AUG IP MAGAZINE

infinitieplus AUGUST 2019

VOL. 9 NO. 8 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

PTISD Super Steven Clugston and Family

Tying the Knot

Cultural Arts District

City Celebrates the 4th

Downtown Longview Rocks

Says, “Make school feel like family…treat everyone with love and respect.”

4523 Judson Rd. Longview, Longview, Texas Texas 75605 75605 4523 4523 Judson Judson Rd.

903-663-3344 903-663-3344 Jasonstoneworks.com Jasonstoneworks.com

table of contents

infinitieplus

Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Cover Story

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Pine Tree ISD Superintendent Steven Clugston was very successful in his prior district. Hence, he was not looking for a job when he accepted an offer from PTISD. Rather, he was looking for a purpose and strongly believes he found it at PTISD. Part of his success is abiding by his parents' sterling example.

For him, the Golden Rule is a central theme and watchword. "The biggest impact my parents had in this area was teaching me to think of others rather than myself," he says. "Be a good person, treat others with respect, work hard and always keep your word. We were told to leave this world a better place than [it was] when we found it."

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Grayson and Graham Guinn

Nancy Murray

Tying the knot

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Dr. Madison Mack

Katie Everett

Jaye Latch

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy.

It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver.

From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out out totothe tothe the day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important totoLongview toLongview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being.

This This This isiswhy iswhy why we we we provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such asasprivate asprivate private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. support.

And And And if ifyou ifyou you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need a alittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, we we we offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and a aLevel aLevel Level IIIIIINICU. IIINICU. NICU. For For For more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

Pine Tree ISD Superintendent Steven Clugston

2901 2901 2901 N.N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • •Longview, Longview, • Longview, TXTX75605 TX 75605 75605 • •903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • •LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com

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5

INSPIRATIONAL

editor’s note

I

t is unbelievable we are going back to school soon.

The summer has quickly gone by and we are almost headed into the holiday season. infinitieplus magazine is continuously grateful to advertisers and readers who without them, this service we render to our beloved Longview community will not be possible.

What I very much like about my work is writing about the beautiful people of Longview. Getting to know them better than I did prior to the stories enables me to appreciate Longview and the citizens the more. Longview is a great place to raise families, retire or even be single if you have taken the oath of celibacy.

Importantly, it empowers my faith in God shedding light that there is more good news. All is not lost. Life is not that bad because of what we see or hear. God is still in control and there are good people around us engaging in benevolent deeds to make life better for the less fortunate in their midst.

Our main story this month of August is the Pine Tree Independent School District Superintendent Steven Wayne Clugston.

This Super is a family man who inherited the Golden Rule he practices from his parents. For him, life is about love, respect, and leave wherever you go better than you met it. Please, read about Clugston, his family and philosophy of education and community.

The story is from page 8.

The proverbial “tying the knot,” has several origins. Our article on page 16, tackles the derivation of tying the knot. There is more.

Arts and Culture is gaining traction- urban renewal plus economic development-you can’t beat it. See story from page 20. July the 4th celebration is the one of a kind occasion that brings not just local citizens but surrounding cities to Longview. See story from page 24.

Longview Rocks story about Arts in Downtown Longview is on page 28 and the oldest universities on page 29.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve.

See you again in September.

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Marketing / PR

Dionne Whaley-Lott

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Sho Labaco

Contributing Writers

Good News - You Can Change!

Zig Ziglar

Submission Deadline

The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed.

FOR PUBLICITY AND ADVERTISING CONTACT Dionne Whaley-Lott dionne@iplusmag.com 517 Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 www.iplusmag.com www.facebook.com/ InfinitePlus magazine

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 8

I By

z i g ZI G L A R

n the worlds of education, athletics, business, government, etc., it’s recognized that a person’s attitude is often the determining factor in how well they do. In the business world, the dominant factor of successful employees identified by employers was attitude.

Unfortunately, there are more people with a negative rather than a positive attitude. Fortunately, people can change. Psychologist Shad Helmstetter says, “You can’t change from a negative mindset to a positive mindset without changing from negative talking to positive talking. To do that, you must change the input from negative to positive.”

Here’s How: Make a conscious decision. “Yes, I not only can change, I am changing and will continue to change.” Claim that as a positive affirmation, and repeat it to yourself several times

each day.

