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EDITOR’S LETTER Santana Wood
ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOORS AND RECREATION
I admit it, I’m a certified indoorsy girl. I genuinely like to be inside –preferably in the comfort of my own home. It’s cozy there, OK?
So you might be wondering how a homebody like myself comes up with story ideas for our annual Outdoors & Recreation issue. Well, I take on the challenge like a champ – that’s how! Luckily, there’s a wealth of things to enjoy here in our beautiful outdoors of East Texas, which lends itself to countless story opportunities. I’ve connected with all sorts of people during my four-plus years of living in East Texas who are experts on all things outdoors, plus we have some awesome writers who never fail to come up with brilliant ideas.
One of those ideas came from our own Jordan Green – a most talented newsman with decades of experience (...somehow trapped in a 20-somethingreporter’s body). When I was looking for story ideas for this issue, Jordan called me, greeted me with a “howdy” and pitched a story about a wildlife caller and trapper from Big Sandy. It was an immediate yes; Jordan always meets the most unique characters, and Mr. Byron South certainly fit the bill. Read his story of ‘answering the call’ on Page 56.
It was an easy decision to feature the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler’s newest exhibit, the “Amazon River’s Edge.” I sent our resident animal lover – none other than Jennifer Scott – to get the scoop. Read all about the rainforest coming to East Texas starting on Page 8.
While I may prefer being indoors most of the time, I can’t deny the beauty of the great outdoors and everything it has to offer. I am a big fan of Tyler State Park, as are more than 200,000 others who visit it each year. Did you know there are almost 90 state parks in Texas? We have it all broken down for you in our travel section beginning on Page 14. Road trip, anyone?
In Bullard, there’s a hidden gem –Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House. It’s not so hidden anymore, as more and more people have learned of this treasure, leading it to become a beloved destination, drawing regulars from near and far. You absolutely have to read all about it, starting on Page 22, and make plans to visit one day soon.
Speaking of destinations, how about an oasis right outside your own back door? Yep, that’s more like it – right up my alley! Escape to this dreamy poolside space on Page 32. I could spend hours there, couldn’t you? I could also spend quite some time admiring the small-yet-mighty masterpieces created by Chance Dunlap, an artist who makes fishing lures that are not only functional but also beautiful. Read about his special talent he’s enjoyed since he was just a child starting on Page 46. Speaking of passion during one’s youth, a Diana teen recently became the youngest female Eagle Scout in East Texas. Meet this impressive young lady on Page 64. Don’t forget to make plans with us this summer by checking out our Calendar of Events on Page 72. It is shaping up to be a fun summer in East Texas!
Our next issue, coming in July, will be all about Family & Education. I would love to hear from you! Send story ideas my way to info@etxview.com. As always, thank you for your support of our magazine. We are so appreciative of each of our readers, advertisers and supporters. If you want to keep up with us, please give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram.
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AMAZON
RIVER’S EDGE EXHIBIT BRINGS VIBRANT, IMMERSIVE NEW EXPERIENCE TO TYLER’S CALDWELL ZOO
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER SCOTT
The Caldwell Zoo has officially opened its highly anticipated Amazon River’s Edge exhibit, bringing a vibrant piece of the rainforest to East Texas. The 7-acre exhibit immerses visitors in the wonders of the Amazon with a diverse collection of wildlife.
“We’re really excited about Amazon River’s Edge and sharing it with the community,” said Scott Maddox, Chief Operating Officer of Caldwell Zoo.
Zoo officials say that with this new offering, they’ve “built a real slice of the rainforest right here in Tyler.” Guests are transported to the vibrant heart of the Amazon where they discover a wonderful variety of animals in thoughtfully designed habitats that were created to support the health of the animals and provide special enrichment opportunities.
Built on the zoo’s oldest grounds, the South America section, the new exhibit features a variety of animals including Linne's Two-toed Sloth, capybaras, giant river otters, and jaguars. Visitors will also encounter giant anteaters, brown howler monkeys, and vibrant birds like scarlet ibises, sunbitterns, toucans, and herons. The exhibit is home to piranhas, poison dart frogs, and endangered species such as cotton-topped tamarins and golden lion tamarins, providing a rare glimpse into the Amazon's unique wildlife.
A standout attraction is the giant river otters — who can stand at almost 6 feet tall. “We have a brand new habitat with underwater viewing, but the really cool thing about the giant river otters is their activity level,” Maddox said. “They almost never sit still. They’re so energetic and fun to watch. They’re extremely vocal, make a lot of noise, and just put on a great show.”
The exhibit also features the River’s Edge Center, a community space for events, with a viewing window into the otter habitat and an aquarium showcasing
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piranhas. The center also includes a catering kitchen. Additionally, the exhibit boasts a “flex habitat” and an Exploration Station to support educational programs.
The exhibit’s opening comes after four years of planning, design and construction.
“... Amazon River’s Edge is finally a reality,” said Maddox. “We’re all thrilled with how everything turned out. This is the most extensive project in Caldwell Zoo history and it proves to be well worth the wait. All of the teams involved – architects, engineers, landscaping experts and animal care professionals, have done an outstanding job in bringing this vision to fruition in such a spectacular fashion.”
Planning for the exhibit began in 2019, but progress slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction resumed in 2021, with demolition of old structures marking the start of a nearly two-year effort. The exhibit came closer to completion in late 2024, then the opening came in the spring once the animals were gradually acclimated to their new surroundings.
“We did it quietly because it’s a new home for the animals… we're all about the well-being of the animals,” Maddox said. “It’s one of our top priorities, and so we wanted them to have an opportunity to be acclimated.”
With no prior announcement, Maddox said the zoo removed the barricades one Monday morning, and visitors gradually walked into Amazon River's Edge.
“Doing it that way offered an opportunity for the animals to get used to people without it being too much at once,” he said. “But after that, word got out pretty quickly… attendance pretty much shot up.”
Some animals, like the giant river otters, adapted quickly to their new audience, while others, such as some of the birds and the anteater, kept their distance at first. “Our animal care staff are monitoring all of the animals’ behavior to ensure they stay comfortable and don't get stressed out,” Maddox said. “So far, it’s going very well.”
Among the recent visitors, Lorenzo Myles traveled | CONT. ON PG. 12
from Wichita, Kansas, to visit family in East Texas and decided to enjoy a day at the zoo.
“We came here a long time ago when I was younger, so it's been a while since we've been here,” he said. “We're really excited to see everything. I know the baby likes all the tigers and stuff like that, so we're excited to see if she'll like it.”
His wife, Lexi, was visiting the zoo for the first time. “We have a big zoo in Wichita too, and I'd say it’s very similar,” she said. “But I’m looking forward to seeing the new exhibit and what it has to offer.”
One of Tyler’s top attractions, the Caldwell Zoo has been part of the community since 1953.
Originally founded by DK Caldwell in his backyard in Tyler, the zoo has since grown into a major attraction, housing over 3,000 animals from more than 200 species across 300 acres.
“It’s become pretty much a cornerstone of the Tyler community,” Maddox said. “We love seeing families come out here and enjoy connecting with wildlife.”
Located at 2203 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tyler, the zoo is dedicated to wildlife conservation and works with local and national organizations to protect endangered species through education, research, and breeding programs.
While Amazon River’s Edge is the zoo’s newest addition, it’s not the last. Plans are already underway to revitalize other areas of the zoo.
“If you don't refresh, then it gets old and falls apart,” Maddox said. “So we’ll be paying close attention to that next piece of real estate and developing the next set of plans, whether it’s North America or something else.”
The zoo has received positive feedback from visitors about Amazon River’s Edge, and Maddox sees the new exhibit as a glimpse into the zoo’s future: “It’s a testament to what’s possible in the future because it’s beautiful,” he said. “We’d love for everyone to come and enjoy it.”
For more information or how you can plan your visit, go to caldwellzoo.org.
TEXAS STATE PARKS OFFER TRANQUIL ESCAPE IN NATURE
STORY BY SANTANA WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL AND JENNIFER SCOTT
The great outdoors – is there anything better?
