FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2021

DOWNTOWN TEMPLE IS THEIR STAGE

Academie Musique’s Virtuoso Violins were a big hit downtown during Oktoberfest and they plan to continue making the rounds during future First Friday events.

Violinists to entertain with 4 shows

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

A group of young musicians have become a First Friday staple, and they will make four stops on their downtown tour tonight.

The Academie Musique’s Virtuoso Violins ensemble came out of a COVID-induced break in September and performed during Oktoberfest. According to instructor Alex Sellers, the group expects to make First Friday a regular gig.

“We’ll be here,” she said. “This is what we do. This month we will be playing some fun classical tunes that are familiar to people, but next month it will be all holiday music.”

Sellers, who has been with Academie Musique for four years, said Virtuoso Violins is a traveling group and the members may change monthly.

“We leave it open,” she said. “These kids are busy with school orchestras and other activities. If they need to take time to focus on something else, that’s OK.”

The group included students from the fifth grade through high school.

“I think our oldest right now is a junior,” Alex said. “We don’t really go by age. We go by ability.”

While known as the Virtuoso Violins, the group occasionally includes members who play the viola.

“We started Virtuoso a year or two before COVID, then had to take a long break,” she said. “The kids are excited and they love getting out and performing in the community.”

In addition to First Friday events, the group will play in the Temple High School student center prior to the Temple Symphony Orchestra’s Dec. 4 Christmas concert.

Tonight, downtown Temple is the Virtuoso Violins stage, and they will begin their evening with a 6 p.m. performance at The Hub. After their 15-minute set, the group will head to Nami’s Japanese Steakhouse for a 6:25 p.m. performance.

The group will entertain at Ras Kitchen at 6:50 p.m. and at Bird Creek Burgers at 7:15 p.m.

Tonight’s performers will include Kiersten Waworuntu, Abigail Lao, Svetlana Gloving and Jacqui Lopez, all on the violin, and Alex on the viola.

FIRST FRIDAY DEALS AND PARTIES

First Friday, the November edition, has arrived and this month’s celebration features several new participants.

There will be two open house receptions tonight where the public and learn about major public and private downtown improvement projects that will be starting soon:

Arcadia Theater  –  ‘Meet and Greet Event’ from 5-6:30 p.m. The Turner Behringer Real Estate development team will be in front of the Arcadia Theater at 110 E Central Ave. with information about their exciting plans to restore the Arcadia Theater, the Hawn Hotel and the Sears Building.

Company representatives will be available to answer questions and they would also like to invite people to share their own personal memories of their experiences at these buildings that played such an important part in our community history.

KPA Engineering - KPA Engineers and Covey Planning + Landscape Architecture will hold a public reception in the lobby of KPA Engineers at 19 N. Main Street. The lobby will be available to visitors and there will be information about several exciting Temple projects on display for viewing and discussion. They will also hand out cold beverages, KPA and Covey koozies, and sweet treats. 

Here’s a look at other First Friday events:

Sterle Fine Art Studio – Susan Sterle will open her fine art gallery to First Friday shoppers from 5-8 p.m. The gallery is located at 8 N 9th Street. Also, they will have a sales table at the Fire Base Brewing block party event on S. 1st Street.

Fire Base Brewing – Join the Fire Base Brewing crew as they celebrate First Friday & Veterans Day in Downtown Temple at their regular monthly block party!  As usual, they'll have an axe throwing trailer on site and this month they’ll also have the ‘Lupita's Tacos’ food truck and live music by Wade Ralston. Also, as always, they’ll also offer several cool vendor booths and lots of ice-cold local beer that will have been brewed less than a hundred feet from the place you’ll drink it.

Temple Children’s Museum (TCM) will host a Kids Bicycle Safety Event at 11 N 4th Street. TCM and the Bell County Medical Alliance have joined forces to provide helmets for community children, to educate them about bike safety, and to show children the healthy impacts exercise can have on their lives. The event will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Bicycle helmets will be fitted and given away; and the museum’s newest exhibit, “Pedal Power,” will be open for families to see. Watch your heart rate pump up as you pedal!  Also, a puppeteer will also be on-site to teach lessons about bike safety.

2nd Street Emporium — Will be open for First Friday shopping from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and you’ll be able to browse for antiques, gifts, and collectibles while listening to the classy tunes of the band: ‘Funky Old Patina.’ 

T Town Energy & Nutrition - T Town and Boozzy Cakes are teaming up to offer fall-themed shakes, teas and cakes from 5-7 p.m.  Great people, great products! Avenue A across from the Poage Federal Building.

