Images Tyler, TX: 2009 by Journal Communications

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TYLER, TEXAS

STRINGING THEM ALONG Youth orchestra brings music to the masses

BLOOMTOWN Roses and azaleas add color and crowds

Lake Effects Tyler State Park creates peaceful retreat

SPONSORED BY THE TYLER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2009 EDITION | VOLUME 4

TYLER, TEXAS CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 16 CHILDREN AT PLAY Tyler provides an array of sports activities for children of all ages.

20 EAT WHERE THE LOCALS EAT Locally owned restaurants provide one-of-a-kind dining experiences.

35 LAKE EFFECTS Tyler State Park creates a peaceful retreat.

51 STRINGING THEM ALONG Tyler Youth Orchestra brings music to the masses.

24 DOSES OF GOOD MEDICINE In Tyler, health care is a boon for the economy as well as a service to the citizens.

28 COLLEGE TOWN Tyler’s three college campuses give the city a vibrant culture.

33 BLOOMTOWN Famed Tyler roses and azaleas add color and draw crowds.

ON THE COVER Tyler State Park Photo by Antony Boshier

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TYLER BUSINESS 40 Take a Breath Research center works to reduce and/or eliminate airborne dust and related allergies.

42 Biz Briefs 45 Chamber Report 47 Economic Profile

D E PA R TM E NT S 12 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Tyler’s culture

33 Portfolio: people, places and events that deﬁne Tyler

48 Sports & Recreation 53 Health & Wellness 55 Education 56 Photo Essay 63 Community Proﬁle: facts, stats and important numbers to know

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images-tyler.com THE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE

What’s On Online nl

WELCOME TO COLLEGE TOWN With three college campuses located here, Tyler has an energetic academic and social atmosphere. Watch this and other quick videos in the Interactive section.

RELOCATION Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

PHOTOS We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.

FACTS & STATS Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

LOCAL FLAVOR From casual meals with friends to ﬁne dining in a beautiful setting, Tyler has restaurants for every appetite. Get a taste of local ﬂavor in our food section.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Tyler tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts. “Find the good – and praise it.”

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– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

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Walk on the Wild Side

WATCH MORE ONLINE | Visit the Tyler Zoo in our quick online video at images-tyler.com.

Tyler residents can embark on an adventurous safari without ever leaving the city limits‚ thanks to Caldwell Zoo‚ which sits on 85 acres and contains 2‚000 animals representing 250 species. Lions‚ elephants‚ giraffes‚ monkeys‚ macaws‚ ostrich‚ crocodiles and flamingos are just a handful of the animal exhibits that attract more than 600‚000 visitors to the zoo every year. Caldwell Zoo began in the backyard of D.K. Caldwell in 1937 as a petting zoo with parrots, monkeys and squirrels. By 1967, the zoo had acquired 500 animals from 87 species.

Learning Made Fun Discovery Science Place offers a hands-on math, science, technology and culture learning experience for kids. The museum opened in 1993 and features three exhibit halls within its colorful downtown location. The facility has become a destination for field trips and schedules a variety of camp courses during the summer months. One of the most popular attractions at Discovery Science Place is Discovery Landing, an 85-component area complete with a model mountain, a ship and an earthquake simulator. Another popular exhibit is Hometown USA, which features a miniature model of Tyler itself.

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Delicious Mail Order One tasty Tyler product makes an annual appearance on around 200,000 holiday tables across the country. The Greenberg Smoked Turkey moved from a family tradition to a commercial enterprise in the 1940s when a resident of Dallas heard about the delicious turkey and asked to have one delivered. Word of mouth continues to be the foundation of the company’s growth, though the turkeys have been featured in national food magazines, including Saveur. The national media has also discovered Janie’s Cakes in Tyler. Created by Janie Clapp, these premium pound cakes have been featured in Southern Living, Country Living and Texas Monthly. Clapp learned the art of baking from her grandmother and then added her own twist to her traditional pound cake recipe. The Plain Jane is just that, with no artificial ingredients. Other specialties include The Berry Jane with raspberry curd, The Tart Jane with lemon curd and The Cinnamon Jane with Saigon cinnamon buttercream.

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Almanac

Fast Facts Winning Wines Pierre de Wet, who immigrated to America in 1984, named Kiepersol Estates & Vineyards after his family’s farm in South Africa. The business is the realization of de Wet’s goal to create something lasting for his family. This 41-acre hand-planted vineyard produced its first vintage in 2000. Today, Kiepersol’s produces about 3,000 cases of wine – or 36,000 bottles – each year, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah. In November 2006‚ de Wet opened a second winery‚ KE Cellars‚ inside the Tyler city limits at the French Quarter on Broadway. Designed to resemble an Old World wine cellar‚ the shop offers Kiepersol labels, as well as other Texas wines‚ gifts and private labels.

One Brick at a Time Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Antique District is about one-half mile south of downtown Tyler and encompasses 29 blocks of residential, commercial and institutional structures. The neighborhood actually dates all the way back to 1848. In the 1920s, the area began to develop quickly thanks to oil exploration, and it became a desirable spot for residential and commercial development. Once prosperous merchants and professionals began moving in, red brick streets were built throughout the district to add cohesiveness to the neighborhood.

Q The city’s No. 1 tourist attraction is the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, which has 38,000 rose bushes and more than 500 varieties. Q Tyler State Park is a 985-acre refuge that opened in 1939 and has a 64-acre lake. Q Famous Tyler area natives include Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith, Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell, actress Sandy Duncan and White House correspondent Sarah McClendon. Q In 1985, the International Adopt-a-Highway movement originated in Tyler. The first road adopted for cleanup purposes was a 2-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 69.

Seek the Antique Located in the heart of downtown Tyler, the Antique District features interesting shopping for those who enjoy browsing antiques and collectibles. The numerous quaint antique shops here are filled with furnishings and accessories, vintage clothing, arts and crafts and jewelry. Antique shops have also sprung up elsewhere in Tyler, making this region one of the best in East Texas to find hidden treasures.

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Almanac

Tyler At A Glance POPULATION (2007 ESTIMATE) County Population: 198,705 City Population: 94,146 LOCATION Tyler is in northeast Texas, about 90 miles east of Dallas and 90 miles west of Shreveport, La. BEGINNINGS Tyler, named after President John Tyler, was officially incorporated in 1848. It is the county seat of Smith County and has the distinction of being the only city in America named for the 10th U.S. president. FOR MORE INFORMATION Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce 315 N. Broadway Ave. Tyler, TX 75702 Phone: (903) 592-1661 Fax: (903) 593-2746 www.tylertexas.com

Art Through the Centuries Even with a permanent collection of more than 700 works, the Tyler Museum of Art is still focused on growth. From its inception, the museum concentrated on exhibitions of 19th- and 20th-century art, but in recent years the scope of the exhibitions has changed to reflect the diversity of the region and interests of the community. The museum kicked off 2009 with two new exhibitions, “Nature Under Pressure: Etchings & Lithographs” by William B. Montgomery and “Lucid Dreams: Poems & Intaglios” by Michael Kuch. Both exhibitions have ties to Tyler. Montgomery was born in Tyler in 1953, and the Kuch works are from the collection of a Tyler couple.

