WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 15, 2021

Total Elegance Creations

Tit’a Charleston sits on a throne chair at Total Elegance Creations on Main Street. The owns the business along with her husband, Ennis.

Temple’s ‘one-stop shop for events’

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

A new Temple business has everything you might need for a party, reception or meeting, including an ideal location for any event.

“We’re a one-stop shop for events,” said Tit’a Charleston, who owns Total Elegance Creations on Main Street along with her husband, Ennis. The business is in one of the former ‘In the Mood’ Ballroom buildings.

Total Elegance Creations has formal and outdoor tables and chairs, table cloths, a stage and even thrones.

“A throne chair is for head-of-the-table seating,” Tit’a explained. “It’s a special chair for that special person — a birthday boy or girl, an expectant mom at a shower, just anyone being celebrated.”

Thrones are available in several sizes and shapes, even love seats.

For those needing a classy location for a celebration or meeting, Total Elegance Creations has the answer — their store.

“It’s a venue that holds up to 125 people,” she said. “We just opened last month and it’s already been used for several occasions. Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church rented the building for a birthday party, and we’ve also held a memorial service here.”

Venue rentals include the building, tables and chairs, and the choice of black or white table cloths.

“If the customer needs someone to serve, we can provide staff at an additional fee.”

Many customers already have a location for their event, and many celebrations are held outdoors.

“We rent two sizes of tents — a 20x30 and a 20x20,” Tit’a said. “And or course we have folding tables and chairs.”

The Charlestons offer pick up and delivery up to 100 miles from Temple.

Although Total Elegance Creations just opened — Temple Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting on Monday — the Charlestons already are thinking about expansion.

“It’s in the works,” she said. “In the future we will be renting china, silverware and drink ware.”

While the Downtown location is in its infancy, the Charlestons are no strangers to the rental business. Since 2016 they have been providing the service from their Eddy home.

“We’ve been wanting to open an event venue, and we’ve been looking for years,” she said. “This is the perfect location. We’re so excited — I’m all smiles every day. “We want to grow with Temple. We’ve been getting inquiries every day since opening, but the phone hasn’t quit ringing since the ribbon-cutting.”

Total Elegance Creations is a veteran-owned business, but the Charlestons served in different branches of the military.

“Ennis served in the Army for 23 years — I was in the Navy for 20,” Tit’a said. “We were deployed Qatar in 2007. I had just got there and a friend was going to show me around. I was a little nervous being in the Mideast for the first time, so she invited a guy named Charleston to drive us around. Three weeks later, we were dating and we got married in 2010 and now we share six children and 13 grandchildren.”

The Charlestons’ daughter, Amber Foster, also is involved in the business but in a very different capacity — she teaches yoga.

“Yes, we are going to offer yoga and aerial yoga classes up stairs,” Tit’a said. “The classes will start in January and likely will be held every Friday and Saturday.”

For additional information about either business, or to arrange a tour of the building, call (254) 727-6118.

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Watch Party is Friday at UMHB stadium

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor will take on North Central College this Friday for the NCAA Division III football championship.

The game starts at 6 p.m. in Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Fans who can’t travel to Ohio can catch the game live at Crusader Stadium in a one-of-a-kind television experience, UMHB sports information director Sarah Harborth said this week.

The official watch party begins at 5 p.m. Friday, and fans are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. No food or drink will be allowed on the turf.

A welcome-home party has been planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at Andersen Field House on the UMHB campus.

The Crusaders advanced to the Stagg Bowl — the Division III championship game — by defeating nemesis Wisconsin-White Water 24-7 in the semifinal game.

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AROUND TOWN: IN A FOG

Thick fog during morning commutes has made driving a challenge several days in the past week. Even giant landmarks like Jupe Feeds were a blur because of limited visibility. David Stone | Our Town Temple

WHAT HAPPENED HERE?

According to a Historical Marker on the side of this building at 16 E. Central Ave. in Temple, the Knob Creek Lodge No. 401 of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons has met continuously in Bell County since June 4, 1875, six years before Temple was founded. The Little River Lodge No. 401, predecessor of Knob Creek Lodge, was founded in Little River-Academy and the group met in a gin. After a second story was added to the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse in 1879, the group met there and and changed its name to Knob Creek Lodge. The lodge moved to Temple in 1885 where it occupied the second story of the Hurley Building, which was destroyed by fire. The lodge then built its own building on Central in 1906. David Stone | Our Town Temple

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.

SHINY RIBS: Shiny Ribs will perform at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.

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.

VISITING ARTIST JEFFERY CARL: Join us to hear Jeffery Carl, an artist based outside Chicago, whose work explores how our relationship to geography informs our self-understanding, the development of communities, and the ways in which we shape our environment. 4 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center at UMHB.

WIND/JAZZ ENSEMBLES: An evening of musical entertainment from the UMHB wind ensemble and jazz ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

CAMP ROCK: THE MUSICAL: Performances are March 5 and 6 at the Cultural Activities Center.

