Hello Everyone!
We've run the gamut from beautiful, sunny days that promise spring, to bone-chilling cold in the past few weeks and it looks like there's more of the same to come. So if cabin fever has gotten to you, here's a list of great things to do in our community through early March.
 If you need help with your taxes, head to the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library! They are hosting the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers again this year. They will be at the library on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm (please arrive by 2:00) from now through April 10th. All appointments must be made in-person with the AARP volunteers at the library for a later time. The service is free although they do note that some complex returns may be out of their scope of work. Complete information, including a list of what to bring, will be available on the library's
Facebook page or
at this link.
 The City of Greenville Parks & Recreation Department has just reopened the remodeled Reecy Davis Recreation Center and it looks great. If you looking for a climate controlled place to walk for exercise, this is the place. The basketball gym is open for walkers from 6:00am - 9:00am and the cardio room which has stationary bikes and treadmills is open from 6:00am - 2:00pm and 6:30pm - 9:00pm. They also offer Line Dancing classes every Wednesday morning and a game room that's open daily. Membership is requried. Call the Parks and Recreation office for membership details at 903-457-2994. Reecy Davis is located at 4320 Lee St. Get the latest information on their
Facebook page.
 On Thurday, February 6th, DrugFree Greenville hosts the annual Heroes Night from 5:30-7:30 pm at Ridgecrest Church (6801 Wesley St). This event offers local youth and families the opportunity to meet and interact with First Responders, Greenville Police, Fire/Rescue, Emergency Medical Services and Air Evac Lifeteam. Children can also collect "Hero Cards" featuring photos and information about these local heroes. Admission is free.
More information here.
 On Saturday and Sunday, February 8 and 9, the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum hosts their popular Gun Show. Vendors will be exhibiting everything from guns, knives and swords, including those that might have been used during the Civil War, WWI, WWII, etc. Some of the booths will also include books, gun parts, reloading supplies, ammo and prints relating to military history. Check it out and have some fun buying, selling, trading or just browsing among the many items the vendors will display in their booths. Admission is $5 per adult and under 12 is free. Show hours are Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 10-4, and the show is at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center, 5501 US Hwy 69 South.
 Tuesday, February 11th, from 10:00 am-1:00 pm Greenville Fire-Rescue host their 2nd Annual Senior Living Event at Fletcher Warren Civic Center. This event is for anyone interested in the well-being of those in their older years. They will have vendors providing information on everything from health insurance to where to go to meet other like-minded adults! Door prizes and a free lunch are provided. Check the
Facebook page for more information.
 Every Wednesday from 12:00-1:00, the Texan plays host to "Friendlee Live!," a live music program hosted by Greenville's "local color" Friendlee. Each week, he interviews a musical artist from the stage in the theater. It's a wonderful way to spend your lunch hour because you can also enjoy the delicious food from the Texan's Coffee Shop. Along with performances, there are stories, tall tales and lots of laughter. The event is open to the public and is also available to view on Facebook Live through the
Friendlee News Facebook page. (all past episodes are there, too). The February schedule is:
- Feb 12th - Travis Jackson
- Feb 19th - Brandon Callies
- Feb 26th - Tyler Stokes
The Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, themed "Cheers to 100 Years," will be held on Thursday, February 13th at the event room at Innovation First International's beautiful new headquarters! The evening begins with a reception at 5:45 pm, followed by dinner and the program at 7:00 pm. The event is co-hosted by the Greenville Board of Development and they will present their annual "Community Investment Award" as part of the event. The highlight is always when the Worthy Citizen is announced - a big secret subject to much speculation every year before the announcement is made by the previous year's winner. Tickets are $75 per person and available from the Chamber at 903-455-1510.
 The National Weather Service will bring their 2020 "Severe Weather Awareness Tour" to Greenville on Thursday, February 13th at 6:00 pm at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center. The program is expected to include meetings between meteorologists and emergency management officials and the media, as well as the Skywarn storm spotter training seminars. The purpose of the program is to help train spotters, the first line of defense in identifying the approach of a severe thunderstorm. The seminar is free, no advance registration is required, and anyone interested in learning more about how severe weather forms is invited to attend.
 And of course, there's always live music in Downtown Greenville on Friday and Saturday nights! Depending on your musical tastes, you should be able to find something to enjoy. Landon Winery offers music every weekend. They have a beautiful patio for a nice outdoor experience if the weather is nice (and yes, in February that sometimes happens when you're in Texas). And we have a new entry on the live music scene - The Empty Glass Steakhouse and Saloon! They are located at 2808 Lee Street and have live music Thursday-Saturday nights, including local music legend Mike Castleberry most Thursday nights. Check them out! You can find more information on the website
www.ShowtimeDTGreenville.com. Bookmark this website and check it often for the latest updates!
