IN Magazine September/October 2012 by IN Magazine

September/October 2012

Capturing Time

Homeowner Preserves Historic Home

Couple opens Fair Trade Cafe

The Perks of iOS 6 TRAINING TOGETHER

Father & Daughter Compete in Triathlons

Balancing Family & Business

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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20 12 42

92 135

IN Magazine | September/October 2012

6 From the Editor

arts & technology 12 The Perks of iOS 6 14 The Wyeths Across Texas

features

20 Fair Trade Family 24 Living with Autism 28 COVER STORY Balancing Family & Business 35 The Flexibility of Homeschooling 36 Helping Others Pursue Dreams

style

42 Family Fashion Favorites 48 Trends for the Family 51 Red Carpet Dreams

dwell

56 Home Reflects a Life Well Lived 67 Organize Your Kitchen 70 Capturing Time 78 DO IT YOURSELF: One Man's Trash

live healthy

90 How Busy Moms Stay Fit 92 Training Together 98 How to Get Started in the Gym 100 Childhood Obesity

food & culture

104 RECIEPE IDEAS: Chef Michael Brady 108 Celebrating Soldiers 113 Dining Guide

115 FALL FAMILY ADVENTURES: 115 Gregg County Historical Museum 116 Fall Festivals & Pumpkins Patches 118 Northeast Texas Children's Museum 119 Top 10 Grandparent Activities 120 Calendar of Events 124 DESTINATION DIVA: Southwestern Colorado

outdoors

130 Not Just a Sport 133 Fall Ball 135 Dove Hunting 138 SPIRITUALITY: Teaching Truth at Home

ON THE COVER: Allison & Wylder McKinney PHOTO BY: Sarah A. Miller DESIGN BY: Patrick Lissner & Lea Rittenhouse 4

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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ou may have noticed IN has a slightly different look. Over the past couple of months we refreshed our logo and developed a clean, simple reorganization of the already wonderful content offered in our sections. Our goal is to offer you quality design, editorial and photography. We are so eager to share it with you and hope you join in our excitement. In this issue, we wanted to capture the essence of family by illustrating how different people define family and how life’s variables influence how a family functions. We also wanted to provide ways you can spend time with your loved ones, whatever the ages. I grew up in an eclectic, creative and exuberant household with seven siblings. As you can imagine, our house was a party before guests ever joined the mix and Christmas is still a grand event with just immediate family attending. My parents have always been welcoming people who would often offer our alreadycrowded home to those who needed a place to stay. There was a time when we had upwards of 14 people staying

at our house, and as a child, I loved it. This inviting characteristic has been passed on to me and I’ve applied the concept to almost every aspect of my life. With the passing of years and the enduring of life events, I’ve learned those who I consider family break the barriers of blood and identical last names. My “family” is much larger now and is better recognized as a community full of various personalities gathered from different times and circumstances in my life. Friends from several venues, previous employers and countless others fill a place in my heart that I consider family, some of whom are featured within the pages of this issue. Allison McKinney, our cover feature, said in her interview that no one will be there for you like your family, and I agree. Whether your family is composed of diverse people from life’s adventures or blood relatives, it’s important to keep them close and cultivate loyalty; to invest in those around you and treasure them.

Lea Rittenhouse Editor

Enjoy reading IN? Tell us about it. We hope enjoy reading this issue of IN Magazine. Please let us know what you think about our bi-monthly publication by sending your comments to, lea@inmagtexas.com.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Lea Rittenhouse, editor to IN Magazine.

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Editor Lea Rittenhouse 903.596.6278 lea@inmagtexas.com Sales Executives Renee Luker 903.596.6259 rluker@inmagtexas.com Dawn Rhodes 903.596.6354 drhodes@inmagtexas.com regional sales executives Debbie Labicki 903.521.2020 debbie@inmagtexas.com

104

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Patrick Lissner 903.596.6347 patrick@inmagtexas.com Contributing Writers Crystal Breaux / Nick Buske Andy Taylor/Jo Lee Ferguson Stewart Smith/Victor Texcucano Aimee Robinson/Mary Mirsky Cathy Primer Krafve / Morgan Jones Debbie Labicki / Brittany McCaughan Rachel Stallard / David Wallace Michelle Pena/ Lorie Gazzette Chris Legg/ Janet Gregg Paula Andrea Gean Photographers Debbie Labicki / Jo Lee Ferguson Sarah A. Miller/ Herb Nygren Jr./ Rachel Stallard Andrea Caldwell/ Bethany Jeffery Victor Texcucano/ Jake Waddingham FASHION COORDINATOR & STYLIST Lani Fitzgerald ÂŠ TBB Printing, Inc., 2012

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arts & technology

The Perks of iOS 6 By NICK BUSKE

My favorite time of the year is fall. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity evoke memories forged under the stars by crackling campfires. As a boy, my parents would take my sister and I camping in the deep woods of Minnesota, where my dad would always encourage us to "hunt snipe" by roaming around and beating a stick on the ground in front of an open paper grocery bag. Years later, I would often explore the awes of Big Bend, where I proposed to my beautiful wife atop the Lost Mine Trail in a rare desert snowstorm. Nowadays, fall means more to me than just cooler weather. It signals cooler

technology on the holiday horizon. New phones, tablets and gadgets galore will flood the market— all vying for our consumer dollars. Yet there is one autumn tech advance that's always refreshingly free: Apple's new iOS, the brains behind the brawn. This year, iOS turns six. And simultaneously my family is planning our first camping trip with our 4-year-old twins. Would this fall’s technology be doubly rewarding? Could I use some of the new iOS features to help make new memories or are some outings best experienced unplugged? Every great camping trip begins and ends with a road trip, and that road trip generally starts with a map. Fortunately, one of the most significant advancements in iOS 6 is its rejiggered Maps application. For the first time, Apple is no longer a flea hitchhiking on the back of Google for its mapping capabilities. The app's all-new look and feel is designed from the ground up for safe and intelligent navigation to your destinations. Free turn-by-turn directions with traffic information and automatic re-routing might not mean much once I'm off the beaten path, but asphalt and exit signs dominate dirt on most any

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

camping trip. I can view the Maps app live from the lock screen, which means I don't have to fiddle while driving. And if the family is still snoozing, since we left the house at 5 a.m., I now can rely on Siri as a copilot. "Where's the nearest IHOP," I might ask, or, "Where's the closest Starbucks?" Siri knows not only where I am but also where I'm going, so she can complete the search for me and display the results along the route.All right, time for a road trip pit stop so we can fuel-up on food, gas and caffeine. At Starbucks, I'll make use of another new iOS 6 app called Passbook, which is similar to a digital wallet. I presume Apple has bigger plans for this app down the road, but in its current form, Passbook safely stores Starbucks card credentials, along with other things like airline boarding passes and tickets for sporting events and movies. The app is location-aware, so when I enter Starbucks, it’s ready to display a scan-ready payment barcode for the barista. RIP, bifold wallet. Once we've arrived at our destination I'll have a tough choice to make since I want my family's memories of camping to include chirping crickets and croaking frogs, not chiming gad-

gets. So should I avoid technology altogether and turn off my phone? Or maybe put it into "airplane mode" so the sounds of nature are not sullied by incoming texts, emails, calls and endless notifications? As it turns out, iOS 6 new capabilities assist with my confusion with a new feature called Do Not Disturb. The feature gives me complete control over my device’s incoming audible traffic, whereas switching the phone to silent might result in a missed emergency call from Grandma or the dog-sitter. I can build a bubble around my camping trip so that nothing distracts me from making s'mores, or I can erect a picket fence through which only certain communications may pass. In the great outdoors I plan to sparingly use some of the other iOS 6 advances, like native Facebook integration and FaceTime video chatting over cellular networks (not just over Wi-Fi). I suppose it's great that I will soon be able to get sports scores and stats from Siri, but all of these features require a solid Internet connection to deliver the promise of infotainment anywhere, anytime. The truth is, I don't want 4G speeds at my campsite, because that would mean I'm too close to a place I am trying to vacation from. On top of that, I want to be the one to answer my kids' questions about the venerated snipe hunt. They would likely get an altogether different answer from Siri! For more technology reviews www. hightechdownlow.com or follow Nick on Twitter @hightechdownlow.

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Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Wyeths The

ACROSS TEXAS

By STEWART SMITH | Photos courtesy of TYLER MUSEUM OF ART

With three generations of talented, notable artists, the Wyeths left an incomparable legacy on the art world.

There are few families like the Wyeths. In fact, it’d be safe to say there are no families like the Wyeths, especially within the art world. With three generations of talented, nationally prominent artists, patriarch N.C., his son, Andrew, and Andrew’s son Jamie, the Wyeths are a veritable art dynasty that is incomparable. “It is a unique phenomenon to have three generations of three notable artists. I don’t really know of any other instance in which that has happened. In fact, thinking of two generations would be difficult,” says Henry Adams, art historian and professor of art history at Case Western Reserve University. “The only other family I can think of right off the bat is the Peale family, Charles Wilson Peale and his children.” A student of Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth was one of America’s most prolific illustrators, producing iconContinued on pg.16 Andrew Newell Wyeth (American, 1917-2009). Henriette, 1967. Drybrush and tempera, 21 ½ x 28 ½ inches. San Antonio Museum of Art, purchased with funds provided by the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation. © Andrew Wyeth Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

arts & technology

Continued from pg.15

ic images for stories such as “Robin Hood,” “Treasure Island,” “Robinson Crusoe” and “The Last of the Mohicans.” “N.C. Wyeth was, of course, one of the great, probably the great, illustrators of his generation and was this sort of prodigious figure,” Adams says. “He was a large, muscular man. He produced an extraordinary quantity of work. He was producing at least a painting a week over a 30-year period, and also to some extent writing stories and raising these children, having this very energetic lifestyle.” And while Andrew developed a style of realism that was significantly removed from the more sweeping and slightly fantastical style of his father, N.C. was nonetheless a significant force in Andrew’s life, serving as his teacher and mentor. “If N.C. had been a lawyer or a doctor it would have changed things quite a bit. Number one, he was setting this example of being an artist,

and number two he was so supportive in terms of being an artist,” says Victoria Browning Wyeth, Andrew’s granddaughter. “My grandfather says that he helped him become the artist that he was. He said (N.C.) was a very good draftsman and a very good teacher. You can have the world’s best artist, but if you can’t teach, forget it and I think that he definitely instilled in my grandfather some very valuable lessons.” Ms. Wyeth says N.C. was tough on his son, but it was always in the interest of pushing Andrew forward as an artist. “When Andy was 14, he went into N.C.’s studio for about two or three years, and he started off with just stilllifes in pencil and charcoal of everything from eggs to pistols. My greatgrandfather felt that if you could draw an egg you could draw anything. So he would have him draw an egg,” she says. “He would give him imagination lessons and say, ‘OK, Andrew, I want you to paint Native Americans

From left: James Browning Wyeth (b. 1946). Study for Kleberg, 1984. Combined mediums on cardboard, 15 ¼ x 14 ¾ inches. Private collection, San Antonio, TX., Image two: N.C. (Newell Convers) Wyeth (1882-1945). The Boyhood of C.A. Lindbergh Yields Many Clues to His Personality as a Man, 1931. Oil on canvas, 25 x 30 inches. Chip Hosek, Pearland, TX., Image 3: James Browning Wyeth (b.1946). Andy Without His Glasses, 1977/2008. Combined mediums on toned paper board, 15 ½ x 19 ½ inches. Mr. and Mrs. Meredith Long, Houston, TX.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

and soldiers in the woods.’ So Andrew would paint it and N.C. would show him how he screwed up.” Jamie Wyeth may have followed in his father’s footsteps as an artist, but he was never explicitly taught by Andrew and instead received his art instruction and education from his aunt, Caroline Wyeth. Victoria says her grandfather refused to take on any students, even his own son, as a matter of principle. “He said, ‘Art has no rules. How can I teach that?’ Now, I want to be clear. They went out painting together, and they shared a studio together for a very short period of time, but Andy never said, ‘Oh, let me teach you how to do this and that,’” Ms. Wyeth says. It is perhaps for this reason that Jamie began to draw more influence from his grandfather, N.C., than his father, resulting in a style that feels like an amalgamation of the tone and styles his predecessors had developed. “I think what’s interesting about the Wyeths is the way they influence each other but also react against each other. Andrew Wyeth was hugely dominated by his father, but in some ways in his own work looked back to his father’s teacher, Howard Pyle. Whereas Jamie Wyeth, who also had this dominating father, looked back to his grandfather,”

Adams says. “Jamie has talked about how going through his grandfather’s studio was the inspiration for him to become an artist. The studio was full of paintings and also costumes and probably enough pistols and sabers to outfit a regiment. It was an extraordinary place for getting a child’s imagination started.” But even with three distinct generations of artists, Ms. Wyeth says the idea is still perpetuated that their works are somehow identical in style. “I think (the biggest misconception about them) is that they’re all the same. ‘Oh, those Wyeths, they’re all illustrators!’ They couldn’t be more different,” she says. “N.C. really kind of started this thread of imagination which weaves itself through the Wyeth metaphorical quilt. He planted the seed of imagination. Andy took his imagination and added realism to it and Jamie kind of went back to N.C. and took reality and put his twist on it.” Likewise, Adams says he finds it “curious” that the Wyeth family has gained immense success and notoriety, yet they have never truly “made it” within the “official” art world. “N.C. Wyeth always wanted to be

viewed as a great painter like Winslow Homer, but he was always dismissed as a mere illustrator. Andrew Wyeth produced probably the most popular

with Jamie continuing to put out distinctive works, carrying on the family legacy. “I think the bottom line is that these are very tough people. It must be very hard being an artist. You are putting your most tender emotions into public view and then having people write about how phony and fraudulent it is and ‘it’s not art.’ It must be very painful. I think it’s impressive that they’ve gone on,” Adams says. “I think that Andrew Wyeth in particular just created a world where he could work and that’s what he was interested in. It’s a little complicated because I think he was interested and sensitive to have people respond to his paintings but also in a sense he didn’t care what the art world thought. I think he really was making them out of some inner drive and I think that’s the same thing for Jamie also.” Works by all three Wyeths will be on display at the Tyler Museum of Art with the exhibit “The Wyeths Across America,” beginning Sept. 7. Ms. Wyeth will provide an introduction to the exhibit upon its opening and will also attend events and present a lecture as well as conduct private tours. For additional information, contact the Tyler Museum of Art at 903-595-1001.

“I think what’s interesting about the Wyeths is the way they influence each other but also react against each other." painting in the Museum of Modern Art, but he’s looked at as this reactionary realist who went against the tradition of abstraction,” Adams says. “There’s actually real hostility to his work in a lot of circles. He wasn’t invited to the 50th anniversary party for the Museum of Modern Art even though he had the most famous painting in the museum. It’s fascinating. They still put it up, but last time I went it was out in front of the restaurant. Another time it was by the escalator. He’s not accepted in the high art world. And I think Jamie Wyeth has had a hard time. He’s a very gifted painter, but there’s been enormous hostility to his work starting with his first show when he was just 20, basically with people saying it wasn’t art.” Still, their work speaks for itself,

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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features 20

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features

Eric and Amanda with their three boys: 2012 20 Sept/Oct Photos by Drew Kolb 5. Gavin, 3, Levi, 1,| INMagTexas.com and Ethan,

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Fair Trade Family

Eric & Amanda Lockman brought their family to Texas to open a Cafe and raise awareness to social issues. By LEA RITTENHOUSE | Photos by BETHANY JEFFERY

Two years ago, Eric and Amanda Lockman began making plans to relocate from their Wisconsin community after having an internal desire to change surroundings and open their own business, but their move turned out differently than they first envisioned. In preparation to move, the couple sold their home and moved into a local duplex with their children for a year to allow their family to be readily available for change. After contemplation, the Lockman’s decided to move to Arizona because the area provided an environment that suited their family, and housing prices were affordable at the time. “Going to Arizona, we had a lot of safety nets, and it was all about bettering our life or doing things in the eyes of the world would be great,” Amanda says. “We were going to pay cash for a big, beautiful house and start a business and not have any debt.” In the process of planning their move, the Lockmans met friends, Patrick and Meagan Lissner, who had recently moved to Dodgeville from Tyler so Patrick could be on staff at Hidden Valley Community Church, where the Lockman’s attended. Meagan and Amanda became best friends and quickly realized their similar passions to open a business. They often dreamed of establishing their trades in the same city: Meagan, a flower shop and Amanda, a bakery. After living in Wisconsin for about 18 months, the Lissner’s desire became a reality

when a business opportunity opened for them in Tyler, and of course, the next step was to convince the Lockman’s to join. Through the friendship cultivated with the Lissner’s, Eric and Amanda changed their Arizona plans and switched gears to Texas. They looked for rent houses on Craigslist and moved to Tyler in June. Because of the community they had built in their last years in Wisconsin, leaving the state was difficult for Amanda, Eric and their three young children.“The group of friends that we left behind, they were family,”Amanda says. “We would do anything for them. They would do anything for us.” The couple is using the money they would have spent on a new house in Arizona to open a business called Sweet Hope Café and Bake Shop in Tyler, which will open in the beginning September if construction goes according to plan. The new shop is located in the Market shopping center on Old Jacksonville Highway, right next to The Lissner’s flower shop, Moss— Where Flowers are Fair. Their mission for the cafe is to provide exceptional service and quality fair trade products to customers while promoting a true sense of community and relevant opportunities to serve. The café menu will include a selection of salads, Panini’s, a full coffee and smoothie bar, and bakery items such cakes, cupcakes and scones. They will also serve healthy meal options for children. The couple is committed to ensuring

the products served at the café are fair trade goods, which means every worker involved in producing the product receives a fair wage and is treated fairly, Amanda explains. Their goal is to avoid supporting slave labor, and to educate and engage customers on the importance of fair trade products. “It seems like a lot of fair trade is becoming popular, or people are doing it because it brings in money and that’s not it at all,” Amanda says. “We’re doing it because we believe that our life here is fair trade. It’s not a trendy thing for us; it’s a life thing for us.” One way the café owners will source their goods is by purchasing local products. “We’re going to use as much local ingredients as possible,” she says. “Things that we can’t get local we are going to make sure that they’re fair trade just to not support slave labor and drive that demand anymore.” Children who are in slave labor are either kidnapped, or their parents are poor and undereducated, so they will sell their children into the practice thinking they’re giving their children a better life, Amanda says. “That could have been my children,” she says solemnly. “We weren’t put in this country with the freedoms to just be blessed. We’re supposed to turn around and help other people that aren’t in our situation.” The most common slave labor items involved with baking are sugar, cocoa, vanilla coffee, tea and some berries. Each time a product is purchased Continued on pg.22 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

features

The Lockman's in front of the future location of Sweet Hope in The Market shopping center.

