The
TERdAitViEoLn
louisiana peach festival
Peachy Keen
May/June 2015 | Complimentary Copy
at home with
JOSH TOMLIN
TIGERS
IN EAST TEXAS
JUMP FOR IT // GhostRiders // TRAVEL: ARLINGTON // PACKING A PUNCH May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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May/June 2015
contents: 6 From the Editor
arts & technology
12 The Secret Murals of Smith County 18 John Hartley: Raw Realities 26 Lauren's Musical Journey
features 32 38 43 46
12 louisianca hpey Keen ach festival
TRAVEL Edition
Pea
at h JOSHo m e w i t h T OMLI N
JUMP FOR IT
| Comp limentary Copy
On the Cover:
TIGERS
IN EAST
// GhostR iders // TRAVEL: ARLINGT ON // PAC KING A PUN CH
Tigers In East Texas
Design by: DeAuna Frey
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Jump For It Patience & Praise Dump The Gimmicks: Eat Real Food Meet The 2015 Li'l Wrangler
food & culture
98 Peachy Keen 100 The Dining Guide 102 Calendar Of Events 104 Travel: Plenty Of Thrills In Arlington
outdoors
52 Spring Fashion 58 Fashion Is Blooming This Spring
110 At Home With Josh Tomlin 115 The Ghostriders 118 Adventure Seekers
dwell
spirituality
66 Relaxing Retreat 74 Do-It-Yourself: Ladder Of Success 78 Tables Need A Little Respect
The
May/June 2015
On Pointe Tigers In East Texas Texas Theatre's Curtain Call Packing A Punch
live healthy
120 Spirituality: See You At The Top
WEB EXTRA: INMagTexas.com Travel: Washington County, TX Video: Packing A Punch-Megan Ybarra
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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One Tiger At A Time
Your Voice
From the Editor very big cat at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge has an amazing story. Some were abused, some were neglected and some were about to be put to death before they were given a new chance at life. I learned about these beautiful animals while preparing the article on Tiger Creek found on Page 38. Their stories are shared by guides at the park and told in “Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge: Saving Tigers One by One,” a book sold in the sanctuary’s gift shop. Since opening in 1999, the sanctuary near Tyler, Texas, has provided a home for about 70 tigers, lions, cougars, leopards and bobcats. About 35 currently live there. Tiger Creek is, as the book notes, “a last hope for many of the cats that have been neglected, abused or displaced. … We provide them with a safe, comfortable home for the Danny Mogle remainder of their lives.” Amara, a beautiful 16-year-old Bengal tiger has lived at Tiger Creek since she was a cub. The first owner let the family’s Rottweiler play rough with Amara, which left the little cub frightened and distrustful. The owner relinquished her to avoid being prosecuted for violating laws prohibiting ownership of exotic animals. Boudreaux is a 2-year-old bobcat who was found badly injured on the side of a road near Killeen, having been hit by a car. A veterinarian treated Boudreaux for head injuries and then contacted Tiger Creek after deciding the bobcat could not be released back into the wild. Cybil, a majestic 18-year leopard is one of several big cats – six tigers and two leopards – Tiger Creek acquired in 2003, when a drive-through safari park was forced to close. It was one of the sanctuary’s largest rescues. All of these animals removed from the park are thriving in their new home. Bengal tiger cagemates Padma and Skanda came to Tiger Creek when the Florida animal park they lived in closed. After the park was damaged in hurricanes, the owners had to find a facility capable of taking on the demands of caring for the animals. Pepe and Scrunches are two of four African lions rescued by Tiger Creek in 2002 from a woman in Mexico who was keeping the big cats confined in small cages. All the lions on her property were badly malnourished and sick. Two of the lions later died from complications of being mistreated. Pepe and Scrunches are doing just fine and love to lounge in the sun. Padma, Boudreaux Pepe, Scrunches, Cybil and the other animals are helping the thousands who visit the sanctuary each year better understand the challenges that big cat species face in the wild where they are Wehopeyouenjoyreadingthisissueof victims of poachers and their habitats INMagazine.Pleaseletusknowwhat are increasingly being destroyed. youthinkaboutourbi-monthlypublication “One by One” states it this way: bysendingyourcommentsto,danny@ “Education and public awareness inmagtexas.com. is an essential part of Tiger Creek’s continuing effort to save these great cats. By utilizing our rescued felines, we provide ambassadors who … teach the public about their plight in the wild.”
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Kilgore Rangerettes Just wanted to let you know what a great job you did with the Rangerettes story (“High Kicks and High Expectations” Jan/Feb) and your editor’s remarks (about the drill team’s founder Gussie Nell Davis) in IN Magazine. Yes, indeed, Gussie Nell Davis would indeed be very pleased with your work! She was quite a lady and an inspiration to so many. You definitely captured the spirit of the Rangerettes. Matter of fact, we enjoyed all of the magazine – a wonderful, interesting publication in all respects. Bettye Craddock, Kilgore
America’s next great chef Just wanted to tell you, thanks sir, great read (“Is This America’s Next Great Chef? March/April). And it made my folks (who live in Bullard, Texas) really happy. Much appreciated and it was a pleasure speaking with you. Take care. Dougie Adams. Portland, Oregon Second runner-up on “Top Chef’
Rankin Twins Oh my goodness. I had no idea you were putting us (singing sisters Amy and April Rankin) on the cover of IN Magazine (“Rankin Twins: Good Vibes” March/April). We are so incredibly grateful. We really appreciate the article. Thank you so much! Amy Rankin, Austin The Rankin Twins are amazing! Thank you for the article! Sheryl Alsbury (on Facebook)
financial planning
Financial Focus
What Do Low Oil Prices Mean for Investors By Randall Childress As you’ve no doubt noticed, your trips to the gas station have been a lot more pleasant these past several months. There’s not much doubt that low oil prices have been welcome to you as a driver. But when oil is cheap, is that good for you as an investor? There’s no clear-cut answer. But consider the following effects of low oil prices: • Positive impact on economy — When you spend less at the gas pump, relative to recent years, what will you do with your savings? Like most people, you’ll probably spend most of it on goods and services. If you multiply the amount of your increased spending by the millions of other Americans who are also saving money on gas, you can see that you and your fellow consumers are likely adding billions of dollars to the economy. Typically, a strong economy is also good for the financial markets — and for the people who invest in them. • Different results for different sectors — Different sectors within the financial markets may respond in different ways to low oil prices, even if the overall effect is generally positive. For example, businesses such as consumer goods companies and auto manufacturers may respond favorably to cheaper oil and gas. But the picture might be quite a bit different for energy companies. You could spend a lot of time and effort trying to adjust your investment portfolio in response to low oil prices. In fact, you may well want to consult with your financial professional to determine which moves might make sense for your individual situation. Yet there’s actually a bigger lesson to be learned here: Don’t overreact to temporary developments. The recent decline in oil prices has certainly had an economic impact, but no one can predict how long these prices will stay low or what other factors may arise that would affect the financial markets. That’s why you can’t reconfigure your portfolio based on particular events, whatever they may be — oil price drops, interest-rate fluctuations, political squabbles at home, natural disasters in faraway lands, and so on. If you can keep from being overly influenced by specific events, you may be able to gain at least two key benefits: First, by not making trades constantly in reaction to the headlines of the day, you can avoid piling up heavy fees and commissions —costs that PMS Black can reduce the return rate on your investments. Second, you’ll find that if you aren’t always thinking about what’s going on in the world today, you can focus your investment efforts more intensely on where you want to be tomorrow. The most successful investors set long-term goals and don’t focus on factors they cannot control, such as oil prices, interest-rate changes or other economic events. Instead, these investors make adjustments, as necessary, to accommodate changes in their goals as well as other changes, such as revisions in tax laws — but they basically stick to their same approach for the long term. So be aware of low oil prices, but don’t get so “pumped” about them that you sludge up your consistent investment strategy — because that strategy has the energy to keep you moving toward your important objectives. PMS White
Randall Childress is a Certified Financial Planner
(CFP) and Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS). He has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Tyler for 24 years. He currently serves as the Regional Leader for the North East Texas area and is a General Partner with the firm. Logo with Registration Marks
PMS Black
(903) 509-9600
1377 Dominion Plaza Tyler, TX www.edwardjones.com May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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86 Jump For It
INMagTexas.com | May/June 2015 | ETWired.com
PUBLICATIONS MANAGER | Shannon Dorsey | 903.596.6369 sdorsey@inmagtexas.com EDITOR | Danny Mogle | 903.596.6278 danny@inmagtexas.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER | DeAuna E. Frey | 903.596.6347 dfrey@inmagtexas.com SALES EXECUTIVE | Dawn Rhodes | 903.596.6354 drhodes@inmagtexas.com REGIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE | Rhonda Smith | 903.330.2278 rsmith@inmagtexas.com SALES EXECUTIVE | J. David Barron | 903.596.6202 dbarron@inmagtexas.com
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Victoria Ashworth, Jennifer Babisak, J. David Barron, Tina Bausinger, Tamra Bolton, Crystal Breaux, Jim Day, Jackie Devine, Jacqueline Fowler, Maya Golden, Leslie Harrison, Amanda Main, Brittany Lee Mays, Cory McCoy, Danny Mogle, David Wallace, Nathan Wright
Relaxing Retreat
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS | Tamra Bolton, Lee Loveless, Michael McCarthy, Sarah A. Miller, Victor Texcucano, David White, Schuyler Wick FASHION COORDINATOR & STYLIST | Chris Bennett SPECIAL THANKS | The Ghostriders, Louisiana Peach Festival, Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, Troup Boxing Gym, Tyler Museum of Art, Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala
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Arts & Technology
ART > The Secret Murals Of Smith Country, 12 > John Hartley: Raw Realities, 18 > Lauren's Musical Journey, 26
Reviews Courtesy Photo
> What We’re Reading, 29
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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OF SMITH COUNTY
The Secret Murals
Photos by Sarah A. Miller
urals are not like other paintings. They have a different purpose, a different kind of effect on the lives of those who see them. They are public art in the best sense, because they are actually created in public, with the community looking on. Good public art says something about the community. It says, this is who we are or this is what we think, this is where we came from. And it says these things in a way that everybody can understand and enjoy.
murals.demolliart.com
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ometimes murals are found where least expected – inside the children’s area of a smalltown public library, strategically placed inside a school for gifted children or across the exterior back wall of a children’s museum facing a street not heavily traveled. Smith County, Texas, is such a place. Because of their out-of-the-way locations, the large-scale murals in this story are hidden treasures rarely seen by the public. Nonetheless, each is beautiful and has a story to share. Below are four secret murals of Smith County.
Gary Elementary School Mural
ocated at 703 S. Chilton Ave., in Tyler, Gary Elementary School originally was built in 1908. In the early 1990s, when a portion of the school (which now houses programs for academically gifted elementary students) was remodeled, Mike Butler, architect of the project, commissioned Tyler artist Janelle Pollard to create a large mural on the south wall of the cafeteria. Pollard had studied art at Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler and with several notable artists. Pollard says that Butler and Vicki Neill, the principal, requested that she paint a beautiful garden scene. She worked from photos taken of a spring garden at 801 Troup Highway in Tyler, the home of her mother-in-law. Pollard started painting on Aug. 15, 1993, and finished it two weeks later. She had to work under a very strict schedule because the mural had to be finished before the start of the school year. In the style of a diptych (two separate flat plates attached by a hinge), she produced the mural in two pieces. Each painting is 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. She applied acrylic paint to dried plaster. Carpenters later built the wooden frame and grilles which provide an illusion of seeing the blooming garden by looking out a window. Jim Day | Cont. ON page 14
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| Cont. FROM page 13
Discovery Science Place Mural itled “Peace Through Discovery,” this mural is on the south wall of Discovery Science Place, a children’s science museum at 308 N. Broadway Ave., in Tyler, Texas. The 12- by-18-foot mural depicts a snapshot of the world, using a camera aperture as its inspiration. “It’s a big eye on the world like a photo of the world, and then it brings in elements of discovery – binoculars, a magnifying glass, space, the world, ecology, history – it’s many of the different aspects of discovering the world,” the muralist, Kerian Massey of
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Ben Wheeler, told the Tyler Morning Telegraph, in 2014. The mural’s themes include growth, life cycles and phases of the moon. “It’s touching on the different ideas of knowledge, growth and discovery. All of that brings us to peace. Once you can understand the world around you, it gives you a sense of peace,” Massey said at the time. It took Massey and about 15 volunteers 100 hours to complete the mural. Danny Mogle
Muntz Library Mural n 2005, Alexis Serio, a professor of art at The University of Texas at Tyler, received a grant to paint a mural inside the university’s Robert Muntz Library. According to the student newspaper Patriot Talon, “Serio designed the mural to capture the feel of an East Texas landscape, while giving it a modern spin, simulating German impressionist Franz Marc’s abstract style. “The plaque to the left of the mural says that the mural depicts an abstraction of the animals of the East Texas landscape. Various shapes blend together to create new forms. Two abstracted longhorns sit in the landscape and are surrounded by flying birds and cyclical suns and moons. Warm and cool colors were used to create the illusion of daylight versus dusk—an ever changing cycle in the landscape.” It took Serio and undergraduate art students Michael Durham and Jodie Robbelke 80 hours to complete the project. Jim Day
Lindale Library Mural racy O’Daniel was studying art at The University of Texas at Tyler and volunteering at the Lindale Library in 2004 when she painted the mural. The mural is 18 feet long and extends from the floor to ceiling. She painted it around the risers in the children’s seating area. O’Daniel included iconic characters from the stories of Dr. Seuss and Maurice Sendak that have had lasting recognition in children’s literature. She was named the library’s volunteer of the year for her lasting contribution. After finishing her college studies, O’Daniel moved to Utah. Jim Day Jim Day is an art historian who lives in Tyler. Danny Mogle is editor of IN Magazine.
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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John Hartley ‘Raw Realities’ By Danny Mogle | Courtesy Photos
ohn Hartley is asking a lot of questions. On this night, he is standing in the middle of a gallery at Tyler Museum of Art surrounded by his bold paintings of yesteryear children’s toys. “Is this play or is it war?” he asks pointing to a painting of small plastic green soldiers arranged as if they are in the heat of an intense invisible battle. “I want you to plug in your own experiences to interpret it,” the artist challenges the dozens of patrons who have come out for the opening of “Tin Toys & Raw Realities,” his one-man show at the museum. He then draws attention to a 50-inch by 40-inch oil on canvas
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which depicts two plastic toy figures that appear to be straight from a scene in the Old West. One plastic man has drawn a gun from his side holster. The second plastic man is clutching his chest. His face is frozen in a grimace as if he has just been shot. His holster is empty. No gun is visible. Neither has a badge nor seems to be “the law.” Hartley titled the painting “Second Amendment,” a reference to the Constitutional amendment that allows people to bear firearms. “Am I trying to make a political statement?” Hartley asks. “Am I anti- or pro-guns. ... The answer depends on whether you think the one shot is a good guy or a bad guy.”