Second, seek friends and family who are optimistic and upbeat, and spend more time with them. Third, pick up an optimistic, upbeat, selfhelp book that gives specific instructions on how to move from the negative to the positive.

Next, acquire the tapes of a speaker, preacher or teacher you enjoy and admire, whose messages are upbeat and uplifting. Listen to each tape until you can complete many of the sentences, examples, illustrations and stories. At that point, the message becomes positive self-talk, and over a period of time you will change from the negative to the positive.

With a new positive mindset, you will have the confidence to acquire the new skills that will make a major difference in your life. That will give you something to smile about.

The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine are copyrighted 2019. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus or its advertisers.

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Local educator a blessing to East Texas youth

Graham. Twenty-one-year-old Macie Clugston is a senior at Texas A&M, where she majors in communications. Hollie Clugston, eighteen, just graduated from Pine Tree High School. She is slated to enroll at the University of Texas at Tyler in quest of a teaching degree. The baby of the family is Nevaeh.

She came to live with the family when she was only thirteen months old. She is a third grader at Birch Elementary, and already loves to sing and dance.

Theirs is a family with a multigeneration history of loving success.

Superintendent Clugston still abides by his parents' sterling example. For him, the Golden Rule is a central theme and watchword.

"The biggest impact my parents had in this area was teaching me to think of others rather than myself," he says. "Be a good person, treat others with respect, work hard and always keep your word. We were told to leave this world a better place than [it was] when we found it."

Clugston matriculated at Stephen F. Austin University, where he pulled down a bachelor’s in biology, and a master’s in education.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Stephen F. Austin, and I do not think I could have made a better choice," he says. "SFA was much larger than my high school, but not too big."

He took his masters through the Sid Richardson cohort. This is an innovative program constructed around a cohort of twenty-four scholars collaborating as a group. Over the course of this forty-five-hour program, each participating individual shared knowledge with all the others so that, upon completion of the discipline, everyone's expertise had been instilled in and absorbed by all participants.

"I still love to learn in a similar fashion, so networking with others is very important," he says.

It was a perfect springboard for his blossoming career as an educator when he started out teaching and coaching at his old high school in Crandall, Texas. Four years later, he and Amy moved on to teaching/coaching

B y J o y c el y ne F a d ojut i m i

P

ine Tree Independent School District Superintendent Steven Wayne Clugston learned early on, the lifelong benefits of growing up in a close knit and loving family.

His father owned a used car lot and his mother ran a Dallas County tax office for twenty years. His family of origin: Dad, Mom, his two sisters and Clugston were very close spending as much time as possible as a family. His parents are still devoted and dedicated to family to this day.

His Mom and Dad met in college. They have been lovingly married for fifty-six years.

"My dad said if you want to have good kids you have to spend time with them, and he took this to heart," he says.

Superintendent Clugston lives by the same creed. He and wife Amy were married twenty-seven years ago in her hometown of Alto. A graduate of Lamar University, she works as an instructional coach at Birch Elementary. Her husband has no doubt they were meant to be together, "God put her in my life to make me a better person," said Superintendent Clugston. She has been faithfully at his side as the couple raised four daughters who are as unselfishly successful as their parents.

Twenty-six-year-old Callie is a teacher and married to Taylor Guinn They have twin year-old boys named Grayson and

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Amy and Husband Superintendent Steven Clugston

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Callie, Taylor and their twin boys: Grayson and Graham Guinn

for the Alto Independent School District. It was at this time, he completed his masters, leading to a position as a high school principal with the Simms Independent School District. His next stop was another high school principal position. This one with the Beckville Independent School District, leading, in 2002, to a junior high principal post with the Diboll Independent School District. His growing reputation for expertise in 2003, led to his hiring as assistant superintendent for the Needville Independent School District southwest of Houston. For him, as his colleagues it was a mutual learning experience.

"During these job stints I was fortunate to work for some really good superintendents who were eager to share their knowledge," he says. "This learning opportunity allowed me to see how philosophical beliefs and reality can be meshed together to create success."

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Super Steve Clugston

The Clugston Girls: L-r: Hollie and Nevaeh Clugston; Callie Guinn and Macie Clugston

In 2006, he accepted an offer to serve as superintendent for the Riesl Independent School District outside Waco. He spent six years there, and he and his staff became like a family. The next stop on his educational odyssey was the Callisburg Independent School District in North Central Texas.

In 2012, he became this district's superintendent, and spent the next six years doing a great job.