In East Texas, we are accustomed to our tall pine trees and enchanting lakes. Out west, wide open spaces highlight the vast beauty the Lone Star State has to offer. Down south, we’re lucky to have the opportunity to bask in coastal serenity. All across the hundreds of miles of our state, we can find solace in these nature settings.
With nearly 90 state parks in the state, Texans and visitors alike have boundless opportunities to explore. The Texas State Parks system covers 640,000 acres, boasting parks, historic sites and natural areas. A day trip from East Texas, relax and recharge your soul at Copper Lake in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Travel to Houston to explore the wetland oasis of Sheldon Lake or go out to El Paso to enjoy scenic views while hiking the Davis Mountains. In San Antonio, families can reel in the fun at Choke Canyon. Take in all the wildlife at Resaca de la Palma in South Texas. Closer to home, invite yourself into the alluring and famed Caddo Lake; enjoy new facilities and various improvements to the quaint yet breathtaking Tyler State Park; enjoy a summer day at Daingerfield State Park; or escape to Martin Creek Lake, the only state park in Texas that has its own island.
Depending on where you live or where you’re traveling, certain parks may be a better fit for what you’re looking for. Explore the various parks and their offerings at https://tpwd.texas. gov/state-parks before making reservations.
No matter the park you choose, each one in the state offers a variety of things to keep a solo visitor or group entertained. Enjoy a picnic, tour a hallowed historic site, bike or hike,
KAYAKERS paddle across the lake at Daingerfield State Park.
PARK VISITORS cool off in the lake's swimming area at Daingerfield State Park.
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boat or swim, camp or view wildlife and explore nature at each of the state’s 88 parks. Note: Fishing is free in state parks – you don’t even need a license or stamps. Just bring your gear and pay the park’s entry fee and you’re ready to reel, TPWD says.
Camping allows an escape from city lights and offers a slow, peaceful environment. The best places to stargaze will be one of the state’s ‘Dark Sky Parks/Sanctuaries,’ including Big Bend Ranch, Copper Breasks, Devils River, Enchanted Rock and South Llano River, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Seriously, add some of these to your bucket list.
Overnight accommodations are available – and affordable – at parks throughout the state. Campsites cost anywhere from $4 to $75, while cabins typically range $40 to $200. Whether you choose a screened shelter, a cabin with or without bathrooms, a group bunkhouse, or other unique lodging options, there’s a space for every type of adventurer. You can also bring your own recreational vehicle and stay in the comfort of your own space.
Booking early is key, especially on holiday weekends in the spring and summer. In 2024, the five most popular parks for overall visits were Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Garner, Palo Duro Canyon, Cedar Hill and McKinney Falls, while overnight visitors mostly chose Garner, Inks Lake, Cedar Hill, Galveston Island and Tyler, according to TPWD.
If you’re a frequent visitor and want to skip the entry fees, parks passes are available which offer unlimited free entry to every state park for you and a carload of guests for a full year.
The parks and their regular offerings are enough to keep anyone satisfied, but there are also a variety of events held at state parks throughout the year, making a visit even more special. Take a look at what’s coming up here: TexasStateParks.org/calendar .
Make plans to book some time to explore any of the state’s parks, near and far, other parks, in addition to its historical sites and natural areas. Adventure and tranquility await.
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LODGING CABINS, like these are Caddo Lake, are available at state parks across the state.
CADDO LAKE STATE PARK
CAMPING at Tyler State Park
PICNIC at Daingerfield State Park
BIRDWATCHING at Tyler State Park
DAINGERFIELD STATE PARK
TYLER STATE PARK
Texas State Parks
Abilene State Park
Atlanta State Park
Balmorhea State Park
Bastrop State Park
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Big Spring State Park
Blanco State Park
Bonham State Park
Brazos Bend State Park
Buescher State Park
Caddo Lake State Park
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Cedar Hill State Park
Choke Canyon State Park
Cleburne State Park
Colorado Bend State Park
Cooper Lake State Park
Copper Breaks State Park
Daingerfield State Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Devils River State Natural Area
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Eisenhower State Park
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Estero Llano Grande State Park
Falcon State Park
Fort Boggy State Park
Fort Parker State Park
Fort Richardson State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park
Galveston Island State Park
Garner State Park
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Goose Island State Park
Government Canyon State
Natural Area
Guadalupe River State Park
Hill Country State Natural Area
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Huntsville State Park
Indian Lodge
Inks Lake State Park
Kickapoo Cavern State Park
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Lake Brownwood State Park
Lake Casa Blanca State Park
Lake Colorado City State Park
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Lake Livingston State Park
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Lake Whitney State Park
Lockhart State Park
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
McKinney Falls State Park
Meridian State Park
Mission Tejas State Park
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Mother Neff State Park
Mustang Island State Park
Palmetto State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park
Possum Kingdom State Park
Purtis Creek State Park
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Resaca de la Palma State Park
San Angelo State Park
Sea Rim State Park
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
South Llano River State Park
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Tyler State Park
Village Creek State Park
Wyler Aerial Tramway
CharleneIngram,
Longview,TX75604
Bus: 903-247-0393
charlene.ingram.pmjy@statefarm.com
Hablamos Español
Beloved Destination
Bullard garden cafe draws regulars from near and far to enjoy quaint lunch and tasty tea in nature setting
STORY BY KATECEY HARRELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL
For Marlaina Mauldin and her family, Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House holds a special place in their hearts.
Founded in October 2002 by Mauldin’s parents, Nikki and Terry Dunford, in a quiet corner of Bullard, what started as a Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House has blossomed into a beloved destination, drawing regulars from near and far.
Today, visitors can enjoy lunch and flavored teas before strolling through the on-site garden. The tea house has grown beyond its beginnings as a simple garden center with a gift shop. Nearly 23 years later, it stands as a full-fledged restaurant.
“When my grandma started all this, I didn't know the future that it really had,” said Kaytlyn Jaco, social media manager and chef. “Getting to work with your mom and your siblings and coming up with ideas together, and then watching this business flourish the way that it has is special.”
When she was just 5, Jaco, Mauldin’s daughter, has fond memories of her little feet scampering across the wooden floors of the tea house back when it was just starting out. It's a world away from the lively kitchen we see now, bursting with activity. Despite the growth, the owners have stayed true to the original vision that started it all.
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FOOD
HAM AND CHEESE CROISSANT with broccoli and cheese soup at Hidden Gardens Nursery and Tea House in Bullard.
A Christ-centered business from the start, Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea Houses Nursery and Tea House was dedicated to the Lord when it first opened and continues to honor that commitment. This faith-driven foundation includes a no-alcohol policy, standing firm in their values, even when the thought of adding mimosas to the menu might be tempting.
After years of waiting tables, Mauldin officially took over ownership last year. She now works alongside her children, who may one day choose to continue the family tradition.
“They get to be a part of, you know, my growing up,” Mauldin said about her children. “They've been eating the same broccoli cheese recipe since they first started eating with a spoon.”
As the business grew, so did its offerings. It’s now a restaurant, gift shop, garden center and community hub offering interactive experiences. After a recent remodel, the space offers even more for visitors to explore.
“There's not many places where you can be in nature after you have lunch. You usually get in your car and leave. So I think it's a nice, peaceful place,” Mauldin said. “I plan on, in the future, putting some seating around in different areas and making a shade garden or a sun garden.”
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GUESTS ENJOY LUNCH at Hidden Gardens Nursery and Tea House in Bullard.
THE HYDRANGEA SALAD with a slice of Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake at Hidden Gardens Nursery and Tea House.
In addition to its menu of soups, salads, desserts and tea, the business hosts hands-on classes like mosaicmaking and sourdough baking. With future plans for pottery and other creative offerings, Mauldin continues to nurture the family legacy while bringing new ideas to life.
Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House and Tea House plans to expand its event offerings, including hosting intimate weddings, baby showers and themed tea parties. The venue aims to continue growing its community presence and create more memorable experiences for guests of all ages.
A refrigerator stocked with ready-made meals and special orders makes it a convenient stop for locals. Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House and Tea House offers whole cakes and pies upon request, especially during holidays like Thanksgiving. During this busy season, the team works long hours, often into the night, fulfilling numerous orders for their beloved baked goods.
