MONDAY JANUARY 31, 2022

• BRRRR! Super-cold air is on its way. By Friday, we’ll be singing “It’s as Cold as Ice.” (Sorry, but another Foreigner reference seems appropriate)

• This month’s book signing features a 1980 THS grad and her Bubba Bear children’s book

• First Friday — or Frosty Friday — deals and steals! There’s a lot going on

• We’ve added some new videos to the Our Town TUNES playlist!

• Here’s a look at three of the AVAILABLE ANIMALS for adoption at Temple Animal Shelter

• Mr. Gatti’s is returning to Temple

• What’s Happening? Biggest events calendar in Central Texas. Lots of new activities have been added!

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Get ready for a concert that’s been in the making for nearly two years: Foreigner is finally coming to Bell County.

The popular band that had nine Top-10 hits in the 1970s and 80s has signed on the dotted line to play the Bell County Expo Center on Friday, April 22.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday and will range in price from $38 to $100.

“Live music is at the heart of what we do, and I’m thrilled to be back on the road and visiting so many places,” said Mick Jones, Foreigner’s founding member, guitarist and songwriter. “I’m looking forward to finally seeing you all in Belton.”

While Foreigner’s personnel has changed over the year, the band has one constant — Jones. He formed the band in 1976 along with Ian Mc Donald, Dennis Elliott, Lou Gramm, Alan Greenwood and Ed Gagliardi.

While Jones is the lone member of that original Foreigner who still performs in the band, he has brought in other big names to fill the ranks, including former Hurricane vocalist Kelly Hansen, Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson and Train guitarist Luis Maldonado.

"My initial musical vision for Foreigner was to combine Blues and R&B with British Rock and make it sound soulful and authentic,” Jones said. “I had grown up in England and had the English influence, but I was also inspired by many elements of American music, from Mississippi Blues to Country and Western.”

“Foreigner was the vehicle to get that musical blend across,” he said

"I’m grateful to be surrounded by the talented musicians that make up Foreigner today,” Jones said. “Now each night on stage brings Foreigner’s music alive with energy and excitement. Belton, you are In for something special.”

Foreigner had originally signed to play The Expo on April 25, 2020, just over a month after COVID-19 brought live concerts to a screeching halt. Obviously, the band cancelled, but fans were excited that the show was rescheduled for Oct. 3 of that year. Again, it didn’t happen, and Foreigner — like every other touring band in America — was temporarily out of work.

The 2020 cancellations were a disappointment to the band’s many Bell County fans.

“I’m a big fan of 80s rock music,” Stephanie Fondy of Temple said today. “After seeing Journey in 2016, Foreigner was next on my list. It was a big disappointment, but at least they are coming back. I’ll be there.”

Lucy Young of Heidenheimer also was saddened by the cancellations.

“The first time they had to reschedule, I still had hope,” Young said. “But then they canceled again — huge disappointment.”

Currently, Foreigner is playing a tour of cities where they had been forced to cancel earlier shows, and a month after the April show in Belton, the band heads to Europe to headline a tour with the Scorpions. They are scheduled to finish 2022 on the road with Kid Rock.

Why the big year for Foreigner? This likely is Jones’ farewell swing and apparently he wants to go out in style.

Over the years, Foreigner has placed 16 songs in the Top 30 and many more in the Top 40.

Surprisingly, Foreigner has only had one No. 1 hit — “I Want to Know What Love Is.” But eight more songs reached the Top 10, including “Waiting For a Girl Like You,” “Double Vision,” “Hot Blooded,” “Urgent,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “I Don’t Want to Live Without You,” “Say You Will” and “Cold as Ice.”

Several other songs became 1980s anthems, including “Dirty White Boy,” “Head Games,” “Long, Long Way from Home” and, of course, “Juke Box Hero.”

Hansen, who handles lead vocal duties with Foreigner, was the frontman for Hurricane during its heyday. The band had five Top 20 MTV videos and had a massive hit in “I’m on to You.”