Tyler

DALLAS 155

Lindale

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S MI TH Tyler

New Chapel Hill

Noonday

Whitehouse 155

Bullard

WATCH MORE ONLINE | Take a digital tour of Tyler at images-tyler.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.

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Kids Love It Here

TYLER PROVIDES PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN

STORY BY BRANDON LOWE

n Tyler, looking ahead to the future means investing in young people today. Keeping kids active is a goal Tyler takes seriously. “Because the community has a little bit slower lifestyle, family is a priority here,” says Waterson Calhoun, president of Tyler Little Dribblers, a popular Tyler youth basketball league. “People invest in kids here. And that is something that sets the community apart.” The focus on children in Tyler is demonstrated by the vast number and the enthusiasm of parents who volunteer

as coaches in local youth sports leagues such as Little Dribblers. “I am always impressed with the number of parents who spend time on helping these teams,” Calhoun says. “Most people see the value in taking up that kind of time with their kids. But here, our activities actually allow people to prioritize that way.” Calhoun says youth programs have an emphasis on coaching. Tyler’s youth athletic programs benefit from the presence of college sports, drawing coaches from that environment.

“We are very fortunate with the quality of some of the coaches who get involved,” Calhoun says. “That’s another aspect of our sports programs that sets us apart.” David and Paula McKinney, owners of Tyler Indoor Soccer, are also impressed with community and parental support for youth activities in Tyler. About 600 kids are involved in the twice yearly indoor soccer programs. That number translates into hundreds of parents who handle the logistics of practices and games, cheer on the

Water slides, horseback riding and indoor climbing keep kids active at Sky Ranch summer camp.

More Insight

A SAMPLING OF TYLER’S YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS

FOOTBALL The Lions Club PopWarner program Tyler Cowboys Youth Football Teams HOCKEY Tyler Inline Hockey Center

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GYMNASTICS Texas East Gymnastics TENNIS Falkner Tennis Center

BASKETBALL Tyler Little Dribblers

BASEBALL Rose Capital West Little League Rose Capital East Little League

SOCCER East Texas Spirit Soccer Club Tyler Indoor Sports Tyler Soccer Association

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ANTONY BOSHIER

children and volunteer as coaches. “For so many children to be participating is proof of the emphasis Tyler puts family,” Paula McKinney says. “Soccer, basketball and football are all big here. Basically, any sports activity a child wants is here.” Involvement begins at an early age. Tyler Indoor Soccer has a program for children as young as 18 months. “They don’t know they are learning soccer and teamwork, but they know they are having fun,” McKinney says. Parents themselves, the McKinneys

were drawn to Tyler because of its family atmosphere. “We moved here from New Mexico because of the sense of community and the excellent sports activities for children,” McKinney says. Summer camp is another favorite activity in Tyler. Sky Ranch, Pine Cove Christian Camps and Rockin’ C Ranch are family camps that offer youth and family programs at various times throughout the year. These popular camps include activities ranging from swimming to adventure hiking – all with a focus on fitness and fun.

The Little Dribblers basketball league practices at Hubbard Middle School. Right: Summer camps complement organized sporting activities in Tyler by offering additional opportunities for children to be active.

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EatWhere the

Locals Eat LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANTS PROVIDE ONE-OF-A-KIND DINING EXPERIENCES

STORY BY JESSICA MOZO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

ressed up or dressed down, you have plenty of options for dining out in Tyler. And we’re not talking about your average chain restaurants – these eateries are bona fide Tyler favorites with made-from-scratch cuisine you won’t find anywhere else. To really impress that special someone or to treat yourself to fine cuisine in a memorable setting, try Jake’s Tyler or Bernard’s Mediterranean Restaurant. “Our most popular dishes are oysters and fresh seafood. We clean it all in-house,” says Sam Moffitt, executive chef at Jake’s Tyler. “We carry a lot of oysters from the East Coast – Chesapeake Bay, Maine and Virginia – and Northern Canada, and most restaurants carry only gulf oysters. Gulf oysters are

muddier tasting because of poor water circulation, but East Coast oysters are really flavorful because they come from cleaner water.” Jake’s specialty is Atlantic Blue Point Oysters, served on the half shell or by the half dozen. Other seafood favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, Sesame-Seared Ahi Tuna with basmati rice and garlic sautéed sugar snap peas, and Australian ColdWater Lobster Tail with grapefruit buerre blanc, orzo pasta and sautéed spinach. “We also sell a lot of Certified Angus Beef steaks, and we always have weekly specials, which makes Jake’s a different restaurant each week,” Moffitt says. “We might do bacon-wrapped sea scallops, Chilean sea bass or beef

Dishes like yellowfin tuna and an extensive wine list create fine dining at Bernard’s Mediterranean Restaurant.

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“We’ve really changed fine dining in Tyler … Now they can find fine dining close to home.” stroganoff. A lot of our dishes have Spanish and Asian influences, because we like to expose Tyler to all the different foods out there. Our guests enjoy trying something unique.” Open since May 2008, Jake’s is already a hit with the Tyler community. The restaurant has three floors and offers live jazz and soul music on Friday and Saturday nights. The walls are decorated with pictures of Tyler from the ’30s and ’40s. “We’re working on constructing a bar and cigar lounge on the roof, and we’re planning to put an oyster bar upstairs later on,” Moffitt says. “We’ve really changed fine dining in Tyler because a lot of people drove to Dallas in the past to enjoy a nice dinner. Now they can find fine dining close to home.” Bernard’s Mediterranean Restaurant also provides an upscale dining experience with a large selection of pastas, steaks, and veal and chicken dishes. For a more casual lunch or dinner out, Tyler citizens flock to The Blue Store and Bruno’s Pizza & Pasta. Both are familyowned and operated. Bruno’s is a cozy, 80-seat pizzeria that serves up handmade pizzas loaded with toppings and an exceptional lasagna that keeps customers coming back for more. The Blue Store, located on State Highway 155, is combination meat market and restaurant where customers can buy fresh rib-eyes, filet mignon and New York strips to cook at home or enjoy lunch right in the store. “We do plate lunches with one meat, three vegetables and a dinner roll or cornbread for $6.99, or customers can order a freshly grilled hamburger, cheeseburger or chicken sandwich,” says Billy DeLong, whose parents opened The Blue Store in 1991. “Our menu changes every day, but beef tips are by far our best seller, and we do them on Thursdays and Saturdays.” Daily vegetable choices might include turnip greens, fried okra, cabbage, broccoli casserole or corn casserole. And there are always homemade desserts for a sweet ending to any meal; choose from peach cobbler, blackberry cobbler and banana pudding.

Large picnic tables painted with a Texas flag motif welcome visitors to The Blue Store. Right: Bruno’s Pizza & Pasta has been in business for more than 30 years.

