MONDAY OCTOBER 18, 2021

Many extraordinary folks have called Temple home at some point in their lives, and maybe it’s time we honor our local heroes with a Walk of Fame. Candidates for such an honor are endless, but here’s a few worthy of consideration: Miriam A. (Ma) Ferguson, first woman governor of Texas; Bernard Harris, first black astronaut to space walk; Frank Mayborn, publisher and civic leader who played a huge role in the creation of Fort Hood and Belton Lake; Mean Joe Greene, NFL superstar; Walter Iooss, legendary sports photographer and one of the creators of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue; and Coach Bob McQueen, legendary Wildcat player and coach.

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple publisher

A great number of prominent men and women have called Temple home over the years, yet some of our biggest landmarks — the Kyle Hotel and General Bruce Drive come to mind — are named in honor of out-of-towners.

W.W. Kyle, a Beaumont businessman who financed the Temple hotel that bears his name, and Andrew Davis Bruce, a St. Louis man native who was instrumental in forming Fort Hood, are certainly deserving of their honors and I’m not suggesting we start renaming infrastructure. But, there are ways to honor legendary Temple residents.

Walks of fame are popular in other cities and are a low-cost means of creating lasting memorials to residents past and present who have made an impact in their community or profession.

There are other ways to honor folks — fountains, streets, parks, community centers, ballparks — and Temple has done a good job of honoring some of our greats, especially well-deserving former city leaders. But maintenance costs are high for fountains, and we can’t really create an additional 50 or so streets and parks overnight. Yes, a walk of fame would be awesome.

Los Angeles has its Hollywood walk, complete with stars for the stars. That’s not really appropriate here since we aren’t an entertainment Mecca like LA. Temple is a railroad town, so instead of stars, why not use large golden railroad spikes?

So where would be the ideal location for our Temple Walk of Legends? Several options come to mind. Santa Fe Plaza was my first thought since it is near the Temple rail yard and depot, but maybe a place with higher foot traffic would be better. Downtown sidewalks would be cool. The “spikes” could be spread along downtown sidewalks, a move that might draw new visitors to the booming entertainment district. The spikes could be a tripping hazard, though, unless they are laid flush with the sidewalk.

But here’s another thought: Why not create a Plaza of Legends at the new MLK Festival Grounds? That way, the spikes could be “driven into the ground” instead of laying flat. Yep, big standing railroad-spike memorials would be a definite bonus.

So here comes the fun part: Who gets a spike?

Well, there are some obvious choices. Drs. Arthur Scott and Raleigh White are locks even though there’s a lot of stuff around town already named after them. Same goes for Frank Mayborn, newspaper publisher and civic leader who played big roles in the creation of Fort Hood, Belton Lake and other projects. Although these men have been honored before, they still are deserving of their own golden spikes.

But how about Mean Joe Greene, perhaps the greatest football player of all time? Or Claudia Potter, the first woman anesthesiologist in the United States? Or Lester Moore, the legendary Dunbar High School coach who compiled a 252-54 record and led his basketball team to a state championship in 1958? Speaking of winning state championships, that McQueen fellow might just deserve a spike as well.

Then there is Bernard Harris, the first black astronaut to space walk. And Tejano great Little Joe Hernadez. And, Walter Iooss, the legendary Sports Illustrated photographer who made the Swimsuit Issue a must-have for many young men; actor and comedian Rip Torn; swing king Boots Douglas; and the beloved minister and newspaper columnist Clyde Nichols of “Lift Up Thine Eyes” fame.

That’s just a few off the top of my head. Oh, yeah, there’s also the Texas governor duo of Ma and Pa Ferguson, and also that Bernard guy Temple is named after.

There are many more, and the selection process could be a lot of fun. Of course, community input would be essential.

It’s an idea worth exploring. A Plaza of Legends would be a tourist draw and a way to educate the world about great Temple residents and their accomplishments.

Many cities have adopted a Walk of Fame to recognize accomplishments. The most famous is the Hollywood Stars walk in Los Angeles.

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PART ONE OF A CHILLING FIVE-DAY SERIAL

Our Town Temple

Today we kick off a tale about the Temple Doll House, told by former Temple ISD educator Russ Wright. Russ used to barter with his students — they behaved and he would share a thrilling story.

“I was teaching math and science at Meredith Dunbar and my homeroom was often chaotic at the end of the day,” he said. “I told them I would tell them a story if they could get it together and sit down. The first couple days I only got out about three minutes. Later it was 15. They really looked forward to this story.”

Russ said the story stuck in his students’ heads and they often mention it when he sees them around town.

So here it is, Part 1 of The Temple Doll House as told by Russ Wright:

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I think we were in the first grade when we first heard about the Temple Doll House from some older kids. Me, Ed and Jeff were fascinated by the bits and pieces we could glean from them.

One day I finally summoned the courage to ask about the Doll House. They all roared with laughter, teasing us that we were too scared to even look at the Doll House, much less go inside. That, of course, prompted us to deny that we were afraid of some old lady’s DOLLS!

Then they laid down the challenge.

”If you three kids are SOOOOOO brave, then bring back one of the dolls to prove that you were in it and we will pay you $100!” 

We accepted.  Not for the money so much as the bragging rights. Now we had to figure out how to do it without getting caught.

We knew that it was an abandoned house on 19th Street in Temple.  We also knew that if we broke into some home in the daytime, someone could see us and call the cops.  It was decided that we would do it on a Friday night when everyone was at the Wildcat game.

That evening I told Mom I was spending the night at Jeff’s. Jeff told his mom he was spending the night at Ed’s and Ed told his mom he was spending the night at my house. 

