BALLGAME
Take Me Out To The
July/August 2015 | Complimentary Copy
Dr. Neon EDUCATION GUIDE
APEC // AWESOME AGILE ATHLETES // Travel: Arkansas // ON The GO July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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July/Aug 2015
contents: 6 From the Editor
arts & technology 12 Dr. Neon 18 The Comeback Kid 24 What We're Reading
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features
30 The Jewel Of Palestine 36 Sisterhood Of The Bombers 42 Awesome Agile Athletes
style
48 On The Go 54 The Must List
dwell
60 Ready For A Townhouse? 66 Do-It-Yourself: Atomic Art 70 Flooring Trends
live healthy
78 APEC 84 Life Lessons Of Summer 87 Exercise And Family Time
food & culture 102 104 106 110 112 116
Summer's Slice Of Heaven The Dining Guide The Good Life Of Los Pinos Calendar Of Events Travel: Treasures Of Arkansas Brookshire's Museum
outdoors
120 Fishing In Mexico 124 Golf Carts Re-Imagined 126 Take Me Out To The Ballgame 130 Spirituality: Power Of Momentum
EDUCATION GUIDE: 88 A special section drawing attention to East Texas area schools and universities as well as businesses that meet the needs of students and their families.
On the Cover:
Style: On The Go
Design by: DeAuna Frey Photo by: Lee Loveless 4
July/August 2015 | INMagTexas.com
Making
Summer Simpler Sundays
Join us this summer for our family-friendly schedule of Sunday Morning Worship and Bible Study. 9:00 a.m. – Bible Study, Celebration Worship & CrossWalk Worship 10:30 a.m. - Bible Study, Celebration Worship & CrossWalk Worship
1607 Troup Highway • Tyler, Texas • 903-525-1100 www.gabc.org
Pastor David O. Dykes teaches practical Bible lessons every Sunday morning.
July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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The 3 Good Things Ritual
Your Voice
From the Editor Bobby Stroupe understands that to reach goals and be the best you can be — fit, healthy and motivated — the mind and body must work in harmony. There’s no way around it. As owner of APEC (Athletic Performance Enhancement Center), Stroupe has spent much of his life studying the biomechanics and psychology of achieving athletic excellence. (See the story on Page 78.) He says to never underestimate the power of positive thinking. At his new APEC headquarters in Tyler, a $1 million facility filled with the best athletic training equipment available, Stroupe strategically placed on walls and ceilings messages of encouragement and selfbelief. In supersized letters, these thoughts are in-your-face big and bold. When Stroupe gave me a tour, he proudly pointed out the message that all see as they pass through the Danny Mogle entrance from the lobby into the gym. It is a variation of 2 Timothy 4:7, “Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith.” “As you can see, I’m in to motivation,” he told me. Near the passage from 2 Timothy is another verse from the Bible, Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” In the lobby are these words of wisdom from J.J. Watt, the powerful Houston Texans All-Pro defensive end who’s made a career of sacking quarterbacks: “Success isn’t owned, it’s leased and rent is due every day.” “At APEC, we take mindset very seriously,” Stroupe says in a blog on its website. “I would argue that mindset transcends athletics/physical fitness and will be a determining factor on any individual’s quality of life.” Stroupe writes that the ability to tap into the power of positive thinking begins with a commitment to helping others and counting your blessings. “Negative people are typically not high achievers. We have to deal with hardwired negativity and focus on the effects of deliberate positive actions. One of the best ways to make a negative person turn positive is charitable work. ... Helping others helps yourself from a psychological perspective.” To build a positive approach to life, Stroupe recommends adopting The 3 Good Things Ritual. “At the end of the day … list three good things you experienced that day. Detail your role in making these things happen. (Ask yourself) how can you help more things like this happen? “Review these each night. If anyone will do this for three weeks their entire outlook We hope you enjoy reading this issue of IN will be improved and they will be in a betMagazine. Please let us know what you think ter position to reach their goals.” about our bi-monthly publication by sending Stroupe says it’s all about “training your comments to, danny@inmagtexas.com. the brain to find simple reasons for being happy.” It sounds like excellent advice to me.
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Barron packs a writing punch As a Canadian reader of IN Magazine, I wanted to express my delight in seeing a recent article written (“Packing a Punch,” May/June) by David Barron on Megan Ybarra, the young female boxing star. I am a former follower of Barron’s writing from years past in other publications and look forward to reading more articles written by him in issues to come. His artistic ability to paint a vivid picture makes it easy to visualize and follow with his fresh and unique writing approach. I anticipate the opportunity to follow this rising (boxing) star and those that have shown great leadership to this young person in the Tyler community as she continues her journey. Here’s to Megan from Canada! Renee Carpenter Canada
‘One of the best ever published’ This past publication (May/June) of IN was one of the best ever published. Every page was polished and interesting. I especially enjoyed the article (“On Pointe: Chasing Perfection”) featuring ballerina Micheala Hutchins, a sweet girl from church; and of course, I can’t wait for peach season to make the delicious looking peach pie recipe! Thank you for presenting this community with such a delightful read. Jon C. Gilbreath Tyler
Megan Ybarra’s inspiring story I have enjoyed reading IN Magazine. I especially enjoyed the article recently written by David Barron, “Packing a Punch” (May/June), about Megan Ybarra and her middle school coach suggesting she funnel her energy in a more positive way. The fact that Candace at the Troup Boxing Gym took notice of the young girl’s talent was inspiring. It is a strong statement to the power of influence teachers and youth leaders have over our youth. They put forth the challenge and a boxing star was born. A. Hughes Southwest Oklahoma
Financial Focus
financial planning
Five Reasons Not to Be a "Do-It-Yourself " Investor By Randall Childress These days, you can go online and invest, for modest fees. You can also visit various websites for research and watch numerous cable shows for investment recommendations. So, why shouldn’t you be a “do-it-yourself” investor rather than work with a financial professional?
Actually, there are at least five good reasons why a financial advisor can help make you a better investor. A financial advisor can:
Ask the right questions — If you try to invest on your own, you may find yourself asking the wrong questions, such as: “What’s the ‘hottest’ investment out there?” A financial professional can help frame better questions, such as: “Given my individual risk tolerance and long-term goals, which investments should I consider to help me build a balanced portfolio?” In other words, a financial professional can help you ask the questions that can lead to better results. Look at your situation objectively — No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to take all the emotion out of your investment choices. After all, your investment success will play a large role in some key areas of your life, such as your ability to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Consequently, if you think you’re not making the progress you should with your investments, you may be tempted to make a hasty decision to give your portfolio a “jolt.” Frequently, though, such choices can backfire. When it comes to investing, it’s better to invest with your head, not your heart. A financial advisor can analyze your situation, assess your risk tolerance and make appropriate recommendations. Show a deeper understanding of investment research — You can look up many types of financial data on your own. But do you know how to put all these pieces together into a cohesive picture? A financial professional, with years of experience and training, is generally more capable of finding the research sources and making the most sense out of the results. Put experience to work in making portfolio recommendations — Even if you’ve been investing for many years, you might be surprised at all the underlying influences that should go into making investment decisions. But a financial professional understands market patterns, the nature of diversification and other factors necessary in helping you make the right choices for your situation. PMS Black Spend time looking for opportunities — Even if you enjoy the process of investing, the chances are quite good that you can’t spend as much time on it as a financial professional. That means, among other things, you aren’t constantly on the lookout for new investment opportunities. Nor are you always looking within your own portfolio for opportunities to rebalance or make other adjustments that can help you move forward toward your goals. But when you work closely with a financial advisor, he or she is exploring the financial markets for new investment prospects while regularly reviewing your portfolio for possibilities of upgrading quality, increasing diversification or making adjustments in response to changes in your life. PMSroute Whitemay be fine for home repairs. But when it comes to managing your investment situation, there The “do-it-yourself” are benefits to working with a professional.
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 July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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ETX Bombers INMagTexas.com | July/August 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
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REGIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE | Rhonda Smith | 903.330.2278
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Ready For A Townhouse?
rsmith@inmagtexas.com
SALES EXECUTIVE | J. David Barron | 903.596.6202 dbarron@inmagtexas.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Jennifer Babisak, Doug Baker, Tina Bausinger, Tamra
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Joe Nichols
Bolton, Crystal Breaux, Shannon Dorsey, Jacqueline Fowler, Leslie Harrison, K.J. Gleason, Grace Florczykowski, Jacque Hilburn-Simmons, Grace Malone, Brittany Lee Mays, Danny Mogle, Hugh Neeld, Donna Spann, Jan Statman, David Wallace, Victoria Whitwell
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS | Tamra Bolton, Andrew D. Brosig, Mark Fisher, Ann-Marie Hensley, Lori Ivey, Lee Loveless, Grace Malone, Sarah A. Miller, Joshua Payne, David White, Kelly French FASHION COORDINATOR & STYLIST | Linda Foster, The Co-Ed Shop SPECIAL THANKS | Boot Campaign, Brookshire Grocery Company, Capstone College Advising, East Texas Pump Jacks, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, Steve Knight, Tyler Area Business Education Council
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legal authority
By Christina Davis, Sinclair Law Office n a short month or so, many people will have children leaving home for the first time and heading off to college. Things are running through your head, like, “Will she pay enough attention to school work?” or, “Will he call me every day?” and, “How soon can I turn that extra room into a home gym?” You are talking to your kids about these issues and reminding them that greater independence means greater responsibility. However, one often overlooked area of advice for young adults is about credit. As soon as young men and women turn 18, the credit card offers start showing up in the mail. Probably even more relevant are the in-store offers for store credit cards that provide instant discounts and a period of low, or no interest. These tempting offers have gotten the best of many of us. Of all the things you want to pass on to your children, mismanagement of credit and the accumulation of debt are often not among that advice. So, what can you do about it? 1 • Talk to your children about credit early and often. It’s not too late to start the conversation even if your child is a young adult, especially because that is the “at-risk” group. But, of course, if possible, start the conversation early. Here’s your opening: Elementary schools teach children about money and you can piggyback that lesson with an explanation of credit. Also, keep in mind that children learn so many things just by watching you, so every time you decline an offer in a department store to open a line of credit, talk to them about why you did that. 2 • Practice the idea of credit with your children. Many families practice earning money by paying children to do chores and some even practice saving money by opening a savings account for their children. My suggestion would be to work out a way to actually practice the idea of credit. For example, if your child wants that new toy or even candy, explain to her that you will buy it, but then they have to repay you when they get their next allowance. Explanation is the key here. As children get a little older, you can increase the complexity of the concept by adding in interest or paying it out over time. 3 • Make practice a reality. When your child becomes a young adult, get him or her a credit card with a very low credit limit in their own name. Monitor the child’s use of the card, review the statements with her, and
really have her look at the different components of the statement. For example, don’t go right by the box on the statement that tells you how much you will end up paying over time if all you do is pay the minimum payment. At this point, introduce the idea of a credit score. Pull your young adult’s credit report and show her what it looks like and how debt affects it. This is a great time to talk about concepts like debt-to-credit and debt-to-income ratios. 4 • Explain the consequences of abusing credit. We’ve all made mistakes in our early 20s that we had to fix in our 30’s, 40’s, and even 50’s. Running up credit cards is such a common mistake of young adults and at least some of the blame needs to be placed on the fact that they don’t fully understand the negative impact it will have on their lives. It can take many years (and some serious dedication) to pay off significant credit card debt, and it can take even longer than that to repair a bad credit score. It could prevent her from buying a car, affect the credit she is able to get in the future, or the interest rates she’s offered. 5 • Don’t forget that student loans are a form of credit. If your young adult has aspirations of attending college or earning a post-graduate degree for which she will need student loans, talk to her about the longterm effects of a student loan. There are many advantages to student loans, such as low-interest rates, wide availability, and the option to defer payment until some time after graduation. What young adults don’t understand about those student loans is that you have to balance the size of the loan with the likelihood of obtaining a job after graduation that pays enough to actually make the loan payments. Also, getting large student loans could mean that you have to put off other major life events, like buying a new car or buying a home, because many lenders will be shy about lending more money to someone with that amount of existing debt. If you are still unsure about talking to your children about credit, use the tools that are already out there. Nearly every major online news outlet has published an article on teaching children about credit. The concept is not new, but hopefully with more attention to the issue, the practice will become more widespread. Having your children grow up to be financially responsible adults will give you one less thing to lay awake at night and worry about.
Kristen Senkyr and Christina Davis are attorneys at the Sinclair Law Office, PC located in Tyler. Senkyr and Davis serve families who are often in the most difficult circumstances. They provide services in Smith County, Henderson County, Wood County, Cherokee County, and other East Texas counties, as needed. They routinely represent family members in all types of family law cases, including divorce, child custody, child support, CPS, Attorney General, protective orders, and many other types of cases ranging from non-contested to highly-contested. Senkyr and Davis are active participants in the Smith County Bar Association and their community. They both attended Texas Christian University and are proud Horned Frogs. Also, both Senkyr and Davis hold Juris Doctorate degrees from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law.
(903) 533-1005 • 400 S. Broadway, Suite 102 • Tyler, Texas • info@SinclairLawTyler.com
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Arts & Technology
ART Photo by Joshua Payne
> Dr. Neon, 12 > The Comeback Kid, 18
Reviews
> What We’re Reading, 24
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By Jan Statman | Photos by Andrew D. Brosig im Reardon was enjoying the well-loved Austin tradition of celebrating Eeyore’s Birthday in Pease Park when a masked stranger in an elaborate costume walked up to him, pointed his finger and announced, “Aha! I know who you are! You are Doctor Neon!” Whether the stranger was a fortuneteller, a psychic or simply a giver of names, the title stuck. The year was 1976 and Reardon was willing to accept that honorary degree. He was working with neon, talking about neon and spreading the word about the beauty of neon.
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He was happy to become Doctor Neon. One of Reardon’s earliest memories is watching light cause a photograph to appear on paper in his father’s photography studio. Since that moment, light has had a magical attraction for him. He studies the effects of light on water and is transformed by its effects on air. He first captured light with photography and then with lasers before settling on working with neon. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Reardon studied physics, engineering and electronics at the University of New Mexico before moving to Austin. Today he makes neon art in his Reardon
Dr. Neon Art Studio in Longview.