Our Town Temple —  The Temple area’s go-to source for upbeat news will be roaming the downtown streets passing out train-shaped cookies made by Easy as Pie Bakery…Wooo!Wooo!

Mo’s Railyard Saloon —   Downtown Temple’s newest cocktail bar will offer $2 frozen margaritas throughout the evening at 8 W. Ave. B.

Twice Upon a Clothesline — Will be open for First Friday shopping from 6-8 p.m. and they’ll be holding a Thanksgiving Food Drive for Love of Christ Food Pantry. Shoppers who donate a canned food item and spend more than $20 in the store will receive $5 off their purchase price. Also, the first 10 people (18 or older) to arrive at the store on that evening will receive a $10 gift card that can be used on their next visit.

Kowboy Wine Bar – Will feature a live show by Britton Pyeatt.

O'Briens Irish Pub – The Pub and new downtown business, Weird Dough’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop will present several live acts: The Stillhouse Howlers, Midnight Tradesmen, Unmarked Grave, Robert Cramer and Marla Strange. The Pub will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday, and there will be some “badass” coupons available for all attendees.

Treno Pizzeria & Taproom - Will offer happy-hour prices and live music; and as always, Treno’s pizza chefs will be baking up tasty fresh hot pizza pies.

The Hub – All Hub shoppers will enjoy First Friday refreshments including free beer & wine.

Vendors Around Town - ‘Artist 2 Artist Showcase’ will stage an art show and vendor sale at the Main Street Courtyard at 5 S. Main Street. This month they will feature art and craft that is about the experience of veterans or created by veterans.

Artist Noel Johnson – Will hold an art sale on the sidewalk next door to O’Briens Irish Pub.

BJ’s Brewery and Tasting Room – Will have Papa G’s food truck on-site and lots of cold craft brews on tap for First Friday guests.

Bird Creek Burger Co -  Bird Creek will offer half-priced appetizers (excluding chili) and happy hour all day. They will also feature ‘The Gobbler,’ their Thanksgiving dinner burger, and delicious Pumpkin Snaps (a mason jar pumpkin pie layered with a gingersnap cookie crust) – YUM !

Green Door –  Will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday and will put on a live piano show by Russell Boyd.

The Parlour Antiques & Oddities – Will remain open late, till 8 p.m. and they’ll offer free snacks & beverages. They’ll also have their prize wheel out that shoppers can spin for discounts, prizes, and deals, and everyone who makes a purchase of at least $35 will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a free ‘framed specimen.’

Mexiko Cafe –  Will hold a Veterans Day Weekend block party. They’ll close off the street and bring in vendor booths, a DJ, and of course, the restaurant will be serving up their great food and drinks!

Tour Temple & Corky’s Wine Bar – Corky’s will hold a karaoke night with DJ Bryan Houge, and Tour Temple will putting on one of its 4-hour Temple Brew Trail Tours.

Nami Japanese Steak & Sushi - Will offer First Friday specials on selected sushi rolls and appetizers. And, Virtuoso Violins will perform at 6:25 p.m.  

Cheeves Brothers Steak House – Will let you take your pick of half-off appetizers from 5-7 p.m. in their bar and lounge. They will also offer half-priced specials on selected beers, wines by the glass and call-level liquors

Precious Memories Florist & Gifts Shop – Downtown - Will be serving Christmas cocktails and offering fall items at 50 percent off.  They will also offer a free holiday gift bag with any purchase of $50 or more. Their new downtown shop is at 17 N 2nd Street.

Darling Décor and More – Will offer 20-50 percent off all fall-themed items.

The ‘Chock Full of Cheese’ food truck – In honor of Veteran’s Day Weekend, they will offer a 15 percent discount for all veterans.

The ‘Taqueria Mi Lindo Nayarit’ food truck - They will offer 10 percent-off all menu items to any guest who mentions First Friday.

The ‘Lulamae's Cajun Cuisine’ food truck will offer 10 percent-off all menu items to any guest who mentions First Friday.

La Dalat will offer 10 percent off appetizers and $3 for coffee or hot tea to anyone who mentions First Friday.

New Art Trains are a-comin’, they’e comin’ round the bend

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

The Temple Art Train Project will soon have two new locomotives joining its fleet.

The project will eventually include 10 Art Trains, and so far five are in place at locations around downtown Temple.

Two more trains are in the works, including a railroad-themed train that will eventually be placed at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum in the Santa Fe Depot and a floral-themed train that will be stationed at the new Precious Memories downtown location.

According to Dan Kelleher, manager of Temple’s Main Street program, the Art Train Project was established with funding from the Texas Downtown Association.

