Lucas Miller, aka The Singing Zoologist, will be performing at Temple Public Library this Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Miller is a self-described animal lover and musician who decided to combine his loves to teach people the importance of taking care of Earth’s animals. “My core message is conservation,” he said today. Thursday’s show will be Miller’s 20th at Temple Public Library, and that includes a virtual performance during the COVID pandemic. The show will be on the library’s third floor in the McLane Room.

DAVID STONE | June 6, 2022

Lucas Miller loves animals. He also loves music. Somewhere along his path in life he decided to combine the two passions. The result? Meet the Singing Zoologist.

“I went to the University of Miami of Ohio and got my degree in zoology,” he said. “I also did some research as an undergrad. I was the singer and guitarist in a band at the time, and we mostly sang other people’s songs. I wasn’t very good, so I started writing my own.”

No, the first songs weren’t about nature. That came later.

“I moved to Texas in 1993 and took a job as an educator at a small rescue zoo in Austin,” he said. “That’s where I worked up my skills as a presenter.”

He continued writing music and performing, and soon Miller’s love for animals began creeping into his songs. In 1994 he took the big step and become The Singing Zoologist.

“My shows are about 50 percent music and 50 percent other things,” he explained. “Before I sing a song, I talk about the animals I’m going to sing about. I’m a storyteller, and I use music, video and puppets to tell my stories.”

So far, Miller has created more than 50 songs and recorded five CDs.

“Most of the songs are about animals, but I also sing about plants and ecosystems as well,” he said.

About 95 percent of Miller’s shows are at schools or libraries, and he often sees familiar faces.

“Most of those who come to my shows are children, but I have a lot of adults who heard me years ago and now they are bringing their kids,” he said. “And I’m no stranger to Temple. This will be my 20th visit to the Temple Public Library and I’ve been at the Cultural Activities Center on at least eight occasions.”

The former alternative rock musician who grew up on REM and Elvis Costello plans to keep quite busy this summer.

“I’ll be doing more than 80 shows, mostly at libraries,” he said. “I’ll do more than one show a day at many of the locations.”

Miller said that as an animal lover and a student of zoology, he wants to get people involved with helping animals.

“Singing is my way,” he said. “I help people understand that animals are important in this world, and we need to take care of them. My message is all about conservation.”

While his songs cover a lot of ground — and air and water — some of his most popular songs are about anacondas, monkeys and habitats.

His most popular song? “How Many Spots Does an Ocelot Got?” It’s quite catchy, and thought provoking.

So, Lucas, just how many spots does an ocelot got?

“Not as many as you thought,” he said. “Not that many.”

Cater receives $5,000 Laura Bush grant

OurTown Temple | June 6, 2022

Temple Independent School District’s Cater Elementary School has been announced as one of 300 schools from 44 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries.

This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries is awarding a total of $1.5 million in library grants.

Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.

Cater Elementary is planning to use the grant money to purchase new books that reflect the student body of the school so students can see themselves in the books they read, according to Cater Librarian Michelle Martinez. 

“I am thrilled that children from 300 schools will soon have access to an updated library collection,” Mrs. Laura Bush said. “Students across the country turn to books to discover the world around them, and we know that opening a new book opens the door to new opportunities and learning.”

“The Cater Community is very excited to be chosen as a recipient of the Laura Bush Foundation Grant,” said Quinessa Williams, principal of Cater Elementary. “This grant will facilitate in the updating of our campus library and help to purchase books that represent the diversity of our student and staff population. We will also purchase books that accommodate student interest levels in order to engage more readers.”

Mrs. Bush revealed her 2022 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers, on May 15th at the annual Laura Bush Book Club event, part of the Engage at the Bush Center series, presented by NexPoint. Selections feature books on adventure, humor, and discovery.

“The books on this year’s summer reading list were selected to encourage children to keep reading over their summer break,” said Mrs. Bush. “Local libraries are a wonderful resource for our communities, and I hope children and parents will visit their local library to borrow each of the featured titles.” 

One of the 2022 Summer Reading List books was written by Giovanna McBride, the daughter of Mrs. Bush’s former chief of Staff, Anita McBride. Gigi at the White House! was published by The White House Historical Association and follows a young Giovanna as she tours the White House. Inspired by the Laura Bush Foundation, Anita McBride and her husband Tim McBride have donated copies of Gigi at the White House! to every elementary school that has received a grant since 2002.

Grant applications for the 2022-2023 school year will open in late 2022. Visit laurabushfoundation.org to learn more.   

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded more than $19.5 million to more than 3,300 schools across the country.  

A trade token from The Ruby Saloon is shown in a picture taken from an eBay ad. The token, in very poor condition, has a price tag of $225.

DAVID STONE | June 6, 2022

Trade tokens have been used as a “currency” in Texas since the establishment of the republic in 1836. Small denominations of currency were rare, so many businesses — especially saloons — created their own.