Working With Light Reardon considers the neon tube – which makes it possible to create and manipulate the very shape of light – the ultimate way to “draw” with light. “It is drawn in four- or five-foot lengths of machine-made tubes,” says Reardon. “There are various diameters (of tubes used) depending on the size of the project. Sometimes it is clear
glass. Sometimes it is colored glass. Sometimes it has a phosphor inside that will glow.” He says the name neon is misleading because what’s used is a combination of gases including neon, argon and krypton. The color produced is the result of the color of the glass tube, the gases inside the tube and the phosphor being used. When he lived in Austin, Reardon used neon tubes to make commercial signs. “Commercial neon is recognized and appreciated by everyone, everywhere. We were doing commercial neon, but in the process of | Cont. ON page 14
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| Cont. FROM page 13 making the neon pieces better, we were also making them prettier. The whole idea was to make it functional and to make it pretty. “Good neon, which is strong neon, is smooth. It has no kinks, the welds are smooth and it is a high quality product. It was functional but it was also beautiful.” Reardon eventually abandoned commercial work to create neon pieces as art. “The advantage of moving from commercial neon to art forms is in the experience of finding out how to create the images you choose,” he says. “This allows the artist freedom to expand his vision.”
Works of Art The visual nature of neon art excites Reardon. “Vision is my most all-encompassing sense. Of all the five senses, those things that provide me with a visual uplift will have a stronger and longer lasting effect on me. I wanted to make art. I said to myself, ‘I’m going to do it. If I build it, somebody will come.’” Neon as art is still fairly avant-garde, he says. “While it has recently begun to develop a larger following in the middle of the country, it still enjoys greater popularity at either coast and is sought after by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have the expendable income to own art. “Neon art is frequently owned by the younger and more sophisticated collectors. Many of them have grown up feeling comfortable and familiar with the constant sense of change. They live with change. They are open to change in every way. They know and rely on the instant intensity of the computer and the world it has created. Many of them even work in the computer fields.” He says that installing a piece in a home or office brings the collector into the equation as a collaborator. “I put remote controls and dimmers on all my neon pieces. That way, the pieces can be activated without the collector having to be physically standing in front of the work. This gives the collector the opportunity not only to collaborate with me as an artist, but also to collaborate with the environment in which the sculpture is placed, and at the same time to own something that is not only beautiful but that can be constantly changing.”
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Top: Reardon at home with his piece titled “Colorful Language,” which is part of his “String Theory” series. He creates art using neon tubes that he makes at his workshop in Longview, Texas.
"I have been playing with light all my life. I started with photography, moved on to lasers, and then discovered luminous tubes. I find designing with light to be very fulfilling. Smooth curves, the luster of the glass and no sharp corners characterize my work. "The current series (of art), “String Theory,” combines the visual representation of sound with the flowing lines of the glass to present the viewer with an image of a moment in time. Color expands the viewing experience, allowing us to create in our minds the next thought or movement." - Tim Reardon
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The Comeback Kid After struggles, Joe Nichols is back on top By Danny Mogle | Photos by Joshua Payne oe Nichols just may be the comeback kid of country music. His latest album, “Crickets,” has produced three hits, his concerts are packing in crowds and it seems one of his songs always is on the radio. After emerging as the hottest new country singer more than a decade ago, Nichols’s career stalled. He dealt with anger and substance abuse problems and feuded with his record label. But while some were writing Nichols off, he cleaned up his act and started putting out hit records again. He’s arguably doing some of the best work of his career. “I’m in a good place now,” the East Texan says of his personal and professional life.
EARLY SUCCESS In 2002, with the release of his album “Man with A Memory,” the then 25-year-old Arkansas native burst onto the national country music scene like few before him. The album’s debut single, a sentimental tearjerker called “The Impossible,” hit No. 3. He followed it with “Brokenheartsville,” a song about a good ol’ boy whose girl left him. The song reached No. 1. “Man with a Memory” produced two more hits and sold more than one million copies. The album was nominated for three Grammy awards, including Country Album of the Year. In 2003, Nichols won Country Music Association’s Horizon Award (now New Artist of the Year) as the most promising new singer in the business. It’s the same award Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts, all of whom became superstars, won in the three years before Nichols. Singing traditional country and blessed with good looks, Nichols appeared destined to be the next big thing — the next George Strait or Alan Jackson. Although over the next eight years he had a steady string of hits, including two more No. 1s, Nichols never reached superstar status. Perhaps it all came too fast and too easy. “Back then, I was wide-eyed and a little bit arrogant,” Nichols told Rolling Stone magazine. “I thought No. 1s were somewhat easy. ... I thought it was smooth sailing, but I quickly learned that it’s not smooth at all.” Just as he was becoming a star, his father died from pulmonary fibrosis. Instead of having time to grieve, Nichols hit the road on a grueling national concert tour. He oscillated between the high of performing before adoring fans to the low of dealing with losing his father. He turned to speed and booze to get through it all. In 2005, after a well-publicized, rage-filled public outburst in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Nichols began seeing a therapist. In September 2007, Nichols wed Heather Singleton, his childhood sweetheart. A few weeks later, Nichols checked into a substance abuse program. Within months of marrying, his wife became pregnant. 18
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The pregnancy ended in the first of five miscarriages they suffered over the next few years. The heartbreak of loss and the stress of not knowing if they would ever have a baby tested Nichols’s faith and sobriety. “Sobriety is a challenge no matter what,” he told People magazine in 2012, “I shook my fist at God. I felt like we had been abandoned.” Nichols relocated from Nashville, to Tyler so his wife could be closer to relatives in East Texas and he could escape the stress and party life of Music City. He worried that his career was going nowhere and that his record label, Show Dog-Universal, was not doing enough to promote his work. In November of 2011, Nichols’s final album for Show Dog-Universal, the ironically titled “It’s All Good,” produced one single, “Take It Off,” which only hit 25 on the country chart. Fed up, he left the label.
NEW START Nichols had a feel-good song, “Yeah,” that he believed in and spent his own money to record. Confident he still had a lot of good music to make, Nichols approached executives at a new label, Red Bow. Red Bow was eager to get Nichols back into the studio and his career back on track. Although the label was not one of the big names in the industry, its “let’s-do-this” attitude was just what Nichols was looking for. “I wanted to be in business with somebody who had the same sense of urgency about me as I do, and Red Bow did,” he elaborates on his website. “Having a hit, writing or making good albums has never been a problem for me; it’s been that momentum you get from having a consistent series of hits.” In 2013, Red Bow released “Sunny and 75,” Nichols’s upbeat song about a guy who wants nothing more than to spend time with his girlfriend in the sun. Within a few months, his fans had downloaded it from iTunes more than half a million times. It hit No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart. The single preceded the release of “Crickets.” The album’s second single, “Yeah,” (the song Nichols was so excited about) also hit No. 1. His most recent single, “Hard to be Cool,” is receiving strong radio play. Just as Nichols’s professional life was seeing new success, he and his wife at long last had a child. In 2012, their daughter Dylan was born. In 2014, the couple had a second daughter, Georgia. Nichols also has a teenager daughter, Ashelyn, from a previous relationship.
GOOD TIMES It is a Saturday afternoon in April, and Nichols is tak| Cont. ON page 20
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| Cont. FROM page 18 ing time for a telephone interview before headlining a concert at the Pima County Fair in Tucson, Arizona, as part of an extended national tour. Nichols now performs before two generations. “I have both a new, younger fan base and those who are real familiar with my older stuff,” says Nichols. Nichols and his management team also are working on music for his next album. Nichols says he feels more freedom to be creative and “less scripted” and that he’s looking for songs that have an “edgier” feel to them. But more than anything, Nichols longs to spend more time with his wife and daughters in Tyler. “It’s a peaceful place,” he says. “It has a normal pace of life.” On his website, he talks more about the joys of spending time in Tyler. “It’s just a great way of life there. When I’m home, there are no crowds, no industry events to go to, none of that,” he says. He finds ways to give back to his adopted home town. Last year, he headlined the Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala, a huge fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. With his self-described “wild man” days behind him, a loving family and new success, Nichols is more excited than ever. “Things are fantastic. You can never predict the future, but I’ve kept a good positive attitude. All these (good) things are coming together. … All the hard work is paying off.” He doesn’t like all the talk about making a comeback, he thinks of it more like opening a new chapter. “The biggest thing I feel is that it’s a new day. I’m wiping the slate clean and starting brand new.”
Photo by Ann-Marie Hensley 20
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Keeping your furry family healthy and happy. When you are enjoying one of the best times of the year on vacation with your loved ones, you need to know that your pets are safe and happy. Gresham Veterinary Hospital offers extraordinary boarding services with the same kind of loving care that you give your pet in the comfort of your home. Your pet is part of your family, and you deserve the very best care possible for your pet while you are away enjoying the best time of the year.
Your pet is an important part of your family, and when he or she is ill, you want the best medical care available.
11187 CR 168 • Tyler, TX • 903-894-3033 • www.GreshamVet.com
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ART CLA SSE S
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Sign up today!
June 8 S August 14 CLASSES FOR ALL AGES View the summer schedule and register for classes at
LMFA.ORG
215 E. Tyler St. • Longview, Texas 903.753.8103
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It’s time for Summer vacations. Make sure your pet’s vaccines are current, so he can come too!
• Small Animal Medicine & Surgery • Grooming • Boarding
Can’t come? We have caring staff that will care for your family member while you’re away.
www.copelandrdanimalhospital.com 5113 New Copeland Rd. • Tyler • 903.509.3454
Where the people are worth more than the money. Memberships available for all who live, work, worship or attend school in Smith County. Also, Postal and Federal Employees in Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood Counties. Join United Credit Union – the oldest established credit union in Tyler. Established 1932
903.595.3604 4901 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler www.unitedcu.coop
Yellow by Nathan Sawaya. Photo courtesy of brickartist.com.
July 10 – September 13, 2015 Log on to www.tylermuseum.org for updated information about educational programming and special events.
Tyler Museum of Art 1300 South Mahon Avenue • Tyler, Texas 75701 • (903) 595-1001
www.tylermuseum.org
Clip this for savings
Family 4 Pack
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includes 4 tickets and 4 meals Good through end of 2015 Summer season
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books
this summer By Tina Bausinger | Courtesy Photos
Ah,
summer reading! The time when we take a few moments to relax and reflect – hopefully by a body of water. Whether you are lounging seaside, lakeside or poolside, here are six books guaranteed to please. Have fun and don’t forget your sun block!
“Sisterland” by Curtis Sittenfeld arthquakes, twin sisters and the sixth sense – what possibly could go wrong? Sittenfeld’s story, set in St. Louis, Missouri, explores the bond of Violet and Kate, twin sisters who couldn’t be more different. Vi, a modern hippy claiming to be psychic, is a source of joy and embarrassment for Kate, a suburban, nononsense mom who just wants her crazy sister to be normal, or at least more normal, in public. A series of events that upsets both their worlds force the sisters to decide what’s really important in the grand scheme of things. It is a perfect blend of adventure and humor, with a bit of historical relevance thrown in.
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“The Last Original Wife” by Dorothea Benton Frank eslie and Wesley, a too-adorable for words couple, have been married for a long time. Leslie is reasonably happy in her southern Georgia home, until she makes the uncomfortable discovery that many of Wesley’s friends are turning in their “old” wives for new, hot versions. This, coupled with the fact that Wesley (the world’s tightest cheapskate) has squirreled away several million dollars unbeknownst to his trusting wife, causes Leslie to snap. She goes to visit her brother in Charleston to figure out what she wants. The book is a breezy, hilarious read – much like “The First Wives Club” but without the bitterness. Frank’s voice is lighthearted and entertaining to the end.
“Paper Towns” by John Green he story is told from the viewpoint of young Quentin Jacobsen, a graduating high school senior who falls irrevocably in love with the girl next door, Margo Roth Spiegelman. Quentin thinks that nothing will come of his affections because he’s just too shy. Margo, popular, beautiful and impulsive, seems to shine a bit too brightly for Quentin to make his move. One night before graduation, Margo knocks on Quentin’s window and asks him to help pull off pranks on those who have wronged her. Reserved, anxiety-ridden Quentin goes along with Margo’s ideas,
hoping to endear himself to her. The next day at school, Margo is simply gone, and Quentin won’t rest until he finds out what happened. “A Land More Kind Than Home” by Wiley Cash ash’s book is a perfect mix of coming-of-age and thriller and is being compared to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which is pretty high praise for this Southern gothic girl. A bit creepy and chilly, this novel will scratch your itch for a bit of a scare without going full-fledged horror mode. Jess Hall, an inquisitive kid, stumbles upon a secret when he’s caught snooping around. It’s a classic case of curiosity kills the cat; an act doesn’t go unpunished. “A Land More Kind Than Home” speaks to those who have been shattered by secrets and find themselves brave enough to overcome childhood dramas. “The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer” (Volume I of the Mara Dyer Trilogy) by Michelle Hodkin ara Dyer, a seemingly ordinary teenager, wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what brought her there. Her friends, all three of them, are dead, and Mara seems to be the only one who should know what happened, but she doesn’t. As pieces of the story come together, Mara learns she was in an abandoned mental hospital when everything
went down. She can’t seem to get past what happened. Mara is diagnosed with PTSD and her family moves to another town to start over. Things get stranger when Mara meets a young man who seems to know her better than she knows herself. Is this boy the key to the secrets Mara’s mind holds? In this breathtaking thriller, Hodkin keeps the reader involved and worried for Mara. Just knowing that there are more books coming in the trilogy makes me happy (and worried)! “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison perfect example of the Southern gothic novel, Morrison weaves a poignant tale of shattered relationships and broken trust. Morrison challenges standards of racial beauty, religion and class struggles. Why would I suggest this book for summer reading? It’s beautiful. I found myself rolling Morrison’s words around in my brain, saying them out loud to reexperience their loveliness. She knows how to string sentences together in such a way that has earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature, the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize, yet she’s easy to understand. Although it is a bit substantial, it’s still short enough to fit the summer mood.
For other book reviews, check out INMagTexas.com July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Features
Photo by Sarah A. Miller
ART
> The Jewel Of Palestine, 30 > Sisterhood Of The Bombers, 36 > Awesome Agile Athletes, 42
July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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The Jewel of Palestine By Danny Mogle | Photos by Lee Loveless
After 100 years, Anderson County's courthouse looks better than ever There is no mistaking the Anderson County Courthouse. The imposing Renaissance Revival building with a shiny silver dome strategically rests on top of the highest hill overlooking downtown Palestine, Texas, like an emperor’s palace looming over a mini kingdom. Equal parts seat of justice, living museum and historical landmark, the courthouse has been the undeniable focal point of the town for 100 years. Thanks to recent large-scale renovations, some say the old girl has never looked better.