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Doses of

Good

Medicine

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FOR TYLER, HEALTH CARE IS A BOON FOR THE ECONOMY

STORY BY BRANDON LOWE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

ith Tyler’s reputation as a great place to retire, it’s no wonder the area can also claim to be the health-care hub of East Texas. In Tyler, four major hospitals, several specialized clinics and other medical-support outlets create a strong pulse for the Tyler economy and reinforce the city’s status as the heart of health-care services for residents throughout the region. “In the bigger picture of the East Texas community, Tyler is known as the place to come for health care,” says Henry Bell, president and CEO of the Tyler Chamber of Commerce. “Tyler has a concentration of great physicians that is as strong as anywhere in Texas.” The latest triumph for East Texas is the naming of Texas Spine & Joint Hospital as the No. 1 hospital in Texas for spine surgery for 2009 according to the HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study. The study noted that the hospital’s outcomes for spine surgery not only exceeded quality expectations, but were the best in Texas. “Cutting down on post-treatment complications is one of

The citizens of East Texas look to Tyler’s four hospitals for top-quality health care. Left: East Texas Medical Center is undergoing a $21 million expansion.

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the most important issues facing health care,” says Dr. Charles Gordon, neurosurgeon and partner with TJSH. “Health care is continuing to become more transparent. Our physicians and staff are proud to be part of an organization that is working together for high patient quality.” “In just six years, the 20-bed, acute-care Texas Spine & Joint Hospital has become a major force in the Tyler medical community, in large part thanks to our patient-centered care,” says Tony Wahl, CEO, TSJH. “Our hospital was created to offer highly specialized services in a focused environment,” Wahl says. “That is why people come to Tyler for health care. They know that here they can get specialized, quality services.” Texas Spine & Joint Hospital started with 50 employees and in just over six years the hospital’s growth plan has taken the company to three new locations and increased the number of employees to 220. Another feather in Tyler’s cap is the ongoing $21 million expansion project to add two stories to the north tower of East Texas Medical Center. ETMC Regional Healthcare System CEO/President Elmer G. Ellis says the bricks and mortar of construction illustrate the larger message of the hospital’s growing service to the people and communities of East Texas.

“Due to ETMC’s strength in specialized patient care, we have seen significant increases in patient census, including many periods when the hospital is essentially full,” Ellis says. “The addition of the 72 beautiful rooms that will compose the new 5-North and 6-North units will have many positive effects for our facility as a whole and especially for the patients and guests during their stay.” The expansion project will also reduce congestion in ETMC Tyler’s Level 1 Trauma Center and increase the hospital’s capability to accept patient transfers. Also located in Tyler is The University of Texas Health Science Center, a recognized leader in interventional pulmonary medicine. With doctors who have served pulmonary fellowships at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the National Institutes of Health, and the Baylor College of Medicine, UT Health Science Center’s expertise in diagnosing and treating lung diseases is unmatched in this region. Meanwhile, Trinity Mother Frances has been recognized nationally for stroke management, cardiac services and patient satisfaction. Trinity Mother Frances’ services include a Heart Institute, the Center for Advanced Surgery and Technology, Neuroscience Institute and a new neonatal intensive care unit, the first of its kind in Tyler.

Technician Judy Porter operates a Phillips High Field Open MRI at Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, which specializes in artificial knee replacement. Left: Texas Spine & Joint Hospital is the top-ranked spine surgery hospital in the state.

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College Town

TYLER’S THREE COLLEGE CAMPUSES GIVE THE CITY A VIBRANT CULTURE

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STORY BY JESSICA MOZO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

yler has been home to college campuses for more than a century, but now more than ever, the community is developing a positive reputation as a real college town. Tyler’s three stars in higher education include the University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler Junior College and Texas College, and all three pride themselves on training a skilled workforce for the local economy. “The citizens of Tyler have much to be thankful for, and the city’s abundance of quality higher learning opportunities is no exception,” says Fred Peters, director of marketing and public information for Tyler Junior College, which has 12,000 students. “Tyler Junior College works in partnership with both Texas College and the University of Texas at Tyler and is the leading supplier of transfer students for UT Tyler. With all three institutions growing in enrollment and community support, Tyler is well-prepared to meet the increasing demands of the Texas economy.” All of Tyler’s higher education institutions offer a lively student life, with many housing options, competitive sports teams, strong academics and continuous improvements to their already attractive campuses. UT Tyler opened its new 38,000-square-foot, three-story University Center in January 2009, and the multiuse facility features a spacious restaurant, two-story glass walls with views of Harvey Lake, a sports café with pool tables and video games, meeting rooms for student organizations, and a ballroom. “UT Tyler is a safe university built on a 210-acre campus often considered to be the most beautiful in Texas,” says Dr. Rodney Mabry, president of UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 6,000 students. “The campus is home to 14 new and renovated buildings arranged around two lakes. The buildings are truly state-of-the-art, and the campus is in a park-like setting with trees and wildlife.” In August 2008, Tyler Junior College celebrated the opening of its first new residence hall in 30 years – the Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas Residential Complex. “The $28 million residence hall has a capacity of 462 and

With an enrollment of 12,000, Tyler Junior College is the leading supplier of transfer students for UT Tyler.

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“With three educational institutions, Tyler is prepared to meet the demands of the economy.” opened at full capacity with the start of the 2008-09 school year,” Peters says. “It features large rooms, a cyber lounge, a media room and a sand volleyball court. The complex is divided into two buildings connected by covered walking bridges that overlook a scenic courtyard and recreation area.” Like UT Tyler, Tyler Junior College is blessed with a spectacular campus marked by tall trees, lush lawns and botanical gardens, which are a local tourist attraction and serve as an educational resource for botany students. Texas College is Tyler’s oldest higher education institution. The historically black college was founded in 1894, enjoys a low faculty to student ratio and is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Texas College has a small student body of about 1,000 and a broad curriculum with 14 major areas of study. Despite its small size, Texas College offers lots of student life activities, ranging from bands and choirs to athletics.

Tyler Junior College is known for athletic excellence and packs Wagstaff Gymnasium and Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium for its basketball and football games. “Few two-year institutions have such a legacy of excellence in athletics,” Peters says. “TJC teams have claimed 38 national championships, including 26 from its men’s and women’s tennis programs. No other college or university in America, at any level, has claimed more national tennis titles in a single decade than TJC.” UT Tyler’s student athletes have garnered 71 American Southwest Conference All-Academic Team awards in addition to six ASC sports championships. “We offer a strong, exciting NCAA athletic program of which our students and community are extremely proud,” Mabry says. “The community is very supportive and has contributed substantial resources to enable us to build the finest athletic facilities in the ASC.”

Above left: Admissions officer Angeleta Beekman, left, assists UT Tyler grad student Robyn Hundley. Above right: Nursing students take notes in instructor Rebecca Fountain’s adult health class.

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HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER Four professional colleges and one traditional college of arts and sciences, offering more than 90 academic degrees programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels.

