MONDAY OCTOBER 11, 2021

Why is Halloween so frighteningly fun?

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

During the next three weeks, many of us will watch an aging Jamie Lee Curtis in yet another Halloween movie, search for the perfect ghoulish costume and head to haunted houses to get the you-know-what scared out of us.

Yep, it’s that time of the year. But why do we do it?

Well, for some folks, fear is an unpleasant experience to be avoided at all costs. But others revel in the adrenaline rush of a good fright. These are the folks watching “Scream” and entering ghostly manors in the name of fun.

The answer to “why” lies in the mind and body, according to professors who actually study these things.

“Being petrified can be exhilarating and addictive,” said Irving Biederman, a specialist in cognitive neuroscience. “We like novelty — something that departs from the everyday experiences.”

Biederman explained that a rush of fear in a setting that is actually safe can release naturally occurring opioids such as endorphins and dopamine. Endorphins signal pleasure and dopamine is linked to the brain’s reward center.

In other words, fright can be fun.

OK, let’s move along. Between now until Halloween, Our Town Temple will be sharing some of the creepiest tales of local horror ever whispered in Central Texas. Some will be local lore and tall tales, other stories will be told by your friends and neighbors who swear they are true.

Ready? Let’s start with a story told to Our Town by Mary Jo Fellers Fraley, a Moody woman who dabbles in the paranormal. Mary Jo is active in several paranormal groups, including Bluebonnet Paranormal.

Here is her story:

One night, Mary Jo and a friend, Kim, were out taking photos and playing music in the middle of nowhere — something they did on a regular basis. But, on this particular night, something out of the ordinary happened.

“As we were about to go home, Kim heard a noise behind us and turned around,” Mary Jo recalled. “She saw a huge Native American man with long hair but cut Mohawk style on top. He was wearing very little — just a loincloth and war paint. He was very angry.”

Spooked, the women headed home for the night.

“A few nights later, my granddaughter and I rode back out that direction,” Mary Jo said. “I figured that we would be riding around some, so I had gassed up the Blazer and cleaned all the windows before we headed out.”

The road was old, deserted and very dark. It was paved at one time, but much of the pavement had worn off with time, she said.

“I was telling Katie what had happened that night with Kim, and we stopped the car for a few minutes as I told my story,” Mary Joe explained. “Katie is 15 and very sensitive, and it seemed like I had just started talking when she asked if I heard something at the back of the car.”

“I told her no, but I don’t have her young ears. Then, I heard something brush up against my door.”

“OK, I was a little creeped out, so I started my car and drove off. We both looked behind us and saw nothing that could have made that noise. I took Katie home and thought very little about it the rest of the night.”

Mary Jo woke up early the next morning and headed out to her car. As she approached, she stopped in her tracks. Something very strange was etched into dust on her rear window, the very window she had cleaned the night before.

“It appeared to be a symbol of some sort,” she said. “Ther is no way that it was drawn on. A person would have to use a stencil and blow dust over it to even come close.”

Mary Jo checked with people on a Native American website and described what she had seen.

“One person said these images were popping up all over, and another said it was a warning of changes to come. Major changes, and not just for me but for mankind. It was a warning to protect Mother Earth.”

“In a way, maybe I should feel honored that I was chosen to receive this warning,” she said. “But in another way, not so much.”

Here’s what Mary Jo found etched in the dust of her back window:

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OUR LOOK AT TEXAS COLLEGE MASCOTS CONTINUES

SMU’s mascot handlers lead a hard-kicking Peruna onto the field prior to a Mustang football game.

18 percent kick, 100 percent heart

By JENNIFER WILSON, Our Town exclusive

Let's trot on down I-35 to Georgetown to set the stage for our next deep dive into Texas football mascots.

Why Georgetown? Well, in 1910 Drs. Robert S. Hyer and Hiram A. Boaz were considering moving Southwestern University to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Rather than launch such an undertaking, the gentlemen decided to start a new university. 

An offer of $300,000 and 133 acres of land quickly compelled them to choose Dallas over Fort Worth, and in April 1911 Southern Methodist University received its charter. Go SMU Parsons!

Wait, Parsons? Doesn’t ring a bell, does it?  I guess when all is said and done you can only look so holy on the football field. Dorothy Amann, President Hyer’s secretary, obviously thought the same thing — she likened the team to “a bunch of wild mustangs.”

The moniker stuck, and in 1917-1918 the SMU Parsons were defrocked, as it were.

Enter the Prohibition era. Alcohol may have been illegal but medicines were not. One of the most popular patented medicines of the time was Peruna Tonic. How popular? Try 18% popular. And in 1924, with a jazzed-up version of “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” and a lyric change to “She’ll be loaded with Peruna when she comes,” Peruna became the primary fight song for the university.

All the school needed now was an actual physical mascot, but it would be eight more years before this introduction took place. It was well worth the wait.