Saloons only accepted their money. The tokens were purchased by customers with official currency, then the customer would pay in trade tokens. The tokens were good for a drink, so no change was needed. Unused tokens were used another night at the same tavern.

In later years, tokens were used as a promotional tool. They were dispersed throughout a community and people used them as a coupon. A token might be good for 10 cents off a pair of shoes, for example.

Temple was created in 1881 as a railroad town, and railroad workers got thirsty. By 1990 there were close to 100 saloons in the immediate Temple area. Competition was fierce, and many taverns used trade tokens to lure customers.

Dozens of Temple businesses have used trade tokens to build or maintain their customer base.

No doubt, trade tokens have been used in Temple for as long as there has been a town. Alamo Saloon started using tokens in the late 1880s, and so did The Ruby Saloon.

The Ruby’s token was good for 12.5 cents off any drink. Likely that was the cost of a drink in those days.

Tokens are hot items in the collectibles market, and tokens from The Ruby are very rare, although they can be found on eBay and through dealers at a high cost. A Ruby in what I would call very poor condition is currently being offered on eBay for $225.

Although The Ruby tokens are rare, they are occasionally found.

According to Mary Jo Fraley of Moody, Cliff Cane, a co-worker at Texas Instruments in Temple, found one with a metal detector years ago near Vandiver school.

In 1900, Grundy’s Merchandise tokens were good for a nickel’s worth of candy, and in the 1920’s Hospital Dairy Farm had a token good for a pint of sweet milk. Many, many other businesses used tokens, including Anton’s Cafe and just about every bar in town.

Trade tokens weren’t limited to Temple. Fraley found one in her front yard in Moody that was good for 12 cents off a purchase at Mewhinney Mercantile in Holland.

An early Temple bank — City National Bank — presented membership tokens to members of their Don’t Worry Club. I’m not sure what membership entailed, but the token contained “good luck” symbols such as the four-leafed clover and the swastika. This was many years before the Nazi party was formed in Germany and had nothing to do with that party’s beliefs. Swastikas were first used thousands of years ago in Asia as symbols of good fortune.

In 1902, City National also had its own $10 bill that was legitimate U.S. currency. That’s going to be a different story.

Reckless Kelly will be live Saturday at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple. Tickets are on sale at cacarts.org. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

coming this week

June 6, Monday — Temple High School Class of 1976 Lunch with Classmates at Trenos Pizzeria & Taproom. Come have lunch with Class of '76 classmates (and others who were in THS when we were!) 11:30 a.m.

June 6, Monday — Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

June 6, Monday — Trash to Treasure Totes, Sammons Community Center. 1 p.m. Go green and create a unique tote bag from plastic bags! Becca Bash will be teaching this fun and creative way to recycle and reuse those endless plastic grocery bags that get stashed away to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bag that could have a variety of uses. Watch that bag evolve into your own creation. Knowledge of basic crochet stitch is encouraged. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403. 

June 6-June 10 — $1 Summer movies at The Beltonian Theatre. 10 a.m., 1, p.m. 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday. Tom & Jerry

June 7, Tuesday — Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. Using special breathing techniques and slow, precise physical movements, Tai Chi can help curtail arthritis, respiratory disease, and high blood pressure. Regular practice of this “Moving Meditation” also provides health benefits of stress reduction, mental alertness, and increased energy. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

June 7, Tuesday — Tuesday on the Trails. 8:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson “KP” each Tuesday as she leads you on a different trail with a different challenge! One winner per week. Walking not only promotes physical activity and prevents stiffness, but it also stimulates your brain and aids in weight management. See you on the trails! Call 254.298.5403 or stop by for a trail schedule.

June 8, Wednesday — Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

June 8, Wednesday -- Books For Lunch! Carol O'Keefe Wilson, from Temple, will review her latest book "The History and Mystery of the Keystone Star Hotel" for the Books for Lunch program on Wednesday, June 8, from noon until 1 p.m., in the Board Room, third floor, Temple Public Library. 

June 9, Thursday — Country & Western Dance at Sammons Community Center. 6-9 p.m. Take a whirl around the dance floor! Come scoot your boots and tap your feet to the lively music of local country and western bands on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Coffee and punch provided. Bring a finger food or dish to share during intermission. Singles and couples are all welcomed. 18+ 2nd and 4th Thursday

June 9, Thursday — Family Lego Night at Temple Public Library. 5 p.m. We know the importance of family fun and we want you to build fun into your family time with this Lego event. Bricks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

June 9, Thursday — Lucas Miller is The Singing Zoologist, 10:30 a.m. at Temple public Library. Build your kids’ scientific confidence and curiosity with Lucas Miller! With dazzling visuals, smart songwriting, laugh-out-loud comedy, and accurate science, your kids will have so much fun, they won’t realize how much they’re learning! 3rd Floor - McLane Room

June 10, Friday — Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

June 10, Friday — Ghost Hunting Class at Wilson Recreation Center. Do you have an interest in the paranormal? Ever wonder what it's like to be a real ghost hunter? Try our Paranormal Studies class with paranormal investigator JohnJohn from Dark Explorers paranormal and learn all there is about becoming a paranormal investigator. Join us for this introductory class. 5:30 p.m. to. 7 p.m. $35 per person.

