ETX View Magazine May/June 2021

ETX VIEW YO U R VIE W O F E AS T T E X AS

IN 2021

HOME IS MORE

LO N GV I E W | T Y L E R | K I LG O R E

Chest Pain?

Severe Abdominal Pain?

High Fever?

THEY’RE CALLED

EMERGENCIES

FOR A REASON. Symptoms of a medical emergency need quick treatment. And in some cases, fast care can be life saving. So don’t delay or be afraid to get help if you need it.

With limited entry points, screening for everyone, frequent deep cleaning and social distancing, we are taking extra precautions to keep you safe.

There’s a good reason to get to a hospital fast in an emergency – your life could depend on it.

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May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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EDITOR’S LETTER

There’s no place like home

John Anderson

W

e love to travel. However, the world did not allow it for the better part of 2020 and into 2021.

As a result, we’ve learned to enjoy our homes more than ever. It was the inspiration for this edition of ETX View magazine.

When you take your next vacation, this magazine will change how you feel when you return home. In the past, we never wanted a vacation to end. We didn’t want to return to the same old home and same old routine.

There is a lot of talent and innovation in East Texas when it comes to home builders and renovators. We tapped into a few to give you those ideas, and the words and photos are inspiring.

It doesn’t end when you walk in the front door, either. Experts take you outside with ideas you probably didn’t think you could pull off in your own backyard.

After reading, you will see why coming home from vacation will finally put a smile on your face.

There is one other thing we have an advantage of in East Texas, our beautiful flowers. Master Gardener Mary Hamlin gives a lot of great tips and advice, and wants you to start out with fun.

We are also getting into another East Texas tradition, seeing the roses, azaleas and arboretums.

There are so many great places to visit in East Texas and in your own neighborhood.

ETX VIEW M

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PRESIDENT Stephen McHaney PUBLISHER Justin Wilcox ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Alyssa Purselley-Hankins 903-596-6295 EDITOR John Anderson ETX VIEW EDITOR Christina Cavazos

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There is a theme of all of this and it’s family.

Everything in this magazine ties into how our lives have improved as we have found more ways to stay entertained together.

And of course, there is food.

Last month, our readers ate up our bucket list of 15 places to get a burger in East Texas. You have asked for more of these features, and this month it’s five places for brunch.

We hope you continue to enjoy this magazine as much as we enjoy putting it together for you and your family. If you leave the magazine at home, we are now on your phone and computer at etxview.com and on all social media platforms.

Please share and comment on what you like and what you want so see more of in East Texas. We will see you on our walks and as we check out other story ideas involving food.

After all, there’s no place like home.

JOHN ANDERSON j a n d e r s o n @ m ro b e r t s m e d i a . c o m

DESIGNERS Ted Townsend Haley Holcomb

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS continued Courtney Stern Raquel Torres

WRITERS John Anderson Christina Cavazos Jo Lee Ferguson

THE COVER Curtis Clader and others discuss the great outdoors and the great indoors, tips for your oasis at home.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Cavazos Ana Conejo Les Hassell

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY Les Hassell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristen Barton Ann Bush Les Hassell Amy McHaney Anntoinette Moore

COVER DESIGN BY Ted Townsend © 2021, M. ROBERTS MEDIA 100 E. Ferguson, Suite 501, Tyler, TX 75702

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May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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CONTENTS WOMEN IN BUSINESS

30 A Smart Design

Our feature on Beth Purl and her knowledge of design.

34 Going the Extra Mile

Cherika Johnson has risen to the top of the real estate world for a reason.

40 Life Saved

62 Let’s Talk Cellulite

Our health and beauty feature talks about methods, lifestyle and lotions and potions.

68 Falling in Love with Fashion

In our Peterscars.com fashion feature, a look at the styles and clothing that will make you stand out while entertaining or relaxing at home.

An incredible story detailing how two moms saved the life of Emi Ballard.

TRAVEL

8 8 Building Trends

A look at Parade of Homes and how we are enjoying our at-home luxury more than ever.

14 The Great Outdoors

Trends and twists on enjoying nature while home.

20 Beautiful in Bloom

Where to go in East Texas to see our natural floral beauty.

44 Nacogdoches

Peters Travel takes you to a town of 33,000 with so much to see and do.

52 Lewisville

Deep roots, broad wings and a bright future in this Peters Autosports travel feature.

58 The Texas Hummingbird

Small and beautiful.

24 Succulent Love

May/June 2021 | etxview.com

From muffins to mimosas, we look at 5 Places for Brunch in East Texas.

86 Layers of Creativity

See the amazing works of art and the pastels used by Mary Jean Davis.

A look into the inspirations that has made singer/ songwriter Cody C. Norman one of the must-see artists in East Texas.

Giving you the dirt on how to have a great garden.

6

78 5 Places to Brunch

90 Rock and Blues

22 Hard Work with Rewards

They have charm and maintenance is easy when it comes to succulents.

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58

94 It’s Happening

Our calendar of great events across East Texas.

Make sure your heart is in the right place.

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20-1681

Parades of homes highlight

BUILDING

TRENDS

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May/June 2021 | etxview.com

H

ome is more in 2021 than it ever was.

It’s a place where people work and log into school. It’s a place where people are enjoying cooking at home more. It’s a place where people are looking for entertainment and recreation in their back yards or inside their homes.

S T O RY B Y JO LEE FERGUSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL AND M I C H A E L C AVA Z O S

“With COVID, it’s been a little interesting as far as what people’s wants and desires are for the home,” said Mindy Hamilton, a third generation home builder with the Hamilton Group in Longview. She’s also president of the East Texas Builders Association. “We used to think about going out as our source of entertainment, for recreation, for eating, and now we’re seeing that transition to where people are in their homes more.”

That has translated into an emphasis on specific areas of the home when it comes to new construction and remodeling.

East Texans will get a chance to take a look at current building trends when the East Texas Builders Association and the Tyler Area Builders Association host their Parades of Homes, May 7-9 and May 14-16 in the Longview area and June 5-13 in the Tyler area.

All the technology Hamilton said there is a renewed interest | CONT. ON PG. 11 May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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Mindy Hamilton

10

May/June 2021 | etxview.com

| CONT. FROM PG. 9

in studies or home offices, along with an emphasis on technology and integration of smart home technology.

More people are using the internet at the same time for working and participating in online school at home.

Hamilton said that means ensuring the technology can support the necessary Wi-Fi network in a home with Wi-Fi repeaters throughout the house. Hardwire connections also are requested to accompany Wi-Fi, she said.

The great outdoors “This may change in the next year,” Hamilton said, but builders are seeing customers focusing on outdoor spaces — outdoor kitchens, backyard space for children to play and pools.

“Anything that is entertainment at home,” Hamilton said.

Curtis Clader, owner and project manager of Clader Homes in Tyler, said he also has seen a focus on outdoor areas, including outdoor fireplaces. Clader also is chairman of the this year’s Tyler Area Builders Association’s Parade of Homes.

“If you’re going to be stuck in the house,” Clader said, those outdoor recreational areas become more important.

The great indoors Bigger kitchens, where parents can cook while children sit around an island working on homework, are another building trend resulting from the pandemic. “Flexible spaces” are too, where a game room might become a home school room instead.

“We’re seeing spaces that are more flexible and that are more in keeping with family time,” Hamilton said.

Building strong, prices up Clader said the home building industry is doing well – “going crazy,” although the pandemic pushed prices higher.

In February and March of 2020 plywood | CONT. ON PG. 13

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May/June 2021 | etxview.com

11

Curtis Clader

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prices were $8 a sheet. Now, they’re at $32 a sheet, because the lumber mills aren’t yet back up to full capacity, Clader said.

Steel product prices also are “skyrocketing,” he said.

Builders also have had to increase lead time for ordering supplies, considering COVID-19 interruptions.

“We can mitigate things taking a lot longer for the most part,” Clader said, “but we don’t have any control over pricing.”

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BUILDING

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Here are other trends you can expect to see during the Parades of Homes: • “I think you’re going to continue to see a push with kind of farmhouse style homes. You’re going to continue to see a push on painted brick homes,” Clader said, adding that homes have been a mix of traditional homes with modern features.

• Clean lines, less trim work and more streamlined countertops and lighting fixtures are popular right now, as are beams in the ceiling, Clader said.

• Hardwood floors are still desired in a majority of homes, and stained cabinets are making a comeback, Clader said.

May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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VISUAL

The Great Outdoors

...at your home

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May/June 2021 | etxview.com

S T O RY B Y J O L E E F E R G U S O N PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL A N D M I C H A E L C AVA Z O S

M

iles Wise loves the feeling of community where he built his house, on the golf course at The Challenge at Oak Forest.

If he sits on his back porch, it’s almost certain someone on the golf course will stop to say hello — or to marvel at his pool. Wise is a local Realtor and builder who decided he wanted to build his own custom home just after COVID-19 entered the world. He built his house right next door to his former house — proof of how much he loves the neighborhood — and moved into the home in July 2020.

“I did a custom negative edge pool,” with a white carrara marble wrap instead of a tile surround.

“It’s just a very high-end, extravagant pool on the golf course,” he said.

The bowl of the pool, where the water sits, is black gunite. If it’s hazy or stormy, the water in his pool looks black, he said.

It was an intentional decision to match the black and white theme of his house.

“I wanted that piece of the pool to incorporate my house,” he said.

Multi-colored iridescent tiles were used for edging the pool, which includes a tanning ledge. “(The pool) has amazing lines as a whole...” Wise said, describing how the pool appears to “fall” into the golf course.

“When you’re looking at my back porch, it looks like the pool never ends.”

His outdoor fireplace includes a fountain, with seating all around it. He went to Stone Works in Longview for a custom set of 20-foot-long, 10-foot-high iron, foldback doors from the house, overlooking the pool. Wise also plans to add an outdoor kitchen in the future, as well as more landscaping.

The one-story, 3,000-square-foot house is full of custom touches.

“I just kind of went above and beyond,” he said.

It’s the community, though, that is truly the selling point for him: Multiple members of his family live in the neighborhood, and it’s a safe place to raise his son.

“For me personally, I don’t feel like I could ever leave this neighborhood,” he said.

LONGTIME TREND, NEW TWISTS

The emphasis on outdoor space is a trend that’s been around for about 20 years and that COVID-19 intensified, said Dick Tucker, owner of Tucker Landscape Design and Construction Services in Longview.

“The swimming pool guys are just | CONT. ON PG. 16 May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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| CONT. FROM PG. 15 swallowed. You can’t find anybody to get a pool dug in a year,” Tucker said. “I think people are trying to find things to spend their vacation money on around the house.”

They’re also doing new things with their yards, like what Tucker did for Steve and Susan Marrs in their backyard on Hidden Hills Circle in Longview.

Tucker designed and built a putting green into their backyard.

The Marrs family bought the house in May 2020, and Steve said it had a “standard back porch.”

Their previous house had a nice garden area, and his wife wanted some flowers.

“The thing kind of grew and grew. It’s really nice. We love it,” said Steve Marrs, a retired baseball coach who now owns a business. His wife also is retired.

Their backyard had a lot of slope in it, which made it to where Tucker couldn’t get machinery into the backyard to do the necessary digging. His workers did it by hand, he said, with a retaining wall around the garden area that drops off and leaves an area for the Marrses’ dogs to run around.

Tucker said Steve Marrs wasn’t certain about the putting green at first, but Marrs said golf is one of his – and Tucker’s – hobbies.

“I thought that would be really nice, unique,” Steve Marrs said of what today is his seven-hole putting green.

“I use it a lot. My grandkids use it a lot,” he said. “They like coming over here and banging the golf ball around. I enjoy it too.

“The only negative on the putting green is my Lab likes to chase the golf ball while I’m putting.”