Continued from pg.21

that is not fair trade; someone’s life could be damaged. “What price are you going to put on somebody’s life to get a good deal?” she says. Although Amanda and Eric are committed and passionate about fair trade products, they admit there are sacrifices involved with the commitment such as paying higher prices for goods. The idea for the shop originated from Amanda’s first venture at baking a fancy cake for their eldest son’s first birthday. Since that party five years ago, Amanda has been making custom-baked goods for friends and family. “I had so much fun doing it that all my friends started asking me to do their kid’s birthday cakes,” Amanda says. Although she treasured the opportunity of being a stay-at-home mother and making special-order bakery items at the time, she felt she was supposed to be a part of something more 22

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

but was unsure what her desire meant. About the same time she began hearing the depth of the injustices around the world, such as sex trafficking and child labor, and knew she had to help. “I had to do something. My kids weren’t supposed to be a burden to stop me from doing those things, and it was something I could do with them and show them how to do it too,” she says. Amanda began using her baking skills to raise money for various charities, donating 100 percent of the profit. Sweet Hope will follow suit in donating a portion of profits to world injustices. The café will also serve as a welcoming environment for families with young children.“I want it to be a place that moms can come and have play groups with their kids in the back,” Amanda says. “We’re going to have a play area with chalkboard walls and hopefully a little climbing wall and books, all kinds of stuff for the kids.” Their dream is to engage customers

in serving the community by organizing activities such as providing free sandwiches for the homeless community and donating muffins to nursing homes, among other ideas. “For us we love serving; we love being involved in the community,” Amanda says. In order to run the new business, Amanda and Eric will be switching roles. “We wanted one of us to be home with our kids,” she says. “Eric is actually going to be staying home with the boys, and then he can pick up some side jobs that he can do from home if he needs to help support us.” Eric acknowledges their choice to move to Tyler and start Sweet Hope may not be considered the smartest move from the average perspective, but it’s a risk their willing to take. “We would rather fail for the right reasons than for the wrong reasons, for serving others and serving God rather than serving ourselves,” he says. “We’re going to have more regret not doing this than the regret trying it.”

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features

Living with autism

The Brooks Family's special circumstances reveal a beautiful yet unconventional life. By MORGAN JONES | Photos by ANDREA CALDWELL

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Ten-year-old Odin Brooks loves music, plants, cars, running, eats constantly, grows like a weed and has contagious laughter that makes the heart fill with joy. He lives with his parents, Deanda and Tim, in their traditional home in downtown Tyler, complete with a rustic red front door and white picket fence. On the surface it seems as if the Brooks household has the lifestyle of the typical modern American family, but special circumstances reveal a beautiful yet unconventional life. Since birth, Odin has been treated for different conditions and has been diagnosed with autism. At 6 weeks old, Odin was treated for club foot at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas. That wasn’t sweet Odin’s only health complication, though. He underwent treatments for esophagus troubles and chronic crying his first three months. Odin found comfort and would cease crying from the humming motor rhythm of a bouncing chair, but the motor exhausted after endless hours of use one unforgettable night. As the loving parents they are, Deanda and Tim searched for solutions to sooth their crying child. “I was just desperate, praying God help us to get rest, because if we can’t get rest, if we can’t fill up ourselves, how are we going to pour into our son,” Tim says. “And that’s when it came to me to play music, and as soon as I hit play to start the song ‘Hey Jude’ by the Beatles, he suddenly stopped crying.” About six minutes later, the song ended and the crying returned until it replayed. For the rest of Odin’s foun-

dational years, sleep required the 77 minute 11 second long CD, made for him by his dad, with ‘Hey Jude’ on repeat to sing him to comfort. This was one of what seemed like many obstacles to overcome in Odin’s childhood development. By the time Odin turned 3, Tim and Deanda knew they had a special-needs child but still had not received a doctor’s diagnosis. Odin was in the early childhood intervention, and doctors looked to diagnosis him with Microcephaly, a condition in which an abnormal brain development results in an abnormal head size, much smaller than other children of the same age, causing impaired functional developments, according to the Scott and White Healthcare Foundation. “We had a couple of wild cards thrown at us, like Microcephaly, so we had that in the mix,” Deanda says.“For about a year we were thinking he was going to need to have a craniofacial specialist open up his skull and put in a shunt and have to wear a helmet for a couple of years. And then it was just really crazy because he grew out of it and didn’t have to have it anymore, which was one of the biggest blessings ever.” A Tyler Independent School District diagnostician then diagnosed Odin as autistic, and a Scottish Rite Hospital neurologist confirmed that diagnosis. Autism is defined as a disorder of neural development distinguished by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior, according to the Autism Foundation. After being diagnosed, it was time for Odin to start school at Wayne D. Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs, a school that specializes in providing services to students who have unique challenges due to severe and profound disabilities, according to the principal’s mission statement. Special education teacher Julie Danielson taught Odin during his first three years of attending Boshears. When Odin first started, he was unable to walk, so Julie worked with him daily to achieve that goal. “He was just so determined to walk, and once he did, you could see the joy in him,” Julie says. “Some kids touch your heart, and Odin is one of those kids that did and is so lucky to have the great parents he does.” Since the start of his school career and through the past seven years, Odin has progressed exceptionally well through the care, lessons and opportunities given at the Boshears’ year-round schedule, his parents explain.“He gets so many cool opportunities there, and

it’s a great school,” Deanda says. Now at age 10, Odin’s development progressive characteristics are highly active and intelligent to his surroundings and routine to his daily activities. Since he has yet to fully communicate through speech, he uses sounds, sign language and showing to communicate with his parents, nanny and teachers. “He progresses through the same things as everyone else, but it’s on a really long drawnout timeline,” Deanda says.“We wait for things for years and years that another parent only waits for like a year.” Not all of Odin’s progression can be attributed to his schooling. His parents, his past nannies and current nanny, Ainslee Dean, are major factors in his development. As two parents with full-time jobs— Tim a proprietor of his own business, Frost Windows Cleaning Service, and Deanda a humanities teacher at Brook Hill High School, employ Ainslee 16 hours a week during the school year (September through May) and 20 hours a week in summer time. “I absolutely love my job and Continued on pg.26 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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Odin, age 10, and Deanda Brooks.

Continued from pg.25

he is such a sweet, interesting boy,” Ainslee says. “It’s just a natural job and great to hang out with him. Also, it’s a great family to work for.” Autism affects one in 88 children and one in 54 boys, which makes boys four times more likely than girls to have autism, according to the Autism Speaks research board. While having a special-needs child can strain a relationship, the couple’s marriage remains strong. Eighty-five percent of marriages 26

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

with special-needs children end in divorce, as reported earlier this year by autismparents.net. “We heard that statistic and thought it was crazy, but we can completely see where that could be possible,” Deanda says. “Marriage is difficult, and then to throw something this difficult into the mix makes it just that much harder.” Tim and Deanda credit their successful marriage in the admirable qualities they see in each other and their continual faith in God.

“Tim wasn’t raised with a father figure and not much of a mother figure either, so one might not expect much when it comes to the parenting world,” Deanda says. “But he does things that I don’t see other men do, that are considered, a lot of times, the mother’s roll.” Odin is not potty trained and still has to have his Pull Ups changed regularly, and Deanda says Tim is always ready to do it even when they are both tired. He also flexes his parenting muscles at Odin’s school as PTA president and is ready to play with him at any given time. “(Deanda) has the biggest heart and always wants to pour out,” Tim says. “I’ve learned from watching her, and she is a great mother.” As innovative parents, Tim and Deanda have made their house into a sanctuary of all of Odin’s favorite things, converting their dining room into a music studio, his room into a curious boy’s bedroom and the rest of the house a clear pathway for the endless running. “We like playing chase around the house,” Deanda says. “It’s really fun for all of us, but it’s really loud. He will scream and we will scream with him, which makes for a pretty loud house, but he loves it.” A large part of Odin’s remarkable advancements has been Deanda’s decision to change the family’s eating habits to a gluten free diet, which has been known to sometimes help those with autism. “We were box dinner, go get take out and bring it back to the house kind of people before,” Deanda says. “That was a huge change, and it was really hard at first. We started seeing changes in him, and we started coming together at night to eat together as a family, which was enough in its self to make me want to keep doing it.” Since the drastic diet change, Odin has become more affectionate, making more eye contact and cuddling with his parents. “That’s also when we realized he understands way more than we were giving him credit for,” Tim says. “He just takes every little thing in different.” The Brooks family plans to continue to growing together as a family and doing everything they can to give their son the nurturing care he needs. “Through everything we have experienced, and as hard as it is sometimes, I wouldn’t change anything,” Deanda says. “I would not change how he is, who he is, because we know this is what the Lord wants us to have and we love exactly who Odin is.”

ASTRONAUT with Ewan McGregor

Advance tickets online at www.tjc.edu/cesse The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken, but what does it take to be part of this incredible journey? How does it feel to be an astronaut? What are the effects of micro-gravity on the human body? Narrated by Ewan McGregor, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Astronautâ&#x20AC;? propels us through inner and outer space, where we will witness a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut and see the effects of floating around the International Space Station. Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Balancing Family Business &

By LEA RITTENHOUSE | Photos by SARAH A. MILLER

Parents often have goals and aspirations for their children, but Matt and Allison McKinney simply desire for their children to remember having their family close. “Being in one place at the same time just speaks volumes,” Allison says. “It’s not always convenient … and it’s not always possible but as much as you can, I think that should be what happens.” The couple owns four Smoothie King Franchises in East Texas, an Einstein Brothers Bagels and a Home Instead Healthcare franchise. Both were born and raised in Tyler and attended Robert E. Lee, but they never met in high school. Allison was a freshman while Matt was a senior. “My friends little sisters were her friends,” Matt says.

“We probably hung out at the same house at some point and never knew it.” Matt opened the first Smoothie King on Broadway Avenue in 2001 and met Allison the following year. At the time, Allison worked as a paralegal, and they met through mutual friends. They opened the second Smoothie King together in 2004. With a smirk on her face, Allison knew early on they would marry, but they dated for a year and were engaged eight months. “I suckered him into marrying me,” Allison says, jokingly. Since their marriage in 2004, the ambitious couple purchased their third Smoothie King in Nacogdoches in 2006 and opened the fourth in 2007 in Longview. They also

Continued on pg.31

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Matt and Allison McKinney, owners of Smoothie King, Einstein Brothers Bagels and Home Instead Healthcare, with their sons Wylder and Garner.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Continued from pg.20

opened an Einstein Brothers Bagels franchise in Tyler in 2009 and Home Instead Senior Care in 2011, which was an opportunity they “couldn’t pass up.” Matt and Allison have two boys, five-year-old Garner and Wylder, who is one. The concept of family doesn’t stop at their front door of their home; it also collides with the way they run their business. “Your managers, they’re a whole different kind of family, but it is a family. You have to trust them like family and love them like family,” Allison says. Although seeing long-term staff members leave to pursue other career opportunities and higher education is one of Allison’s favorite aspects of owning a business, it is also “100 percent emotional,” Allison says while fighting back tears. “You see staff members come in braces, and they grow up and the graduate high school and they go on to college and they become these great, wonderful, awesome people,” Allison says. “You get emotionally invested. You don’t have to, but you just do. That’s how you love your family. You get invested.” Keeping with their family theme, several members of their biological family have been employed by them over the years. Allison’s mom, Sally Mea, is the general manager for Home Instead Senior Care and has done books for Smoothie King in the past. Matt’s parents, Wilbur and Nancy McKinney, have both been involved with various jobs such as child care, books and repair jobs. Allison’s sister has worked at Smoothie King and completed administrative work. “It’s hard and it’s wonderful to work with your family. It’s not good and it’s not bad— it’s everything in between,” Allison says. “Nobody pushes your buttons like your family, but also nobody encourages you like your family. Nobody will be there for you like your family.” The family members learn to balance work-related conversations and

personal conversations. The couple says they love working together. Since their businesses are strenuous, partnering helps ensure they spend time together. “It’s definitely a joy working with Allison. I’ve heard some people say there’s no way they could ever work with their spouse, but I guess I kind of think the opposite,” Matt says. Allison continued to describe how they work well together because they have opposite strengths. “Where I am so weak, he is so strong,” she says. “With him and I, we’re both able to go strong at different venues.” Matt works with the organization of the business and the book work, while Allison enjoys the people man-

ily member chooses to be involved in, Matt and Allison strive to include the whole family. “As much as possible, we try to keep everything outside of work whole-family oriented,” Matt says. Both Matt and Allison want their children to remember having fun with their family. Even though the couple enjoys pursuing and cultivating new business ventures, they have no expectation for their children to take over their businesses. “I want them to be creative on their own with what they want to do. I don’t want us to push them into any certain area whether it be sports or music. I want them to develop that and then we can help feed whatever they decide that they do want to go into,” Matt says. The McKinney’s desire for their boys to cultivate a healthy work ethic. “You have to know how to work hard in life whether it’s at your job, or at your marriage, or at your family, or at your friendships,” Allison says. Eleven years after opening his first business, Matt says he still learns new aspects to being a business owner through trial and error and “pushing through it” each day. Although it’s not easy, Matt says he wouldn’t change it. “Would I do it again? Yes, I would do it again knowing everything I’ve gone through,” he says. Running their businesses together is what they are passionate about. “We could sell it all and do something else, but this is what we want to do,” Allison says. “This is where our hearts are.”

“Nobody pushes your buttons like your family, but also nobody encourages you like your family. Nobody will be there for you like your family.” agement and customer service aspects of being a business owner. Matt says one advantage of owning a business is the ability to bring children to work. “Garner, our son, will go from table to table with all of the different guests that he knows, and he’ll sit and he’ll talk to them,” Allison says. People are more than happy to hold the baby while we go make some drinks.” As a family, the McKinneys are involved in First Baptist South Campus, Young Life, Upwards T-ball and other activities. Whatever each fam-

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Wendy Baker, director of Venture home school cooperative, and her husband Phil.

The Flexibility of Homeschooling Wendy Baker says educating at home allows her family to pursue their passions.

By KATHY PRIMER KRAFVE | Photos by HERB NYGREN JR.

Only two weeks into the process, Wendy Baker began to have second thoughts about homeschooling her oldest girls. “I still remember the girls crying, ‘We want to go to school,’ and I thought ‘I want you to go to school, too,’” she laughs now at the distant memory. For Wendy and her husband, Phil, with five children and 25 years of marriage, education and family remain major life themes. Wendy is director of Venture, a local cooperative of homeschooling parents who pool resources to provide everything from formal classes, sports and music to all kinds of extracurricular activities. Venture is under the umbrella of Calvary Baptist Church’s Family Ministry. Rather than favoring one education option, the Bakers are “pro-education” in general, says Wendy, who is always on the lookout for ways collaborate with local public and private schools in order to do what is in the best interest of all East Texas students. Homeschooling has turned out to be perfect for the Bakers in a number of ways, even though Wendy confesses with a grin to “school shopping each year, just in case.” “It allows us to pursue our passions,” she explains, adding that homeschooling easily accommodates a full range

of family activities. Travel time and missed class assignments were no problem last year, for instance, when one of their sons qualified for a national debate competition, placing first in Texas and 30th at the national level. If homeschooling seemed like an adjustment when she was a young mother, it only prepared Wendy for the challenges their family would face

when one of their children was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Never was the flexibility offered by homeschooling more valuable to the Bakers. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune-related disorder of the pancreas. Unlike Type 2, Type 1 cannot be improved by ramping up a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise. So, when coaches and teachers confuse the two types, it can be life-threatening for kids with Type 1, Wendy says. Not only are the Bakers committed to getting the word out to other educators about Type 1, but they are committed to be there for other families, too. Wendy says they understand how hard it can be on parents. “Your child goes to bed and for all moms (with a new Type 1 diagnosis) the fear is they won’t wake up in the morning,” Wendy says. “We tuck them in bed at night and then trust God with their safety.” The Bakers were overjoyed to participate as a family in the start of the Type 1 Diabetes Foundation, a group committed to helping give local families the support and encouragement they need, even on a national scale. Offering formal training and education in to response to family challenges, no matter what the challenge, is one of Wendy’s favorite endeavors. Almost any day of the week will find Wendy at Calvary Baptist Church where she and Phil serve as family ministry co-coordinators. Phil also serves as senior director of marketing at Pine Cove Christian Camps. “Family ministry as a couple lends itself to being more dynamic,” Wendy says with a satisfied grin. “One of the things we are finding is that Facebook is giving families a false sense of what other families are doing,” says Wendy, sharing that people get overwhelmed when they see how everyone else’s lives look perfect on Facebook. She says the reality is being a family takes hard work and commitment, not to mention the support of close friends. “We all have to fight for our families,” she says. About 1.5 million children are homeschooled in the United States each year according to the U.S. Department of Education. In East Texas there are numerous resources for parents who decide to take a hands-on approach to their children’s education. For many families, homeschooling offers flexibility and opportunity to pursue family passions together.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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Helping Others Pursue their Dreams

From the left: Donna Osby, Doretha Hicks and Angela Dotie.