In 2018, he felt he had accomplished his task in Callisburg. When the Pine Tree Independent School District offered him its superintendent's position, he jumped at the chance to return to Deep East Texas and work his wonders with its young minds.

"I was not looking for a job when I came to Pine Tree," he says. "I was looking for a purpose, and I believe I have truly found mine."

Pine Tree Independent School District has about 4500 students and 675 employees. It offers multiple academic programs and extracurricular activities to the young scholars it prepares for bright futures. It supplies much more than mere instruction.

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"Our goal is to make Pine Tree ISD a very special place to learn and go to school," says Clugston. "We believe the best way to educate children is to make it feel like a family where everyone has an impact on kids, and everyone is treated with respect."

He credits the Holy Spirit for the vocational success he has achieved. He prays for guidance and ability in his endeavors to better the lives and futures of his youthful charges as he expertly, lovingly steers them down the straight and narrow. He sees it as a journey for both them and he. He has no doubt sticking to God's chosen will for him has brought on his accomplishments.

"I have no doubt I am exactly where God intended," he says.

He is a very hands-on superintendent, visiting various campuses daily, interacting with staff and students to get their input and suggestions on how to make Pine Tree ISD an even better learning environment. He has no doubt that personal relationships are crucial for a successful organization, |

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and such required encounters cannot be created by sitting in an office.

Still, he spends enough time in his office to deal with emails, various paperwork, and conferring with his assistant superintendents.

He likes to have lunch daily at his district's schools to mix with faculty and kids before returning to his office. Even then, his day's work is far

from finished.

"Before the day ends, I like to visit any remaining campuses and help with student dismissal," he says. "Once school is dismissed it's back to the office to finish any needed items, and then off to one of our extracurricular activities. I got into this business to be around kids, and there's not any kids in my office, so I spend a lot of time on campus."

Such devotion is vital to his calling. He absolutely loves young people and having a positive impact on their lives. As a child, he was loved and loved dearly for that matter. As a result, this imprinted on him how crucial simple love and academic preparation are for a well-adjusted society, and all well-adjusted societies start with well-adjusted, well-educated young people. He knows his task requires a great deal of hard work, and he is happy to throw everything he has into his vocation. Few things worth having will ever come easily.

"I believe every kid should feel this way, and this business gives us the opportunity to have that kind of impact on the lives of young people," he says.

Nevertheless, he does experience frustration.

He sees too many students who are hampered by hardships they encounter outside of school.

He is fervently dedicated to seeing them loved, www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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encouraged and supported. However, widespread disintegration of the family unit is making this increasingly difficult. Once again, his faith supports him in his quest to overcome this obstacle.

He is a member of Grace Creek Church. He perceives how dreadful a place this world would be without faith. He looks upon this Creation as an opportunity to make others smile and to serve a larger, benevolent purpose. He refuses to let the world's rampant evil, blind him to the good and righteous aspects of life. There is no place for depression and pessimism in his daily existence. He realizes earthly existence is short. For this reason, he stays very busy doing as much good as he can in the brief time human beings have on earth before heading not eternity.

"God put us here for a short time, but He put us here to make a difference in this world and to cherish every moment we have," he says. "Every time my kids get worried or down on life, I just remind them to have faith. God knows what He is doing."

He especially knew what He was doing when He revealed His will to Steven Wayne Clugston.

Superintendent Clugston serves in various capacities including the Greggton Rotary Club where he is a member.

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"Our goal is to make Pine Tree ISD a very special place to learn and go to school.

We believe the best way to educate children is to make it feel like a family where everyone has an impact on kids, and everyone is treated with respect."

- Superintendent Steven Clugston

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Selling a home: How agents and sellers can work together

S

elling a home can be stressful. In many cases, homeowners choose to work with real estate agents to facilitate the process of listing, showing and selling their homes.

Real estate agents are valuable assets.

Agents have neighborhood knowledge, are educated in pricing trends, can filter phone calls or emails from buyers who aren’t serious, and can organize all of the people necessary for a closing. Real estate agents provide many services that the average person may not have the time nor the experience to handle.