 Women In Need (WIN), which operates the domestic violence shelter for women and children in Hunt and Rockwall counties, will host their 7th Annual Chocolate Indulgence Event T 6:00 pm on Valentine's Day, February 14th. The event is scheduled at the Hidden Creek Event Center, 215 Chris Cuny Parkway in Heath and will feature chocolate, fine dining and dancing, as well as a silent and live auction. Tickets are $125 per person or $200 per couple and available at this link.
 The Texan Theater has something fantastic on Wednesday afternoons...a delightfully different kind of Happy Hour. Hump Day Happy Hour, takes place every Wednesday afternoon at the Texan Theater from 5:00-6:20 pm. Dennis Strickland offers spirited keyboard and vocals, coordinating local entertainers, art showings and storytellers. And award-winning movie critic Alice Reese always has her recommended movie pick of the week. Drop in for ten minutes or stay for the whole show. Fine foods and beverages (delicious coffees and frappes) served through the Texan Coffee Shop, or BYO Wine. The Texan's Facebook page often has the lineup of scheduled guests listed.
 And speaking of the Texan, here's a list of their upcoming shows and events. Complete details are available on their Facebook page. Each show includes a full four-course dinner, cocktails, wine and specialty coffees, luxurious seating, table service and all gratuities.
February 7th - Colin Raye
February 15th - Glen Miller Orchestra Valentine Event
February 16th - Music in the Spirit (free Sunday afternoon worship
music celebration)
February 21st - Livingston Taylor
February 22nd - Peter Pan & Cinderella on Ice
February 29th - T. Graham Brown & Bryan White
March 14th - Freedom Folk Festival with Susan Gibson, Hannah Kirby, and more
March 21st - The Music of Cream
 On Saturday, February 15th, Greenville Parks and Recreation is hosting a FREE Trout Fishing event from 8:00 am - 1:30 pm at Graham Park (800 Walnut St). The pond will be stocked with rainbow trout and participants will be able to take home any fish they catch. Times for the two different age groups to fish are 8:00am - 10:30am: YOUTH GROUP and 11:00 am - 1:30pm: ADULT GROUP. There will also be fun fish related activities for everyone to enjoy, including prizes for the heaviest fish in a number of age groups. No fishing license will be required on the day of the event, but you will need to bring your own poles in order to fish. They will have a sign-in sheet that everyone will need to fill out so please be sure to bring a valid ID. i.e. (your drivers' license or driving permits) this will ensure that you get into the right category the day of the event. For more information , check out their Facebook event page or call 903-457-2994 and ask for Pamela Vierus.
 On the third Saturday of every month, from 7-9:30 pm, the Senior Center Resources & Public Transit department hosts an evening of Live Music and Dancing for Seniors at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center (5501 S. Hwy 69). Music is provided by Gale Hauge and the Lone Star Express and admission is only $5 for age 55 and older. The next two dances are February 15th and March 21st. All the 2020 dates are at this link.
 On Thursday, February 20th, at 7:30 pm, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will their annual Pops Concert at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium (GMA), and it sounds fantastic! Experience the Dallas Symphony as they present music from the Silver Screen by legendary composers John Williams, Elmer Bernstein and many more as they explore the history of American movies through the scores we love. Tickets are part of subscription series and will be available at the door or through this link. If you're interested in just attending the one concert, tickets are $25/person at the door.
 Greenville Christian School is hosting a Dinner and Silent and Live Auction to benefit GCS Academics on Saturday, February 22nd at the GCS Gym. Admission is free (donations are appreciated!) with things kicking off at 6:00 pm. The theme is "Great Adventures." A portion of the Live Auction directly benefits the family of 5th grader Trevor Daniel to help defray expenses related to Trevor's cancer. Pre-register for the event and you'll get a free barbecue dinner from Johnson Street Smokehouse. Here's the link to register.
 On Saturday Feb 22, from 7-10 pm, Lonny J's Boogie Fever Disco Night invites you to dance away the night at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center (5501 S Hwy 69). Put on your best disco wear and come out to have fun and benefit Hunt County Kids. This organization works very closely with local schools, churches, and local agencies to address the needs of the children that are not being met by other available services. Disco Night tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Greenville Floral & Gifts (6008 Wesley St) and GreenvilleGifts & Boutique (2418 Lee St). Cash or check made out to Hunt County Kids. This will be a fun-filled evening of dancing, prizes, food, drinks, and auction items with all proceeds benefiting Hunt County Kids. Here's the link to the Facebook events page
.
 The Greenville Rotary Club will host their annual Chili Fest on Thursday, February 27th from 11 am - 7 pm. It will be held at the Landmark on Lee Street - 2920 Lee Street and is one of the club's primary annual fundraisers. Tickets are $7 and include delicious chili, drink and dessert. Takeout is also available, but you'll miss the really great selection of silent auction items...and I promise you, you'll find something you'll want to bid on!
 On Thursday, February 27th, GISD will host the "Cotton" Ford Relays at T.A. "Cotton" Ford Memorial Stadium. Come support the GHS Lion and Lady Lion track teams at they host their annual home track meet. Field events begin at 12:30 pm and running events start at 5:30 pm. In place of admissions, donations will be accepted for the Texas High School Coaches Education Foundation Benevolence Fund, which provides funds for student-athletes in Texas high schools that experience hardships. Information on "Our Day to Shine" can be found at this link.