The mission of East Texas Help is to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, enable all participants to reach their full potential and become more productive citizens of our diverse society, and that's exactly what Doretha Hicks strives to do each day. By KATHY PRIMER KRAFVE | Photos by HERB NYGREN JR.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Doretha Hicks didn’t start out to establish a ministry. She simply had a closet full of clothes and the business background to help other women. However, the word spread quickly around Marshall that she had helped others get jobs and pursue their dreams. Soon, women were lined up outside her door at work, seeking help. Donna Osby was just one example of the unique way Hicks listens and then encourages women. Osby moved to East Texas after her husband passed away, and although she had some family in the area, she didn’t know where to begin to build a new life. “I went looking for a job,” Osby says. Instead, she found a fast friend and “sister.” Osby landed her first Texas job as a temp when the ministry, East Texas Help, got so busy that director Hicks needed help herself. “I was so amazed when I saw all the women coming into her ministry. I could see her heart was pure in it,” Osby says. Osby began tagging along to listen when Hicks spoke to groups about ways they could bless others and teach women to succeed at work. Soon, like so many ET Help volunteers, Osby was hooked on seeing others succeed, putting her own business background to good use, too. “I jumped right in.” For Hicks and the other ET Help volunteers, success is no surprise; it is a given. Helping women succeed in the workplace also has a ripple effect of positive impact on families, the community and the region. East Texas Help’s mission is to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, enable all participants to reach their full potential and become more productive citizens of our extremely diverse society, according to www. easttexashelp.org. Hicks laughs when she considers how she began by giving women the clothes off her back, literally. With a closet full of professional clothing from her own career, she simply began to share her clothes and a little bit more. “Some people need a little help because they really don’t know how to put things together,” she explains, tenderly telling of a woman who showed up at her doorstep in desperation. The young woman had been searching for a job all morning and for days

Doretha Hicks

before. “By the time she found me, she had been living out of her car for about two weeks” dues to a domestic violence situation,” Hicks says. Hicks took one look at the young lady and knew that with a little encouragement and a few new accessories, she would be hired. Before the day was over, the young lady had a job. Armed with good questions, the ET Help coaching process encourages them to think about what their life could look like. Where are you going? What are you looking for? What do you want to do in your life? “Most of the time, no one has ever asked them,” she says. After so many experiences and years of doing it, Hicks has developed a five-stage approach to coach women: career self-assessment, career options, career planning, job search and excelling at your job. Once a woman gets a job, keeping it by excelling is crucial, she emphasizes. Women need to recognize that keeping their job is just as important as finding it, so they don’t have to start over the whole process. Hicks credits Eddie, her husband of six years, with encouraging her in

the ministry all along the way. In fact, with so much happening spontaneously, he frequently cooks meals for whoever happens to be around at the moment, she says with a happy grin. Incredibly, all has been accomplished without a single appeal for money. People are quick to offer help, so appeals are not necessary, she says. As for what the future holds for the ministry, Hicks stays flexible. “One day, I would like to have an East Texas resource center,” she says with a gentle voice.“I am praying that God will provide a building.” In the meantime, women are getting the encouragement and training they need to join the work force, making productive decisions and succeeding in ways they never expected. New volunteers and friends show up daily to help, too. For Hicks, each and every time their efforts pay off in someone else’s success, she feels blessed, too. Since her own job takes her out and about in the community, she frequently walks past businesses where her women are thriving. “A few words can change lives,” Hicks says. “I am just so blessed that God allows me to actually see the change.”

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Photo by BETHANY JEFFERY Fashion Coordinator & Stylist LANI FITZGERALD Models DICKSON Sept/Oct AND 2012CHRIS | INMagTexas.com 46JENNIFER

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Trends For the family By MARY MIRSKY

Mary Mirsky is a local independent fashion stylist. She developed a passion for fashion at age 12, and since then, she has immersed herself in the research of new designs, styles, up-and-coming designers and companies. As an online stylist in the world wide community of Lookbook.nu, she is constantly up to date on the newest trends and the best names in vintage clothing.

Fashion can be a family affair. No, this doesn’t mean going out to purchase matching T-shirts in different sizes for each family member. It also doesn’t mean you need to purchase high-end clothes for everyday wear. It is possible to create a fashionable family for a modest price. Thanks to the dawn of the celebrity baby boom, the fashion industry has gained a soft spot for chic clothes for the kids. But don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten about dressing Mom and Dad, too.

Over the last two years, designers such as Lanvin, Gucci, Stella MacCartney, Marni, Maison Scotch and Burberry began the race into children’s wear; and almost as soon as these miniature garments graced the runway, designers big and small, expensive and affordable, from all over the world, joined in on the game. However, for many parents, the thought of a child sporting apparel with a hefty price tag is out of the question. Fear not, there is no need to purchase a runway-ready outfit for your tot when you can make a trip to the local Gap and buy adorable tops and dresses from the new Diane Von Furstenberg collaborative line with Gap Kids for as little as $17! How about something for your little gentleman? Ralph Lauren for Macy’s has many options in boy’s shirts and colored chinos that would substitute nicely for the typical jeans and T-shirt. An online shopping option for reasonably priced fun fashion for boys and girls up to age 16 is IzzyandAsh.com. Alternatively, for those of you that don’t mind lavishing a bit on the little ladies and gents, my personal favorite children’s line for classy and cute outfits is Scotch Shrunk by Maison

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Scotch. Now that the children are donning colored chinos or precious pint-sized wrap dresses, what about Mom and Dad? First of all, toss out the “mom jeans” and dad’s over worn, plaid button- down shirts. Second, meet your new best friend, minimalism. The minimalist approach is not only fashionable and practical but also wallet-friendly. The idea that less is more has become a resounding theme among celebrity parents and has rapidly made its way into the closets of people around the world. By minimalism I don’t mean boring, flat colored clothes— far from it. The key reason minimalism is a recent parent favorite is because the focus is useful yet stylish clothing that won’t be cumbersome in day-to-day activities. You may be wondering what counts as minimalist clothing, so we’ll start with an example for our women. Whether you are a mom, wife or single woman, more than likely you have a busy life and could use some go-to outfits that easily can translate from the work place to the park and to a date night. When I think of a minimalist woman, I think of a woman effortlessly draped in a dreamy com-

bination of whites, creams, metallic’s and grays, intermingled with an occasional wooden or animal print accessory. Loose fit, lightweight, breathable materials are common essentials in the wardrobe of a minimalist—which happens to be just perfect for a Texas transition from summer to fall. A great illustration of a feminine minimalist outfit would be Jason Wu’s mod style tank dress for Target, paired with Antonio Melini’s leopard print loafer from Dillard’s, Guess’s super sleek flap handbag in metallic grey and gold and topped off with chic upswept hair and soft peach lipstick. As for men, clean lines and structured silhouettes are the No. 1 goal of a minimalist outfit. The basic color options for a minimalistic man are very similar to that of the woman— just exchange the metallic for pale shades of blue. For example, Zara’s collection for the transition into fall was composed of perfectly cut trousers in powdery blues, or cool grays, paired with striking blazers in white, gray tweed and even creamy ginghams. Sound expensive? The average cost for a handsome pair of Zara trousers is around $3040! I would consider Zara to be the one-stop-shop for designer style attire without the designer style price tag. If there’s not a Zara near you, Zara.com can keep you up to date with everything from how the everyday person styles Zara garments, to how the designers at Zara styled their creations for the runway.

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Local Jeweler has Red Carpet Dreams

Story and Photo by RACHEL STALLARD

The nights are sparkling and colorful in Mary Bishop’s world, where she envisions her creations making a red carpet premiere. However, her daytime hours, spent as a number cruncher, are just as crucial to fulfilling her dream — to someday sell her own line of jewelry in department stores. Bishop’s gemstone necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings have found a loyal customer base through both exhibit booths and the Internet in the past year since she’s been in business. However, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Texas at Tyler has also helped her stay focused on the big picture. “I really think my degree has helped me be able to manage my business,” says the 2011 graduate. “The marketing and money part has come in handy.” Bishop also recognized a golden opportunity when she stumbled on the indiExhibit site on Facebook. The international group of “independent artisans” provides items for SWAG bags at celebrity gatherings in hopes of having their products discovered and, in turn, promoted by those in the public spotlight. As part of a group package, Bishop recently sent personalized jewelry sets to Katy Perry, Adele, Anne Rice, Kristen Stewart and Ashley Green. She is preparing 100 pieces for the Canadian Country Music Awards, where she hopes her jewelry catches the eye of scheduled performers Taylor Swift or

Miranda Lambert at a backstage display sponsored by indiExhibit. (If the celebrity shows interest in a piece, she is automatically gifted with the promotional item.) Bishop has also received a thank-you for the jewelry set she sent British actress Charlotte Milchard. “She sent me an e-mail saying, ‘I love what you sent me. If I wear it on the red carpet, I’ll send you a picture.’ That was really exciting,” Bishop says. The agate and jasper pieces Bishop creates have grown from the set of beads she bought from Hobby Lobby early last year. While she was working at a bank, she met Roxanna Cowan, a customer involved in jewelry design. “I had always wanted to learn to make jewelry, but I didn’t know how,” Bishop says. “I went to her boutique, and she taught me the basics and said I had a good eye for patterns.” It started out as small gifts for close relations, but when Bishop sold her first necklace to one of her mom’s friends it really clicked that she could make and sell jewelry in her off-hours. “When I started out it was kind of like therapy,” she says. “I was working and going to school full-time to be an accountant, and people would say, ‘That is so weird that you make jewelry.’ But I had so much going on that I needed a creative outlet, and this happened to be it. So when those people started asking me, ‘How much do you want for that necklace?’ I thought, ‘Well maybe I can do something with this.’” She established herself as sole proprietor of Mary’s Jewelry Designs and

started setting up shop at Longview Trade Days, Spring Festival in DeKalb and, most recently, Funky Finds in Longview. The experience has already helped her grow. “I started out doing Trades Days with a little table and a plain tablecloth. Now we have these cute displays. My mom helps me, and we get a lot of ideas from Pinterest. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come in just a year,” she says. And she hopes to keep moving. She recently launched a website, www.mkbjewelrydesigns.com, in preparation for what she sees as her future business name. “One day I’d really like to be a national brand and to have my line of jewelry in Dillard’s,” she says. She believes this goal is attainable because of the affordability of her unique jewelry. “I offer high quality jewelry at a price that’s affordable for the everyday woman.” She also puts individual care into each piece. Using 30-pound test fishing line and heavy-duty toggles, she guarantees her products against breakage. But if something does snap, she encourages you to catch the beads. “I’ll restring everything I do for free. I want my customers to be happy with their purchase, just like I would be.” She also wants them to feel special in having one-of-a-kind designs. “I never duplicate my pieces. I want everybody to feel like they have something unique that no one else has,” she says. “There’s a real originality factor in all of my jewelry.”

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Home Reflects

A Life Well Lived

By LEA RITTENHOUSE| Photos by ANDREA CALDWELL

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Kate Vigneron’s home isn’t just a house surrounded with beautiful views and rolling hills, it’s a structure that captures her culturally rich life and reflects her rare, beautiful passions. “It really represents that collection and that life of 70 years coming together in East Texas of all places,” Kate says. The home décor combines elements of French, Spanish and southern culture in an open, spacious floor plan. She hopes the melding of cultures provides “an inviting place.” She believes the house exhibits an old-world feel while still being efficient, modern and allowing space to display items she’s kept over the years. Kate was born in Louisiana and her bedroom reflects her roots through her pineapple mahogany bed, a dresser and a rocking chair, which are all family heirlooms. She also lived 28 years in France and brought three main pieces of furniture and a couple paintings back with her to the United States. An artist who painted several scenes in the opera crafted the painting located above her fireplace, Kate says. She purchased the grand piano in the living room from Steinways in Hamburg, Germany. “It has traveled to all my different places with me and suffered the different climates,” Kate says with a smile. After living in France, Kate moved to a remote area in West Texas where she lived without electricity and phone service. Kate acquired her taste for Spanish furniture while she ran business selling Mexican furniture made from recycled woods such as Pine and Cedar from the Sierra Madres. She has two tables and a bookshelf in her East Texas home that resemble what her and her companion used to sell. Kate says when she moved to the East Texas area, she hoped to find a builder who could understand the ideas and concepts she envisioned for her new home. She found Bill Andreason, owner of Heritage Homes who made her ideas reality. “It’s been a great collaboration,” she says. “He managed all the little details and guided me through the process because I’m more of a dreamer then a practical person so he sort of kept me grounded.” Andreason says the home contains unique elements, including the stucco product used to assemble the walls. “This is the first house using this stucco product that’s been built in this area,” he says. “The boards we put up are ready for stucco so it’s not a standard process.” Kate also placed the majority of the light fixtures on the walls, washing them with light rather than using overhead lighting, and the toilets are separated from the bathroom, a format she discovered she preferred after living in Europe. “I got used to feeling like my bathroom was really just a place to relax and have nice things around,” she says. Continued on pg.61

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Kate acquired her taste for Spanish furniture while she ran business selling Mexican furniture made from recycled woods from the Sierra Madres. Her Sept/Octtable 2012 | INMagTexas.com 58 room dining refelcts this style.

The floorplan of the home was designed to allow as much of the outdoors in the space as possible.

She puchased the chest of drawers in the entry way while 2012 | INMagTexas.com 59 living in France, andSept/Oct brought it with her to the U.S.

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The enclosed back porch provides a serene resting place and a room for her children and grandchildren to stay when visit. Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com 60 they

Continued from pg..57

The bed, dresser and rocking chair are all family heirlooms from Kate's Louisiana birthplace.

The pool uses a high efficiency pump, which requires less electricity than a standard would use.

The 3,600 square foot home was designed to use half the amount of energy this size house would typically require. Andreason says the exterior walls were built with almost twice the insulation and the roof deck has additional foam insulation. “There’s very little heat that comes into the home,” he says. “The way the porches are designed, there’s really very little sun that will hit the windows and come into the house to heat the house up.” The pool system also uses a high efficiency pump, which requires less electricity than a standard would use. The eclectic house is just one element that makes up a whole package when combined with Kate’s outdoor arena, horses and future barn. “I just love having my horses around me, and the idea is to go from the house to the barn and take my horses to the riding arena,” she says. Kate finds her custom home to be cozy and settling. Her favorite feature in her country home is the large glass doors she can open and hear the fountains and the pool. “I can feel that outside, and when I’m outside I can feel the inside so it’s that communication between the inside and the outside,” she describes intently. She says the setting of East Texas combined with some of the features in her home takes her back to her childhood. “It’s like I’ve come full circle in a way but in a place with views, with hills,” she says while reflecting. “Before was an escape from everything that I had known. I didn’t want anything familiar, and here I find I’m cherishing the things I did keep.” Kate says another intention behind her home was to provide a venue for fundraising events for her greatest passion— her non-profit organization, Kids and Horses. The mission of her organization is to use the relationship between the youth and horses to provide healing. “Kids in foster programs have had a bad start, so the relationship helps them stretch beyond themselves, become more self-aware, and learn empathy,” she says. Currently, Kate works with youth from Azleway. Although she felt at home in West Texas, the only thing that made her move was her desire to work with youth and horses. Her previous location was too remote to start a consistent program, so she came to East Texas. “I’ve found what I love to do,” she says boldly. “I’ve found my peace with the horse program with the kids.” Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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Organize Your Kitchen

Optimize the space in your kitchen by grouping your cooking necessities.

By LORRIE GAZETTE | Courtesy Photo

When I think of family and celebrating special times together, my mind instantly goes to memories in our kitchen. My family loves to gather around the island and cook together. We’ll have three, four or five of us in the kitchen making different recipes at the same time. I love the hustle and bustle as we maneuver around each other and the island, collecting food items, measuring, stirring, preparing and, of course, tasting food together. We laugh, banter and lovingly pick on each other while trying to keep track of which step we’re on in the recipe we’re preparing. When we’re not careful, necessary ingredients can accidentally get left out of the recipe, which makes for more great memories later on! One of the reasons we are all able to work in the kitchen together is that we are blessed with a large kitchen, and being a professional organizer, my kitchen and pantry are very organized. When a family member asks me whereany food item or kitchen utensil is located, I can easily tell them exactly where to find it. Another thing that helps us with order is items are placed where we need them or in close proximity to where they are used. For example, the cooking utensils, pots, pans and pot holders are near the stove and oven where we use them. The spices are near the island where we like to prepare the food. Our glasses are stored near the refrigerator where we get our drinks from, and the dishes and silverware are stored near the sink and dishwasher for easy loading and unloading.

Establish organization

When organizing the kitchen, I also recommend labeling your space A, B or C. For example, “A space” is the al-

lotted storage locations from your eye level to your hip level, and it is used for the items you use most often. Every day dishes, glasses and silverware should be in stored in your “A spaces.” “B space” is the cabinet shelf above your eye level or the cabinet shelf below your hip level.You will either have to reach up or bend over to reach the items on these shelves, which are items that are used less often. Pots and pans, mixing bowls and bake-ware are items that could be stored in “B spaces.” “C space” is the very top or bottom shelves in your cabinets. Store items on those shelves that are not used much throughout the year. For example, Christmas dishes might be stored on the top shelf and only brought down to be used during the holidays.

A roasting pan might find a home on the very bottom shelf.

Group similar items together

Another organizing principal is to keep similar items together. In your pantry, all canned goods might be on one shelf at eye level so you can easily read the labels. Store all boxed goods together on another shelf. Baking products like flour, sugars, baking powder and soda could be placed on a shelf together for easy food preparation. Pastas, rice and grains could be stored in plastic bins or containers and placed together. Be sure to label your bins and containers so you will quickly and easily know what you need to put on the grocery list when you are low or out of that item.

Rotate pantry items

When putting away your groceries in the pantry, be sure to put the new food items behind the items already on the shelf. This practice will help you save money and keep your food items rotating in and out to avoid foods going out of date. No matter how you organize your kitchen, we hope you and your family enjoy a great time cooking and making memories together. Memories last a life time!