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process of selling a home go smoothly.

to potential buyers is in no one’s best interest. Sellers should be ready and willing to open their homes, Price the home correctly. which is the best way to make a sale. An agent may Homeowners should trust the agent’s ability to suggest a lock box so the home can be shown when price a home for the market. Everyone wants to get homeowners are not on the property. the most money possible but listing the home for Make suggested renovations. more than it’s worth may cause it to sit unnecessarAgents know which features can make or break a ily for several weeks or months, which could raise red sale. Homeowners should be amenable to certain sugflags among potential buyers. gestions, such as neutral paint colors, removing perMarket the home. sonal effects and clearing clutter.

A real estate agent will list the home via a multiple Give recommendations. listing service (MLS) on a private website, in newsReal estate is a commission-based industry. Agents papers, and wherever else he or she feels is pertinent.

Homeowners can share the listing via social media often tirelessly put in hours and only reap rewards if and word of mouth to help increase the chances of the house is sold. A homeowner who was satisfied with an agent can then recommend that person to selling the home. friends or family.

Be available.

By working with real estate professionals, homeLimiting the time an agent can show the house owners can sell their homes quickly.

When selecting an agent to sell a home, homeowners may not understand that the terms real estate agent and REALTOR¨ are not interchangeable.

Although both must be licensed to sell real estate, the main difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR¨ is the latter is a member of the National Association of REALTORS¨. NAR ensures that members subscribe to a certain code of ethics.

There are many qualified agents, but an agent cannot do his or her job well without some help on the part of the homeowner. These tips can make the |

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We are known for Stone, but we do much more!

the – –SEPTEMBER AUGUST 2019 2019––

Weddings

EAST TEXAS

&

infinitieplus infinitie plus magazine magazine 4523 Judson Rd. Longview, Texas 75605 14 903-663-3344 | www.stone-works.net www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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| infinitieplus | august 2019 903.475.2582| | 903.475.2582 |www.iplusmag.com weddings@iplusmag.com weddings@iplusmag.com

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BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

S

hould a person hear that a couple ‘tied the knot,’ it’s immediately known that they got married. But just when and where does the term tying the knot come from? The phrase tying the knot is steeped in tradition, though the origins of the phrase remain open for debate. One origin story states that tying the knot can be traced back to the Roman empire, when brides wore girdles that were tied in knots, and the groom had to eventually untie those knots to consummate the marriage.

Tying the knot also may be traced to the custom of handfasting.

The marriage contract was established between a bride and a groom by joining their hands together and tying them. Although accounts vary as to whether the hands were tied only during the ceremony or later, this is believed to be an ancient Renaissance or Celtic tradition. Others speculate that the phrase traces its origins to Hindu weddings in which brides and grooms tied a necklace of flowers as part of wedding tradition.

Yet another theory suggests that the phrase can be traced back to the knotted string that supported beds prior to the use of metal springs.

Therefore, in order to make a marriage bed, couples first needed to tie the knot. Knots also represent a difficult-to-break bond, which is why they have long been associated with marriage. In one unity tradition, couples may braid or knot together three strands, with one representing the bride, one symbolizing the groom and the third representing God as they join together in faith.

Similarly, the phrase ‘getting hitched’ is associated with knot-tying as well. The saying implies that two people are being tied together just like a horse is tied, or hitched, to a wagon.

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infinitieplus_magazine

SUAVITY

The history of

and

D

table setting

dining etiquette

ining etiquette stretches back centuries. To many people, formal table settings are an art form, and table manners are not to be taken lightly.

The earliest Western dining traditions were documented by the Ancient Greeks. Table-setting scenes are found in the Old Testament and in the writings of Homer.

European table manners and other examples of chivalry date back as far as the eleventh century.

Today, many of the behaviors that take place at the dinner table are deeply rooted in history.

Here’s a look at some of the traditions and their origins.

porcelain and is named for the country where it originated. Through the years, Europeans followed suit and created their own derivatives of Chinese porcelain. China production once incorporated artisan expertise and collecting and using china became popular. Tea service sets are some of the more coveted pieces of china to own and collect.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS Hosts and hostesses may set the table and seat guests in certain arrangements. Etiquette may dictate where guests will sit. For example, husbands and wives will sit near or next to their spouse. But hosts may also sit guests with comfort and ease of mobility in mind. For example, elderly guests might be best seated in a place where it is easy for them to get up and leave the table. Being seated next to the party host is often a place of honor. Before formal place settings and table services were established, the saltcellar was used to designate the importance of guests around the dining table. A saltcellar is a small container that held salt for seasoning the meal. Seats above the salt were considered places of honor.