They had a pool at their previous home, but opted not to put one in at this house because pools are so much work, Steve Marrs said. They do have a jacuzzi that seats six and a fire pit in their yard, along with Susan Marrs’ flowers.

“We planted with a lot of 16

May/June 2021 | etxview.com

perennials. She really loves plants and colors and stuff,” Tucker said.

ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS

For Tyler builder Jayson Chandler and his wife, Bev, opportunities to entertain inside and outdoors were important to them as they designed their new home.

That means the house is the popular open-concept, with bonus areas built throughout the house for grandchildren and entertaining opportunities, a dining room big enough to seat 12 people, and a

laundry room connected to the master bedroom and bathroom. It’s a popular detail these days, Chandler said.

There’s a separate coffee bar under the stairs, he said, which is one touch people are adding to their homes to try to keep the house clutter free.

The outdoor area was his focus.

“I wanted an area that was big enough to entertain in. Our patio is 33 feet long and 17 feet deep. It’s a pretty big area,” Chandler said.

“We’ve got an outdoor kitchen.

We’ve got a fireplace out there.”

They also have motorized screens that lower down to block out the heat in the summer, keep the bugs out or in the winter keep in the heat offered by a recessed patio heater.

“We’ve actually been able to use the covered patio area all the way up into December,” Chandler said. “It gets kind of hot out there. We were out there for New Year’s Eve. We got hot actually. We had to turn off the heater and open the screen. It allows | CONT. ON PG. 18

to

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@prismblowdrybar May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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| CONT. FROM PG. 17 you to use the space more months out of the year.”

The backyard is surrounded by an 8-foot-fence, built board-on-board to improve privacy. The fence was built on top of an approximately 4-foot retaining wall, made of stone that matches stone used to build the house. Together, the wall and fence provide a noise buffer for the house, Chandler said.

Careful thought went into the plantings in the backyard as well. Chandler worked with the landscaper to use as many evergreens as possible and to select plants that don’t drop leaves and petals that would get into the pool.

“We wanted to be able to use 18

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the area more months out of the year,” Chandler said, and that means still having the flower beds look attractive year round, not just spring and summer.

Trends were moving toward outdoor spaces before COVID, including in home remodels. COVID only reinforced the trend because outdoor spaces became more important, Chandler said.

“If you still want to have people over the risk of being inside and being in close proximity is there,” he said, but that can be mitigated in outdoor spaces.

Pizza ovens, ice makers, grills, sinks and wine or regular refrigerators have been among popular items in outdoor spaces, he

said. Some people are tiling their back patios.

COVID has meant people aren’t taking vacations like they did, so outdoor spaces at home have become more important.

The Chandlers featured their Tyler home in the Tyler Area Builders Association 2020 Parade of Homes.

He recalled their previous home didn’t have a pool or outdoor space.

He said several times during summer 2020, his family talked about how much more difficult the COVID shutdown would have been if they’d had to stay home without all the space and amenities they now have in their backyard outdoor area.

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BEAUTIFUL IN BLOOM S T O RY B Y C H R I S T I N A C AVA Z O S

FROM ROSE GARDENS TO ARBORETUMS, EAST TEXAS IS FLOURISHING WITH FLOWERS.

I

t’s easy to look around and see the natural beauty of East Texas.

From being the home of the nation’s largest collection of public roses to masterfully planned gardens that are home to plants from Southern Living, East Texas is blooming with beauty.

This May, the Tyler Rose Garden will have a multitude of roses in bloom while the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center will be bursting with buds and a weekly concert series to attract visitors.

TYLER ROSE GARDEN

Longview Arboretum and Nature Center

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May/June 2021 | etxview.com

For nearly 70 years, Tyler has given people a place to view and tour its rose garden. Known as the “Rose Capital of America,” Tyler has a long history of rose production, cultivation and processing.

“Tyler is known in the nation for its roses.

The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is a 14acre park officially recognized as a ‘national treasure’ on the National Register of Historic Places,” said Adriana Rodriguez, who serves as the quality of life public information officer for the city of Tyler. “We have a great variety of colors and types of roses. We are the largest public collection of roses in the United States, holding more than 32,000 bushes and 600 cultivars.”

The rose garden annually draws hundreds of visitors from across the state and country. Peak bloom season occurs twice a year, in May and in October.

Rodriguez said that while this May won’t be a “normal” bloom season for the rose garden, a winter snowstorm left the garden in “much better condition” than officials had expected.

That means, there still will be plenty of roses and plants in bloom. A full bloom is expected to return in October, she added.

The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden also features smaller gardens within the park that play host to a variety of other plants. Visitors can see everything from roses to water features to a bee observatory.

The Tyler Rose Garden is open from dawn until dark, seven days a week, at 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler. Admission is free.

LONGVIEW ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER

The Tyler Rose Garden

Tyler Azalea Trail

Just a short car ride from downtown Longview, visitors can reconnect with nature at an outdoor paradise.

The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center showcases trees, native plants, wildlife and water resources in the heart of Longview.

From more than 3,500 daffodils planted on the grounds to countless canna lilies and a variety of other plants, something is always in bloom at the Longview Arboretum, according to Executive Director Steven Chamblee.

“We want people to come here to connect with nature,” Chamblee said.

The arboretum, which opened in 2019, is located on about 29 acres of land, with 14 acres developed so far. In 2020, the foundation for Southern Living magazine made a plant donation to the Longview arboretum. The Southern Living Garden occupies about three-quarters of an acre at the arboretum and features plants exclusively from the Southern Living collection.

This May, arboretum patrons are invited attend a weekly concert series. At 6 p.m. each Thursday in May, the arboretum will feature live music on its Water’s Edge Stage.

The arboretum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 per person; children under 3 and arboretum members can visit for free. The arboretum is located at 706 W. Cotton St. in Longview.

OTHER BLOOMS

Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Gardens

Wildflower Trails

Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden: Typically in late February or early March each spring, Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Gardens opens for visitors to drive along dirt pathways to view thousands of daffodils in bloom. The garden is open only during blooming season. For information, visit www.daffodilgarden.com.

Tyler Azalea Trail: Each spring — typically in March — East Texans are invited to drive through Tyler along the 10-mile Azalea Trail which takes visitors along quaint brick streets as they view historic homes and residential gardens with blooming azaleas, dogwoods and tulips. For information, visit visittyler.com/ azaleatrail/.

Wildflower Trails: Each spring, typically in April, Cass County blooms with beautiful wildflowers along major roadways in the area.

The cities of Linden, Hughes Springs and Avinger plan corresponding events for the Wildflower Trails of Texas. For information, visit www.wildflowertrailsoftexas.org.

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M

aster gardeners don’t hesitate to tell the dirt on their passion.

“The thing that we say right off is first of all, you should enjoy this,” said

Mary Hamlin, a Tyler resident and Smith County Master Gardener. Gardening is an investment of time, effort and money — with a reward at the end.

S T O RY B Y J O L E E F E R G U S O N PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANA CONEJO

Hard work with reward!

“The reward is delicious fresh food — safe fresh food. You know where it’s been and how it’s been handled.”

Getting to that reward, though, takes preparation. Here are some tips from Hamlin and Gregg County Extension Agent Shaniqua D. Davis for having a successful garden.

Fertilize

“The key is there’s no substitution for good prep work, for getting your ground work done, and then you need to use the right kind of fertilizer,” Hamlin said. The fertilizer should have nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, and micronutrients such as zinc, manganese and boron.

Earth, water and sun

Plan to control water so the ground doesn’t get too wet or too dry, and prepare the dirt with “lots of organic material,” Hamlin said. It’s best to water at the roots.

Mulch will help with water conservation and temperature control, but a handout Hamlin uses in gardening presentations she makes says pine needles work best.

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Vegetables generally needs six hours of sun for fruiting plants, possibly five for greens.

Davis cautioned that raised bed potting soil is porous so care needs to be taken to provide enough water.

“Check your plants daily for any sign of insects and worms. One tomato worm can strip the leaves off a plant right before your very eyes.

Raised beds help control some types of insects as they do not want to climb up the boards,” Davis said. “If insects become a problem, plant Marigolds in the garden. Insects do not like the smell of these and the pretty color will make a great addition to your garden.”

Don’t procrastinate

Also, don’t wait too late to get plants in the ground. In fact, they should be in the ground already, Hamlin said.

“Summers here are hard on everything, of course,” she said. “One of the things people need to understand is they need to get (plants) in as early as reasonable.”

Pick vegetables when they’re young for best flavor

Mary Hamlin, a Tyler resident and Smith County Master Gardener works in her yard pruning shrubs and planting seedlings in her vegetable garden.

and nutrition. Tomatoes should be picked when they’re pink. Let them ripen indoors.

It’s OK to think small

Hamlin said she has a small yard.

“I vegetable garden in my flower beds,” she said.

“You’d be amazed at how much you can get out of reasonably small flower beds.”

Again, though, it comes down to preparation — making a plan to get the most out of a small space.

Davis recommends using raised beds with raised bed garden soil and compost.

“When making raised beds, purchase three, 2 x 10 x 8 foot treated boards to make one bed. Cut one board in half to make the 4 foot ends. Use wood screws to put this together,” Davis said. “To prevent weeds and grass from growing from the ground up through your soil, place a thick layer of cardboard on the ground where you are making your bed. This prevents any grass and weeds from coming up from the ground into your beds.

The cardboard will eventually decay but the weed and grass seeds have been killed. You will need to have at least 2 inches of cardboard left out around the edges of your bed to prevent bermuda grass and other weeds,

etc. from growing up the inside edges of the soil. Place your newly built bed on top of the cardboard.”

Make wise choices

Grow vegetables you like. That’s one of the tips in Hamlin’s handout. She also said tomatoes are best planted as seedlings, when they’re about 2 inches tall, because they’re hard to start from seeds. Beans and okra, though, should be sowed directly into the ground.

Hamlin urges caution when using insecticides, since the point is to eat what you grow. She suggested Sevin, pyrethrins and water blasts.

Davis said plants that are pale or yellow can be fertilized with a small amount of 13-by-13-by-13 fertilizer.

“Liquid Miracle Grow can also be used as needed.

Each year after you start your beds you need to add more compost and a small amount of fertilizer to keep the soil loose and fertile,” Davis said.

When in doubt

Visit https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/ veg_variety/ to get information about what vegetables grow best in each area of the state.

Smith County Master Gardeners also operate a help desk at smithmghelpdesk@gmail.com.

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Love

S T O RY B Y C H R I S T I N A C AVA Z O S P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L C AVA Z O S

HOW TO CARE FOR SUCCULENTS

W

ith their natural charm and easy maintenance, succulents have become the trendiest plants around.

They come in all shapes and sizes, in an array of gorgeous colors and have intriguing textures. Their beauty has captured the eyes and hearts of many people and they have become a favorite among modern designers.

“The first year that we went into business, we heard it said that succulents are not going away anytime soon — and they aren’t,” said Cathy Page, owner of RCB Gardens in Longview.

“So we enclosed a greenhouse specifically so we can sell succulents year-round.”

Succulents are among the top sellers at RCB Gardens and many other nurseries across East Texas.

The reason?

In addition to their uniqueness and beauty, they are extremely low maintenance plants with water-holding capabilities that make them able to survive in long periods without water. So for young urban dwellers who work long hours and travel frequently, | CONT. ON PG. 26

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“

Succulents grow slowly but they grow really well

succulents are the ideal way to brighten up a space.

While there are many different types of succulents, Page said string of pearls and echeveria are among the most popular types she sells. String of pearls is a succulent that will cascade out of its container or hanging basket 26

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| CONT. FROM PG. 24

with little “pearls” that resemble a beaded necklace of green, pealike foliage. Echeveria is a leafy succulent in which leaves form a rosette, resembling a flower.

“String of pearls is the most popular seller for me. They’ve been around forever but they’re hard to find,” Page said. “Nearly everybody’s grandmother had

them and it’s something familiar.