TOYS AND ART Hartley carefully positions toys – sometimes only one and sometimes several – in front of solid backgrounds and adds lighting. He takes dozens of photos, selects the image that inspires him the most and then uses oils to paint the image down to the smallest detail until it is amazingly lifelike. It is a process that Hartley admits is slow and labor intensive. Some of the large-scale paintings take weeks to finish. The results are dramatic and provocative. “My compositions often imitate master portraiture – severely cropped or dramatically positioned subjects on dark backgrounds void of object or scenery,” says the 57-year-old artist. “I choose objects that evoke personal, sometimes nostalgic, responses in an attempt to find meanings beyond face value.” Caleb Bell, who organized the exhibition at the museum, immediately was attracted to the mixed signals found in Hartley’s paintings. “At first glance, each painting just appears to be a lifelike rendering of a toy or object: ‘Tin Toys,’” Bell says in the exhibit’s brochure. “With a little more exploration, the viewer quickly realizes that more is being conveyed: ‘Raw Realities.’” Bell says the paintings are infused with layers of meaning. “Often inspired by social and political issues, his works link the past, present and future together.” The search for meaning forces “viewers to form their own opinions through personal experiences, knowledge and cultural biases,” says Bell. As a kid growing up in Ohio in the 1960s, Hartley, like many boys raised in the age before video games, often “drove” his toy trucks along the highways he carefully carved out of the dirt. Later, playtime included riding his bike and creating fantasy worlds using toy planes, guns and action figures. Hartley says the toys he loved helped shape his view of the world. He also loved to paint and as a young man enrolled in Texas Christian University to develop his artistic talents. Hartley has been in Fort Worth ever since. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from TCU and teaches art at Tarrant County
College Northwest Campus. He and his wife, Adele, operate Gallery 414, an alternative art gallery showcasing works by up-and-coming regional artists who, according to its website, “show a unique vision and passion for self-expression in a chosen medium.” Hartley’s paintings, prints and sculptures are included in many private and public collections including the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The Kidder Smith Gallery in Boston and Martha’s Vineyard, the Arlington Museum of Art, The Barth Galleries in Columbus, Ohio, and galleries in Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston, all have displayed his art. “Tin Toys & Raw Realities,” a collection of 20 paintings, including some of Hartley’s newest works that never have been exhibited, remains on view at Tyler Museum of Art through June 28.
STATEMENTS OF THE SOUL “Toys evoke for me memories of playtime,” Hartley says in an essay on his website. “My growing collection of toys includes mostly cars and motorcycles, but G.I. Joe and army men are mainstays in any boy’s toy chest, including mine. Toy soldiers – whether plastic or lead – symbolize to me a popular fascination with the hero and violence. Well-worn lead soldiers and mutilated plastic army men provide layers of meaning. The chips and dings are proof of some child’s vigorous play, but they also symbolize the very real battle scars brought home by war veterans. “I see political and social commentary in the kinds of toy military figures provided to children for play. Vintage sets reflect pre-WWII values that celebrated a community war effort by including medics, nurses, flag bearers, buglers, cooks and other support figures. Post WWII sets manufactured in a time dominated by anti-war movements provide only the warriors and weapons. “Today, children play war games in space with intergalactic monsters and laser guns, a cultural attempt to soften the reality of war even while violent images of world conflict enter our lives through TV and the Internet. ... | Cont. ON page 21
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| Cont. FROM page 19 “Some say there are two ways to approach image making. One is to be influenced by the surrounding environment. Another is to create primarily from an inner-world without external reference. My images rely on both. The common thread that binds my work is time: Nostalgia for the past, recognition of former achievements, moments captured in a glance or pose and the power in a flame’s brief life. “My aim has always been to create intellectually and emotionally significant statements of the soul.”
Tyler Museum of Art is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave., on the campus of Tyler Junior College. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Also on exhibit is “Tough By Nature: Portraits of Cowgirls and Ranch Women of the American West.”
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
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began playing small gigs when she was just 12 years old. Lauren’s musical journey soon became a shared path. While in high school, she met her future husband, Richie Kindle. As their relationship grew closer, Richie switched from bass guitar to lead guitar and joined Lauren’s four-piece band. Lauren says that it was at this point, that her style – an infusion of multiple genres – began to take shape. “I was doing my own music and he (Richie) didn’t really play, aside from a little bass,” says Lauren. “About three years ago he started writing and playing guitar. With me growing up doing this, his perspective (on music) really helps me see things in a different way.” The result is an album of 12 original songs called “Smoke Signals.” “I’m so very excited to finally have some music to share!” Lauren wrote to her fans in a posting on her website last October. The album is available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other outlets.
By Cory McCoy | Courtesy Photos auren Alexander always knew that she wanted to be a musician, but it wasn’t until years into her career that she realized exactly what kind of music she really wanted to make. “I’ve been playing and writing since I was really young. I grew up around instruments and creative people,” says the 23-year-old singer/songwriter. Growing up in the small town of Bullard, Texas, she listened to everything from twangy country blues to soul driven
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classic rock. Sheryl Crow and especially Stevie Nicks, her idol, were among her biggest musical influences. Lauren’s father is the one who first put a guitar in her young hands and planted the seeds for her future career. “We had a music room and my parents were totally fine with me making just a lot of terrible noise, super loud.”
Musical Journey
With her parents’ unwavering support and years of practice, Lauren, was ready to take on the world at a young age. She
Videos of the band performing music from “Smoke Signals” are found on YouTube. On her Facebook page, Lauren classifies their music as Americana rock. She says some songs have a folk, blues and country vibe and that others are harder to classify. “I’m trying to figure out where we belong (in the world of music). We don’t fully belong with the country side or rock. We played a show with (the band) Savage Dog and with a guy just doing acoustic and people really seemed to like it.” The band also has played before receptive audiences at the highprofile National Association of Music Merchants showcases in Tennessee and Los Angeles. Lauren says that no matter where she goes, she’s always drawn back to East Texas to be with the people she loves and to make the music she loves.
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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2015 Fridays After 5 Concert Line Up 2015 Fridays After 5 Concert Line Up
Join us for Free Concerts at the World’s Richest Acre – bring a lawn chair, bring a blanket and prepare to have fun!
Join us for Free Concerts the World’s Richest All concerts are fromat 8:00-10:00pm Acre in Downtown Kilgore! Bring a lawn chair, bring a blanket and prepare to have fun!
Friday, May 1 – Nouveaux Cajun Xpress
All concerts from 8-10pm
Friday, June 12 – Electric Gypsy
Friday,May June126- Nouveaux - $37 Trio Cajun Xpress Friday, Friday, Electric Friday,June July 12 10 –- The DarbyGypsy Warren Project Friday, June 26 - $37 Trio Friday, July 24 – Shinebox Friday, July 10 - The Darby Warren Project Friday,July August George Faber & Friends Friday, 24 -7-Shinebox Friday, August 7 - George Faber & Friends For more information, visit:
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May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
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“Princess Shay & Bakery Friends Make a New Discovery” by Shalonda L. Carter
hen Princess Shay leaves the bakery, the ingredients come out to play. Carter writes a delightful children’s book that both teaches and amuses. Children learn a little about baking and teamwork. When the story is over, the book has a recipe for them to try, along with discussion questions and coloring and activity pages.
“Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
achel Watson has issues. She’s a troubled alcoholic, obsessed with the other people’s lives she sees from her window on the train commute to and from a job she doesn’t have any more. She’s inches away from becoming homeless and wakes with a nagging suspicion that she’s been a part of something horrible that she just can’t quite remember. Told from rotating points of view, this engrossing novel kept me guessing until the very end. As disorienting as a drunken train ride, the novel weaves together three seemingly unrelated lives into one seamless, breathtaking conclusion. I don’t want to spoil the story, but
plenty of twists and turns coupled with a gripping narrative kept me on the edge of my seat and ate up most of my weekend, and I’m not sorry. Get this book. Read it. I can’t wait for the movie.
“Still Alice” by Lisa Genova r. Alice Howland, a brilliant, renowned cognitive psychology professor at Harvard, steps into a living nightmare when she develops Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 50. Her harrowing descent into mental illness begins with her losing her sense of direction and forgetting words when she lectures in her university classes. It quickly progresses in a frightening escalation of public embarrassment so severe she must resign from the job she loves. The story offers a close look at her fractured family dynamics, loss of identity and uncertainty. Everything Alice knows slips away at a terrifying speed, with no hope of recovery. Genova’s writing is simply breathtaking, haunting and extraordinary.
For other book reviews, check out INMagTexas.com May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Features
Photo by Sarah A. Miller
Features > On Pointe, 32 > Tigers In East Texas, 38 > Texas Theatre's Curtain Call, 43 > Packing A Punch, 46
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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On Pointe
Chasing perfection
By Danny Mogle | Photos by Sarah A. Miller
wo young ballerinas in a Tyler dance studio are being asked to be on pointe, strike a graceful pose and then freeze as if suddenly they had become statues. They do this again and again as a photographer takes photos. Steps away, Thereza Bryce Cotes, their ballet instructor, watches intently. She reminds them to be aware of their body positions. After each set of photos she makes slight adjustments – a change in the positioning of the fingers on a hand, a straightening of a back, a stretch of an upward arm. The girls listen and obey. They balance on the tips of their toes until all are satisfied
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that the pose is as beautiful as it possibly could be. Michaela Hutchins, 18, and Evelyn Robinson, 13, are two of the most promising young ballerinas in Tyler. Thereza, their longtime ballet teacher at the Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance, says they dance exquisitely and that their determination sets them apart. “Both girls are very disciplined. They try any dance step I give them and work on it until they can execute it well. ... After class is over and the other dancers go home, Michaela and Evelyn stay in the studio with me to work on turns and jumps. We are there until sometimes 9:50 p.m. “These girls have no outside activities. They eat, sleep and breathe ballet. Ballet is their life.”
s Evelyn executes a combination of turns on pointe, Thereza draws attention to Evelyn’s feet. “Her feet are beautiful,” says Thereza, noting that her body is positioned on top of her pointed toes and her feet have a slight arch. “I have never taught a student quite as exquisite and beautiful as Evelyn,” says Thereza, who danced as a ballerina before becoming an instructor. “I have had several dancers who have gone professional, but none with as perfect a (ballet dancer’s) body as Evelyn. Evelyn is very gifted — she is very smart in school, is a good artist and excels in dance more than other girls her age.” Earlier this year, Evelyn danced for the first time in the Youth America Grand Prix semi-finals in Dallas. It is a competition where ballet schools throughout the region send promising dancers to perform before judges.
Evelyn, a seventh-grader in the Moore Math, Science and Technology Magnet School, won her age division in both classical ballet and contemporary dance categories and advanced to the national finals in New York City to compete for medals and other honors. “I thought of it (the competition) more as an adventure so I could do better next time.” With newfound confidence, she is determined to work harder than ever. “I have potential. If I work really, really hard, I can get better.” Evelyn dreams of one day being part of a prestigious ballet troupe in a big city. Asked what would happen if she no longer could dance, Evelyn looks down and then slowly raises her head. The thought of not being able to dance clearly has upset her. “I would be lost.” | Cont. ON page 34
Evelyn Robinson
I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.
To dance is to be out of yourself, larger, more powerful, more beautiful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.
- Mihkail Baryshnikov
- Agnes de Mille May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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| Cont. FROM page 33 t age 18, Michaela Hutchins has been dancing – for many hours virtually every day – for more than half of her life. “I knew that this is what I wanted to do at age 8,” she says. “I’ve always loved it.” At a young age, Michaela embraced the discipline of the dance. “I always loved it. Sometimes my legs would hurt but I was always itching to get back at it.” Because of her maturity and skills, she quickly advanced to become a lead dancer at the Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance. She has danced in “The Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake” and a ballet adaptation of “Phantom of the Opera.” Her parents eventually took Michaela out of school and home-schooled her so she could devote even more time to ballet training. Now she teaches beginning students. “I know a lot of people love to dance and that’s okay, but this is my life. This is my passion,” says Michaela.
Last year, she was among some of the most gifted young dancers in the nation to win, through audition, a spot in The Julliard School’s demanding summer intensives program. “We danced every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It was tiring but I loved it. It was so awesome,” she says of the program that develops promising talent. As she moves into the next phase of her life, all Michaela knows for sure is that she wants to keep dancing and chasing perfection. “Obviously you are not going to get to be perfect but technically you can always be better. You always know what to work on and fix.” She says there is nothing like the feeling when a performance comes together on stage in front of an appreciative, applauding audience. “That’s like your reward. ... (It’s) the moment you know you did your best.”
Michaela Hutchins
Dance is a song of the body. Either of joy or pain. ... Movement never lies. It is a barometer telling the state of the soul’s weather. - Martha Graham
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May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
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Portraits of Cowgirls and Ranch Women TIN TOYS & RAW REALITIES of the American West
A Solo E29–July xhibition of orkS March 12,W2015 by
John hArtlEy
The exhibition was organized by the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR. Exhibition tour 1 management by Landau MARCH – JUNE 28, Traveling 2015 Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA.
Tyler Museum of Art
Tyler, Texas Texas 75701 75701 1300 South Mahon Avenue • Tyler, www.tylermuseum.org (903) 595-1001 • www.tylermuseum.org
Mar/Apr 2015| INMagTexas.com
INSIDER TIP #3
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Ride the tallest swing ride in Texas at The Historic Pleasure Pier
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May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
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By Danny Mogle | Photos by Sarah A. Miller
ying contently in the back of her enclosure at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, Jasmine, a majestic 14-year-old Bengal tiger, lets out a noise that sounds like something between a loud yawn and a not-soferocious roar. The sound immediately grabs the attention of 3-year-old Asher
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Fains who rushes over. His mother, Adrian, picks him up so he can get a better look. Nearby, his brother, Audie, age 6, and dad, Ben, also are watching the tiger with piercing green eyes as she lumbers to the front of the enclosure. Most of the dozen people on the tour quickly whip out their cell phones and cameras and start snapping away. Jasmine seems happy to be the photo opp of the moment as she paces back and forth before flopping back down. “Jasmine was with the Ringling Brothers (circus),” Thu Huynh, the guide and one of the interns at the sanctuary tells the delighted visitors. “She got stage fright and could not perform so they provide a home for her here.” As Jasmine focuses on licking the top of one of her giant furry paws, Asher begins squirming in
his mother’s arms. He’s ready to get down and go see the other tigers as well as the bobcats, lions, leopards and cougars that live at Tiger Creek.