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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Capturing TIME

Local history teacher preserves original elements of her home built in 1929, while incorporating the essence of her family. By MORGAN JONES | Photos by ANDREA CALDWELL

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

There’s a feeling you get once you step through the door. It’s a feeling found in the many layers of paint laid on the walls. It’s in the unique kitchen backsplash of broken dishes and anomalous objects. It’s in the remodeled garage, worn home-school lesson books, dozens of dried flowers hanging in the back room saved from special occasions and the displays of family photos framed though out. Shannon Cross’ house looks like it belongs in the center spread of a design guru’s catalog, but that is not what is so special about it. It is a house that is not just a house; it is a home. Having only lived in the 1929 mint brick home for six years, Shannon has completely enhanced the space into an elegant living residence with a heavy influence of herself, her travels and, most importantly, her family. “It’s a home that’s decorated, but it’s not just for looks,” Shannon says. “It’s not a show place. It’s our home that we feel comfortable in.” Native to Tyler, Shannon returned to the Rose City after 30 years away. Recently divorced at the time with three of her six children still to raise, she was in need of somewhere her family could call home.

The is 2012 filled with family pictures, old books and antique treasures. Sept/Oct | INMagTexas.com 72study

“I think my soul is more planted here,” Shannon says. “Colorado is beautiful. There are so many things I love about it, but East Texas is my home.” Having home-schooled all six children, Shannon developed an interest in teaching and completed her master’s degree in history. She obtained a teaching position at Tyler Junior College in the history department. “It’s an awesome department with fun people, and I love my students every semester,” Shannon says.“I think God really plugs us in to exactly where we need to be.” When first returning to Tyler, Shannon and her three youngest children, Abby, Betsy and Caleb, resided in a twostory house on Dobbs Street, but as her three youngest became young adults, Shannon was ready to move to a smaller house. “I wanted to get in a smaller house, and I wanted one that I knew we could make memories in before everyone went off to college,” Shannon says.“So that when they came back, they would have some connection with it.” And that's exactly what happened. Shannon's youngest daughter Betsy, who lived in the house for about four years, Continued on pg. 76

With the help of friends and family, Shannon crushed various dishes for a hand-made mosaic back aplash in her kitchen.

Flowers saved from special occasions in her daughters lives hang in the windows of Shannon's home.

The home still maintains the original wood floors throughout the home. Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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dwell Continued from pg.72

says she her favorite part of the home was the welcoming atmosphere. "Anyone was welcome in our home. When I was hanging out with friends, we always ended up at my house, usually hanging out with my mom. Even when I went off to A&M for college, my friends would regularly call me and tell me they were at my house in Tyler," Betsy says. The floor plan, molding and other structural touches reflect a cottagestyle home, like many of the older Tyler houses in the Azalea District. “I didn’t do it as an investment thing. I knew there were things I wanted to do to it when we first moved in, but it has the structure and the design that I like so much,” Shannon says. “I told my kids they are going to have to carry me out of this house in a stiff horizontal position.” Just about every room in her home exhibits a ‘to-do’ project completed by her and her kids own handy work. Each of her children know how to handle power drills, safely saw, grout title, rip up linoleum and paint like almost professionals through the many home improvement experiences completed through the years. Seven discarded paint samples later, the living room is painted with an original paint color created by Shannon and the patient paint department employee at Home Depot to achieve her envisioned balance of yellow and khaki color. “I decided that if you make your own color you get to name it, so I named it ‘Muddy Camel’” Shannon says. The kitchen houses a unique countertop backsplash homemade from collected broken dishes and knickknacks assembled, glued and cemented during a weekend while her second daughter, Abby, was home to lend a helping hand and to motivate Shannon to complete her well talked about to-do. “It was so much fun and it didn’t really cut us up too bad,” Shannon says. “I really enjoy doing stuff like that with my kids.” There are dozens of other proud projects completed around the house at the hands of Shannon and her helpful children, but all would agree it’s the time spent and the relationships made in the home that make Shannon the special woman she is. “My mother is what held our family together, and she made me the person I am proud to be today,” says her eldest son, Micah Joseph.“Every project, whether necessary or ridiculous, I am happy to help her with because I know she will teach me something, and I am

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

glad to give back to her.” As a mother of six young adult children, Shannon has developed her own philosophy to raising successful humans. “I think there is something about always being on your kids’ side in a realistic way,” Shannon says. “I remember telling one of them in particular, ‘I am the president of your fan club because I can’t help myself.’ I think that does something for them to know that you are there for them even when they do stupid stuff. Then they get to be adults and you still get to have good relationships with them.” Her six children range from ages 33 to 19 and live across the country. Shannon has reached the point in her life when she is happy to travel to keep up

with them and her three grandchildren. “I have fun relationships with all of them and they all turned out to be pretty neat people all by the grace of God, it could have gone the other way so easily,” Shannon says. “It’s different and funny how life works out; I seem to be still chasing my kids just across country now.” Shannon plans on continuing to travel with her children, teach her students and live in the home she has established for all. “I am at such a good spot in life,” Shannon says. “I’ve decided that part of the role of a mom as she gets older is to let the kids know in our very young society, that there are some wonderful things to getting old and to always know where home is at.”

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ONE MAN'S TRASH

Craft a starburst mirror using recycled magazines

By DAVID WALLACE | Photos by SARAH A. MILLER

You’ve probably heard it said many times, "one man's trash, is another man's treasure." I love to frequent local thrift stores looking through the items people have decided to part with but not throw away. Humans can be very good at accumulating stuff. Sooner or later, for one reason or another, we face the truth that there is a little bit of a hoarder in all of us. There finally comes a time when we are forced to use it or lose it.

Sometimes I find an object is a treasure as it is, but other times I'm certain the object could be used in another way. I especially love the unusual items at thrift stores that nobody seems to be able to figure out. The sales people often set those types of items in the back just for me, because they know what I like. One time, while waiting in line to be checked out at a thrift store, a lady behind me asked me, "What the heck is that thing you're buying?" I replied, “I don't know, but I don't have one." I remember a specific time in fourth

grade. I was 10 years old, and I discovered a rose-tinted rock protruding from the ground of the North Dallas school yard, where more 200 children played two times a day. It took me the morning and afternoon recess, as well as two more hours after school, to get the rock out of the ground. It was a perfect six-pointed rose colored quartz crystal. To me, it was like find the Hope diamond. I was sure that I had struck it rich, richer than Jed Clampett. Soon after I collected the stone, I let a smooth-talking sixth-grader con me Continued on pg. 81

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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Continued from pg.78

into trading that precious rock for a box full of comics— at least it wasn't magic beans. Oh no, these were really good comics. The very first issue of Superman with Adolph Hitler getting his face smashed, newer issues of Spiderman, The Fantastic Four, Archie and Lulu and Little Rich, the rich kid. There was even Batman and Robin in the box! At the time, it seemed like a very good trade. Then one day the unthinkable happened. It was another one of my mother’s cleaning rampages and she went through my room like a white tornado. I couldn't find a thing and the box of comics were gone. "Those old things,” she said, "you've read them all already.” Quickly, I made a dash for the curb, missing the garbage men by no more than 30 minutes, and I was so upset. To this day it is almost impossible for me to throw away a magazine, and it drives my wife crazy. She has seen me go berserk over my magazines, although I no longer read comics. Now I love my Interior Design, Architectural Digest and of course, IN Magazine. With a little creativity, used items can be even more special in a second life. That's the purpose of this project. In the early 1960s, there was a very popular piece of decor called a starburst clock or star-burst mirror. It had a certain atomic look that is still as popular today, nearly 50 years later. With some hot glue and pages of a few old magazines, we are going to make a fabulous star-burst mirror. You will need a few additional items:

2 unsharpened pencils Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks 1 sixteen inch disk of 1/4 inch thick plywood 1 or 2 wood screws (1 1/2 inches long) 1 small hinged hanger First, separate the pages from the binding (spine) of the magazine. For easy separation, place the magazines on the dashboard of your car. The heat inside the car softens the glue on the spine, making the pages easier pull apart. Now, get your hot glue gun ready to go. Next, take one of your pencils and lay it on top of one of the corners of a page. Roll the paper, but not too tightly, to the opposite diagonal corner. At about one inch from the end of the page, place a small amount of hot glue and finish rolling to the end. The glue should hold immediately. I like to use a low temp glue gun to avoid burns. Use the second pencil to push the first Continued on pg.82 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

dwell Continued from pg.81

pencil out of the rolled-up spire. Repeat this process to at least three magazines. You should end up with 200 or 300 spires (rolled pages). This will probably be more than you will need. Now, all that’s left to do is hot glue the spires to the disk of wood. Glue the first round of spires in a circle around the edge of the disk. Let about one-third of the spire hang beyond the edge of the disk and about two-thirds on the disk. The diameter of the spires and wooden disk is close to 30 inches. Once you have made a complete circle, repeat the process, but make the next round about two inches inward from the outer tips of the spires and glue them right on top of the first circle. Make one more round of spires moving inward by about another two inches. You may need to trim a little off one end of the spires of your final circle. Do it on the end toward the middle of the project. To complete the star-burst mirror (or clock) you will simply center your mirror or clock on top of the spires. Use one or two wood screws going inward from the back. Obviously, if your mirror or clock is not wooden on the back, glue a small piece of wood to the back to receive the wood screw. The only thing left to do is attach hardware on the very back of the project to hang it on the wall. I prefer small hinged hangers, which utilize a small screw for stability. It is completely optional to paint the star-burst spires, but you need to do so before you attach your mirror or clock, and it is best to use spray paint. Avoid over saturating the spires with paint. The many colors that will show after you have rolled the pages up can be very interesting. You can also control the look by the color scheme of the pages you select and of course the side you choose to reveal. Experiment with the process, because you may even discover other ways to use the spires. I wanted to spray this project with gold paint to match the frame on my mirror. However, my wife, Ann Nell, liked the look of the many colors of print on the pages. This project was a joint effort. I worked on attaching the pieces, and she did all the rolling and gluing of the 300 pages, so I guess she wins in terms of work load. Wives always win! 82

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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live healthy

How Busy Moms Stay Fit There will always be road blocks to living healthy, but it is possible to put your best foot forward and to not get lost underneath all of the different faucets of being a mother.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Leslie offers motivational tips on how busy moms can stay fit:

By MICHELLE PEÑA | Courtesy Photo

Leslie Harrison, mother of three, ages 13, 10 and 8, plays many roles and could easily cause onlookers to think, “I don’t know how she does it!” Leslie, known for her positive and encouraging attitude even during her daily 4:30 a.m. workouts, is a full-time mother and wife, a practicing attorney working part-time for the U.S. District Court and a part-time fitness instructor and personal trainer at Premier Fitness in Tyler. Additionally, she enjoys being active in the community and at her children’s school. Recently, Leslie wrote a nutrition guide that introduces the simplicity of real food to real people. Leslie practices what she preaches and believes “it is important as a parent to take care of yourself because you have to be the best you to be the best parent.” Leslie has not always been a health and fitness advocate. “I used to think Hostess was a food group,” Leslie says. In her mid-20s she discovered running while living in Austin and quickly realized that eating properly was important to performing well during

ority? Motherhood doesn’t have to be the end of you. It’s simply an experience that makes us better people, an extra ingredient in the recipe of life. Maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle is challenging for most moms, sometimes daunting and overwhelming if you were not physically active or healthy in your pre-pregnancy years. There will always be roadblocks to living healthy, but it is possible to put your best foot forward and to not get lost beneath all of the different facets of being a mother. Busy moms should make fitness a priority. The first order of business in terms of staying fit is to determine what time of day to exercise. Make an appointment with yourself and plan for at least three days a week around the same time of day. Starting an exercise routine does not mean having to join a gym, although a local fitness center can be a beneficial exercise outlet, offering tools and tips on maximizing exercise time. If a gym is not an option, exercise at home or during a lunch break. Go for a brisk walk or jog, perform body weight exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups and triceps dips. The “how to” exercise is easy once the “want to” exercise is in place.

exercise. Her eating has become more balanced over the years, and sugary, processed foods are no longer a staple in her pantry. “My children see fitness as something that should be a part of everyone’s daily routine,” she says. “They enjoy being active and understand how to make the best choices when it comes to food and exercise. When people make excuses, they don’t really want to do it. You will make time for what is important to you.” Being a woman in today’s society comes with the challenge of juggling many roles or hats. Throughout each day I find myself saying, “OK, it’s time to change hats.” Some of my hats are fun and colorful, while others are looming and awkward, at best. If you are a mom, then you know what I am talking about. Some hats we ask for, while others are like magnets, pulling us in numerous directions. Before we were moms, we were women with our own dreams and desires. So why do many of us put ourselves at the bottom of the proverbial list, choosing not to make health a pri-

Make time for yourself, even if it’s five minutes. Maintain a well-balanced life. Don’t make fitness about body weight. Make it about your health. Realize it’s okay to take baby steps. Understand that you are setting an example for your children. No matter how many hats you wear, the hat that trumps all others should be the “health and fitness” hat. By making time to put health and fitness first, you are leading by example and teaching your children how to live long, healthy lives. Make fitness a staple in life. Baby steps toward exercise will turn into sprints before long.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

live healthy

Training Together

Libby and Daniel George began training for triathlons with each other last summer. Since then, the fatherdaughter duo discovered they not only enjoy the sport but also the time spent together.

By ANDY TAYLOR | Courtesy Photos

Film and pop culture often paint a bleak picture of the life of the youngest child. When their older siblings are not overshadowing them, they are being ignored by their parents or woefully accepting hand-me-downs. Fortunately for Libby George, this isn’t the case in her family. Despite the academic and athletic success of her older siblings, the bright 17-yearold has found a way to stand out and keep her parent’s undivided attention. Since last summer, she and her father trained for and competed in triathlons. In just more than a year, she has performed so well that she received an invite to compete with professional endurance athletes at the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon in Dallas this fall. From the conference room of Navidad Resources in downtown Tyler, where Daniel George works as vice president of Land and Business Development, the father of three struggles to conceal his pride for his daughter as he describes his daughter’s accomplishments. There is no shortage of commendable accolades. Libby will serve as student body president at Robert E. Lee High School this year. She also plays soccer and is a member of the National Honor Society and Young Life, a nonprofit Christian youth organization. Despite his daughter’s athletic experience and obvious drive to succeed, Daniel says even he was surprised last summer when Libby told him she wanted to compete in a triathlon. Knowing the commitment she would need to make and wanting to motivate his daughter to pursue her goal, he decided to make a deal. “I kind of challenged her,” he says, gesturing a sly smile to his daughter.“I said, ‘If you do it, then I’ll do it with you.’” And so it began. The father-daughter pair quickly set their sights on the Rose City Triathlon, which is held Continued on pg.95

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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live healthy Libby and Dan George after competing in the CapTexTri in Austin.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

“One of the things I really liked about it is that I wanted to do something with her,” Daniel says.“That was really an important part of it.” Continued from pg.92

at Lake Tyler in September each year. The event includes a 650-meter swim, 14.1-mile bike ride and three-mile run. Even before they began training, Libby and her father knew their individual strengths and weaknesses. As a soccer player, Libby was accustomed to running long distances. Given the fact she also competed on a swim team in middle school, she knew she would need to focus on biking. Daniel, who at 51 has the fitness chops of most men half his age, worked mostly on swimming, the activity with

which he had the least experience. While the hours of daily exercise undoubtedly were grueling, Libby and Daniel found motivation both within themselves and in each other. “One of the things I really liked about it is that I wanted to do something with her,” Daniel says. “That was really an important part of it.” Libby’s older brother and sister, who are twins, are now out of the house and in college. Her sister, Caroline, attends the University of Oklahoma, while her brother, Ben, is a football player at the University of Texas. With his eldest children beginning their own lives at renowned universities, Daniel says he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to connect with Libby before she graduates next spring. “Being the youngest one, especially being the youngest behind twins … quite frankly (she) didn’t get all the attention the other two got, because that’s just natural,” he says. “I thought, what a great opportunity to bond before she goes to college.” Considering the amount of training these two do together and individually, it seems that time is being put to good use. Due to conflicting schedules, much of their training must be done separately. Daniel completes his workouts on weekday mornings before work so he can spend the evenings with his family. He said a typical day begins around 4:30 a.m. with a spin class, followed by strength training and swimming. Though she works for her dad in the summer, Libby fits in her own workouts into her free time.

But on the weekends, the pair enjoys training side by side. They often will practice two elements of a triathlon to help improve the transition from swimming to biking, or biking to running. They each keep a consistent routine to ensure they are prepared for competition. “When you know you have a race coming up, it’s a lot easier to go out and train for it,” Libby says. After competing in three triathlons in Tyler, Athens and Austin, Libby and Daniel seem to have found a recipe for success. In their first competition, Libby finished third in her age group with a time of 1 hour, 49 minutes and 20.5 seconds. As Daniel described the event guidelines, which require participants to write their age on the back of their calf, he said he took pride in “smoking by someone who had a 27 on the back of his calf, and here I am with 51 on the back of mine.” Daniel says completing the Rose City Triathlon was affirmation of their hard work and sacrifice. Instead of giving them a reason to take it easy, it made each of them want to work harder and compete at a higher level. “It’s kind of addicting,” Libby says. “Once you start mentally getting your mind wrapped around, ‘I can actually do that distance,’ then you’re kind of like, ‘I can do more.’” Their aspirations for an additional challenge were realized on Memorial Day when Libby and her father competed in their first Olympic triathlon at the CapTexTri in Austin. Unlike the shorter, more fast-paced sprints in Tyler and Athens, an Olympic triathlon includes a 1.5 kilometer swim, 40 kilometer bike ride and 10 kilometer run. Libby again placed third in her age group. “That was a super challenge,” Daniel says. In June, Libby received an invitation to compete in the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon in Dallas on Oct. 7. Her dad plans to join her in the race alongside professionals from around the world. Both Libby and her father intend to compete in triathlons for the foreseeable future. Libby hopes to attend The University of Texas at Austin next fall, where she would continue to train, albeit with her workout buddy. Daniel said he hopes to continue participating with his daughter for as long as he can, pointing out that an octogenarian has completed the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii— widely regarded as the ultimate test of strength and endurance. “This is something that is ongoing, man,” Daniel says. “It’ll take all you want.” Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

live healthy

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Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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live healthy

How to get started in the gym Getting started at the gym can be intimidating, but don't worry, you're not the only one. Here's some tips on how to begin and how to find a solid personal trainer.