They’re very unique; there’s nothing exactly quite like them. ... People also love the echeveria because of the rosettes; they look like flowers.”

The hardiest succulent that RCB Gardens sells is sedum, a succulent that forms a ground covering.

TIPS FOR SUCCULENT CARE

LIGHT: Place succulents near the brightest possible indoor light. If you have multiple

succulents, it’s recommended to rotate their position, Page said, or else they will begin to “reach” for the sunlight.

WATER: The amount of water a succulent needs depends on the season. “When the

plant is actively growing, it’s going to require more water,” Page said. “In the wintertime, it might only need to be watered once every week and a half to two weeks, but in the summertime, water it whenever the soil is completely dry.”

MISTING: While many people think succulents are meant to be misted, Page said

this is actually a myth. “Go ahead and water directly into the soil. When you water, unless you’re using a planter without a drain hole, you should water until it comes out of the bottom. You want to really saturate the roots.”

SOIL: It’s recommended to use a well-draining soil, and there are many soils made specifically for succulent care, Page said.

FERTILIZATION: This is only necessary during the active growing season of spring or summer, Page said. “We use Superthrive; it’s a basic plant vitality fertilizer,” she said.

For those who have a loved succulent, Page said it’s easier to make more as the plants are easy to propagate. To propagate a succulent and grow another, simply pick a leaf off of the plant and place it in soil. It will take nutrients from the leaf and the soil and grow its own roots. It can eventually be potted and grow

into another plant.

“Succulents grow slowly but they grow really well,” she said.

The keys to a thriving succulent, Page said, are light and water.

“One thing we know for sure is the brighter the color, the more light the succulent will take. For indoors, especially with lower

light situations, you want a green plant,” she said as she pointed to succulents that are related to aloe.

As for water, Page said it’s recommended to use a planter with a drain hole. If a planter doesn’t have a drain hole, just be careful about the amount of water provided.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Lindale’s Beth Purl

builds on her design skills S T O RY B Y A N N T O I N E T T E M O O R E PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

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s a child, Beth Purl enjoyed playing with Legos, the well-known plastic blocks that snap together to form everything from houses to spaceships.

But unlike many kids, she liked building the structures more than playing with them.

Purl also “drew floor plans for fun,” she said. It was the design process that intrigued her.

The former high school golf coach — who has a degree in kinesiology with a focus on biomechanics — now designs custom-built homes and remodeling projects at her home in Lindale.

Because of her education in kinesiology — the study of the mechanics of human movement — she knows how people move and work.

“I’m really good at making sure the flow of the house fits” the family that will live there, Purl said.

Her father was a football coach; Purl lived in several Texas towns as her father changed jobs.

They moved to Lindale when Purl was in first grade; she graduated from Lindale High School and then the University of Texas at Austin. Purl taught precalculus and calculus and coached at Longview’s Pine Tree Independent School District for one year and then in the Dallas area for seven.

She moved back to Lindale in 2014, where she taught pre-calculus and calculus for two years while starting her new business, Beth Purl Home Design.

The idea for it came before her move.

“I had designed some remodeling for my parents. Several builders told me, ‘You have a real eye for this,’ ” Purl said.

One builder offered to send his home-building clients to her for the design work.

“I felt that I had something to offer to make the experience better for people. I (know how to) make a home unique for a family,” she said.

Whether it is new construction or remodeling, Purl is there at the beginning.

“Usually, people come with parts of a plan that

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they have seen, that they’ve found online. Often, they come with pieces of what they want, but not the whole plan,” she continued.

Occasionally, people only know that they want four bedrooms and two baths. At the other end of the spectrum are people “who have figured out exactly what they want but need someone to put it on paper for the builders and the bank,” Purl said.

Designing the house is always a back-and-forth process.

“I want to know … who they are and how they will live in their house every day. We talk more about the specifics of the house, the details. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the layout of the house. What they want their kitchen to look like, the ceiling heights, what the outside of the house looks like,” she said.

Purl said it is like what an architect does. The state of Texas does not require any certifications to design a floor plan. It is up to the builder to ensure the house is structurally sound and meets all local building codes, she said.

The house’s floor plan is next.

“I work on the details, playing with the setup as I go. … Sometimes I have to tell them (the floor plan) has exceeded their square footage by 400 square feet. People don’t think about the width of exterior and interior walls, which are included in the square footage,” Purl added.

The elevations – drawn images of the house’s exterior – are among the final design elements.

“The old white farmhouse is the favorite now, though people are moving a little toward a more modern feel,” she said. Purl also does the roof plans, “everything the builder needs to build the house,” she added.

The last step is finalizing the blueprints.

While she has designed houses from 500 to more than 10,000 square feet, Purl said most of her clients want a home of about 2,100-square-feet.

“In East Texas, people would rather put their money into the inside than into the square footage,” she said. The current trend is to build somewhat smaller homes, rather than the 3,500-to4,000-square-foot homes common 10 years ago.

Purl has designed many houses for retired couples: large houses so that adult sons and daughters and grandkids can visit and small houses perfect for two.

“I enjoy building houses for people in retirement. … I really enjoy and value the differences in people, so it is fun to see who they are and what is important to them,” Purl said.

Designing homes has been rewarding.

“I love people. It’s a lot of fun to meet new people. It’s fun to be a part of the home-building process,” Purl said.

Designing the house is always a back-and-forth process. . .

“I want to know … who they are and how they will live in their house every day.

We talk more about the specifics of the house, the details. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the layout of the house. What they want their kitchen to look like, the ceiling heights, what the outside of the house looks like.”

Beth Purl May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Cherika Johnson

Goes the extra mile for homebuyers S T O RY B Y A N N T O I N E T T E M O O R E P H O T O S P R O V I D E D B Y M I C H A E L C AVA Z O S

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o not tell Cherika Johnson that she cannot do something — unless you want her to accomplish it.

Using grit and hard work, the Longview native transforms discouraging words and negative comments into motivation for success, especially when it comes to her business, Johnson Realty.

She began her real estate career in 2006 and 2007, just before bad loans and inflated real estate prices led to 2008’s Great Recession.

“After I became a real estate agent, people would call me about their bad experiences,” Johnson said.

Rather than tuning them out, she listened.

“I wanted to know what was not working for them, how I could be that change, … how I could turn that around for them. That became my goal, not just to sell houses,” Johnson said.

“I love helping people. I have always had a passion for designing homes. I used to watch HGTV a lot,” she said. Johnson, who attended Longview public schools and has a business administration degree from LeTourneau University, thought she might become an interior designer.

“I knew business was my thing. I just didn’t know that it would lead me to here,” she said.

Then, while buying and selling her own family’s homes, Johnson became interested in real estate.

She worked as an agent for several brokerages for 10 years but wanted more.

In Texas, a real estate license allows you to buy and sell houses, but you must have a real estate broker’s license to start a brokerage.

Johnson received the license, opened her brokerage in November 2016 and expected to work alone. That soon changed.

“As God saw fit, I attracted other new agents.

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… I went from a party of one to a party of eight,” she said. Now Johnson oversees seven agents in Longview, Tyler and Dallas.

“We call ourselves the ‘I-20 Connection.’ …

The business has really grown. I have matured as a broker. I have stepped out of my comfort zone. My agents have pushed me to be great,” she said.

“The motto for my company is, I don’t want to produce an office of followers, I want to produce an office of leaders,” Johnson said.

“I want to teach them how to do the business, not just work” as real estate agents, she said.

“Whatever I venture, it has to be good not only for me but for my agents.”

To Johnson, success is more than selling expensive houses and earning big commissions.

“My most rewarding experiences have been with the clients who thought they never could buy a house. It’s almost as if I attract the people who don’t think they can own a home,” she said.

About a quarter of her clients are first-time homeowners.

“I love working with them, because they are so grateful,” Johnson added.

Home ownership is important because it builds generational wealth. People who do not buy a home will not have generational wealth to leave to their children.

“To me, real estate, buying a home, is the biggest factor in building wealth, period,” she said.

Many people think real estate agents just sell houses, but there is much more to it. Agents market, prep and show houses; they educate buyers and negotiate sales prices.

“We’re always in front of people. … We deal with a lot of companies: survey, inspection, title, lender,” Johnson said.

“We give (home buyers) different options for lenders. Once a house is under contract, we help

Cherika Johnson is presented with a plaque after she is named as a Star Over Longview by CEO Casey Robertson during Longview Regional Medical Center’s Stars Over Longview annual awards ceremony, January 2016, at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center. them understand the inspection reports,” she said.

“Most of my business is repeat clients. You take care of one client, then they will send you three or four clients,” Johnson said.

Her husband has supported her work financially and emotionally.

“He was a push when people were saying I couldn’t do it. …. He pushed me to keep going,” she said.

“I am family first. I love my duties as mom, first. I have three boys, and they all do sports,” Johnson added. She likes her flexible schedule, because she could take one of her sons to baseball games during the week when he was in middle and high school.

Johnson is a member of the Junior League of

Longview and on the boards of ArtsView Children’s Theatre and the Longview Area Association of Realtors. In addition, she volunteers with the LISD Foundation.

These efforts “help me connect with people across the racial lines. I work until they start to see me,” she said.

Her honors include being named Realtor of the Year in 2019 and a Star over Longview by Longview Regional Medical Center in 2016.

Johnson said she is blessed that her career allows her to have a fulfilling life as a wife, mother and businesswoman.

“This is like God has given me a gift and put it in my lap with a bow. I feel like this real estate direction was God’s direction,” she said.

“My most rewarding experiences have been with the clients who thought they never could buy a house. It’s almost as if I attract the people who don’t think they can own a home.”

Cherika Johnson May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Two Moms, One Daughter

SAVED F

or Emi Ballard, the end of a fatal diagnosis did not come in the form of a new medicine, a shot or a complicated surgery.

What saved the now 14-year-old was simply the love of two mothers fighting for her life.

As a baby, Emi was extremely sick. She weighed 16 pounds by her second birthday.

Katie Ballard, owner and builder of Katie Ballard Co. in Longview, came across Emi when a friend who worked as a missionary in Belize treated Emi and her mother.

Ballard said her friend knew Emi needed more medical attention, so Emi and her mother were flown to Longview to stay with Ballard and her family so the baby could get medical care.

“When she was about 18 months old, she and her mother, Marleni, came to stay with us for about six weeks,” Ballard recalled. “Everybody was just so amazing, but even when we sent her home — she went home in May — and we kind of knew that all those puzzle pieces did not fit into place yet.”

They knew Emi would likely be back in the U.S. in the future for treatment.

That July, Ballard received a call from a nurse who was checking on Emi in Belize, and she was scared for the young girl’s life. Emi was flown back to the U.S. that night. Longview Regional Medical Center donated services to care for Emi and Ballard credited Dr. Karen Roberts, who is now retired, with being their “angel.”

In the U.S., Emi’s life was then taken day by day because she was so sick. It became apparent she would need more medical care than she would get in Belize. So the day after her second birthday, Emi’s birth mother flew home without her. Emi became Ballard’s daughter after they all agreed to an adoption.

Since then, the Ballard family has dealt with many medical issues. Emi had food allergies, sinus infections, lung issues and always needed some type of surgery to keep her thriving.

In June 2018, tests finally gave the family some answers when they learned Emi had DOCK8 Deficiency, a rare immune disorder caused by a mutation in genes.

The disease would be fatal to Emi without a bone marrow transplant.

“It’s really scary when you find out your kiddo who

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Emi Ballard with her dog Goose.

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| CONT. FROM PG. 40 you fought so hard for for so many years now is going to have to go through something big,” Ballard said. “But that was all dependent on a match.”

The family used a website called Be The Match, a national donor registry that allows people to register as potential blood stem cell donors. With the diagnosis, the National Institutes of Health took over for Emi’s treatment. The family’s first trip there was in October 2018.