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TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE Two-year college offering associate degrees in arts, applied sciences and teaching, as well as tech prep and certificate programs. Tyler Junior College is a feeder school for UT Tyler.

TEXAS COLLEGE Providing a liberal education for 114 years and offering 16 baccalaureate programs with majors in art, biology, business administration, mathematics, music and more.

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WATCH MORE ONLINE | Tour the campus of UT Tyler in our quick online video at images-tyler.com. Student Mollianna Redding walks to class past the Millennium Carillon Tower on the UT Tyler campus.

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Portfolio

WATCH MORE ONLINE | See the beautiful blooms in the Tyler Rose Park in our quick online video at images-tyler.com.

Welcome to Bloomtown ROSES AND AZALEAS COLOR TYLER AND DRAW THOUSANDS OF VISITORS

he roses may bring people to Tyler every year, but the azaleas don’t exactly go unnoticed. The Rose Festival marked 75 years in 2008, but the Azalea Trails will shine in 2009 with a golden anniversary. The 8-mile trail, which begins at the intersection of South Broadway and Houston Street, features literally thousands of azaleas, dogwoods and other flowering trees, shrubs and more bulbs than can be counted. Numerous events, including craft shows and charity runs, take place in conjunction with the annual event, ensuring that there’s plenty to do both on the trail and off. For the folks who live along the trail, turning their yards into showplaces for others to enjoy is a labor of love, as well as a never-ending project. “It’s big for us every year,” says Guy Pyron. He and his wife, Joan, have lived on the trail for the last 15 years. “We open our yard to the public during that time, and we probably get about 15,000 people coming through.” The Pyrons relocated to Tyler from Dallas and chose the city in part because they were annual visitors to the festivals and enjoyed the activities and the beautifully landscaped

yards. When the chance came to purchase a home along the trail, they viewed the yard as a blank canvas and came in with shovels and fertilizer at the ready. “We do a lot of seasonal planting, and Joan puts out lots of bedding plants before it’s time for the trails to give our yard some extra color,” Pyron says. “We also have a lot of large ferns and overseed our grass with a lot of winter grass so it’s nice and green.” The Pyrons also have fencing, stone patios and a 10-by-25foot pergola on their three-quarter-acre property. “He’s done every bit of that himself, but he won’t tell you,” Joan says, praising her husband’s handiwork. As pretty as the yard is, the star attractions are the Pyron’s two cocker spaniels, which have their own sunbonnets and baskets, and are willing to pose for pictures. “We have kids come back every year just to see them, and if they’re inside asleep, we usually have to go and get them to come out and greet people,” Guy says. “They probably pose for 1,000 pictures a year.” Oh, and the azaleas? The Pyrons have somewhere between 700 and 800, at last count.

The Azalea Trail scenic driving tour and the Rose Festival showcase Tyler’s collective green thumb.

PHOTO BY ANTONY BOSHIER

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PHOTOS BY ANTONY BOSHIER

Rick’s Anchors City’s Nightlife Scene I

Rick’s On The Square is one of many lively nightlife spots in Tyler.

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The Cornerstone for all your real estate needs

Back: Don Stanley, Mary Simpson, Audrey Pongetti, Lorri Loggins, Joan Burns, John Owen Front: Brandy Sawyer, Vicki Waldron, Donna Shay, Mary Anne Davis, Andy Guinn

(903) 581-4141 U www.cornerstonebrokerage.com

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n the mood for some rhythm and blues, or maybe some prime rib after midnight? Check out Rick’s On The Square, which has been serving up both since 1992. The restaurant, which is open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, offers a full menu featuring everything from choice steaks to fresh seafood. After dark, Rick’s becomes one of Tyler’s many happening nightspots. The town caters to a wide range of music lovers, from college students looking for the next new sound to country, rock and R&B fans, and Rick’s works to bring in top-name performers to feed that hunger. “We’ve had music in here since I opened,” says Rick Eltife, owner. “We have bands in on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and bring in national and regional touring bands.” Performers have included Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Savoy Brown, Kim Simmons and Los Lonely Boys. Live music is hosted on the stage in the main restaurant area or on the full-service patio. There’s also a 6-foot grand piano in the dining room, adding another element to the music offerings. Hungry for prime rib at midnight or later? Eltife’s not kidding. “We serve our full menu until midnight or until 1 a.m. on Saturday,” he says. “You want an 18-ounce prime rib at 12:50 a.m. on Saturday? You can get it. We’ll even make lobster tail if you want it.” The 20,000-square-foot restaurant holds around 700 people between the main dining room, banquet room, lounge and patio, and stays pretty full most nights with diners, music lovers and those who come in to socialize and watch sporting events on the multiple large-screen televisions. “We try to offer a lot, and we think of ourselves as the premier live-music venue in East Texas,” Eltife says. “We’ve had all kinds of really hot entertainment come through, and people really like it. And we don’t charge a big cover, just enough to pay the band.” TYLER

State Park Is Peaceful Retreat from City W

hat do you get for the 70-year-old that has everything? In the case of Tyler State Park, a little cosmetic work around the edges and a reunion of sorts. The park, which is just north of the city in Smith County, hosts around 250,000 visitors a year and is the area’s No. 1 tourist attraction. Its 985.5 acres contain a 64-acre lake, which makes the park a draw for anglers and wildlife lovers, especially birdwatchers who take their place on or near the shoreline year-round. Boaters and scuba divers take advantage of the lake’s uncommon clarity. There are also 12 miles of multiuse trails, so bikers, walkers and hikers aren’t left idle, either. The park, which opened in 1939, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and it’s hoped that some who worked on the project will be able to visit for anniversary festivities in the spring or summer and give talks about the project itself, and what it was like to create such a huge park space, says Bill Smart, park superintendent.

“We’ve been in touch with a couple of the CCC guys who worked on the park, and we want to recognize them for what they did, and also for the legacy they left,” Smart says. “They’re a great way to talk about the park from before it even existed and tell how it all came about.” While no major renovations are planned, there is ongoing work here and there throughout the park as funding permits. Smart says that given the visitor traffic, the staff primarily concentrates on keeping the park’s public areas in good working order, and that’s plenty of work in its own right. “Last June we had almost 10,000 day visitors and about 9,350 overnight visitors, so during the spring and summer months, we stay pretty busy,” he says. “It does slow down some late in the summer, but then we’re trying to play catch-up a lot with maintenance and improvements. We get everything ready to hit the ground running for the next season.”

Lake Tyler State Park offers a quiet getaway within minutes of the city.

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Portfolio

YMCA Hits Half-Century Mark W

ith some new carpet here, a touch of paint there and a gala, the Tyler Area YMCA celebrated its golden anniversary in grand fashion throughout 2008. The gala, which took place in December 2008, honored the YMCA’s founders and other major players from its early days up to the present. And over at the building itself, everything from minor touch-ups to a full-scale renovation of the fitness area and wellness center took place, says Stuart Gilpin, chief executive officer. “We added new mirrors and put down the type of flooring that they use at the Olympics,” Gilpin says. “We also created a family room and are going to be doing more renovations as we get grants and other funds for work on the facility.” The 2,500-member YMCA also is hoping to add a climbing wall in one of two racquetball spaces that’s underused. “We want to introduce wall climbing here,” Gilpin says. “It’s something that no one else in town offers, and we think it would be really good for our youth members and others who want a new way to stay active.”

we’re doing what we’re meant to be doing, and they get excited. We really get quite a bit of support from the community, and that helps us focus on their needs, and gives them what they want in each facility. We really want to keep that community focus going forward even as we expand more into the region.” The YMCA’s hours of operation, programs and more can be explored at www.tylerymca.org.