THE REFUGE Tiger Creek is operated by the Tiger Missing Link Foundation, a not-for-profit research and conservation organization founded in 1993 by Brian Werner, an amateur conservationist who was concerned about the lack of information on tigers held in captivity outside the nation’s network of accredited zoos. No one seemed to know how many such tigers existed or their genetic makeup. He | Cont. ON page 40 May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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| Cont. FROM page 39 was convinced that this largely ignored population could be the missing link in preserving endangered subspecies of tigers. He proposed establishing a national database on these tigers and their DNA makeup to be used as part of species survival efforts. At least three subspecies of tiger have become extinct since the 1930s and only a few hundred of some subspecies are known to exist in the wild. Through his work with the foundation, Werner learned that when private owners no longer could – or would – care for their big cats, they often killed them because they had few other alternatives. In 1999, Brian obtained the required license and opened Tiger Creek in a pine forest north of Tyler, Texas, as a home for big cats who had been abused, neglected or displaced. At first, Tiger Creek could care for only a few big cats. Today it provides a home for 36 and plans to add facilities that will increase its animal population. If space is available at the sanctuary, a team from Tiger Creek will rescue an unwanted big cat at a moment’s notice. Once at the sanctuary, the cats are taken care of for the rest of their lives. “Their (cats’) diets consist of mostly beef and usually involve some supplements,” says Director of Marketing Emily Werner Owen, one of Brian’s children who oversee operations and fundraising. “We get a (meat delivery) truck about once a week from a facility up north. Several of our older cats have special diets. This could mean anything from mixing required meds with the food to feeding them several small meals throughout the day.” Dr. Jill Hobbs, owner of the Hawkins Pet and Exotic Animal Clinic, provides medical care for the animals. Tiger Creek also uses veterinary services at Texas A&M University. About a dozen interns who live at the sanctuary do much of the day-to-day work. “The interns assist our animal keepers with feeding, administering meds, cleaning, training and educating 40
May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
our visitors,” says Emily. Money to operate Tiger Creek comes from admission fees, sales in the gift shop and through donations. The sanctuary does not receive government funding. It is open to visitors Monday through Saturday.
THE ANIMALS Back on the tour, little Asher seems thrilled with each new big cat he encounters. “The tigers are on the ground,” he says to his mom as he points to a pair of large cats who appear to be snoozing. “They love tigers,” Ben says of Asher and Audie. “They were excited to come. We thought it would be fun to let them see the tigers.” Asher and Audie giggle when Thu reveals that Kumari, a Golden Tabby Bengal tiger, loves to suck her own tail. Kumari and her sister, Arula, both have light orange coloring and were acquired from an animal facility in South Carolina. “This is what we call a tiger chew toy,” says Thu picking up a large plastic barrel covered with big punctures. “These are the teeth marks. They (tigers) have big teeth. This barrel only lasted three weeks.” Moments later, the tour group is in front of an enclosure holding a 2-year-old lion. “He was owned by a man who trained big cats for (appearances in ) the movies,” says Thu. “Look Asher, you’re older than that lion,” says Marian. Asher and Audie, however, are now more interested in posing for pictures than checking out the lion. During the tour, Thu, a native of Vietnam, explains that most animals at Tiger Creek were obtained from wildlife parks that were closing or from private owners. In the case of Jasmine, the Ringling Brothers Circus wanted
Photo Courtesy of Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge
to make sure that she always would be cared for and continues to pay for all of her needs. But that kind of arrangement is rare. Lexie, a Siberian tiger, was rescued from a man in Waco who after realizing he could no longer provide for her needs took her to a veterinarian to be euthanized. The veterinarian’s office contacted Tiger Creek to save her life. Other rescues include Scrunches, an African lion who was kept in a small pen by a breeder in Mexico, and Bob, a blind bobcat. Two of the most famous residents are Sarge and Lily, brother and sister Siberian tigers. At 3 weeks of age, the cubs were given to Tiger Creek by Great Cats of Indiana, a facility that had rescued the cubs’ mother but did not have space for her offspring. A film crew chronicled the first year in the lives of Lily and Sarge and the documentary aired as “Growing up Tiger” on the Animal Planet network. Sarge also has served as the mascot for East Texas Baptist University in Marshall.
EDUCATION Conservationists estimate that there are only about 3,000 tigers left in India, southwest Asia and parts of Siberia. “The number of tigers in the wild is dwindling every day,” says Emily. “For thousands of years, tigers have been poached for their beautiful fur and there are still populations that believe tigers have medicinal value. For example, their blood is believed to be a cure-all tonic for headaches, upset stomachs etcetera. That’s why they are so highly valued on the black market.” Another problem is that tigers are losing their natural habitat. “As more and more forests are ripped down to make way for urbanization, the tigers are being forced out of their homes,” says Emily. “They may even wander into a town where they then will
be killed out of fear.” Emily wants every visitor to Tiger Creek to better understand the plight of tigers and other big cats and the role rescue sanctuaries can have in species’ survival. Tiger Creek plans to build an educational center where groups can watch documentaries about the challenges the species housed at Tiger Creek face in the wild. “The heart and soul of rescue is to not only care for the animals needing a permanent home, but to educate the public on the plight of these animals, both in the wild and in captivity, so we can ensure their survival, as many of these animals are on the brink of extinction,” says information on the sanctuary’s website. “We want people to know that they (big cats) need help and to understand that they are not endangered because of something they brought upon themselves,” says Emily. “They’re endangered because of humans. Humans have depleted their species and it will take humans to save them from extinction.” Tiger Creek is located at 17552 Farm To Market 14, Tyler, Texas; 903- 858-1008 Web Extras on inmagtexas.com See more of Sarah Miller’s amazing photos See the Animal Planet show “Growing Up Tiger” Watch a documentary on Tiger Creek Learn more about Tiger Creek’s mission
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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MayinDays Lindale
& Lindale I-20 Team REal Estate
Championship Rodeo
Featured in Southern Living, Texas Monthly & Texas Highways!
East Texas’ only professional theatre!
Presented by Lonestar Ram Rodeo Series
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Directed by Steve Tague
Come out and shop for Mom on Mother’s Day weekend
The Nerd
Directed by Lee Ernst
Twelfth Night
Bounce House • Face Painting Clown • Food • Much more!
Directed by Deb Alley
Man of La Mancha
May 9th, 9am-3pm Behind the Lindale Library
1st Annual
Little Miss Lindale Pageant
Contact
Darcey Harris 903-521-7732
Amanda Froebe 903-882-5333
Directed by Lenny Banovez
May 14-16
Gates Open at 6:00 Rodeo Begins at 7:30
For More Information: 903-882-7181 • www.LindaleChamber.org
The Belle of Amherst
Directed by Raymond Caldwell
The Princess and the Players Written and directed by Jason Richards
June 25 – July 26
Van Cliburn Theatre in Kilgore, Texas TSF Ticket Office 903-983-8601 www.TexasShakespeare.com
TWILIGHT GARDEN STROLL CRAFT FAIR & HEIRLOOM PLANT SALE STITCHED, WOVEN & HOOKED PILGRIMAGE PARADE & TOWN SKIRMISH
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May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
Theatre's C U R TA I N C A L L By Amanda Main | Photos by Lee Loveless
“If you look really, really hard, you can still see a few little holes in the ceiling and those little, bitty, tiny holes were twinkle lights. So, you were meant to feel like you were sitting under the big starry, Texas sky whenever you came in� - Dana Goolsby, theater marketing director
| Cont.ON page 44 May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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| Cont. From page 43 alking into the historic Texas Theatre in Palestine, Texas, feels a bit like traveling back in time to 1930. The original Spanish Colonial architecture and design have mostly been rebuilt or preserved. “Since we’ve been refurbishing the building, we’ve tried to keep things … close to the original grandeur,” says Dana Goolsby, the marketing director. “When we came and did the new carpet … we tried to find something that matched as closely to the 1930 carpet as possible.” The arched lobby ceiling and the lighted sign on the facade are original to the building at 213 W. Crawford St. Goolsby says that the original ceiling in the auditorium had a sky effect. The edges were painted a rusty orange that faded into a deep blue in the center. “If you look really hard, you can still see a few little holes in the ceiling and those little, bitty, tiny holes were twinkle lights. So, you were meant to feel like you were sitting under the big, starry, Texas sky whenever you came in.”
Rebirth Texas Theatre opened in 1930 as part of Harold B. Robb and E.H. Rowley’s movie-theater empire, which included more than 150 theaters in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. At a cost of $150,000 (the equivalent of about $2.1 million today), it was the most high-tech, elaborate and expensive movie house in Texas. The building has survived two major fires. The first fire occurred just a couple of months after it opened. Another occurred about 10 years later. “The first fire was (started) in the water heater closet. … The cleaning guy had come in and it had caught on fire,” Goolsby says. “He couldn’t just phone somebody up because there was not a phone here, apparently, so he had to run all the way down to the fire station and come back.” By the time firefighters arrived, the building was engulfed in flames. “It was just blazing, and people stood out in the streets and cried,” says Goolsby. In the early 1980s, the interior again was mostly gutted, this time by the owners who were looking to sell the building. An effort to save Texas Theatre was launched in 1983 by Kenny Adams, who had directed a production of “The Sound of Music” in Palestine. Adams approached Sandy Couch Hanson, a banker who had appeared in the play, about the possibility of buying the building to use as a playhouse. “For a split second, I thought, ‘he must be crazy,’” recalls Hanson, now a resident of The Woodlands, Texas. “I wasn’t a (theater) director … (but) all of a sudden, I remembered I had three children and everybody kept saying, ‘There’s nothing to do in Palestine!’” She decided that if she could find business partners, she would do it. Along with Jim Boone, Patsy Green, Peggy Kenner, Jesse Ramsey and Bob Jamison, Hanson formed Texas Joint Venture which established Palestine Community Theatre as a nonprofit organization. Many initially were not receptive about the resurrection of Texas Theatre as a playhouse because the previous owners had not maintained the building, says Hanson. “When we first opened, we had maybe an attendance of, maybe, 75. That was a really large crowd,” Hanson says they had to win over the skeptics, by putting on quality shows. The turning point came when they staged “Peter Pan.” “When that show opened, the first scene that you see (is) Peter Pan flying through the windows. I don’t think they had ever seen any flying before. It was like electricity in that place.” Since then, Palestine has enthusiastic embraced its theater, which typically plays to packed crowds. Hanson says the theater is her “pride and joy.”
Renovations In 2005, the building received major renovations. Much of the labor was performed by Texas prison inmates. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice allowed the use of inmate labor because Palestine Community Theater was a nonprofit organization, says Michael Cook, theater board member. The renovations included a new roof, new electrical wiring and replacing 44
May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
replacing the heating and air-conditioning unit that had been in use for decades. While the renovations took place, plays were staged in other venues. When the work was finished, Palestine Community Theatre held a grand re-opening celebration. Texas Theatre is now the “crown jewel of downtown Palestine and the finest venue for live entertainment in East Texas,” it boasts on its website. Cook says there are still minor renovations to be done. The board is saving funds to redo the doors in the main entrance to be more consistent with the original architecture.
One Big Family People involved with Palestine Community Theatre consider themselves to be part of one big family. Many also are blood relatives. Since moving to Palestine in 1994, Michael and his wife, Amelia, have worked as performers, behind the scenes and on the ninemember board for directors. Their children, Haley, 17, and Jared, 28, grew up involved in the theater. Husband and wife Chaundra and Roy Dantin also serve on the board. Both of their parents were volunteers with the theater. Roy is Hanson’s nephew. The theater is “a place for everybody to have an escape, to come and enjoy themselves and kind of forget about the stress of the world,” says Chaundra Dantin. “And it brings the community together. “We have a very diverse group that comes in and not only performs there but also comes to see the shows, and be involved,” she continues. “Several of us are also involved in Trinity Valley Community Church, and we kind of see it (theater) as our mission field. We pray before every show backstage, and (the theater is) just a way for us to reach different people.”
Over the past 25 years, the restored Texas Theatre has been the home of such Palestine Community Theatre productions as “Guys and Dolls,” “Harvey,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Clue: The Musical” and “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”
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PACKING APUNCH By J. David Barron | Photos by Victor Texcucano
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When a boy smacked Megan Ybarra on the bottom, a beast was born. t was in the eighth grade and as she was putting her trumpet back up when she got slapped on the butt. … And she spent the rest of the day looking for him,” recalls, Megan’s mother, Karen. When the then furious 14-year-old Megan finally caught up with the boy, she unleashed a flurry of punches. The same flurries and fury is now turning the 18-year-old into a boxing star. The high school senior in Tyler, Texas, now dreams of Olympic glory and the potential stardom that comes with such success. “And I definitely want to fight overseas someday, too!” Megan hurriedly adds with refreshing naiveté, as she laces her boots to get into the ring.
BOXING Shawn Vascocu and his wife, Candace, first took notice of Megan’s form and fire while Megan was working on hitting drills at the Troup Boxing Gym, in Troup, Texas. “I was like, ‘Have you seen that little white girl?” Candace recalls with a smile. “She had those braces, was all gangly. She didn’t look like much.” Megan began going to the gym after a coach at her middle school suggested boxing would be a good way to funnel her energy in a positive way. At the time, Megan often was getting in trouble at school. “The teachers would tell me, ‘She’s not a bad girl, she just doesn’t think the rules apply to her,’" Karen says. “They’d say, ‘Megan is so sweet. We love her.’” Boxing was a good fit for Megan. “At first she was just going to go and blow off some steam at the boxing gym,” Karen says. “Then Candace started working on her and that was it.” Megan recalls the moment when Candace began showing an interest in her as a serious boxer. “I was working on some drills and hitting the bag and Coach K (Candace) was watching and she calls Coach Shawn over and they watched some more. When she asked me if I was interested in fighting, I didn’t know girls could box! “I didn’t know anything about fighting. But I like a challenge so I said, ‘Yeah! I’ll try it out!’” She won her first bout in competition held near Fort Worth. “That (competitive boxing) was it for me. I fell in love,” says Megan.
TROUP BOXING GYM Shawn is the current patriarch of the iconic Troup Boxing Gym, which his legendary grandfather, Edward Aubrey “Lucky” Vascocu, founded in the 1950s in the tiny town 15 miles south of Tyler. The gym has a history of producing world-class boxing champions, including Byron Payton, a member of the U.S. national boxing team who died, with 21 others from the team in 1980 in a plane crash in Poland. Other amateur champions who trained there over the years include Gary Dale Swinney, Rufus “Bad News” Dews, Tommy Young, Larry Nicholson and Shawn’s father, the late Bobby Vascocu, who as a member of the U.S. national team fought throughout the world. Shawn is adding to the gym’s legacy through a new generation’s blood, sweat and tears. It includes young women, such as Megan, having their turn in the ring’s limelight. Female boxing was added as an Olympic sport in 2012.