Art Trains already in place include “Circa de Gato is Taken for a Ride” by Linda Lapierre, Traci Winter and Azeita Taylor; “Next Stop: Children’s Museum” by Lee Evans, Valerie Fore, Susan Chandler, Elizabeth Evans, Kate Evans, Emma Fore, Lydia Huffines, Patrick Chandler and Owen Chandler; “Re-Train Your Mind” by Jay Rivera; and “A Wish for the World” by Melanie Hudson; and “Viva La Raza” by Mirando Lugo.

Although plans for the Railroad Museum’s Art Train are still in the planning process and details are not yet available, Seleese Thompson of Precious Memories has already selected an artist for her train.

“It’s going to have a floral design but will include elements of everything the building has been in the past.,” she said. “It’s been a car dealership, a Western Auto and a pet store, among other things.”

Seleese has acquired the needed Art Train application and selected an artist — Sue Groveunder.

“Sue was an art teacher at Bonham Middle School and has done numerous murals throughout Temple and Belton,” she said. “She will be starting during the holidays or just after.”

Kelleher said the Art Train budget does not include money for paying artists, but it does include a small amount of money for art supplies.

The Art Train application must include written credentials of the art and a written description of the design.

“It includes some blank images and the artist must decorate them like a coloring book,” Kelleher said. “The application then goes to the review committee for approval.”

Anyone interested in participating in the decoration or placement of future Art Trains should contact Kelleher at (254) 298-5378 or dkelleher@templetx.gov.

Make Temple your ‘North Pole’

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

Who’s up for a holiday challenge? It’s simple, really, and it’s great for Temple’s economy.

We all know how easy and convenient it is to push a few buttons online and do that holiday shopping — no crowds, no fuss. But when you opt to spend your hard-earned money with Amazon or other online giants, that cash is gone forever.

Instead of lining the pockets of corporate America, why not support your friends, neighbors, and in some cases, your family?

Spending money at home not only keeps the businesses you spend with afloat, there is a huge trickle-down effect. That $25 gift card you bought down the street supports the entire community.

Small local businesses stick together. You spend with them, they spend with others in town. The money stays here and keeps the goods and services we need in town as well.

Local businesses support our youth programs such as baseball, soccer and livestock projects. They help keep food banks full for the less fortunate. And, they support programs for veterans, for the elderly, for us all.

Temple Chamber of Commerce president Rod Henry is a big advocate of shopping at home.

“Shopping at home supports local needs,” he said. “It helps a person pay their mortgage, put braces on their kids and put food on their table.”

Henry said every dollar spent in the Temple area helps make the community better, stronger and safer.

“The stores, restaurants and other businesses you patronize pay taxes,” he said. “These taxes help pay for services we need and expect such as police, fire and road maintenance. These businesses also pay salaries and wages to our neighbors.”

Small businesses have experienced and most have survived the hardships of COVID and related worker and supply shortages. They need your help.

This year, make the pledge to make a difference. Shop exclusively with your local small businesses. They have a lot to offer.

There are several upcoming events that focus on shopping in the Temple area. First Friday events — the first Friday of each month — feature savings at downtown businesses. November’s First Friday is today, and there will be another on Dec. 3.

In addition, the Temple Small Business Coalition is hosting two Market Days — Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both events will be in the West Parking Lot at Temple City Hall.

Nov. 27 has been designated as Small Business Saturday in Temple. Local businesses will be having discounts and sales throughout the city, and a noon reception will be held downtown to announce the winner of the Christmas decoration contest.

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AROUND TOWN: PIANO TRIO RECITAL

Up next on this year’s Temple Symphony Orchestra schedule is a Sunday piano trio recital featuring Suzanne Jacobson on the violin, Cory Blaise on the cello and Kiyoshi Tamagawa on the piano. They will perform Piano Trio in E Major by W.A. Mozart, Piano Trio by Jennifer Higdon and Piano Trio in B-flat major by Ludwig Van Beethoven. The performance will start at 3 p.m. at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple. For ticket information for TSO’s 2021-22 season, visit www.TempleSymphony.org.

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POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST

The Central Hotel was perhaps the most popular of Temple’s early hotels, but surprisingly it wasn’t located on Central Avenue. The hotel was located at South 3rd and Avenue A. In May 1889, the hotel registered 771 guests and the room rate was $2 per night. The building was demolished in 1957. Notice the omnibus — a horse-drawn bus — left of the hotel.

Shred unwanted documents Saturday

The city of Temple Solid Waste Division will host a Secured Shred Event from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at 3210 E. Ave. H.

Temple residents can bring paper documents for shredding and recycling.

“The purpose of this event is twofold,” said Justin Brantley, director of Solid Waste. “Residents can safely shred their documents, and the city will ensure this paper is properly recycled.” 