Jennifer Runnels, personal trainer at Woodcreek, began lifting weights to get back into shape after getting married and gaining unwanted weight. At first, she felt intimidated at the gym because she was unsure how to get started, but a friend helped guide her through it. She says she enjoyed getting results such as building muscle, getting firm and becoming lean without doing cardio. “You can see good results usually in just a matter of a few weeks, maybe not the result you want to end up with, but you start seeing them,” Runnels says. “I really enjoyed doing the weightlifting part.” Runnels says noticing results is a good motivation because no one wants to put energy into an activity that is not beneficial. Runnels became a personal trainer four years ago and trains clients about 15 to 25 hours a week. She works out about four hours a week. When she receives a new client, she starts them off with a nutrition consultation. “If you’re putting in the wrong kinds of food, no matter how much exercise you do, you’re not going to be able to counter the effects,” she says. In terms of changing diet habits, she starts her clients out slowly. “I don’t have them go home and throw out everything in their refrigerator,” Runnels says. “We start with one meal at a time, get that figured up and then over the next few weeks it seems like they’ve been able to tweak their entire diet.” After assessing the individual’s nutrition situation, Runnels then starts them out with an attainable totalbody workout. “The more muscles you

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

work at one time the more calories you’re going to burn, so I would have my clients do push-ups to strengthen their core, shoulders, chest and their triceps.” Runnels stressed the importance of allotting enough time to achieve established goals, but not too much time. She believes three months is a sufficient lead time to see results before an event. “If you set a goal too far in front of you, you’re going to have too much time. If you set an unrealistic goal, you’re going to get discouraged,” she says. Reggie Wilson, head trainer at Woodcreek, used to train Runnels before she became a trainer in 2006. He’s been training at Woodcreek for almost seven years. He says a proper workout two or three times a week can change an individual’s entire lifestyle, and working out also can assist with time management skills, ease stress and, of course, improve physic. Wilson also runs Bodies by Reggie, or BBR, a program exclusively offered

at Woodcreek. BBR specializes in placing clients with a trainer who works best with their specifications. He believes, as a trainer, the key is to personalize his mindset to the individual. “You can’t train everybody the same way because everybody has limitations,” he says. Wilson says anyone who seeks out the services of a personal trainer has already taken the first steps toward a healthier life style. A personal trainer’s job is to translate fitness goals into a realistic, overall exercise program that may involve a number of strength, cardiovascular and flexibility exercises. Trainers should ask their client what their overall goals are, and to ensure sure the goals are reachable. “If goals are set too high, you’ll never succeed,” he says. Personal trainers should sit down with their client every two to four weeks to check in and see where any changes may need to be made in the exercise routine. His personal goals include setting realistic new fitness levels to achieve and maintain those levels. Having a trainer can offer necessary accountability, guidance and variety in workouts. “Personally, when I had a trainer or even now when I do a session with a trainer, they push me harder then I would push my own self,” Runnels says. Photo By SARAH A. MILLER

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Three ways parents can fight against obesity: Limit the amount of times children spend in front of a screen, such as TV, iPads and iPods to less than two hours a day. Make sure they are active by encouraging them to play around the house or outside. Increase the number of colors they put on their plates at mealtime, combining fruits vegetables, protein and whole grains.

Athletes against CHILDHOOD OBESITY About one in three children ages 2-19 are overweight or obese. David Mims, formal NFL football player, is passionate about reversing this statistic.

By LEA RITTENHOUSE | Courtesy Photo

David Mims, former NFL football player, saw a need to fight against childhood obesity after noticing trends in his own family. His two sons are successful athletes, but he noticed his two daughters and himself struggling to stay active, so they began exercising together as a family. Mims didn’t stop there. He started a non-profit called Professional Athletes Against Childhood Obesity, with the goal to fight and conquer the disease through 5k and 10k runs, schools, hospitals, churches and health fairs organized in communities. “I would say that this is the next epidemic that’s hitting our country and we have to try and do something about it,” Mims says. “People will talk about it but no one is actually doing anything about the problem.” About one in three children ages 2-19 are overweight or obese, according the American Heart Association. Mims says the East Texas based nonprofit partnered with Spring Hill and White Oak high school in Longview last year by placing an eight-week program in the schools. They had 1600 students involved.

100 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

“We have to start where the kids are concentrated at and that’s in the school,” he says. “We actually have a program that we worked hard to put in the schools to help kids, we take BMI’s, we have kids run and we chart them to show progress.” The highlight, however, is the involvement of NFL football players. “They’re working with the professional athletes and I think it keeps them motivated seeing other people outside of their teachers and families are proud of them and encouraging them to do it,” he says. Mims and his team train the physical education teachers and implement the program as part of the PE curriculum. When the youth complete the program, they hold a 5k for the students and their families. “We have the kids run a fun run to show their parents and the community what they’ve learned and how they’ve progressed,” he says. “We had professional athletes actually come to the event and autograph and take pictures.” He set out to advocate against childhood obesity and promote healthy,

active lifestyles, but the program morphed into something different. “It manifested into something that I didn’t think it would do. It turned into something phenomenal,” Mims says. “We came in with the goal to help kids be active but it changed kids behavior.” Ashley Johnson, nutritionist and assistant director at WIC, says Physical activity is a vital component to fighting and preventing childhood obesity. With three years of counseling experience for ages birth to five years, Johnson has seen trends in addressing nutritional needs to conquer obesity and the evidence of preventative care. She says portion sizes and convenience foods are two major factors to the problem. “There are a lot of families that are in need of convenience foods or something that’s on the go, and unfortunately it is a little bit harder to come across things on the go that are nutrient dense,” she says. Although she believes every household has the opportunity to value children, the size of clothing, shortness or breath and surroundings can make a child insecure or uncomfortable with themselves. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults and this increases to 80 percent if one or both parents are overweight or obese, according to the American Heart Association. Johnson is optimistic about genetic dispositions, and believes with the proper amount of physical activity, portion control and whole food diet, obesity can be decreased. Mims says his dream is to see his program in every school across East Texas. He also aims to make the program year-long. For more information about Professional Athletes Against Childhood Obesity and how to become involved, email conquerobesity247@ yahoo.com.

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103

PERFECT PORTIONS

Receipes By CHEF MICHAEL BRADY | Photos Courtesy of FRESH BY BROOKSHIRES

Ingredients

2 oz prosciutto (sliced as thin as possible) 2 oz thin sliced Gruyere cheese 1 egg, fried sunny side up 1/2 Tbs butter 2 slices of rustic Italian bread 4 oz Dijon Creme Fraiche, recipe follows Fresh cracked pepper, to taste Fresh chives, finely chopped, to taste

Directions

(1) Sandwich the prosciutto and Gruyere between Italian slices (Gruyere on top of proscuitto). 104 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Fresh Croque (2) Toast on a panini press, flat top or Teflon pan with a touch of butter or EVOO. (3) Once warm all the way through, cut in half on the bias. (4) Place fried egg on top. (5) Place chilled Dijon creme in a ramekin on the side. (6) Garnish with cracked pepper on egg and chopped chives.

Dijon Creme Fraiche

4 oz Dijon mustard 2 oz sour cream 2 oz mayo 8 shakes of Tabasco Jalapeno 1 small bundle of chives (fine chop) (1) Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste. (2) Mix all ingredients and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Will keep for 5 to 7 days.

Grilled Texas Peach, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Salad Ingredients

2-3 ripe peaches (about 1/2 a peach per person) 2 pkgs butter leaf lettuce 1/2 lb prosciutto, sliced paper thin 4 oz toasted pistachios White Wine Vanilla Honey 4 oz goat cheese 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbs champagne vinegar Kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper

Directions

(1) In a mixing bowl add lettuce, salt, pepper, oil and vinegar and toss lightly. (2) Once evenly mixed, stack high and in the middle of the plate, shingling the sliced prosciutto between the layers of butter leaf. (3) Garnish with toasted pistachios, crumbled goat cheese, and grilled peaches (4) Drizzle with the cold white winevanilla honey.

Encha-lasagna

(4) Drizzle with the cold white winevanilla honey

Ingredients

2 pints FRESH Chili Con Carne (available in the FRESH dip bar) 1 1/2 lbs shredded cheese (Mexican blend) 10 FRESH flour tortillas Chipotle Cream

Directions

(1) Preheat oven to 350° F.

(2) Butter the bottom and the walls of a 9x9 Pyrex dish. (3) Layer ingredients in the following order: chili con carne, cheese, tortillas, cream. Repeat 3 times. (4) Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. (5) Bake 30 to 45 minutes until heated through and cheese is slightly browned.

(5) Place chilled Dijon creme in a ramekin on the side. (6) Top with fresh cracked pepper.

Vanilla-White Wine Honey

3 vanilla beans (split and scraped) 1 bottle white wine 3 cups white sugar 1 tbsp honey (1) Combine vanilla, wine and sugar in a saucepan and reduce to a syrup. (2) Once reduced to the syrup state, stir in the honey (3) Place in refrigerator to cool before adding to salad.

Chipotle Cream 1 small can of chipotle in adobo sauce, pureed in a food processor 1 1/2 lbs. creme fraiche or sour cream Salt and pepper, to taste 8 jigs of Jalapeno Tabasco 1 cup of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

(1) In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients and chill.

1 small bundle of chives (fine chop)

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food & culture

Sautéed Snapper with Stewed Corn, Okra, Peas & Avocado Ingredients

2 lbs snapper filets, cut into 4 portions (can substitute any flaky white fish) Fresh cracked pepper Kosher salt Grape seed oil

Directions

(1) Heat a saute pan on high heat and add 1/4 cup oil. (2) Season portions of fish with your salt and pepper and add to pan, skin side down. (3) Reduce heat and cook fish until golden brown, roughly 6-8 minutes, then flip.

1/2 lb okra 3 ears of corn 1/2 lb bacon (chopped in 1/4-inch pieces) 2 sweet yellow onions 1 chopped fresh jalapeno 6 fresh garlic cloves, chopped 1/4 lb unsalted butter 1/2 gallon unsalted chicken stock 3 dried bay leaves

Directions

(1) Preheat medium stew pot. (2) Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, bacon, onions and chopped jalapeno.

(6) Add a pinch of salt and pepper and 3 bay leaves. Reduce heat to lowmedium and let simmer until vegetables are tender.

Crushed Avocado

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados 1 fresh lime Kosher salt Fresh cracked black pepper Extra virgin olive oil

Directions

(1) Remove meat from avocado and add to a mixing bowl.

(3) Once you have developed some color on onions and bacon is a little crispy add garlic, okra, corn and peas.

(2) Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and a drizzle with EVOO.

Summer Stewed Veggies

(4) Cook for about 5 minutes on medium-high heat, frequently stirring.

(3) Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated but mixture is still chunky.

1 lb fresh peas, any variety

(5) Add stock and butter.

(4) Let cook for another 2 minutes or slightly firm to the touch.

Ingredients

106 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com 1 small bundle of chives (fine chop)

Mussels with Chorizo Ingredients

2 lbs FRESH Chorizo 2 red onions, roughly chopped 4 lbs fresh mussels 2 cups chicken stock 2 cups dry white wine 1/2 lb butter 1 bundle fresh tarragon, roughly chopped 1 bundle fresh basil, roughly chopped 1 orange, juiced Kosher salt, to taste Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste 2 FRESH Baguettes

Directions

(1) Heat a large soup pot and saute your chorizo. (2) Once chorizo is almost cooked, add the chopped onions. (3) Add mussels, chicken stock and white wine. (4) Cover and cook until mussels start to open up. (5) Place chilled Dijon creme in a ramekin on the side. (6) Remove lid and add butter, herbs and orange juice. (7) Salt and pepper to taste.

FRESH Executive Chef Michael Brady sets out each day to offer guests the best prepared foods to take home and serve with pride to their families. Brady played soccer in high school in Louisiana, before he decided to change direction, turning down athletic scholarships for culinary school in South Carolina. Upon graduation, he was pegged to work with Chef Frank Lee at Charleston’s SNOB (Slightly North of Broad). He also spent time under the tutelage of Chefs Bob Wagner and Michelle Weaver at the Charleston Grill. While there, he attended a wedding on a vineyard in Armissan, France, and fell in love with it. “I spent the better part of a year there 1 small bundle of chives (fine chop)

Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Note: You did all that work to make that great broth so don’t let it go to waste.The broth with a good crunchy baguette, baked by Chef Aaron’s team, makes it the best part!

earning my keep by cooking meals for tourists and visiting business people.” This exposure to the wine business inspired him to return to Shreveport to develop and open the Bistro portion of Wine Country Bistro and Bottle Shop. While at Wine Country, Brady was named one of Louisiana Cookin’ magazine’s “Chefs To Watch in 2010” an honor that goes to five of the best young chefs in a state that is known for cooking. He describes his cooking style as “a la zingara” or gypsy style— finding the best ingredients and developing a creative way to put them together. Brady does bi-monthly cooking demonstrations available online at FRESHtothetable.com. Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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food & culture

Celebrating Soldiers

The 4th Annual Country for Our Country event is scheduled for October 6.

Houston native Marianne Williamson once said, “In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.”The opportunity to do good work, to help heal wounds and to give from the heart is coming up in Tyler the weekend of October 6. That’s when the fourth annual Country for our Country event will take place at Villa de Felicita. The event, which raises money to help wounded warriors and their families in East Texas, has grown by considerably since it was first held in 2009. The first year it raised a net profit of about $45,000. The second year the event grew by 78 percent to bring in $80,000. Last year the grand total was up another 64 percent to $131,000. “It says the community is rallying around the event and our East Texas troops,” says Mary Pennington, who with her husband, Paul, owns Villa de Felicita and is the founder of Country for our Country. “The people who come really care. They all just want to say ‘Thank you.’ I have an awesome board and committees and volunteers who help pull it all together each year.” The main feature of the event is a dinner and concert. This year there will be two opportunities to attend. Friday night will feature the American veterans Traveling Tribute, a fullscale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, and the recently created Gold Dog Tag Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial. Kayla Conn will perform a song she wrote entitled “Welcome Home.” Rick Lambert, father of Lindale’s own country artist Miranda Lambert, will also perform. Gen. Red Brown, Deputy Commander of the Texas Army National Guard will be the keynote speaker. “I have been involved in this event since the beginning,” Gen. Brown says. “This is a phenomenal event that honors those who have honored us with their service. Any appreciation we give our soldiers is a huge boost to them. It gives them purpose and for the wounded it gives them confidence that what they’ve done is appreciated at the local as well as the national level.” Money raised at Friday night’s event will benefit the Watkins-Logan Veterans Home in Tyler. Tickets are $50 each. Saturday night is a ramped up version of Friday night with performances by Wayland Hicks and the Backroad Travelers, Kayla Conn featuring Nick Verzosa and the Noble Union, Derek Sholl, Heidi Newfield and Jaida Dryer. The headline act is country star Rodney Atkins. Special attractions on Saturday night include the American Veterans Traveling Tribute and Gold Dog Tag Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial, a military parachute jump, a live and silent auction and a firework display. Carozon Catering is preparing the meal. Sponsors for Saturday’s event are Linda Rudd and Steve Helmeth. Tickets are

108 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

By JANET GREGG | Courtesy Photo

Country Artist Rodney Atkins will be the headline act for the Country for our Country Friday night event.

$200 each. Proceeds benefit East Texas combat veterans and their families.“It takes special people to do the job they do and without them we wouldn’t have the freedoms we have,” Pennington says. “This is one nation under God and this is to show them people care. They just never knew how to show it before this event.” More than 30,000 Texas National Guard troops have been deployed since 9-11. Given there are only 19,000 individuals, that means most have been deployed more than once. And that’s not counting the active-duty deployments from Fort Hood and other military bases around the state. There is a large number of Texas troops who need help. Continued on pg.111

P L E A S E

J O I N

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109

Third Annual

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110 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Gen. Brown particularly likes that all of the money raised by the Country for our Country event stays in East Texas and benefits disabled veterans and their families in various ways. One of those ways is through a scholarship program. More than 500 veterans are attending The University of Texas at Tyler. That prompted the school to establish a veteran assistance program. Now an effort is in the works to establish a series of $25,000 endowments for scholarships at five Texas colleges and universities with reasonable proximity to East Texas

vets. Those include UT Tyler, Tyler Junior College, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas A&M University and Texas College. Scholarships will be awarded to either Iraq or Afghanistan warriors or their spouse or children. To date, the organization has reimbursed about 80 veterans for books and fees, purchased two laptop computers for veterans, contributed $20,000 to the Lone Survivor Foundation, and given one home, mortgage free, to a veteran and their family through the Military Warriors Support Foundation Program.

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“Service to others – people gain so much by that,” Gen. Brown says. “You are fulfilled when you do that. This has grown due to everyone’s involvement and commitment to the people who serve. This is a worthy cause and a great family event.” Country for our Country is a taxexempt, 501(c)3 organization. It is entirely run by volunteers. All Purple Heart recipients, no matter when or where they served, are invited to attend the event at no charge every year.“I never thought in my whole life that the Vietnam vets would come up to me and say ‘Thank you’ and tell us that our event really helped them heal, but they have,” Pennington said. For more information about the event, go to www.countryforourcountry.org. On the web site’s home page, click on the Heroes tab and watch some of the stories. They showcase the motivation and reasons behind this annual event. There is also more information on the concert, photos from last year and details on how to become a sponsor. In addition there’s a blog to follow and contact information for those who want to volunteer. So check it out, and then mark the date on your calendar. This is one event you won’t want to miss.