Megan Ybarra trains in the Troup Boxing Gym in Troup, Texas. (Top) Megan works on in-ring skills with her coach Shawn Vascocu. Shawn’s wife, Candace, also works with Megan, one of the nation’s most promising boxers in her age and weight class.
| Cont. ON page 48 May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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| Cont. FROM page 47
RING SUCCESS After winning her first fight, Megan won her next bout on a technical knockout. Top-ranked women then began gunning for her. Candace says one opponent, who had a reputation of being tough, began talking trash about Megan. The two young women finally faced off in the ring. “The whole crowd went nuts. That was the fight of the year,” says Candace. Megan won the fight and was ready to face even more accomplished fighters. Next up was Kianna Hernandez. “She (Kianna) was ranked No. 6 in the nation, and No. 1 in Texas,” says Candace. “It was Megan’s very first Open fight. She went four, 2-minute rounds. “We had seen glimpses (of greatness in Megan), but she really put it all together in that fight. Shawn looked at me and we said, ‘She’s got it!’ It really changed her.” “That was her turning point,” Shawn agrees. Since defeating Hernandez, Megan has sparred with U.S. Olympic team members Virginia Fuchs, Sarah Dawson and Ashley Reyna, who is undefeated.
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In her three-year career, Megan has an impressive 9-2 record. She currently is ranked No. 5 in the United States for women in her age and weight classification. She has been named Boxer of the Month for the Southwest Region – which includes the boxing rich Dallas/Fort Worth area – and has been ranked as high as No. 3 in the United States. Last year Megan was No. 1 in Texas and won the silver medal in the Women’s National Golden Gloves championships in the 106-pound weight class of the Youth Division.
TOTAL PACKAGE It is a Wednesday night at Troup Boxing Gym and Shawn is working with Megan in the ring. Shawn is wearing hand pads as striking targets for Megan. She slides effortlessly around the ring as she avoids an overhand punch and counters with a series of jolting right uppercuts and crisp, thunderous hooks to the head. She wastes little motion in stalking and suffocating her prey with a barrage of right crosses, stinging jabs and an assortment of double hooks to the midsection. She then lands a powerful punch with the ferocity of a warrior
– with no pity. Shawn says Megan’s ring skills and her drive to be the best separate her from other boxers. “She outworks everybody else in the gym. And she’s stronger than everybody else, too. And it’s her slipping and rolling, too. She’s really good at counterpunching, at catching her opponent with her right crosses.” Candace sees the rest of the picture more clearly. She knows that a boxer’s career is shorter than in most sports. She sees that if Megan can box her way onto the U.S. national and Olympic teams it would provide many opportunities – perhaps even a pathway into acting or modeling. “Of anybody in the gym, I think she is the most complete package,” Candace confides. “It’s easier because she’s female and she’s pretty.” Right now, Megan is simply concentrating on being the best boxer she can be. “I can win it all. I know I can,” she says.
J. David Barron is a five-time former regional Golden Gloves champion representing the Troup Boxing Gym.
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Style
FASHION > Summer Sun, 52
BEAUTY Photos by Sarah A. Miller
> Go-to-girl: Fashion Is Blooming This Spring, 58
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Summer Sun
(Previous page) Colorful knit dress with beautiful fit. Great for all ages. The print is the jewelry. Cool white outfit. Breezy white embroidered shirt with white denim short. Gorgeous turquoise and gold necklace complete the look. 52
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Knee length blue and white cotton print dress. Lovely long gold leaf necklace complete the look. Add a white cardigan or blazer to dress it up.up.
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Machine washable linen button up shirt with lady bugs that wears anywhere. Worn here with denim shorts.
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Pretty peach jumper. Be on trend with a pretty peach jumper. All these fabulous outfits can be found at Jewel Boutique. May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Ecclectiques Antiques • Bistro • Espresso Bar • Gifts
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Brittany Lee Mays, Go-To-Girl
FASHION is blooming this SPRING
“You can learn a lot of things from the flowers, all especially in the month of June, there’s a wealth of happiness and romance all in the golden afternoon” -Disney’s Alice in Wonderland
ay and June are two of my favorite months. I love May for the beauty and grace it offers and June is a prime time for vacations and a great time for fashion and beauty! Spring flowers are on point with fashion and the season’s soft airy fabrics and warm, yet light, pastels evoke a sense of romance.
this
So This Is Love Speaking of fashion and romance, what is more romantic than “Cinderella?” I’ve been obsessed with this story as long as I can remember. I have wonderful memories from early childhood of watching Disney’s “Cinderella” in the cozy living room of my grandparents’ California home snacking on warm homemade grilled cheese and pickles and cuddled up beside my grandparents as we sang along to the movie’s songs. My love for this classic romance was reignited when my husband proposed to me last year at Disneyland and we posed kissing outside of Cinderella’s glowing castle as it cast blue hues down on us. So, needless to say, this movie is extremely special to me. I was beyond excited when Disney released a new live-action version in March. The movie also prompted the release of Lauren Conrad’s Cinderella Collection at Kohl’s. Be still my heart! I can’t begin to describe the beauty that is this collection. Vintage patterns grace modern staples while tasteful tulle accents make the clothing easy to wear and fit for a princess. My favorite pieces are the tulle skirt in Ballard Blue and the ultra-lightweight cream glass slipper
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sweater. Pair these with a nude wedge and you have a heavenly outfit. And why stop with Cinderella themed clothing? MAC Cosmetics has an entire Cinderella Collection. I am obsessed with the MAC gorgeous pinky sheer lipstick shade in Royal Ball. It looked so perfect topped with the shimmery shade Happily Ever After from MAC’s lip gloss line. I wore the entire princess ensemble on our movie date night. As you know this girl has to be sure everything passes the test before I write about it. Hey, it’s a hard job but someone has to do it!
Get Away GO-TOs I’ve been asked for advice for getting ready to go on vacation and I must say my answer is still a work in progress. I start out invigorated when I pack for a trip. The key word here is start. Whether I’m taking a quick trip to Dallas or going on an extended tropical vacation, the excitement prompts me to throw everything I think I’ll need into a large piece of luggage “just in case.” I bring way too many things and still seem to lack key items. To alleviate this problem I have a must-pack list. On this list are items such as Jane Iredale Lipdrink with SPF (so my lips don’t burn) and two pairs of comfy sandals because let’s face it, sometimes when you bring only one pair your feet can disagree and you wish you had another pair to switch to. And don’t forget cute and comfortable outfits for traveling to and from the destination. A good rule on dressing for travel is easy layers that can be adjusted for unexpected hot/cold travel conditions. A GO-TO-GIRL reminder: Plane travel doesn’t have to be plain travel. Have fun with color! I carry a toiletry bag that I always keep packed. I started doing this because I would end up at a locale and have to run to a convenience store to buy items I had forgotten. Now I make sure to keep a bag always packed with skincare products I can’t live without, including OBAGI eye cream, face wash, Jane Iredale magic mitt (they are awesome and only cost $15), eye makeup remover, lash curler, cotton rounds, razor, body lotion, and hair care products. My vacay GO BAG is always ready to go. Be sure to replenish products if you run out of items on your trip.
Mail Order Stylist What if I told you that a service will deliver clothing and beauty products to your door that were picked out just for you by a professional stylist? The items are yours to either send back or purchase. It’s up to you! This can be a reality with Stitch Fix. I learned about this service from my good friend, Megan. She received a paid subscription recently from her sweet husband, Stanley. After you subscribe to the service, you go online and fill out a profile listing your likes and dislikes so that a stylist can find items that are perfect for you. Megan included in her profile that she was pregnant and desired flowing pieces of clothing that are comfy and chic that she could wear as her baby bump grows, that she soon would be going on vacation and that she loved shades of emerald and yellow. After providing this “get to know you” information, she received notice that items selected for her were being delivered. When her package arrived, Megan felt the choices offered were “spot on.” The handwritten note from the stylist was the cherry on top of this VIP service. Two words: I’m sold!
XoXo The Go-To-Girl
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Dwell
Showcase home > Relaxing Retreat, 66
Design
Photo By David White
> Ladder of Success, 74 > Tables Need A Little Respect, 78
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Relaxing Ret reat O 66
By Danny Mogle | Photos by David White ur Showcase Home is located within Tyler’s Cascades, a community that hugs the shores of picturesque Bellwood Lake and lines the fairways of a championship golf course of the same name. The homeowners, a couple with two active girls, bought the lot atop a tree-covered hill and began working with Tyler-based Bayless Custom Homes to create their dream home. Gary Bayless, a builder with 35 years of experience, says that as a team they came up with an exterior style using brick and stone that captures the best elements of French Country and Mediterranean designs.
May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
The “bones” of the house, from the high-grade insulation to the energy-efficient windows, are all type-of-the-line products selected for their exceptional quality. Bayless, who notes on his website that “satisfaction must be earned one client at a time before, during and after construction,” says it was a pleasure working with the homeowners because they had good taste and knew exactly what they wanted. The couple previously had lived in Fort Worth and Keller and wanted to incorporate the elements they loved the most from their previous homes into their
This French Country home mixes old world charm and modern conveniences... new Rose City address. “We sort of meshed the floor plans together,” says the wife. They also added the features they liked the most from other homes they had seen. “We brought him (Gary) lots of pictures of what we wanted,” she says. The resulting 45,000-square-foot home captures the spirit of their active lifestyle and their need for a retreat in which to relax and entertain friends and their extended family. “We love entertaining,” she says. In the open floor plan, the kitchen seamlessly flows
into a large family room that opens onto a covered patio where they can be found on warm days lounging in comfort. “We extended the patio twice,” she says. The covered patio – a furnished outdoor living space – is just steps away from the backyard pool. “We had to have a pool. We love the pool,” she says turning on the water jets and LED lights. Their desire for fun and entertaining was the motivation for the room tucked away just off the kitchen. The home theater with its overhead projection system and rows of super plush recliners also Cont. ON page 70 | May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Neutral tones, lots of natural light and clean uncluttered lines create calm and harmony. 68 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
Ornamental wrought iron pieces and beautiful dark woodwork provide contracts to lighter shades on floors and walls.
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| Cont. FROM page 67 provides a showcase for the husband’s Coca-Cola themed memorabilia acquired during a previous job. When it came time to decorate the new abode, the wife was more than up to the task. “I did it all myself. I picked out everything,” she replies when asked who she used as a decorator. She basically started from scratch and selected durable yet beautiful pieces to fill the rooms. She paid special attention to selecting accents that are eye-catching and distinctive, such as the one-of-akind, wrought iron doors that separate the formal dining room from the adjacent wine closet. However, there was one family heirloom she could not live without. An ornate crystal chandelier that once was owned by her grandmother now hangs in the formal dining room. “It’s old but I love it,” she says of the treasured antique. She primarily kept the walls, cabinetry and granite countertops in neutral shades and selectively added pops of color for the most dramatic impact. For example, the rounded barrel ceiling in the foyer is painted a deep orange. More than anything, she says she wanted to create a comfortable home where, at the end of the day, they all could leave the troubles of the world behind and take it easy. “We’re all really busy,” she says. “This space is for the times when we just want to relax and have some fun. That’s what this house is about. It’s what it was built for.”
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LADDER OF SUCCESS By David Wallace | Photos by Sarah A. Miller y wife, Ann Nell, and I usually shop at a super center, one of those one-stop stores where you can buy almost anything. When I find something that I don’t want Ann to see me purchase, I hide it in the bottom of the cart, cover it with other items and hope she doesn’t notice it during check out. Such was the case when I bought Chutes and Ladders, a game for two or more players recommended for ages 4 and up. “What’s that for? We don’t have any 4 year olds,” inquired the observant Ann. I cut my eyes, first to the clerk at the check-out counter and then to Ann, and replied, “and up.” Variations of the game have been around, by some accounts, for 400 years. One of the first versions, called Adders and Ladders, 74
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was used to teach children in India the principles of “right living.” Players placed a game piece on the first square at the bottom of a grid with 100 squares. They rolled a die to determine the number of squares to move. The object was to reach the final square at the top. Players jumped ahead when they landed on a ladder and were sent back when they landed on a snake. Since players could be aggressive at sending fellow players backward or forward, it was a great teaching tool for karma. The ladders represented good choices and the snakes bad choices. This early version also depicted ideologies of India. Boards were colorfully decorated with images of angels, gods and demons. The game spread around the world. In 1943, the Milton Bradley company created the first American version. The adders were
changed to chutes to be less frightening to American children. Leaving the super center, it was apparent that Ann would be unwilling to play Chutes and Ladders with me, but that was okay because the game already had supplied me with inspiration for a repurposing project.
THE PROJECT The game made me think about the many ways to use a ladder in home decor. I went to the store originally looking for precut shelving. Instead, I decided to make my own unit using two 6-foot ladders and three pine boards measuring 8 feet long and 1 foot wide, I placed the two identical unfinished ladders “toe to toe” facing each other. I laid the pine boards across the width of the space with the ends resting on the steps of both ladders. To achieve the spacing I wanted, I placed one board across the steps near the top of the ladders, one in the middle and one near the bottom. The structure is strong and sturdy. To make it even sturdier, you could use construction wood screws. The ladders cost $20 each. I chose wooden ladders because
they were less expensive than other kinds and could be stained or painted. Before the assembly, I painted the ladders and boards with watered-down orange latex paint to give them the look of being stained. I applied a water-based sealer over the painted surfaces. My huge unit cost about $75. It comes apart and is easily moved. This shelving unit can be used inside or outside and made to fit in almost any style or decor. This project is fun, versatile and easy. It requires no tools and is easy to assemble. You could use bigger or smaller ladders to make your own unique ladder shelves. Just remember, be nice to those you meet as you climb the ladder of success. They are likely to be the same people you’ll see if you find you’ve been sent back down.
To view previous "from trash to treasure" stories by David Wallace, visit www.inmagtexas.com
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TABLES need a little respect! [I ] By Jackie Devine | Courtesy Photos
don’t get no respect!
– Rodney Dangerfield
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Sadly, in most homes, end tables are the Rodney Dangerfield of furniture. Regardless of their significance – a beloved piece passed down from earlier generations or a new item that “spoke to you” in the store – they end up being second banana to a new couch or statement piece. When was the last time you heard someone say, “Come look at my new end table,” or “I love that new coffee table?” Rather than thinking of the table as significant to a room’s design, people only think of what they will put on it. What should be a beautiful complement to a room’s style is downgraded to nothing more than a functional surface.
While we no longer shove tables under beds, we still aren’t using end tables to their fullest potential. They are beautiful accent pieces that tie together the décor and set the look of a room.