“A lot of the recipes came from my grandmother, who worked here as well. So it's really family oriented,” Mauldin said. “My mom and dad, me, most of all of my kids have worked here.”
The kitchen blends tradition with creativity. While it continues to honor Mauldin’s grandmother and mother’s beloved recipes, it also leaves room for new ideas. The menu offers both classic favorites and exciting new dishes, creating a space where creativity thrives.
At Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House and Tea House, everything is made from scratch — soups, casseroles, desserts, and, of course, the freshly brewed teas.
The kitchen operates on tight timing, with prep work often still going on when the tea house opens. "Time is your biggest enemy in the morning," Jaco shared. "When we open, we’re probably not even done prepping yet. We have to hurry; it's 11 o'clock."
Even with the rush, the team remains dedicated to making everything from scratch, bringing
TURKEY PESTO PANINI at Hidden Gardens Nursery and Tea House.
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a touch of Southern comfort to every meal. "We want to make everything as homey and home-cooked as possible," Jaco explained, "Because we take a lot of pride in all of our stuff."
The Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House and Tea House has a charming and serene atmosphere that just makes you feel at ease. Guests enjoy a comforting meal in the tea room before stepping out into the garden, complete with a calming waterfall and soon-to-come butterflies and hummingbirds.
It’s a space where nature and tranquility come together, offering a perfect escape where simple joys, like a warm cup of tea, blend with the beauty of the garden.
When people think of Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House and Tea House, they might picture a quaint tea house where "ladies with their big hats" would gather.
That image still holds true. "We do have that," Mauldin said, referring to groups like the Red Hatters.
"We also have a lot of church groups that come in, and everyone comes from everywhere." Some guests even travel from Dallas to visit.
“We have a lot of people who, as soon as you walk in, they become family,” Jaco said. “There are people who come in multiple times a week, so when we see their car pull up, we already have their drinks on the table. We know what they want to order. We watch their kids grow up.”
Jaco manages the business’s social media, helping it reach more people.
"I took it over last year, and I think we had around 2,400 followers back in 2024. Just about a year ago,” Jaco said. “So, I jumped in and started posting every day. That really helped us out. Now, just a year later, we have about 7,600 followers."
The most rewarding part for Mauldin is seeing the growth of Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea House and Tea House over the years. "From my mom starting with
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OWNER MARLAINA MAULDIN at Hidden Gardens Nursery and Tea House.
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a little crockpot of soup and maybe two or three tables, to now I'm making steam-table vats of soup," she said.
Even small details have grown, like the glasses cabinet, which has tripled in size. "Seeing how much it's grown and how much recognition we get now. No one knew who we were just a few years ago,” Mauldin added. "It’s just little things like that.”
In 2003, Mauldin's parents won Business of the Year. In 2024, Mauldin herself won the same recognition and held a ribboncutting ceremony with the Bullard Chamber of Commerce.
“It was kind of bittersweet that I'm kind of following in my parents footsteps, because, of course, I want to make them proud, but I wouldn't be able to do this if it wasn't for them,” Mauldin said.
Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea Houses Nursery & Tea House is located at 967 FM 2493 in Bullard. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Keep up with them on their Facebook page “Hidden Gardens Nursery & Tea Houses Nursery & Tea House.” Call 903-894-4040 for more information.
WAITRESS EMILEE BOLES
a
with
grilled cheese sandwich, a turkey club wrap, broccoli and cheese soup, salad, and a slice of pecan pie at Hidden Gardens Nursery and Tea House.
MAGNOLIA
DELIGHT with a slice of Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake at Hidden Gardens Nursery and Tea House.
JARED AND JACIE ALSOBROOK enjoy the poolside view at a home in Bullard. Jared, owner of Alsobrook Pools, designed this outdoor oasis.
FASHION
Oasis East Texas pool company creates dream outdoor spaces
BACKYARD
STORY BY SANTANA WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL
Picture this: It’s sunny and 75. The morning birds are chirping, and there’s a nice breeze in the air without a cloud in the sky. You’re sitting poolside under the beautiful Texas sun with a glass of ice cold sweet tea. You dip your toes into crystal blue pool water and get ready to go for a swim.
That’s certainly where my imagination wandered during our May/June 2025 fashion shoot! It was hard not to daydream on that lovely spring afternoon in Bullard, USA when local businessman Jared Alsobrook invited us out to the home of a client, who graciously opened their backyard oasis to use as the setting for our photos. Alongside Jared was his precious wife Jacie, a local kindergarten teacher, who tagged along for the fun afternoon. The couple posed for photos, modeling the latest jewels from Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry in Longview, as Jared talked about how he transformed this backyard into a dreamy getaway – right outside his client’s back door.
Jared, owner of Alsobrook Pools, and his team completed this project in the fall. What started out as a blank slate was transformed into a place of tranquility for the homeowners, who can enjoy the space year-round. During cooler weather, an inviting hot-tub awaits, while a gorgeous fireplace under a shaded pergola shines as the centerpiece of the perfect place to sit and stay awhile. The pool is certainly the star of the show during warmer months. Now that warm weather is here, the homeowners are breaking the pool in for its first of many summers to come.
From the soothing spa experience to the stunning marblework and tranquil sound of calming water features, there’s no place more relaxing than | CONT. ON PG. 34
this oasis created by Alsobrook Pools. Since 2021, Jared and his team have been expertly crafting pools and custom outdoor spaces, bringing clients’ dream oases to life before their eyes.
everything under one roof!”
As soon as a client decides to move forward with Alsobrook Pools, Jared said the process is smooth and organized.
“We’re a true one-stop-shop pool company, meaning we handle every aspect of the project from start to finish,” Jared said. “From initial design and permitting, to excavation, construction, on-going maintenance and service, we do it all in house. This gives our clients a seamless experience with consistent quality and communication throughout the entire process. They don’t have to juggle multiple contractors; we take care of
“We start with an in-depth consultation to understand their vision, needs and budget. From there, we create a custom 3D design that brings those ideas to life,” Jared explained. “Once the design is approved, we handle all permitting, scheduling and construction. We keep the client informed every step of the way, and once the pool is complete, we walk them through the final product, provide maintenance tips, and offer ongoing support if
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JACIE AND JARED ALSOBROOK model jewels provided by Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry in Longview while posing at an outdoor space created by Jared’s company, Alsobrook Pools.
A RELAXING SPA AND WATER FEATURES add to the tranquility of this pool designed by Alsobrook Pools.
ALSOBROOK POOLS created a relaxing retreat right outside this Bullard homeowner’s back door. From a beautiful pool to a shaded pergola, this outdoor space has plenty of spots to enjoy the summer season.
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needed. It’s a full service experience from concept to completion.”
The Alsobrook Pools team treats their clients like family. “We’re not just building swimming pools; we’re building long-term relationships and turning backyards into dream destinations,” Jared said.
Proud of all the projects his team has completed, Jared said a favorite comes to mind. It was a “fully custom backyard resort we built for a family that wanted a space to both entertain and relax,” he said. “It included a freeform pool with rock waterfall, a built in spa, sun shelf, custom lighting and an outdoor kitchen.
“What made it special wasn’t just the design – it was seeing how excited the family was throughout the entire process. They were involved every step of the way, and watching their dream come to life was incredibly rewarding. That project really captured what we’re all about – creating beautiful, functional
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JARED ALSOBROOK models a watch, bracelet and ring from Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry while holding firewood at a Bullard home.
JACIE ALSOBROOK, a local educator, models a stunning collection provided by Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry in Longview.
spaces that bring people together.”
As for most clients’ reactions? “Pure excitement,” Jared said. “There’s usually a big smile, sometimes even happy tears. They often say it looks even better than they imagined. It’s an emotional moment because they’re seeing their vision fully brought to life, and they realize they now have a personal retreat right in their own backyard. For us, that reaction is the best part of the job; it reminds us why we do what we do.”
As the owner of Alsobrook Pools, Jared said he couldn’t do it all without his exceptional team.