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Also on tap is a new facility that will open in Wills Point, which will augment the Tyler and Whitehouse locations. For Gilpin, who has been with the Y for three years, the renovations and expansions are proof that the community values its YMCA and is willing to support it. “Our membership is increasing every day as people come back, and new people join,” he says. “They see that we’re really moving on things here, that

Tyler residents stay active and get in shape at the renovated YMCA.

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Tyler Catholic School System A Family of Schools Serving the Family of God Two Campus Sites â&#x20AC;&#x201C; One System A student says it all, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think of St. Gregory as a gift. It reminds me of the gifts of my life: my family, my friends and the dedicated teachers.â&#x20AC;?

BISHOP T.K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL Jim Franz, Principal

Gorman to me is a place where I am getting an excellent academic education, but in addition I am building lifetime relationships. Its size gives teachers and students the unique ability to know everyone by name in the halls, which creates a family like atmosphere for all. I am so grateful that God has blessed me with the privilege of attending this school.â&#x20AC;? ~Hanna Thompson

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Portfolio

Cowan Stage Brings Arts to Tyler Region

or more than a decade, the curtain has been rising on quality local and national productions at the R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center at The University of Texas at Tyler, and the future is looking just as bright for the facility that now serves as an arts hub for the city and region. The Cowan Center opened in 1997 with one performing arts series, and now it has five: performing arts, Broadway, Braithwaite Intimate Gatherings, distinguished lecture and education. In addition, the 2,012-seat venue is home to local organizations, including Ballet Tyler and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. “We are a venue for the university, but we also serve the community,” says Susan Thomae-Morphew, the facility’s director. “That’s our primary purpose and our mission. Through that, we are able to present national and international touring performers as well as let local organizations use the building for their own productions and artists’ programs. It’s all about bringing highquality performances to Tyler and serving the whole region.” Special events are also an important aspect of programming. “We’re always looking at what the community wants, and trying to serve our audience,” she says. “We work to find out who our patrons are, what they want and need, what our community needs, and also make sure that we serve all kinds of audiences. Our programming goal is to have diversity in music, and dance and theater and in the whole package.” The Cowan seeks community input so that it can bring in the shows that people want to see. “We’re very busy, but we’ve been able to bring great entertainment to the region,” Thomae-Morphew says. “That really is what we’re all about, and we think we continue to be very successful in doing so, thanks to our generous community and university support.” – Stories by Joe Morris TYLER

R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center

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Business

Take a

Breath RESEARCH CENTER WORKS TO REDUCE, ELIMINATE AIRBORNE DUST, RELATED ALLERGENS

STORY BY JOE MORRIS

neezing may never be a thing of the past, but dust and other airborne allergens are getting a second look thanks to TxAIRE. The Texas Allergy, Indoor Environment and Energy Institute is a collaboration between the University of Texas at Tyler, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and the University of Texas at Dallas. Begun with a $3.75 million seedmoney grant in 2007 from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, TxAIRE’s researchers will be looking into improved sensors, filters and other existing and idea-stage products. “This is a good economic investment for Texas and a project that has really 40

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“This is a good economic investment for Texas and a project that has really practical applications.” practical applications,” said James Nelson, dean of engineering and computer science at UT-Tyler, when the project was announced. “You can just look around at all the people suffering from allergies and sinus problems, and you can imagine the benefit these products are going to have. It is exciting, both from

a research perspective and from an economic standpoint.” TxAIRE marks the first time that such research has been done in hot, humid conditions and will involve lab equipment installed on campus in the new Ratliff Building North. Surveys of existing conditions and other startup TYLER

ANTONY BOSHIER

work began in 2008, and now the goal will be to bring in major manufacturers of HVAC equipment (air conditioners and heaters) and other related equipment as participants, says Tom Mullins, president and chief executive officer of the Tyler Economic Development Council and Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. “They have gone out to recruit the research team and set up the lab, and now we’re working with them on bringing in private sector companies such as Trane, Lennox, and Carrier,” Mullins says. “If

they start developing products that the existing companies can utilize, we’re going to want to be involved in helping them expand their operations if that needs to be an option. We also want to help if they come up with technology that a small group could take on, something the big guys might not want. We could help that smaller company get established.” The goal is to commercialize new tech nology to reduce suffering from asthma, allergies and breathing issues caused by dust, pollen and allergens. If,

on the way, Tyler becomes a recognized research and development location for such technology, so much the better. “We want to be known as a national or even international leader in terms of indoor air quality,” Mullins says. “We want to be the place where companies come to get scientific and quality reviews of their products, and input on technology or ideas they have that impact air quality. We would love to establish Tyler as a cluster for air-quality research, development and commercialization.”

TxAIRE’s research is discovering ways to improve filter systems for heating and air-conditioning systems.

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Business

Biz Briefs

A SAMPLING OF BUSINESSES – LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE TYLER’S STRONG AND WELL-BALANCED ECONOMIC CLIMATE

Scorecard BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

1,734,509 Total number of firms

$1,925,515 (per $1,000) Retail sales

$190,395 (per $1,000) Accommodation and foodservices sales

$22,169 Retail sales per capita

VILLAGE BAKERY Biz: cookies, pies, wedding cakes Buzz: Heating the ovens since 1948, the Village Bakery has been keeping Tyler residents happy with baked goods. Creations from this talented kitchen have made memories at birthday parties, weddings and other occasions. Generations of families have enjoyed the bakery’s famous gingerbread men. The Village Bakery recently added a Bridal Showroom. www.villagebakeryonline.com 42

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TEXAS ROTOR AND WING Biz: flight school Buzz: Chief pilot Brad Masterson has been flying since age 14, gaining experience in more than 40 types of fixed-wing airplanes and 10 models of helicopters. Masterson leads flight training at Texas Roter and Wing. Aspiring pilots are trained in Robinson helicopters and Cessna aircraft. www.easttexasrotornwing.com BUFE&BABIN Biz: fabric, furniture and accessories Buzz: For 15 years, owners Kathy Babin and Dee Dee Bufe have traveled the United States and Europe in search of the decorative and unusual. Their loyal customers travel from all over for these hard-to-find designs and have deemed the store a “must-stop” for those serious about interior design. www.bufeandbabin.com CELEBRATIONS FLOWERS & GIFTS Biz: full-service florist and gift shop, noted for unique popcorn and fudge Buzz: The signature “pink” vanilla popcorn – along with deliciously different flavors such as butter rum and chocolate – sets this store apart. The homemade fudge is also a customer favorite. The gift shop recently added a party room to host birthdays and special events. Balloons With a Twist is another aspect of the business. www.celebrationswithatwist.com MURPHEY THE JEWELER Biz: custom jewelry design Buzz: This multigeneration family business set up shop in 1868 and is one of the oldest retail businesses in Texas. The store has been recognized by the Texas Historical Commission. The founder, Archibald Michael Murphey (1836-1886), got his start as a watchmaker. Current owner Shannon Murphey is a graduate of Gemological Institute of America. www.murpheyjeweler.com TYLER

One and twobedroom floor plans Furnished or unfurnished pricing Lease terms available from three-12 months Full corporate set ups Business center and pool with Wi-Fi (903) 561-4807 www.riveroaks-tyler.com

I spy something green. Everyday moments can be learning moments with your kids. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org.