Coffee/Cocktail Table The coffee or cocktail table commonly is found in front of a sofa. It’s the workhorse of tables. People place drinks, plates, newspapers and homework on the coffee table because of its convenient location (in front of, but not blocking the TV). Most coffee tables are made of wood but tables of silver and gold leaf metal are becoming more popular. As the centerpiece of the room, think of all the things it might have to address. “Will it be used to play games on after dinner or will it be the place to rest feet?” Don’t forget about storage needs! Think outside the square. Don’t limit splashes of color to accent pillows. To make a dramatic statement that everyone will talk about, consider an upholstered ottoman in a bold print. Consider placing two wooden tables in different colors side by side or creating a table from an old suitcase to which you have attached legs. Every item should tell a story or start a conversation. Because the coffee table is the center of attention, it should do both.
End Tables Usually found next to the sofa, the end table is used to hold a lamp or beverage or serve as home base for the remote control. It often has storage drawers. Think of an end table functioning like the end of a story. While other pieces start the story or serve as main characters, the end table’s job is to tie loose ends by complementing and completing the other elements. Scale the size of the table to the sofa. End tables usually are the height of the sofa arm. I recommend this in rooms with low ceilings. With a high ceiling, try going 3 to 4 inches above the sofa arm. This balances the room’s scale. End tables have come a long way. Gone are slim, dark tables that disappear under decorative items. Today, they are functional pieces of art. Tables on different ends of a sofa, don’t necessary need to match. Use a round table on one end and a square one on the other. The same goes for colors, finishes and materials. Picture a round preserved wooden trunk made out of an actual tree. If that’s too rustic, envision a mercy glass chest outlined in silver metal. Whatever you choose, make sure the tables are similar in height. Matching decorative elements on the tables, such as lamps, should also be the same height. The room must be in balance to be pleasing to the eye.
Sofa Tables
Early end tables crafted by ancient Egyptians were only platforms that kept things off the floor. The Greeks and Romans also held little regard for tables and shoved them under the bed when not in use. Coffee tables skyrocketed in popularity during the 1950s only because they were low enough not to obstruct the view of the television, even with cups and glasses on them. No Respect.
Defined as a table with drawers and a drop leaf at both ends, this table usually is placed behind the sofa. The sofa table, sometimes called a Davenport, typically comes almost to the top of the back of the sofa. I like them to be 3 to 4 inches shorter than the sofa. At this height, a lamp on the table doesn’t mess up the balance of a room. In some homes, a console table functions as a sofa table. A console table, however, is smaller and taller than a sofa table. The console table needs to stay against the wall in a hallway or entryway, where it belongs. Because sofa tables have leaves, they are perfect for extending an entertainment space. For your next party, consider extending the tablescape theme in the dining room to your sofa table and use it as a dessert station. You gain serving space and create a flow through your home because guests have to leave the kitchen and mingle! I think it’s time that tables get a little bit of R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Tables are a real expression of style and always will be the perfect ending to any design story. Happy Decorating, Jackie
Jackie Devine, an interior decorator, owns Cotton Shed No. 11, a home décor shop in Canton, Texas. For more, go to simplydevinedecor.com or cottonshedstore.com.
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Celebrating 30 years in business! Blue Haven Pools in Tyler is the oldest office in the franchise network and has been independently owned and operated by Boyce Eldridge since April 1984. We have built over 2,600 pools in East Texas and Louisiana. We continue to serve Tyler, Longview, Sulphur Springs, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Shreveport-Bosier City and surrounding areas.
Since 1954
Thanks to our team effort, we maintain an A+ Rating with the BBB. “We have but one option, customer satisfaction,” says Boyce Eldridge. Our design team is second to none and has won numerous national awards over the years. We have a great service department, pool cleaning force, and a superbly stocked retail store. Thinking about building a pool?Call for an appointment and our design team will have your pool plan and price ready in three (3) days. You will be inpressed with the savings we offer to win your business.
information@bluehaventyler.com • 903-534-1919 Visit our showroom & retail store at: 14867 Hwy 155 South • Tyler, TX 75703 80
May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
• • • • • •
Full Service & Construction Makeovers for Existing Pools Weekly Pool Maintenance Professional Water Analysis Large, Stocked Retail Store Experienced Design Team
Residential Real Estate
Professional Real Estate Agents Now it’s time to shop for a home! By Judy Kunzman You have selected an agent to help you find your new home. What do we do now? First thing you need to do is find a lender and become prequalified. This is very important when shopping and presenting an offer. This will allow you to know what you can afford and what your payments will be while looking. Next, you need to give your agent the criteria you have for finding your home. It should include preferred areas, school districts, number of bedrooms and baths, size of home, and the price range under which you want to stay. Your agent will take this information to narrow down your search and come up with a list of properties to see. They shouldn’t just have a list of their own properties but also a list from the local Multiple Listing Service. Second, take this list of homes for sale on the market and either drive by these areas or have your agent make appointments for you to view the properties. While looking at the homes, you should take notes to remind you of each home so that at the end of the search, you can narrow your choices down based on your findings. At the end of the day, you may have a list of questions about some of the homes and you should give these to your agent so that she can find out the answers. You might even want to go back and look at your favorites before you make a decision. This is a great way to reassure that this is the home that you really want to buy. Have your agent set this up and get the answers to your questions to help you make your decision. Third, you have seen the home that you want and your questions have been answered. Now is the time to make your offer! This is why having a professional realtor representing you is very important. She is working on your behalf and should represent your decisions and not her own! She should help advise you, but she should always represent your decisions. Finally, it is time for writing and negotiating the contract for the home that you have chosen. Now is the time a good agent takes care of her client! More to come next time!
Judy has been one of the top agents in East Texas since beginning her career in 1995. She has been recognized for her outstanding performance as a Top Listing and Selling Agent. She is a certified Negotiating Specialist and a certified Relocation Specialist. She currently works at Keller Williams Realty in Tyler where her team is the company’s #1 Team.
(903) 581-0111 • 6761 Old Jacksonville Hwy • Tyler, TX 75703 • jkunzman@kw.com May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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0 $
DOWN!
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Whether you are buying, selling, or leasing, contact Gregory Real Estate & Property Management! That is putting 35 years’ experience on your side!
903-581-5575 Or visit our website www.GregoryRealtors.com
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Ask about our open door policy.
Often imitated. Never duplicated. Overhead Door Company of Tyler • Ken Townsend 1-800-444-6843 • overheadtyler.com
Chris Cooper Builder
• New Construction • Custom Homes • Specs
www.C-CustomHomes.com
903-570-2812
c.coopercustomhomes@yahoo.com
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Live Healthy
HEALTH
Photo by Victor Texcucano
> Jump For It, 86 > Patience & Praise, 90 > Dump The Gimmicks: Eat Real Food, 93 > Meet The 2015 Li'l Wrangler, 94
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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JUMP FOR IT ! By Danny Mogle| Photos By Sarah A. Miller
K
elly Rhoads always has been a ball of energy and the epitome of physical fitness. Since she was a teenager, she’s embraced distance running. As she got older, she took and then taught just about every type of group fitness class imaginable. But years of running and pounding the pavement took a toll on her joints. “The pain got to the point where I couldn’t walk,” says Kelly. “This time last year, I thought I was going to have to change careers.” And then she discovered rebounding – 86
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exercising on a trampoline. She found she could again do traditional exercises, such as jumping jacks and running in place, without experiencing pain. “Your joints are cushioned (on the trampoline),” she says. Today Kelly teaches rebounding classes at the iJump Tyler Indoor Trampoline Park.
The Class It is a Monday morning and the music is pumping inside iJump, 2029 Capital Drive, in Tyler, Texas. Eight people assembled for a rebounding class are waiting for Kelly to tell them what to do. “Walk in place. Stomp. Punch your
heels through the trampoline. Faster. Arms up. Walk it out,” calls out Kelly in a series of staccato commands. “Don’t stop breathing,” she instructs the students who range in age from a 60-year-old grandmother to a teenager. “Jumping jacks!” says Kelly. “Make them good. Tighten your abs.” Over the next 30 minutes Kelly leads the group through several sets of exercises. Kelly took a workout she used as a boot camp class instructor and modified it to take advantage of the bouncy trampoline service. She says the goal is to keep the participants’ heart rates elevated and to work each muscle group.
G Benefits
On its website, iJump promotes rebounding as a better alternative to traditional exercise classes. “Rebounding for only 20 minutes is equal to one hour of running from a cardiovascular perspective,” it says. “Mix up your exercise routine with an intense cardio, strength, balance, agility, and flexibility crossfit trampoline workout like no other. Vertical motion workouts ... are much different, more fun and actually more beneficial and efficient than horizontal motion workouts, such as jogging or running.” One believer in rebounding is Holly Jones, a 60-year-old grandmother of four. “A year ago, I was diagnosed with lupus,” says Holly after taking Kelly’s class. “Joint-wise I wasn’t doing good at all. I was totally out of shape.” Her children and grandchildren encouraged her to give rebounding a try. “It was so soft on my joints. I couldn’t believe it.” Holly modifies exercises to her fitness level. “She (Kelly) works us over. I can’t think of any muscle group we don’t work. ... I’m coming back. That’s for sure.”
“Push down hard like you’re pushing your palms through the trampoline,” Kelly says as the class begins doing pushups. ... You’re doing great. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe!” Kelly later gives class members the option of doing yoga with her or going to the foam pit. As several head to the foam pit on the other side of the trampoline park, she reminds them to jump out as far as they can and then quickly push their way through the big foam blocks and crawl back out. “That in itself is quite a workout,” she says after they leave. For the final few minutes, the class cools down by stretching and breathing deeply.
For fun trampoline exercises see Page 88 May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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G | Cont. FROM page 89
JUMP BASICS Basic Trampoline Bounce
Trampoline Prances
Trampoline Squats
Stand with your feet about 6 inches apart. Bend your arms, keeping your elbows at your sides. With a slight bend in your knees, lightly bounce up and down. Your feet should come about 6 inches off the trampoline. Repeat 30 times.
Stand with your feet 6 inches apart. With your hands on your hips and knees slightly bent, bounce on the balls of your feet, and alternate raising your right and left knees to hip level (mimicking the knees up running-in-place exercise from gym class). Repeat 60 times (30 lifts per leg).
Stand with your feet together and arms at your sides. Jump up, spread your feet just wider than shoulder width, and land in a squat position with your knees bent and thighs parallel to the ground – as if you were going to sit down in a chair. Your arms should be straight out in front of you. Lightly bounce back to your starting position and repeat 20 times.
G Source: webMD
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Tyler’s Trampoline park!
Just What the Doctor Ordered
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TYLER INTERNAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATES, P.A. 1910 ROSELAND BLD., TYLER TX 75701 TylerInternalMedicine.com 903.533.0644 Tyler Internal Medicine Associates has been serving the East Texas community for over fourteen years. We have sixteen providers, seven physicians and nine mid-levels. TIMA has been recognized for Meaningful Use, Bridges to Excellence and PQRI, which speaks volumes of the high quality of care we deliver. Dr. Ramiro Villena and Family Nurse Practitioner, Robin Villena, are a comprehensive team at Tyler Internal Medicine. Dr. Villena is board certified in Internal Medicine and has been in practice for over eleven years in Tyler. Robin Villena is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner, and has over ten years experience as a registered nurse here in Tyler, which includes critical care and outpatient services.
Both Dr. Villena and Robin Villena, FNP-C, offer new and same-day appointments, lunchhour appointments, well woman exams, and provide care to adult patients suffering from a wide range of illnesses and diseases, from the very common to the very rare. Tyler Internal Medicine offers a full array of services, which include, but are not limited to, laboratory testing, ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, cardiac and lung function testing under one roof. At TIMA we pride ourselves in being “small enough to care, but large enough to provide quality care.” Please visit our website at TylerInternalMedicine.com to learn more about our providers and full range of services. Medicare and most commercial insurances are accepted.
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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By Leslie Harrison | Courtesy Photo
ometimes I look at my children and think, “Who are you?” What happened to the innocent toddlers who followed me Pied Piper-style everywhere? My soon-to-be 16-year-old who thinks I know nothing except where to locate his favorite T-shirt used to fit into one of my hands, thanks to his impatience to leave the womb. My gregarious middle child, who is crafting his daring adventures around the globe, used to could not stand to be away from me. My sweet little girl who I draped in pink and taped bows on her head before her hair was long enough to hold a ribbon, now will not wear a skirt, dress or anything but athletic clothes. It is difficult to accept that the babies who once relied on me for survival are genuine, bona fide persons with distinct likes and dislikes, opinions and habits.
Resist ‘Molding’ As parents, our tendency is to mold our children to be just like we are. After all, we’ve found out what works and want to make the growing-up process easier for them. But we need to let children follow their own instincts. It’s a natural process that keeps them physically safe, emotionally stable and happy. I’m not suggesting giving children carte blanche authority for their well-being. (Trust me, I’m a recovering neurotic mom.) On the other hand, we cannot force our children to be who we think they should be.
Help Them Develop One of my children is ridiculously stubborn. When he was a toddler, he’d point out a cow and proudly declare, “Sheeps.” I’d correct him, “Oh, no sweetie, that’s actually a cow” and moo. 90
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With stoic defiance he’d state, “sheeps!” When he actually saw sheep, he got excited and yelled, “Cows, cows!” That was cute when he was 3, but not so much now that he’s a teenager. As I try to teach him the ways of the world, I’m frustrating when he refuses to accept my sound advice. And then it breaks my heart when he comes to me, head down, uttering a barely audible, “You were right.” I fight the instinct to make everything right for him. I let him find things out the hard way and never say, “I told you so.” If channeled correctly, his defiance can drive him to excel when others give up. My role is to help him develop the trait in a positive manner. Another of my children is a tinkerer. His thought process is without boundaries. I have to stifle the urge to make him see things my way. When he wanted to build a skate board ramp, I suggested that we buy one. His reply: “Nope.” My recommendation that he watch videos to figure out the supplies he needed was met with, “I got this, mom.” We bought the supplies at a home store and he built a fantastic ramp. He was so proud.
Priceless Gift When his reading lamp beside his bed went out just as he was getting to a good part in a book, he used a stash of batteries, a bulb and some wire to shed light on his problem, quite literally. He put a wire here, connected the bulb and battery there, got the bulb to light up and then bam! – a little explosion. The mean mom in me wanted to lecture him on the dangers of electricity. Instead, I praised how smart he was and advised him to unplug electronics before making adjustments. Allowing children to grow into who they are destined to be is a priceless gift we can give them. All of us, regardless of age, want to be accepted for who we are.
CRAIG PHARMACY • Fast, Friendly Service • Individual and Personal Attention • Generic Prescriptions Available • No Waiting in Lines • FREE Delivery to Home or Office • NEW Location
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cosmeticsurgerytyler.com May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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SAVE THE DATE!