STANDING TO GREET A GUEST Men once stood to show respect when a woman, elderly person or dignitary entered the room or approached the dining table. This was a gesture of humility. Standing shows a person is attentive and caring. It’s also long been customary to remain standing until a guest has taken a seat. An excerpt from 1860’s; The Gentleman’s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness indicates, and at the table wait until she is seated, indeed wait until every lady is seated, before taking your own place.

ORIGINS OF CUTLERY Cutlery refers to the forks, spoons and knives of a typical table setting.

Archaeological evidence suggests that spoons with handles were used for ancient Egyptian religious purposes as early as 1,000 B.C. Knives have long been used as both weapons and utensils. Many people injured themselves by puncturing their mouths while using knives

FINE CHINA Fine china and dinnerware are two different types of accoutrements individuals can use when setting a table. China is typically used for special occasions. That’s because fine china is rare and the cost to replace items if they are broken is considerable. Fine china is made of

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SUAVITY

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Archaeological evidence suggests that spoons with handles were used for ancient Egyptian religious purposes as early as 1,000 B.C. Knives have long been used as both weapons and utensils. to eat their food, as knives were not dulled and domesticated for table use until the 16th century in France. Around the same time, forks grew in popularity thanks to global trendsetter Catherine de Medici. By the 18th century, curved forks with tines were increasingly used. Dining at a meal seems simple enough, but the process is rife with tradition and rules of etiquette.

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Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture

CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT DESIGNATION TALKS

Local urban renewal gaining momentum in Longview B y J o y c el y ne F a d ojut i m i

Dr. Andy Mack Mayor of Longview

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) can designate cultural districts in cities across Texas. Cultural districts are special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community revitalization. These districts can become focal points for generating businesses, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural developments and fostering civic pride.

For Longview, the effort to apply for a cultural district has been a catalyst for the various arts organizations to collaborate on current efforts and as well as do some, strategic Cynthia Hellen

Executive Director LETU Belcher Center

The Cultural D i s t r i c t designation will put a spotlight on the arts and other cultural aspects of living in Longview. We hope it encourages more people to create art in all its forms and encourage more people to participate in and enjoy local art and cultural opportunities. It is all about adding to the quality of life here.

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planning together for mutual benefit of the arts organizations and the overall area. zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community revitalization. These districts can become focal points for generating businesses, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural developments and fostering civic pride.

For Longview, the effort to apply for a cultural district has been a catalyst for the various arts organizations to collaborate on current efforts and as well as do some, strategic planning together for mutual benefit of the arts organizations and the overall area.

Nona Snoddy City Council woman District 2

Wray Wade City Councilman District 3

As the liaison of the Cultural Activities Advisor y Commission, I fully support the Cultural Arts District. This district w i l l not only enhance the sustainability of the community, it is equally important for the city.

I envision the District providing opportunity for economic and social growth. Whether it is dance, music theater or art, it all plays a vital part in connecting us to one another and to the world.

The Cultural D i s t r i c t designation will be very good for the District and our city as a whole. It can open doors to ways o f life that will help us to improve quality of life. Most important of all, Cultural Districts designation as we know it, is a catalyst for economic development which we need.

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Rhonda Bullard CFRE- Non Profit Development Consultant

Becoming a designated Cultural Arts District will help harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic growth and downtown revitalization.

Nancy Murray Financial Advisor/ Chairwoman Arts!Longview

Our Cultural District will encourage business and job development, attract artists and creative enterprises the community. In addition, it will develop Longview as a tourism destination, enhance property values and quality of life in Longview plus create a greater awareness of the arts.

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T

Executive Director and Curator Tiffany Jehorek angling he drive for local Simon Waranch “Humans” Sculptures at Longview Museum if Fine Art from $100 to S42,000 neighborhood revitalization is growing in speed and effect. The past decade has seen craft breweries strive to direct new residents into neighborhoods that were abandoned long ago.

Some, such as former warehousing districts, can provide spacious areas both for brewing and for hosting patrons.

Breweries serve as triggers for widespread urban renewal nationwide, and often signal additional private movement into blighted communities.