“They’re the backbone of everything we do. I’m lucky to have a group of skilled, passionate and reliable people who take pride in their work. From | CONT. FROM PG. 36 | CONT. ON PG. 40
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our designer Kristy to our service manager Chad, our service tech Taner and maintenance tech Israel, everyone plays a key role in delivering the quality and experience our clients expect. What sets our team apart is their attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and the way they treat every project like it’s their own backyard. It’s because of them that we’re able to consistently turn out beautiful, highquality work.”
Alsobrook Pools serves the greater East Texas area, with goals to branch out even further in the future.
“As I look at how far our swimming pool business has come, I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done and the dreams we’ve helped bring to life,” Jared said. “It’s been a journey built on passion, dedication, and a
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In each issue of ETX View, we are thankful for a number of supporters who help bring the entire magazine to life. We couldn’t do this without our advertisers, partners, sources and a very dedicated team who puts it all together.
Our fashion section is one that is highly supported, and we greatly appreciate each and every person and local business who make this spread possible each issue. When planning for this May/June Outdoors issue, our team was desperately longing for summer days. We decided to team up with local businessman Jared Alsobrook, of Alsobrook Pools, who connected with the homeowners of one of his recently-completed projects to secure their backyard oasis as our venue. Thank you Jared for helping us set this up, and thank you so much to the gracious homeowners who allowed our team to set up shop in their backyard for a few hours.
The Alsobrook Pools team designed such a peaceful place – from the pool and hot tub to the shaded pergola – which made for a beautiful backdrop.
Jared’s precious wife, Jacie, tagged along so the couple could also serve as our models for the photo shoot. As you can see from the photos, they were totally adorable in every single shot.
The Alsobrooks were decked out in jewelry from our amazing friends at Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry in Longview. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Jim and team for your unwavering support of our magazine and giving hearts.
We express immense gratitude to each of these individuals and businesses who partnered with us to make this photo shoot happen. Of course, we have to thank our exceptional team members at ETX View who help coordinate the fashion shoot for each issue. Our advertising team, photographer and designer’s hard work and creative minds make these sections look fantastic every single time.
If you would like to support ETX View’s fashion or other sections, please contact sales manager Kerri Esposito at kerri.esposito@news-journal.com or 903-232-7276.
| CONT. FROM PG. 40
commitment to excellence. But none of it would be possible without the support of my wife (Jacie) – my biggest cheerleader, sounding board and partner in every sense of the word – and her encouragement, and that of my wonderful parents – their belief in this
vision from Day 1 has been a driving force behind our success, and I’m truly grateful.”
For more information, visit alsobrookpools.net, email jared@alsobrookpools.net or call 903-5718931. You can also keep up with the business on their Facebook page “Alsobrook Pools.”
For most anglers, a fishing lure is just a tool — an artificial bait designed to tempt a bite. But in the hands of Chance Dunlap, a lure becomes something more: a tiny, hand-painted masterpiece, each one crafted with precision and intuition.
“When I was a kid, I loved fishing lures,” Dunlap said. “I treated it kind of like a toy. I could cast it out and work the way I would reel it back in, and I had a lot of enjoyment in that, whether I would actually catch a fish or not.”
His enthusiasm for fishing lures soon evolved into a hobby of creating them, but at just 10 years old, he struggled with the logistics.
“I thought I was going to make the coolest lure ever, but I realized that it's a challenging process to get the balance, the weighting, the hardware,” Dunlap said. “There are many things that go into designing these objects. They're more complicated than you might realize.”
As the years went by, Dunlap became a teenager with other interests and eventually started college, initially pursuing a degree in golf course turf grass management at a community college.
“I really loved horticulture and growing plants and propagating plants from cuttings and things,” he said. “I
| CONT. FROM PG. 47
never stepped foot on a golf course before, but that was the closest program at my school to getting me to plants.”
However, he needed a class that was eligible for financial aid, and it was his mother who encouraged him to take an art class.
“She was telling me that I was always so creative and making things,” he said. “Plus, to be honest, I thought it would be easy, so I took an art design class and was hooked immediately. I’d never had a class in school where I was just turned loose… like, just making things.”
Dunlap followed his passion and encountered
mentors who nurtured his creativity. He pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree and later attending graduate school at the University of North Texas in Denton. There, he earned a Master of Fine Arts with a focus on sculpture. He also holds a BA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant and an Associate’s degree from Grayson County College.
“During my process of getting my Master’s in Fine Arts, I became bombarded with ideas and concepts,” Dunlap said. In his art classes, critiques were a regular part of the process, where students would meet in groups to discuss the work they had created over the past week or so. Over time, however, Dunlap began to feel disconnected from his own work, as the constant
CHANCE’S WIFE BOBBIE, right, is his biggest supporter.
critiques made it harder to stay engaged with the creative process.
“You’re just not having fun anymore,” he said. “Your heart changes and how you’re relating to what you’re making.”
This shift in perspective eventually led him back to making fishing lures.
“I made a fishing lure spontaneously,” he said. “It had been almost 20 years, but I made this very crude little tadpole thing. I didn’t have any proper hardware for a fishing lure, but I took some wire and screws and made it into a little piece.”
Soon after, Dunlap made a dozen lures in a week, followed by 50 more in a couple of months. What
started as a personal project to meet graduate school requirements became a renewed passion for a hobby from his youth.
“I had a painting professor I liked,” Dunlap said. “I liked her work and discussing art with her. She’d been around the world and had interesting perspectives, but she had this saying that it takes 20 years to become a painter, and that stuck with me. Basically, she didn’t want us to be overconfident in what we were doing now because we were going to keep practicing and working.”
Dunlap is now a professor in the Art Department at Tyler Junior College.
| CONT. ON PG. 51
“I do think art is a way of connecting to things that are greater than yourself,” he said. “I feel like art has power because it has power in my life.”
When it comes to the process of creating his lures, Dunlap prefers to use eastern red cedar, which he sources from local sawmills.
“It’s not necessarily the best wood, but for me, it works well with my process,” Dunlap said. “I like the color. It’s this beautiful red, and I just like it.”
He takes a rough cut of the wood and shapes it on a band saw, then draws a rough outline with a marker to visualize what might emerge.
“I’ll see something take form a little bit, so it starts looking more three-dimensional rather than just a shape cut out of a flat piece of wood,” he said. “My imagination basically leads me along. But I love the moment when I add eyes to a fishing lure, and all of a sudden it kind of has a personality. That’s when I think, ‘Oh, it’s a good one.’”
Once he has an idea of the lure he wants to create, he focuses on the most important aspect: the balance.
“Fishing lures need to be symmetrical or at least wellbalanced, so they return to a central point,” Dunlap said. “When they’re either diving under the water’s surface or sitting on top, pulling the fishing line keeps them true to their movement.”
Although it usually takes three to four hours to finish a lure, Dunlap finds painting to be the most tedious part of the process.
“You would think the carving would take the longest, but I find carving to be the most basic, almost generic part,” he said. “I can use the tool to get to where I want, and I’m just constantly moving. It’s not like that with painting.”
At his home in Tyler, Dunlap has an outdoor workshop where he not only works on his fishing lures but also builds birdhouses.
“As an artist, I really just enjoy being in the workshop, in the studio, making things,” Dunlap | CONT. ON PG. 52 | CONT. FROM PG. 49
| CONT. FROM PG. 51
said. “No matter what it is, I like making fishing lures, birdhouses, or just things that the greater art world doesn’t really care about. It’s about embracing your creativity. Nobody can take that away from you.”
Dunlap doesn’t just create fishing lures for personal enjoyment; he’s also deeply involved in the community of fellow lure makers and collectors. Through trades and exchanges, he’s built connections with others who share his passion. It’s a close-knit world, where each piece carries not just craftsmanship, but stories and relationships.
“Through Facebook, I have many friends who I’ve not met but they’ve supported my work,” he said. “I’ve gone to trade shows and met up with people there and traded back and forth. I enjoy the process of buying and selling and trading. I have a lot of fun with it.”
His biggest supporter is his wife of 16 and a half years, Bobbie, who is an artist herself.
“If it were up to her, every single fishing lure I’ve ever made would be here,” he said. “We’d keep them all.”