“We got a lot of information and she was type matched for the registry before we came home,” Ballard said. “We knew it would take some time finding donors, and I came home feeling fully confident. I knew statistically, because of her heritage, that she would have a 23% chance that she would have a donor, but I was like, ‘We’re going to be in that 23%.’ I was just confident that it was all going to be fine, and God had brought us this far and he was going to answer that prayer.”

But in December 2018, the family was notified there was not a match for Emi. “It was a gut punch,” Ballard said. “I’ll be honest, I was mad at God. I was mad at him for not answering prayers; I was mad at him for letting me down. We had come so far and here we were, right here on the edge of this cliff and we were going to fall off.”

Most children with DOCK8 do not survive past their 20s, and after puberty, most develop cancer, Ballard said.

“It felt like urgency, like we were racing against time,” she said.

The doctors decided a stem cell transplant would be best for Emi and gave Ballard an option that gave her the hope she needed. In February 2019, the doctors told Ballard they could attempt to find a family match as a donor for Emi. Ballard was on a plane to Belize three days later.

“We have a great relationship with her mom,” Ballard said. “We always try to stay in touch, send pictures, I go to Belize almost every summer to see them and work with the same medical group that found Emi.” Ballard got in touch with Marleni, Emi’s half-brother, aunt and father. All were willing to get swabbed to see if they were a match to be a donor. It took a total of three trips to Belize to get everything Ballard needed.

Once again, she was racing against time. By April, Emi was very sick and in May her lungs needed a machine to keep her breathing.

“It was just getting to where you just felt like desperation,” she said. “They told us to just hold tight and to give us a couple more weeks. While Emi was in the hospital, we got the call that her biological mom would be able to save her life and be her donor.”

Emi and her doctors and family spent the summer getting her lungs strong and keeping her healthy.

Marleni arrived at the National Institutes of Health in August of 2019. They both had a lot of prep to do before the surgery. Emi needed chemotherapy and radiation and Marleni needed shots.

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Katie, Jason and Emi Ballard On Sept. 19, 2019, the stem cell transplant was performed, and Emi was saved.

Marleni went home a week later, Ballard said. After COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and it is safe to travel again, the family is planning to go to Belize for Emi to see her biological mom and where she was born. “(Marleni) literally saved Emi’s life twice,” Ballard said.

“What mom is willing to give her kid up for adoption just for a chance at life? It wasn’t that she wanted to lose her child or wanted to give her up, but she was willing to do whatever it took to keep her alive and then a second time, same thing.

“I imagine it was very scary to just get on a plane and trust all that and not knowing what’s coming medically,” Ballard said. “But she said yes. Just saying yes and she did that and she’s the reason Emi’s alive.”

The family came back to Longview on New Year’s Eve of 2019 and Emi is much healthier.

She needs injections and shots to help rebuild her immune system, but she does not have DOCK8 anymore, Ballard said. In March, she reached 18 months post-transplant.

“If there was any cancer cell mutation, there’s nothing they can do to reverse that,” Ballard said. “We just have to hope we caught it in time and be grateful for today and not worry about tomorrow.”

To join the donor registry, text “Emi” to 61474 or go to Join.BeTheMatch.org/Swab4Emi.

May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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TRAVEL

The town of more than 33,000 residents is known for its tall trees, miles of nature trails, historical sites and locally owned businesses.

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Nacogdoches

A day trip to the oldest town in Texas S T O RY B Y R A Q U E L T O R R E S PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

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n hour and a half from Tyler and Longview lies the oldest town in Texas — Nacogdoches.

The city in between two creeks, the city of many firsts, the garden capital of Texas, Nacogdoches sees thousands of tourists each year. Many of those are people who have heard of the city but have never had the chance to visit.

When they finally do, it’s a place they say they have to return to again.

The town of more than 33,000 residents is known for its tall trees, miles of nature trails, historical sites and locally owned businesses.

When visitors first enter the city, they will see tall trees, pine cones on the floor, art murals, the beautiful campus of Stephen F. Austin State University and the historic architecture.

With robust offerings of sites, restaurants and stays, the city encourages not only first-time

visitors but those who want to come time after time.

“I think what (visitors) will take away are really deeply rooted memories,” said Sherry Morgan, executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “What I think is most surprising is what they’ll leave behind. They’ll leave behind their heart. We get so many people that come once and that is the first of many times. Rarely do we have people that come once, mark it off a list and never come back. I think it’s not so much what they take away, but what they leave here to come back to find again.”

TO SEE AND DO To begin exploring Nacogdoches, start at the Charles Bright Visitors Center, where brochures, history and information can be found in one place.

The visitor center doubles as a museum that features history from of Nacogdoches. The visitor center

and museum sees an average of 1,000 to 1,200 walk-in guests per month, which averages to about 13,000 to 14,000 people per year.

Morgan recalled a historian from Stephen F. Austin State University who said the pine curtain inhibited Nacogdoches from growing. In doing so, it actually preserved the community.

“Based on our history and our location, Nacogdoches should be today what we see Houston, Dallas and San Antonio being, because of commerce that came through here. It struck me then and it’s only proven to be true. It was really a hedge of protection,” Morgan said. “What it did was preserve the very best of us so that we are this throwback to a kinder, simpler, gentler time that so many people have fond memories of. It’s a throwback to a bygone era.”

After touring the visitors’ bureau, stop to admire the architecture and many artistic | CONT. ON PG. 47

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The Oak Grove Cemetery is a popular historic sight. The cemetery is the resting place of four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, as well as other legendary Texans.

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| CONT. FROM PG. 45 murals in downtown Nacogdoches.

If visiting downtown on a Wednesday or a Saturday morning, pop in to the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market at 107 Pearl St. where more than 45 vendors showcase a variety of items, such as homemade candles, jewelry, soaps, baked goods, local organic beef, free-range eggs and handcrafted wood-craft items.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Lake Nacogdoches is a 2,212-acre lake home to some of the best bass fishing in Texas. The lake also is home to bluegill and redear sunfish. Lake Nacogdoches, located at 127925 S. FM 225, also features a swimming area, picnic tables and a three-acre park.

Meanwhile, the nearby 5.89mile Lantana Creek Trail offers opportunities for birdwatching as well as taking in stunning views.

The trail connects to Pecan Park, where many residents enjoy playing disc golf.

“We have a decent amount of Disc Golf. There’s a community for that. There’s all these little micro communities, like geocaching, disc golf, the rock painting, there’s all these cool things going on in the background,” said Ashley Morgan, creative content director at the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “A person that’s lived here might never notice, but visitors notice.”

The SFA Mast Arboretum, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden and the Nacogdoches County Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden are must-sees while in “Nac.” For those interested in history, a visit to the Stone Fort Museum at the SFA campus is a must-do. The museum, which is one of the oldest buildings in Texas, features information about the 1936 Texas Centennial, Historic Houses, The Republic of Texas and more.

Nacogdoches visitors also can experience Texas’ largest barn quilt trail. There are more than

250 barn quilts in Nacogdoches County. For great views, head to the city’s Scenic Overlook on Texas 7 for stunning views and try to spot the barn quilts from the road.

The Oak Grove Cemetery is a popular historic sight. Also known as one of the most famous cemeteries in Texas, the Oak Grove Cemetery is the resting place of four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, as well as other legendary Texans.

One of the most famous icons buried at the cemetery is Thomas Jefferson Rusk.

Near the Oak Grove Cemetery, visitors will find Fortney Home at 310 N. Mound St. Considered a gem of Nacogdoches, Fortney Home is an eclectic furnishing store with a diverse option of home items. Designed by architect Diedrich Ruffus, the Fortney Home features collections of items on two floors and in 14 rooms. | CONT. ON PG. 48

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| CONT. FROM PG. 47 “A lot of our antique shops have these pieces from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, from that era and that style of design, just sitting out and just waiting for true collectors that are starting to hear about us as the Fredonia becomes more popular because that’s the design of their remodel,” Sherry Morgan said.

“That’s kind of a hidden secret about Nacogdoches is that we’re this collection where people can still find authentic and genuine pieces of mid-century modern antiques.”

A visit to Nacogdoches wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Millard’s Crossing, a charming, reconstructed historic village. The village comprises a broad sampling of 19th century East Texas architecture from simple log cabins to Victorian homes, and is designed to connect present generations to the past.

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TO EAT The oldest town in Texas offers a wide variety of restaurants, certain to please any palate.

Family owned restaurants Dolli’s Diner and First City Cafe, each located in the downtown area, are breakfast hotspots. At Dolli’s Diner, visitors will be surrounded by local art as they enjoy breakfast or brunch. Patrons won’t go wrong with the plate that Dolli’s describes as it’s most sold. That’s the No. 2 breakfast special, which includes two eggs, two pancakes, two pieces of bacon and coffee.

Meanwhile, First City Cafe is inside the newly renovated Fredonia Hotel near downtown.

The cafe is known for its midcentury modern interior, which is furnished with white tabletops and plush white leather chairs. Named after the city of Nacogdoches, First City Cafe is known for its Lumberjack Breakfast which features bacon, sausage, two eggs, two pancakes, a biscuit and

home fries. For other meals, The Republic Burger and the Shrimp and Grits are popular.

Also in the Fredonia Hotel, Nine Flags Bar and Grill is a great spot for drinks. Each alcoholic beverage represents one of the Nine Flags that have flown over Nacogdoches. For a finedining dinner experience, visit the Republic Steakhouse, where reservations are recommended.

For a mid-day wine break or brunch, the Cottage Wine Bar is a hidden backyard set up for a relaxing food and wine experience.

The Cottage Wine Bar offers salads and soups, charcuterie boards, crepes and deserts.

“It’s a little cottage and he’s (owner Benjamin Sullivan) got this cute little garden area, there’s string lights, a gazebo, a fountain, multiple fire pits with lawn chairs around them, and he’s just made this gorgeous little environment,” Ashley Morgan said.

For casual dining, try Clear

Springs Restaurant. For Italian food in a historic setting, visit Auntie Pasta’s Italian Restaurant.

For a good chicken-fried steak or southern cooking, consider Butcher Boy’s, a Nacogdoches staple since 1977. For a good hamburger, consider NacBurger and for barbecue, consider Brendyn’s BBQ which has been featured in “Texas Monthly.”

“He does amazing brisket, he’s been featured in ‘Texas Monthly’ before, he recently added mac and cheese to the menu,” Ashley Morgan said. “He actually features brownies in his store that are made

by Blue Horse Bakery, which is just around the corner and they’re so good.”

If visiting Nac with friends or with four-legged, furry friends, check out Front Porch Distillery, which features live music on weekends and invites a variety of food trucks to its location. The distillery offers a tasting room that features mixed drinks and signature spirits.

Nacogdoches’ first microbrewery, The Fredonia Brewery, is also a local hotspot.

Child-friendly and pet-friendly, the brewery features a 15 barrel brew house and four 30-barrel fermenters, in which beers and ales are made. The brewery also offers tours of brewhouse equipment and the process of making beer.

Popular brews include Banita Blonde, 9 Flags Amber, Bull Pine Pale, Angry Axe IPA and the Pine Cove Porter.

TO STAY For those planning an overnight trip to Nacogdoches, a stay at the Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center is in order. The city’s iconic Fredonia Hotel first opened its doors in April 1955. It was built around an ancient Catalpa tree, which later had to be cut down because of rot. The hotel paid homage to the tree by replacing it with a handmade iron tree in the atrium.

The Fredonia Hotel features 109 rooms, including single

rooms, suites, cabana rooms and terrace rooms. The hotel recently underwent a renovation, which transformed it into a unique historic destination.