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THE BUILDING In 1847, not long after the first Legislature established Anderson County on land between the Trinity and Neches rivers in East Texas, a modest frame building on the northeast corner of the square of Palestine was built to serve as a courthouse. It was almost immediately too small. The one-story courthouse was eventually replaced by a more respectable two-story brick structure. An attractive third court-
house, which was known for its four-story clock tower, was finished in 1886. It was destroyed by fire in 1913. By this time, Palestine was as an important railroad town with a booming population. In 1875, county leaders had the good sense to convince the International-Great Northern Railroad to relocate its headquarters and machine and repair shops to Palestine. The prosperous railroad was providing hundreds of goodpaying jobs and the county’s many farmers were producing some of the biggest cotton, corn and sweet potato crops in the state. Leaders were determined that the new courthouse would reflect Anderson County’s wealth and prestige. They were determined to spare no expense to make the new courthouse the talk of the state. The Austin architectural firm of Charles H. Page & Bros. came up with a striking neoclassical design featuring large columns, over-scaled architectural details, grand entrances and a center rotunda. The National Register of Historic Places describes the courthouse as a rectangular three-story temple form finished in brick with limestone and glazed terra cotta detailing. On each side, a series of steps lead to first-story entrance porticos framed by six giant stone columns. Near the roof, a balustrade above the cornice line provides a transition to the large silver painted steel dome on which is perched a statue called Lady Justice. Inside, a spiral staircase extends from the basement to the third story. The marble steps are in gray and black tones. The handrails feature metal grillwork in a flowing design topped with polished wood. At the top of the dome rests a stained glass skylight featuring a six-point star in a yellow circle framed by decorative blue accents from which extend a series of rectangular glass pieces in tones of beige, light brown and grey. On the floor of the basement directly below the skylight, a mural depicts the state of Texas surrounded by plants, animals and other images iconic to the state. One of the largest rooms is the two-story district courtroom. It has a vaulted barrel ceiling, Cont. ON page 32 | July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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ⅼ Cont. FROM page 31 wooden furnishings with intricate carvings and a mural on the back wall depicting early heroes of Texas. In the hallways throughout the courthouse, marble wainscoting cover the lower portion of the walls and globular light fixtures hang from the ceilings. With much fanfare, the courthouse was dedicated on June 20, 1914. It cost $250,000, a huge sum in its day. The courthouse still looks much like it did the day it opened. Today, the walls are adorned with portraits of previous county judges and district judges and dozens of historical photos of Palestine, photos of famous people who have passed through the county and other artifacts, many from the personal collection of Judge Bascom Bentley.
PRESERVING A LANDMARK County Judge Robert Johnston has been passing through the
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marbled hallways of the courthouse since he was a child. His father, the late Hoyt Johnston, was an attorney who often did business there. His grandfather, V.M. Johnston, presided as judge of the Third District Court from 1945 to 1961 and a greatuncle, Luther Johnston, served as the county attorney in the 1940s. “I have been around the courthouse my entire life,” says Johnston, pausing long enough to draw attention to a portrait just inside one of the entrances. “That’s my grandfather.” As the county’s top elected official, Johnston is responsible for taking care of the courthouse he loves. The county is spending over a quarter million dollars to pressure wash the entire building; repair brick, plaster and woodwork; reseal and repair the many windows and add a new coat of paint. The work is expected to take most of the year to complete. In recent years, Johnston had all the wooden surfaces in the interior – including the staircase handrails – polished and the stair-
case metal grills repainted. He says all the work was long overdue and that he is honored to preserve a building in which so much history has been made. The courthouse was designated a Texas Historic Landmark in 1988 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Standing on the staircase, Johnston takes time to gaze at the skylight high above. “You should see it on a bright sunny day when the light comes pouring in,” he says with a smile. “It’s beautiful. This is a beautiful building.”
Pages 30-31: Exterior views of the Anderson County Courthouse. Pages 32-33: The skylight in the dome, a mural on the basement floor and a spiral staircase made of stone are among interior attractions. July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Mar/Apr 2015| INMagTexas.com
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41
Who We Are: Owner and founder Gary Halbrooks has a passion for what he does and a dedication to the commercial real estate industry. He has built Venue Properties, Inc. from the ground up starting first and foremost around the values of trust, honesty, and integrity. Gary and his team care for every project, big or small, personally and uniquely. He loves hearing from current and future clients. His email address and cell phone numbers are below. For over 25 years Venue Properties, Inc. has provided unsurpassed expertise in commercial real estate. Their team of experts is the best in the business and has created a reputation for trust, integrity, success and knowledge of the East Texas commercial real estate market. At Venue Properties, Inc. they provide Brokerage, Management, Development, and Investment for retail, office, industrial, medical and unimproved land commercial real estate. They can promise you that your overall experience and end result will leave you proud for many years to come.
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Venue Properties, Inc. agents actively and passionately work with their clients to streamline the process of buying, selling and leasing of commercial real estate. Through a broad list of resources developed in over 30 years of commercial real estate transactions from procurement and development to brokering and managing, they take a competitive approach to finding buyers, sellers and tenants for their clients using fine tuned consulting and negotiating skills. Venue Properties , Inc. works with a range of clients such as retailers, developers, shopping center owners, and investors with a hands-on approach focused on making the most educated real estate decision to maximize asset value.
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Experience in commercial real estate is pivotal to making the right decisions. This is where Venue Properties, Inc. stands apart from other companies. With their experiences in large-scale projects in all facets of commercial real estate they can make your project come to life. Regardless of the size of the project or what stage you are in they can help you complete your real estate projects, both effectively and efficiently.
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Venue Properties, Inc. specializes in investment strategy. They seek out investment properties and help their clients see the value added or redevelopment opportunities. During the process of commercial real estate investment they offer their extensive market knowledge, transaction expertise, and customer service in order to maximize the value for their clients. Through this process they can take on many roles such as your adviser, investor, equity partner, and/or joint venture partner and most importantly a friend you can trust.
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Venue Properties, Inc. provides reliable execution and informed decisions based on the desires of our clients. Together this creates maximum value for their customers and their property. Their expertise from being one of the oldest continually operating property management companies in East Texas allows them to make intelligent decisions with confidence. Venue Properties, Inc. can help you receive the highest return for the investment through their property management.
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Venue Properties, Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with Dominion Business Advisors, LLC to serve clients who wish to buy or sell an existing business and consult on start-up or venture capital investments . Dominion Business Advisors, LLC are able to break down the business to better assist Venue Properties, Inc. in determining it’s core value. This is just another benefit of working with Venue Properties, Inc. July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Sisterhood
of theBombers By Grace Malone | Photos by Sarah A. Miller
oller skates rumble across a smooth rink as blockers form a human wall to stop the approaching jammer dead in her tracks. In a burst of raw adrenaline, the jammer picks up speed and crashes through the human wall. Bodies go flying. Welcome to a typical rough-and-tumble practice of the East Texas Bombers roller derby team. The women under the helmets have outlandish roller derby personas and take pride in dishing out a little on-track punishment but off the track they are loving mothers and wives, devoted students and busy women. They also share a bond that goes far beyond being teammates. When the going gets tough off the track, they turn to one another for much needed support.
JAMIE There’s never a dull moment in the life of 27-year-old Bomber Jamie Kingsley of Tyler, Texas. She juggles the demands of raising her daughters, 5-year-old Cydnee, and 8-year-old Morgan, going to college and working. Jamie, aka Nine Millemeter Nancy, joined the team after two Bombers attended her spin class at KTC Fitness Center in Tyler and encouraged her to give it a try. “I went up there (to a derby practice) and I was a little apprehensive at first, but I just put on a pair of skates and have loved it ever since,” Jamie says. She and her daughters soon were part of the extended Bombers family of women and their children. Now, Cydnee and Morgan can’t wait to go with their mother to practices and matches. “We often pack some snacks up and we will pack some books. … All the moms get together and say, ‘Hey, I am bringing my kids tonight, do you want to bring yours?’ and so they get to play while we’re out there working.” Jamie says the Bombers are teaching her girls about the value of working together and having a never-give-up attitude. “They see women working together, building each other up and that when you fall down you get back up and you keep going.” Besides being a fitness instructor, Jamie takes classes at The University of Texas at Tyler to become a teacher, works part-time at the university and volunteers. “I have to be super organized. Everything is very scheduled, veryvery planned, very structured. I don’t really have a lot of free time and when I do, it’s spent with the kids and roller derby.” | Cont. ON page 38
Jamie Kingsley talks to her daughter, Cydnee, before a match.
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Photo by Grace Malone
July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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| Cont. FROM page 36 Being a derby girl helps her deal with the stress that comes with having a busy life. “I’m just a young mom, work fulltime with two kids. I get really stressed and roller derby is a great way to kind of take all that built-up energy and just release it on somebody.”
When the going gets tough off the track, they turn to one another for much needed support. OFF THE TRACK Bomber Monica “Cheekelicious” Orchard, 41, lives a fast-paced life. Although she may be rough on the track, she spends most of her time taking care of others as a nurse at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler; wife to her husband, David; and mother to twin 13-year-old girls, Jasmine and Violet, and 9-year-old son, Paxton. “I like to keep moving. I can’t stop,” laughs Monica. “I’ve always been a little bit of an adrenaline junky.” Sarah Early has moved six times in 13 years because her husband, Victor, is in the Coast Guard and often is transferred. Roller derby has helped her adjust to new places and make new friends. She competed on the Shainghaied Roller Dolls in Oregon before she became a Bomber. “I decided I missed it (roller derby) because I took six months off to transfer (from Oregon) and get settled in down here,” Sarah says. “And the whole time I was gone, I really was sad. You know, I just needed to get back on the track. And just the sisterhood and the exercise is amazing.” Besides competing as a Bomber, the 33-yearold takes online nursing classes and is a mother to four active children: Landon, 12, Ayden, 11, Kaelin, 8, and Piper, 6 Roller derby keeps Sarah motivated and focused. “For me, it’s a self-esteem boost. Derby is one of those things that, no matter how many times you get knocked down, you get back up and you keep going, so I figure if I can do that on the track, I can totally apply that to everything outside of the track.” Sarah says the Bombers are a sisterhood that has one another’s backs. “I watch my girlfriends’ kids all the time when they need it. Any time you need anything, you pick up the phone and they are immediately like, ‘Hey, I’m, there’. It’s not like (just an) on-the-track bond.” 38
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Members of the East Texas bombers practice. The women say they value their friendship and support off the track.
July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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By Jacqueline Fowler | Courtesy Photos
ne bright brown doggy eye peeks into the tunnel followed by the other. Howie cautiously moves ahead as he hears a familiar voice coming from the other side. “C’mon Howie, you can do it. C’mon.” As the soft voice lures him, Howie runs forward and emerges from the tunnel. Tail wagging, he leaps into his owner’s arms and licks her face. Howie is learning to navigate a dog agility course, In dog agility, the handler/canine team moves through an obstacle course as quickly as possible. The handler directs the dog to the next obstacle using body language and verbal cues. The United States Dog Agility Association requires that a competitive agility course contain specific obstacles. Courses must have an A-frame ramp, seesaw, dog walk, a set of narrowly spaced poles through which the dog must weave, two tunnels, a table obstacle, a tire jump and three hurdles. Any dog with physical agility and energy is a candidate for the sport, according to the USDAA. Though many breeds are more naturally adapted to agility competition than others, more
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than 150 breeds, including mixed-breeds, have been known to perform well. “I think if every dog owner engaged in agility training with his or her dog, the dog world would be a better place,” Sue Sterner, a trainer and author on dog adoption, shares on 3 Lost Dogs, a website devoted to dog ownership. “Agility is that good, that fun and that important.”
The Training Dave Gannon, a retired airline pilot from Mineola who has trained dogs for
45 years, says that to be a successful competitor, a dog first must master basic commands. “Before a dog can move into any specialized area like agility, rally or obedience, he and his handler have to know and be able to execute without hesitation basic commands. Mastery of these basic commands is the foundation for any other type of training they want to do. The commands, ‘sit,’ ‘come,’ ‘down,’ ‘down stay,’ ‘stay’ and ‘stand,’ plus walking on a loose leash are prerequisites for all other training. And they’re behaviors that can be life-saving for the dog.” Bill McFarlin, of Flint, has been training dogs for 50 years. In 2008, McFarlin and his orange-and-white Brittany spaniel, Star, were featured on the CBS television reality competition “Great American Dog.” “I train my dogs almost every day,” McFarlin says in one of his blog postings. “My dogs give me 100 percent and I try to return that positive energy. Building a solid foundation will get you far in your type of dog training. Just remember to be fair, consistent, positive and have a plan.” Dog trainer Cheryl Etheridge of Tyler says, “A well-behaved, obedience-trained dog is more fun to be with and (agility training) demonstrates responsible dog ownership.” She is readying her Vizsla,
Woody, for the third level of agility training. The trainers recommend a dog/handler pair go through obedience training before moving into agility training and warn that those who want to be competitive in the sport should be prepared to train weekly. Gannon created a climate-controlled agility training facility, McFarlin converted his yard into a training course and Etheridge trains at the Lucky Dog Training Center near Tyler. Terry Dyck operates CM Streek, an agility training arena near Frankston that is named for her three champion agility dogs. Dyck says that it typically takes a team from several months to up to three years before it is able to post course-completion times that are competitive. “It all depends on the dog-partner relationship. If they work strongly as a team initially, it usually proves to be a much faster training period,” she says.
The Fun Trainers agree that dog obedience and agility training is a great endeavor – promoting exercise, bonding between owner and pet and better behavior from the dog – even for those who never plan to compete. Agility course layouts and obstacles can be purchased and are easy to set up. “Dog agility is fun!” says Dyck. “If either the dog or human participant isn’t having fun, it’s time to step back and evaluate. Usually it turns out to be a training issue, and that’s generally easily fixed.”
10 Reasons To Do Agility Training It solves behavioral problems of dogs.
It builds a strong bond between you and your dog.
It exercises your dog’s body and mind.
You can show off a really cool skill.
It exercises your body and mind.
You meet people with the same interests.
It improves your dog’s off-leash reliability.
It’s a great sport for people of all ages and abilities.
It helps you train and communicate with your dog.