Meteorologist: Temps in the teens, wintery mix coming to Temple area

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Bundle up, Temple. Super-cold air is on its way.

“We’re not looking at a SNOWVID sequel, but there could be some problems associated with this front,” said Monique Sellers, a Fort Worth-based meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Sellers said two fronts will arrive in Temple this week. The first was expected Sunday night and it brought chances of rain that should decimate by midnight tonight.

Wednesday’s front is of greater concern, Sellers said.

“A strong cold front will move in late afternoon or early evening,” she said. “It will bring rain, but that likely will transition to some sort of winter mix.”

“It’s an evolving system,” she said. “It keeps changing — I’m not sure if we will see more freezing rain or sleet of snow. We likely will have a mix of all three.”

“I don’t see this as a big snow event like we had last February, but it may be a little of everything,” she said. “Temperatures are going to drop into the low 20s on Wednesday, so travel could be hazardous. But like I said, its evolving — it’s trending colder with each forecast.”

Sellers said the high Thursday may remain near the freezing mark, and the temperature Thursday night could reach 15 to 17 degrees.

“Right now, we’re expecting it to reach the mid 30s on Friday, then drop back to the upper teens overnight,” she said. “Saturday’s high should be in the 40s.”

Beginning Thursday, Sellers said low temperatures in Temple likely will be below freezing for the next week.

“The Adventures of Bubba Bear” is the first of a three-book children’s series by Charre Smith. The book is complemented by a website with music that goes with the story. Smith is this month’s book-signing author at Precious Memories in Downtown Temple. The book singing will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday in conjunction with First Friday.

‘Bubba Bear’ author to autograph books during First Friday event

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Bubba Bear is coming to town. At least his creator is.

Bubba is the leading “bear” in a children’s book series created by former Temple resident Charre Sisk Smith, and the author will be featured at a First Friday book signing at Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop’s downtown location.

The signing starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Charre, a flute player in the Wildcat Marching Band and a 1980 graduate of THS, published her first book about a year ago. “The Adventures of Bubba Bear” is based on stories she used to tell her children as they grew up.

“Bubba Bear was born when my husband and I had two small boys,” she said. “When our oldest son was 2, we set up a routine of reading books, singing and telling stories. That’s when I made up a character named Bubba who was a bear about our son’s age.”

“Bubba was a hit with both boys, and they looked forward to stories every night,” she said. “Over time, I added new characters to the story.”

At her husband’s urging, Charre took three of the stories and put them on paper. Each story represents a book in her children’s series.

“The first book is out, and the other two are waiting to be published,” she said.

The three stories begin the same and can be personalized. Bubba introduces himself and tells where he lives, but the person reading the stories may fill in Bubba’s location with the city, state and country where the child resides.

“Every book contains a parent’s guide to help extend the lesson within each story,” Charre said. “The books are fully illustrated, and they each contain an original song. The child can listen to the song at gumdropgiggles.com.”

According to Charre, the Bubba stories were a favorite part of the day for her sons.

“The Adventures of Bubba Bear” is about a playful bear named Bubba who loves to learn new things, Charre said.

“The story follows Bubba as he watches his Mama Bear make breakfast. By tasting, seeing, touching, hearing and smelling, Bubba begins to understand what the five senses are and how they work.”

Charre said Bubba stories are about values, morals and the skills little “bears” need to learn in life.

“They include make-believe characters such as fairies or towns of little people who lived under the bed,” she said. “Regardless of the content, they are a fun way to end the day for children and parents alike.”

Charre now lives in Fort Worth and is in the real estate business, and that business brings her to Temple on occasion.

Friday’s event will be her third book signing — she did one in October at Precious Memories on South 31st Street and had a similar event at Barnes & Nobles Bookstore in Hurst.

Copies will be available Friday evening, and the book also can be ordered through Amazon and on Barnes & Noble’s website.

First Friday Deals & Steals!