Over the years, the hotel has been visited by famous guests including Farrah Fawcett, Amy Schumer, Elvis Presley and Colonel Sanders. Owned and operated by Nacogdoches residents, the hotel said it strives to offer a “luxury meets local” experience.

For a traditional hotel stay, check out the Hampton Inn & Suites in Nacogdoches or the Mockingbird Suites, a Victorian home with rentable rooms in downtown Nac. For those who travel in a RV, Nacogdoches offers many RV parks including at Camp Tonkawa Springs. Located deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas, Camp Tonkawa Springs features a rocklined, spring fed pond, picnic areas, horseshoe and volleyball courts, covered pavilions and recreation halls.

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TRAVEL

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Lewisville Deep Roots. Broad Wings. Bright Future.

S T O RY B Y C H R I S T I N A C AVA Z O S P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L C AVA Z O S

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he City of Lewisville has deep roots, broad wings and a bright future.

Those words are more than just a mantra of the town. They’re the perfect description for the DallasFort Worth suburb which is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas.

From a sparkling lake and green outdoor spaces to unique shopping opportunities and diverse culinary options, it’s no surprise that nearly 100,000 people have chosen to call Lewisville home and that thousands more visit each year.

Walking through the streets of downtown Lewisville is like being in a tight-knit community filled with local shops and restaurants, vibrant murals and a park that sits across from City Hall.

“We are a small, vibrant community. We have so many wonderful small businesses where you can find the most unique gifts and dine on the best food,” said Phyllis Cox, marketing and tourism manager for the City of Lewisville.

But just a few blocks from the heart of the city’s downtown is a sprawling interstate that transports thousands of drivers each day as they journey through Lewisville to nearby Dallas and Denton. Along the interstate in Lewisville are countless restaurants, a mall, shopping opporunities, entertainment venues and more.

All of that combines to make Lewisville the perfect destination to enjoy the best aspects of both a metropolitan city and a small community.

Just a little more than a twohour drive from East Texas, Lewisville makes for an easy day trip but also has plenty to explore for those who choose to make it a weekend getaway.

TO DO One of the largest lakes in North Texas, Lake Lewisville is a gem to be enjoyed. The lake spans more than 29,000 acres with 233 miles of shoreline. It’s a great

recreational lake to fish, water ski, swim, boat or simply relax.

Numerous parks are located around the lake to hike, bike, golf and explore. Among the most popular - and also the most massive - parks is Lake Park. With an 18-hole disc golf course, a nine-hole golf course, a fishing barge and space to camp, the park is a popular attraction among the locals as well as visitors.

On a sunny, spring day Adam Krushinskie spent his afternoon playing disc golf with Jessica Martin and her dog Nittany at the park.

“We’ve come here three or four times now just to play disc golf,” said Krushinskie, who resides in Lewisville. “We like coming out on a spring day like this because there’s not many people ... and you play the first five or six holes right along the lake.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Lewisville Lake Environmental | CONT. ON PG. 55

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| CONT. FROM PG. 53 Learning Area is nearby. The area serves as a nature preserve that features hiking trails as well as space to kayak, canoe, fish and birdwatch. Secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city, Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area takes one’s breath away with its natural beauty as it works to preserve and restore native Texas ecosystems. It also provides opportunities for environmental education and research.

For those who prefer indoor entertainment, Main Event is a game and activity center designed to bring people together. Main Event in Lewisville features bowling, laser tag, mini golf, gravity ropes, billiards, rock climbing, games and more.

Meanwhile, shopping opportunities abound in Lewisville.

Music City Mall features some national retail brands but also

offers many local stores and dining opportunities.

“Our mall has transformed into more of a diverse marketplace with many unique shops and venues,” Cox said. “There are facilities there where you can find one of a kind art, apparel and more.”

Everyday the mall features live music for patrons to listen to as they shop. On weekends, the mall features a variety of events, many of which bring in local vendors who set up booths to showcase their wares. But everyday, the mall features many stores, among which one of the most popular is Zion Market. The marketplace has both a grocery store to purchase goods and a food court with offerings that are primarily Asian inspired.

For an off the beaten path shopping experience, Antique Gallery features 120 vendors who showcase everything from primitive to modern goods. Manager Paul Burnett said Antique Gallery is primarily known for its mid-century modern collection and its clientele

is primarily millennials. Vendors offer a wide variety of unique items and because merchandise rotates, it makes for a one of a kind shopping experience.

“When you think of shop small, this is such a great example of that,” Burnett said. “We have 120 local vendors. Everybody here is local and shopping here just helps our local economy.”

Nearby downtown — which Lewisville residents refer to as Old Town — also is filled with many locally owned stores that have unique offerings. In addition to shops, Wayne Ferguson Plaza is located in the heart of Old Town.

The plaza is a 1.5-acre urban park that serves as a gathering spot for the community. Outdoor artwork abounds throughout downtown, including at the plaza which features a bronze figure of Wayne Ferguson, a former mayor, councilman and land developer | CONT. ON PG. 56

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| CONT. FROM PG. 55 who had a great impact on Lewisville.

Old Town is filled with outdoor murals and other pieces of outdoor art, but the nearby Lewisville Grand Theater features indoor galleries with rotating exhibitions.

The theater also offers a robust calendar of live performances, including music, plays and more.

TO EAT & DRINK While Lewisville offers a plethora of opportunities for fun, the city also has a robust culinary scene certain to please any palate.

For breakfast, consider Jackie’s Ham ‘n’ Eggs, a country-style kitchen that offers Texas-sized servings of delicious food. The signature ham ‘n’ eggs comes with what the restaurant describes as a “Texas size slab of ham” while other items, such as the pancakes are fluffy and ample.

In Lewisville’s Old Town, Seven

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Mile Cafe also serves up one of the city’s best breakfasts. From cafe favorites, such as migas and tacos, to a wide variety of pancakes and benedicts, Seven Mile Cafe has something for everyone. Pro tip: substitute your regular breakfast side for the restaurant’s beloved smoked gouda grits and you won’t be disappointed.

For lunch, consider dining at the Zion Market Food Court at Music City Mall for Asian food; for suchi, look no further than Blue Ocean Sushi and Asian Grill; for a well-made burger, visit Rusty Beagle; and for Mexican food, consider dining at Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant.

For a mid-morning or midafternoon coffee break, a stop by The Perc Coffeehouse in Old Town is a must. The craft coffeehouse draws the attention of many young professionals with its unique vibe. It features a wide variety of espresso options, but it also has

such selections as teas for noncoffee drinkers.

Next door to The Perc, Old Town Wine House offers a robust wine selection along with lunch and dinner offerings that include soups, salads and flatbreads. With a laid back atmosphere, Old Town Wine House invites patrons to relax while enjoying conversation with family and friends over a glass of wine.

For dinner, visit Sullivan Old Town BBQ where owner Terry Sullivan serves up some of Lewisville’s best brisket and ribs with desserts that are just as delectable as the main course.

Sullivan Old Town BBQ is located inside a former meat market, so when patrons first walk inside they may notice the meat market vibe. With live music on many Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant has a relaxed vibe.

What makes the barbecue so unique is Sullivan’s self-described “old school” approach. The meat

is slow cooked until it falls off the bone.

“Everything we do is old school,” said Sullivan, who’s been cooking barbecue for 30 years. “Everything’s done on oldfashioned pits with post-oak wood so it’s just smoke and fire.”

Though he’s operated 14 restaurants across the country in his life, Sullivan said he’s always drawn back to barbecue and back to Lewisville because it’s where he’s from. Though his brisket is what he’s best known for in town, all of the meats are to die for and seasoned to perfection.

Also in Old Town, Prairie House Restaurant is another of Lewisville’s most unique and delicious options.

Prairie House Restaurant occupies Lewisville’s old feed mill space. The Lewisville Feed Mill operated for about 125 years and the building itself dates back to 1886.

The restaurant, which is owned

by Jim and Kerry Murray, has incorporated much of the old feed

mill into its decor to make Prairie House one of the most unique dining options in Lewisville. For example, an outside bar on the patio is actually a former silo that was converted.

“We’re really proud of the building and we take good care of it still,” Assistant General Manager Karlie Casillas said.

Prairie House Restaurant serves what Casillas described as homestyle, frontier cooking. For an appetizer, start with the restaurant’s award-winning banditos — pepper Jack cheese-filled jalapenos wrapped in chicken and bacon.

For an entree, try one of the restaurant’s beloved mesquite grilled steaks or one of the “frontier selections,” which include such items as pork chops and the chicken-fried ribeye.

Cap off a visit to Lewisville by visiting Bendt Distilling Co. The distillery features an outdoor patio and post-COVID will welcome patrons back inside for indoor

seating and tours. The distillery, owned by Ryan and Natasha DeHart, crafts its own “grain-toglass” blended whiskeys, straight whiskeys and craft spirits.

The distillery’s most popular and beloved is the award-winning Bendt No. 5, which is sold throughout Texas and as many as two dozen other states. Bendt No. 5 is a blend of five distinct small-batch whiskeys crafted at the distillery.

“It’s an easy sipper,” Natasha DeHart said. “It’s grain-to-glass made here with five different whiskeys that we make completely individually. They’re all made separately, they’re aged separately and then blended together once they’re finished.”

Whether sitting inside among the sleekly polished wooden tables or outdoors on the picnic-style patio, Bendt Distilling Co. exudes a relaxed atmosphere that provides the perfect way to conclude a trip to Lewisville with a drink and conversation with friends or family.

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hummingbird’s tiny little heart can keep time at more than 1,200 beats per minute when in flight. Hummingbirds can be as small as a bee, such as the Bee hummingbird found only in Cuba, or as big as Giant hummingbird found in the Patagonia region of South

America with a wing span of more than 8 inches.

There are 320 species of hummingbirds in the world and according to authors, scientists, biologists and bird professionals, there are 18 types of hummingbirds that grace Texas with their talents, charm and beauty.

The Texas S T O RY B Y A N N B U S H As you travel Texas this summer, keep an eye out for these types of hummingbirds: Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Capable of zooming by at 60 mph, the Ruby-throated hummingbird is a show stopper even for the non-bird lover. Just 3-anda-half inches in length, this feather rocket is the most common species found in East Texas. Texans will see large congregations of Ruby-throated hummingbirds in the spring season when flowers begin to bloom. Light is important for the colors of a hummingbird to appear, as the feathers themselves are not colored. The feathers are iridescent, and change color with the movement of the bird. As a hummingbird approaches a feeder, the beautiful ruby feathers will appear, sometimes with just a flick of its head. Depending on the light situation, the Ruby-throat’s gorget may also appear topaz, orange or just remain black.

Black-chinned Hummingbird: One of the most common hummingbirds of the western United States, | CONT. ON PG. 60 May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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The Texas | CONT. FROM PG. 59 the Black-chinned hummingbird is a newcomer to East Texas as it spends most of its time in Central Texas.

Similar to the ruby-throated hummingbird in feather design, the black-chinned hummingbird is often misidentified since its gorget also appears to be black.

However, for the patient bird watcher, a small patch of gleaming purple will appear under the black patch as the bird moves in the sunlight. The main difference between the two birds is that the gorget of the black-chinned will remain black except for this small patch of purple, whereas the ruby-throated hummingbird’s gorget will turn a sparkling ruby color and the patch on the eyes are the only feathers that remain black.

Other hummingbirds found in Central and West Texas include: Allen’s Hummingbird: Found mainly along the coast, this coppery colored hummingbird with a red throat is famous for its fan-like tail.

Anna’s Hummingbird: Named after the wife of a French prince, the Anna’s hummingbird is one of the few named after a woman. This noisy little bird sports a magnificent flaming red head and white eye streak.

Berylline Hummingbird: “Berylline” translates to “emerald green” and perfectly fits this hummingbird.

Found for the first time in Big Bend National Park in 1991, the rare bird’s visits to Texas have slowly grown in numbers.