It’s a lot of fun! Courtesy of 3lostdogs.com July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Style
Photos by Lee Loveless
fashion
> On The Go, 48
beauty
> Go-to-Girl: The Must List, 54 July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
47
On The
GO
It's Vacation Time A beautiful lace top with a cami underneath by Tasha Polizzi with a flirty black fringed cover up (Page 47) by Joseph Ribkoff. Take a great fitting denim capri from Miracle Body to the next level. Add accessories and luggage from Brighton and you're ready for that weekend getaway you've been looking forward to.
Clothing courtesy of Co-Ed Shop 48
July/August 2015 | INMagTexas.com
The Sophisticated Career Lady When you need to be professional and chic at the same time, no one does it better than Joseph Ribkoff. You can personalize your jewelry by choosing "Your True Color" by Brighton. The right shoe always finishes your look. Do this in style with the "Town" sandal by Brighton and The London Groove organizer bag keeps everything you need at your fingertips. Go set the world on fire!
July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Flirty Fun A fun, fun, fun top by Joseph Ribkoff paired with a flattering legging from Alisha D. and you're off to a great start. Fun new flip flops and sexy sunglasses, both from Brighton, put a smile on everyone's face. Add the simple beauty of Simon Sebbag Jewelry and you're ready to go!
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From The Beach To The Beach Party A happy print on an easy to wear dress from Joseph Ribkoff with a comfortably chic sandal by Brighton and you have the perfect start to a great Saturday of shopping. Kick off your shoes for a walk on the beach then add the perfect Mariana Jewelry from Israel and let's party!
July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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The Perfect Dinner Date The opposite of "The Little Black Dress" is this "Little White Dress" by Joseph Ribkoff. This outfit is just right for a night out with Mr. Right or with the girls. Add color and fun with The Nicoletta Bag from Brighton and jewelry from Brighton's Versailles Collection. Any evening can be that perfect evening.
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The
Brittany Lee Mays, Go-To-Girl
Must s the Go-To-Girl, I strive to write about things that I know readers will enjoy, whether it be fashion trends, beauty basics or makeup application advice. Recently I received multiple requests for my personal GO-TOs – the products and items that I love and can’t live without. So here, in no particular order, are my TOP 10 for 2015.
1•
Cover Girl Cheekers Pretty Peach Blush: So many girls don’t use blush. Blush gives you a vivacious glow. Natural and pretty, this peachy tone will help you look like you just took a refreshing walk around the block or are taking your vitamins!
2•
Benefit High Beam Highlighter: When I watch highlighting and contouring makeup tutorials online, I’m overwhelmed. There’s so much you can do with highlighting and contouring. I never go out without my Benefit highlighter! It gives a great glow and looks natural. I put a little on the bridge of my nose, middle of my forehead and around my eyes after I apply foundation. Mix it with body lotion for a great all-over glow.
3•
Sperry boat shoes: The name says it all. This classic southern staple is one of my all-time favorites paired with shorts or jeans. The more worn they are the better they feel. Guys love to wear these too because they dress up a pair of cargos faster than you can drink sweet tea on the porch!
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List
4• Shu Uemura eye lash curler: I’m amazed how many ladies never have used a lash curler. It takes lashes from typical to show stopping! This is my favorite brand. It’s a little more expensive than many others but does the job right every time! (Golden rule of lash curlers: Never use a curler on lashes that have mascara on them. If you do, you risk pulling the lashes out.) 5• Loreal Voluminous mascara: What’s the perfect pairing with curled lashes? Perfect mascara, of course! After trying many brands, I always come back to Loreal Voluminous in Jet Black. Available in waterproof and regular, it never fails! 6• VS sweats: When it comes to cute and comfy lounge wear, Victoria’s Secret has it down! I love its sweats and yoga pants. I often wear these with a tank top on lazy weekends. 7• Coconut oil: Oh, how I love coconut oil! I love to cook with it and I use it as a body moisturizer as well. I even add a little coconut oil to my shampoo for extra moisturizing. It’s also a great fix for dry hands in the winter. GO-FOR-IT tip: Use the organic stuff. 8• Brunch 101: I love Sunday brunches after church! My husband and I started this tradition when we were dating and are keeping it going. No self-respecting southern brunch is complete without a bubbly mimosa – a delicious concoction of orange juice and champagne. I tend to get
compliments on my mimosas. My secret is using Cook’s Brut Champagne. Extra dry, it doesn’t compete with the sweetness of the orange juice and has a higher alcohol content (11.5%), which means you can use less bubbly per serving. Drop a raspberry or two into the glass flute and you’re all set. Cheers!
9• Calvin Klein Eternity for Men: I love this scent. I’m partial to it because my husband wears it but it’s hard to beat. Subtle yet strong with notes of sandalwood, it gets my vote every time! 10•
A well-groomed pup: My list wouldn’t be complete without something for the faithful pup. Although giving your darling doggy regular baths to keep their coat nice and shiny is best, sometimes a refresher cleaning is in order. Organic hypoallergenic dry shampoos and gentle-yet-refreshing pup sprays, like RainForest grooming spray by Crazy Pet, work wonders. Canines can have allergies or sensitivities, so talk with your vet before applying something new and then after application check your pet to ensure all is well.
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Dwell
SHOWCASE HOME Photo By David White
> Ready For A Townhouse? 60
DESIGN
>Atomic Art, 66 >Flooring Trends 2015, 70 July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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By Danny Mogle | Photos by David White
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igger than apartments yet smaller and less expensive than traditional houses, townhouses are an appealing option for busy professionals, newlyweds starting their life journey together and retired couples and empty-nesters who have embraced downsizing. They appeal to those who crave both the convenience of city living and the freedom that comes with having a bit of outdoor space to call your own. Much like their bigger counterparts, townhouses offer open floor plans, private entrances, landscaped yards, garages and plenty of amenities. Our Showcase House – make that townhouse – is found in Shiloh Village, a development in Tyler, Texas. “This is for people looking for what we call a low-maintenance lifestyle,” says Scott Greene of Shiloh Village Partnership. Adds his business partner Brad Root, “The yard care is provided by the homeowners association.” The business partners say they have seen an explosion in demand for townhouses in East Texas. Shiloh Park, when completed, will feature 80 units and an adjacent nature park with walking trails. This approximately 1,300-square-foot unit features a floor plan with an open living room, dining room and kitchen combination, a master bedroom, two smaller bedrooms and an attached two-car garage. The kitchen has a 10-foot ceiling, dark wooden cabinets with crown moulding, a bar and energy-efficient appliances. The master suite is connected to a private bath with a glass-enclosed shower and walk-in closet. Two guest bedrooms, on the other side of the house, share a bath with a tub. French doors in the dining room open to a patio and fenced back yard. Greene and Root point out that buyers can choose from many options and add upgrades, such as stone countertops. The task of making the townhouse photo and visitor friendly was put in the capable hands of Kay Fuller, a designer and buyer at Gray’s Home Fashion Gallery in Tyler. Fuller, who stages properties with an eye of making them win the hearts of prospective owners, bathed each room in blues varying from almost purple tones in the master bedroom to lighter jewel inspired shades in the living room. “I wanted cool colors to contrast with the warmth of the beige walls,” says Fuller. She decorated one of the bedrooms as a home office and positioned a desk in front of a decorative screen as the eye-catching focal point. Furnishings were scaled to the space and accent pieces – such as the trio of whimsical, antique-looking bird houses on the dining table – were selected for impact.
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Subcontractors Appliances: Don's TV & Appliance Cabinets: Texas Wood Mill Cabinets
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atomic art By David Wallace | Photos by Andrew D. Brosig t White Rock Lake Park, one of Dallas’s oldest and greatest amenities, there’s something for everyone to do. When I was growing up, my two younger sisters and I often fished, hiked, went on the paddleboats and played on the spillway at White Rock Lake. The lake even supports the legend of an apparition known as The White Rock Ghost Lady or simply The Lady of the Lake. Supposedly, she is a young woman who drowned in the lake. Some say her death was an accident; others tell the story of a suicide. Legend has it that she rises from the water wearing a long white dress and asks for a ride to nearby Oak Lawn. By the time the driver arrives, she vanishes leaving only a puddle of water behind. To get me and my sisters to go home after a day on White Rock Lake, our mother warned us that with the approaching darkness came the possibility that we would encounter The Lady of the Lake. If that didn’t work, she promised to take us to the Pig Stand.
PIG STAND Jessie G. Kirby and Reuben Jackson opened the restaurant in 1921. It had the best malts, onion rings and burgers and was famous for a pulled-pork sandwich known as the pig. In its earliest days, young boys dressed in black and white and sporting black bow ties jumped on the running boards of incoming autos and took food orders even before customers parked. Eventually the Pig Stand replaced the boys, known as car hops, with girls on roller skates. The restaurant’s entrepreneurs created many firsts: drive-in convenience, onion rings and chicken fried steak. When a baker accidentally sliced the restaurant’s bread too thick to fit in the toaster, the cooks buttered the bread and threw the slices on the grill. Texas Toast was born. In the 1960s, when my family frequented Pig Stand, drive-in service no longer was offered. You dined inside. The colorful and modern restaurant was crisp, clean and bright and featured decor that became known as atomic art. At that time, Americans were optimistic that atomic energy held the opportunity to change the world. What could such unlimited power do for the good of mankind? Science was in vogue! “The JetCont. ON page 68 |
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| Cont. from page 67 sons,” “My Favorite Martian” and “Lost in Space” were hits on television. Geometric shapes, mutated colors, star bursts and anything representative of outer space were popular design elements. The Pig Stand embraced this design concept with fervor. Although it closed in 2006, the Pig Stand sparks my imagination to this day.
THE PROJECT In this issue, we are incorporating atomic art design in a retro-restaurant inspired clock wall hanging. The base is made from Styrofoam covered by newspaper and latex paint. I find discarded pieces of Styrofoam, used to protect things during shipping, all the time. Easy to work with, Styrofoam is light and strong. You can cut, break, shape and glue it. Start by drawing on paper or cardboard geometric shapes – circles, squares and triangles – or even better, starburst shapes and anything that resembles atoms. Use these as templates for cutting out the shapes on the Styrofoam. Using a Styrofoam cutter makes the process easy and quick. To the Styrofoam shapes, apply latex paint in your favorite color. While the paint is wet, cover it with newspaper and then paint over the paper. Let each piece dry and paint it again. The finished piece resembles papier mache. Attach onto one of the Styrofoam pieces a clock mechanism, which can be bought at craft or thrift stores. You can even recycle one from an existing clock. The one I bought cost about $6. Two AA batteries power it. To keep with the scientific motif, I attached my “Café” atomic art clock to a light-weight metal shelf that looks like a grid. The finished piece is light and can be hung anywhere. Once you learn the process of working with Styrofoam, you can create many things and in any type of art style. Don’t you agree that atomic art is out of this world!
A little glue, Styrofoam pieces, newspaper, paint, a clock mechanism, wire grid and a little imagination are all that is needed to make the atomic art inspired wall hanging.
To view previous "from trash to treasure" stories by David Wallace, visit www.inmagtexas.com 68
July/August 2015 | INMagTexas.com
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4
1. Ceramic Flooring 2. Cork Flooring 3. LVT - Luxury Vinyl Tiles 4. Area rugs 70
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2
flooring trends for 2015 ardwoods, tiles, stones, carpeting, area rugs. When it comes to flooring, the choices have never been greater or, for some consumers, more confusing. What’s hot? What’s not? What’s required for upkeep? How in the world does one make the best selections in terms of value and durability? To help sort it all out, IN Magazine sought the advice of flooring specialists Grace Florczykowski and K.J. Gleason. Florczykowski is vice president of marketing and company culture for ChemDry of Longview, which she and her husband have owned for eight years. ChemDry cleans and restores fabric and hard flooring surfaces. K.J. Gleason has been beautifying home interiors for more than 30 years. He honed his craft while working for a national home improvement chain and as an interior designer at a furniture store. Below is their take on flooring trends.
Hardwood Hardwood is still incredibly hip. The styles and colors are the only things that have changed. Gray hues, dark tones and even whitewash are the colors growing rapidly in popularity. Preferences are leaning to darker stains. The trend is to use larger planks or varying-sized planks. Exotic woods, such as cherry, cork, walnut and bamboo, also are trending. Cork and bamboo offer unique, high-end looks and are eco-friendly, but they present some unique cleaning challenges.
Area Rugs A big trend with hardwood and tile floors is to add an area rug. A rug adds décor and comfort and often ties colors in the room together. Rugs come in many shapes, sizes and styles. Wool is one of the most popular types of natural rug due to its practicality and durability. However, buyer beware, there are many different qualities of wool and rug construction. In order to foster appreciation of the true art of area rugs, last September ChemDry sponsored the Art We Walk On, an
3
event at Longview Museum of Fine Arts in which rugs were displayed as works of art.
Natural Stone There are a host of natural stones. If you want a classic look, marble might be your choice. The dark tones of slate are often paired with an earthier look and saltillo has that rustic, Texas/Spanish appearance that no other stone can match. Special upkeep, such as polishing and natural stone sealers, really take these stones to the next level! In this creative and consumer-friendly era, there are more options than ever for any budget — even those with a smaller budget who still want to stay trendy.
Carpeting Of all the trends, low pile, small loop – also called cut-and-loop – carpet has seen the most growth. This is not the berber carpet from 20 years ago. It’s great for families with pets and comes in so many patterns that it can nicely update any decor. Even though carpet is not as popular now as in earlier years, remember that carpet prevents dust from getting stirred back up in the indoor air of your breathing zone.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles LVT is one of the hottest flooring trends. We’re not talking about grandma’s linoleum! This flooring looks better than ever, has fantastic durability and is easy to install. Always a southern favorite, it’s practical, great in family-friendly spaces and easy to maintain. Not limited to just the bath and kitchen anymore, it’s being used throughout the house. A popular trend is plank tiles fashioned to look like real wood. Not having tongueand-groove restrictions allows manufacturers to create patterns that are not possible with wood. Hard to detect, even on close examination, whether it is real wood, this flooring offers a fabulous look and the maintenance advantages of tile! The improved varieties and options have helped this flooring choice come back with a vengeance.
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Residential Real Estate
Professional Real Estate Agents
Now it’s time to write an offer and negotiate!