Between what he creates and what he collects from others, Dunlap has around 1,000 lures, including ones he made as a young boy.
“I run out of space and start purging but I’ll have my core collection, where they’re not going anywhere and just kind of review and accumulate what I have,” he said. “But I like the wheeling and dealing on them.”
To check out his work, visit his Facebook or Instagram pages, @artachance, or his blog, chancedunlap.blogspot.com.
“I do think that right now is as good a time as ever to express yourself creatively and truly know yourself through that,” Dunlap said. “If you think to yourself, ‘I’m not good enough… what I make, nobody’s going to like’ — you have to try and overcome that burden. I know it’s hard, but if you stick with it, something good will happen down the road.”
Griffin Archery: Where Passion Meets Precision
Griffin Archery Pro Shop & Range, located in Tyler, Texas, is East Texas’ premier archery destination for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter, a competitive shooter, or a beginner eager to try something new, Griffin Archery offers an unmatched experience that combines expert service, toptier equipment, and a welcoming atmosphere
Owned by Jay and Michelle Griffin, Griffin Archery was born out of a passion for the sport and a desire to build a community-focused shop where customers are treated like family. They actively support youth programs like Smith County 4H Archery and partner with area camps and schools to promote archery among Tyler’s youth. Griffin Archery has USA Archery-certified coaches offering classes tailored to beginners and experienced shooters alike, fostering skill development in a safe and encouraging environment.
As a full-service pro shop, Griffin
Archery is stocked with industryleading brands like Mathews, Hoyt, Elite, and TenPoint/Wicked Ridge. Their experienced technicians provide bow tuning, setup, and repairs to ensure your gear performs flawlessly. Whether you’re
a traditional or compound shooter the shop is designed to meet the needs of every archer – even left-handed archers. Layaway plans and exceptional customer care make getting started or upgrading your equipment easy and stress-free.
Griffin Archery’s facilities are second to none. Their newly expanded property boasts the largest indoor archery range in East Texas, featuring 18 air-conditioned lanes at 20 yards for year-round practice. For outdoor enthusiasts, their range includes bag targets and 3D targets up to 60 yards—perfect for honing your skills
before hunting season or tournaments. At Griffin Archery, you’re not just a customer—you’re family. Come meet the team, explore gear, and learn how Griffin Archery can help you level up your skills. You will also find us at God & The Great Outdoors Expo at the Oil Palace, July 11–13!
COMMUNITY LEADERS
BYRON SOUTH with his signature series Remington R-15 VTR rifle at his home near Big Sandy.
ONE CALL AWAY
Calling and trapping may be sport for some, but for this Big Sandy native, it’s big business – and crucial for the environment
STORY BY JORDAN GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL
To a novice, trapping a coyote might not sound so hard. Big Sandy native Byron South has been doing it for years. Here’s how he describes the work: “People ask me, 'Well, you think you can catch this? This coyote's costing me a lot of money.' I said, 'Yeah, this place ain't but what, 3,500 acres? All I gotta do is make him step on a 3-inch circle."
Of course, such a humorous explanation of predator trapping understates the planning, preparation and perspective a trapper has to have. South makes his living helping landowners of estates, large and small, rid their property of pesky predators by trapping and killing the animals, and he’s known nationally for his ability to call in coyotes, bag bobcats and lure in mountain lions.
Being a wildlife caller and trapper, however, is not merely sport for South. His work is crucial to environmental conservation, livestock protection and the preservation of the predatory species themselves.
"I don't hate coyotes. They're doing what they're supposed to do,” South said. “But God put us on this planet for a reason, too, and so we're just stewards of the land.”
FINDING HIS CALL
On a late February day, South sat underneath a gazebo at his homestead near Big Sandy with his brown, one-eyed dog, Freckles, who’s named after
legendary bull-rider Freckles Brown. South was a rodeo cowboy once upon a time, but marriage made him settle down. He had to get a steady job, and that turned out to be calling and trapping – something he’d been doing most of his life.
When he was 10 or 11 years old, South was hauling hay with his uncle and became enthralled by a coyote call on the dashboard of the truck. He blew into the call, and he was fascinated by the sound. His uncle hadn’t had any luck with it, so he let South take it.
Soon afterward, South and a cousin were staying together on their grandparents’ farm, and the two snuck into the woods one night with a 20-gauge shotgun and South’s call. They aimed to kill coyotes, which South’s grandpa called wolves. South got one.
“It's like I killed a grizzly bear,” he said. “Nobody in my family ever killed a coyote.”
From that point on, whenever South visited the little country store at nearby Shady Grove, the old men who sat on the front porch – where they’d shoot the breeze and whittle on pieces of wood – gave South a title that would make any boy swell with pride: “Wolf killer.”
fascinated him. It was all in the call.
"To be able to make that animal come to me stuck in my head,” South said. "That just became a passion and a career. And thankfully, the good Lord has blessed me, and I've been able to do it. And I wouldn't trade it for Elon Musk's money.”
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
For several years now, South has lived on close encounters of the fur kind. As a trapper, he makes a living capturing and killing predators that are wreaking havoc on deer populations, livestock herds and more.
As a caller, he draws in animals for hunters to shoot.
When South is around, nature’s predators have met their own.
South uses game calls to replicate the sounds of certain animals that are preyed upon by predators such as bobcats and coyotes. Calls can mimic either the sound of the predatory species being called or the prey that commonly become a predator’s tasty treat. No matter what sound is made, the goal is for predators to answer the call and meet their fate.
For South, getting the critters as close as possible is a competition with himself. Early on in his career, as he was guiding other hunters about calling coyotes, a client | CONT. FROM PG. 56
That’s where it all began. If South hadn’t killed a coyote that night, he probably would have quit trying, he said. But it wasn’t the killing of the animal that
about some of the scents and baits he uses to capture predators.
BYRON SOUTH talks
BYRON SOUTH shows a bobcat he recently trapped.
of his gave him a VHS tape about the practice.
"It's supposed to be the biggest thing going," South said of the VHS tape. "I watched it, and I thought it was horrible. So, I took my home movie camera and started filming some of my hunts.”
Those filmed trips were compiled in two volumes of VHS tapes that propelled him to outdoor renown. The cover of the first volume of “Coming to the Call with Byron South” – showing a picture of the camo-clad hunter holding a bobcat and a coyote – states in orange letters: “Watch As Byron And His Friends Call In Dozens Of Predators, Some VERY CLOSE.”
The tapes wound up on shelves in the nation’s leading outdoor supply stores, including Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Suddenly, South’s name seemed as synonymous with calling coyotes as the sound of the calls themselves. South recorded sounds for calls manufactured by FOXPRO, and “then I started getting hit by everybody in the industry wanting me to record sounds for them,” he said. He later recorded audio for MOJO Outdoors, another game call manufacturer.
South gained sponsorships that sent him around the globe to call in predators and film his expeditions. He was on the professional staffs of outdoor goods maker Realtree and optics manufacturer Nikon, which builds scopes for rifles. Famed gun maker Remington
Arms built a rifle in his name, the Remington R-15 VTR (Varmint-Tactical Rifle) Byron South Signature Edition.
As its name implies, it was built especially for killing the types of predators South calls and traps. At the time, the company had built only one other signature rifle – and it was made posthumously in honor of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, South said.
"I signed a professional endorsement agreement with Remington and found out later that only two people in the history of Remington ever signed a professional endorsement agreement with Remington: me and Brett Favre, the quarterback,” South said.
South has taken hunters of all kinds on trips, and some are known outside the hunting realm, too. Among them are football players Ryan Jensen, a former NFL center with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Joe Thomas, a former offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns; and Brady Quinn, a former quarterback for the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.
He’s called most species of predators in Africa –including the predator that is known throughout the world for its prowess, appearance and stature.
HEAR THE LIONS ROAR
The Mozambican Civil War had been over only a few years by the time South’s flight touched down at a bombed-out airport. It was still a land hunters had dared
| CONT. FROM PG. 58
WEARING GLOVES and kneeling on a mat to avoid leaving a scent, Byron South demonstrates how he sets a trap to capture predators.
not venture because of the conflict, but the founder of MOJO, Terry Denmon, wanted to kill a lion. South would be the man to call it in. The two took a 21-day expedition there.