MAY 9, 2015
WE LIVE HERE WE RACE HERE
WE SAVE LIVES HERE NEW RACE LOCATION DOWNTOWN! Registration is open now at komentyler.org
More Mobility. Less Pain. Common types of Arthritis
William Brelsford M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.R Internist, Rheumatologist
We provide diagnosis & treatment of: • Hand & Feet Joint injections • Bone Density Testing • IV Infusions to Arrest Arthritis & Osteoporosis
William G. Brelsford, MD, FACR
903-596-8858 1212 Clinic Dr. Tyler, Texas 75703 www.drbrelsford.com
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We utiliize the latest treatments & technologies: • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Lupus • General Jointsfull & Back Dr. Brelsford and Arthritis his staff of provide service care including joint • Osteoporosis • Other Auto-immune Disorders injections to cushion and lubricate the joints of Osteoarthritis, thereby
avoiding or postponing surgery. Also the latest in IV infusion therapy to treat and arrest the disease processes of Lupus. Rheumatoid or RA,
Gout and Osteoporosis. The clinic has an on site Lab, Dexa scan for the
and hips and Electronic insurance billinglaboratory. and medical records. Weback, have a convenient on-site Diagnosis & Treatment of: Contact us today & arrange an appointment. Rheumatoid Arthritis of Joints & Back Lupus Osteoporosis
DUMP THE GIMMICKS Eat Real Food By Crystal Breaux | Courtesy Photo ow many promotions promising quick weight loss do you see coming through your Facebook page or on billboards? Advertisements for new diets, the latest eating programs and a “better, healthier” food bombard us. They are everywhere and are so tempting to try. I am sad when women chase such gimmicks in hopes of finding the perfect “quick fix” to looking and feeling better. I tell those desperate to know if the latest diet, supplements or weight-loss method will work to ask themselves, “Can you do it for the rest of your life?” I’ve yet to meet anyone who can sustain a very restrictive-calorie diet; a meal plan that includes the same foods or shakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner; or a hefty fee each month for packaged foods that you only get from the vendor. These things bring initial weight loss, no doubt, but the weight quickly returns once you are no longer on the special program. Then the cycle begins once again. The only way to maintain a healthy weight is to achieve the balance that comes from being at peace with food. Give up the nonsense. Learn to eat healthy food as part of a balanced diet and also make exercise part of your life.
MAKE COOKING EASY Cooking healthy foods does not have to be labor intensive. And let’s be honest, when you have a busy schedule, it can feel like an impossible task. One strategy is to plan meals around your schedule. For my family, Monday evening is the one night when we are free from extracurricular activities. It is a good time for me to take about 30 minutes to prepare a quick and healthy meal, such as Pecan Crusted Tilapia. I like to serve it with oven roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli and squash (so that it all goes in the oven and this is easy to clean up) and couscous or quinoa.
Calories In, Calories Out
Pecan Crusted Tilapia
We need a certain number of calories to be at a healthy weight. There must be a deficit between the number of calories we eat and the number of calories we burn. It is simple math that takes into account a healthy amount of exercise and a healthy amount of food. Many women try to eat healthy by concentrating on what NOT to eat, which can lead to deprivation and failure. Instead of thinking of what not to eat, focus on foods you should eat and then create meals and snack around them. Use the healthy plate strategy of eating meals that are made up of one-fourth healthy protein, one-fourth healthy grain, and one half of fruits and vegetables. Putting efforts on what needs to be added, instead of subtracted, leaves little room to dwell on the things you can’t have. You become full and satisfied with an occasional cookie, cake or “not so healthy” treat.
4 4-oz. tilapia 3 tablespoon of Dijon mustard 1½ tablespoon of honey ¼ cup of chopped pecans ¼ cup of bread crumbs salt and pepper to taste butter flavored cooking spray
Crystal Breaux creates programs for women that emphasize proper eating, exercise and finding time to build faith. To learn more, go to her website, yourfitnessdesigner.com.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray baking dish with butter flavored cooking spray. Mix mustard and honey in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix bread crumbs and pecans. Place tilapia in pan. Pour honey mixture evenly on fish and then sprinkle on the pecan mixture, salt and pepper. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serves 4; Calories, 196; protein, 23 grams; carbs, 11grams; fat, 8 grams.
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Cattle Barons’Gala Salutes
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By Victoria Ashworth | Photos By Victor Texcucano May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
he 2015 Tyler Cattle Barons’ Li’l Wrangler is Shiloh Smith from Lindale, Texas. She is the 6-year-old daughter of Amy Shively and has two older siblings. All who meet Shiloh are greeted by an outgoing, beautiful girl who has experienced a life-threatening illness and grown to be an even stronger child of God. She understands how sick she was almost four years ago and hopes by telling her story that she will inspire other children facing cancer. “All of my family and Jesus loving me helped me survive,” says Shiloh. When Shiloh was 2½ years old, her mother discovered blood in her daughter’s underwear and quickly called the pediatrician. Upon examining little Shiloh, Dr. Jennifer Steger was devastated to discover a mass in the toddler’s abdo-
men. The doctor immediately referred Shiloh to an oncologist in Dallas who removed a grapefruit-size Wilm’s tumor and one of Shiloh’s kidneys. They diagnosed her with Stage 3 cancer and believed it had spread to her lungs. On Christmas Eve, a call from the doctor became a memorable and incredible Christmas gift for the whole family. Further results had revealed that Shiloh’s cancer had not yet progressed to Stage 3, but was the less serious Stage 2. “The support from the community during this difficult time was overwhelming and greatly appreciated,” says Amy. “We felt so blessed by everyone’s generosity.” Shiloh received months of chemotherapy to fight the disease. “We leaned on our faith to get us through this experience,” says Amy. “Hope, which is also Shiloh’s middle name,
became our word of strength because we translated it to mean ‘having only positive expectations.’” Today, Shiloh is an active, happy first-grader who loves riding horses, swimming and gardening. She cares for lambs that stay at the school where her big brother is a teacher and the FFA sponsor. On May 2, Cattle Barons’ Gala committee will host the Li’l Wrangler event at Fire Mountain Amusements in Tyler. Area pediatric cancer patients and their guests will be treated to an afternoon of fun.
Fighting Cancer Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Texas. Each day, hundreds of Texans are diagnosed with cancer; one out of every two men and one out of every three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their life-
times. The American Cancer Society seeks to eliminate cancer as a major health issue through research, prevention, education, advocacy and service. As the third largest Cattle Barons’ Gala (following Dallas and Houston) in Texas, this annual event raises money to benefit the American Cancer Society. The gala is set for June 13 at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. Since Tyler’s first Gala in 1988, thousands of volunteers have raised over $10 million for cancer research, education and patient services. The Li’l Wrangler event sponsors include John and Margaret Moss, Richie Moss, East Texas Seed Company, Tyler Fire Fighter CARE and Dawn and Harry Leatherwood. Those interested in supporting Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala can contact Gala Co-chairs, Suzie Rippy or Jennifer Gaston at 903-952-1548.
“All of my family and Jesus loving me helped me survive,” _Shiloh
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Food & Culture
Food
> Peachy Keen, 98 > Dining Guide, 100
culture
> Plenty of Thrills in Arlington, 104
Events
Courtesy Photo
> Calendar of Events, 102
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Peachy Keen Ruston celebrates the sweet summer sensation By Danny Mogle | Photo by Michael McCarthy
erhaps nothing epitomizes the fresh flavor of summer more than the incredibly succulent and sweet peach. And perhaps nowhere is the peach more celebrated than at the Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston, Louisiana. The family-friendly event will take place on June 26 and 27 at Mitcham Farms, a 100-acre peach orchard that has more than 12,000 trees. Featuring sporting events, crafts displays, music, events for children and, of course, lots and lots of peaches, the festival attracts 20,000 visitors each year. Among the highlights are the peach eating contest and the cooking contest in which cooks present their best pies, tarts, cakes, salads and even main dishes. Peaches are harvested from early June to late August. Ripe 98
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peaches are firm and have flesh that yields with gentle pressure. Look for peaches that do not have any bruises. Peaches will continue to ripen after being picked. If peaches are overly ripe, puree or chop them and then add lemon (or another acidic) juice to keep them from darkening. Freeze this in a tightly-sealed container or bag in which the air has been removed. The skin is edible but becomes tougher when cooked. To easily remove the skin, blanch the peaches in boiling water for one minute and immediately plunge them into cold water. Naturally sweet and slightly tangy, peaches can be enjoyed straight from the tree, lightly grilled or used to punch up the flavor of pies, creamy ice cream, cobblers and even refreshing drinks.
Peach Cobbler Ingredients
4 cups peeled, sliced peaches 2 cups sugar, divided ½ cup water 8 tablespoons butter 1 ½ cups self-rising flour 1 ½ cups milk Ground cinnamon, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in oven to melt. Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Food Network/Paula Deen
Peach Ice Cream Ingredients
1 cup of sugar 1 cup of milk 1 egg, beaten 3 ⅓ cups of heavy whipping cream ¼ cup instant vanilla pudding mix 1½ cups finely chopped fresh or frozen peaches 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk and egg. Cook over low heat until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and a thermometer reads at least 160 degrees, stirring constantly. Do not allow to boil. Remove from heat immediately. Quickly transfer to a large bowl; place bowl in a pan of ice water. Stir gently and occasionally for 2 minutes. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Stir in cream, pudding mix, peaches and vanilla into custard. Fill cylinder of an ice cream freezer two-thirds full. Freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. (Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze.) Transfer ice cream to freezer containers, allowing space for expansion. Freeze 2-4 hours or until firm. Repeat with any remaining ice cream mixture. Yield: 1-1/4 quarts. Taste of Home
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Ribmaster's
“Stop By Our NEW Tyler Location!"
Visit us for the best tasting, fall off the bone ribs in East Texas. We also have smoked turkey, brisket, sausage, delicious homemade sides and desserts. All You Can Eat Ribs on Fridays and Saturdays at Whitehouse & Bullard locations. Monday & Friday at Tyler location.
Let us cater your graduation & wedding events! 803A Hwy. 110 N Whitehouse, TX 903-839-0530
2301 S. Broadway, Ste A4 Tyler, TX 903-526-0538
312 N. Houston St. Bullard, TX 903-894-5016
Bernard's
Bernard’s was envisioned as a getaway, where all East Texans could escape to and experience the great tastes of the Mediterranean. With that in mind, we have paid special attention to the relaxing atmosphere and the extraordinary tastes you will experience at Bernard’s. Lunch 11am-2pm Tues.-Fri. | Dinner 5:30pm-10pm Mon.-Sat. Reservations are recommended.
212 Grande Blvd | Tyler, TX | 903-534-0265 www.bernardsintyler.com
Yamato
Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar Enjoy and experience our thrilling Hibachi show as our Hibachi chef entertains your tastebuds and excites your senses. Our sushi is remarkably unique, using only the finest ingredients mixed with traditional Japanese techniques. Our award-winning, hand-crafted sushi is acclaimed all over East Texas. Let us cater your special event, or rent one of our large party rooms for an unforgettable evening. Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 5-7pm | Kids Eat Free Sundays Lunch Specials Mon-Fri | Open 7 Days
2210 WSW Loop 323 | Tyler | 903-534-1888 www.yamatotexas.com
Newk's Newk's is a fresh casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere with an emphasis on freshness and flavor. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and made-from-scratch soups. Come in and enjoy for yourself, and see the many good reasons why everyone continues to come back to Newk's Eatery.
Longview Location Hours: Mon - Sun • 11am -10pm 110 East Loop 281 903-753-7000 100 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
Tyler Location Hours: Mon - Sun • 11am - 9pm 3985 Old Jacksonville Hwy. 903-509-4646
Breakers Try an exciting new menu for your brunch palate. Build your own omelet, or sample the classic favorite, Steak and Eggs! Also! Spicy Cajun Crawfish continues to be a hit for only $5.99 lb. Don't forget Never Ending Snow Crab Legs from 5-9 every Monday Night!
5106 Old Bullard Rd | Tyler, TX | 903-534-0161 www.breakerstyler.com
Villa Montez
Villa Montez is a unique casual family dining restaurant that offers the best of the “Cocina Latina.” Come to our festive environment for a delicious meal with friends and family. Private rooms available | Catering | Beautiful Patio Seating Lunch & Dinner-Closed on Sundays | Gift Cards Available
3324 Old Henderson Highway | Tyler, TX | 903-592-9696 www.villamontez.com
Stanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q Proudly serving Tyler for over 50 years "One of the Best BBQ Joints in the World!" -Texas Monthly -- BBQ Edition
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Catering • Live Music BE KIND * HAVE FUN 525 S. Beckham | Tyler, TX | BBQ Joint 903-593-0311 | Catering 903-662-8093
www.stanleysfamous.com
Republic Icehouse Republic Icehouse is Tyler’s newest Restaurant and Bar located across from UT Tyler. We are the new favorite destination for all East Texans! Join the Republic for the perfect place to watch a game , hang out with friends, enjoy great food, fabulous live entertainment, and friendly wait staff. Don’t forget to check out our wide selection of Texas Crafts and Texas Distilled!!!
Catering | Live Music Events| Daily Drink & Lunch Specials Hours are 11 am-12 am Sun.-Fri.; 11 am-1 am Sat.
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 4:30 pm-6:30 pm 3807 University Blvd | Tyler, TX | (903) 504-5860 www.republicicehouse.com May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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The Hot List for music, culture and adventure
May June:
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY
MAY 1-2, 8-9
“Mary Poppins”
Brook Hill School, Bullard
MAY 1-3
Naval Battle of Port Jefferson Jefferson
MAY 1
MAY 1-3
MAY 1-3, 8-10
Liberty Hall, Tyler
Lake Country Plahyouse, Mineola
Henderson Civic Theater
Joshua Lozoff
“Escanaba in da Moonlight”
“The Greater Easter Egg Hunt” MAY 2
Red Dirt, BBQ & Music Festival Downtown Tyler MAY 2
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens MAY 2-30
Enchanted Fairy Garden ET Arboretum, Athens MAY 2
Color-Up 5k
Rose Garden, Tyler MAY 2
Mudbugs & Music
Maude Cobb Exhibit Bldg., Longview
May Poppins MAY 1
MAY 1-2
Nacogdoches
Cedars of Lebanon, Tyler
SFA's Rockin' Axes jazz band
102 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
Tyler Civic Chorale
Want your event on our calendar? email the details to danny@inmagtexas.com
MAY 3
MAY 23-24
JUNE 13
Lake Tyler
Lake Fork
Harvey Center, Tyler
Tri Tyler Half Triathlon MAY 3
Piano concerto program
Van Cliburn Auditorium, Kilgore MAY 8-9, 14-17
“100 Lunches”
Tyler Civic Theatre Center MAY 8-9, 15-17
Toyota Texas Bass Classic MAY 23-24
Texas State RR Salute to Armed Forces Palestine Depot MAY 27
Longview Ballet Theatre
Belcher Center, Longview
“Vanya and Sonia and Sasha and Spike”
MAY 28-31
MAY 9
MAY 29
Pecan Acres Park, Nacogdoches
Athens
Longview Community Theatre
Color-Up 5k MAY 9
Komen Race for a Cure
Downtown Square, Tyler MAY 9
Take 2 Band
Bushman Center, Bullard MAY 9
First Monday Trade Days Canton
Old Fiddlers Reunion MAY 31
Lake Country Playhouse Symphonic Band
MAY 9
Maude Cobb Center, Longview
Banita Creek Hall, Nacogdoches
Tomato Fest
Jacksonville JUNE 13
Blueberry Festival Nacogdoches JUNE 13
Juneteenth Black Rodeo
Fair Park Complex, Athens JUNE 19-20
Junebug Music & Art Festival Ben Wheeler
Color-Up 5k
JUNE JUNE 5-6
Pat Green
JUNE 13
Select Theatre, Mineola
Run for the Sun concert The Oil Palace, Tyler
Tyler Cattle Baron’s Gala
T-Bone Walker Blues Festival
JUNE 5-6
Tops In Texas Rodeo
Big Cypress Corvette Classic Car Show
Jacksonville
Jefferson
MAY 14-16
JUNE 6
Lindale
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens
JUNE 19-20
JUNE 6
Liberty Hall, Tyler
MAY 14-16
May Days & Rodeo MAY 15-16
Piney Woods Wine Festival Mount Vernon MAY 16
Alleyfest
Longview MAY 15-16
Tailwind Balloon Festival Canton MAY 19
Dinosaur Zoo LIve!