Cultural and artistic resurgences are another barometer of areas with the right attractions for drawing in private investment. Throughout this country, cultural the Arts reports that cultural/arts districts have long been a means districts consist of “well-organized, to support economic development, -labeled areas of a city in which a high sponsor artists while simultaneously concentration of cultural facilities and resurrecting cultural and financial programs serve as the main anchor of vitality into blighted neighborhoods. attraction.” Such regions of cultural While such artistic proliferation can consummation feature art galleries, motivate flurries of development, dance clubs, theaters, art cinemas, establishing and maintaining secure music venues, and public squares and affordable areas for artists to work suitable for hosting performances. is vital to insure continued growth All cultural districts are distinct and and revitalization. one-of-a-kind.

The organization Americans for

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Arts and Culture They capture the essence of a city’s uniqueness through chronicling its land use, urban growth, and cultural development. There can be no typical example. Artistic neighborhoods are conceived and developed to utilize opportunities presented by historic features, convention spaces, parks and sundry natural features.

Structural and civic characteristics bordering cultural districts, civic government and social forces all influence the artistic places’ characteristics by reflecting a city’s inclinations and perceptions. Factors to be considered include any perceived needs for urban revitalization, preexisting investments, property values and already-featured cultural facilities.

According to the Texas Commission on Arts the goals of cultural districts may include: Attracting artists and cultural enterprises to the community.

Encouraging business and job development.

Addressing specific needs of a community.

Establishing tourism destinations.

Preserving and reusing historic buildings.

Enhancing property values.

Fo s t e r i n g l o c a l c u l t u r a l development.

Fo r more information, please, visit: http://www.arts.texas.gov/initiatives/ cultural-districts/ Arts!Longview has completed its application for a Cultural District Designation and is awaiting the State’s decision in September. For more information, please visit https://www. artslongview.org/.

Joycelyne can be reached at joycelyne@easttexasreview.com

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Arts and Culture

continues to inspire arts, culture B y J o y c el y ne F a d ojut i m i

“What I like about the arts is that it brings people together from all walks of life, allowing them to express themselves unapologetically.”

– Daniell Kenney, Founder, Listen-Up AMS

D

aniell D. Kenney is a fluid technician at Pro Frac Ser vices.

He and wife of 13 years, Teressa Ann Turner-Kenney, adore their adopted three-year-old son Zameon. Their service to those around them is a blessing both ways as they and those they serve as foster parents reap the rewards of their selfless labors For Kenney, his precious Teressa is his driving force.

“She provokes me to be successful by reminding me who God has called me to be,” he says. “She encourages me to maintain my integrity, always calling me her king, her pastor, her rock, etc.”

Kenney dearly loves his lifelong home of Longview, where parents Larr y and Angela Kenney

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Elaine Reynolds

brought him up and prepared him for the success he has become. Both parents worked for and retired from STEMCO but did much more than just work for a living. Larry still serves as associate pastor for Faith Tabernacle of God in Kilgore. He taught his son how to be a father not just to his own children, but to others who, without him, would have no fathers at all.

Local children still love to be with the elder Kenney, listening to his Bible stories over dishes of ice cream.

Angela keeps active, cooking for others and helping them in any ways she can while also organizing vacations, reunions, church programs and conferences. Her son has inherited

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these artistic abilities as he motivates others to loving service through singing, event planning and creation. For Daniell Kenney, rhythms are a direct path to worship.

“Music has always been a part of my life. I would write songs and jingles [in order] to remember important information Josh Mathis, Daniell Kenney, Nickelodeon’s Kel Mitchell and Mayor Andy Mack on tests,” he says. “What I like about the arts is that Longview, arts and culture moved it brings people together from all walks of life, allowing them to to higher heights. express themselves unapologetically.”

“She was a great and caring person, In his younger days, Daniell stayed willing to give any information and active in church as an usher, choir tools that I needed to be successful,” member, song leader, drummer and he says. “After a brief involvement choir director. He would annually with her, my life took a different organize a gospel music workshop turn for the better.” in Kilgore, calling it Praise Fest. He After losing an unborn baby to would even fill in as a disc jockey miscarriage, he and Teressa took for station KJTX, collaborating with in two foster children. This new Ray Williams, who taught him to obligation was so time-consuming promote shows and connect with he had to resign his executive recording artists. director job and stop his education.