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Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

111

Family Feast

PRIME RIB FAMILY FEAST: (FEEDS 20)

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•Seasoned Green Beans • White Cloverleaf Rolls

• White Cloverleaf Rolls • Honey Wheat Rolls

• Honey Wheat Rolls • Choices of 3 pies-Cherry, Apple, Peach Fruit Pie OR Chocolate, Lemon or Coconut Meringue pie.

• Choices of (1) 3 layer cake (German Chocolate, Italian Cream or Carrot. Ask about other choices). • 1 Gallons Premium Tenderleaf Sweet Tea

• 2 Gallons Premium Tenderleaf Sweet Tea • 1 Gallon Premium Tenderleaf Unsweet Tea

See website for more menu options

• 1 Gallon Premium Tenderleaf Unsweet Tea Please allow 4 days notice for preparation.

Family Feast Catering

Two Options for only $200

All inclusive delivered to your door, within Tyler city limits. NO SUBSTITUTIONS

112 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

“An oasis tucked away in the heart of the city, Currents offers elegant and contemporary interpretations of French and American cuisines in a contemporary atmosphere.”

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Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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food & culture

Warm Weather with Beach Special! The Victorian is only steps from the Beach!

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The Victorian is an Island Favorite for Church Retreats and Reunions. Meeting Spaces Available for all Group Sizes. Ask about our special church rates. Contact Karen Allen, kallen@viccondo.com

This additional discount requires a minimum 2 night stay. Valid September 4, 2012 – January 31, 2013. Based on Availability. Excluding Nov. 1-3 and 8-10, plus resort fee & taxes. Advance reservations required.

6300 Seawall • Galveston • TX • victoriancondo.com www.facebook.com/galvestonvictorian • 888.438.1917 Rates based on availability and not valid holiday and special event weekends or with any other discount.

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12th Annual Downtown Canton, TX October 13 Music Entertainment Health Fair Food, Arts & Crafts Vendors Special Children ’ s Area with FREE Bounce Houses, Crafts, Games, Clown & More

FREE Outdoor Movie at Dusk

Lone Star BBQ Society Championship Cook Off

Home of First Monday Trade Days Aug 30-Sept 2 Sept 27-30 Nov 1-4 Nov 29-Dec

114 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Hosted by

877-462-7467 VisitCantonTx.com

I-20 at TX Hwy 19

fall family adventures Gregg County Historical Museum Story and Photo By JO LEE FERGUSON

LOCATION: 214 N. Fredonia St., Longview ADMISSION: $2 for general admission, $1 for seniors and school-aged children

Neina Kennedy has heard that history is hard to sell. She has trouble seeing that, though, in her job as director of the Gregg County Historical Museum in Longview. “I wonder if we’re unique because we have so many elements to play off,” she says, sitting behind her desk at the museum. The museum is home to the Buddie Calvin Jones Collection of Caddo Indian Artifacts, which with more than 3,000 pieces is the third-largest private Caddo collection in existence, Kennedy says. Shortly before his death at the age of 43, Arthur Northcutt Brown donated his collection of military memorabilia to the museum for an exhibit of guns, uniforms and other items on display in the basement. Then, there are the museum’s special events and exhibits, such as the Christmas model train exhibit, an East Texas radio days exhibit last year, the Women in the War Effort exhibit that ran

through Sept. 1, and the popular Landmarks of Longview tour that showcases architecturally notable homes and buildings in the city, along with other events and temporary exhibits. “There’s this group of people that love seeing the interiors of people’s homes,” Kennedy says, smiling. School tours and the annual Dalton Days, a daylong event featuring re-enactments of the 1894 robbery of Longview’s First National Bank, round out the museum’s presence in Longview.“You don’t have to come into the museum to know what we’re doing, because we’re all over the community,” Kennedy says. Still, the museum staff has plans to do even more. “We’re trying to evolve our education program right now,” says Nicole Joseph, the museum’s assistant director. That means the museum has been reaching out to the schools, talking to people in curriculum and instruction areas about what they need the mu-

seum to do to best assist schools. For instance, during the summer, museum staff and volunteers worked to create brochures to give teachers to help better prepare students for a trip to the historical museum. They were looking for ways to“amp up”the handson experiences at the museum for the third-graders who visit each year, and working to create lesson plans to help teachers tie in lessons at the museum to the state’s standardized test. “A lot of times, when you’re in school, history is considered one of the more boring subjects,” Joseph says, but there’s a way to teach students history so that it’s relevant to them. The museum’s plans also include giving some attention to the historical building it calls home. Continued on pg.116 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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food & culture Continued on pg.115

Kennedy has been executive director at the museum since August 2006. “As director, I’m really good at fixing things,” she says, adding that during her tenure she’s learned to use duct tape, a screwdriver and caulk to help keep the old building going. The Gregg County Historical Museum is inside the Everett Building. Built in 1910 as Citizens National Bank, the building is an important piece of Longview history. “The Everett Building since 1910 has been a two-story, raised-basement structure and is located in an area of Longview where almost all 19th century and early 20th century buildings have been demolished or altered,” according to the museum’s website. The building was mostly unused from 1960 to 1979, when a donor helped give it a new life as the historical museum’s home. The Gregg County Historical Foundation was formed in 1966, and officials had been looking for a home. Ann Lacy Crain bought the

Everett Building in 1979 and donated it to the historical foundation in honor of her parents, Rogers and Lawson Keener Lacy. The building was then restored between 1980 and 1984, with the museum opening June 2, 1984. The building hasn’t undergone any major repairs since then. “It’s been deteriorating for the past 25 years,” Kennedy says, adding that she’s reached the end of her abilities to repair things when it comes to wood work. The repair process began two years ago when the foundation’s development committee sent letters out asking for donations for $500,000 worth of repairs to the museum, including problems with water infiltration and windows. That “First Century Campaign,” as the museum called it, was successful within months, Kennedy says. Now, the museum is embarking on a new, $3 million campaign for Phase II of improvements to the museum, which Kennedy says would be a total restoration. Called the “New Century

Campaign,” the money would pay for several additional steps of work, including turning the existing education center, where the museum stages its temporary exhibits, into an education and events centers with an appropriate kitchen. Another step would move the existing administrative offices, which are in a mezzanine area of the museum, into an area at the front, groundfloor level of the building. A final phase would install an elevator in the rambling, three-story building. “We could have people who are less able-bodied go up to the main level,” Kennedy says. The museum’s education center opens at ground level, but the actual main entrance to the museum and the museum’s standing exhibits require a person to climb stairs to reach them. “Then, we can open the third floor for exhibits,” Kennedy says. That floor houses the museum’s archaeological research center. It’s a big project, Kennedy says.“We’re going to go for it,” she says.

Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches By JO LEE FERGUSON

This fall, take your children to a pumpkin patch to see things they might never have experienced before — bales of hay, pumpkins sitting on the ground where they grew and, depending on the place, a step down memory lane. East Texas has several options to make picking your pumpkin more than just a trip to the grocery store. Here’s a few them:

116 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Photo by LYNSEY ADMIRE/ADMIRE PHOTGRAPHY

MOORE FARMS Cleve Moore makes no apologies about it — he’s keeping things real at his pumpkin patch this fall at Moore Farms in Bullard. The farm has been in his family since 1917, which means the land is approaching 100 years of agricultural production. Moore and his family first grow sweet corn each year before switching over to pumpkins.

It was Moore’s wife, Lesley, a teacher, who had the idea of adding pumpkins 12 years ago so they could show school children, and the public, a taste of real farm life. “The main goal we’ve always had with Moore Farms is not to be an amusement park kind of deal,” he says. “This will always be as real as it possibly can. We’re not going to have a bounce house. If it doesn’t happen on

a farm, it’s not going to happen here.” That’s why he tells people the hard truth when they’re planning a visit: wear your old tennis shoes. If it’s been raining, your feet are going to get wet. If it’s hot outside, it’s going to be hot out at the farm. Visitors may take a hayride to the pumpkin field, where the Moores have already cut the pumpkins that are ready from the vine. (Depending on how the farm does, the Moores might supplement the pumpkin patch with purchased pumpkins.) People who don’t want to go on a hayride can stop at a pavilion where there are pumpkins already cut. But Moore says even people who say they’re not going on the hayride often change their minds. “The hayride is so magnetic when it drives by,” Moore says. Farm animals, lots of picture opportunities and a cornfield maze round out the experience. “That’s all depending on the weather,” Moore says of the cornfield maze. “We’ve got a good prognosis.” YESTERLAND FARM Take a restored 1951 roller coaster, ferris wheel, pirate ship and an antique tractor, a corn maze in the image of Neal McCoy, an Old West shooting gallery, a corn cannon and pumpkin launcher, and mix them all together. What do you have? “We’re kind of a pumpkin patch on steroids,” says Kama Bozeman, who owns Yesterland Farm in Canton with her husband, Chuck. Their inspiration for the many “nostalgic” activities and rides at the farm came after watching a show on old amusement parks, such as Knotts’ Berry Farm, which started as a farm and grew into a major amusement park focusing on history and nostalgia. “What (the show) said was that people wanted to take their kids to ride the same rides they rode when they were kids,” Kama says. “They wanted their kids to experience the same things that they experienced.... (People) are intrigued with sharing their childhood, reliving their childhood a little bit.” Their business opened in 2000 as the Canton Christmas Tree Farm. The pumpkin patch and fall festival activities were added in 2005, along with the amusement rides. “It was silly calling ourselves Canton Christmas Tree Farm,” Kama says. “We changed to Yesterland Farm because we have a lot of nostalgic activities and nostalgic rides. That’s why we went with Yesterland.” The Bozemans grow Christmas trees

on-site, but not pumpkins. They bring them in from elsewhere, but Kama says a real pumpkin patch is not “really a charming thing.” The stems are prickly and the vines aren’t all that pretty by the time the pumpkins are ready. “It’s not a real picturesque thing,” she says, and that’s important. “As far as pumpkins, I’m telling you people are fanatical about them,” Kama says. “They want to take their picture with the pumpkins. It’s not necessarily about buying pumpkins. It’s about taking their pictures with their pumpkins.” This year’s fall festival will run Sept. 22 through Oct. 28, with weekends open to the public and weekdays reserved for school field trips. That first weekend is “Heroes Weekend,” with members of the military, teachers, police and firefighters admitted for free with their family, up to four people. The second weekend will feature a chuck wagon cook-off and other activities as a fundraiser for country singer Neal McCoy’s East Texas Angel Network, a nonprofit organization that helps families with sick children. His image will be cut into this year’s corn maze, and proceeds from the sale of a postcard also will go to his charity. Kama says the farm is a “little slice of getaway.” “We’re all so busy,” she says. “I call it the activity of activity. It’s great to come and have a little slowdown time at the farm.” The Pumpkin Patch at Paradise Gardens Paradise Gardens and Gifts added its pumpkin patch four years ago, says manager Kathy Miller. The nursery and landscape business has all kind of activities for children and is “family oriented,” she says. “It kind of amazes me. A lot of the kids that come here, they’re never even seen (a bale of hay before,” Miller says.“They’ll see a hay bale and they’ll say, ‘What is that?’ It’s something that they’ve never done before.” THREE OAKS FARM Three Oaks Farm owner Linda Chester admits her family doesn’t make a great deal of money off the pumpkin patch it has operated at a plant farm near Sulphur Springs for the past five years. The farm also is home to a Christmas tree operation, and the family runs the Three Oaks Garden store in Sulphur Springs. “You’ve got so many kids that come from the schools, I would hate not to offer it for them,” she says. “We just do it for a service to our community.” She and her daughter, Tracie

Dannheim, operate the pumpkin patch, where they grow some pumpkins and bring some in. Visitors are treated to a hayride to the patch. Then they get to decorate their pumpkin. Other activities also are available on the farm, from a hay maze to pony and barrel train rides. “It’s a fun time to get out and run and romp, when (children) can climb on the hay and play,” Chester says. “It’s just a fun, fun time for them. They do enjoy it.”

Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patch locations

WHERE: Moore Farms WHEN: The last weekend in September

through mid-November, school tours during the week, open to the public on the weekends ACTIVITIES: Pick your own pumpkin, hayride and cornfield maze. ADMISSION: $8 in past years, subject to change. CONTACT: www.moorefarms.com WHERE: Yesterland Farm WHEN: Sept. 22-Oct. 28, open to the

public on weekends, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, open to school trips during the week ACTIVITIES: Pumpkin patch, corn maze, wagon train rides, pig races, Yesterland Zoo, pumpkin launcher, corn cannon, Yesterland Amazement Park and Yesterland Express Train, Pirate’s Revenge Ship and ferris wheel and more. ADMISSION: $10 for ages 3 to 54, $8 for seniors, active/retired military, police officers, firefighters and first-responders; children 2 and younger admitted free. CONTACT: www.yesterlandfarm.com WHERE: The Pumpkin Patch at Para-

dise Gardens & Gifts

WHEN: October and November.

ACTIVITIES: Hay rides, hay maze, hay mountain, zip line, large blow-up slide, obstacle course and shopping. ADMISSION: $5 per person CONTACT: www.pumpkinpatchparadise.com WHERE: Three Oaks Farm WHEN: October; open to the public on weekends, school trips during the week. ACTIVITIES: Pumpkin patch, hayrides, pony rides, barrel train, bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting and more. ADMISSION: $7 per child, $4 for adults.some activities require additional fee. CONTACT: www.threeoaksfarmtexas. com

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Northeast Texas Children's Museum By JO LEE FERGUSON | Courtesy Photo LOCATION: 2501 Hwy 24, Commerce ADMISSION: $5 for children ages 2 to 16 and $3 for ages 17 and older.

After three hours of digging for dinosaurs, climbing all over a large space shuttle model and riding a children’s train, my 3-year-old son offered his review of the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce. “I don’t want to go, Mom,” he says while I helped him put away the groceries he’d been shopping for in the model grocery store. It was easy to see why. The large, open building that houses the museum was filled with so many fun and educational children’s activities, it seemed hard for him to focus on one thing for very long. He’d look up and something new would catch his attention. Something else caught my attention when I was looking for a children’s museum to visit — the price: $5 for children ages 2 to 16 and $3 for visitors ages 17 and older. “For our area, we don’t charge very much,” says Sharline Freeman, the museum’s executive director for the past three years. “In order to keep it affordable for people in our area, we can’t charge much.” Freeman’s background is in education. She was retired when museum officials approached and asked her to keep it going until someone could be hired to oversee the facility. “I got here and I loved it,” she says. The museum will celebrate its 10th anniversary Sept. 28. It’s been in its facility at 2501 Texas 24, in a former Texas A&M Commerce cafeteria, for the past five years.

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The museum was many more years in the making, though. As Freeman explains it, the museum effort began when David Gibson, who was then the preacher at the Commerce Church of Christ, visited the children’s museum in Seminole, Okla. When he returned, he floated the idea about establishing a children’s museum in Commerce. “It all started in August of 1993 when our family was in Oklahoma, visiting my wife’s parents, and a neighbor of theirs suggested we go to the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole,” Gibson says. They went on a family outing, and Gibson recalls being impressed with the high-quality museum in a town similar in size to Commerce. He thought about the possibility of one in Commerce but didn’t pursue the idea until the next year, after an article about the Seminole museum appeared in The Rotarian publication. (Gibson was a Rotarian at the time.) “People in Commerce didn’t know what a children’s museum was,” Freeman says, so Gibson organized a bus trip to Seminole. Freeman smiled as she says she’s heard one person say that no one ever thought the museum would actually happen, but they supported it because Gibson was such a nice guy. Still, it was more than eight years before the museum opened in its first location, and then a $50,000 donation helped make it possible to renovate an old grocery store.

“It was very slow and discouraging at first, but gradually momentum built and people began to understand what a children’s museum is and became convinced that it was something that was going to be an asset to our community and it would be worth supporting,” Gibson said. While his children are grown, Gibson now has grandchildren whom he sometimes takes to the museum. His favorite attraction is the Bubble Room. “They’re doing a great job,” says Gibson, who hasn’t served on the organization’s board of directors since about eight years ago. “It’s turned out extremely well.” Attendance has experienced “steady growth” since the museum opened in 2002, the website says. About 20,000 visitors are expected this year, Freeman says. “For a community of 8,000, that’s pretty good,” she says, and adds that one out of five visitors is from Commerce. Others come from nearby communities - Royse City and Rockwall, for instance. Freeman says the museum is geared toward children in third grade and younger. “I’m pleased with the age group. You’re helping young mothers with children,” Freeman says, and playgroups often make use of the museum. In addition to the standing exhibits, the museum offers a number of programs for children. Healthy Kids from A to Z, for instance, is an eightweek program offered with the help of the Hunt Regional Healthcare. It focuses on the alphabet to teach 3- to 5-year-olds about healthy lifestyles. Moms get to visit during the program or attend other healthy lifestyle programs. Science and math programs are offered to third- and fifth-graders during the school year. Summer camps and special events on Fridays during the summer also are part of the museum’s offerings. The key to offering such programs, Freeman says, is to find people who will volunteer their time. Otherwise, the programs have to be canceled if there aren’t enough people who register. “It’s just a matter of who we know that will agree to do it for free,” she says. On a recent Friday, a husband and wife who are members of the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution, Wendell and Linda Edwards, dressed in period costume for a presentation on Colonial days.

At the end, children got to play with wooden tops, try their hand at the “Game of Grace” — in which children toss decorated rings back and forth, catching them with two sticks — and other games. Elijah giggled while trying to throw the rings back and forth during the Game of Grace or while trying to throw a dried corn cob through a ring. They were temporary diversions, though, before he begged to go back into the museum.