The theme for February’s First Friday will be Valentine’s Day, and Downtown businesses have special hours, discounts, events and even beer on tap. Dress warmly: According to Monique Sellers of the National Weather Service, First Friday may be more like Frosty Friday. (See separate story)

In addition to the book signing, Precious Memories Florist & Gifts downtown location will be open until 7 p.m., and the staff invites shoppers to stop by and check out the restyled trees, new gifts and super buys.

They will also offer ‘Cupid’s Kiss’ hot chocolate for grownups and a kiddo friendly version for children. Plus, there will be a fun chocolate fountain in the store’s meeting space.

The Pink Bulldog Boutique — located inside Precious Memories — will continue to add new “sassy” styles in the expanded shopping space, and restocking has been completed just in time for First Friday.

A casual Santa will visit Precious Memories from 6-7 p.m. in his Cupid’s Santa warm up suit! Don’t forget to bring your camera for a Precious photo opportunity.

FoxDog will be holding its Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. They will offer freshly baked pretzels by Ed’s Breds while supplies last, and Megan Brucker will provide live music from 7 to 9 p.m. Munchie Monsters Food Truck will be serving comfort foods.

Tour Temple will offer a four-hour tour on the Stagecoach Wine Trail and Corky’s Beer & Wine Bar will host karaoke night featuring DJ Bryan Hogue.

Tour Temple also will put on a COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinic throughout the evening in collaboration with Reaching Care — a non profit healthcare organization — and the Texas Army National Guard. (Pre-registration is a must for the clinic, so register at https://airtable.com/shrzGNvgsf0rkt3g8

Several Downtown businesses will be holding Valentines-related activities on Friday.

Bird Creek Burger Co. will have special pink Valentine stuffed beignets all day, as well as half-priced appetizers (except chili). It will be a Happy Day with $2.50 domestics and $3 draft beers. Select glasses of wine will be $4.

Fire Base Brewing will celebrate two special days — Valentines and Ground Hog Day — by having Pizza PieRos Food Truck on site. The popular Wade Ralston will perform live on the Fire Base stage.

Green Door will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday and Russell Boyd will perform a live piano show.

Want to see some art? Artist 2 Artist Showcase will hold its monthly art show and vendor sale at Main Street Courtyard, and artist Noel Johnson will hold an art sale on the sidewalk by O’Briens Irish Pub. After you check out the art, head inside the Pub for 20 percent off an appetizer just for saying “First Friday.”

Speaking of art, it’s Art Gallery Night at Temple Public Library! Will invite everyone to join them at their ‘Art Gallery Night’. Channel your inner Bob Ross and create some happy little accidents— pet squirrels not required! Pick up a canvas and paintbrush from the Youth Reference Desk. The theme is “Love is All Around,” so show what is in your heart through art! Supplies will be free for participants ages 18 and under.

Darling Decor & More will take 20 percent off any one small item of your choice.

Ready for a cold drink? Mo’s Railyard Saloon will offer $2 margaritas, and Treno’s Pizzeria & Taproom will have discounts on selected beers and wines. And, as always, the chefs will be baking up some tasty pizza pies!

Shoppers will be thrilled to know The Hub will be open until 8 p.m. and will offer free Valentines cookies and punch. Yummmy!

So, are you looking to meet that special Valentine? Let Cupid work his magic at Ras Kitchen’s Match by March Speed Dating event. Nikki Nicole of iHeart Media will host the event, and Sounds by Selectah SpidaTech will put you in the dating mood. There will be Love Potion drinks, ice breakers and more.

DJ Taurus will be setting a festive mood at Mexiko Cafe, and the restaurant will have happy-hour prices all day.

It’s half-off appetizers on the bar and lounge menu from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cheeves Brothers Steak House. Also, there will be half-priced specials on select beers, wines by the glass and call-level liquors.

Mention “First Friday” at La Dalat and receive 10 percent off appetizers and $3 for coffee or hot tea. Visit J Kowboy Wine Bar next door for more good times.

Nami’s Japanese Steak & Sushi will offer First Friday specials on select sushi rolls and appetizers, as well as discounts on selected beverages.