We were free, and we had our bikes and flashlights. We were ready!  Little did we know what was in store for us …

COMING TOMORROW: Part 2 — The House on 19th Street

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Casting set for Aladdin Jr. at TCT

By DAVID STONE, Our Town exclusive

The cast is set for the upcoming Temple Civic Theatre production of Aladdin Jr.

The updated Disney show will be presented Dec. 3-5 and 10-12 at the theatre.

Aladdin Jr. is based on the 1992 Academy Award-winning film and 2014 Broadway show, TCT spokesperson Regina Corley said.

“With expanded characters and new songs, this adaption of Aladdin will open up a new world for young performers,” she said.

The local production will star Angel Santiago as Aladdin, Morgan Richter as Jasmine, Noah Johnson as Genie and Andrew Cloe as Jafar. Jonathan Salmon has been cast in the cold of Sultan.

Others starring in the production are AJ Johnson, Mattew Fulmer, Canaan Hammonds, JJ Uyechi, Joel Johnson, Maddie Clark, Lauren Sanderford, Gracin Ivey, Cecilia Manuel, Katie Millington, Daphne Patrick, Eden Johnson and Ava Jane Linnemann.

Also: Emma Kate Fulcher, Boston Clark, Lydia Manuel, Grace Goodson, Morgan Smithwick, Luke Picarazzi, Levi Covington, Rebekah Kropp, Zoe Kruegger, Miriam Keller, Iris Patrick, Zy’lah Blackmon, Ne’Zaria Dotsey, Stella Lufburrow and Kolbie Tiknor.

Also: Halle Hammer, Gabrielle Blizzard, Olivia McRae, Livvy Hildner, Lexxy Speegle, Austin Evans, Silas Patrick, August Patrick, Kal-E Tajada, Rhett Picarazzi, Cecilia Gallegos, Brenna McCoy, Anna Stephens, Claire Luftburrow, Savannah Evans, Caiyah Hammonds and Alishia Johnson.

Also: Erin Noe, Reagan Myers, Abigail Nipp, Kendra Tejada, Charlotte Campbell, Layla Gonzalez, Emily Herrara, Jasmine Gray, Avni Prakash, Claire McKissick and London Preston.

To purchase tickets, visit templecivictheatre.com and click on the “tickets” link.

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Several Our Town Temple poll respondents said additional stimulus subsidies could drive the cost of products and services skyward.

Some Temple-area residents say a fourth stimulus check would further hamper an economy already short of products and workers.

POLL: 4th stimulus may hurt economy

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple exclusive

Support for a fourth stimulus check continues to grow nationwide as a petition calling on Congress to deliver another round of aid approaches the 3 million signature mark. 

But in Bell County, many residents say a fourth check would be a mistake.

“These ‘stimulus checks’ are hurting the economy, not helping,” said Cheri Nagy of Belton. “Businesses are hurting because they can’t hire the people they need because these checks are enabling (people) to not hold onto a job or seek employment.”

According to an Our Town Temple social media poll, Nagy’s opinion is shared by many. A whopping 88.2 percent of Temple-area residents polled said they do not support another stimulus checks, while just over 11 percent are in favor of a fourth round.

Several poll respondents, including Temple’s Greg Gaines, said additional subsidies could drive the cost of products and services spiraling skyward.

“There’s a bottleneck of goods at U.S. ports and demand for almost everything continues to rise,” Gaines said. “More stimulus checks mean more people are chasing the same or lesser numbers of goods and services, and that’s the most basic definition of inflation.”

“If you think taxes take a bite out of your paycheck, wait till you experience gas at $5 a gallon.” he said.

Despite local objection to additional stimulus money, the petition has been gaining traction since its creator, Stephanie Bonin, posted it to Change.org last year. Since then, it's continued to attract signatures, potentially indicating that Americans feel they're in need of direct federal support as many of them struggle to recover from the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I'm calling on Congress to support families with a $2,000 payment for adults and a $1,000 payment for kids immediately, and continuing regular checks for the duration of the crisis," Bonin, a Colorado restaurant owner, wrote on the page for the petition. "Otherwise, laid-off workers, furloughed workers, the self-employed, and workers dealing with reduced hours will struggle to pay their rent or put food on the table."

In the petition, Bonin urged Congress to issue "immediate checks and recurring payments.”

"Congress needs to make sure that we won't be left financially ruined for doing our part to keep the country healthy," she wrote.

So far, there have been three rounds of stimulus checks.

Eligible Americans received $1,400 stimulus checks in March as part of Democrats' $1.9 trillion stimulus package. The Trump administration issued two stimulus checks nine months apart: The checks in the first round were $1,200, and those in the second were $600.

It's unclear whether there will be a fourth round. Back in May, the White House threw the ball in Congress' court, saying it's up to lawmakers to determine whether a fourth stimulus would be issued. 

But, some in congress say a fourth stimulus check is unlikely because the economy is slowly regaining jobs since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, allowing businesses to ramp back up.

In many places — Temple, for one — these jobs are going unfilled.

“There are jobs to be had,” said Lorri Townsend of Killeen. “Eventually we would have to pay for more stimulus through higher taxes.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING CENTRAL TEXAS?

Central Texas largest and most complete calendar of events:

October

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 19, Tuesday - “Shattered Pieces” at The Beltonian Theatre. 6 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, Friday - Trunk or Treat at Smile Doctors, 2113 SW Dodgen Loop. 5-8 p.m.

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 - Haunted Hayride, Bend of the River, 6-10 p.m.

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 23, Saturday - October Blues Bash. The Clint Walker Blues Band is bringin' the blues back to Bold Republic Brewing! It is going to be a great night of live music, the best beer in Texas and delish food! 6-10 p.m.

October 24, Sunday - Fall Fest at First United Methodist Church in Temple. 4:30 to 6:30 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 - 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 - 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, 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 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, 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, 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.