In 1932, Volney Cyrus Barcus (Cy), the band director, was enjoying a picnic one afternoon when he noticed a black pony running through some high weeds off in the distance. He convinced football coach Ray Morrison that a pony would make a great mascot. Morrison agreed, and at the November 4th pep rally, Parsons the 150-pound, 28-inch, feisty little black stallion was introduced to the students.

He was immediately beloved, and even travelled with the football team to New York. A NYC cab was his preferred mode of transportation. Parsons remained the SMU mascot until 1934. Unfortunately, on October 31st Parsons escaped his enclosure and was struck and killed by a speeding motorist on Mockingbird.

The entire campus went into mourning. Finis Crutchfield (student body president) and Robert Goodrich (Mustang Band leader) led Parsons' processional to the burial site. The Mustang Band played their fight song as a dirge in honor of their cherished pony.

In 1937, a memorial statue was sculpted by Michael Owen, Jr. and placed on Parsons’ burial site. That statue can still be found at Peruna Plaza at Ford Stadium.

Just before the untimely death of Parsons, the student body decided that their school mascot needed an official name — one that would be passed down to each successive little equine. Peruna was the obvious choice—not only was it the school song, but the name had spirit, and the little pony would be just the thing to give the school a “kick.”

Parsons is now known as Peruna I, and ight other Perunas have taken up the reins for SMU. Their service years as mascots are indicated in parentheses:

Peruna II (1934-1943) was the first Shetland pony to be donated by W.E. Culwell, a tradition the Culwell family continues to this day. The family also stabled the mascots on their 500-acre ranch in Grapevine until 1993. Now the black ponies are kept at a secret location. Peruna II was the first of only two mares to serve as mascot.

Peruna III (1943-1947) came with his own special red and blue trailer — also supplied by the Culwells. This must have been a fantastic trailer — it was in service until 2002!

Peruna IV (1947-1949) was the second mare to represent SMU. Unfortunately, she died of a jaw infection in 1949. Gene Gaddy, a member of the student council, was called off of his summer break to act as a pallbearer at her funeral.

Peruna V (1950-1965) was perhaps the naughtiest of the ponies. He gained a reputation for not only being arrogant, but also high-spirited in his prancing, rearing, and biting. In 1953 he got to travel to Chicago when SMU played Notre Dame and roomed at the Stevens Hotel. He even had elevator privileges. Peruna V also caused the death of New York’s Fordham Ram, kicking out and instantly killing the ram when he got too close.

Peruna VI (1965-1986) is the longest served mascot to date. Liver problems forced him into early retirement. After his death, he was buried at Ownby Stadium. When the stadium was demolished, Peruna VI’s remains were the only ones recovered. They now rest under the statue at Peruna Plaza.

Peruna VII (1986-1997) was a year late to his own debut — due to his temperamental nature.  An accident with his stall gate caused the little guy to break his leg during the summer of 1986. Recovery was aided during the Death Penalty years, but he was retired early due to more frequent pain management. He lived out his retirement on a ranch and was eventually euthanized due to liver problems. His ashes are now in a coffin, awaiting a final resting spot in Heritage Hall. 

Peruna VIII (1997-2011) “is a spirited lean black stallion that immediately made his mark by dragging and tripping several of the Peruna handlers.” He has led the Mustang Band in President George Bush’s 2001 Inaugaration Parade and also spent Christmas Eve in Hawaii where he led the mustangs onto the field and victory in the Hawaii Bowl. He was retired at the age of 17.

Peruna IX (2011-Present) has been rearing to go since colthood. Game noise doesn’t phase him as he became accustomed to all the hoopla by attending summer band practices. He has even been clocked galloping across the football field at a record pace. 

Peruna may be adorable but don’t let that diminutive cuteness fool you, or you might be on the receiving end of a bite or a kick to remind you who is really in charge. I believe Margaret Ellen Crawford, a former SMU student and spirit leader summed it up best when she said, “I think people might be a little confused at first. Although we are called the mustangs, we have a pony, but I think they embrace it once they hear all the stories about Peruna and see him. He’s tradition, he’s feisty, and classy just like SMU students.”

Straight from the horse’s, oops, pony’s mouth.

In 1949, Claude Fussell, manager of Rendezvous Stables, put the SMU mascot up for the night in his apartment above the stables after University of Texas faithful had threatened to swipe the pony. Thanks to Fussell, the pony was safe and was on the sidelines at the football game the next day.

Dallas artist Michael G. Owen created a monument to all of SMU’s Peruna mascots and it sits on the grounds of Ownby Stadium.

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“The Leon River Dutch Over Gang will be demonstrating their cooking skills and offering samples of desserts. We will have a storybook trail, Buffalo soldiers and a Central Texas master naturalist.”

Hiking the rock tower is a popular activity at Mother Neff State Park. The park will be hosing its Fall Festival on Oct. 23. There will be a lot of activities, but be sure and know your route. State Highway 236 south of the main entrance is closed for a bridge replacement.