It’s Lobster and Osso Buco Night at Pignetti’s, and T Town Energy & Nutrition and The Parlour Antiques & Oddities will both be open to serve guests.

Five food trucks will be at The Yard during First Friday, and say those magic words to receive great discounts. Chock Full of Cheese will offer 15-percent off, and Taqueria Mi Lindo Nayarit, Lulamae’s Cajun Cuisine, 808 Island Grndz and Mama Lama Mobile Kitchen will all have 10-percent off.

First Friday will be a big night at BJ’s Brewery & Tasting Room on the eastern edge of Downtown. They will have the Pizza Beats ’n’ Wingz food truck on site and the featured brew for the night will be “Coffee Blonde,” which is made with roasted coffee beans from another Downtown business, 1st Street Roasters.

If your business or organization is participating in First Friday and it wasn’t mentioned here, email OurTownTemple@gmail.com.

Share

Website says popular 70s & 80s pizza parlor to open new Temple location

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Mr. Gatti’s Pizza apparently is returning to Temple.

According to the company’s website, new locations are coming soon to Temple and Waco. No address was given for the Temple location, and phone calls were not returned over the weekend.

Longtime Temple residents are familiar with the pizza company — there were two Mr. Gatti’s in town until the mid 1980s. One of the restaurants was located just off I-35 by Temple High School.

Gatti’s was extremely popular with the high school crowd, and its buffet, game room and large format television drew crowds at night.

A second Mr. Gatti’s was located on Dodgen Loop east of 57th Street. The area has changed dramatically since then — streets have come and gone over the years, and so have the businesses. After Gatti’s, a Winn Dixie and a dance hall were located in the vicinity. Today, Staples is located near the location.

There also was a restaurant in Belton.

Our Town TUNES

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Welcome back to Our Town TUNES, an ever-changing collection of music from Central Texas musicians or bands and solo acts that are playing in the area.

Before we get started with the jams, I want to invite all local musicians of any level to submit a video for consideration by emailing OurTownTemple@gmail.com. Nightclub bands, touring bands, school bands, individual acts or duets, ensembles, church choirs…it’s all welcome as long as it has a Central Texas connection.

Club and restaurant owners: Let me know who is coming to your business to perform and when, and I’ll make an effort to get them on the playlist.

Last week the Our Town TUNES playlist was created, and each week I’ll be adding a few songs to the mix. Judging by the number of “clicks” on the playlist button, I’d say this new feature is already very popular!

On Saturday, I had a story featuring Lilly Milford and her band, Lilly & The Implements. That issue is already the most popular Saturday issue in Our Town’s history. Cool! So, I found a great solo piece by Lilly, and it’s on the playlist. It’s a favorite — “Me and Bobby McGee.”

Also new on the playlist is a tune by Branded Heart, a band that will play Bo’s Barn on Feb. 4. The song is “Cowgirls Don’t Cry.”

Kyle Mathis is a great talent, and he will be at Tom Sefcik Hall in Seaton on Feb. 12. Kyle is our first musician to make our playlist twice, this time with “Missing You,” a John Waite cover.

Next is Landon Heights, who will be at Fire Street Pizza in Belton on March 4. Here’s the bands “Lead Me On.”

Josh Labove will be performing a free concert on March 11 at the Northbound & Down Music Festival at Barrow Brewing Co. in Salado. His playlist entry is an original song,” A Pretty Girl will Lie.”

OK, enough introductions….let’s listen:

Our Town TUNES

POSTCARD FROM THE PAST

This vintage postcard shows Temple’s Jackson Park in the 1940s. Jackson Park is one of the oldest parks in the city, and at one time it was the most prestigious. Jackson Park was a popular picnic spot for families and the pavilions were often full on weekends with birthday parties and reunions.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

the LINKS: NEWS FROM EVERYWHERE! Texas News, US & World News, Sports, Weather CLICK THE BUTTON!

NEWS FROM EVERYWHERE