December 2008

COVER: Shepherd Joyce Terrell with her Shetland sheep and llama’s on her Golden Fleece Farm near Alba.

FEATURES

8 l Shepherds Watch and Weave
Three shepherds in the Upper East Side of Texas talk about their flocks and the products they help create.
By Tom Geddie

11 l Legendary Songwriter Leon Payne
One of the greatest songwriters of all time is from the little community of Grit near Alba. Blind since he was a child, Leon Payne wrote thousands of songs, many of which became big hits for the likes of Hank Williams, John Prine, Elvis Presley, George Jones, and Johnny Cash, and continue to be enjoyed today by people all over the world.
By Tom Geddie

13 l Boomers Find Retirement Needs
in the Upper East Side of Texas
Almost 70 percent of Texas’ certified retirement communities are located in the northeast corner and they are preparing for growth, economic impacts, and improved community service in the region.

19 l Jimmie Dale Gilmore Headlines TMA Concert
Grammy-nominated icon Jimmie Dale Gilmore will join forces with his son Colin Gilmore December 12 for the next Texas Songwriter Series concert present by Tyler Museum of Art.

DEPARTMENTS

5 l Talk of the Town
Tyler Museum of Art, Lindale Photography Winners, Winnsboro Artists, Ghostriders Rodeo Drill Team, TJC Graphics Portfolio Winners

6 l Business
Van Zandt County Juvenile Program, Historical Markers, Wood County Industrial Commission Awards, Blood Donations, Small Business Assistance, Brookshire Awards, Sharelunker Bass Hosts, Student Scholarships, The Music Station ...

10 l Kid’s Korner
TBows, and Christmas, The Whiffets, Wee the People, puzzles and more.
By Vern Dailey and Muffin

12 l Living Room
Holiday Decor. Sherri Sprouse of Waldenwood Gifts & Accessories in Athens offers good advice for holiday decorating.

16 l Calendar

18 l Music Listing

21 l Where to Stay
STEP BACK IN TIME AT THE ELEGANT ROSELAND PLANTATION
Roseland Plantation between Ben Wheeler and Tyler offers history, elegance, great food, and ambience.
By P.A. Geddie

22 l Poetry
Winter’s Reign by Faith Blanchard, Secret War by Alexandra Vallyrie Reed, Meditation 101 by Judy Rutherford, and Past Time
by J. Ronnie Chitty

23 l Feel Good
ADJUSTING TO GOOD HEALTH
Dr. Michael Ely of the Athens Spine Center discusses chiropractic care and his techniques for helping the body heal itself.
By Judy Rutherford

24 l Grits & Gourmet
FROM FARM TO TABLE
Edom Marketplace features fresh produce grown in the fields adjacent to the restaurant as well as a delicious variety of sandwiches, salads, burgers, seafood, steaks, and more, all in homey atmosphere with seating inside and out.
By Jeff Gottesman

25 l Dining Guide

26 l Reel Time
CATCHING THE WINTER BLUES
Don’t put the rods and reels away just because winter’s here—it’s just time to bring out the heavy-duty fishing lines and hooks to catch the big ones.
By Barry St. Clair