Blue-throated Hummingbird: The only hummingbird in the U.S. with a shimmering indigo throat, this large hummingbird also beats its wings a tad bit slower than most and appears to fly in slow motion at times.

Broad-billed Hummingbird: Feeding with a very large broad bill that is pinkish in color, this multicolored green, black and purple-throated hummingbird changes color as it moves.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Often misidentified as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, this little bird’s tail feathers fan out to almost match its wing span. The female’s white throat sometimes has a small speck of the same red as the males.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird: Only found in Texas, this aggressive hummingbird is tri-colored, starting with a shiny green head, an ashen lower body and a reddish tan tail. Males and females are similar, both with a long orange bill with a black tip.

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the U.S., the male gender of this pretty green and white bird flashes striped red feathers on its throat. The body is so small that the wing tips when folded go beyond the tail.

Costa’s Hummingbird: Preferring arid habitats, this hummingbird is rarely seen in Texas and, when it is, it’s mainly seen in El Paso County. The males have a red head and the females a green cap.

Green Violet-ear: This Latin American species was never expected to be found this far north, but has been documented in Texas. Both genders are identical, dark green body with deep violet patches stretching under the eye appearing to be on the ear. The tail is a deep bluish purple.

Green-breasted Mango: Boasting a kaleidoscope of colors starting with black, white, mango brown and green stripes from its head to its tail, this hummingbird’s tail fans into a row of purple, blue and white stripes. The name stems from the mango stripes.

Lucifer Hummingbird: The Latin version of this hummingbird’s name translates to “bearer of light,” referring to its brilliant magenta throat. A rare visitor to Texas, this hummingbird feeds on desert-blooming plants such as agave and ocotillo.

Magnificent Hummingbird: With a deep violet cap, a black bandit mask along its eye, and a range of glittering greens on its body, this hummingbird is appropriately named. Found in central Texas forests, the bird was renamed recently as the former Rivoli’s Hummingbird.

Rufous Hummingbird: The range of this copper penny-colored hummingbird reaches Alaska and is considered the most common northern U.S. resident hummingbird.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird: The bright red bill stands out from a mostly snow white body and a shiny violet cap on this rare Texas hummingbird found mainly in the Rio Grande Valley.

White-eared Hummingbird: This hummingbird’s striking black face is streaked with a wide white stripe from the eye to the gorget. A defining feature is a pointy head sporting a bright orange bill.

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BEAUTY S T O RY B Y A M Y M C H A N E Y

Let’s Talk . . .

Summer is upon us and in our part of the world, that means the temperature is heating up.

Skyrocketing temperatures lead to … shorts!

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or some of us, wearing shorts is a no-brainer. For others, the mere thought makes us shudder. I would hazard to guess that the culprit 9 out of 10 times is cellulite. Cottage cheese thighs. Hail damage. Orange peel. Dents. Urban Dictionary even lists “boulder booty” as slang for cellulite! Whatever the moniker, the image is not pleasant.

Let’s take a look at what cellulite is, what causes it and what we can do about it.

Cellulite appears when bands of connective tissue, or septae, between your muscle and epidermis squeeze fat cells toward your skin (epidermis). Septae in women run vertically and more often cause the appearance of cellulite versus the criss-cross pattern of men’s septae.

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Rest assured that cellulite is very common. According to Medical News Today between 80 and 90 percent of women will experience cellulite. Cellulite affects women of all shapes and sizes, too. Bruce Katz, director of the JUVA Skin & Laser Center in New York City told HuffPost last year that, “I have women who come in for cellulite treatments that run marathons, that have done all kinds of exercise and they’re as thin as a rail and they still have cellulite. With cellulite, it’s really a genetic thing.”

A report from the Mayo Clinic agrees with Katz’s assessment; cellulite tends to run in families. To add insult to injury, cellulite becomes more common as we age and skin loses elasticity. Hooray. | CONT. ON PG. 64

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| CONT. FROM PG. 62 Sound hopeless? Here are a few tricks — in other words, non-surgical — to try to smooth that skin:

ALTERNATIVE METHODS

One non-invasive method used to treat cellulite is Endermologie, an FDA-approved handheld device that employs rollers to knead and massage the skin. The goal is to increase lymphatic flow, remove toxins and reduce excess fluid in cellulite-prone areas. Several medical spas and cosmetic surgeons in East Texas offer these treatments.

LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS

I know, I know – cutting the queso and upping the exercise does not sound fun. And they are not a magical wand to eliminate cellulite — remember, even some marathon runners have it? That said, there are some lifestyle changes you can make that might help decrease the appearance of cellulite.

• Lose weight — Reducing fat can affect how it protrudes through those connective tissues between your skin and muscle • Physical activity — Increasing muscle tone may improve the appearance of cellulite and definitely does help increase circulation and lymphatic drainage.

• Improved diet — Consuming less alcohol, caffeine and processed foods and steering clear of some mythical weight loss aids such as smoking, diet pills and laxatives combined with a whole foods based diet might help decrease the appearance of cellulite as well.

LOTIONS AND POTIONS

This is my favorite part! The good news is there are tons and tons of lotions and potions claiming to firm your skin, lift your booty and contour your body. So many products! So many price points! So many claims! Do any of them work?

Most expert opinions I researched said not so much, that at best, the lotions and potions temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite. They do not actually reduce cellulite, and to see any results at all you need to use the product consistently over an extended period of time.

On the other hand, there are some products out there that have some really great reviews from thousands of (verified!) buyers. Here are the four I tried — no before and after pics this time, though. I couldn’t bring myself to show my dimpled booty to the masses.

The key ingredients to look for are retinol, alpha hydroxy acid and caffeine. The former works best at a concentration of at least .03% retinol, according to The American Academy of Dermatology, though few products actually disclose the retinol level. Alpha hydroxy causes the skin surface to turn over more quickly and can increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, which can improve the appearance of cellulite, according to WebMD. And finally, caffeine in topical form (not your 64

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morning cup of Joe) can help temporarily dehydrate fat cells and reduce their size.

First I tried Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion (Walmart - $7.34). The packaging claims “Firmer Skin in a Little as 2 Weeks” and has earned thousands of glowing reviews from fans worldwide. The formulation boasts Q10 and shea butter, but sadly, no retinol or caffeine. I thought it absorbed quickly, smelled nice, but not overpowering and made my skin appear less crepe-y. Although I like it, I have not noticed a significant reduction in the appearance of my, ahem, dimples.

Next I tried Bliss Fabgirl Firm Body Firming & Contouring Cream (Ulta - $24). So Fabgirl Firm does contain caffeine; it claims the user will, “feel skin tighten as it begins to look instantly smoother and slimmer.”

In addition, the packaging states that it, “works best in combination with healthy eating and exercise.” Hmm. That said, I do feel like it tingles a bit when applied, particularly when my skin is very dry, which is often.

And a tingle means it’s doing SOMETHING, right?

My friend Valerie swears by Nu Skin ageLOC Dermatic Effects (nuskin.com - $53.99). Though retinol nor caffeine are listed as ingredients, Nu Skin claims to use “optical technology” to improve the appearance of skin. Valerie let me try her Nu Skin – it has a clean scent and absorbs very quickly, so it won’t stick to clothes.

Valerie says she can see improvement in the tone of her thighs within a week of daily use.

Finally, I tried Frank Body Booty Drops (Ulta - $17.95) because who doesn’t want a firm booty?? Plus caffeine is listed as the primary key ingredient … and it’s “tested on babes, not bunnies!” Interestingly, it actually smells like coffee beans. You can apply the Booty Drops alone or mix a few drops into your regular moisturizer. No tingling from this product – I did apply directly to my skin sans moisturizer – and though a serum, it did not leave an oily residue. I do think it improved texture immediately, and many reviewers reported improvement in the appearance of stretch marks as well as cellulite.

THE BOTTOM LINE The bottom line – pun intended — is that sometimes it is hard to escape our genetics, and cellulite might be one of those things in life that we can’t do a lot about. We can make a few lifestyle adjustments here and there — and slather some lotion on it — but in the end embrace the body you have!

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FASHION

Chloe wears a Gianni Bini Periwinkle Maxi dress $69 with a Ralph Lauren wrap brown belt $50 from Dillards. Blake wears Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit white pants $98.50 with a black Tommy Bahama Al Fresco Tropics shirt $99.50 from Dillards. Both sport View Eyewear sunglassses from Longview Eye Associates.

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Love at home with

Falling in

S T O RY B Y C H R I S T I N A C AVA Z O S PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

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rom reading or working on a laptop in the living room to spending more time with family in the backyard, East Texans are reconnecting with their homes more than ever.

That’s meant wearing both loungewear and luxurious fashion at home for work and socially distanced gatherings. It’s meant home renovation projects and new home building.

MKO Custom Builders has remained committed to helping residents turn their dream homes into a reality, said Mark O’Rear who co-owns MKO Custom Builders with his wife, K’Dawn O’Rear.

The O’Rears also own East Texas Barndominium, through which he | CONT. ON PG. 71 FASHION PRESENTED BY

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Chloe wears a Gianni Bini Periwinkle Maxi dress $69 with a Ralph Lauren wrap brown belt $50 from Dillards. Blake wears Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit white pants $98.50 with a black Tommy Bahama Al Fresco Tropics shirt $99.50 from Dillards.

Both drink from a Kate Spade Scallop Pitcher $52 and Kate Spade Highball Glasses $30 from Pen & Co. 70

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| CONT. FROM PG. 69

builds the favorite home trend of millennials. Barndominiums, which have become increasingly popular, are metal structures with a home inside.

Through MKO Custom Builders, O’Rear constructed the home at 2811 Fairway Oaks in Longview that was used as the backdrop for this fashion shoot and which will be featured in the Longview Parade of Homes.

The Mediterranean-style home on Fairway Oaks features an open floor plan, detailed cabinetry, a powder room with a floating vanity, an outdoor kitchen, beautiful pool and more.

“The curb appeal is amazing,” O’Rear said, adding that he appreciates everyone on his team and all of the vendors with which he works who help create dream homes for residents.

As summer sunny days set in, East Texas residents can take in views from their backyards with Longview Eye Associates’ brand new eyewear line, View Eyewear.

The newest frame line at Longview Eye Associates was inspired by businesses, local landmarks and people that make | CONT. ON PG. 75 FASHION PRESENTED BY

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Chloe wears green capri cargo pants $27.65 and an Antonio Melani Kenna V-Neck tank $99 from Dillards. Blake wears Polo Ralph Lauren Stretch Fit Blue pants $98.50 with a white Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Button Down $98.50.

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| CONT. FROM PG. 71

the Piney Woods unique. Each frame is branded to the business, landmark or person it represents and all frames in the line were designed to reflect the look and feel of East Texas.

Dr. Blake Williams of Longview Eye Associates and Chloe Dunn showcased the newest frame line while also modeling clothing from Dillard’s.

Thank you to Williams, Dunn, O’Rear, the homeowners of 2811 Fairway Oaks, Longview Eye Associates, Dillard’s and Peters Chevrolet for participating in this fashion shoot.

Gold leaf decorated wine glasses $18.75 Pen & Co and Two’s Company Hampton Faux Bamboo retwork Champagne/Wine Bucket $115 from Pen & Co.

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Move Better Get fast, effective care for orthopedic issues with specialists and onsite imaging. Walk-ins welcome.

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925 W. Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604 (903) 295-6678 Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2020 Baylor Scott & White Health. BSWTHSJH_08_2021 ORM

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& Mimosas

MUFFINS

5

PLACES FOR BRUNCH IN EAST TEXAS

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FOOD

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classic weekend pastime, there’s almost nothing better than rolling out of bed late on a Sunday morning, getting dressed and meeting up with friends at a nice brunch spot for a meal and a mimosa.

But brunch is about more than a meal. It’s a feeling.

