy Glover, director of Housing and Community Development.

Approved applicants will be awarded money as a 50/50 match, reimbursement grant. Renovated properties that pass a Department of Housing and Urban Development inspection will also pre-qualify for Housing Choice Voucher acceptance.

For more information, visit this website or call the Housing and Community Development Department at (254) 298-5999.

Belton Lake

GOOD.

• Water lightly stained; 59 degrees; 2.41 feet low. Catfish are good, scattered from mid to deep water in the river channel and in structure. Drifting using fresh cut bait will put the cats in the boat. Report by Jason "SPUD" Barton, Cattin' Around Adventure's Professional Guide Service.

• With a mild front impacting weather on Tuesday, and the arrival of our strongest cold front of the season late Saturday, there were multiple opportunities for frontal-related fishing. We had three trips this week that put over 100 fish in the boat. Fishing has moved a tad deeper, generally in 28-34 feet of water, and the small three-eighth or five-eighth ounce Bladed Hazy Eye Slabs with stinger hooks are now my go-to presentations and likely will be through February. Birds have been working in the mornings. Report by Bob Maindelle, Holding the Line Guide Service.

Stillhouse Hollow

GOOD.

• Water lightly stained; 57 degrees; 2.10 feet low. With a mild front impacting weather on Tuesday, and the arrival of our strongest cold front of the season late Saturday, there were multiple opportunities for frontal-related fishing. We had three trips this week that put over 100 fish in the boat. Fishing has moved a tad deeper, generally in 28-34 feet of water, and the small three-eighth or five-eighth ounce Bladed Hazy Eye Slabs with stinger hooks are now my go-to presentations and likely will be through February. Birds have been working in the mornings. Report by Bob Maindelle, Holding the Line Guide Service.

Reeling in the Cure

Pink Fishing, an organization that raises money for breast cancer research and helps cancer sufferers financially, has scheduled it’s 7th annual Reeling in the Cure Bass Tournament for Saturday, Sept. 10, at Belton Lake’s Cedar Ridge Park. Registration will be at 5 a.m. and the fishing starts at 6 a.m. First place is guaranteed $3,000. The entry fee is $125 prior to September or $150 after Sept. 1. For more information, call (254) 681-0102. MORE TO COME

YOUR MEGA-CALENDAR OF EVENTS HAS ARRIVED!

Kowboy Wine Bar will stage a live show by Red Watterson and Joe Frey, starting at 8 p.m.

Ras Kitchen will have Nikki Nicole from IHeart Radio’s  KIIZ 92.3 & the House of Nicole onsite for a speed-dating event complete with live entertainment by Sounds by Selectah SpidaTech. The event also will feature social icebreakers, specialty drinks, delicious treats, games and prizes.

Green Door will take 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday. Be sure and catch the live piano show by Russell Boyd.

The Parlour Antiques & Oddities will put on a New Year’s reception with complimentary beverages and snacks. Shoppers who spend $25 or more will have the opportunity to win a cool ‘giveaway’ prize.

Tour Temple & Corky’s Wine Bar will offer a four-hour ‘Temple Brew Trail Tour’ and Corky’s Beer & Wine Bar will host karaoke night with DJ Bryan Hogue.”

Bird Creek Burger Co. will offer half-priced appetizers (excluding chili) and celebrate happy hour all day.

Artist 2 Artist Showcase will stage an art show and vendor sale at Main Street Courtyard, 5 S. Main Street. This month’s show will feature vendors including KC Creations (boutique items), Rocky Gutter Soap Co., Beads-4-Me, The Bratty Bat and many more.

O'Briens Irish Pub will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday.

Darling Décor and More will have a huge clearance sale with markdowns of up to 75 percent off.

Mo’s Railyard Saloon will offer $2 frozen margaritas throughout the evening.

Treno Pizzeria & Taproom will offer discounts on selected beers & wines, and as always, Treno’s pizza chefs will be baking up tasty fresh hot pizza pies.

Fire Base Brewing will have the Lulamae’s Cajun Cuisine Food Truck onsite and Maxx Carter will be performing live. Mention First Friday at Lulamae’s and receive a 10 percent discount.

Artist Noel Johnson will hold an art sale on the sidewalk next door to O’Briens Irish Pub.

The Hub will be open till 8 p.m. and will offer free New Year’s cookies and punch.

Mexiko Cafe will be open all evening with reduced beer prices.