South still recalls one night he spent in the African bush. He heard elephants trumpeting in the distance and lions roaring.
"I thought to myself, 'Man, if my friends could see me now, because I'm just a booger-picker from Big Sandy, Texas,” South said. “And there I was in Mozambique, in the middle of nowhere, looking at the Southern Cross, completely different constellation in the sky.”
He thought to himself: "Man, if I died right now, I'd be fine. This is a dream come true.'"
But he didn’t really want to die – at least not by becoming a lion’s supper.
South and Denmon had killed a kudu, a large woodland antelope, and chained half of it to a tree about 75 yards away from the Toyota Land Cruiser they were in. A large speaker near the tree played the sound of roaring lions. South strapped a camera to the roll bar of the vehicle to record the action. He was sitting on the other half of the kudu.
Suddenly, South heard a noise. Some natives who were a part of the trip rushed up to him and said: “The lions are coming.”
A female lion rushed toward the truck. South had
told his hunting partner that, if a lion came within 40 yards, he was going to shoot it. “I’m coming home alive,” he said.
The lion stopped about 40 yards away from the truck, sat down and looked at South. About that time, he heard lions reach the kudu that was chained to the tree. They began to eat it, and South could hear the sound of the creatures crunching the kudu’s bones.
Denmon took a spotlight and began to shine it around the truck – but the light never shone upon the female lion. The next thing South knew, she was gone.
The hunt didn’t end with a kill, but South still had a thrill hunting the world’s “apex predator.”
“It’s a pinnacle. That’s the ultimate predator in the world,” he said. “They say in Africa there are two kinds of animals: There’s lions, and then there’s food.”
A call with a purpose
Kind of like the oil industry, coyote populations endure brutal boom-and-bust cycles, South said. During times when prey are plentiful, coyotes repopulate – and overpopulate. In turn, they kill off too much prey, and then the predator populations suffer from starvation and sickness. That’s when predators begin to attack livestock and domestic animals. Thus, ranching operations depend on trappers like South for critical protection.
Keeping predator populations steady can help | CONT. ON PG. 62
BYRON SOUTH and Freckles Brown.
| CONT. FROM PG. 61
prevent boom-and-bust cycles, improving the quality of life for the population as a whole and ensuring that there’s a healthy balance between predator and prey, South said.
Ironically, keeping the coyote population alive and well means some must die. "It's kind of hard to tell a coyote, 'Well, I gotta kill some of these so you can do good,” South said.
The process of trapping can take a while. South has multiple traps that he sets on a given piece of property, and they must be set meticulously. He digs small holes to bury the traps in, places paper over the mechanisms, covers the devices with a thin layer of dirt to disguise them, places bait behind the traps, and then – he waits.
Sometimes, days will pass before a coyote will stumble into a trap. South likes to catch predators by their front right foot. It’s just his preference.
Trapping, South emphasizes, is not a cruel way to control wildlife populations. Quite the opposite, in fact. Movies and cartoons have given people the perception that traps are giant, sharp, claw-like contraptions that cut an animal’s leg off and leave it bleeding. Really, modern traps are more like handcuffs that prevent a coyote from pulling its foot out.
South wouldn’t want the traps to be anything harmful, anyway. Admittedly, he loves coyotes.
"I think they're the most neat animal in the world, and when I when I dispatch them, I do it the way I'd want to be dispatched — quick and easy and painless as I can,” he said. “I check my traps every day, so when I set that trap, it don't matter if I'm sick, if it's raining, if it's cold, it's hot. I go check that trap every day because I think there's an animal out there, could be caught.”
Trapping and calling both require the hunter to think like an animal, not like a human. A hunter must anticipate an animal’s response to a sound or a scent and plan accordingly. And whether a hunter is trapping or calling an animal, “all you can do is ask them to come. That don't mean they're going to come,” he said. That can be frustrating.
But for South, it’s still rewarding. When he’s outdoors, he’s in his element.
"I love doing it, and it's never gotten old,” he said. “I'd be lying if I told you I don't get tired of it sometimes. I mean, you do anything for a job, it turns into work. But then I think to myself, 'Well, you knucklehead, you're living the dream. Shut up and just go do it. You could be in an office job. You could be doing something you hate. But I get to be outside.'"
ETX VIEW WRITER
JORDAN GREEN had a blast meeting Freckles Brown while interviewing Byron South.
TRAPS waiting to be cleaned at Byron South's home.
DIANA TEEN BECOMES YOUNGEST FEMALE EAGLE SCOUT IN EAST TEXAS YOUNG TRAILBLAZER
STORY
AND
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JORDAN GREEN
The sign at the entryway to Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas bears the Bible verse Isaiah 40:31: “They will soar on wings like eagles.”
No truer words could be spoken of Windridge, where a number of Boy Scouts have completed sizable projects to rise to the coveted rank of Eagle Scout through the years. In late August, a soon-to-be Eagle Scout did just that — and now she’s made East Texas history.
Cheyenne Hall, a 13-year-old female member of Longview Scouts BSA Troop 618G and Ore City Scouts BSA Troop 307G, rebuilt outdoor equipment at the therapeutic center for her Eagle Scout project. At a ceremony in January, she was officially honored as the youngest female Eagle Scout in the organization’s East Texas Area Council and the first female Eagle Scout in not one but two East Texas troops. The Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held Jan. 11 in Gilmer, recognizing Cheyenne’s achievement of attaining scouting's highest rank.
Cheyenne is among the first generation of female Scouts to earn the Eagle Scout rank, held by astronauts, business leaders, inventors, lawmakers and presidents. The Boy Scouts of America began allowing girls to join its Cub Scout programs in 2018, and they could join the Scouts BSA program beginning in 2019.
“I feel like it’s really awesome that I’m getting my Eagle around the five-year anniversary of girls being allowed in Scouts BSA,” Cheyenne said during a September interview.
In the past year, headlines across the nation have announced that young women increasingly are attaining the Eagle rank, the youngest of whom have been close in age to Cheyenne. Zack Tannery, registration manager for the Tyler-based East Texas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, confirmed that Cheyenne is the youngest female Scout in the council to attain the rank thus far.
Cheyenne has achieved a number of “firsts” during her time in Scouts BSA.
A native of Vancouver, Washington, she became a Girl Scout in 2017 and joined Cub Scouts in 2018. She was the first girl to earn the rank of Tiger in her district and in the Cascade Pacific Council. In 2019, she was the first girl in her district to join Scouts BSA.
She was also the first girl in her Cub Scout pack to earn a Supernova award, recognizing a Scout’s achievement in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, better known as STEM.
Cheyenne’s family moved to Diana in 2022, and she and her mother, Melissa Miller, started Troop 307G in Ore City. Cheyenne was the only member, though, so she also joined Troop 618G in Longview. That means she’s be the first female Eagle Scout in both troops at age 13. The average age of an Eagle Scout is 17.
Earning the rank so early in life took dedication, Cheyenne said.
“I decided when I was all the way back in Cub Scouts that I really wanted to be an Eagle Scout at 13 because I heard that it was a lot of hard work, but I really wanted to accomplish it,” she said.
The most widely known task a prospective Eagle Scout must complete is a service project — oftentimes a construction-related endeavor for a nonprofit organization or similar entity. Scouts must find a project and demonstrate leadership and planning throughout it.
Cheyenne has volunteered at Windridge, which has offered therapeutic horse-riding programs for children and adults with disabilities since 1989. By riding horses, people can learn how to balance their bodies, manage anxiety, recognize shapes and more.
Cheyenne learned that the facility’s outdoor sensory arena — a playground-like field of activities designed to improve a person’s sight, touch, hearing and balance — had fallen into disrepair through years of use and exposure to the elements.
“I saw the sensory stations, and I instantly knew that that was the one I wanted to do,” Cheyenne said. | CONT. ON PG. 68 | CONT. FROM PG. 64
| CONT. FROM PG. 67
The arena includes multiple activity stations. On a white wooden wall hang small boards covered in rocks, turf and cotton; while riding by on horseback, people can reach out to touch each board, learning to distinguish between textures. Nearby, colorful pool noodles hang on a string between trees; riders can reach up and touch them.
