From now on, I’ll have to insist that you all refer to me as Lady Mika Spears. No, I’m not trying to emulate pop singer Lady Gaga (in name nor especially in appearance); my claim is actually somewhat legitimate. You see, as my mother has informed me, I am descended from a long line of ladies and lords concentrated largely in northern England, the Nevills.

Ever since my mother began spending obscene amounts of time on ancestry.com, my e-mail volume has tripled.  Every day, I receive six or seven  e-mails containing clues to my past, complete with links to websites for such things as Raby Castle, the original family headquarters, and Lumley Castle, another residence that has since been converted to a hotel – and that’s just on her mother’s branch of the family tree.

It turns out that her paternal grandmother, whose maiden name was Link, is descended from a cousin of Abraham Lincoln. I chuckled at the process by which “Lincoln” became “Link”. Was it a nickname that stuck or was someone a less-than-adequate speller?

After all the branches have been exposed on this family tree, it turns out that I have ancestors hailing from England, Scotland, Ireland and Germany.  My husband’s family, although heavily English with a trace of Spanish on his father’s side, is primarily French. I think our children can be adequately described as “Western European” in heritage (although “steadfastly American” in spirit).

I used to laugh at those Jeopardy contestants who, during the interview portion of the show, would proudly exclaim that they were direct descendants of some “King This” or “Lord That.”  Perhaps with the invention of Internet genealogy, we can all now find our claim to history and tirelessly throw it in the faces of friends and minor acquaintances.  It’s quite satisfying.

FILM INDUSTRY GROWING

Last Friday, Sheila Tamble of the Smithville Film Commission met with the screenwriters for an upcoming project to be filmed in Smithville this spring called “Under the Western Sun.”

Screenwriter Danny Cameron describes his feature-length film as a “light-hearted, comical, character-driven piece that could have been made by Frank Capra.”  He and fiancée/co-writer Miranda Smith wanted to take a different direction from the typical independent film.

“Indies tend to be dark and a bit morose,” Cameron commented.  “This is a movie that the whole family will be able to enjoy.”

The movie centers around a small town called Mahoney, Texas that was inspired by Danny’s time in Smithville when he was part of the crew filming the web series “The Cell.”  For that reason, he and Miranda have decided to do some casting here in the town where he started this journey.

One of the two major roles that Zobest Pictures will be casting is “Frank,” a male in his 50s that could pass for 40.  He must be 5′10 or taller and have wrinkles, but can hide them well and be handsome, physically fit and rugged.  He could be described as a smooth talker and a successful business millionaire type whose life is about to change drastically.  Think: a Cary Grant of our time.

The other major role to be cast in Smithville is “Martin”, also a male in his 50s, at least 5′10 or taller.  Martin is the town’s mayor but also the villain of the story. He’s a very dangerous man, but at the same time, can be your best friend as long as he gets something out it. Martin relishes attention and he doesn’t care for Frank.

If you fit the bill for “Frank” or “Martin” and are interested in auditioning, please send your headshot and resume to info@zobestpictures.com.  If you have a link to a demo reel that would be helpful. Please only e-mail them if you are interested in “Frank” or “Martin.”  Zobest will follow up with you specifically for those roles before Feb 13.

All others wishing to be considered as an extra, please bring your headshot and resume on the day of the casting call Saturday, Feb. 13 at City Hall.  More details will follow in upcoming issues of The Smithville Times.

THE CELL PREMIERES ONLINE

Lovable Varmint Productions, the folks who have transformed the building that formerly housed Family Dollar into a dank, isolated and frightening environment, have announced that “The Cell” will premiere online on Wednesday, Feb. 3.  Simply log onto www.koldcast.tv and follow the links to the series pilot.  We look forward to seeing what’s been going on behind those blacked-out windows!

CHAMBER MIXER

Last Thursday’s chamber of commerce mixer made a splash on Main Street as Shangri-la Emporium and Tom-Kat Paper Dolls hosted our monthly gathering.

Folks gathered from 4 to 6 p.m., mingling with the paper doll artist Tom Tierney and checking out his latest creations inspired by fashion, entertainment, heritage, and politics.  Alongside the selection of iconic paper doll creations were the handmade creations by Kathy O’Tierney including kid-sized aprons for little kitchen helpers.

My son had a great time flipping through the collection of movie posters ranging from westerns to animated to drama to comedy. The mixer reminded everyone in attendance how lucky we are to have such unique shopping opportunities right here on Main Street.

TECH GROUP TO MEET TONIGHT

The Lost Pines High Tech Consortium will be meeting tonight (Thursday), Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Bastrop Workforce Solutions.  In case you aren’t familiar with that location, it’s next door to the new Goodwill location in Bastrop, 53 Loop 150 West.  For more information on the group or to RSVP, visit www.meetup.com/Lost-Pines-High-Tech-Consortium or call Will Holcomb at 512-581-1763.

HOMETOWN HEROES TO BE HONORED

Riverbend Park will be host to a benefit concert on Saturday, March 7 honoring our fallen military heroes and raising money for Smithville High School graduates who wish to continue their educations.  The “Hometown Heroes Benefit” is the brainchild of locals Neil Watkins, Megan Wobus and Matt Wobus who wanted to do something that would bring honor to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation while also keeping their memories alive through enriching the lives of others through education.

Tickets went on sale last week for $8 pre-sale and will be available for $10 at the gate. Sponsorships for this worthy event are available at several levels ranging from a double-platinum level at $500 down to a very affordable $100 bronze sponsorship.

Bands participating in this event include local favorites such as the Ben Tyler Johnson Band, the Jeremy Miller Band and headliner Highspeed Hayride. Come out early in the day for the washer tournament, a delicious bar-b-que lunch, and some talented acoustic performers.

For more information on the schedule of events or for contact information, visit their website at http://hometownheroesbenefit.yolasite.com or call Neil Watkins at 512-581-2888.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Happy anniversary to my darling husband Neal.  On Jan. 29, 1994, two college students pledged eternal love to one another at First United Methodist Church of Bryan, followed by one heck of a party at the reception!  Sixteen years and two kids later, it’s still a party.