The playful combination of breakfast and lunch, brunch is about coming together with friends in a nice environment for a meal. That combination of ingredients leaves people feeling happy and excited for their day.

While brunch is trendy today, it’s actually been on-trend for more than 125 years. Guy Beringer coined the term brunch in 1895 when he wrote an essay, called “Brunch: A Plea,” which appeared in a publication called “Hunter’s Weekly.” Beringer wrote the essay in defense of those nursing their weekend hangovers, calling for a midmorning meal that would help people shake off their headaches and calm their stomachs.

In his essay, Beringer wrote, “Brunch is cheerful, sociable and inciting. It is talkcompelling. It makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings.”

That continues to hold true today.

One of the reasons people love brunch so much is because it’s a time to come together for an all-accepting meal. Because brunch doesn’t care what you look like. You can get dressed up in the nicest clothes or you can throw on your comfiest sweats and put your hair in a ponytail and go.

Brunch gives you the best of both worlds. You can have a lunch entrée early or you can enjoy breakfast past noon. From French toast and bananas foster to sandwiches and the classic eggs benedict, brunch food is the perfect combination of savory and sweet.

At brunch, happy hour comes early in the form of the Bloody Mary, mimosa or other enjoyable cocktails.

And one of the many reasons people love brunch boils down to one, simple word: Bacon.

While brunch continues to be a growing trend in East Texas, there are many places you can meet up with your friends for an enjoyable midmorning meal and a friendly conversation.

In no particular order, here are 5 Places to Brunch in East Texas: | CONT. ON PG. 80

S T O RY B Y C H R I S T I N A C AVA Z O S P H O T O S B Y M I C H A E L C AVA Z O S

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THE GROVE

The Bloody Mary at The Grove | CONT. FROM PG. 78 One of East Texas’ trendiest, longest-serving brunch locations is also one of the best around and for good reason. Located in the heart of Tyler, The Grove Kitchen & Gardens puts an emphasis on serving farm to table, chef-crafted foods in a chic, modern environment that makes the ideal setting for conversation.

With a focus on family and food, The Grove creates a warm atmosphere where families and friends can create memories over a meal.

With indoor and outdoor seating, private rooms, a stage for live music, string lights, and sprawling, relaxed environment, The Grove invites patrons to dress up or dress comfortably for a relaxed yet upscale meal.

The Grove offers a vast brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.

Starters include everything from maple-candied smoked bacon to avocado toast made with Sola Bread’s pan au levain. The menu in the scratch kitchen includes a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and 80

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entrees.

“We have a little bit of everything for everyone,” Chef Arturo Lara said.

“It’s diverse, very different, unique and fresh.”

At The Grove, Lara said he uses locally sourced ingredients to help deliver quality food.

While there are many classic brunch entrees on The Grove’s menu, including a variety of benedicts, Lara said people enjoy the mixture of savory and sweet offerings.

The savory brisket tacos, for example, are served with fresh guacamole, queso fresco, salsa verde, onions and poblano peppers with a side of breakfast potatoes.

The sweet but not overly sweet bananas foster French toast features caramelized bananas and a selection of fresh, wild berries, served with brioche from Sola Bread.

Brunch at The Grove is extremely popular and reservations are recommended. The Grove is located at 3500 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler.

Brisket Tacos

Chef Arturo Lara

SCOTTIES BISTRO

With an eclectic menu of scratch made food, Scotties Bistro has quickly become one of the most popular brunch spots in Longview.

The reason is simple. Chef Ronnie Esposito is offering East Texans a fresh menu that is unique.

“It’s versatile. There is something on there for everyone,” Esposito said. “There are definitely lunch items on the menu and breakfast obviously is taken care of. It caters to what everyone wants for breakfast. It’s eclectic.”

From Texas inspired chicken and waffles to the Punjabi benedict’s Middle Eastern flare, the menu at Scotties Bistro offers a multi-ethnic cuisine.

Located inside Scotties 2.0, a gas station and convenience store, Longview residents flock to this modern, trendy brunch location for its fresh food.

Brunch is so popular that diners who arrive at peak times may experience slight waits, but the food is worth that wait.

Scotties most popular item is The Hangover, a Nashville hot chicken sandwich with marinated pickles, Cajun aioli and topped with pepper Jack cheese, bacon and a fried egg. Other popular items include the Punjabi benedict, fried chicken topped with butter chicken hollandaise served with home fries, and the Curried avocado toast, which features a curried spiced mashed avocado on sourdough bread topped with a fried egg.

In addition to the menu staples, Scotties Bistro features a rotating selection of weekly specials that offers diners something new each week.

Scotties, which serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, is located at 1188 E. Hawkins Parkway in Longview. | CONT. ON PG. 82

Chef Ronnie Esposito

The Punjabi Benedict: fried chicken topped with a butter chicken hollandaise served with home fries. The Hangover: Nashville hot chicken sandwich with marinated pickles, cajun aioli and topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon and a fried egg served at Scotties Bistro.

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1836 TEXAS KITCHEN

Avocado Bacon Toast: Toasted bread with fresh avocado topped with bacon, pickled red onion and fresh greens at 1836 Texas. | CONT. FROM PG. 81 Texas inspired entrees are at the heart of 1836 Texas Kitchen in Tyler.

Mundo and Carlos Villapudua opened 1836 Texas Kitchen in 2017. The brothers also have owned Villa Montez in Tyler since 2007. As Tyler continued to expand and grow to the south, the Villapudua brothers looked to open more restaurants in Tyler and turned their dreams into reality with 1836 Texas Kitchen.

With indoor seating as well as an outdoor, covered patio, 1836 Texas Kitchen offers a relaxed, yet upscale dining option in which families and friends come together to celebrate with a meal.

The menu features Texas inspired entrees and dishes from various regions of the state. Dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients with food being prepared fresh each day.

From chicken fried steak to authentic enchiladas, the 1836 menu offers a variety of dishes to please any palate. The restaurant’s brunch menu is no different.

Consider the El Paso omelet, which features green chile pork and melted cheese, served with country potatoes and rice or the avocado bacon toast, which features toasted bread topped with fresh avocado, bacon, pickled red onion and fresh greens.

1836 Texas Kitchen, which is located at 2467 Crow Road in Tyler, serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sundays. | CONT. ON PG. 84 82

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The El Paso Omelet: Green chile pork, melted cheese, served with country potatoes and rice at 1836 Texas Kitchen.

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JUDD’S DOWNTOWN

French Toast made with brioche loaf dipped in a vanilla custard, grilled to a golden brown, and topped with fresh fruit and powdered sugar and the Texas Benedict made with two fried eggs, Cuban pulled pork, chipotle hollandaise on a grilled buttered English muffin served with country potatoes at Judd’s Downtown. | CONT. FROM PG. 82 One of Longview’s newest additions, Judd’s Downtown serves a brunch menu that offers an East Texas twist on many classic dishes.

Owner Judd Byrnes said the inspiration for his downtown Longview restaurant was to serve top quality food in an environment where people felt comfortable wearing a suit and tie or a baseball cap and shorts.

“We just wanted something that brought more people to downtown Longview,” Byrnes said. “We opened on New Year’s Eve and we’ve been going strong since then. It’s been fantastic. The city of Longview has blessed us.”

At Judd’s, longtime professional Chef Ronald Porter serves a vast menu of items that are made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. The brunch menu specifically offers items that Porter personally enjoys and which offer a slight twist on classic entrees.

For example, Judd’s Texas benedict is made with Cuban pulled pork, chipotle hollandaise, a fried egg, served on a grilled and buttered English muffin with a side of country potatoes. Porter said the inspiration to use pulled pork instead of the traditional Canadian bacon as well as the decision to infuse chipotle into the traditional hollandaise sauce came from a desire to put an East Texas twist 84

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Chef Ronald Porter and Judd Byrnes of Judd’s Downtown. on the item.

For a sweeter entrée, Judd’s French toast is made with brioche loaf dipped in a velvety vanilla custard, grilled to a golden brown, and topped with fresh fruit and powdered sugar.

“We do everything from scratch,” Porter said. “We want everything to be upscale and sophisticated, but we also want you to feel like you could be at home in your pajamas and your slippers eating breakfast.”

Judd’s, which serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays, is located at 117 E. Tyler St. in Longview.

CENTRAL PERKS

The Elvis: Chocolate chip Belgium waffle stuffed with peanutbutter, fresh banana topped with bacon and chocolate drizzle at Central Perks.

Brunch Charcuterie: A selection of cheese and meats, nuts, sweet bread and fruits at Central Perks in Marshall.

Though it’s been a Marshall mainstay for 17 years, downtown restaurant Central Perks only recently began offering brunch this year as a way to bring more people together.

“It’s a great opportunity to come down on a Saturday morning and enjoy family time together or just a group of friends,” owner Robert Sorich said. “It’s comfortable, it’s cozy, the food’s good and the atmosphere is great.”

Sorich and his wife, Debra, own Central Perks in downtown Marshall.

While the restaurant has served unique lunch and dinner offerings for more than a decade, brunch is new to the restaurant.

The couple chose to add brunch as people began to come back downtown more again this year.

They wanted to offer something that no one else was in Marshall.

Food is taste-tested by Central Perks staff before being added to the menu. The restaurant’s unique offerings include The Elvis (named after Elvis Presley), a chocolate chip Belgian waffle stuffed with peanut butter and topped with fresh bananas, bacon and chocolate drizzle. A savory offering, the chilaquiles features corn tortillas with house-made chile verde, topped with two fried farm fresh eggs and finished with queso cojita, cilantro and tomatoes.

A relaxed atmosphere, Central Perks is located inside a retail cooperative that makes for an interesting shopping experience after a meal.

Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Central Perks is located at 211 N. Washington Ave. in Marshall.

Chilaquiles: Corn tortillas in house made chile verde with two fried farm eggs finished with queso cotija, cilantro and tomatoes at Central Perks.

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CALENDAR & CULTURE

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LAYERS

of Creativity

Mary Jean Davis uses pastels to create works of art S T O RY B Y C O U RT N E Y S T E R N P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L C AVA Z O S

A

sprawling collection of hundreds of shades of pastels covers the desk in artist Mary Jean Davis’ Longview studio.

Davis uses the pastels as her primary medium to create her artwork, which ranges from people and landscapes to still life. For Davis, art is a continuous process of trying new techniques, perfecting skills, finding a style and experimenting — but she never lets herself be confined to one particular style.

“We’re not just one person, we’re layers,” she said.

For Davis, art has been a lifelong passion. She was interested in drawing from a young age and took art classes in high school. Davis, 62, grew up in Shreveport before attending Louisiana Tech University where she began studying education.

While Davis didn’t start out majoring in art in college because her father wouldn’t pay for it, she quickly switched her major to art education.

“I was missing art so much,” she recalled. “I just realized I could take art classes and still come out with a degree that maybe I could make some money.”

Art and teaching went hand in hand for Davis, teaching art in school and at a museum. Davis worked as an art teacher in elementary through high schools throughout her 33-year career. Taking a teaching position at Hallsville ISD brought her to the Longview area. She also began teaching art classes at Longview Museum of Fine Arts in 1981, and continues to teach there today.

As a public school educator, Davis strived to balance teaching artistic techniques while also fostering each child’s creativity.

“It was kind of scary at times,” she said. “When you realize they have those creative thoughts, I didn’t want to squelch them by making them have to fit a formula.”

Throughout Davis’ career, many students made an impact on her. | CONT. ON PG. 88 May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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| CONT. FROM PG. 87 “I’m going to say that they had more of an impact on me than I probably did on them,” she said, smiling.

She left school teaching in 2015 and has dedicated her time to drawing in her home studio.

In college she was drawn to watercolor, but Davis became interested in soft pastels a few years into her teaching career when the school district allowed her to take a workshop at LMFA, working under pastel artist Judy Pelt, who has since passed away.