Belcher Center, Longview MAY 20-24
Southwest Classic Horse Show Texas Rose Horse Park, Tyler
National Fishing Day
Rusk County Airport Air Show
East Texas Comedy Festival
Henderson
JUNE 20
JUNE 6-14
Palestine
TABA Parade of Homes
Dogwood Jamboree
Tyler
JUNE 27
JUNE 11-13
Rodeo Arena, Longview
Salt Festival
Juneteenth Rodeo
Grand Saline
JUNE 28-29
JUNE 11-14
Green Acres Church, Tyler
Summer Boat Show
“I Love America” concert
Maude Cobb Center, Longview JUNE 11-14
Roundup Rodeo Gladewater
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
103
PLENTY OF THRILLS IN
ARLINGTON Food, Fun & THRILLS in
ARLINGTON By Jennifer Babisak | Courtesy Photos
ith friends jaunting off to Disney World at a steady clip, my three children became bitten by the jealousy bug. Disney isn’t on our radar, but I knew that we could still enjoy amusement-park fun while staying closer to home with a trip to Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas. Make sure to purchase admission tickets online. These tickets are cheaper than those sold at the gate. If you plan to visit the park two days in a row (a valid consideration given its large size and many attractions) consider buying a season pass, which also provides entry to the park’s special events like Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park and “bring a friend for free” days throughout the year. After entering Six Flags, we first made a lap around the park’s 212 acres, so the kids could check out all the rides. My kids are too young for the more thrilling rides, such as the new 4D interactive dark ride attraction, Justice League: Battle for Metropolis, or the 325-foot free-fall coaster called Superman: Tower of Power. Bugs Bunny Boomtown was perfect for my younger set. It offers pint-sized rides, including swings, spinning teacups and even a gentle roller coaster. An interactive play area allows kids to get their energy out by climbing and whisking down giant slides. Bugs Bunny and other characters mingle with the crowd, adding to the fun. Another ride that the whole family can enjoy is the Silver Star Carousel. It’s relaxing to step back in time and enjoy the refreshing breeze as the carousel gently spins. 104 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
Built in 1928, the carousel features beautifully decorated horses and carved wooden benches. Six Flags offers a number of dining options such as Panda Express and Newman’s Corn Dogs. My kids were also fascinated by sugar-dusted and chocolate drizzled funnel cakes and the pastel-hued clouds of cotton candy sold there. If you prefer to pack a lunch, plan on getting your hands stamped to leave the park at lunchtime to use the nice picnic areas just outside the park.
Other Attractions Six Flags isn’t the only familyfriendly attraction in Arlington. The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame offers exhibits that shed light on the inventors of bowling, the game’s biggest champions and trends emerging in the game. Kids enjoy hands-on fun at Bowlopolis and the Bowling International Training and Research Center (the most advanced bowling training facility
in the world) offers individual and group lessons. For lunch, we headed to Babe’s Chicken Dinner House. Not your typical fast-food chicken joint, this restaurant serves family-style portions of chicken and veggies. Choose your chicken tenders and then get ready for an onslaught of side dishes. The staff piles the table high with salad, biscuits, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. The dessert menu tempts with banana pudding and chocolate meringue pie.
Stadium Tours Arlington is famous for being the home field for the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. Both of these huge sports facilities offer tours. AT&T Stadium, used by the Cowboys, boasts the largest retractable roof in the world. Selfguided tours include access to the field, locker rooms and the postgame interview rooms. Guides are stationed in each section to answer questions. The guided tour includes stops at a private
suite, the press box and other normally restricted areas. Tours of Globe Life Park, the home of the Texas Rangers, includes a visit to tunnels that run beneath the stadium. Visitors are also given access to a private suite, the press box, batting cages, dugout and interview room. And, of course, the perfect way to wrap up a summer trip to Arlington is taking in a Texas Rangers game. Evening games are the most comfortable in the open-air stadium where the hot sun can take its toll. For an indulgent experience, opt for tickets in the all-you-can-eat section and have your fill of concession food. If you time your visit to take in a Friday night game, the evening ends with a post-game fireworks show. We found so many fun things to do in Arlington that my kids quickly forgot all about Mickey Mouse.
For more infomation
Six Flags Over Texas www.sixflags.com/overtexas 2201 Rd to Six Flags St. E, Arlington (817) 640-8900 International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame www.bowlingmuseum.com 621 Six Flags Drive, Arlington, (817) 385-8215 AT&T Stadium www.attstadium.com 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, (817) 892-4000 Babe’s Chicken www.babeschicken.com/our-kitchens/arlington 230 N Center St., Arlington, (817) 801-0300 Globe Life Park texas.rangers.mlb.com/tex/ballpark 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington (972) 726-4377
Page 114: Six Flags Over Texas along with AT&T Stadium in the background. The Texas Rangers play at Globe Life Park (top); the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame (center); and a meal from Babe’s Chicken (left).
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
105
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106 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
107
A DV E RTO R I A L
MINDEN MINDEN IN WEBSTER PARISH
LOUISIANA
IN WEBSTER PARISH
SPR ING E V EN TS
Webster Parish (County) is proud of the beautiful historic city of Minden, the parish seat located in the beautiful piney hills of northwest Louisiana. You’ll find this noteworthy city just thirty miles east of Shreveport, Louisiana and 4 hours east of Dallas, Texas on Interstate 20, Exit 47.
Scottish Tartan Festival Venture just outside of Minden on the Athens road for great Celtic music, dancing, costumes, and food in the Scottish tradition.
M
Spring Arts Festival Held in Minden, “The Farm” comes alive for a weekend full of music and great art.
inden, known as the Friendliest
waterfowl watching, great fishing, and boating.
City the South, is renowned for its historic downtown with
Lake Bistineau State Park, just south of Minden, is
original brick streets, antique
one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the
shops, boutiques, and quaint restaurants. Nearby,
country covering 17,280 acres. With its amazing
Minden’s beautiful historic residential district
stands of cypress trees and clinging Spanish
features more than 70 historic properties within
moss, Lake Bistineau State Park is Sportsman’s
walking distance of downtown, many on the
Paradise. A favourite spot for fisherman, duck
Show & Shine Car & Bike Show Each September hundreds of vintage and antique cars line the streets of downtown Minden for the largest trophy presentation in the area.
National Register of Historic Places.
hunting, boating and water sports, Lake Bistineau
Germantown Bluegrass Festival Hundreds of visitors flock to Germantown Colony State Museum, for a day full of great music, food, arts, and crafts on the grounds on the last Saturday in September.
been 26 major movie productions filmed in the
Webster Parish is a beautiful destination for a
parish including ”The Guardian”, starring Kevin
family-friendly outing or outdoor recreation. The
Costner and Ashton Kutcher and “Premonition”,
natural beauty and historic charms of the region
starring Sandra Bullock. Visitors can traverse the
draw sportsmen, festival-goers and professional
Northwest Louisiana Film Trail from Shreveport to
filmmakers. We invite you to DISCOVER OUR
Minden taking in the sights from the silver screen.
GOOD NATURE.
SUMMER E V EN TS
Springhill PRCA Rodeo Experience the Oldest Rodeo in the State of Louisiana at the Rodeo Arena in Springhill.
FA L L E V EN TS
Main to Main Trade Days Kick off November with 50 plus miles of food, fun, and shopping running along the entire length of the parish.
State Park offers modern cabins, boat rentals, This picturesque town has been attracting
playgrounds, two swimming pools, hiking and
moviemakers to the area for years. In fact,
horse trails, and group meeting facilities.
Webster Parish can proudly say there have
If outdoor adventure is more up your alley, some calm-water canoeing at the scenic Bayou Dorcheat may be the ticket. Once a major thoroughfare for
Fasching Fifth Season Celebration (German Mardi Gras) Beginning each year in November, visitors and locals alike celebrate Minden’s German heritage with German food, German music, beer gardens and a fireworks spectacular at dusk.
108 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
paddleboats, Bayou Dorcheat entices canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts with its 200+ year old cypress trees, in addition to offering bird and
1.800.2MINDEN www.visitwebster.net
Outdoors
outdoors
Courtesy Photo
> At Home with Josh Tomlin, 110 > The Ghostriders, 115 > Adventure Seekers, 118 > See You At The Top, 130
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
109
Story By Maya Golden | Photos By Schuyler Wick
110 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
I
open my car door only slightly but it is enough for two eager dogs to stick their heads onto my lap. Fumbling for my briefcase and to steady myself on my high heels, the city girl in me tries to keep calm as cold wet noses stay close to my legs. As I bobble delicately and nervously around the dogs and up the walkway, a thought hits me. It is quiet – a quiet achieved from being far from bustling city streets and in the deep solitude of trees and open land. Cleveland Indians’ starting pitcher Josh Tomlin opens the door to his East Texas home and introduces me to his wife, Carlie, and their 5-month-old daughter, Makenzie, their first child. They have lived only briefly in the home but you can feel their connection to it by the decorations on the walls, including the mounted
heads of big game animals Josh has claimed during hunting expeditions. Carlie apologizes for the stacks of clothes and blankets, explaining that they are preparing to move in a few days to Goodyear, Arizona, home of the Indians’ spring training camp. “Our life is pretty much in boxes right now,” she says. Their living arrangements are dictated by the Major League Baseball schedule. They spend three months in East Texas in the off-season, two months in Arizona at spring training camp and about seven months in Cleveland during the season.
Playing Ball Josh began playing T-ball as a kid in Whitehouse, Texas, and loved the sport from the time he first picked up a baseball. As a kindergarten student, he wore his T-ball uniform to school on career day. “That’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a baseball player and I told myself that.” Cont. ON page 112 |
May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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| Cont. FROM page 111 His dream was fostered through an intense dedication to the sport and the unwavering support of his parents, Jerry and Elana. “They were at every single game,” Josh says. “From the time I was 4 to the time I was 18 years old playing baseball in high school, I do not remember one game they ever missed. “They were very supportive of what I was doing. If it was a weekend away (for me) to go play, to try and get ... better, they were all about it.” Jerry once sat in the hot sun so long watching Josh pitch in a game that he became sick. “He didn’t want to leave,” Josh says. “He wanted to sit there and watch me play. That showed the dedication he had to me, so I feel like I owe it to them to dedicate that back to baseball.” Jerry works at the power plant at The University of Texas at Tyler. Elana owns a barbershop. She has cut hair for more than 33 years. “My dad and my mom have worked hard my entire life. They still work hard. Seeing that kind of (hard) work as a kid and all through your life is something you get engraved in your body.” Besides setting a good example, Jerry gave Josh good advice. “‘You need to be the same person day in and day out,’ he would tell me. It’s what was engraved in me as a kid. Teammates respect that, coaches respect that, because they know what they are going to get (from you) day in and day out.” Josh’s work ethic on the mound first caught the attention of recruiters and pro scouts who came to a Whitehouse High School baseball game to check out his teammate Travis Chick (who also went on to have a career as a professional pitcher). Travis became injured and Josh started in his place. Unnerved, Josh successfully pitched the game doing the same things he had always done. Josh was recruited by Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas, and later transferred to Texas Tech University. The Indians drafted him in 2006. “I was drafted in the 19th round, so I wasn’t a guy who (the franchise) had a whole lot of stock invested in him. I knew I had to do all the stuff on the field right (as a player) and off the field, and all the little things – all the little tangibles that make people good or separate them (from others).” His years of working to master all aspects of the game began to pay off. “Studying pickoffs, fielding your position, paying attention to the game, understanding (strike and ball) counts, understanding swings, doing stuff like that ... that basically separated me from other people.” He toiled through the minor league system, first in shortseason A ball with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Niles, Ohio. During this time, phone calls to his parents back in East Texas kept him encouraged, focused and humble. On July 24, 2010, while pitching for the triple-A Columbus (Ohio) Clippers, Josh received the call he had been waiting for his entire life. He was called up to the majors.
The Majors His parents were visiting him when the magic moment occurred. “Mom starts crying, my dad kind of starts getting emotional and he was like, ‘Well, who are you playing (against)?’ and I said, ‘The Yankees. I can’t believe it’s the Yankees.’” Yes, the New York Yankees, the team in pinstripes that has fielded the likes of legends Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle; the defending world champions. “(My dad) was like, ‘They put their pants on the same way you put your pants on every single day. They had to go through the system the same way you did. Just because they’re the Yankees doesn’t mean they are any better than what you’ve done. Don’t try to be anybody you’re not, just go out there and do the same thing you’ve been doing your entire career.’” 112 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
His father’s advice eased his nerves, sort of. “After hearing that, it was like, ‘That’s right. That’s true.’ So it was kind of a calm before the storm. But I didn’t sleep for two or three days after that. I was so worn out (that) I finally got some sleep on Monday to where I was able to pitch good on (game day) Tuesday.” The first batter Josh faced was his role model, Derek Jeter. “I almost hit him,” Josh recalls shaking his head. “I was so nervous when I threw to him (that) I almost hit him.” Three batters later, he was throwing strikes to Alex Rodriguez, another player Josh admired. To the fans and media, Josh pitched as calmly in a rookie debut as anyone had ever seen. He won the game 4-1. The rookie took down the mighty New York Yankees. The first people he looked to after the victory were his parents. “They were pretty emotional, that’s for sure,” Josh says. “My dad was just proud.”