Many of the exhibits are unique to the museum because they’re things people have made for the organization, Freeman says. The child’s train, which the children operate by turning bicycle-like handles with their hands, and the model train are on loan from a private collection until September. Freeman smiles as she points to the pyramid-like mountains that were part of the display and explains they previously were part of an Egyptian exhibit at the museum.

“We’ve pretty well tried to repurpose those things that we can,” she says. She knows the museum can’t remain the same in order to continue attracting visitors. It must continually offer new exhibits and activities. The next level, she says, is continuing to improve the exhibits and purchase exhibits. “We’re in a really good place,” she says. “But figuring out how to take it to the next level is the challenge.”

Top 10 Grandparent Activities By RACHEL STALLARD | Courtesy Photo

One of the best things about activities involving grandparents is the opportunity to make old things new again. From camping under the stars, to seeing museum exhibits with different eyes, it’s often the company that makes a trip memorable — not just the event itself. Below are 10 activities grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together in East Texas. For more ideas, visit www.INMagTexas.com.

75th East Texas Yamboree, Yamboree Park on Hwy. 271 in Gilmer. Open from Oct. 17-20. Activities everyday and nightly entertainment. Call Gilmer Area Chamber of Commerce at 903-843-2413.

Discovery Science Place, 308 N. Broadway, Tyler. View bats in the bat cave, trigger an earthquake into motion under your feet, snake your way through mysterious tunnels and explore the depths of a limestone cavern. Call 903533-8011 or visit www.discoveryscienceplace.org.

Heritage Syrup Festival- Downtown Henderson and Depot Museum (514 N. High St.) Hayride shuttle provided. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. Watch demonstrations on Ribbon Cane Syrup making and let the children participate in treasure hunts and petting zoos.

Tyler State Park, off FM 14, north of Interstate 20. Overnight camping, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, hiking and the Whispering Pines Nature Trail. $5 daily.

The Hobbit, at Braithewaite Theatre, 400 Rose Park Drive, Tyler. From Oct. 1 to 7, times varying. $15 for students, $18 for adults. Based on the classic novel by J.R.R.. Tolkein. Visit tylercivictheatre.com or call 903-592-0561.

Brookshires World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store, 1600 WSW Loop 323, Tyler. Free admission. Features more than 450 mounted examples of wildlife and a replica 1920's grocery store. Picnic and playground facilities available. Visit www.brookshires.com/museum or call 903-534-2169.

Make and Take Pottery - Piddlin Pottery, 4007 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, 903-939-9111; The Mud Hut, 1001 Fourth St., Longview, 903-248-9222. Choose, create and glaze your own pottery in both of these local studios. Prices range from $10 to $50 for a one-of-a-kind gifts created with and for your family.

8 9

Texas State Railroad. Runs parallel to Hwy. 84 between Rusk and Palestine. Passengers may board excursion trains at either the Rusk (Park Road 70) or Palestine (Park Road 76) Depots. For a schedule and special events, visit www. texasstaterr.com or call 888-987-2461

Children’s Park in Tyler, 900 S. Broadway Ave. 900 S. Broadway Ave., located south of the intersection of Broadway and Dobbs. Parking is available on Dobbs Street and the parking lot adjacent to the park at Hogg Middle School.Call 903-939-1597.

Texas Rangers game, Major League Baseball in Arlington. Two weeks of home games in September with play-off potential in October. Visit texasrangers.com for tickets.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tyler Longview Canton

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band 7th Annual Firefighter Combat September 6, 7:30 p.m. Challenge The Cowan Center

www.uttyler.edu/cowan Petapalooza!

Canton Trade Days Aug. 30-Sept. 2 Downtown Canton

www.cantontradedays.com Mayors Walk

September 8, 8:30 a.m. Cherry Creek Park Tyler Museum of Art

Canton Trade Days

September 27-30 Downtown Canton www.cantontradedays.com

Lewis Auto Swap Meet

October 5-7 Downtown Canton

903-567-6762 12th Annual Autumn Stroll October 13 Downtown Canton 903-567-1849

9th Annual National Dutch Oven Gathering October 19-21 Canton Civic Center

nationaldog2012.com

Winnsboro Winnsboro Fine Art Market November 3-4 www.winnsboroart.com

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October 12, 5:00-11:00 p.m. Broadway Square Mall

63rd Longview Jaycees Gregg County Fair September 7-15, 6-11 p.m. Longview Fairgrounds

Texas Equestrian Gala

Camo Expo 2012

September 9-November 11 $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students Tyler Museum of Art

Festival on the square

18th Annual PAR BUSTERS Golf Tournament

Bethesda Birthday Bash September 21 Villa Di Felicita

October 19, 2 p.m. Admission: $5 - $65 The Cowan Center

Live Music at Rick’s

Harvest Festival & Grape Stomp

September 8, 10-5 p.m. Bergfeld Park

The Wyeths Across Texas

October 13 Texas Rose Horse Park www.azleway.org

October 13, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Downtown Tyler Square

Texas Rose Festival Coronation

Every Friday and Saturday night Rick’s on the Square rix.com

October 20, 10-6p.m. The Kiepersol Vineyard

September 24, 11:30 a.m. Willow Brook Country Club

Glenwood Blvd & Front St. www.texasrosefestival.com

www.kiepersol.com Celebrity Luncheon with Leeza Texas Rose Festival Parade October 20, 9 a.m. Gibbons

DodgeBall Tournament for Parent Services Center October 6 First Christian Church Gym

Queen’s Tea

October 20, 1-3 p.m. Tyler Municipal Rose Garden

www.texasrosefestival.com

Country For Our Country

Young Life Banquet

countryforourcountry.org AHA Tyler Area Heart Walk & Run

East Texas Music Awards October 27, 6:30 p.m.

October 6 Villa Di Felicita

October 6 Registration 8 am, Walk/Run 9 am. Robert E. Lee HS Track & Rose Rudman Park

October 22, 6:26 p.m. Green Acres Cross Walk Center (903) 526-0550

www.etxmusic.com Nightwork October 5, 7-11 p.m. Lago Del Pino

September 8, 11 a.m. Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center

September 10 Wood Hollow golf Club

Monster Truck Fall Nationals

September 15 LoneStar Speedway www.MonsterTruckFallNationals.com

The Midtown Men

September 18, 7 p.m. Belcher Center Box Office www.belchercenter.com

Gregg County Area Go Texan Sporting Clay Shoot September 29 Prairie Creek Lodge

(903) 757-4444 Mobberly Baptist Church Garage Sale

September 28-29, 7 a.m.-6p.m. Mobberly Baptist Church

Gregg County Area Go Texan Sporting Clay Shoot September 29 Prairie Creek Lodge (903) 757-4444

NEEDTOBREATHE

October 13, 7:30 p.m. Belcher Center Box Office

www.belchercenter.com

Austin Ben Wheeler Ben Wheeler International Model A Day

September 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Downtown Ben Wheeler

Hog Fest 2012: Pigs On Parade October 26-27, 10 a.m. Downtown Ben Wheeler

Van

Van Oil Festival October 13 Downtown Van

Gilmer

Gilmer Yamboree October 18-20 yamboree.com

Nacogdoches Splash Jam

September 2, 5 p.m. Elizabeth Milburn Park

The Art of Giving Gala

September 22, 6 p.m. Austin Hilton Admission: Individual $150, Couple $275

Old Pecan Street Festival

September 29-30 E. Sixth Street www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com

55th Annual Fire Fest October 5, 5-10 p.m. Buda City Park 512-295-2292

26th Annual Outlaw Trail 100 Cycling Tour October 13 Dell Diamond Admission: $30 512-341-3361

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Ladies Night Out

September 20 Fredonia Hotel www.hotelfredonia.com

Nacogdoches Film Festival

September 21, 7 p.m. www.nacogdochesfilmfest.com

October 12-14, Zilker Metropolitan Park www.aclfestival.com

Roundtop

Austin Film Festival & Conference October 18- 25 www.austinfilmfestival.com

October 2-6 www.roundtop-marburger.com

Texas Book Festival October 27-28 State Capital Building

Marburger Farm Antique Show

Addison

Travel the World in a Weekend with Worldfest October 20-21 Addison Circle Park www.addisontexas.net

25th Addison Oktoberfest September 20-23 Addison Circle Park Addisontexas.net

Arkansas

74th Annual Arkansas State Fair October 12-21 Little Rock www.arkansasstatefair.com

21st Annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival October 12-22 Fayetteville

Dallas Labor Day Cookout

VideoFest 25

469-554-7423 Fabulous Fashion Night Out

Florence and the Machine

September 3, 11-3 p.m. Dallas Zoo

September 6, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. The Galleria Galleriadallas.com

September 27-30 Dallas Museum of Art 214-428-8700 September 30 Gexa Energy Pavilion

(214) 421-111

The North Texas Kids Triathlon Bloominâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bluegrass Festival & September 16 Chili Cook-Off University of Texas at Arlington

817-272-2011

October 19-20 Farmers Branch Historical Park (972) 919-2620

Want your event on our calendar? email the details to lea@inmagtexas.com Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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Room From Heaven 2013 Room Makeover

Contest

Your â&#x20AC;&#x153;room in needâ&#x20AC;? organized for FREE! Enter our Free Room Organization Contest by mailing or emailing pictures plus a detailed story about one room that you, a friend, relative or small business needs organized NOW! Winner will receive a FREE room organization package from Creative Order & Design and IN Magazine to take place October, 2012

Email entries to RoomFromHeaven@CreativeOrderDesign.com Or mail story and picture to: Creative Order & Design 5621 S. Broadway, #409, Tyler, TX, 75703 ENTRY DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 1)

RULES OF THE CONTEST

Outdoor locations such as garages, storage rooms, porches will not be considered. Locations must be owned by contest winner, and not rented or leased. 2) Applicants must complete an online survey regarding contest site after entry has been submitted. 3) Pets of any kind may not be at location during time of session. 4) Top 3 contest finalist must agree to a site visit and interview by COD and IN Magazine representatives. 5) Winner must be willing to have full name revealed in final story, published by IN Magazine, printed in January, 2013, issue. 6) Residents of location must be willing to leave location and return upon reveal of completed project. 7) Winner must be willing to incur expense of any desired changes not included in organizing package. 8) Photography and videography release must be signed by winner.

122 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

www.CreativeOrderDesign.com

Gala

Texas Equestrian Benefiting Azleway

Helping Texas Children in Crisis

October 1 3, 201 2 Free Pick-up & Delivery

Convenient Locations

903.939.9900 www.bigredhanger.com

Party with a purpose at the Texas Rose Horse Park, featuring the most unique entertainment of the year! Grand Prix Jumping Texas Wine & Cheese Tasting Live & Silent Auctions Villa Montez Catering Music by Scotty G

You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss it!

For sponsorship & ticket information, contact: Susan Stuart Chairperson 903.283.2537

slazar@flash.net

Gail McGlothin Azleway, Inc. 903.566.6827 ext. 2015

gail.mcglothin@azleway.org

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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food & culture

Southwestern Colorado S An exciting and memorable travel experience surrounded by beautiful scenery.

By DESTINATION DIVA, DEBBIE LABICKI

Photos courtesy of Durango Area Tourism Office, Soaring Treetop Adventures and Chipeta Solar Springs Resort..

Surrounded by mountains and crisp, fresh air, I embarked on one of the most exciting and memorable travel experiences. We flew directly into Durango and rented a little red Toyota RAV4. With map in hand, we set out on the premier Scenic and Historic San Juan Skyway, designated as the All American Road. I coined it “not for the faint of heart.” We planned on covering the 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains in four days. Our first stop was the old 1800s mining town of Silverton. With quite a sordid and lascivious past and rumors that there’s still gold and silver in those mountains, I felt as if I rode into a movie set from the Old West. We took a stroll down the streets and indulged in little shopping. Back on the 550, we winded through the shadow of impressive 14,000-foot peaks. This segment from Silverton to Ouray is called the Million Dollar Highway. Breathtaking to almost hyperventilating as the hairpin turns wind precipitously up through those gorgeous views and unbelievable nature in the raw. As the town of Ouray approached, I experienced why it is known as the Switzerland of America. Ouray is famous for its mining heritage, mineral hot springs and incomparable beauty. It is also known as the Jeep Capital of the World. San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours is located in the lobby of the Historic Western Hotel and Saloon. The hotel was constructed as a miner’s palace Continued on pg.126

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Dennis Weaver Memorial Park, Ridgeway, CO.

Soaring Treetop Adventures, Durango, CO.

Ourey, CO.

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort, Ridgeway, CO.

The Rochester hotel in Durango,125 CO. Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

food & culture

Continued from pg.124

in 1891, the richest year of the sliver boom. We made plans with Greg Pieper, the owner of the Jeep Tour, to take a ride on the next day. After a great lunch we headed on about 10 miles on 550 to Ridgeway in the heart of the Uncompaghre Valley, to Chipeta Solar Springs Resort where we would be staying for the next two evenings. Chipeta Resort is centrally located on the San Juan Skyway. The Chipeta Solar Springs Lodge has 25 Southwest-style boutique hotel rooms and condos. We were given a tour of the spa, yoga and fitness center before going into our private two-story suite. The dramatic rooms are all individually designed in adobe style. Chipeta Lodge was perfect for our health-conscious ideals. An intimate courtyard, large outdoor pool and waterfall welcomed me for a swim and a few steps above was the thermal soaking pool with mountain views. Dinner plans were just a few steps from our suite at the Four Corners Café inside the lodge, offering fresh local and organic cuisine. It was an easy choice to decide to dine on the Rooftop Deck Skybar with spectacular views. Chef Adrian had been just awarded Top Chef in the Taste of Ouray, and we were delighted to meet him at our table. We also enjoyed visiting with resort owner Jack Young and manager Roger Gardner during dinner as they shared so much about the area and also of their resort in Fiji, Koro Sun Resort. Some of the favorite summer things to do around Ridgeway include hot air ballooning, rafting, fishing, mountain biking and hiking, day trips to Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park or Mesa Verde Park. Winter season has an extensive list as well. The sun began to set as the musician began to play; I only wished I had planned another week to enjoy area as this was just the first evening. True Grit Café was just a short walk for breakfast. Locals love to dine at this legendary café decorated with western movie memorabilia, which is also the location where the John Wayne movie “True Grit” was filmed. A two mile hike on an easy path from town led us to the new Dennis Weaver Memorial Park. San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours back in Ouray was our adventure destination for the afternoon. Keith Gerry, our guide, a family from Louisiana and a fellow from Arizona made up our group. I was glad we decided to go with the guided tour instead of solo rental because we garnered so much history and information. We headed out into the grandest ride with high cliffhanging roads that the 1880s prospectors, adventurers and mountaineers used, viewing old mining ghost towns above Ouray, Silverton and Telluride. This touring company was featured twice in National Geographic, and I felt as if I were on a filming crew as we climbed up the steep hairpin turns into the snow caps. Our guide, Keith, was exceptional, and I began relax on the way down taking in remote valleys, wild flowers and the rugged beauty. (Don’t worry there was a comfort station perched on a mountain) If I had rented a solo Jeep, I most certainly would have gotten lost out there. The spa at Chipeta Solar Lodge welcomed me with the ultimate in a heavenly therapeutic massage for my beleaguered muscles. After an hour of bliss it was time to get back on the road, heading out to the bustling ski resort of Telluride. Off season you can ride the gondola over the mountain and take in the views. Back on the road we headed to Dolores and stopped at the Anasazi Heritage Center, dedicated to the ancestral Puebloan- also called the Anasazi- culture, as well as other Continued on pg.128 126 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Soaring Treetop Adventures, Durango, CO.

Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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ments to get into and out of the trees. I soared through old-growth forest, Aspen glens and several times over the Animas River. I loved going over the river as it rushed below me. A unique non-braking system allows guests to ride hands-free. I overcame a small fear of heights by the middle of the adventure and enjoyed exhilaration never experienced before, soaring from platform to platform with guides aiding each guest and thoroughly checking equipment at each site. An incredible four-course gourmet lunch was served in the trees overlooking the river, keeping with the five-star quality of the experience.

The entire staff of Soaring Tree Top Adventures was first class. The train picked us up after our five-and-a-half hour adventure, and we headed back to Durango on the same car we arrived in. The whole experience was surreal. I could not believe I had just soared up in those mountains and over the Animas River. Riding back aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, I felt part of the living history of a true American treasure that has been continuous for more than 130 years. Every time a train whistles blow, memories return of this uniquely American excursion and the historical significance to our heritage.