What do we do now that we have found our treasure? By Judy Kunzman First, your agent needs to gather history on this property....survey, disclosures, restrictions, HOA info...all of the information that a buyer would need to know about a property before purchasing. Your agent now needs to gather comparable sales on your behalf! These would include sold homes with similar amenities to the home you are wanting to purchase as well as similar size and construction year. This is the best way for you to be informed and in a position to make a competitive and realistic offer according to today's market values. Your offer should be based not only on the current market value but also the current condition of the property. Are updates needed? How about the roof? Flooring? Air conditioning and heating? Remember, this is a business transaction....try to “take a good look” at the property. We know you have already decided where your furniture will be placed....however, you should now be able to sit down with your agent and VIEW the comparable values that she has prepared for you. Second, you should now be ready to present an offer. Again, this is a business transaction; therefore, there are several documents involved which will need to be signed by all parties. This is when it is very important to have a real estate agent working for you. You, as the buyer, are not required to know every little detail of the contract and additional documents, but she is! She should be able to explain any question that you may have. After you, as the buyers, have signed the contract, it is then presented to the listing agent, and the negotiations begin! This is where your prequal letter comes into play! This letter will be a part of your offer, presented to the listing agent and their client, letting them know that you are prequalified and in a position to purchase a home. Most agents representing a seller should require this letter when presenting your offer to their client. Making an offer can be a very quick process in which all of the parties come to an agreement, or it could take a couple of days. Be patient! Just because you don't get a quick answer does not mean that the answer will be,”No.” The seller has to consider all aspects of the offer before making a decision. At this point, the seller will either accept your offer, or their agent will present your agent with a counter-offer for you. This process can continue until you reach an agreement...either you agree to move forward with a negotiated sales price, or you agree that this transaction is not going to work. Third, you have decided to move forward. Oh happy day! Next time, we will continue the process of making your dreams come true!
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(903) 581-0111 • 6761 Old Jacksonville Hwy • Tyler, TX 75703 • jkunzman@kw.com
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Education not Medication Is today the day that you are going to begin taking charge of your health?
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William “Kelly” Hood, D.C. 10678 FM 346W • Flint 903.894.4599
Live Healthy
Photo by Sarah A. Miller
HEALTH
>APEC,78 > Life Lessons Of Summer, 84 > Exercise And Family Time, 87
SPECIAL SECTION
>Education Guide, 88
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Owner Bobby Stroupe stands on the balcony overlooking the exercise floor at APEC. Right: Athletes use the equipment at new facility.
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A P E C
thletic
erformance
nhancement enter
By Danny Mogle | Photos by Sarah A. Miller t APEC in Tyler, Texas, Caleb Stennis is running so fast on a treadmill that it looks like he could go flying off at any second. His legs are moving in hyperdrive speed, his arms are pumping and he’s gasping for air. He nearly falls as he steps off the spinning belt. Owner Bobby Stroupe, who has a special knack of turning young athletes into sports champions, doesn’t like what he sees. “Do it again,” he tells Stennis, a talented running back at Tyler Junior College who bench-presses 335 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in a lightning fast 4.34 seconds. “This time don’t lose control. Work it up. When you hit 30 (seconds) sprint and maintain for 10. … Don’t try to run too fast.” Stennis executes the command to perfection. He runs with power and excellent form to the very last step. Sweat dripping from his nose, Stennis waits for, hopefully, Stroupe’s approval. “Nice work,” says Stroupe. Stennis nods and smiles. At 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, Stennis is lean, muscular and extremely focused. “I want to be the best player,” he says with all the determination in the world. “I want to play in the NFL.”
BOBBY STROUPE While attending Southeastern Oklahoma State on a football scholarship, Stroupe became obsessed with unlocking the secrets of helping athletes reach their potential. He earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and then studied the most innovative training techniques available. | Cont. ON page 80
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| Cont. from page 79 At the Gray Institute in Michigan, he learned applied functional science, which uses biomechanics, physics and psychology to create effective and efficient exercise plans tailored to specific results. From the National Strength and Conditioning Association and National Academy of Sports Medicine, he learned the role of exercise in physical therapy and the best practices for improving strength, conditioning and athletic performance. He studied with speed training experts, worked in fitness and injury recovery programs used by professional athletes and earned a master’s degree in sports psychology. Ten years ago he opened Athletic Performance Enhancement Center and incorporated all that he had learned into what he calls spherical fitness — patterns of exercises based on science that challenge the mind and body and achieve fitness and sportsspecific goals. As word spread that APEC was making athletes stronger and faster and helping them recover from injuries with less down time, others turned to Stroupe for advice. Sports teams hired him as a consultant and pro athletes came to him for one-on-one training. Sports apparel corporation Nike commissioned Stroupe to teach his spherical fitness curriculum to the training staff at its world headquarters. APEC now boasts that it has trained more than 100 college athletes. Among professionals who use its specialized services are Josh Tomlin, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians; Matt Flynn, a
Minta Spears, a basketball standout last year at Texas Tech University, works on sports-specific drills with a trainer at APEC.
Photo by Andrew D. Brosig 80
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quarterback for the Green Bay Packers; Kendall Hunter, a running back for the San Francisco 49ers; and major league pitcher Philip Humber. “Bobby is a true genius in his field. He could work for any number of pro teams but he chooses to be in East Texas,” Humber praises in APEC promotional material.
MINTA SPEARS Minta Spears, a standout basketball player at Texas Tech University, was a junior at Bullard High School when she began going to APEC. She already was on her way to setting school records in points scored, 3-pointers, assists and rebounds. Although scoring an average of 33 points per game, Spears knew she had to get even better to compete on the highest level in
"It's the hard work...reaching goals. Those are the things that stay with you all your life" - Bobby Stroupe
college. “I needed to get faster and stronger. Everybody said I needed to go to APEC.” Trainers at APEC put her through drills to improve foot speed and core strength. “I loved (the workouts),” Spears says. “I always had a good work ethic.” She packed on 15 pounds of muscle and gained confidence. She credits APEC with helping her develop explosive bursts of speed to move the ball down court, the quick-pivot agility to catch, turn and pass the ball, the strength to take on defenders determined to muscle her away from the basket and the endurance to power through a grueling season. Last season at Texas Tech University, Spears averaged 8.5 points per game, led the team in 3-point scoring and started in all 30 games. During the summer break, she was back at APEC working on conditioning and further rehabilitating a knee that was injured during her freshman year. A photo of Spears shooting a basketball in a Texas Tech uniform is one of dozens of photos of athletes posted in the lobby at APEC. “That’s cool,” says Spears. “It’s nice having earned their respect.”
“We were handcuffed by our lack of space (in the old facility),” Stroupe says. “This is great on a worldwide scale. This stacks up with the best anywhere.” Stroupe also claims to have the best staff in the nation. His trainers often are snapped up by bigger organizations. The Dallas Cowboys recently hired one as a strength coach. Although Stroupe works with superstars, he says he gets just as excited helping all kinds of people become healthier and happier. “It’s the personal improvement that’s important. It’s the hard work … reaching goals. Those are the things that stay with you all your life.”
THE NEW APEC It is a mid-May afternoon and Stroupe is ready to show off his new $1 million training center on Grande Boulevard in Tyler. At nearly 21,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor space, it is nearly three times larger than the previous facility. “After serving East Texas for 10 years we have decided to go all in on a new facility,” Stroupe said in a news report announcing the center’s opening. “East Texas deserves the very best, so, we have scouted the country and even looked internationally to ensure we are bringing the most elite combination of equipment, facilities and training systems available. We are confident that this will be a place that East Texas is proud of and one that connects many athletes to their dreams.” The new APEC has a restricted-access, second-floor lounge where professional athletes can hang out, a classroom on an observation deck overlooking the training floor and a futuristic looking cryotherapy chamber that uses short exposure to cold temperatures to help the body recover from soreness and muscle inflammation. Performance improvement zones are stocked with specialized equipment including pneumatic resistance stations at which the air pressure is adjusted with the touch of a button. Monitors provide athletes and trainers with instant feedback. APEC has indoor and outdoor sprint tracks, a multipurpose turf field, basketball court and sand volleyball court. July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Just What the Doctor Ordered Custom Compounding, HRT, IV, Veterinary
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Conditions we treat...
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903-617-6106 EastTexasPainRelief.com
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LLessons i f ofe
SUMMER he theme for this summer is personal responsibility and personal growth,” I announced enthusiastically to my captive audience of three children one morning while taking them to
school. We were still weeks away from wrapping up the school year but I already was determined for them to make the most of the summer months. “Wasn’t that the theme last summer and the summer before that too?” piped up one of my minions. Actually it was a theme during part of the school year, but the effort was less than successful, so I decided we needed to give it a re-do this summer. Learning doesn’t need to take a break when school is out. In fact, summer is a great opportunity to really focus on life lessons. My kids seem oblivious that they have it pretty darn good, so I’m committed to teaching them the realities of life. They are doing special activities to keep them busy during the “I’m bored what can I do months.” Some activities have the added benefit of fostering the concept of working together. Team building between siblings spending time together is a good thing.
Meal Planning and Execution Planning family meals is crucial. I take pride in making the majority of our meals. While I don’t prepare my kids’ all-time favorite dish every evening, I’m careful to avoid cooking anything that my kids do not like. It’s frustrating when I deliver a warm, home-cooked meal to the table and watch the children look at it with disgust as they throw out the phrases: “Are there vegetables in there?” “I’m not in the mood for that!” and “Didn’t we eat this last week?” I want to scream, “Yes, there probably are vegetables strategically hidden in there.” “Too bad you’re not in the mood because there isn’t a menu you can order from.” And “Yes, we did have this last 84
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By Leslie Harrison | Courtesy Photo week because I haven’t had the chance to read a cooking magazine or get new recipe ideas since you were born!” Instead, I pull out the classic line, “I hope your kids are as picky as y’all are at mealtime!” To give my children a heads-up on what it feels like to worry whether a well-orchestrated meal will fall flat, this summer I’ve put them in charge of planning and executing one meal each week for the entire family. The meal must be nutritious, meet my dietary restrictions and not be disgusting. They have to work together to obtain the recipes, determine what is needed to complete the meal, find the ingredients in the store, cook with minimal kitchen disaster, serve the meal and clean up the mess.
Laundry Service Along the same lines as preparing a meal is taming the dirty-laundry dragon. I take pity on my children during the school year because I don’t want teachers and parents at their school to think that I’m irresponsible for allowing them to show up in dirty clothes. As it is, we still have our share of dryer-diving for clean clothes in the morning before school. I totally lose my cool when I walk into their rooms and find clothes I have washed, dried, folded and sorted days ago still in a laundry bag. When the last bell of the school year rang this year, I officially went on laundry vacation. You may be thinking, “They
will just wear dirty clothes all summer.”I am monitoring the dirty laundry and if it reaches critical mass, they will face dire consequences (I’m letting my evil creative juices percolate for a bit before I lay down specifics, but trust me, it will be a motivating consequence.).
Family Community Service Homework, sports and social commitments keep the kids busy and selfabsorbed during the school year. It’s all about their busy schedules – where and when they need to be and what time they need to be picked up. It seems that after meeting all of their obligations, there’s hardly time for them to consider anything else. However, I try to instill in them that service to others is an important and necessary part of life. Study after study show that gratitude and doing good deeds for others are traits of happy people. This summer, now that my kids have more free time, I have given them the task of working together to come up with a community service project. Participating in community service as a family will not only result in the goal of assisting others, it will also serve to create a lasting memory. With thoughtful planning, you can fill the learning and structural void children can face during summer break. Good luck and remember, when all else fails, send yourself to your room for time out!
CRAIG PHARMACY • Fast, Friendly Service We provide personalized hearing care for all individuals who are curious to determine if they have hearing loss or if they may be in need of hearing aid solutions. Your free hearing appointment will involve a comprehensive hearing evaluation as well as an expert consultation to discuss the evaluation results.
Audibel Hearing Technologies
6843 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Suite A Tyler, TX 75703
• Individual and Personal Attention • Generic Prescriptions Available • No Waiting in Lines • FREE Delivery to Home or Office • NEW Location
The expert staff at Craig Pharmacy stands ready to help fill your prescriptions and answer your questions concerning your medication or home care needs
Spaces are limited - call for an appointment!
(903) 253-0083 Visit us online at: www.SoYouMayHear.com
NO CHARGE for hearing test
Green Acres Shopping Center 1863 Troup Hwy•Tyler | 903-595-3737
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
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
July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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RE/MAX Professionals • 903.561.2600 RE/MAX Impact • 903.509.0300
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, lunch-hour 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.
Welcomes our New Associates... Austin Lash, MD
Fellowship Trained Cornea Specialist
and Briteny Allison, OD Therapeutic Optometrist
EyeCareTyler.com
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By Crystal Breaux | Courtesy Photo ith summer here, those who are a mom, wife and busy woman may have this thought running through their heads: “I would like to tone up, but I don’t have enough time to exercise and be with my family during the school break.” You would think that with kids out of school, life would be slower paced but with our kids going so many places all the time, we have crazier schedules in our household in the summer than during the school year. I remember the days before I had children. My husband and I worked out one and a half hours six days a week. Spending that much time exercising is not going to happen now that we have two children. Over the years, I’ve changed my workout schedule in response to the needs and capabilities of my children. With each new season of their lives, I re-evaluate how I can fit in time for exercise and still have plenty of time for family. During a hot summer 11 years ago I gave birth to my daughter. Once my doctor cleared me to resume exercising, I struggled to figure out how to make it happen. It was too hot to exercise in the
afternoons and the times and durations of her naps were unpredictable. I simply couldn’t get in a long run or spend time at the gym away from her. My favorite workout became using a pair of weights, an exercise band and a resist-a-ball right in the middle of the living room floor. I worked out as hard and intensely as I could for 20 minutes while she slept or played. It was all the exercising I could do on most days.
Opportunities
I later discovered that many activities provide both an opportunity for me to exercise and spend time with my children and husband. It was all a matter of being thoughtful and flexible. When my daughter became a toddler, I bought a walking/running stroller. I loved nothing more than pushing her in the stroller as I took a long walk or run. I talked to my little one as we explored the world. I made exercise a way to spend time with her and I set a good example of health and fitness. Now that our children are ages 11 and 7, my husband and I have them grab their bikes and head outside with us. A lot of long talks, family time and calorie burning are accomplished while they ride their
bikes next to us as we run. The runs are not always as intense or long as we desire, but they get the job done. These family runs also provide my husband and I the quality time we need. We discuss things while the children are busy seeing who is the fastest. If your neighborhood is not conducive to this, be active together at a park or during a special family outing. Who says family time and date night must include dinner and a movie? Another opportunity is to “train” together for a running or walking event. Many events have short dashes for children and longer runs for adults. It is fun to set goals and work together to accomplish them. Finding time for family fun and fitness is not impossible. Take advantage of existing opportunities or create new ones. Who knows, your kids might end up being your exercise partners for years to come.