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Change is Inn at Holiday Inn

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Business | Chamber Report

Chamber Plans a Rosy Future TYLER’S LEADERSHIP KEEPS FOCUS ON GROWING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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The annual January Business Expo, a one-day event drawing 12,000 visitors, networks businesses together to keep dollars local. “Every other year, we put together purchasing managers from large companies with smaller businesses, so they can see that they can purchase their items locally,” Bell says. “That’s where the rubber meets the road.” The chamber also holds several networking opportunities, including busi ness after hours, small business

breakfasts, quarterly membership luncheons, a golf tournament and – new for 2009 – a skeet-shooting tournament. “We’re an aggressive and inclusive chamber, and we try to help the community grow,” Bell says. “That’s what we’re all about. Sometimes chambers get hung up on doing things exclusively for members, but the way I look at it, the whole population either is a member or a potential member. We all want to work together, to make Tyler a better place to live and do business.” – Betsy Williams

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he Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce works to ensure a rosy future for the community known as the Rose Capital of America. With the nationally celebrated Rose Festival the chamber-sponsored spring Azalea and Spring Flower Trail, the chamber’s active sports council and convention business, Tyler is a popular East Texas destination. And that’s good for business, says Henry Bell, chamber chief operating officer. “We have two large tourist times in the year – in the spring and fall – with our azalea and rose festivals,” Bell says. “And sports tourism attracts people here for a long period of time.” All of that tourist activity has grown a burgeoning hotel and restaurant industry, with five new hotels scheduled to open within the next year. “That’s not bad in a down economy,” Bell says. SPORTyler was created through the chamber in the 1990s to take advantage of the community’s excellent array of sports venues by attracting sports tournaments to the community. “Because we have the university and junior college here, plus our school districts, we have some fine facilities and venues to host sports events,” Bell says. We host the national men’s junior college soccer finals and the junior college baseball world series here, to name a couple.” The chamber’s hands-on approach to business support and addressing the needs of the community has led to the creation of a new and growing Hispanic business office. “We did a research project with UT Tyler and were able to build a database of the Hispanic businesses here,” says Bell, who notes that Tyler’s Hispanic population exceeds 15 percent. “We have taken that information and called on them to see what they need to grow their businesses and then point them in the right direction. We offer one-on-one counseling and mentoring.”

The building that is home to the Tyler Chamber of Commerce was constructed in 1928 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Business | Economic Profile

TYLER BUSINESS CLIMATE Tyler is considered the advanced manufacturing, health care, educational and retail center of East Texas. Tyler offers companies a quality, centrally located, middle-market location with many of the advantages of a major market. Tyler is part of the Tyler MSA, which includes all of Smith County.

TAXES

1.5% City Sales and Use Tax

0.5% County Sales Tax

6.25% State Sales Tax

8.25% Total Sales Tax

ECONOMIC RESOURCES Tyler Economic Development Council 315 N. Broadway Ave. (903) 593-2004 www.tedc.org Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce 315 N. Broadway Ave. (903) 592-1661 (800) 235-5712 www.tylertexas.com

Texas Engineering Extension Service 301 Tarrow College Station, TX 77840 (979) 458-6800 (877) 833-9638 www.teex.org/tedd

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

City Manager’s Office 212 N. Bonner Ave. (903)-531-1250 www.cityoftyler.org/Admin

TRANSPORTATION Tyler Transit System www.visittyler.com/travel

City Clerk 212 N. Bonner Ave. (903) 531-1106 www.cityoftyler.org

Service hours are Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tyler’s fixed route buses are equipped with racks for bicycle transport.

County Clerk 200 E. Ferguson, Suite 300 (903) 590-4670 www.smith-county.com

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport 700 Skyway Blvd. (903) 531-2343 www.cityoftyler.org

MORE EO ONLINE images-tyler.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

Can you imagine … a world without children?

We Can’t. Call 1-800-996-4100 to help. www.stjude.org

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Sports & Recreation

Tyler Courses Are Up to Par GOLF CHOICES RANGE FROM CASUAL TO CHALLENGING, PUBLIC TO PRIVATE

he popularity of golf in the community of Tyler is easy to see. The region has more than a dozen public and private courses‚ ranging from scenic leisurely links to challenging layouts and pristine landscapes worthy of hosting pro-amateur tournaments. “The golf here is really great,” says Andy Wall, a retired banker and avid golfer. “You’ve got plenty of choices here. There’s a place for everybody to play.” Wall says that retirees from the area are attracted to the great climate, abundance of resources, low tax rates, excellent hospitals and, of course, the beautiful array of golf courses. Among the private golf clubs in the area is Hollytree Country Club, an 18-hole championship golf course that doubles as a residential development. Created in 1983, the course recently has been renovated and is complete with plenty of water hazards to challenge serious golfers, though Hollytree’s five par threes are its aesthetic trademark. “They did a great job with the par threes at Hollytree,” Wall says. “The holes are very demanding. And yet, Hollytree is a club with an established membership filled with golfers of all handicaps.” Another high-quality private course in Tyler is the Cascades (par 71‚ 6‚930 yards)‚ which is known for its dramatic elevation changes. Cascades recently became home to the fourth Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf under the direction of head pro

Dozens of courses offer Tyler golfers a variety of options.

