As the world rapidly changes, we are becoming more conscious of our impacts on others, our public spaces, and the environment. Many of us are rethinking our goals and priorities for personal and public safety, in hopes of making our world a better place. Make
County Line Magazine
your source of inspiration for uplifting stories of people from the Upper East Side of Texas who are making a positive impact on the world.
In this issue of the WEEKLY, we celebrate the birthday of actor-director Forest Whitaker, who grew up in our region and followed a successful film career. We also celebrate the birthday of actress Margo Martindale this week. She caught inspiration for acting while growing up in Jacksonville then boldly moved to Michigan and later, New York City in the 1970s to pursue a career. Playing dozens of supporting roles in films and television shows over the past three decades, Martindale is now garnering acclaim for her roles in television dramas.
Others are stepping beyond social artistic norms as well while pursing work they love. One is John Hillier of Kilgore, whose curiously-formed human sculptures are part of the permanent collection at Longview Museum of Fine Arts. Another is Kristin Mcrae of Henderson, who never knew she had artistic talent until she began decorating cakes and cookies in her home a few years ago. She now runs a thriving bakery, creating confections that brighten others' special occasions.
As you read our stories, think of ways your own actions are having an impact on the rest of the world and look for ways that you, too, can make a difference in our region. Stay in touch with more of what's going on in the region, on our
website,
and in social media. If you aren't already signed up for a free subscription to the
COUNTY LINE WEEKLY
you can do that
HERE.
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"Native Bear" in oils by Anabel Leigh of Dallas is part of her "Beautiful Women of the World" series.
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This week we celebrate award-winning actress Margo Martindale, born in Jacksonville, Texas, on July 18, 1951
. Her film career spans 30 years, but her passion for acting began while growing up on the shores of Lake Jacksonville.
Martindale has won three Primetime Emmy Awards for
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
: once for
Justified
in 2010 and twice for
The Americans
in 2015 and 2016. Though often dubbed a "character actress," Martindale says she embraces the moniker because all actors play character roles.
In a recent
video interview,
Martindale shares insights about her current television and film roles, including
Blow the Man Down
and
Mrs. America
. Click the headline link above to read our interview with Martindale in the
County Line
archives.
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LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
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Bob Mauldin is a familiar face in the Upper East Side of Texas with his syndicated TV show "Expedition Texas," and a familiar voice from earlier days as a morning personality on Tyler-based KKUS classic country radio.The journey began many years ago.
"I knew early in life that I wanted to entertain," he said. "I have been told that from early childhood I’d get up and sing in front of people. Anything I can do that brings a smile to people’s faces makes me happy."
Click the headline link above to read about Mauldin's more recent album, "Summer Days," in the
County Line
archives.
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Z
ipline Thrills Await Guests in East Texas
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Happy Birthday Forest Whitaker!
Longview native Forest Whitaker, born July 15, 1961, has a long career of starring and directing many films, including
The Debaters
(2007) and
The Shack
(2015). He is most famous for playing Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in
The Last King of Scotland
(2006), which garnered dozens of awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor. Whitaker is the fourth African-American male actor to win the award, after Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and Terrell native Jamie Foxx.
Whitaker remains involved in current projects. He plays Howard Lambert in 2019's
Finding Steve McQueen
and C.L. Franklin, father of the late Aretha Franklin, in
Respect
, a movie based on the singer's life story, which debuts later this year.
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Longview Museum of Fine Arts Director Tiffany Jahorek describes movement and moveable parts in "MaleStorm/Twister," a sculpture by Kilgore artist John Hillier.
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“MaleStorm/Twister,” by John Hillier of Kilgore, features elements of classic and modern art, yet stands apart from many other works of our time. Part of the Longview Museum of Fine Arts' permanent collection, the moveable statue celebrates the dynamic nature of the human form and compares it to the twister, one of nature’s most violent forces.
"MaleStorm" is one of three stunning wood sculptures by John Hillier, who recently retired after teaching art at Kilgore Community College for more than 30 years. Read more about the sculptor and his techniques in our
July/August issue.
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Covering the Arts Across the Upper East Side of Texas
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Kristin Mcrae of Kristin's Bakery and Cafe in Henderson followed a dream of owning her own business only a year and a half ago, and hasn't slowed down since. She creates cheery, delightful cookies, cakes, and other treats that add personality and fun to special occasions. Patrons to the cafe find that Kristin is able to cook up almost any cake or cookie they can imagine.
Aside from special order items, the bakery sells delicious coffees, cookies, batches of seasonally-decorated sugar cookies, and special occasion gift baskets. Click the headline link above to read the story of Kristin's journey from homemaker to businesswoman.
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Feel free to send story ideas, poems, letters, and beautiful photography from the region to
[email protected].
Let us know what you enjoy most about this area.
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HOW TO REACH US
County Line Magazine
PO Box 608
Ben Wheeler, TX 75754
Office: (903) 963-1101
Text: (903) 312-9556
www.countylinemagazine.com
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