BJ’s Brewery & Tasting Room will be serving Brewhouse Blonde Kolsch Style, their special beer for the evening.

Cheeves Brothers Steak House will offer half-priced appetizers in the bar and lounge, and half-priced specials on selected beers, wines by the glass and call-level liquors

La Dalat will offer 10 percent-off appetizers and $3 coffee or hot tea to anyone who mentions First Friday.

Nami Japanese Steak & Sushi will offer First Friday specials on select sushi rolls, appetizers and beverages.

Precious Memories Florist & Gifts Shop will offer some super buys on trees and gift items at the Downtown location and will have ‘loaded’ hot chocolate for grown-ups and kiddo-friendly hot chocolate with an indoor S'mores roasting station. Guests will also be able to watch the monthly restyling of the store. The Pink Bulldog Boutique will be expanding and restocking just in time for First Friday, and author Cheryl A. Hinckley will be on hand to sign the first book of her rescue dog series, "A Texas Dog Named Lucy Mae.” 

The Yard-Food Truck Plaza will feature some great food trucks offering tasty eats and 10 percent discounts to anyone who mentions First Friday. Participating trucks include Chock Full of Cheese, Taqueria Mi Lindo Nayarit, 808 Island Grindz and Mama Lama Mobile Kitchen.

DEAN’S SERIES: KATHRYN FOUSE: Let the Games Begin with Kathryn Fouse, piano. Join us for an entertaining evening of music from popular video games. 7:30 p.m., Jan. 18 at Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

EXHIBIT OPENING: The next art exhibit opening will be Jan. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. The featured artist is PHOKUS and the exhibit will feature a  mixed media presentation entitled "So tonight that I may dream.”

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS: The College of Visual & Performing Arts at UMHB features a band that plays music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation while synchronizing the music to video projections of the original film. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

AIZURI QUARTET: This group will perform at the CAC on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Described as "genuinely exciting" by the New York Times and "elegant" and "inquisitive" by The New Yorker, the quartet presents a vibrant selection of new music and standards. The group was nominated for a Grammy in 2019. 

LION KING JR.: The Temple High School Theater Arts department will present a production featuring actors from across the school district on Jan. 27-30. The Jan. 27-29 shows will start at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available at CentralTexasTickets.com.

POPS CONCERT: The Temple Symphony Orchestra will feature trumpeter Allen Vizzutti in a January 29 Pops Concert at the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center at Temple College. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

THE CONTEMPORARIES TELETHON “THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT” will be held on stage Jan. 29 at the CAC. The telethon proceeds provide financial support for the building and the programming.

DEAN’S SERIES: EMILY & JONATHAN GRAY: College of Visual & Performing Arts at UMHB presents Emily & Jonathan Gary in concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 4  inside the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

INHERIT THE WIND: The Temple Civic Theater will hold auditions on Feb. 2- and 21, and the show will be presented April 1-10.

LAST OF THE RED-HOT LOVERS: The Temple Civic Theater show will run Feb. 4-13 at TCT.

MUSIC TO HELP OTHERS: Christ Episcopal Church is presenting a concert to benefit local charities at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6 at the church.  The concert will celebrate Black History Month and honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. The concert also will be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/christchurchtx and will benefit the Un-Included Club, a nonprofit organization that provides literacy, urban agriculture, and leadership programs for underserved youth. Donations will be accepted at the door or online. The Sunday afternoon concert series is a continuing ministry of the church. The concerts, featuring local musicians, have raised more than $14,000 for area charities, food banks and medical clinics serving those in need.

THE VANDOLIERS - The Cultural Activities Center’s Texas Music Series opens on Feb. 12. Season tickets are on sale at cacarts.org.

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.

COMING NEXT MONTH! ALIENTO a TEQUILA: This exhibit explores and celebrates the landscape, culture, and traditions that gave birth to tequila. A series of photographs by Joel Salcido include the original distilleries that founded the industry, as well as several artisanal tequilerías committed to the ancestral ways of tequila-making, from harvest to bottle. Jan. 28-March 16.

NO LIMITS MONSTER TRUCK WINTER NATIONALS & MUD RACES are coming to The Expo on Jan. 14 & 15. See some of the nation’s most competitive monster trucks and motocross racers as they invade Bell County. 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets at bellcountyexpo.com

LONE STAR GUN SHOW is going Jan. 15-6. Bring in your old gun and trade up. Look at all kinds of merchandise from New and Used Guns, Knives, Swords, Hunting Gear, Books, Coins, Medals, Ammo, Reloading Equipment and Supplies. 9-5 on Saturday, 10-4 on Sunday.