The Year of Our Lord 1996 Soon afterwards, with Reynolds saw him graduate from Longview encouragement, he came up with an High School, after which he took a idea for a local nonprofit modeled on sabbatical from education and spent the Dallas-based Black Academy of 13 years working in the vast East Arts and Letters (BAAL.) This would Texas oilfields. In 2009, his Teressa entail using the performing arts to convinced him to pursue his dream inspire local young people to move of a college education. After he got forward into careers in engineering, started, it did not take long. In 2011, technology, mathematics and science. he earned his associates of arts in She encouraged him to launch this business from Kilgore Junior College, organization and to organize gospel a Bachelor of Science in accounting music events like one she had been from LeTourneau University in 2013, to while attending a convention. and, also from LeTourneau, a master’s He was worried that he would need degree in Business Administration a name like Billy Graham, Joel Osteen in 2014. or TD Jakes in order to convince When he met Longview’s beloved businesses to sponsor such a gospel Elaine Reynolds, his love for music-oriented event, but Reynolds www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Daniell Kenney

had faith in him. After speaking with BAAL founder Curtis King, he got started. On November 17, 2017 Listen-Up AMS opened for business.

The next day, after being the catalyst for this cultural-arts non-profit, he went to city hall to tell Reynolds the good news. “There were many sad faces and I asked them what was going on.” It was then I learned Elaine Reynolds had passed away. My heart sank into my chest.”

“I could only remember the conversation we had that caused me to change my perception of the place I have grown and lived in my entire life,” he says. “That’s why I dedicated the July 6, All The Way Life Gospel Music Festival in her honor.”

Last year, Kenney worked with Joshua Mathis and Clive Ennis to produce the first show as Listen-Up Nickelodeon’s Kel Mitchell. They gave away more than 700 tickets to such local charities. Kenney, Mathis and Ennis were honored June 17, 2018 with their own Listen-Up Day at city council.

Kenney’s ideal life, “is to be a servant to the people, helping them to reach their goals.”

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Longview celebrates, THANKS to generous sponsors By

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ndependence Day celebration in Longview, Texas is always as big as Texas. Many vendors of all sorts especially food was in attendance. Needless, to say the weather was also cool, and joined in celebrating July the 4th.

The mammoth crowd tells anyone, this is Texas! Mayor Andy Mack welcomed the crowd while reminding the audience about people who have gone before us and made this day possible. Freedom is not free you know!

Then, he led the crowd in the Pledge after which he introduced the one and only Longview’s own Dagnabbit band to start rocking the event.

Most important of all, the annual fireworks never disappoint. Later, Uncle Kracker took the stage to shake it up and kept it rocking!

Shawn Hara and Julie Woods

Gai Bennet, Johnny Griffith and Randy Paul Bennett

Mayor Andy and wife, Kelly Mack

LaDarian Brown and Tiffany Rockwell.

Mayor Andy Mack leads the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Brynn Woods, Ellie and Ann Cochran.

Cross-section of people saying the Pledge.

Police Officers C. Hardgrove and A. Goodall .

Jamie, Brooke, Austin, Evelyn and Mark Robinson

Mayor Andy Mack with Uncle Kracker GRAPHIC STANDARDS Introduction This Graphic Standards section of these Operating Rules has been developed to facilitate the use of the Allpoint® Brand Mark on all System Cards, System Terminals, signs, marketing materials and other communications. ATM National, LLC. must approve in writing any deviation from these standards.

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The Dagnabbit Band with Mayor Andy Mack: Ryan Pierce, Tim Smith, Johnny Griffith, Chuck Dowden, Jeremy Graham, Joe Rodriguez and Marcus Jones

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TBT IPM Allpoint golfers.indd 1

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6/24/19 4:20 PM

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

ZONTA Club of Longview

Community Recognition

By the way, ZONTA Club of Longview was in attendance giving out flyers inviting everyone to their upcoming September 14 fundraiser dubbed the Ultimate Tailgate Party and Brewfest 2.0. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.

For more information on ZONTA Club of Longview, visit http://www.zontalongview.clubexpress.com/.

Mayor Andy Mack at a recent City hall meeting recognized Baldomero Cruz (Tito), Jose Corona and Joe Kitner (all of Sombrero restaurant) for their diligent assistance in the Mayor’s Tent at the 4th of July Fireworks and Freedom Celebration.

In addition, Mack thanked all the sponsors who made the event possible from music - bands to the fireworks.

Jaye Latch

Cody and Courtney Gill

Leisha Kidd and Maleah Brooks

Wade and Delcine Johnson

Mayor Andy Mack and Dr. Madison Mack

Baldomero Cruz (Tito), Jose Corona, Joe Kitner and Mayor Andy Mack Donna, Brad and Katie Everett

Ken Carter

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Holley and Son, Devin Kotulla

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Monique Jones and Barbara Biggs

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Kelly Davis and Tyson Beavers

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Art Walk: Downtown Longview Rocks

T By

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he recent art show in Downtown Longview brought artists and vendors from several east Texas towns.