Paintings of animals and cartoon characters placed around the arena help riders learn to follow directions and orient themselves: When they’re told to ride toward the mural of a sheep, for example, they have to guide the horse there, testing the rider’s balance and response to verbal cues.
Back in August, volunteers showed up with tools and food and spent eight hours installing new equipment and paintings in the arena.
“Everybody helped any way that they could,” Cheyenne said. “The second that they were done with something, they asked, ‘Cheyenne, what’s next? What do I have to do next?’ ”
Celia Bower, Windridge’s executive director, said the volunteers were “eager beavers.”
“They just got to work — started with the hardest things first, and Cheyenne had a safety meeting and gave everybody instructions,” Bower said. “Then everybody just split and did their jobs, and it was like, ‘chop, chop.’ And they did great.”
Cheyenne and her helpers, including Scouts and adults, spent 250 hours completing the project. Most
of the work was done that August day, but Cheyenne began planning for the project earlier that spring, raising funds for materials and soliciting donations prior to the work day.
When it was all done, a weight seemed to be lifted off her shoulders.
“It felt really accomplishing,” she said. “I put in a lot of work. I put in a lot of time. Everybody that came and helped me put in a lot of time into this. And the feeling of it being done, and me kind of being one step closer to something I dreamed about since I was like 7 years old, was kind of crazy.”
Rebuilding the station is something Windridge staff wouldn’t have been able to do easily without help.
“It was a big need for us,” Bower said.
Completing the project took commitment — the kind Cheyenne exhibits, said Phillip Mirick, Scoutmaster of Troop 618G.
“She is very dedicated to Scouting itself,” Mirick said. “She shows really good Scout spirit. … She’s very helpful. She’s kind to everybody. She’s always excited and happy at the events that we do, always with a smile on her face. She is turning into a wonderful young leader.”
With the accomplishment of Eagle Scout officially achieved, Cheyenne is soaring with the rest of the Eagles — or maybe leading the flock. She’s Troop 618G’s senior patrol leader, and she plans to stay involved with Scouting in the future.
“It’s kind of surreal,” Cheyenne said. “It’s just a dream come true.”
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MAY/JUNE CALENDAR events
BLAST OVER BULLARD
ARP
ARP STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
9 A.M. - 5 P.M. MAY 10
Downtown Arp https://www.arpcommunityevents. org/
BULLARD
ARTS IN THE PARK
9 A.M. - 11 A.M. MAY 17
Smith Park 700 Spring St https://tinyurl.com/49ujmmbh
BLAST OVER BULLARD
5 P.M. - 10 P.M. JUNE 28
Bullard High School 1426 S Houston St https://www.bullardtexas.net/
CANTON
KIDS FISH DAY
9 A.M. MAY 10
Two-Acre Lake - Arnold Paul Road 410 Arnold Paul Rd https://tinyurl.com/4aues7kv
CITY-WIDE CLEANUP
MAY 12 - MAY 16
Downtown Canton 201 N. Buffalo https://tinyurl.com/5662raup
ALL FORE KIDS ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT
8 A.M. MAY 17
Van Zandt County Club 17960 I-20 https://tinyurl.com/yckvebj6
AG DAY
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. MAY 23
Legacy AG Credit ACA 1017 W Dallas St https://tinyurl.com/53fnfzzj
CROCHET AND QUILTING CAMP
9 A.M. - 4 P.M. JUNE 16
Silver Spur Resort 13785 State Hwy 19 https://tinyurl.com/ynmh7a22
SPLASH BASH
11 A.M. - 7 P.M. JUNE 21
Van Zandt County Fairgrounds 24742 State Hwy 64 https://tinyurl.com/3wstmmt7
CARTHAGE
PANOLA COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE FAIR
9 A.M. - 1 P.M. MAY 5
Panola College- Frances B. Ross Ballroom 1109 W. Panola https://tinyurl.com/2xab8cs4
DAINGERFIELD
WHAT’ CHA READING BOOK CLUB
1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. MAY 15
Daingerfield Public Library 207 Jefferson St https://tinyurl.com/mt8u9sdh
CHESS CLUB
1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. MAY 15 AND MAY 29
Daingerfield Public Library 207 Jefferson St https://tinyurl.com/53c6cj3y
BOOK TO MOVIE
10 A.M. - 12 P.M. MAY 29
Daingerfield Public Library 207 Jefferson St https://tinyurl.com/msxptnjb
GILMER
A NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE
7 P.M. MAY 31
Gilmer Civic Center 1218 US Hwy 271 N https://tinyurl.com/39sjtbe3
FATHER’S DAY POKER RUN AND CAPING 2025
JUNE 13 - JUNE 14
Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area 6284 N State Hwy 155 https://tinyurl.com/yet2573k
THIRD ANNUAL OFF-ROAD RODEO
JUNE 27 - JUNE 28
Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area 6284 N. State Hwy 155 https://tinyurl.com/3ez6wchr
GLADEWATER
JOHN BERRY LIVE
7 P.M. MAY 9
Jackson’s Theatre 108 E Commerce Ave https://jacksonstheatre.com/
SPRING SWING GOLF TOURNAMENT
1:30 P.M. MAY 16
Tempest Golf Club 568 E Wilkins Rd
https://www.kilgorechamber.com/
MURDER AT THE HOWARD JOHNSONS
JUNE 13 - JUNE 15 AND JUNE
20 - JUNE 22 AND JUNE 27JUNE 29
Jackson’s Theatre
108 E Commerce Ave
https://jacksonstheatre.com/
HAWKINS
PANCAKE FESTIVAL
7 A.M. - 4 P.M. MAY 17
Hawkins Area Chamber of Commerce
300 S. Beaulah
https://tinyurl.com/59shsz82
JACKSONVILLE
63RD TOPS IN TEXAS PRCA RODEO
MAY 8 – MAY 10
736 Mulberry St
https://tinyurl.com/4jtzjrmp
JUNIOR RODEO FOR EXCEPTIONAL KIDS
MAY 10
Cherokee County Expo Center
611 TX-456 Loop
https://tinyurl.com/bdcmkrac
10TH ANNUAL DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
6 P.M. - 8 P.M. JUNE 9
John Alexander Gymnasium 811 Farnsworth St
http://www.jacksonvilletexas.com
41ST ANNUAL TOMATO FEST JUNE 14
Downtown Jacksonville
https://www.jacksonvilletexas.com/ tomato-fest/
KILGORE
TRACTORS, TRUCKS AND FUN
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. MAY 17
Downtown Kilgore https://kilgoremercantile.com/
KILGORE CRUISE NIGHT
5 P.M. - 8 P.M. MAY 31 AND JUNE 28
Downtown Kilgore https://kilgoremercantile.com/
SECOND SATURDAY
BLUEGRASS/COUNTRY/GOSPEL JAM
4 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. JUNE 14
Kilgore Mercantile & Music 105 N Kilgore St https://kilgoremercantile.com/
HEARTS ANONYMOUS
6 P.M. - 8 P.M. JUNE 19
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 314 N Henderson Blvd https://kilgoremercantile.com
66 Miranda Lambert Way https://tinyurl.com/8yva6udn
MONTE MONTGOMERY
8 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. JUNE 13
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse Lindale
66 Miranda Lambert Way https://tinyurl.com/yc3wnjdc FRANK MARTIN GILLIGAN
8 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. JUNE 14
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse Lindale
66 Miranda Lambert Way https://tinyurl.com/2b74u5x4
WILDLIFE ON THE MOVE PRESENTS AMAZING ADAPTATIONS
10:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. JUNE 18