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Kenny Huff. Located on the west side of town, Cascades also offers residential opportunities around the course and has great instructional programs for new golfers. Willow Brook Country Club‚ founded in 1922, is Tyler’s oldest private club. The beautiful, throwback course is removed from any residences and business, allowing it to offer a serenity rarely matched on another Texas golf course. In 2006, Willow Brook’s rolling foothills played host to the Women’s Texas Amateur Championship in 2006. “Willow Brook was built strictly for golf,” says Wall, who has been a longtime member. “The course is beautiful and has a rich history. It is a different kind of treat for Tyler golfers.” For those who do not belong to a private club, there are several public courses in the area. Pine Springs Golf Course is notable for its oversized greens and nine holes lighted for night play. The course is located just north of Tyler, halfway between Dallas and Shreveport. Meanwhile, the semiprivate Eagle’s Bluff Country Club‚ situated on Lake Palestine in Bullard‚ features a challenging‚ 7‚000-yard layout, and each nine has an island green. There are several other public golf courses within a short distance of Tyler as well. ”Golf courses in surrounding areas are great too,” Wall says. “You can explore plenty more excellent golfing options, and they are all within a close drive.” – Brandon Lowe

PHOTO BY KEVIN YOUNG

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Arts & Culture

Stringing Them Along TYLER YOUTH ORCHESTRA BRINGS MUSIC TO THE MASSES

usical prodigies in Tyler don’t have to travel too far to get a chance to strut their stuff, thanks to the Tyler Youth Orchestra, which has been showcasing local junior talent since 1955. What began as a violin ensemble for fifth- and sixthgraders that year eventually became a string ensemble in 1975 and a full orchestra by 1979. In 1991, the Tyler Preparatory Orchestra was formed for beginning musicians, and in 2006, the Tyler Academic Orchestra came online to serve intermediate musicians who are working their way toward membership in the flagship youth orchestra. Having the three orchestras and smaller ensembles gives musicians at all grade and skill levels the chance to further their musical studies while also providing well-trained musicians for the school system’s various bands, notes Greg Murphy, president. “We’re in our 30th season, and we started out as just a place for a little more advanced students to go,” Murphy says. “The school district hasn’t even had an orchestra program until the last 20 years or so, and we got started just because there was no string program. Now our kids can play in the schools, and they can play with the orchestra, so this has really grown to something where they can take their music to a whole different level.” Working with local music instructors and the school system’s teachers, the TYO’s strength is the excitement generated in students, which translates into a willingness to put in the practice to become better musicians. “We’re pulling the students who already know how to read music, who already are playing,” Murphy says. “We want the

cream, the ones who are already very accomplished, and then we’re augmenting their training and their discipline to help them get even better.” All this doesn’t come cheap, so the TYO holds an annual golf tournament and other events to fund a $50,000 budget, some of which goes for tuition and private-lesson assistance. “We want to be set up so that any child who wants to put a bow to strings can play,” Murphy says. The orchestra’s current tier system has worked very well in that regard. It allows the preparatory orchestra to serve younger children who are just learning to read music and get the feel of an instrument, while the academic orchestra is working with those who are well on their way to the TYO performance level. “We are open all year long, because we’re competing with marching band season and other things for their time,” Murphy says. “We split our season so that we get going in August with auditions, and then play four concerts a year in November, December, February and May.” All three orchestras play at each concert, so it’s not as though the lower-tier groups are kept quiet until they make the TYO, Murphy is quick to point out. “We are full orchestras, and a lot of people don’t know that,” he says. “Until they attend our concerts, they don’t know that these kids can do this. We work with them and send them back to their school group, if they belong to one, as a better player. They work really hard, and they really enjoy it.” To see the TYO and other orchestras and find out the concert schedule, visit www.tyleryouthorchestra.org. – Joe Morris

The Tyler Youth Orchestra, founded in 1955, has become a prestigious musicians organization.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF RUDY J MARTINEZ

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questions & 'SPOU 4U s 5ZMFS 59 s www.directrehabmed.com

answers

Direct RehabMed is a specialized multidisciplinary medical and rehabilitation practice committed to serving the needs of East Texas. Our services include a broad spectrum of medical and rehabilitation care, with a focus on providing superior and costeffective health care, from acute minor emergency medicine, all business health concerns and family health care, to the treatment of chronic pain. We pride ourselves in offering a remarkably experienced and diverse clinical staff in order to meet the needs of our patients, our employer clients and our community.

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Health & Wellness

Spoke-en Like a Champ BICYCLE CLUB HITS THE ROADS AND TRAILS FOR FUN AND EXERCISE

and clubs helping out,” Canal says. “It’s a fundraiser for us, but it’s a lot of fun for everybody who gets involved.” The 150-member club also is working to install a mountain-bike trail at Faulkner Park, a project Canal says should wrap up by mid-2009. “We got permission to use the undeveloped property on the west side of the park,” he says. “We’re working on the layout, and it should be up and running by early fall if we can get everything designed and implemented like we’re planning to do.” The goal is for most every roadway in and around Tyler, as well as a few offroad sites, to be used by cyclists. With that in mind, the Tyler Bicycle Club is working to promote rider education as

well as driver awareness so that every outing is a healthy one. As Canal says, the goal isn’t just a healthy lifestyle, but a short trip back in time. “Anybody who had a bike as a kid still gets that feeling of freedom when they get on a bike,” he says. “It’s being able to go where you want to go, and under your own power. Plus it’s one of the best forms of exercise there is, and when gas prices went up, we saw a lot more people commuting to and from work around here on bikes. That’s kept ongoing even though the gas prices eventually came down, which we’re really glad to see.” Visit www.tylerbicycleclub.com for detailed information on the club’s ride schedule and events. – Joe Morris

ANTONY BOSHIER

luctuating fuel prices, a desire for a healthier lifestyle and an interest in the environment keep feet on pedals at the Tyler Bicycle Club, which is enjoying a surge in popularity as it expands its offerings. The club dates back to the 1980s, but bicycling in Tyler has a much longer history. Many locals recall buying their first bicycle from Grady’s Bicycle Shop, which was established in the early 1930s by Grady Faulk and remained a mainstay for several decades. The area’s topography and proximity to less-traveled byways also make it ideal for two-wheeled modes of transportation, says Joe Canal, a past president and 20-year member of the club. “There are a lot of good country roads around here and very easy access to them,” Canal says. “You don’t have to go very far in any direction from Tyler to be out in the country.” The club holds four rides a week– two on weeknights and two on the weekend – all of varying lengths and complexity. For the more daring, there are annual events such as the Beauty and the Beast Tour, which is returning in 2009 after a brief hiatus. This event, which brings in many other clubs and nonprofit groups in and around Tyler, has various distances from 12 miles to 62 miles, or 200 kilometers, for participants, and is a huge event for both the club and the community, Canal says. “We do really extensive work to mark the course, and we’ve got the ham radio club volunteering along the course to make sure we can find people, and a lot of other different civic organizations

Joe Canal, a member of the Tyler Bicycle Club, says cycling is growing in popularity in the community.

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Education

Digging Deeper To Learn NEW INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD, LESSON STYLE BOOST STUDENT LEARNING

Tunnell, director of curriculum, instruction and staff development. “We were making small, incremental steps in improving our student scores, but it wasn’t keeping pace with our expectations,” Tunnell says. “We began to look at what was going on in our classrooms, and looked at things from the students’ standpoint instead of the teachers’ view. We found that even though we have excellent teachers, they were doing most of the work, and the students weren’t fully engaged in the actual learning process.” The 5E model was settled upon after looking at various instructional methods

ANTONY BOSHIER

ith an online curriculum tool and a new way of presenting in the classroom, the Tyler Independent School District is ramping up its efforts to engage students and improve the learning experience. After about a year of classroom observation, district administrators decided to implement the 5E model of teaching – engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate. The system has been used with much success elsewhere and will eliminate the old standard of having a teacher deliver information, students write it down and then repeat it back at test time, says Kim

Kim Tunnell, director of Curriculum Instruction and Development for the Tyler Independent School District in Tyler, leads the CSCOPE teaching system.