“I mainly signed up for that because that was the only week in the summer I could take any kind of workshop because I had a young son at the time,” Davis said, laughing. “When I started taking that workshop, I fell in love with pastels.”

Davis works mostly with soft pastels and more recently, she’s focused her drawing subjects on time and the past. She also uses bottles, mason jars, Tinkertoys and more in some of artwork. She pointed to a drawing of life jackets hanging lined up on a wall that she saw during a summer vacation on a lake.

“A lot of times, it might just be the way the light’s hitting certain objects or certain people,” Davis said. “If a person has an interesting characteristic about them, I want to draw them.”

Davis also enjoys landscapes and hiking.

“I love to get out and hike and see things and take a lot of pictures with my cellphone and come back with little vignettes and drawings,” she said.

While she doesn’t let herself become confined to one particular style, drawings in various forms line her walls. In contrast to a realistic looking sewing machine drawing or a slightly impressionistic piece depicting sunflowers in mason jars, there is a more experiential and abstract drawing of feathers. From the drawing, layers of detail can be 88

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seen that make the feather look light and as if it’s floating.

“The older you get, the more layers you have and the deeper,” Davis said.”I think that’s why I enjoyed the feathers so much because it started with a white, new fresh beginning and then I built it up and I’ve enjoyed that approach.”

Davis’ work has been accepted and displayed in national and international shows including in Cape Cod; New York City; Sedona, Texas; Santa Fe and more. She has sent her pieces as far as India. One brightly colored drawing of Texas

wildflowers has been to New York twice.

Art is in Davis’ blood as she comes from an artistic family. One sister is a cellist in Boston; another sister is a photographer in Conroe; and her brother plays the dulcimer and builds his instruments. Her great-grandmother Carrie Ellen Montgomery attended the Stone City Art Colony in Chicago, studying under Grant Wood.

Davis said her husband, Brian, an architect, is supportive of her work.

She uses the front living room of their house as a studio.

“We never really used this room for what it’s intended and it has perfect north light in the windows,” she said. “I am a Christian so, obviously, I give God all the glory.

I’m very thankful. I’m very blessed that I have this place to be able to create.”

Davis has one son, who served in the U.S. Army after graduating from Texas A&M University. Her son is married and has a 3-year-old son.

On Fridays, Davis and her grandson have “GG time” where they paint together over video chat. She

believes it’s important to cultivate creativity at a young age.

For creators who want to pick up art again or those who hope to try it for the first time, David said they should not be afraid of making something that’s bad.

“You can always improve,” she said. “Get over thinking that everything that needs to be put on paper has to be a masterpiece.

I have so many things that, you know, I just trash. You just have to practice.”

Davis’ work can be viewed at www.maryjeandavisstudio.com.

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Singer/Songwriter Cody C. Norman performs at Dog Tags Taproom in Tyler.

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Tyler singer-songwriter uses classic rock inspiration to create original music S T O RY & P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y L E S H A S S E L L

T

yler musician Cody C. Norman says the dirty little secret of being a professional drummer is that it’s rarely your own beat you’re marching to. So, after years drumming from coast to coast and around the world with artists such as Smokin’ Joe Kubek and the late Bugs Henderson, Norman laid down his drumsticks and stepped to the front of the stage.

“You have very little input,” explained the 50-year-old career sideman, “so I finally decided I’ve played enough of what other people want me to play and how they want me to play and that it was time for me to do my own thing.”

Norman’s solo performances are filled with familiar ‘60s and ‘70s classic rock covers from artists such as Bob Seger, Ronnie Milsap and Van Morrison and ‘80s favorites from Tom Petty, the Cars and Van Halen.

When the crowd seems receptive, a few of his original songs fill in the gaps. | CONT. ON PG. 92 May/June 2021 | etxview.com

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| CONT. FROM PG. 91 The singer-songwriter describes his original work as melodic rock and blues.

The East Texas native said his path to a musical career began at 11 years old when he played his older sister’s hand-me-down snare drum in the school band in Rusk.

Later, the junior high band had a joint performance with the local symphony orchestra and Norman volunteered to take a seat behind a full drum kit in front of a crowd for the first time in his life.

“We played ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and after the show everyone was coming up to me and complimenting me,” Norman recalled. “I was just hooked. That was the first time anyone ever really recognized me for what I was doing.”

When other teenagers saved up to buy their first car, Norman saved money to buy a drum kit.

I don’t listen to a whole lot of new artists and stick to bands from the ‘60s and ‘70s for inspiration, he says . . . and to simply say R&B is too narrow.

Singer/Songwriter Cody C. Norman “Once again, I have to thank my older sister, Beth, for her support,” he laughed. “Not only did she introduce me to some of my biggest musical influences and all those great ‘70s and ‘80s bands but she had to drive me everywhere because I didn’t have a car.”

Norman said his biggest musical influence is Jimi Hendrix. The drummer said one of his personal career highlights, while playing with Kubek, was performing at a Jimi Hendrix birthday tribute concert in New York City’s Times Square. He got to meet and play a few songs with the legendary Hendrix’s brother, Leon.

“My hero, Jimi Hendrix, lives with my music,” Norman said. “That is my main cat – I’ll never be able to play like him but there will never be anybody to surpass the influence that he has had on me.”

Most recently Norman headed The Groove Slaves.

Formed in 1992 by members of Bugs Henderson’s band as a way to pick up extra gigs when Henderson wasn’t performing, the group of seasoned musicians performed around the Dallas area, eventually becoming the house band at the Greenville Bar & Grill.

With ties to East Texas, the group relocated to the Tyler area around 1998 and had been playing regularly at local venues until the COVID-19 pandemic brought things to a screeching halt.

“It became harder and harder to book gigs for the whole band,” he said. “The crowds are smaller and venue owners don’t want to book a whole band, 92

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especially bands that play at volume, so I’ve focused on the solo shows for the last year.”

During the initial lockdown Norman said he had to reach out and travel to some out of the way places to make ends meet for his family.

“A single parent playing music for a living in Tyler, Texas, might be looked at as someone who is clinically insane,” he said, “but I really contribute the fact that I’m still alive to having custody of my two kids.”

Norman also used the time during the lockdown to begin recording his own music. Truly a quarantine effort, Norman wrote, sang and played all instruments on the recordings made in his home studio. He hopes to have it mastered and available to fans within the next six months.

Norman said it’s easy to miss the camaraderie and the support system of being in a band and, with the recent lifting of restrictions, he hopes to have more performances at venues with the full band. He’s learned, though, to enjoy the independence of being a solo act.

He’s been entertaining regularly at The Grove, Dakotas Prime Steak and Chop House and Lago del Pino as well as several area country clubs and other smaller venues.

“Not everybody is built for it,” he said, “but I’m comfortable being alone on the stage and I enjoy the independence and not having to acquiesce to the demands of a band or having to deal with the schedules of the other members.”

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CALENDAR events

MAY/JUNE Items on the calendar are subject to change because of COVID-19 considerations. Verify activities with event organizers.

GILMER FREE VETERANS BREAKFAST JUNE 19 Disabled American Veterans Bldg.

(254) 278-1492

JACKSONVILLE TOMATO FEST JUNE 7-12 Various locations www.jacksonvilletexas.com/ tomato-fest

JEFFERSON JEFFERSON TRAIN DAYS MAY 15-16 Various locations https://tinyurl.com/29t9xf8x

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Great Balloon Race

WRAITH CHASERS MAY 15-16 Jefferson Hotel https://tinyurl.com/382jnyp6

GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE MAY 28-29 Historic Jefferson Railway www.JeffersonCivilWarDays. com

CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY DAY OF LEARNING MAY 28 Historic Jefferson Railway www.JeffersonCivilWarDays. com

BIG CYPRESS CORVETTE WEEKEND JUNE 3-5 Various locations www.facebook.com/ BigCypressCorvetteShow/

May/June 2021 | etxview.com

KILGORE DOWNTOWN VINTAGE MARKET MAY 8 Downtown Kilgore/Texan Theatre Willow Creek Cottage on Facebook; (903) 353-5601

Longview Museum of Fine Arts BLUEGRASS & BLUEBELL MAY 8, JUNE 12 Kilgore Mercantile & Music kilgoremercantile.com; (903) 926-5369 TUNE DAYS MAY 11, 18, 25 World’s Richest Acre www.kilgoremainstreet.com/ tunes-days; (903) 988-4117 TRACTORS, TRUCKS & FUN MAY15 Downtown Kilgore www.kilgoremainstreet.com; (903) 988-4117 LUGNUTS CAR CRUISE MAY 20, JUNE 26 World’s Richest Acre kilgoremercantile.com

LONGVIEW KILGORE COLLEGE RANGERETTES: CELEBRATING 80 YEARS THROUGH JULY 3 Longview Museum of Fine Arts 903-753-8103, www.lmfa.org @LONGVIEW 150 THROUGH JULY 3 Longview Museum of Fine Arts 903-753-8103, www.lmfa.org EAST TEXAS BUILDERS ASSOCIATION PARADE OF HOMES MAY 8-9, 14-16 Various locations (903) 758-6416; easttexasbuilders.org/ parade-of-homes

LONGVIEW JAYCEES TRADE DAYS MAY 8-9 Longview Exhibit Building 903-753-4478; greggcountyfair.com/vendorinformation-2 BEST PREPS LONGVIEW MAY 13 Virtual event etvarsitybestpreps.com ROOTS IN THE GARDENS MUSIC ON THE STAGE AT THE WATER’S EDGE MAY 13, 20 AND 27, AND JUNE 3 Longview Arboretum and Nature Center www.longviewarboretum.org; (903) 212-2181

| CONT. ON PG. 96

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| CONT. FROM PG. 95 THEATRE LONGVIEW: STEEL MAGNOLIAS MAY 14-16, 21-23 Grace Crossing UMC (903) 387-3736; www. theatrelongview.com DALTON DAYS MAY 15 Downtown Longview gregghistorical.org/daltondays-2; 903-753-5840

MARSHALL MARSHALL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - VOICES: THE HEARTLAND CONCERT MAY 8 Downtown Marshall www.marshallsymphony.com MARKET ON THE SQUARE FARMERS MARKET SATURDAYS STARTING MAY 29 Downtown Marshall Facebook

TYLER 17TH ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION THROUGH MAY 16 Tyler Museum of Art tylermuseum.org BEST PREPS TYLER MAY 4 Virtual event bestprepstyler.com WOMEN’S SYMPHONY LEAGUE BALL MAY 5 Willow Brook Country Club wsltyler.org “CRIMES OF THE HEART” MAY 7-9, 13-16 Tyler Civic Theatre Center tylercivictheatre.com

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“GEORGIA ON MY MIND: THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES” MAY 11 Cowan Center cowancenter.org

TYLER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK AFTER HOURS JUNE 10 ETX Brewing Co. 620-423-5183

TYLER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK AFTER HOURS MAY 13 Republic Ice House 620-423-5183

TYLER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK LUNCHEON JUNE 18 ASAP Roofing Co. 620-423-5183

TYLER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK LUNCHEON MAY 21 Courtyard Marriot 620-423-5183

CATTLE BARONS TYLER JUNE 19 Texas Rose Horse Park 903-570-8126, www. tylercattlebaronsgala.org

HISTORIC TYLER CANDLELIGHT HOME TOUR; HISTORIC HOMES TOUR MAY 21-23 Various locations historictyler.org

“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” JUNE 10-13, 17-20 AND 24-27 Tyler Civic Theatre Center tylercivictheatre.com

PARADE OF HOMES JUNE 5-13 Tyler Area Builders Association www.tylerareabuilders.com/ parade.html

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700 E. Marshall Ave. | Longview | TX 75601 20-1681

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May/June 2021 | etxview.com