 The Greenville Educational Enrichment Foundation (GEEF) is hosting its 8th Annual Adult Spelling Bee on Friday, Feb. 28th at 6:30 pm at Innovation First International. The fundraising event will consist of a spelling bee competition, a dinner and silent auction. Funds raised through the adult spelling bee will benefit GEEF as they seek to serve students and teachers of the Greenville Independent School District. Each team has three members, so grab two buddies and go for the W-I-N. The deadline to sign up a team is Feb. 19. Those looking to simply join the fun can buy a ticket before the event or at the door the day of. Ticket prices begin at $40 per individual and $75 per couple. Donors that contribute $100 or more will receive name recognition the night of the event.
 Also on Friday, February 28th, the Greenville Entertainment Series present Wilde Creatures at 7:30 pm at the GMA. The fairy tales of Oscar Wilde spring to life on stage at the GMA! Sit back and watch as a motley crew of storytelling musicians bring Oscar Wilde's classic fairy tales to life in Tall Tales magical new show, direct from London's West End. Characters from The Happy Prince and other stories spring to life as the pompous mayor, the petulant princess and the love-sick student compete to become the new town stature. Hauntingly beautiful takes for everyone aged 5 to 105 told with original live music and a generous dash of comedy. Tickets are part of a subscription series, with information available at this link, or they are $25 at the door.
 On Saturday, March 7th, the City of Greenville Parks & Recreation Department will host a free Drive In Movie Night a from 7-9 pm at Greenville Sports Park. Bring your blanket and chairs and come enjoy the film "Secret Life of Pets 2" Max the terrier encounters canine-intolerant cows, hostile foxes, and a scary turkey when he visits the countryside. Luckily for Max, he soon catches a break when he meets Rooster, a gruff farm dog who tries to cure the lovable pooch of his neuroses. And rumor has it that In N Out will be giving away 250 FREE meals before the movie begins. Be sure and get there early so you're sure to get yours! Check the Facebook events
page for the latest news.
Tickets are now on sale for THREE big shows at the GMA this spring.
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 On Saturday, March 14, relive Rocks greatest hits with the musicians who created them when Rock's Legendary Supergroup - The Hitmen come to town! Five incredible performers who toured and performed the soundtrack of your life come for one night only to the GMA. These five brilliant musicians recorded and/or toured with the artists whose hits they play - including the biggest names in rock history from Paul McCartney and Elton John, to Frankie Valli, Foreigner, The Who, Toto, Carole King, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, The Rascals and more. They're the Real Deal, appearing on some 85 albums, many of them gold and platinum! They are the actual artists you heard in concert and on the original versions of classic rock's most important songs. Tickets ($25 - $45) are available at this link. And here's a link to a video that gives you a sense of the amazing range of songs these musicians have been a part of.
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 March 17 - The Kenneth Threadgill Concert Series presents Mandy Barnett Sings The Nashville Songbook and The Quebe Sisters. Nashville musical treasure Mandy Barnett has established herself as one of the great champions of American classic country and pop music. The Quebe Sisters front an innovative Progressive Western Swing band of archtop guitar, upright bass, fiddles and sibling harmony. Get tickets here.
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 And on Saturday, March 21st, two of Country's brightest stars will shine bright at the GMA as Johnny Bush and Johnny Rodriguez bring their unique brand of Country to Greenville. Bush, nicknamed the "Country Caruso," is best known for his distinctive voice and as the writer of "Whiskey River," a top-ten hit for himself and Willie Nelson's signature song. Rodriguez is a Latin American country music singer, infusing his music with Latin sounds, and even singing verses of songs in Spanish. His 6 #1 hits include Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico, Pass Me By, and Just Get Up and Close the Door. Tickets are $29 - $59 and are available at available at this link.
Finally, I'm excited to share that something near and dear to my heart is about to come to fruition. Community Seeds in Lone Oak will be opening their new incubator kitchen later this spring (date still pending).
This is a fully-stocked commercial kitchen that will be available to rent on an hourly basis (at a very reasonable price!) for folks who are looking to start a food business, allowing them to cook, bake, can or package their products for sale. Final touches are underway and we're working on the rules and pricing right now.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE KITCHEN, PLEASE CONTACT ME. We're starting to put a list together of folks who are looking for commercial kitchen space.
Don't ever believe there's nothing to do in a small town. We are so fortunate to have so many talented folks and dedicated people who provide some wonderful events. So get out and do something!
Please don't forget, if you know of something that I need to include in this newsletter or on the Housewarmers of Greenville Facebook page, please email me the details of the event. It always helps if I can have the information the last week of the month before the event. If you miss the deadline, I'll try and post the information on my Facebook page and share the word for you.
Housewarmers of Greenville
903-456-2257
P.S. If you find this newsletter helpful, please share it with your friends!
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