Mother Neff’s Fall Festival is Oct. 23

Our Town Temple

History and adventure will be the focus of this year’s fall festival at Mother Neff State Park, according to Park Superintendent Mellisa Chadwick.

The festival is set for Saturday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Admission will be free, but donations will be accepted to provide park improvements and future events, she said.

“There will be a lot going on,” Chadwick said. “The Leon River Dutch Over Gang will be demonstrating their cooking skills and offering samples of desserts. We will have a storybook trail, Buffalo soldiers and a Central Texas master naturalist.”

The event also will feature guided hikes, scavenger hunts and children’s activities and crafts, Chadwick said.

While the festival promises great family fun, getting there might present a challenge.

State highway 236 south of Mother Neff’s main entrance is closed for a bridge replacement, Chadwick said.

“This will impact folks coming to visit the park from Temple,” she said. “They will have to alter their route.”

The easiest route from Temple is to travel West Adams or Airport Road to Texas 317, then head north toward Moody. In about 11 miles, turn left onto FM 107. In 6.4 miles, turn left onto Texas 236. The park entrance will be about 1.5 miles ahead on the right.

For those traveling on I-35, take Exit 314 and turn left on FM 107. Go 13 miles through Moody, then turn left on Texas 236. The park entrance will be on the right in 1.5 miles.

For additional information about Mother Neff State Park, Fall Festival or the bridge closing, call (254) 853-2389.

WHAT’S HAPPENING CENTRAL TEXAS?

October 11 - Auditions for Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre. Ages 7-12 audition at 6 p.m.; ages 13-18 audition at 7 p.m. Call backs will be Oct. 12

October 11-17 - Hocus Pocus, The Beltonian Theatre, Belton. Noon.

October 12, Tuesday - Czech Film Night at The Beltonian. Free admission. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

October 15, Friday - Dancing music with Hyway Traveler at Bo’s Barn. 8  p.m.

October 16, Saturday — Little Joe’s 81st birthday bash. The celebration begins at 4 p.m. and the first band — Tyler Bigley & The Copano Cowboys — performs at 5. At 6 p.m., Eric Flores will be on stage, followed by David Marez. Following an hour-and-a-half set by popular crooner Bobby Pulido, Little Joe y La Familia, plus many friends, will perform at 10:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Van Cliburn Recital featuring Daniel Hsu. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Belton. 7:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - West Temple Oktoberfest. 3 West Alehouse & Grill. 11 a.m.

October 16, Saturday - 35 South burns up the dance floor at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - St. Luke Fest 2021, raffle, petting zoo, live music, carnival games, food vendors, silent auction, bingo and more. St. Luke’s Catholic Church. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Trunk-or-Treat at RE/MAX Temple-Belton at the intersection of South 31st and Canyon Creek. The event will be in the parking lot behind the building. Ghoulish games, terrifying treats and bone-chilling candy. 3-6 p.m.

October 16, Saturday - Cookie Decorating. Blackmon Community Center. 10 a.m.

October 16, Saturday - Michael Salgado at Schoepf’s BBQ in Belton, 6 p.m.

October 18-23 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Beltonian, Belton. 6-8 p.m.

October 19, Tuesday - UMHB Opera/Musical Theatre Scenes. A College of Visual & Performing Arts presentation. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

October 22, Friday - Unity Fest on the street in front of Ras Kitchen. Featuring Alex Marley and many other acts. 4 p.m. to midnight.

October 22-24 - “Leading Ladies” at Temple Civic Theatre. Ticket link: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=4&p=1

October 23, Saturday - Don Gregory Memorial Lions Club Golf Tournament. Sammons Golf Course. Contact Jeffrey Thigpen Thigpen.jeff@gmail.com to register or for sponsorship opportunities. 4-person scramble begins at 8:30 a.m.

October 23, Saturday - Oktoberfest 2021, Barrow Brewing Company, Salado, noon to 10:30 p.m.

October 23, Saturday - Fall Food Truck Festival, 3524 FM 2484 in Salado. Proceeds benefit Salado VFD. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..

October 26, Tuesday - Military & First Responders Appreciation Day. Drive through hamburger box dinner for active duty military, veterans and first responders. Central Fire Station in Temple. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until food is gone.

October 26, Tuesday - The College of Visual & Performing Arts presents the UMHB Concert Choir and the Women’s Chorus. Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center, Baugh Performance Hall. 7:30 p.m.

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 - 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 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 - Barktoberfest, Dog costume contest at 5:30; adoptable dogs on site. Barrow Brewing Co., Salado. 1-7 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 - 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 31, Sunday - Halloween! Have fun, be safe.

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.

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 6, Saturday - Chris Hillman, Texas Music Series,Cultural Activities Center. 7:30 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, 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 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 - 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 18, Thursday - Taste of the Holidays 2021: A Candy Cane Christmas. Mayborn Convention Center. 10:30 a.m.

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

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

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 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 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.

Have an event you would like to promote? 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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