Tarleton State University has released its ‘A’ Honor Roll list for the spring 2010 semester. Students listed on the ‘A’ Honor Roll have a 4.0 grade point ratio on the 4.0 system and  are taking a minimum of 12 credit hours. Making the list include the following students:

John Luper of Arp, is majoring in Ag Services and Development at Tarleton’s Stephenville campus.

Leslie Jordan of Longview is majoring in Exercise and Sport Studies at Tarleton’s Stephenville campus.

Founded in 1899, Tarleton is one of the fastest growing institutions of higher learning in Texas. Just one hour, Tarleton serves as the educational and cultural flagship of the Cross Timbers Region. It is located in Stephenville, which is included in Norman Crampton’s “The 100 Best Small Towns in America” published by Prentice Hall.

Ahoy!  There’s a scurvy bunch of 8 and 9 year olds ahead, singing and dancing and telling tales of the deep blue sea.  With names like Red Beard, Black Beard, Purple Beard and other fearsome sobriquets, these young performers will fill ArtsView Children’s Theatre with music and mayhem, all under the watchful eye of director, Alisha Kimbley.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for our 8 and 9 year olds to be the stars of a musical!  This is the first time we’ve held an academy just for their specific age group.  In the past, these musical academies have been ages 8-12.  I’m very excited to work with these students.”

Kimbley, who is the White Oak Elementary Music/Fine Arts Teacher, will rehearse the 24 youngsters for a brief two weeks, beginning July 26th.  For three hours a day, she will guide these budding performers in voice, blocking, and dialogue, while her team of student apprentices are busy creating costumes and props for the show.

ArtsView Children’s Theatre, now in its 5th year, identifies its efforts in three forms; productions, academies and workshops.

The theatre produces 3 fully staged productions per season and rounds out the year with two week academies and workshops of varying lengths.  All academies and many of the workshops culminate in a performance or showcase of the students’ work.

“ArtsView is about changing lives through education, outreach and the performing arts.  That’s our mission statement, yes, but it’s the essential purpose of all our efforts.  We have never focused on producing elaborate productions over providing an enriching and encouraging process.  We’re here for the children; to give them a nurturing place to express their creativity, to groom their talents and take their place in the spotlight”, said ArtsView’s Education Director, Pamela Bump.

Pirates! The Musical will have three performances; August 6th at 7:00 pm, and August 7th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.  Tickets are $5 each.

Tickets go on sale Monday, August 2.  For Tickets, call 903-237-7535.

For more information about upcoming events at ArtsView Children’s Theatre, see our website at www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com

The new Longview Historic Farmers’ Market has held its second monthly open air agricultural sales day. The market place was scheduled to open at 8:00 a.m., but local residents were already buying produce at 7:30.
The first Market Day back on the 15th sold out in just one hour. Locals did not want to risk missing out on the choicest selection of East Texas produce. Customers arrived early and swept up the vendors’ delectable crops. There is also the attractive personal touch.
In the good old days people went to market to buy produce from local farmers who were their friends, neighbors and relatives. The crops sold were grown and harvested without the pesticides and artificial colors included in modern grocery store produce. Consumers at the Farmers’ Market purchase veggies from the men and women who grew it, and can ask them questions about their methods. At this venue there is no need for “buyers beware” warnings.
Dr. Frank Tibiletti, Eleanor Kirk, Christina Massey, Evalonia Bolton, Ana Walker, her family and many other health-conscious Longview residents made the rounds of the booths, buying nutritious produce. Gynecologist Tibiletti brought a shopping list that included squash, potatoes and herbs. Still, a healthy diet was not his sole reason for coming.
“We definitely want to support this,” he said. “It is good for downtown revitalization.”
Professional photographer Christina Massey found the market both healthy and entertaining.
“I am here to get the very best,” she gushed. “This is locally grown, tastes better and [is] loaded with nutrition.”
Massey also bought homemade soap and urges everyone who has not come to the market to do so.
“You need to come and experience the market,” she said. “There are good people all over the place, and there is something for everyone.”
Wisconsin natives Steve and Cody Husman and their daughter Cheyenne and their horses love both the market and the Texas weather.
“We have been trying to get down here,” said Steve. “The ranch we bought around Liberty City has solar and wind turbines and all kinds of fruit trees.”
The family believes the property is just right for them, and they are vendors themselves in the Farmers’ Market, selling their home grown green beans. They plan to bring their elderberries for sale on the 29th. They grow their crops strictly organically, using compost fertilizers.
“This is locally grown, fresh picked and chemical-free,” said Cody.
Janet McKinney from Lanesville brightened up the array of edible merchandise by bringing her flowers for sale.
“We grow these beauties with the help of our five kids,” she said. “We sell wholesale and retail,” adding that her business phone number is (903) 854-2468.
Lowell Tanksley of Tanksley Farm recalled how early he sold out in the previous market, so he brought twice the amount of his crops this time. His busy booth was one of many where customers bought and socialized, meeting old friends and making new ones.
The Farmers’ Market still needs singers, musicians and other entertainers. Also, volunteer workers are needed to help set up and dismantle the booths before and after the market. Market Vice-President Danielle Heard described the market as a part of the local sustainability movement that will help the community grow and prosper. This makes volunteers even more vital.
The Longview Historic Farmers’ Market is located at the confluence of Cotton, High and Center streets. For now it opens Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., with plans to eventually also be open during the week as increasing volumes of produce are harvested and brought in by vendors. For more information call 903-746-2708.