Josh And Carlie Remember the mounted animal heads on the walls of the Tomlin home? They are what brought Carlie and Josh together. They met when Josh, on a friend’s recommendation, began using a taxidermy service near Augusta, Georgia, that was owned by Carlie’s father. Carlie did not jump at the chance to date a professional baseball player. Her gut and the reaction of her friends initially caused her to steer clear. However, she recognized that Josh was not some cocky, hot shot pro athlete. “He was the same guy every single day,” says Carlie. “He was never like, ‘I play for the Indians.’ He wasn’t all about his job or what he does. He was just an every-day guy.” They married in January 2014. “It was very quick,” Carlie says of their courtship. “We got married, we had a baby. ... It has all happened really quick.” Carlie was not fully prepared for the challenges of being the wife of a major league baseball player. “(People) ... think, ‘Oh well she’s a professional athlete’s wife. Well, she has it made.’ No. ... I don’t get to see him a lot (during the season). So it’s not like we are gone from each other from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and (then) every night we’re going to just chill out together. “It’s a lot harder in that aspect of it. I think I didn’t realize that before I married him.” When Makenzie was born, Josh was able to be with Carlie and Makenzie for only four days before he had to return to the team. He did not see his wife and baby again for another month. Carlie says that thankfully others in the Indians’ organization, especially the families of the players, serve as their extended family. “I was five months pregnant and they threw me a baby shower,” Carlie says. “Whenever he was gone, I would go and spend the night with another wife. She had two kids (of her own), both under the age of 2, and I would go and help her and she would be on me like, ‘You need to eat, you’re pregnant.’ “They just helped me out because I didn’t have him and I was in an unfamiliar place with nobody I knew but the wives. So, they’re just there for you.” The Indians’ organization has helped Josh and Carlie find pediatricians in Arizona and Ohio. Progressive Field, the Indians’ ball park, has a nursery Carlie can use, a children’s play area and a special room for the families of the players.
At Home For Josh, being at home with Carlie and Makenzie, wherever they may be living, is an escape. Josh doesn’t take his concerns of being a pitcher or the emotions from his performance on the mound home with him.
“Once we’re home, it’s us. It’s family time. It’s not about what happens at work.” Looking at Carlie, he adds, “Her job is not to ever bring up baseball.” During the off season, Josh spends his days at home riding the tractor, mowing their large lawn, dredging the pond behind the house and spending time with his dogs and his parents. “I love this (East Texas) area. I love everything about it,” he says sitting in his dining room looking at the window. As a new husband and father, Josh has new priorities. “Being a dad and being a husband is No. 1, baseball is second. You play for the love of the game but now this (baseball) is what provides for your daughter. This is what provides for your wife.” Makenzie is a daddy’s girl. This is obvious by the big smile on her face when Josh scoops her up or plays with her on the bed. Josh already has made a fatherly rule concerning the future of his daughter. “It needs to be noted that she’s not allowed to date until she gets a job and moves out of here.” Carlie knows better. “I think he has a rude awakening coming.”
Editor’s Note: During spring training, the Indians announced that Josh would be undergoing surgery to treat joint inflammation in his right shoulder. He was sent down to the Indians’ triple-A team in Columbus, Ohio. He was expected to miss much of the season.
Josh's Career
Cleveland Indians - #43
MLB Debut
July 27,2010 vs. New York Yankees
Career Statistics (through 2014 season)
Win-loss record
29-28
Earned run average
4.89
Strikeouts
282 May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
113
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The Ghostriders By Jacqueline Fowler | Courtesy Photos
Snorts, flying dust, jingling bridles. You can feel it in the air. Something great is about to happen. The lights dim and the official equestrian rodeo drill team of Texas moves into the rodeo arena to the beat of music. May/June 2015| INMagTexas.com
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The Ghostriders, an allfemale equestrian drill team based in East Texas, takes part in rodeos and parades and competes in equestrian competitions. It is the official Rodeo Drill Team of Texas.
he audience goes wild as East Texas’ Ghostriders begins one of its precision drills. The Ghostriders, an all-female team, is the brainchild of Pam Bonner, who was looking for a wholesome equestrian sport the whole family could enjoy. “We originally came together just for the love of riding and the wonderful fellowship we enjoy together,” says Pam. “Everyone was so enthusiastic. We realized we were on to something and we formed the club Aug. 4, 2001.” The initial group of 12 women has grown to 30. Riders, who pay a small membership fee, come from Lindale, Mabank, Grand Saline and Canton. The team provides the matching chaps, hats and shirts the riders wear during shows, parades and competitions. Members provide their own transportation, horse, saddle and bit. One of the riders is 58-year-old Jan Elsmore, a former physics teacher who likes to do stand-up comedy. “One reason I joined the drill team is to give my horse (Rocket) a good job,” says Jan. “Rocket responds to the goals I set for him and the team effort helps individual riders improve.” Jan and Rocket have been in Ghostriders for five years. “And like all the other horse/rider teams, we realize we’re lifelong learners,” says Jan. “We want to do it right, and above all we want to be ... engaged in community life with our riding family.”
116 May/June 2015 | INMagTexas.com
The Routines Pam holds the reins as the team’s drillmaster. She choreographs the maneuvers and coaches the youth group. Her sidekick is Ghostriders’ coach Sara Bass, who has been a member since she was 16 years old. Pam’s husband, Gary, is the director of operations. Riders are selected from auditions. Women can participate as a member of the color guard and on the teams that compete in advanced and novice divisions. Boys and girls as young as age 6 can find a place on the youth team. Each woman and youth rider is trained in horsemanship, safety and teamwork. Practices are generally held on Sunday afternoons. Drills involve putting the horses through a set of maneuvers that demand perfect timing. “First, I watch other teams, then I evaluate our horse-andrider abilities and create routines that bring out the best of each member and her horse,” says Pam. “From that, I develop eyecatching drills that flow smoothly from one maneuver to the next. “It doesn’t happen without a lot of practice. So when we perform and the crowds applaud, it’s a total rush for all of us. It’s our pay. We leave the arena absolutely exhilarated.”
Pam says each rider’s commitment to excellence is what makes the Ghostriders so good. “Riding with women at such a high skill level challenges you to be better all the time. You know you’re part of something greater than yourself.”
Honors In its very first competition in 2002, the Ghostriders won the Texas Open Drill Team Novice Championship. Since 2012, the team’s many titles include: Texas Rodeo Champion, National Senior Quad and National Color Guard champions, National Parade Champion, Central Texas Novice Champion and International Senior Novice Quad Champion. In 2007, Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed a resolution proclaiming the Ghostriders the official rodeo drill team of Texas. The resolution notes the team’s role in preserving the legacy of horsemanship in Texas. It reads: “Nearly 500 years have elapsed since horses first splashed through the surf and onto Mexican soil with the conquistador Hernando Cortes; during that half millennium, the animal became essential to many cultures in Texas and the horse and rider emerged as one of the iconic images of the Lone Star State. Through their deftly executed and heart-quickening performances, the Ghostriders evoke the ineffable bond that has joined countless riders and their mounts.”
Giving Back In January, the Ghostriders participated in the All Western Parade, an event that drew 100,000 spectators held as part of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. The team placed first in the riding clubs division. Later this year, Ghostriders is set to take part in rodeos in Athens, Lindale, Mabank and Mineola. At each performance, Ghostriders present Hometown Heroes Awards to military personnel, first responders and other heroes. Each Hometown Hero receives a framed certificate during a ceremony held in the middle of the arena. Pam says this is the Ghostriders’ way of saying “thank you” to people who dedicate their lives to serving others. In June, the Ghostriders will help present Super Ride 15, an international festival of equestrian arts. Hosted by the city of Lindale, Texas, the event is set for June 16 to 20 at the Texas Rose Horse Park near Lindale. The Super Ride International Championship Competition was established to “support continued equestrian heritage, multidisciplines and to promote rider development, education, skills, safety and family friendly competition,” says its promotional material. The event also raises money for scholarships, which helps bring new riders into equestrian teams.
Drill Team Patterns
Western States Equestrian Drill Team Association Drill Maneuvers Basket Weave Columns approach from opposite directions and weave back and forth by passing thru each other. One column separates while the other column rides thru and then vise-versa until all sets have passed. Variations:
Varying number per column.
1
2
3
4
Box Cross Four columns of one or more riders cross directly behind the rider(s) in front of them forming a box. Variations: Single file, 2s, 4s, etc.
Charro A column of riders is passed through by another set of riders . Variations: Number of riders in the column and number of riders in the set.
Chevron or Wedge Any number of riders form a moving point or wedge. One orWestern two riders may lead and Equestrian spacing should beDrill con- Team Association States sistent with an oblique.
Drill Maneuvers
Single Circle File Line or Column of Ones linecurve of riders equal distance A single closed file plane withwith every rider equal between distance each rider maintaining the same from a fixed center. Riders maytrack. be in single file, pairs, or any other combination.
Column of Twos or Pairs A column of pairs, side by side, with equal distance between each rider maintaining the same track.
The Western States Equestrian Drill Team Association Copyright © - Revised 01/2008 Page 1
Column of Threes A column of threes, side by side, with equal distance between each rider maintaining the same track.
Column of Fours A column of fours, side by side, with equal distance between each rider maintaining the same track.
Column Roll Back Outside riders at the front of a column circle outwards to the rear of the column. The adjacent riders immediately follow and end up reversing positions with the first riders. The next set repeats the roll. Variations: Number of riders per set. Number of riders per roll back (roll back by pairs don’t reverse positions).
The Western States Equestrian Drill Team Association Copyright ©
Company Front or Single Line Abreast Each rider, side by side, moving in the same direction .
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d A
e r u t n e v
s r e k e e s han Nat y B y Stor
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otos | Ph t h Wrig
ucano r Texc o t c i By V
ayla McDaniel had never even been in an airplane the first time she went skydiving as part of a group of fellow University of Texas at Tyler students. She experienced the rush of adrenaline when it came time to jump. “I was scared, but when you get up there (in the plane), you really don’t feel that fear,” recalls the senior. “It is more your adrenaline is going so fast (that) you can’t be scared and then you are just out (the door, and falling to the ground).” “It happens really quickly but it was incredible. And I would like to do it again!” McDaniel experienced the thrill of skydiving as part of Outdoor Adventures, a UT Tyler program. Adventure seekers compete in paintball games, go mountain biking on trails through the wooded area on campus and take longer trips to exciting destination across the United State to enjoy skiing, hiking and kayaking. McDaniel became involved in Outdoor Adventures a few years ago. Her first outing was a camping and canoeing trip to Broken Bow Lake in Oklahoma. Since then she has been on several adventure recreation outings. Chauncey Deller, a former recreation sports assistant at the university, started Outdoor Adventures in 2009. Last year, Chris Thompson, assistant director of UT Tyler’s Herrington Patriot Center, took over the program.
Growing Popularity At the beginning of each semester, Thompson makes the rounds to campus housing facilities and makes his pitch for participating in Rec Sports, the category under which Outdoor Adventures falls. Thompson says many students are attracted to Outdoor Adventures because of the skydiving and ski trips but most of the time outings are centered around hiking, canoeing, mountain biking or camping. “Those (types of outings) are things that are harder to get the student body to buy into.” He says one of his favorite outings is the one-day canoe trips. “We have a nice (paddling) route (that) we do in Sabine. It takes three or four hours. There are a couple of waterfalls (to see).
We bring lunch and eat on the riverside. There is also a place we go to in Oklahoma and that place is totally maxed out. I don’t have any more canoes to bring for students. ... It is just really fun.” Thompson stresses the club’s basic principles: spending time outdoors, trying adventure sports and bonding with others. “With technology taking over and people not wanting to get outdoors, we are trying to find different ways to promote getting outside and making new friends.” Thompson hopes to expand Outdoor Adventures’ offerings. “Something I am trying to get (the program) into is outdoor (rock) climbing, regardless of the certifications that I would have to acquire and be able to maintain. ... To take a student on a trip where we would need all the (rock climbing) equipment would require a lot of training, like a lot of climbing on a rock wall.” He says that the program is looking into the possibility of installing an indoor rock wall on campus. “That would be a step in the right direction,” says Thompson.
Getting Involved Thompson primarily limits Outdoor Adventures’ activities to UT Tyler students. “Because it is a subsidized (campus) program, we are trying to give students who may not necessarily have a chance to ... do these things, like skydiving, so we keep our numbers relatively small,” Thompson says. Thompson loves when new participants try an adventure sport for the first time, discover they love doing it and then come back for more outings. He recently had students from India, who had been in the United States less than two months try mountain biking for the first time and love it. “That is something that is really cool for me personally, getting to see a whole new cultural impact.” For McDaniel, it is the lure of adventure and the opportunity to experience new activities and meet people that keep her coming back to Outdoor Adventures. “Each time I go (on an adventure) I meet someone new,” McDaniel says. “It is a great way to interact with people I don’t hang out with all the time. I really enjoy meeting the different students. I really like the outdoors anyway. I really like doing stuff.”
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spirituality
See You At The Top By Jim Laws
verybody wants to be effective. Self-help manuals, success seminars, motivational tapes, positivemental-attitude speakers are a $1 billion business in our society. However, I found some time ago that nearly all their instructive principles are found in the Scriptures. This really should not come as any surprise, because truth, which comes from God, is multifaceted. This does not mean truth is subjective, but rather, truth about human behavior may be applied in different realms of endeavor (Eccl. 10:10). For example, conduct becoming of a Christian will guide the mechanic, the plumber and the school teacher, as well as the preacher. In 1978, Zig Ziglar wrote a book titled “See You at the Top,” in which he presented a number of steps, if followed, would enable a person to ascend to the top of the business ladder. These steps are successful, not because they are tried and proven true, but because they are consistent with characteristics of human behavior in secular activities revealed by God in Scriptures. Therefore, let’s consider the steps on the “stairway to success,” Ziglar mentions and apply them to spiritual matters to make us all stronger Christians.
Self-Image If we want to be successful spiritually, we must view ourselves as God does – creatures made in His image. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Gen. 1:27).
Remember, the Lord does not look upon us as we want to see ourselves, the outward appearance (1 Sam. 16:7). Rather, He gazes deeply into our heart, our inner man (1 Peter 3: 3-4). It is crucial to have an accurate estimation of ourselves.
Relationship With Others You cannot be a success without building quality relationships with others. The same is true in the Lord’s work. Broken relationships obstruct our effectiveness. “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and the come and offer your gift.” (Matt. 5: 23-24) The key to building a Christian relationship is found in Matt. 7:12: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
Goals To be successful, set goals and develop a plan to accomplish those goals. This principle applies to both our physical and spiritual life. In the midst of our planning, firmly fix the Lord as your focus. As it says in James 4:15: “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'”
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Jim Laws is the pulpit minister at Broadway Church of Christ in Tyler, Texas. He holds a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate in Bible from Tennessee Bible College.
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