Shawn Graham of Peles Sang came from Lindale., Texas. She is a unique artisan jeweler who handcrafts jewelry in silver and copper. Another is Gail Cochran, an artist from Beckville, Texas.

According to Cochrane, the Longview Museum of Fine Arts keeps her informed of upcoming art events. Interestingly, Cochrane is a retired computer engineer with an avid interest in painting.

The event was not only for art connoisseurs. It served as a family and friends’ night out. Parents and grandparents were seen with children walking the streets and checking out earrings, watercolors, listening to music or just holding hands while leisurely strolling Downtown Longview. In addition, friends were shopping or visiting.

The favorite beverage for children turned out to be shaved ice.

Gail Cochrane, Beckville , Texas Artist.

Downtown Longview

Mandie Fuller at ALIBI in Downtown Longview.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Moreover, adults visited several restaurants cooling themselves down with some beer and other alcoholic beverages served with snacks or supper. ALIBI on Tyler Street was one such brasserie that was very busy. The food trucks had their own share of business from vendors and shoppers alike.

Furthermore, Texas Bank and Trust (TB&T) was open for people to visit their annual art/ photography contest display in the lobby. To sweeten the pot, TB&T served delectable snacks and beverages for visitors to enjoy.

To make it an evening to remember, Jeff Richardson played his keyboard and guitar for shoppers and strollers alike. You can tip him if you liked the song.

Several people stopped, listened and tipped him.

Besides, jewelry and food; there was ample art for connoisseurs.

The display was very visible.

It is important to note, there was enough parking space for the throngs of people.

Melida Heien

“The growth we have experienced and the changes that we have seen in Downtown Longview over the past few years have really been because of intentional decisions that have been made on the part of the city as well as community groups such as the 100 acres of Heritage. We have had to really think about who we are as a community and how we want to move into the future but also remain authentic to who we are.

Sometimes, it takes a little bit of time for you to really see change and growth. I think right now we are finally starting to see the small seeds that we planted grow and flourish and I can’t wait to see what else is to come.”

Jamie Guinn, Mia and Jordyn Jett.

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Bonnie Farinella, Lindsey Eberhart and Hollie Bruce shopping in Downtown Longview.

Tammy Gage and Lori Osborne of Texas Bank and Trust.

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Peles Sang From Lindale, Texas.

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- Melida Heien, Main Street Coordinator

Jeff Richardson played his guitar for people to enjoy.

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GRUBS UP

BRAIN TEASERS

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Subject: LITERATURE The title is given. Complete the quotation with one word. (e.g., “Heart of Darkness”: “The mind of man is capable of ______.” Answer: Anything.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. “Jane Eyre”: “Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian _____.”

Answer________ 2. “Pygmalion”: “Happy is the man who can make a living by his _____.”

Answer________ 3. “Catch-22”: “Clevinger was one of those people with lots of intelligence but no _____.”

Answer________ GRADUATE LEVEL 4. “Great Expectations”: “We need never be ashamed of our ____.”

Answer________ 5. “Of Human Bondage”: “People ask you for criticism, but they only want ___.”

Answer________ 6. “Macbeth”: “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep ____.”

Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL 7. “The Great Gatsby”: “I wasn’t actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender _____.”

Answer________ 8. “Alice in Wonderland”: “Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great _____.”

Answer________ 9. “Pride and Prejudice”: “Angry people are not always _____.”

Answer________ SCORING: 18 points - congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points - honors graduate; 10 to 14 points - you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points - you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points - enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points - who reads the questions to you?

Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.

ANSWERS: 1. Duties. 2. Hobby. 3. Brains. 4. Tears. 5. Praise. 6. Desires. 7. Curiosity. 8. Puzzle. 9. Wise.

• • • •

Low fat Yogurt Granola Dole jarred sliced peaches Mint

In a cup or glass jar alternate layering yogurt, granola and chopped peaches Top with mint and serve immediately.

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• • • • •

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Fresh sliced tomatoes Fresh Basil Salt and pepper to taste Balsamic Vinegar

Arrange alternate slices of mozzarella and tomatoes.

Sprinkle fresh basil, season with salt and pepper to taste Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

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