Friday, June 10 — Spill the Tea: A Queer Social. 6:30 p.m. at FoxDog. Join CTPC, Temple Pride and FoxDog for a new monthly meet-up in Temple Tx, to socialize, conversate and just have space together. Local hot topics, queer history, and activism, all on the board for discussion during this gathering. FoxDog is offering a 10 percent discount during this event. This is open to all LGBTQIA people. Help us spread the word and see you there!

June 11, Saturday - Reckless Kelly at the Cultural Activities Center Season tickets are on sale at cacarts.org.

June 11, Saturday — The Spazmatics live at Schoepf’s BBQ. 6 p.m. Get your tickets at https://www.outhousetickets.com/Event/18872-The_Spazmatics/ .

June 11, Saturday — ECHO Charity BBQ & Auction Benefit. VFW Auxiliary Post 4008 in Belton. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local church groups, Belton New Life Fellowship Church, and Believe Ministries Worship Center are having a BBQ and Auction Benefit to buy farmland and build an orphanage for our sister church in Kampala, Uganda. Ebenezer Children Hope Orphanage (ECHO). The church is currently home to 68 orphans that we consider family. Currently they sleep on dirt floors in a building that is in danger of collapsing. Our Small church of 30+ members have already raised $6,500, plus regular monthly donations, to help keep them fed. However, it will take God and our community coming together to make a difference in these children's lives. Come and enjoy an afternoon out with good BBQ and an exciting auction while giving to a worthy cause. $8 Chopped Brisket Sandwich Meals. 50/50, raffles and live auction.

June 11, Saturday — Burgers with The Badge at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the event, community members and their children are welcome to enjoy free burgers and drinks while getting to know your local law enforcement, ask any questions you may have, or just enjoy a great day with some great food and great company.

June 11, Saturday — Downtown Temple Farmers Market at City Hall parking lot. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. School's out! Join us for this month's Market at booming Downtown Temple! We have all sorts of hand crafted vendors coming in with soaps, body butters, baked goods, toys, jewelry, paintings, and loads more! Come support local.

June 11, Saturday — The Backroads Band at Bell County Go Texan Reverse Raffle, 2218 W Ave D in Temple. Come out and support the youth of Bell County 7 p.m.

June 11, Saturday — Sip & Shop at Ras Kitchen, 17 S Main. Free Family Fun, enjoy cool cocktails, mocktails, shopping and free gifts!!! Perfect for dating and outings. Hang out with us Saturdays. Join us each and every Saturday for cool summer drinks, fun games and trendy summer shopping from local boutique vendors. This week will we will feature Temple Mall Dillard’s, and Estee Lauder. Enjoy how-to’s, and tips as tricks by the experts. And of course, FREE samples!!

June 12, Sunday — Flag Day Ceremony, 2613 Airport Road. Event by Temple Elks Lodge No. 138. 1 p.m. We will be having a Ceremony honoring our American Flag. We welcome you to join us at the lodge for a presentation of our country's flags through the years. Followed by a beautiful presentation from our Does

June 12, Sunday — Unplugged: All Ages Board Games at Temple Public Library. 2 p.m. Take a Risk, Monopolize on the fun, Checkers out (too far?) all we have to offer at our monthly all-ages board game group. Play new board games, or grab an old favorite, meet new folks, and have an overall good time. Whether you're into Settlers of Catan, Magic the Gathering, or Scrabble, we have you covered.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

To include your events in What’s Happening, email information to OurTownTemple@gmail.com. Photos are welcome to for use in the publication as space permits!

UPBEAT NEWS PRODUCED BY A SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS. SPEND HERE, IT STAYS HERE.

Our Town Temple is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

On this day in 1936, the Central Centennial Exposition, part of the Texas Centennial celebration marking 100 years of Texas independence, opened in Dallas's Fair Park. Construction on the exposition began in October 1935 with George L. Dahl as the architect. The official $25 million central exposition occupied fifty buildings and was the first world's fair held in the Southwest. The "Cavalcade of Texas," a historical pageant depicting four centuries of Texas history, became one of the exposition's most popular attractions. The Hall of Negro Life marked an exposition milestone, the first recognition of black culture at a world's fair. The competing unofficial Fort Worth Frontier Centennial Exposition opened on July 18. The Fort Worth exposition closed on November 14, the Dallas exposition on November 29. Although attendance at both fairs (Dallas, 6,345,385; Fort Worth, 986,128) fell far short of expectations, civic leaders felt the publicity they brought to both the area and the state was well worth the cost. The Dallas exposition reopened in June 1937 as the Greater Texas and Pan American Exposition and closed in October. Many of the exposition buildings, including the Hall of State, are still standing and were renovated along with Fair Park in the 1980s.