ChristPoint Methodist Church Lindale 402 W Hubbard St https://tinyurl.com/232t7thu
CHRIS CUNNINGHAM
8 P.M. - 10:30 P.M. JUNE 28
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse Lindale 114 E North St https://tinyurl.com/5n9yp89b
LONGVIEW
COMMUNITY BIKE NIGHT
5 P.M. - 8 P.M. MAY 8
Broadway Powersports of Longview 3130 N Eastman Rd https://tinyurl.com/2pcy6kvt
LONGVIEW JAYCEES TRADE DAYS MAY 10 - MAY 11 AND JUNE 7JUNE 8
Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Dr https://www.longviewtexas.gov/ | CONT. ON PG. 74
| CONT. FROM PG. 73
BEEKEEPERS MONTHLY MEETING
6 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. MAY 6 AND JUNE 3
Gregg County- Agrilife Extension Services 405 E Marshall Ave https://tinyurl.com/y3s239x9
ARK-LA-TEX TATTOO AND ART EXPO
MAY 16 - MAY 18
Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd https://tinyurl.com/z7ntasth
BACH’S LUNCHES
12 P.M. - 12:45 P.M. MAY 16
First Baptist Church of Longview 209 E South St https://longviewsymphony.org/
RUN FOR THE WILD VETERANS RIDE
8 A.M. - 3 P.M. MAY 18
Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Dr https://www.longviewtexas.gov/
EAST TEXAS SYMPHONIC BAND
7 P.M. MAY 19
Teague Park Ampitheatre 411 American Legion Blvd https://etsymphonicband.org/
EAST TEXAS BULLY CLASSIC 4
8:30 A.M. - 5 P.M. MAY 24
Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd
https://www.longviewtexas.gov/
GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE
JUNE 10 - JUNE 15
Longview Fairgrounds 1123 Jaycee Dr https://gtbr.net/
HERPS LONGVIEW EXOTIC AND PET SHOW
JUNE 21 - JUNE 22
Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Dr https://www.herpshow.net/
LAUGH OUT LOUD LONGVIEW IMPROV FESTIVAL
JUNE 27 - JUNE 28
Longview Community Center 500 E Whaley St https://tinyurl.com/bdwuhh2w
EAST TEXAS COMIC CON JUNE 28 - JUNE 29
Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Rd https://tinyurl.com/45w4ew3h
SOARING WITH PRIDE
JUNE 28
Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd https://www.facebook.com/ longviewpride
TEXAS COMIC CON
MARSHALL
ARTS IN THE PARK
9 A.M. - 11 A.M. MAY 17
Smith Park 401 S. Alamo Blvd https://marshalltexas.com/
JEANS N CLASSICS: THE MUSIC OF JOURNEY
7 P.M. MAY 31
Marshall Convention Center 2501 E End Blvd S https://www.marshallsymphony. com/
ARTS IN THE PARK
9 A.M. - 11 A.M. JUNE 14
Oak Lawn Golf Course 4307 Victory Dr https://marshalltexas.com/
THIRD ANNUAL CAR SHOW
9 A.M. - 1 P.M. JUNE 21
Texas State Technical College 2650 E End Blvd S https://marshalltexas.com/
MINEOLA
SPRING FESTIVAL
10 A.M. MAY 17
Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms 975 CR 2220
https://tinyurl.com/ympx9mvn
EAST
PITTSBURG
EAST TEXAS ULTRA MAY 16 - MAY 18
Lake Bob Sandlin State ParkTexas Parks and Wildlife 341 State Park Road 2117 https://tinyurl.com/4jcm8dpy
WILDLIFE ON THE MOVE PRESENTS COOL COLDBLOODED CRITTERS
3 P.M. - 4 P.M. JUNE 23 Pittsburg Camp County Public Library 613 Quitman St https://tinyurl.com/nhe2tw28
TATUM
2025 BULL BUCK OUT
12 P.M. - 5 P.M. MAY 25 AND JUNE 29
Bar None Cowboy Church 9162 State Highway 43 E https://tinyurl.com/3sw75h8j
TYLER
EAST TEXAS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUMMIT
12 P.M. MAY 6
Andrews Center 2323 W Front St https://tinyurl.com/bzdzzfj3
NAMI TYLER GAMES DAY
10 A.M. - 3 P.M. MAY 6
Hollytree Country Club 6700 Hollytree Dr https://namityler.org
SUGAR AND BLOOM
6 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. MAY 8
Good Vibes Nutrition Cafe 112 S Broadway Ave https://tinyurl.com/2x5a77mf
THE STEELDRIVERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
7:15 P.M. MAY 8
Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue 525 S Beckham Ave https://www.stanleysfamous.com/ live-music/
RED DIRT BBQ MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 10
The Park of East Texas 204 Patton Ln https://reddirtbbqfest.co
KEEP TYLER GREEN ECO FEST
10 A.M. - 4 P.M. MAY 17
Bergfeld Park 1501 S Broadway Ave https://tinyurl.com/4hcsmwnb
TYLER MARCH FOR BABIES
9 A.M. MAY 17
Rose Rudman Park 455 Shiloh Rd https://tinyurl.com/mt7d5rnh
FUR BALL 2025: PAWLLYWOOD NIGHTS
7 P.M. - 11 P.M. MAY 17
Cascades Country Club 4511 Briarwood Rd https://spcaeasttx.com/
QUEER STORIES AND SONGS
6:30 P.M. MAY 22
Tyler Public Library
201 S College Ave
https://tinyurl.com/msttsnyu
WHITE DENIM
7:15 P.M. MAY 23
Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue 525 S Beckham Ave https://www.stanleysfamous.com/ live-music/
MEMORIAL DAY: RED, WHITE AND BOO BOO WEEKEND
MAY 23 - MAY 26
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park CampResort Tyler 5583 FM-16 E https://tinyurl.com/4ufcvzay
MONTEZ AND COOPER CAR SHOW
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. MAY 24
Millenium Plaza 5234 Old Jacksonville Hwy https://tinyurl.com/zrc8z2yw
109TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT
MAY 31 - JUNE 1
Green Acres Bowl 2311 E SE Loop 323 https://tinyurl.com/52kjc9b8
JUNETEENTH KIDS PARADE
9:30 A.M. AND 11 A.M. JUNE 7
Woldert Park 701 W 32nd St https://tinyurl.com/bdz59vrm
RUN OF THE ROSES 5K, 10K, 15K
8 A.M. - 3 P.M. JUNE 7
Southside Park 455 Shiloh Rd https://www.thefreedomrunners. com/
5TH ANNUAL TOMATO FEST DICED
4 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. JUNE 11
Kiepersol Winery
21508 Merlot Ln https://tinyurl.com/32x6emtd
ANNIE
JUNE 13 - JUNE 15 AND JUNE
19 - JUNE 22 AND JUNE 26JUNE 29
Tyler Civic Theatre Center
400 Rose Park Dr https://tylercivictheatre.com/
JUNETEENTH PARADE
9 A.M. JUNE 14
Woldert Park
701 W 32nd St
https://tinyurl.com/26u6b325 FOUNDER’S DAY
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. JUNE 14
Discovery Science Place
308 N Broadway Ave https://tinyurl.com/248fuk9y
SUMMER ROSE VENDOR MARKET
10 A.M. - 5 P.M. JUNE 21
Bergfeld Park 1510 S College Ave https://tinyurl.com/mr263kvc
ROSE CITY PRIDE
11 A.M. - 5 P.M. JUNE 21 W.T. Brookshire’s Conference Center 2000 W Front St https://tinyurl.com/mpkx67v8
WHITEHOUSE
BATTLE OF THE BRAINS
11 A.M. - 1 P.M. MAY 8
Oak Crossing Event Center 101 Glenda St https://nextstepcs.org/botb/
HIP HOP CLINIC
2 P.M. MAY 10
Tyler Rose Athletics 15294 TX-110 S https://tinyurl.com/5duhjadp
TAKE HEART 5K/10K MAY 31
The Boulders at Lake Tyler 16822 McElroy Rd https://tinyurl.com/6k7b99jt
WHITE OAK
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY FLAG RELAY SEGMENT 54
6 A.M. MAY 26
1101 S White Oak Rd https://tinyurl.com/schu6mcf
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Wherever you are on the road to parenthood, trust CHRISTUS Health in Longview and Tyler to guide you every step of the way. From routine checkups to high-risk pregnancies, you can count on expert support close to home. Enjoy the comfort of private birthing suites, access to lactation consultants and peace of mind with a Level III NICU for specialized care if needed.
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