Crystal Breaux creates for women programs that emphasize proper eating, exercise and finding time to build faith. To learn more, go to her website, yourfitnessdesigner.com. July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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A special section drawing attention to East Texas area schools and universities as well as businesses that meet the needs of students and their families.
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EDUCATION
GUIDE
CHANGE is coming to the SAT.
Capstone is ready... ARE YOU? Learn more about the new SAT and sign up for our prep course.
Reserve your spot today! 903.747.3424 4908 Hightech Dr. Tyler, TX 75703
GRACE COMMUNITY SCHOOL Come see what it means to be a part of the Grace family
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN A DISASTER
100% FINE ARTS
College Acceptance Overall State Champions
5 athletics
National Merit Commended Scholars Post District Play in Every Single Sport
Although we celebrate our excellence in academics, athletics and fine arts, our primary focus remains to Teach Jesus!
We would love to share our school with you!
Rick Frey • 903.245.1557
Visit us online at www.gracetyler.org/guest or call our Admissions Department for a tour at 903-566-5678 ext. 129
July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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High school students should be thinking ahead By Donna Spann CEO, Capstone College Advising | Courtesy Photo
elcome to a new school year! For parents of high school students, the start of a new fall semester may seem like a familiar ritual and you may feel like your children have already absorbed all the back-to-school advice that you could possibly deliver. But after working with hundreds of high school students and their parents over the past dozen years, I’ve realized that every year of high school brings unique challenges and chores. 90
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reshman year is the time for students to establish good habits. High school is a big leap from middle school. Even star students may need to improve study skills, manage time more efficiently and get more organized to stay on track. Freshmen should explore academic and extracurricular interests so they’re ready to specialize later in high school. Those who plan to attend college should put together a four-year strategy to take advanced classes in math, science, language or fine arts. ophomores should begin preparing for moving into the types of leadership roles that colleges are looking for on resumes and applications. Students may want to specialize in only a few clubs or activities so they have the time to hold an elected office or letter in a sport. It’s also the year to begin prepping for standardized college admissions tests, including the PSAT, the precursor to the SAT, the test which qualifies students for the National Merit scholarship program. uniors typically have very demanding schedules with tough courses and lots of activities. They feel pressure to earn high grades and improve their class rank. Juniors need to start narrowing possible areas of study and the colleges to which they want to apply – first by research and then, when possible, by visiting campuses. They should take advantage of full-length practice tests and take the SAT or ACT a few times as part of a strategy to get the test scores that will be required to gain admission into the schools they’ve chosen. opefully, seniors worked over the summer on their resumes, settled on colleges to apply, acquired letters of recommendation and practiced writing essays. Even for seniors who have not done anything on the college admissions front, it’s not too late. Seniors can still narrow interests enough to choose an area of specialized study and develop a target list of “right fit” colleges. Seniors should create a deadline for completing tasks required for each college application based on how highly the school ranks on their wish list and each application deadline. (Most colleges close applications for the fall semester between Dec. 1 and Feb. 1. Early-action deadlines can be as early as Nov. 1.) Finally, seniors need to remember that they must finish high school strong so that their final transcripts are solid and that they’re ready for academic challenges next fall. There is a college that fits the unique needs of every student. It takes time, research and exploration to discover the “right place” for everyone. Early planning, even from the freshman year, equips students with the ability to navigate the admissions process with confidence.
Event gets kids ready to return to school The beginning of the new school year in August often becomes stressful because students are not prepared to return to class. To help families and students make this important transition, the City of Tyler, Tyler Area Business Education Council, Tyler Independent School District, Northeast Public Health District and community partners are hosting a back-toschool celebration — School is Cool. The event will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Aug. 13 in Harvey Convention Center and Rose Garden Center, both located on the East Texas Fairgrounds in Tyler. At School is Cool, parents and students from Pre-K to grade 12 will access services such as immunizations, free dental screenings, haircuts and school uniforms. Goodwill and Cornerstone Assistance Network will present a school uniform shop and style show. Vendors will provide information on child safety practices, health and wellness programs, social services, extracurricular activities and after-school programs. College students can learn more about colleges and trade schools, financial assistance, scholarships and job opportunities. Among the many giveaways for attendees will be backpacks stuffed with school supplies. “Our goal is to give away 1,000 backpacks this year so we encourage companies and individuals alike to participate in our backpack drive by purchasing the backpacks and supplies directly or making a monetary donation to the City of Tyler,” said Christi Khalaf, executive director of the Tyler Area Business Education Council. “We want Tyler families to know that education is vitally important to our community, and that the community is coming together to provide a resource that will help them prepare for a successful school year.”
Based in Tyler, Texas, Capstone College Advising guides students through the process of finding a college and career.
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W
e’re more than just your local community college. Whether you want to complete your general studies, earn an Associate’s Degree or earn credits for transfer, Kilgore College is the perfect place for you. We offer degrees, certificates and transfer programs to meet your individual needs. Grants, loans and scholarships are also available to most students. Achieve the highest level of success and make your dreams come true with the help of Kilgore College.
For more information about Kilgore College, scan this code, go to www.kilgore.edu or call (903) 983-8209. Don’t wait any longer!
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2448 roy road, tyler
www.etca.org 903-561-8642
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WE’RE OPEN
YOU,
Because of
the Robert M. Rogers Nursing
& Health Sciences Center is now a
REALITY. You listened to our proposal and endorsed our plans to build a top-notch medical training facility and make Tyler a health care training destination.
For believing in us and sharing our vision, we
THANK YOU!
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BECAUSE
WHERE YOU GO
MATTERS!
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Food & Culture
FOOD
Photo by Texas Watermelon Association
> Summer's Slice Of Heaven,102 > Dining Guide, 104
CULTURE
>The Good Life Of Los Pinos, 106 >Treasures Of Arkansas, 112 > Brookshire's Museum, 116
EVENTS
>Calendar Of Events, 110
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Summer's Slice of Heaven
hat epitomizes summer more than the incredibly juicy and tasty watermelon? Many a summer church social, backyard pool party and lakeside family reunion has featured the versatile watermelon in dishes or – better yet – chilled and served in a super thick slice. It is not a coincidence that the word “refreshing” is used to describe watermelon. At 92 percent water, the thirst-quenching watermelon replenishes body fluids lost through perspiration on hot summer days. All that juicy goodness is low in calories and packed with health benefits. A two-cup serving of watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium and lycopene, which has been studied for its potential role in reducing risk of heart disease, cancers and protecting to skin from harmful UV rays. Hundreds of varieties of watermelon are grown in an array of shapes and sizes with different colors of rinds and flesh. The most common watermelon
options are: Seeded: The classic red watermelon comes in a wide range of sizes. (15 - 45 lbs., round, long, oblong) Seedless: Due to high demand, the majority of watermelons grown are seedless and created by hybridization of two different varieties. (10-25 lbs., round to oblong) Mini: Petite watermelons generally have thinner rinds and more flesh per pound. (1-7 lbs., round) Yellow and Orange: Generally sweeter than red-fleshed watermelon, yellow and orange varieties add a surprising element to the plate or glass. (10-30 lbs., round) In Texas, more than 42,000 acres of Texas soil are devoted to growing the melon. In the region, most watermelons are harvested in June and July. —Sources: Watermelon Board, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Watermelon Association
Watermelon Strawberry Mint Salsa
1 tablespoon lime juice 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste)
1 cup diced watermelon (seeds removed) ¾ cup diced strawberries ¼ cup diced red onion 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves 2 tablespoons diced seeded jalapeno chile
ently stir together all ingredients in bowl. Let stand to blend flavors about 1 hour. For a dynamite combination, serve salsa with Caribbean or jerk seasoned grilled items, or with pretzels.
Chunky Watermelon Lemonade 2 cups water ⅓ cup (or to taste) raw sugar 2 cups seedless watermelon puree 1 fresh lemon, sliced thinly ¼ cup lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups chopped seedless watermelon flesh (optional for the “chunky” element) n a half-gallon pitcher with lid, mix 1 cup of the water with the sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in the rest of the water, watermelon puree, sliced lemon, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Stir to mix well and chill thoroughly. Serves 2 to 3. or the chunky watermelon lemonade, stir in the 2 cups of chopped watermelon at the end.
Watermelon Push Pops Push pop molds, sold at most restaurant supply stores Granola Watermelon chunks, diced Yogurt of choice ayer the watermelon, yogurt and granola and top with yogurt and watermelon chunks. Freeze push pop molds and enjoy the Watermelon Push Pops when you’re on the go! 102
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Watermelon Sandwich Wraps t’s amazing what a group of friends around the lunch table can come up with. The only ingredient that’s a must is a spear of watermelon! Try watermelon in lieu of tomato on these sandwiches. You can play with different types of lunchmeat, cheeses, spreads or sauces, and of course veggies galore!
Create your own combination or try one of these!
Did You Know The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Watermelons are grown worldwide in 96 countries. Watermelon is in the same as botanical family as cucumbers, pumpkins and squash. By weight, watermelon is the most-consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew.
tart with a spread to help stick the other fillings together. Place your toppings in the center of tortilla with the watermelon spear on top. Roll tortilla over watermelon spear, tucking in all ingredients. Fasten with a toothpick if needed.
Latin Watermelon Wrap Flour tortilla Ham Watermelon Cilantro Guacamole Scallions Pepper jack
SW Chicken Wraps Corn & flour tortilla Guacamole Pepper jack cheese Spicy chicken Romaine lettuce Watermelon Bacon ranch dressing Salsa
Watermelon Caprese Flour tortilla Pepperoni Watermelon Mozzarella Basil Pesto Sauce
SW Veggie Wrap Cucumber Watermelon Cilantro Swiss cheese BBQ ranch dressing Spinach tortilla Guacamole
Hawaiian Wrap Spinach wrap Pineapple Cream Cheese Sweet Chile w/Ginger Ham Watermelon Cilantro July/August 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
Super Foods Make Super Salads
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.
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Longview Location Hours: Mon - Sun • 11am -10pm 110 East Loop 281 903-753-7000 July/August 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! 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
Gusano's Pizza If you've been searching for the best Chicago-style pizza in the world, you have found it. Our authentic Chicago-style pizza has all the flavors you've been craving–butteryflaky crust, sweet-tangy tomatoes, gooey mozzarella cheese and perfectly seasoned sausage. Every pizza is handmade from scratch and served to your specifications. And our menu doesn't stop there. We have a variety of sandwiches such as our Italian Beef, salads–like our Buffalo Chicken Salad and appetizers such as our signature pizza dip.
Weekly Lunch Specials Mon.-Fri. | 11am-2pm Hours are 11 am-10 pm Sun.-Thurs. • 11 am-11 pm Fri. & Sat.
7278 Old Jacksonville Hwy | Tyler, TX | (903) 630-7274 www.GusanosPizza.com July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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THE
GOOD
LIFE By Jacque Hilburn-Simmons | Photos by Lori Ivey & Mark Fisher
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OF
Six varieties are grown on the property: Blanc Du Bois, Cynthiana, Black Spanish, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere Champanel.
Los Pinos Los Pinos is designed to be a safe haven where people can hang out and relax, enjoy an unhurried glass of wine while listening to jazz and snacking on delicious tapas.
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here’s nothing simple about getting to the off-the-beaten-path location of Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards. Those who are directionally challenged might find the zigzag journey down narrow black asphalt roads near Pittsburg, Texas, slightly daunting, but do press on. The drive is well worth the effort. The vineyard and its restaurant offers custom wines and food some say rival the finest European and big-city restaurants. Guests can sink into comfy patio chairs near a crackling fire pit, nibble on woodfired pizza and soak up live jazz music. Under the clear night sky, there are plenty of stars to count. “We never, ever encourage people to leave. That’s the charm of it,” Gerald Jones, the co-owner, says. “We just want people to take their time, relax and enjoy.” Gerald and his business partners, Dana Pool and Perry and Diane Wilson, share a vision for Los Pinos. “We’re in tune with each other and we trust each other,” says Dana, who serves as general manager. “We’re product driven … that’s why we’re here.” Dana left her fast-paced Longview area restaurant to transform the property at 658 Camp County Road 1334 into a destination for food and wine enthusiasts. Gerald and his wife, Lisa, stopped at the vineyards one day as they were transitioning from fast-paced careers in advertising and marketing to be closer to family in Gilmer. The couple found the simple pleasures of fresh air and bumpy country roads hard to resist. “I had been thinking, ‘What the heck can I do to make a living out here?’” says Gerald, who oversees sales and marketing. “We found this little hidden gem and I said, ‘I’ve got to get into the wine business.’ I’ve had no second thoughts about being here, not at all.” Dana, who also lives on the property, finds peace in its sloping views. “I think people are really surprised we are out here,” she says. “Even now, sometimes I sit there and look over the vineyard and think, ‘This is really amazing.’ In many ways, I guess we really are living the dream.”
BUSINESS PLAN Los Pinos was built from the ground up, literally. The main building once was a barn with dirt floors and random swallow nests. Today, the property also has charming cottages for overnight guests and venues for private gatherings, all of which are surrounded by acres of grape vines. The establishment shows movies and holds picnics in the vineyards, offers cooking classes and sponsors an annual 108
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The grape harvest at Los Pinos.
Gerald Jones (left) with award-winning vintner Arnulfo Perez.
fall trip to Tuscany to sample Italian cuisine. Although Los Pinos has a relaxed vibe, it takes a lot of work to roll out 12,000 cases of wine a year. Arnulfo Perez is the brain behind the award-winning vino. He grew up farming and understands the intricate journey of grapes from field to glass. A consummate caretaker, he monitors everything from spring buds to production and curing. His workplace lab filled with spice jars and trophies overlooks the production area lined with large metal containers for fermenting, storing and curing young wines. The wine is aged in large wooden barrels stacked high in an adjoining room. “Everything (about making wine) is just so interesting, I just love it,” Arnulfo
says, waving at the production line. “It’s like a baby being born. You have to be caring for it all the time and give it a little love. This is my baby, I take care of it. That’s how I feel about it.”