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Native American cultures represented in the Four Corners region. The Mesa Verde National park would be another choice if you have at least four hours to spend exploring. We continued on to Durango as we had exciting plans for the next day. Once in Historic Downtown Durango, we checked into the lobby of the Rochester Hotel. This distinctive property was built in 1892 and inspired by the many Western movies filmed in and around Durango. Nancy led us across the quaint street to The Leland House, which offers 10 charming rooms and suites. We had a lovely complete suite with historic dĂŠcor. Both inns offer a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning in the lobby of the Rochester, and homemade cookies and tea are served every afternoon. Old-fashioned bicycles with baskets are complimentary for guests. In the morning we walked the couple of short blocks to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station. As the iconic coal-fired, steampowered engine blew its whistle, goose bumps rose on my arms before I even entered the train. National Geographic Traveler in 2010 named the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as the No. 1 North American Train Trip. This was our transportation to Soaring Tree Top Adventures our destination via this private first class train car. Phillip (last name) was our private attendant representing Soaring Tree Top Adventures, an extreme zip line adventure and the only one of its kind in the continental United States. The adventure was rated the top attraction in the United States on TripAdvisor.com. We were experiencing two unique adventures in one day. This five-star experience began the moment we embarked on the train. The train came to the private station of Soaring, and we were greeted by expert Soaring Sky ranger guides, the management team and Eco Tour specialists. An informative briefing and personal equipment fitting for our group of 30 was professionally expedited. Open to the public in 2004, Soaring has been enjoyed by guests since April 1991. The company holds several patents, including an ecologically sound, non-invasive system to attach the cables and lacey stainless steel platforms to the old-growth Ponderosa pine trees without a single bolt, nail or screw penetration the trees. Soaring consist of more than 34 eco-friendly platforms with 27 spans ranging from 56-1400 feet and several unique ele-

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outdoors

It's Not Just a Sport The Tyler Metro track club began in 1999 with eight kids in its first competitive year. Interest in the club sparked around East Texas, however, and the club boasted about 60 members the following year. Story and Photos By VICTOR TEXCUCANO

130 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Coach Tutu Brown, a soft-spoken man with an infectious love for track and coaching, leads practice of the Tyler Metro Track and Field Club without shouting. Instead, he offers encouraging remarks to the runners. Tutu rarely raises his voice, except to yell instructions across the field. Even when students attempt to get away with a half-hearted effort while practicing falling starts in the 100-plus-degree heat, Tutu only calls individual runners by their first name, which they know means they need to come back and try again, this time with improved effort. “You can do better than that,” he says calmly. The participants, who always come back with a smile, clearly respect their coach and his advice in the sport. The students practice at high school tracks in Tyler and do their best to escape the punishing East Texas heat when possible, using whatever slivers of shade they can find around the track complex. The students’ work ethic cannot be questioned. At the beginning of practice, after stretching, each child runs his or her warm-up lap around the track. A lap around the 400-meter track is enough to send many people searching for water and shade, yet these athletes are only beginning their work out. In the next two hours, they will practice relay handoffs, starts and other drills designed to perfect their trade. The athletes rarely complain and always appear interested in what their coaches have to say. “They come out and sweat, bleed and throw up,” he says with a laugh. “When you deal with them every day and see how they come out and put their heart into it, it just kind of blows you away.” The athletes, who prepare for track meets against similar clubs across the state, manage to work hard while still having a good time. The students hardly ever spend more than a moment without smiling or laughing. In between running, they joke around with each other and their coaches, while still focusing on their goals. Tutu, who is also assistant track and field coach at Whitehouse, keeps his athletes’ attention by offering valuable advice. The Tyler Metro track program has had many runners succeed in college track, such as Ravyn Hayward, who is running track for Northwestern State University in Louisiana. Ravyn began running for Tyler Metro during his sophomore year at Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler. He says the club taught him discipline, hard work, eth-

Coach Tutu Brown holding a meeting at a Tyler Metro Track practice.

ics and teamwork, among many other things. “The things you learn in all sports, you will learn in track,” he says. Ravyn says, however, individual discipline in track is more important because the runner has to succeed individually first before one can help the team. He has a high opinion of the club, as well as Coach Brown and the other coaches at Tyler Metro. “A lot of these kids, if they weren’t out here, they’d be at home watching TV, or playing Playstation,”Ravyn says. “But for a lot them, this is a chance they won’t get somewhere else. I really appreciate Tutu and all the other volunteers, for coming out here—because they don’t have to be out here.” He also acknowledges the coaches commitment, since a lot of them even transport kids to and from practice. They do it, Ravyn says, “for the love of the kids, and the love of the sport.” “That’s a hard thing to find,” he says.

“People willing to give hours on end to see a kid run and see a smile on his face.” Like Ravyn, other past members of Tyler Metro return and train on the same track as the students, often providing guidance. Ravyn says looking back on his years at the club, it was more than just a track club; it truly became a family. The coaches and parents who help at the club became father figures and mother figures for the runners who do not have their parents out there. “It means a lot more than just running,” he says, “because a lot of these people put a lot of love into it.” The Tyler Metro Track Club was started by Tutu in 1999 after seeing his daughter’s prowess on the track. At that time, Brown began assisting for his daughter’s track club in Arp. Soon, however, Tutu began looking for youth track events across the state and began meeting athletes across the East Texas area. Continued on pg.132 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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[ ] “Once you start something, you always finish it,” he says. “One thing we try to teach them is you’re not going to get something out of nothing.”

Continued from pg.131

Tutu, who ran track for four years at White house High School and two in the U.S. Air Force, began finding events sponsored by USA Track & Field, Amateur Athletic Union, Hershey’s Track & Field, Texas Amateur Athletic Federation and other track organizations who held events on the state and national level. The club began with eight kids in its first competitive year. Interest in the club sparked around East Texas, however, and the club boasted about 60 members the following year. One of the club’s main goals, Tutu says, is to teach the students discipline. “Once you start something, you always finish it,” he says. “One thing we try to teach them is you’re not going to get something out of nothing.” Volunteers strive to provide participants with guidance in their youth, something Tutu says is exceptionally important, since many of the athletes come from single-parent homes. The club works with the students through a mentorship program, keeping up with the athletes throughout the school year, making sure their grades are in good shape. They also help the students with the SATs and ACTs and help usher them into college through athletic scholarships. “We teach them about life situations; not only just about the sport, to where they’re able to succeed in life, not just succeed on the field,” says Selwyn Dues, coach and vice presi-

132 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

dent of the club. The club volunteers also work with the parents to see what type of goals they would like their children to accomplish. Selwyn says the coaches work to become a parent-type figure to these athletes, and to provide them with something constructive to do to keep them busy and off the streets. Selwyn also says they keep up with athletes throughout the school year, even after they leave the program. “We keep up with them, and they keep up with us,” Tutu adds with a chuckle. “Because they’re tearing up our phones.” At the end of practice, while the students sit and replenish fluids in the mild glow of the setting sun, Coach Brown and the other coaches address goals for future practices and upcoming track meets. The athletes listen intently, some still breathing a bit heavy while cooling down from their workout. When practice concludes, the runners come up to Tutu with questions, mostly about the next practice. Tutu gives the runners his full attention as he answers their questions. He clearly has a passion for what he does. So much so that he cannot put it into words, he says. Brown compares the benefit of the club on the students to how a diamond is created from a piece of coal. “With the kids, that’s what we end up finding,” he says.“We just have to dig through the rough parts and find the star inside.”

“The main thing we're using baseball for at this point in his life is to teach him how to be a good teammate and to teach him how to win and lose with class.”

Tyler East Senior All Star designated hitter Mason Aldredge connects in his at-bat against West University State Seniors at the Little League State Tournament on July 24.

Fall Ball

By ANDY TAYLOR | Photos by JAKE WADDINGHAM

Little league players participate in off-season games.

For most sports fans the beginning of fall signals the start of football, hockey and basketball seasons, while baseball wraps up a seven-month journey to the World Series. But for some Tyler little leaguers, the onset of autumn means baseball is only getting started. Each year Rose Capital Little League offers fall ball, an opportunity for young baseball players to develop their skills, practice with a new age group or simply spend more time with the sport they love. The Rose Capital East and West divisions alternate hosting the fall league, and this year is the West’s turn. The spring baseball season typically includes more players and therefore more teams and larger leagues. But the differences between fall and spring ball go beyond the actual number of participants. While the fall league includes a diverse group of players with varying interests, many of the participants take baseball more seriously than the average little leaguer. “They tend to be a little more swayed toward kids who are more focused

on just that one sport,” says Julian Rayzor, president of Rose Capital West Little League. “Or you see some that may be borderline in their age group, and they’re looking to get some extra practice and extra cuts in to improve their skills.” Julian’s son, Rhodes, 8, will be among those playing fall ball this season. Like so many others, Rhodes plays the extra season simply because he enjoys the game. Julian says he encourages his son to pick one sport he enjoys and stick with it. For Rhodes, it’s an easy choice. “He’ll sit there and watch nine innings of professional baseball on TV,” Julian says. “He just loves baseball.” Rhodes isn’t the only one is his family with an appreciation for the sport. His father played centerfield at Monsignor Kelly High School in Beaumont and Sterling College in Kansas. Julian also played football during that time, which is another reason he is supportive of his son’s interest in baseball. His years spent tackling opponents as a linebacker left him with lasting injuries that are common among football players. He says that as long as his son shows an interest in baseball, which involves fewer collisions and less risk of injury, he won’t push him to try football. Like Rhodes, many of the little leaguers who try fall ball do so because they aren’t interested in other sports. While some coordinate baseball practices with basketball or football games, players often feel compelled to pursue the area that interests them most.But that doesn’t mean fall ball is exclusive to kids who always have wanted to play baseball, says Donnie Thedford, RCWLL public relations coordinator. Donnie, who played in Rose Capital East Little League from 1980-84, said he has encountered several young playContinued on pg.134 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

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ers who finished their first spring season and ask, “What can I do now?” “They wanted to continue playing, they enjoyed it,” he says. “It’s definitely for some of the kids that are dedicated, but it’s also for some of kids that are just getting started.” Donnie’s son, Blake, 10, has played fall ball in the past and is considering playing this year. Like Julian, Donnie says he enjoys watching his son play a game that can teach young athletes valuable lessons. “The fact that he enjoys it makes me like to see the initiative that he wants Above: Southpaw Adam Graham fires in a pitch for the Tyler East Senior All Stars at the Little League State Tournament at Faulkner Park on July 23. Left: Second baseman Dillion McDuffie charges a ground ball against Lamar on July 25. 134 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

to get better,” he says. “The main thing were using baseball for at this point in his life is to teach him how to be a good teammate and to teach him how to win and lose with class.” Like its major league counterpart, youth baseball can be an emotional rollercoaster. The inherent competitiveness of kids is an early challenge for players experiencing exciting wins and painful losses for the first time. For Julian, it’s just another reason to embrace a sport that means so much to him and his son. “Baseball is a game of life. The best team doesn’t always win,” he says. “On any given day, anything can happen. Your pitching can be off, your hitting can be off, and sometimes you just don’t win. I think that’s so much like life.”

DOVE HUNTING A safe, affordable way to share your passion for the outdoors with your children By AIMEE ROBINSON | Courtesy Photo

Corey Mason grew up invested in the outdoors and has worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for more than 11 years. “I’ve been dove hunting since I was a child before I could carry a shotgun in a field with my grandfather and father, serving as the bird boy,” Mason says. The formative years he spent chasing frogs inspired Mason to purchase his own shotgun and take hunting, just as his father and grandfather did. “Dove hunting is a passion of mine,” he says. “A lot of children and adults are introduced to this hunter sport because there is no real financial output.” Mason explains that a hunter simply needs a shotgun, box of shells and few acres of land to be successful at dove hunting. Continued from pg.136

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[ ] "Texas harvests about a third of the dove hunted in the nation, with an annual harvest of six million doves a year."

Continued from pg.135

Now an adult, Mason works as the Migratory Shore and Upland Game bird Program Leader at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Dove hunting is the traditional opening sport of the hunting seasons in Texas and generates the most hunting efforts in the state. “There are about 300,000 dove hunters in Texas alone,” Mason says. Texas harvests about a third of the dove hunted in the nation, with an annual harvest of six million doves a year, he says. The reason there is a high population of doves in Texas stems back to the vast number of brush, nesting habitat and food production in native annual plants and agriculture crops, Mason says. “Dove hunting is steep in culture in Texas. There are dove events celebrated in local communities around the state,” Mason says. “Dove hunting is something Texas is proud of.”

Getting family involved

Dove hunting is a wonderful way to get children involved in hunting sports. Participants take away precious, long-lasting memories with their family and important safety and ethical lessons. 136 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

Zavalla native and retired rancher Bruce Barnes, reminiscing on his early childhood years, recalls learning how to shoot and the lessons he learned while receiving lessons from his father. “I was six years old and very eager for the right of passage. I thought I knew all there was about the rifle, which was pretty much true,” Barnes says. “But my easygoing dad was very serious about safety, a fact I really couldn't fathom until I started to teach my own kids, but I did learn, and I consider myself a safe shooter because of his concern.” Barnes took the lessons to heart and wanted to pass them down to his children. “All my kids I taught to shoot. I bought all of them their first .22 rifle,” he says. Barnes’ daughter took up hunting after she was married, and he was proud to say she still uses the skills he taught her years ago, now to provide for her family. “They still depend on hunting to provide meat for their family because they can't afford to buy beef,” he says. Barnes says learning to shoot also teaches responsibility. “Other than learning to shoot, what my dad taught me is that gun owner-

ship is a responsibility not be taken lightly,” he says. “You have the power of life and death in your hands. You have to know your target and what's behind it.” Bruce mentioned young hunters also learn lessons in ethics, such as not hunting out of season, taking only what you can use and how to make a humane, one-shot kill.

Safety and hunting

The state requires hunters to complete a hunter education course, allowing them to better grasp hunting and safety skills. The certification doesn’t expire and is recognized by all states requiring a hunter education course to be taken. Hunter education covers the skills, regulations and responsibilities of hunting, wildlife conservation and the outdoors, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. Every year, more than 30,000 youth and adults in Texas become certified in hunter education.” Every hunter, even out-of-state hunters, born on or after Sept. 2, 1971, must successfully complete the course or be accompanied while hunting. The minimum age for becoming certified is nine. Texas Parks and Wildlife employee and hunter-education coordinator Terry Erwin stresses the course’s importance. “After completing the course, the main thing to consider is pointing that muzzle in a safe direction,” Erwin says. “You should practice shooting clay birds first, they will (help you) gain skills to become a better hunter.” Wearing orange is an important safety precaution while spending time with family and friends in the field. Erwin says you should always wear blaze orange, at the very least an orange hat. “Doves can see colors, “Erwin says. “But if you’re still, you won’t shy the birds away.” Erwin lists several safety tips for young hunters heading out to the field for the first time, dog and gun in tow. “Don’t shoot at anything you don’t want to kill. Don’t shoot until you’re ready. Treat every gun like it’s loaded,” he explains. “Make sure of your target, what’s in front of and what’s beyond.” Taking children on their first hunt can bring long-lasting memories to store away in their memory bank. But be prepared with the knowledge of safety in the field to ensure not only a fun first hunting experience but also a safe one, allowing them to gain life lessons to remember years down the road.

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spirituality

Teaching Truth At Home

Chris Legg, LPC, is the Campus Pastor at First Baptist Church Tyler, South Campus (www.fbctyler.org). He runs a counseling clinic and he published a Bible study manual for fathers and mentors who want to guide their sons in the model of Deuteronomy six, called “The Gauntlet.” For more information and many more resources, go to www.chrismlegg.com. By CHRIS LEGG | Courtesy Photo

In the ancient Hebrew world, the Israelites certainly knew their freedom could be taken from them. They had experienced it essentially from the founding of their existence. They knew it was possible for cultures, societies and governments to take away their ability to gather and worship. Much of their history was spent in the condition of little to no freedom to gather and worship God together. Can a people continue to worship and grow without the option of meeting publically? Without paid spiritual leaders, can spirituality flourish? People continue to worship and grow in the absence of spiritual leaders only if the foundation of their life of faith is dependent not on the public meeting but on the core of the family. The Israelites understood the practicality of God’s teaching found in Deuteronomy Chapter 6: the truths of who God is and who we are must be taught in the home. We must be the main voice for spiritual teaching, and we must make the time for these conversations regularly and consistently. It is almost impossible to overestimate the importance of the parent’s role as spiritual leader for their family, especially if we desire for our children to follow in the same path. There are some things that cannot be delegated to others. It is certainly important for families to go to church, and youth and children’s ministries are great assistance to the Christian family, but that is what they are intended to be: assistance. Too often, we put them into a position to replace the spiritual life and leadership of the family. Children catch the passion of their parents, so when a parent shows there are certain things worth living and dying for, the chances are their children will pay close attention. Though parents can and should involve others to help young people engage with the truth of God, the foundation really needs to be laid in the home. My experience as a pastor and a counselor is children intuitively will see God the way they see their parents - especially their father. As a child grows older, he or she can choose to think of God differently, but their gut-level understanding will always most easily be the way they understood their parents. In the Bible, the role of the husband-father as the giver of blessing is an important element to recognize. A blessing is when a father or anyone else, but biblically it is typically the father, speaks identity into their loved ones. Speaking identity is referring to their future, their value, their promise and their person through words. As humans, we live in desperate need of this. The heavenly Father models this concept most powerfully at the baptism of Jesus when He speaks over His Son, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Every man I know has heard this or is waiting to hear this from his father. More information on blessings can be found

138 Sept/Oct 2012 | INMagTexas.com

in the classic “The Blessing” by Smalley and Trent. Experts on men’s issues comment to one degree or another on about how men still seem to have a major role in speaking identity. There is a stability that comes from a father/husband who is seeking to represent God’s truth to his family. A healthy perspective of spirituality, and especially a right relationship with our Creator, is vital for a healthy and complete life. There are just too many aspects of life, such as tough decisions, basic purpose, facing addictions and dealing with tragedies, which are virtually impossible to handle without clinging to something greater than ourselves. There are times when nothing short of devotion to God will get us through. The family is the most dependable source for devotion to God. Claiming a passion in one thing and then living as though other things were higher priorities will not be missed by children. Most of us know how sensitive the noses of teens are to any form of hypocrisy, right? Paul warns fathers not to exasperate their children. Some translations use the phrase “inspire to anger,” but the Greek word here is “athumos” – to take away their fire. Parents who claim God with their mouths, especially in a place where it is popular to do so, but then live as though there were no God higher than themselves “steal the fire” of their children. For much more depth on this, check out Tim Kimmell’s book “Why Christian Kids Rebel.” Finally, one of the reasons the family must be where the seeds of a relationship with God should be planted is found in the practical teaching of Deuteronomy Chapter 6. Moses reminds the people of the truths of who God is and who we are must be taught all the time in small doses. The big Christian buffet meal that most church services offer cannot accomplish it alone. We need God all the time, not just one day a week for a couple of hours. “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Your children and spouse need these blessings all day like drinks of water. Sure the spiritual meal each Sunday is a good thing, I am a pastor after all, but gatherings cannot sustain alone. The church staff cannot be there all the time for your family. You must be that example, the teacher, shepherd and blessing in their lives.

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