A SAMI SHOW: ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET will be in Assembly Hall from 10-5 Saturday, Jan. 22, and 11-4 Sunday, Jan. 23.

PARKER McCOLLUM RED DIRT MARDI GRAS features Texas mainstream country at its best. Saturday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. Buy tickets and select seats at bellcountyexpo.com

BELL COUNTY YOUTH FAIR & PRCA RODEO is coming to The Expo on Feb. 11 and 12. Details on this big show will be coming soon!

MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR will be held Feb. 19 and 20 with a dazzling array of workshops and lectures on how to grow and raise your own food, build your own root cellar and more. Details are coming!

TEMPLE AREA HOME BUILDERS HOME & GARDEN SHOW will be held Feb. 24-26. Check out the largest Home & Garden Show in Central Texas with 125 exhibits. Friday, 6-9; Saturday, 10-6; Sunday, Noon-5.

January 8, Saturday - Cabin Fever: Stargazing Family Day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Learn about constellations, meteor showers and other celestial objects while checking out the night sky. 10 a.m.

January 8, Saturday — Great British Rock ’n’ Roll Name that Tune Bingo at Fire Base Brewing Co. 7:30 p.m.

January 9, Sunday — Larry Burgin & Texas Tradition at Tom Sefcik Hall in Seaton. $10, 6-9 p.m.

January 11, Tuesday - Shimmy and shake your way over to Sammons Community Center for a 6-week fun-filled Belly dancing course. Tighten your core by learning a mixture of movements with Colleen Pannell, Instructor. $90

January 14-15 - No Limits Monster Truck Winter Nationals & Mud Races. Some of the nation’s most competitive truck and motocross racers as they invade Bell County Expo Arena on Friday and Saturday. 7:30 p.m.

January 15, Saturday - Game Show Night by Texas Red at Fire Base Brewing Co. We have the night for you! 4 rounds of the game show questions and prize-winning for all! Free to play and Family Friendly! Who will walk away with the evening's Oscar? Play as a team or individual. Win free drinks and other prizes! 7-9 p.m.

January 16, Sunday — Downtown Drag at Corkys featuring Lacey Luxx, Luiz Fatale, Naima Fatale, Beauty and Rah’jai Mirage Jackson. $25 VIP, $15 general admission. 8 p.m.

January 16, Sunday — Jerry Haisler & The Melody Five at Tom Sefcik Hall in Seaton. $10. 6-9 p.m.

January 19, Wednesday - The city of Temple is undertaking the development of a Mobility Master Plan designed to produce a multimodal transportation system. The second public involvement meeting will be hosted online with a live event and in person at the Wilson Park Recreation Center on from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

January 22, Saturday — Name that Tune Bingo: 80s and 90s Mixtape at Fire Base Brewing Co.

January 23, Sunday — Bobby Dean & Timeless Country at Tom Sefcik Hall in Seaton. $10, 6-9 p.m.

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

January 30, Sunday — Old Friends dance at Tom Sefcik Hall in Seaton. $10, 6-9 p.m.

February

February 4, Friday - On the first Friday of every month, historic downtown Temple transforms into a giant party. Enjoy street music and performances, drinks, food, and after-hours shopping.

February 5, Saturday - Geek Out Family Day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Want to show off your geeky side? Come out to the museum for Geek Out Family Day. Dress up as your favorite superhero, cartoon, or video game character. Enjoy the nerdier side of life.

February 11-12 - Bell County Youth Fair Livestock Show & PRCA Rodeo. The Bell County PRCA Rodeo is currently in its 34th year of continuous operation at the Bell County Expo Center. Last year, the Bell County Youth Fair awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to local area youth. https://agrilife.org/bellctyyouthfair/

February 12, Saturday - Kyle Mathis plays an acoustic solo gig downstairs at Tom Sefcik Hall in Seaton. 8 p.m. to midnight

February 12, Saturday — 5th annual Onesie Bar Crawl. The comfiest bar crawl ever. Starts at Mo’s Rail Yard Saloon. Map will be available. www.crawlwith.us/temple/onesie#tickets

LIST YOUR EVENT! Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line.