‘NO REGRETS’ On a recent Friday, the restaurant staff preps for a dinner crowd of about 400. Patrons order off the regular menu and the Chef’s Special: a lobster bisque and croquette, blue cheese encrusted filet mignon with butter poached lobster tail, parsley potatoes and basted sugar snap peas with radish. In the kitchen, Chef Enam Chowdhury – described as “a steal” from Dallas’ Mansion on Turtle Creek – appears as cool as a cucumber.
Enam, who has worked in England, Italy and Bangladesh, is quick to whip up a sampling of one of his favorite menu items: calamari coated in a delicate, finely blended crust. “It was time to slow down,” he says with a hint of British accent of his reason to come to East Texas. “There (on other jobs), everyone wants something, there’s so much stress and pressure. Here, there’s an opportunity to work with lovely people. I get to be creative and it is fun again. I really enjoy taking care of our guests.” Enam and others running Los Pinos say they enjoy their lives on a road less traveled. “No regrets,” Gerald says of shedding his power job. “I probably added 10 years to my life by being here.”
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July/August
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY JULY 3
Gladewater Fireworks Show
Lakeshore Drive, Lake Gladewater JULY 3-4
July Fest
Gun Barrel City JULY 4
Fireworks and Freedom Celebration Maude Cobb Center, Longview JULY 4
Fireworks at the Fishery
Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens JULY 4
Fireworks Show
Lake Forest Park, Henderson JULY 10
Darby Warren Project Downtown Kilgore JULY 10-12, 17-19
“Pump Boys and Dinettes”
Lindale Community Theater JULY 10-11
Volunteer Fireman Rodeo Mineola JULY 11
Bird and Nature Walk
Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens
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JULY 11
JULY 25
Maude Cobb Center, Longview
Mineola Civic Center
Bad Boys of Comedy
Rock-n-Roll Heaven tribute
JULY 11
JULY 25-26
Music City Texas Theater, Linden
Maude Cobb Center, Longview
Take 2 Classic Rock Band
Longview Kennel Club Dog Show
JULY 18
JULY 25-26
Liberty Hall, Tyler
Longview Exhibit Building
Quebe Sisters Band
Tyler Obedience Dog Club Show
JULY 21-26
JULY 31
East Texas Regional Airport, Longview
Perot Theatre, Texarkana
Great Texas Balloon Race JULY 23-26, 30-31, AUG. 1-2
“Menopause: The Musical”
"The Buddy Holly Story"
AUGUST
JULY 23-26, 30-31, AUG. 1-2
AUG. 1-2
Henderson Civic Theatre
ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Longview
Tyler Civic Theatr
“Shrek: The Musical”
“Into the Woods (Jr.)”
JULY 23-26, 30-31, AUG. 1-2
AUG. 2
Palestine Community Theater
Harvey Center, Tyler
“Mary Poppins”
East Texas Wedding Extravaganza
JULY 24
AUG. 4
Downtown Kilgore
Green Acres CrossWalk Center, Tyler
Shinebox
Corporate Spelling Bee
JULY 24-26, 31, AUG. 1-2
AUG. 6-9, 13-14
Lake Country Playhouse, Mineola
Performing Arts Center, Athens
“The Fantasticks”
“Legally Blonde: The Musical”
JULY 25
AUG. 7
Palestine
Downtown Kilgore
Sabor a Pasion Grape Stomp
George Faber & Friends
AUG. 7
Teddy Bear Train
Texas State RR Rusk Depot AUG. 8-9
Sacred Harp Singing Convention Henderson AUG. 8-9
Miracle Mud Run
Celebrating
30 Seasons
Lear Park, Longview AUG. 8
Art Stroll
Gladewater AUG. 13
School is Cool
Harvey Center, Tyler AUG. 14
The Derailers
Performances take place in Van Cliburn Auditorium on the campus of Kilgore College. To order tickets or for more information, go to texasshakespeare.com.
AUG. 14-15
“Music Man (Kids)”
JULY 2 -“Man of La Mancha,” 2 p.m.
AUG. 14-16
Ink Life Tattoo & Music Festival
JULY 3 -“The Nerd,” 2 p.m. -“Twelfth Night,” 7:30 p.m.
AUG. 15
JULY 4 -“Man of La Mancha,” 2 p.m.
Liberty Hall, Tyler
ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Longview
Maude Cobb Center, Longview
Dogwood Jamboree
Palestine Civic Center AUG. 21-22
East Texas Book Fest Harvey Center, Tyler AUG. 20
Senior’s Painting Party
Tyler Senior Center, Tyler AUG. 22 Auto & Cycle Show for Combat Warriors Maude Cobb Center, Longview AUG. 28
JULY 18 -“The Belle of Amherst,” 10 a.m. -“The Nerd,” 2 p.m. -“Twelfth Night,” 7:30 p.m. JULY 19 -“Man of La Mancha,” 2 p.m.
JULY 5 -“The Nerd,” 2 p.m. -“Twelfth Night,” 7:30 p.m. JULY 9 -“Twelfth Night,” 2 p.m. -“Man of La Mancha,” 7:30 p.m. JULY 10: -“The Nerd,” 7:30 p.m. JULY 11 -“Twelfth Night,” 2 p.m. -“Man of La Mancha,” 7:30 p.m.
JULY 21 -“The Princess and the Players,” 10 a.m. JULY 22 -“The Princess and the Players,” 10 a.m.
Moonlight Dinner Train
JULY 12 -“The Nerd,” 7:30 p.m.
AUG. 29
JULY 14 -“The Belle of Amherst,” 2 and 7:30 p.m.
JULY 23 -“The Princess and the Players,” 10 a.m. -“The Nerd,” 7:30 p.m.
JULY 15 -“The Princess and the Players,” 10 a.m. -“The Belle of Amherst,” 2 and 7:30 p.m.
JULY 24 -“The Princess and the Players,” 10 a.m. -“Twelfth Night,” 2 p.m. - “Man of La Mancha,” 7:30 p.m.
Texas State RR, Palestine Depot
Tribute Quartet
Texas Gospel Music Hall, Athens
Want your event on our calendar? email the details to danny@inmagtexas.com
JULY 16: -“The Princess and the Players,” 10 a.m. -“The Nerd,” 2 p.m. -“Twelfth Night,” 7:30 p.m. JULY 17: -“The Princess and the Players,” 10 a.m. -“Man of La Mancha,” 2 p.m.
JULY 25 -“The Princess and the Players,” 10 a.m. -“The Nerd,” 7:30 p.m. JULY 26 -“Twelfth Night,” 2 p.m. -“Man of La Mancha,” 7:30 p.m. July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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Treasures of
Arkansas By Tamra Bolten | PhotosBy Tamra Bolten
love watching movies like “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “National Treasure” and “King Solomon’s Mines.” A good mystery combined with the possibility of riches and adventure makes for an exciting movie. It’s also the formula for a great vacation in Southwest Arkansas, which has a plethora of opportunities to indulge your daring and bold side. You can feel your inner Indiana Jones come out at Rowdy Adventures near Okolona. Rowdy Adventures offers zip-lining, horseback riding and fourwheeling. Gearing up for zip-lining in the dense hardwood forest, I imagined myself to be Indiana heading into the jungle. My imagination was running wild until I remembered that Arkansas doesn’t harbor angry natives with poisoned darts … at least not that I know of. Indy would have appreciated The Leap of Faith, the first of the park’s 14 lines. You have to climb a narrow staircase encircling a tree to reach the line’s small launch platform more than 100 feet high in the canopy. The quartermile long line passes over the Little Missouri River, which happened to be at flood stage. I’m not fond of water, especially rolling, boiling muddy water, but I let out my best Texas yell and sped across. Next was horseback riding. My tall dark bay, Fredrick the Great, was a perfect gentleman. He allowed me to click away with my camera as he went down the woodland trail. I was thankful he wasn’t galloping in hot pursuit of stolen treasure or running from villains because I had time to absorb the peacefulness of the ride. I ended with a mud-splashing, four-wheeler ride along some of the best trails I’ve ever seen.
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Treasure Hunts Pursuing treasure was high on my list, so my next stop was Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. If you’re serious about finding a diamond, come prepared. Wear mud boots and bring a picnic lunch and plenty of water because you’ll want to stay all day. The park staff will help determine whether your finds are valuable. I didn’t have any luck but I did have a lot of fun. The Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines, Richard Wegner’s family-owned mining operation and museum at Mount Ida, provides guests a treasure-hunting experience unlike any other. You can take a bucket of sand and “rocks” and use the 100-foot gemstone sluice to uncover the bucket’s treasures, which can include arrowheads, shark teeth, garnets, opals, amethysts and emeralds. My bucket had a lapis, garnet and small ruby – not a bad take. The nice part is I didn’t have to obtain my treasures by pawing through spidery passageways or fleeing from a giant rolling boulder. | Cont. on page 114
The last rays of a setting sun glimmer on DeGray Lake. Top right: A sign welcomes visitors to Crater of Diamonds; Rowdy Adventures offers tree top zip lines. Below. Fishermen take advantage of fading light on DeGray Lake.
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| Cont. FROM page 112
Mountain Resorts After searching for gems, it was wonderful to relax nearby at Mountain Harbor Resort and soak in the view of Lake Ouachita with my feet propped up on the cabin’s balcony. I thought about indulging in a spa treatment, one of the resort’s many amenities. Instead, I took a boat ride across the lake to Shangri-La Resort. Shangri-La doesn’t have a pig-tailed mystical sage sitting cross-legged dispensing wisdom of the ages. It has something better, pie-maker and cook extraordinaire Varine Carr, who has been making scrumptious desserts at the resort for more than 50 years. Carr trained her son to bake so she can take time away from the kitchen and visit with guests. Perhaps she is a wise sage after all.
State Parks
Clockwise: A bluff at Mount Magazine State Park; searching for treasures at Wegner Crystal Mines; Varine Carr of Shangri-La Resort shows off her pies; one of the unusual looking yurts at DeGray Lake State Resort; four-wheeling at Rowdy Adventures.
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My adventure took me to Historic Washington State Park. Beginning in the 1820s, Washington was a main stop for pioneers from the northeast traveling to Texas. During the Civil War, it served as the Confederate Capitol of Arkansas. The park contains more than 40 buildings, some that are staffed with living history interpreters. I explored the 1874 courthouse and spent time following in the footsteps of James Bowie, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett, all who passed through here more than 175 years ago. Visitors can see the shop where James Black, a local blacksmith, forged the famous knife of Alamo fighter James Bowie. I enjoyed a home-cooked style meal at the 1832 Williams Tavern. Since the building remains much like it was when it was built and servers dress in period clothing, it was easy to imagine that I had stepped back in time. For more excitement, spend the night in one of the yurts (round and domed cabins)
at DeGray Lake Resort State Park near Bismarck. These unusual structures along the lake’s wooded shoreline reminded me of something I might find on the slopes of the Himalayas. I almost expected to see a Sherpa come strolling around one of the domed exteriors. A good adventure should end on a high note. Mine ended on a very high note at the lodge at Mount Magazine State Park. At 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine is Arkansas’s highest point — a rugged bluff overlooking the Petit Jean River and Blue Mountain Lake. After hiking on one of the many trails, you can eat at the lodge’s Skycrest restaurant, which boasts fabulous views from the massive windows and a signature dessert, White Cloud Chocolate Mousse with Raspberries. For adventure and excitement, there’s no better place than Southwest Arkansas. You don’t need a cool Fedora or a whip like Indiana Jones to enjoy the adventures
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Brookshire's Museum wildlife and a yesteryear store fun and educational adventure awaits visitors to the Brookshire’s Wildlife Museum & Country Store, a free attraction on the grounds of the grocery company’s distribution center in Tyler, Texas. The museum displays more than 450 life-size mounted animals native to Africa and North America. The animals are grouped by their habitats and many are presented in large dioramas. A diorama featuring animals of the Arctic region has a snow-covered backdrop, two menacing polar bears and penguins. The diorama representing the African savanna features a ferocious pouncing lion. Turkey, blue goose, snow goose, red-headed duck and pheasant are among species in the exhibit featuring birds
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of North America. The dolphin, porcupine fish, sailfish, bass and barracuda are included in the Aquatic Exhibit. Company founder WT Brookshire and his wife went on safaris and wildlife expeditions in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They wanted to provide a way for people to see nature’s wide array of animals – even if had to be in a museum setting. Beginning in 1975, a few of the mounted animals they acquired were displayed in a lobby in the company office complex. The current museum just south of Loop 323 was built in 1990. It was remodeled in 2004 to also house donations of mounted animals from Wayne Scogins of Marshall, Texas, and Carolyn Eames of Tyler on behalf of her late husband, Dr. Dan Eames, says information from Brookshire’s.
Page 114: Some of the mounted hoofstock on view at the museum. Page 115: Visitors check out one of the wildlife dioramas. The Museum also has a gift shop.
By Hugh Neeld | Photos by Andrew D. Brosig
WT Brookshire and his wife wanted to provide a way for people to see nature's wide array of animals.
STORE, PLAYGROUND A second component of the museum is the Country Store, which gives guests a nostalgic look by displaying items from the 1920s and the machines and tools used in that era. A 1926 Model T Ford leads into the store area. Be prepared to step back in time. The nearly life-size replica of the first Brookshire store built in 1928 on the downtown Tyler square is authentic down to the smallest details. The shelves are stocked with lard, shortening cans, coffee, tobacco, soaps, tonics, bath salts, rock candy and cured meats. Visitors also encounter a wood-burning heater, wooden counters and chairs, an antique cash register, meat slicer and coffee grinder. A large playground frequently used as the site of children’s birthday parties and family picnics (reservations are required for a group of 10 or more) is located on the grounds. Besides play areas with swings and picnic tables, there are a restored train caboose, a 1952 model La France fire truck and a 1936 tractor for children to climb on and explore.