JIMMIE VAUGHAN - The Cultural Activities Center’s Texas Music Series continues with guitar legend Jimmie Vaughan on March 19. Season tickets are on sale at cacarts.org.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS: The Temple Civic Theater will hold auditions on March 27-28 and the show runs May 6-15.

VALLEJO - The Cultural Activities Center’s Texas Music Series continues on April 23 with a performance by Vallejo. Season tickets are on sale at cacarts.org.

SEASON FINALE: The Temple Symphony Orchestra’s season finale will be at 3 p.m. May 8 at Temple College and will feature pianists Frances Renzi and Anthony Pattin.

RECKLESS KELLY - The Cultural Activities Center’s Texas Music Series continues June 11 with Reckless Kelly. 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.

PEACE OF MIND VETERANS PROGRAMS: In partnership with Help Vets Heal of Temple, veterans are invited for a special program at the museum. Visit the museum to view the exhibits, including the newest traveling exhibit, Private Charles J Miller: WWII Paintings from the South Pacific. Then, make your own wooden Christmas ornament! The event is completely FREE, but pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Dec. 17.

HOLIDAY FEST: Celebrate and learn more about different winter holidays from around the world, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Diwali. Make your own Christmas ornaments, Diwali candles, and Hanukkah dreidels! The event is completely FREE. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18.

GAULT SITE TOUR: Join us Feb. 12 at the Gault Site for a tour! It is a full guided 3 hour tour across the 2.5 miles long site. Learn about the many artifacts excavated and the Paleoindian culture found right here in Bell County! Pre-registration required; $10/person 11 years and older. All participants are asked to meet at the site at 8:30am. The tour will begin promptly at 9:00am. Maps will be provided a few days prior to the scheduled tour date. The site is 30 minutes from Belton, between Salado and Florence. Tickets are $10 per person, payable by debit or credit card only. Payment is needed within 5 days of registration. Please call the museum at 254-933-5243 to make payment. All proceeds go directly to the Gault School of Archaeological Research.

O’Briens Irish Pub with the Jason Custer Band. 10 p.m.

Bo’s Barn Dancehall Craig Howell & Somewhere in Texas will hit the stage at 9 p.m. $25 per person to include Cover, Party Favors, Champagne, Breakfast and Black Eyed Peas!!! 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Corky’s Wine Bar. Located at 13 S. Second Street, Corkys Wine and Beer hopes to have the most happening New Years Eve party in Central Texas! Tickets are only $35! Included in the price you get a midnight champagne toast, party favors, a souvenir glass, breakfast food after the ball drops and your live music and dancing for the evening! Attire is semi-formal.

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

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!

Ongoing

Every Monday night - Yoga Classes offered by Sara Dodd at the Cultural Activities Center. $12. 5:15 p.m. class.

Tuesday nights beginning Jan. 18 - Clay with Marilyn - go to cacarts.org to sign up for her series of classes

Thursday nights beginning Jan 6 -  Clay with Lindsay - go to cacarts.org to sign up for her classes

December

December 14, Tuesday - Czech Film Night at The Beltonian. With Czech beer and great food. The beer is imported from Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Republic and it is a medieval brewery dating back to 1265.

December 16, Thursday - Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing Co., 7-9 p.m.

December 16, Thursday - Emma’s 1st annual Pet Christmas Party at Wood’s Flowers, 1415 W. Ave. H. Door prizes, refreshments, Santa! Bring you pet for a photo with Santa. Also, bring collars, leashes, pet clothes, dog and cat food or money to show support for the Temple Animal Shelter.

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 17, Friday - Christmas Stroll & Market at Lakewood Professional Park, 200 Paloma Drive in Temple. Drinks, vendors, lights, food and Santa! 6 to 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 18, Saturday - Game Show Night by Texas Red at Fire Base Brewing Co., 7-9 p.m.

December 18, Saturday — Lilly & The Implements at O’Briens Irish Pub…GREAT BAND ALERT!  9 p.m.

December 19, Sunday - The Big Catch family fishing at Miller Park Pond. Enjoy a relaxing morning of fishing with family and friends and get ready to hook the big one! Fishing licenses will be waived by Texas Parks & Wildlife during the event with a signed waiver. Plus, hotdogs, drinks, and chips will be provided at the pavilion while supplies last. 6 a.m. to 11 a.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.

January

January 6, Thursday - In partnership with the Temple Community Clinic and other sponsors, the Living Well in Bell wellness series will debut at the CAC. The first presenters for the 2022 series will be Dr. Patricia J. Sulak and Dr. Jeffrey Waxman who will discuss all aspects of well-being. 6 p.m.

January 6, Thursday - Central Texas Arts League meets to plan a year of creative ventures. Open to the public.  6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m.  Come learn about the plans and meet with fellow artists in the Central Texas area.

January 7, 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.

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.

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.