To minimize contact, event staff will unload and transport boxes to the designated drop-off area while drivers remain in their vehicles. Residents may bring up to five banker boxes of paper.

WHAT’S HAPPENING, CENTRAL TEXAS?

Central Texas largest and most complete calendar of event:

November

November 5-6 - Ribs & Rods car show and bbq cookout, Bend of the River.

November 6, Saturday - Rucks on Main Veterans Day 10K March. Pack you bag with canned goods to donate at the end of the ruck. Register at  www.rucksonmain.org/registration.

November 6, Saturday - Game of Thrones Trivia Night, Fire Base Brewing. 6-9 p.mm.

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 6, Saturday - Fire Safety Family Day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

November 6, Saturday - Preschool Story Time at Temple Public Library. 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.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 7, Sunday - Downtown Drag! A drag show at Corkys Wine & Beer. 7 p.m.

November 9, Tuesday - Baby Bookworms for ages 0-12 months at Temple Public Library. 11 a.m.

November 9, Tuesday - Czech Film Night & Matinee at The Beltonian. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

November 10, Wednesday - School-Age Story Time for K-3rd Grade at Temple Public Library. Features short film, stories and constructive play. 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.

November 11, Thursday - Veterans Day Celebration and Patriot Way Brick Walk sign dedication. 8:30 a.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 13, Saturday - 2nd annual Blue Santa Toy Run at Fire Base Brewing. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

November 13, Saturday - Preschool Story Time at Temple Public Library. 10:30 a.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 12, Friday - Bike Night at Horny Toad Harley. Live music by Scratch 3, beer, giveaways. 6-8 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. his will be our second to last market of the year and just in time to start your holiday shopping for all your friends and family. From soaps to jewelry, baked goods & jams, even custom wood working items, our market has something for everyone. 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 16, Tuesday - Tarok Card Party & Lessons. Czech Heritage Museum. 7-9 p.m.

November 18, Thursday - Turkey Day Table Art. Need some centerpieces for your big Thanksgiving dinner? What’s better than an adorable handmade craft made by your little turkey? Kids will make different types of table art for you to display. Register at templeparks.com. Open to ages 2-6. $7 per child.

November 19, Friday -  Yuletide Tour of Homes. To purchase tickets, visit www.TempleChildrensMuseum.org/events.

November 19, Friday - Book Cellar Investigation. $20 per person. 8 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.

November 19, Friday - Justin Hewitt at O’Briens. 9 p.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 - Facing the Inferno wildfire exhibit opens at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.

November 20, Saturday - Game Show Night by Texas Red at Fire Base Brewing. 7-9 p.m.

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.

November 27-28 - Kris Kringle Mart presented by KC Council 3444, 2218 W. Avenue D, Temple. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December

December 2 — Die Hard at The Beltonian. It IS. a Christmas movie!. 6 p.m.

December 3, Friday - Sammy G’s Toy Drive Block Party at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

December 3-5 — Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre.

December 4, Saturday - Barrow Brewing Christmas Market, Salado. Noon.

December 4, Saturday - Santa at the Depot, Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, 5-8 p.m.

December 4, Saturday - Lance Wade Thomas rocks O’Briens. 9 p.m.

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 4-5 - Kris Kringle Mart presented by KC Council 3444, 2218 W. Avenue D, Temple. 10 a.m. to 4 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 - Bone at O’Briens. 9 p.m.

December 10-12 — Disney’s Aladdin Jr. at Temple Civic Theatre.

December 11, Saturday — Downtown Temple Holiday Market & Food Truck Frenzy. We are excited to partner our market with a Food Truck Event! Come join us and support local businesses in our area! 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 11, Saturday - Tucka Texas Takeover with LJ Echols, Fat Daddy and Mr. Smoke. VFW Post 1820, Temple. 7 p.m.

December 17, Friday - Matt Cearley & The Rowdy Few, O’Briens. 9 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.

December 31, Friday - New Year’s Eve at O’Briens with the Jason Custer Band. 10 p.m.

December 31, Friday - New Year’s Eve at Bo’s Barn with the Craig Howell Band. 9 p.m.

January

January 29, Saturday - Parker McCollum Red Dirt Mardi Gras at Bell County Expo. 8 p.m.

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.

SUBMIT YOUR AREA PHOTOS!

Here’s a really cool Temple photo I stumbled across. It’s one of my favorites, but I bet there are many others just as good. If you are a professional or amateur photographer and have great shots of the area, please submit them for publication at OurTownTemple@gmail.com. Please include a description, the date photo was taken and your name so you can receive credit.

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