GOOD EXPERIENCE Many who rate their visits to Brookshire’s World of Wildlife & Country Store on the website Trip Advisor give it good marks. “The expansive playground area is an excellent way to introduce children to the idea that museums can be fun. The old-time store is
the most extensive I have ever seen,” writes a visitor from Dallas, Texas. “The Country Store is really neat,” writes a visitor from Littleton, Colorado. “There is a lot of stuff in there to look at. The animals in the first part of the museum are amazing to look at. They each have a card that tells a funny fact about them, like how an armadillo crosses a stream. Wish I could have spent more time there.” Tina Saxon is the supervisor at the museum. “I started with Brookshire’s as a part-time employee in 1976 but took on the duty of museum supervisor seven years ago,” she says. She heads the staff that assists the more than 40,000 who visit annually. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday from March to September and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from October to February. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to make reservations by calling 903-534-2169. Special tours are offered to school groups. “Most of our employees have been with us for a while, like Janet Creasman, a retired teacher with over 20 years here,” Ms. Saxon says. She says they all have same reason for being there: “A desire to serve and the opportunity to be around kids and meet interesting people from everywhere.”
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Outdoors
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OUTDOORS
> Fishing In Mexico,120 > Golf Carts Re-Imagined, 124 > Take Me Out To The Ballgame, 126
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The sun sets over Lake Picachos in Mexico. 120
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FISHING IN
MEXICO By Shannon Dorsey | Photos by Shannon Dorsey & Kelly French
When at Lake Picachos, you never know who or what you might encounter... s a child growing up in East Texas, I spent time fishing with my Mimi, PaPa and dad on Lake Palestine and Big Lake. We often caught catfish, perch and crappie. I have always loved to fish. My husband, Eric, and I spend one week every October on North Padre Island fishing for redfish (my favorite) and trout. Our friend, Nathan, tells us where the fish are biting and we head out hoping to catch our limit. Sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t. We have taken guided fishing trips on the waters of Corpus Christi, Florida and Cancun and often talk about other fishing expeditions we would like to take. When Steve Knight, the outdoors editor of the Tyler Morning Telegraph, mentioned to me about the opportunity to take a guided trip to fish for bass on Lake Picachos in Mexico with Ron Speed Jr. Adventures, I knew Eric would want to go.
LAKE PICACHOS Located about 30 miles northeast of Mazatlán, Lake Picachos is a 14,000acre reservoir that formed when a dam
was built a few years ago on the Presidio River. It is known for its population of mostly 2- to 6-pound bass. To get to the Speed’s fishing camp, you travel on winding roads into the mountains to the small town of Puerta de San Marcos. Along the way, we saw beautiful little towns, like La Noria with its brightly colored homes and children playing. Our driver often had to honk the horn to get the dogs, cattle and horses that walk in the road to get out of the way. We arrived early in the afternoon, checked into our casita overlooking the water and picked out fishing rods from a supply provided by the lodge. We had to bring our own reels and lures. The fishing camp consists of several guest casitas and a separate outdoor group dining area. After dinner, we settled in for the night. Each day starts with a knock on the door at 5 a.m., when coffee is delivered. Full breakfast is served in the open dining area. Local guides then load your fishing gear into boats and take you to the best fishing holes on the lake. Fishing often takes place from sunrise to sunset with only a break for lunch. | Cont. on page 122
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| Cont. FROM page 121
FISHING The first full day of our fishing adventure was very exciting. I caught five bass. One of them weighed 5 pounds. By the time we came in for the night, we had caught 30 bass. We were worn out and ready for dinner. The food was amazing: hamburgers, steak, Mexican food, fried fish, seafood, desserts and freshly made guacamole and margaritas. If there was something else that you wanted to eat or drink, all you had to do was ask and Carlos, our host, got it. Our second and third days of fishing also were quite productive. In one hot spot, we caught 25 bass. We kept casting and the fish kept biting. The last day of fishing was the best. Our guide, Daniel, took us to a little cove that was brushy and not too deep. I caught the first bass of the day and then Eric started reeling them in as well. Later that morning, Daniel fell overboard, barely missing striking a tree in the water. We pulled him out and tried to save his cell phone. He was soaking wet and it was a chilly 68 degrees so we returned to the lodge so Daniel could get into dry clothes. After lunch, we headed out again, fished a couple of spots and then moved to an area near a cemetery on the shore. You could
see some of the graves on the hill. We were fishing in about 24 feet of water when Eric set the hook on a bass. We knew instantly that it was a big one. When the fish came up beside the boat, we could see that it was huge. Daniel was scrambling for the net, Eric was yelling in excitement and I was getting out of the way. The fish was 28 inches long and weighed about 12 pounds. Daniel said it was the largest fish anyone had caught with him as a guide. Both guys had bragging rights for the biggest fish of the day when we got back to the camp. It was a perfect ending to a perfect fishing trip. When at Lake Picachos, you never know who or what you might encounter: a big lizard in your room, (he didn’t stay long); a Chihuahua named Fish wearing a glow-in-the dark necklace, cowboy hat, shirts and boots; or renowned professional fisherman Jimmy Houston. Yes, I saw all of these at the lodge. Eric and I caught more than 300 bass in four days. Pretty amazing! We are already planning a trip to Lake Picachos for next year. I guess you could say, “I’m hooked!”
Shannon Dorsey is the publications manager of IN Magazine. For more information on fishing at Lake Picachos, contact Steve Knight at 903-596-6277 or by email at outdoor@tylerpaper.com.
Shannon and Eric Dorsey show some of the fish they caught on their fishing trip; and great food served at the fishing camp.
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RE-IMAGINED By Danny Mogle | Photos by Sarah A. Miller hen Mike Gilley sees a plain ol’, runof-the-mill golf cart, his imagination shifts into high gear. He knows how cool that cart would look if it had a fancy set of oversized wheels with shiny chrome covers, a body painted to look like a menacing shark baring razor-sharp teeth and
Mike Gilley shows a customized tram-cart that seats eight and sports blue ghost flames.
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candy apple-red leather seats. As an owner of Big Dog Custom Carts of East Texas, Gilley transforms golf carts, ATVs and even lawn mowers from the ordinary to the extraordinary. “We can do anything that you can imagine,” Gilley says. One of his favorite creations is a four-seater (two seats facing forward and two back) cart customized from top to bottom that tows another four-seater combination.
It was inspired by a client who had just sold his classic cars that he let groups use in parades. The client still wanted something distinctive to offer groups needing to show off VIPs in style. Painted and upholstered in black and midnight blue, the parade-friendly tram cart’s most headturning feature is the now-you-see them, now-youdon’t leaping ghost flames. “Depending on how the light hits them, sometimes they’re there and sometimes they’re not,” Gilley says.
CUSTOMIZATION After a 20-year career in the often high-pressure world of automotive sales, Gilley was burned out and searching for something new. He called his friend Phil Rogers, who suggested they go into business together selling and servicing customized carts. Gilley loved the idea of using paint jobs, upholstery, body stylings, wheels and decals to create something unique for every client. “It took off like a rocket,” Gilley says after Big Dog opened in Whitehouse, Texas. Big Dog strips standard carts down to the frame and starts over, adding layer upon layer of customization down to the smallest detail. Texas A&M fans can create an Aggie-inspired cart in their favorite shade of maroon and have the team logo embroidered onto the seats and “Gig Em” put on the sides. Those who crave yesteryear luxury can create a cart that looks like a 1920s-era Roadster with a long and sleek body, distinctive grill and side-mounted headlights.
BOOT CAMPAIGN CART Gilley says nothing is more rewarding for him than when a Big Dog cart is used to benefit a great cause. Big Dog has created two carts for the Boot Campaign, the Texas-based nonprofit organization that sells military combat boots to fund programs helping current and former military personnel and their families facing hardships. The campaign is receiving national attention thanks in part to a growing list of celebrities — including actor Dean Cain, mixed martial arts champion Randy Couture and country superstar Dolly Parton — who have posed wearing a pair of the boots. The first cart was a big hit as an auction item at the campaign’s annual Boot’n & Shoot’n fundraiser. “Everyone fell in love with it,” says Ginger Giles, one the five Boot Girls who founded the charity. “He did such a good job on the first one that we asked him to do another.” The campaign displays the newest cart – which sports its eagle/star logo and displays the “Get Your Boots On” slogan – at special events and public gatherings to raise awareness and generate contributions. Giles says the Boot Campaign cart is an effective promotional tool. “It’s definitely one way to make people stop and to catch their attention.” That’s exactly what Gilley likes to hear. He says he wants the reaction to any Big Dog cart to be the same: “Holy cow! That’s awesome!”
Top: Cart equipped with features inspired by a sports car. Below: Ginger Giles, one of the founders of the Boot Campaign, says their Big Dog cart draws attention to the cause of helping service members and veterans.
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Take Me Out To The
BALLGAME By Victoria Whitwell | Photos by Sarah A. Miller 126
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“Pump Jacks!” “Pump Jacks!” “Pump Jacks!”
t’s the summer chant of East Texas. With colorful mascots, lots of prizes and crazy competitions involving fans, a night at a Pump Jacks game is much more than baseball. “You don’t have to like baseball to enjoy a night out (at the ballpark),” says Mike Lieberman, the general manager and an owner of the team. “We like to call (baseball) a social sport. Baseball is a casual sport to watch. You can come to the ballpark with friends, have a conversation with your friends, pause to watch the game, get up to cheer the team and then go back to your conversation. It’s fun for everyone.” This is the eighth season for the Texas Collegiate League team and the first since relocating from Kilgore, Texas, to the much larger city of Tyler 30 miles to the west. The team’s new home is The University of Texas at Tyler’s 1,000-seat Irwin Field. Lieberman praises Irwin Field as one of the best small-college ballparks in the United States. “When you walk in the front gates, with this archway at the top, there’s a very welcoming presence.”
ENTERTAINMENT Between-inning activities keep fans entertained. The Dizzy Bat Race is a Pump Jacks classic. With foreheads placed on the cap of bats balanced on the ground, two contestants run in circles until they are so dizzy that they hardly can keep on their feet. It’s not uncommon – to the delight of the crowd – for the competitors to zigzag and topple over as they try to regain their balance and cross the finish line. Kids get in on the fun at the ballpark by belting out a rousing rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the traditional seventh-inning stretch and running the bases in a victory lap after every Pump Jacks win. In the courtyards at the stadium, children play Wii simulated baseball games and win prizes by hitting a target with a baseball. Lieberman says these activities let fans become “part of the game and part of the action. Every year, we try to change things up a bit to keep it fresh. We keep the popular games and the contests continue to be part of our experience. We keep all of the | Cont. on page 128 July/August 2015| INMagTexas.com
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| Cont. FROM page 127 fun stuff.” Pumping up the crowd are the Pump Jacks fun-loving mascots – oversized donkey Boomer, and friendly dinosaur Derrick – who are always ready to give players and fans a high-five. Busting a move on the field or with fans in the stands, Boomer and Derrick have dance abilities beyond compare. They race fans around the bases, but never seem to win, and love posing for photos and handing out free T-shirts, seat cushions, bobble-head dolls and “diamond” rings.
GOOD BASEBALL Scott King of Tyler plans to attend as many Pump Jacks games as he can this summer. He and his wife are one of the families who are letting a Pump Jacks player live with them during the season. “My son was a collegiate league player and had a great time playing the games, traveling and living with a host family,” King says. “We owe it to baseball to host a player.” The players take the games seriously. “I want people to know this is not summer camp for these players,” King says. “They come focused and need all the family support they can get. Little Leaguers look up to these players. To them, they’re like major league players and that’s such a great experience.” Ernie May, the coach, has more than 20 years of experience in collegiatelevel baseball. Among the players on the roster are James Lear, an all-TCL outfielder who plays for Southern Mississippi University, and Tanner Cable, a Toronto Blue Jays draftee who plays for Delta State University. Lieberman is excited that the team is now in Tyler, with its potentially larger fan base. “I think this move represents the evolution of the Pump Jacks. ... Our goal is to build a franchise that would be (in East Texas) for years, and we couldn’t do that in Kilgore. We wanted to make ourselves more viable for the long term and Tyler made the most sense.”
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spirituality
Power Of Momentum
Doug Baker is the senior pastor at Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler, Texas.
By Doug Baker
FAMILY
vacations, for me, are a time to create memories through active play with family. It is a time to get away from the usual demands and busy schedules of life and ministry and release myself to the enjoyment of God’s creation and the intimacy of living fully in the moment with those I love. When we travel as a family, I seek activities that are unique to the location. If we go to the beach, my family engages in beach volleyball, walks along the shoreline, ocean play, sandcastle building and eating at restaurants recommended by the locals. If we are in the mountains, we hike the trails, look for waterfalls and place our feet in cold streams of water. Did I mention eating at restaurants recommended by the locals? I have found that if I am looking for healthy entertainment and desire to connect with my wife and children, God’s creation offers good opportunities. A recent trip to Breckenridge, Colorado, did not disappoint. On May 10, my family was vacationing in a cabin outside of Breckenridge and awoke to a foot of fresh fallen snow. The tall green trees, distant mountains and even the single-lane road down the mountain were covered with the beautiful white powder. The balcony railing and furniture doubled in size as it proudly displayed the new fallen snow. We were experiencing a true “snow day” and this Texan would be staying close to the cabin. We were “snowed in” on Mother’s Day, something I had never experienced before, and may never experience again. In the afternoon, my two grown children and I, equipped with snow shoes, sleds and a snow shovel, ventured to explore the winter playground. After a few failed attempts to gain momentum sledding down the cabin-side hill, we agreed that if we were going to have
success, the hill would need to be groomed. What followed were several hours of shoveling, packing snow, multiple test runs and eventually the creation of a 40foot toboggan run. After multiple runs and lots of laughs, the greatest run was to come. We overlooked in our toboggan creation a large drop that began five feet past our stopping point. As our run became more packed and we continued to straighten it and remove unwanted resistance, the course was set for the most memorable ride of the day. I don’t know if it was my weight or the great speed that I gained but my momentum pushed me through the ungroomed snow and beyond the track for another 25 feet to the snow-covered road below. What a ride! Reflecting on this experience some life lessons emerge. For starters, sometimes the greatest and most memorable times with those we love are offered by a benevolent God who graciously gives us a beautiful world to explore and enjoy. We are to enjoy God’s free gift of creation. Secondly, finding success often takes great effort and a willingness to continue to work at a task. The time we spent creating and improving the toboggan run was much greater than the short time spent sledding down the hill. The joy found in the ride made the effort worthwhile. For those who are currently working hard to love and serve others, know that God “rewards each person for what they have done” (Matthew 16:27). Love makes the journey of life worthwhile. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of momentum, especially in pursuit of God. Once you commit to the pursuit and practice of life with God, God will take you to new places and multiply your joy as you ride with Christ. Enjoy the adventure and make time to play with those you love. God will meet you there.
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