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that would tie students more closely into the learning process rather than just being recipients of information. Chief among the new approach’s tools is CSCOPE, which is a lesson-delivery style that incorporates the curriculum the ISD now is using throughout its schools. Following some training during the summer, the new methods were rolled out in fall 2008 and so far have been very successful, Tunnell says. “The CSCOPE lessons were optional, but using the 5E method was nonnegotiable,” she says. “If teachers want to develop their own lessons, they are allowed to do so. Most are using it, because it gives them all the tools they need and covers everything.” Many faculty members say it’s like their first year of teaching, which is exciting and challenging at the same time. Officials know that this kind of major change is difficult, so classroom monitoring and assistance along the way are the norm, as are ongoing evaluations to see how the new system is shaking down. “We’re seeing a lot of things that we can quantify, such as improved attendance and decreased discipline referrals,” Tunnell says. “There are a lot of other variables in play, but the early numbers are good. Now that the teachers are really embracing and accepting it, we think we’re going to see more and more positive improvements.” At the end of the day, she says, it’s all about the students. “They’re our customers. It’s not about us, it’s about doing what’s best for them,” Tunnell says. “This is definitely a step in getting them more engaged in the learning process, and that’s really what we’re all about doing here.” – Joe Morris I M AG E S -T Y L E R . C O M

Photo Essay

Divine

Design

STORY BY KIM MADLOM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONY BOSHIER

community’s churches attest to the fellowship that exists among its people and, in many instances, a glimpse into its past. Church architecture is often a visual tour of history. Two of Tyler’s most significant historic landmarks are the Marvin United Methodist Church, built in 1890, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1934. Marvin United Methodist is a gothic Revival structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is Spanish Colonial Revival style. Tyler’s church architecture and design also include newer structures such as Green Acres Baptist and Rose Heights. The interiors of the churches are as impressive as the exteriors, with exquisite stained glass and other artistic features.

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Photo Essay

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Serving Tyler and East Texas Since 1991 Special Health Resources is committed to excellence in programs serving youth, adults and families. We promote positive family communication; professional drug and alcohol prevention, intervention and treatment; client-centered HIV/AIDS education, outreach, testing, intervention and treatment; and indigent health care.

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Community Profile

TYLER SNAPSHOT Tylerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charming brick streets lead visitors to an array of family attractions, quaint antique shops and interesting specialty stores. Special events throughout the year include the Texas Rose Festival, Azalea & Spring Flower Trail, Festival on the Square and Movies Under the Stars in Bergfeld Park.

EDUCATION As the largest school district in northeast Texas, Tyler ISD encompasses 193 square miles, maintains a total of 35 campus and auxiliary facilities

CLIMATE Tylerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate is hot during the summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80s and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40s. The annual average precipitation in Tyler is 45.27 inches. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is October, with an average rainfall of 5.14 inches.

37.7 F January Low Temperature

57.2 F

MORE EO ONLINE images-tyler.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

and serves an enrollment of approximately 17,500 students. The district is made up of two high schools, six middle schools, 16 elementary schools, two alternative schools and one special education campus.

MEDICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW One of the fastest growing and significant industries in Tyler is the medical community. With three primary hospitals and a vast number of supporting clinics, practices and specialty hospitals, Tyler has become the regional medical hub of East Texas.

January High Temperature

HOUSING

73.1 F

$99,800

July Low Temperature

Average Home Price

93.6 F

17.3%

July High Temperature

Home Turnover Percentage

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The University of Texas Health Science Center www.uthct.edu Trinity Mother Francis Hospitals & Clinics www.tmfhs.org Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce www.tylertexas.com Tyler Catholic School System Tyler Independent School District www.tylerisd.org Tyler Junior College www.tjc.edu Tyler Museum of Art www.tylermuseum.org

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T YLER MANAGING EDITOR KIM MADLOM COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, JESSY YANCEY ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER MATT BIGELOW STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BRANDON LOWE, JOE MORRIS, JESSICA MOZO, BETSY WILLIAMS DATA MANAGER CHANDRA BRADSHAW SENIOR INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER JOE THOMAS SALES SUPPORT MANAGER SARA SARTIN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN SMITH ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JANINE MARYLAND GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER, JESSICA MANNER, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER WEB PROJECT MANAGERS ANDY HARTLEY, YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR FRANCO SCARAMUZZA WEB DESIGN CARL SCHULZ WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC JESSICA CHILDS, MARCIA MILLAR, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY

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Images Tyler is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce 315 North Broadway • Tyler, TX 75702 Phone: (903) 592-1661 • Fax: (903) 593-2746 www.tylertexas.com VISIT IMAGES TYLER ONLINE AT IMAGES-TYLER.COM ©Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member

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Ad Index 39 A L L SA I N TS E P I S CO PA L S C H O O L 62 AU S TI N BA N K

4 4 H O LI DAY I N N 3 6 I M AG E H OS P ITA LIT Y

6 3 CO L L EG E B O O K S I N C .

6 6 K E L LY CO M M U N IT Y FED E R A L C R ED IT U N I O N

3 4 CO R N E R S TO N E B RO K E R AG E

4 3 R I V E R OA K S A PA RT M E N TS

52 D I R EC T R E H A B M E D 52 E A S T T E X A S C H I L D R E N ’ S T H E R A PY S E RV I C E S C4 EAST TEX AS MEDICAL CENTER

11 SOUTHSIDE BANK 62 S P EC I A L H E A LT H R E S O U RC E S 9 SWA N N ’ S F U R N IT U R E G A L L E RY 1 4 TE X A S BA N K & TR U S T

35 EAST TEX AS SY M P H O N Y O RC H E S T R A 6 5 E X P R E S S E M P LOY M E N T P RO FE S S I O N A L S 6 4 E Y E C A R E A S S O C I AT E S OF EAST TEX AS 32 FI RS T F E D E R A L B A N K T E X A S

37 TEX AS SPINE & J O I N T H OS P ITA L 6 T H E B RO O K H I L L S C H O O L 6 5 TH E G R A N ITE G I R L S 62 T H E H OS P I C E O F EAST TEX AS

Ad Index (cont.) 4 T H E S T R E T FO R D AT T H E C A S C A D E S 5 4 T H E U N I V E R S IT Y O F T E X A S AT T Y L E R 2 T H E U N I V E R S IT Y O F T E X A S H E A LT H S C I E N C E C E N T E R 1 TR I N IT Y M OTH ER FR A N C I S H OS P ITA L S & C LI N I C S 49 T Y L E R A R E A C H A M B E R O F CO M M E RC E 3 8 T Y L E R C AT H O LI C S C H O O L S YS T E M 8 T YLER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 0 T Y L E R J U N I O R CO L L EG E 47 T Y L E R M U S EU M O F A RT

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