ETX View Magazine Jan Feb 2024

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

GLOBAL CUISINE made by a star chef

TALES OF TRIUMPH from entrepreneurs

RURAL PARAMEDICS

share heart of career THE PROFESSION A L ISSUE

T AN E ST U IN ISS

There is Beauty in Change!

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EDITOR’S LETTER

ETX VIEW M

ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD

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Z

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E

Stephen McHaney

PROFESSIONALS IN EAST TEXAS

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G

PRESIDENT

Santana Gallacher

Happy New Year, friends!

I sure can’t believe another year has come and gone, but I am so thankful to be here for another one. East Texas has some exciting things happening in 2024, and we are excited for our readers to buckle up and enjoy the ride with us.

One man who’s been on quite the ride of life is Lance McWhorter. From his experience in the military to becoming a cook at the age of 40 to now shining as a star chef, you’ll enjoy reading about his journey and how he found his anchor in Tyler. And seriously, if you haven’t already, y’all have got to try his food! So good. And that plating?

Television food competition worthy. Oh, by the way, Chef Lance has even competed on one of those TV favorites. More starting on Page 8.

And if you’re looking to buckle up for a quick trip that’s out of this world, you’ll want to check out the day trip we have planned for you on Page 38. The Johnson Space Center in Houston and SpaceX Starbase in Boca Chica offer educational, interactive and fun activities for the whole family.

Some folks who probably want you to remember to use that seat belt on any journey are the paramedics you’ll meet on Page 20. We know the job can’t be easy, but hearing how rewarding it is for these local first responders was truly inspiring.

Another inspiring tale of triumph is featured on Page 30.

Meet Romereo Brown Jr., who has beaten all the odds and come out on the other side as a successful entrepreneur. He

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is even giving back to those who aspire to create their own brands.

He is the kind of person we are honored to introduce you to on these pages.

Another East Texan making waves is doing so behind the mouthpiece of his saxophone.

Known as Low D, LaDarius Daniels makes his way across East Texas playing tunes that can’t help but put you in a good mood. Learn about his love for music and sharing that with others on Page 46.

Luis Castanon has a face known to many but a story many will hear for the first time on Page 52. Luis helped provide for his family at the young age of 8 in Mexico, where his father left to pursue a better life for the family in the United States. Hearing how his entrepreneurial spirit was born and how he leans into his heritage through his businesses – including a very exciting new spot coming soon to Longview – left me with chills.

If you want to share the story of your business, our new ETX View Elite series – on Page 64 – is the perfect place to do so.

Want to be part of it or the other exciting things we’re working on, maybe you have a story idea for us? Email us at info@etxview. com. We’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, best wishes to all of you. Thank you for your support.

PUBLISHER Justin Wilcox SALES MANAGER Tracy Stopani ETX VIEW EDITOR Santana Gallacher PUBLICATION DESIGNER Haley Holcomb-Capps WRITERS Santana Gallacher Jordan Green Katecey Harrell Keith Kohn Jessica T. Payne Samuel Shaw PHOTOGRAPHERS Jordan Green Les Hassell Keith Kohn ADVERTISING SALES Alyson Durst Kerri Esposito Kurt Kitchings Paula White Sonorah Duty Stuart James Zoie Perry COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY Les Hassell COVER DESIGN BY Haley Holcomb-Capps © 2024, M. ROBERTS MEDIA

S A N TA N A G A L L A C H E R s a n t a n a @ m ro b e r t s m e d i a . c o m

100 E. Ferguson, Suite 501, Tyler, TX 75702

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CONTENTS

8 8 A Star Chef

52 Path to Success

20 Led to Serve

64 ETX View Elite

Life’s journey leads man to anchor in Tyler

Paramedics share rewards of career

30 ‘Weird & Different’ TJC alum beats odds, gives back to others

38 Out of this World Plan your trip to space center and launchpad

46 The Right Notes

East Texas saxophonist shares gift with others

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30 Entrepreneur leans into heritage, aims to inspire

New series highlights local businesses

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70 Calendar

Events happening in January and February

16 vendors • deals on PACKS free beer • rare cigars dj • food truck • swag

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FOOD 8

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A STAR CHEF,

A ROLLING STONE LANCE MCWHORTER FINDS HIS ANCHOR IN TYLER

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CULTURE ETX owner and chef Lance McWhorter in the resaurant's speakeasy, in downtown Tyler.

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A SMOKED pork belly dish waits to be plated at Culture ETX.

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S T O RY B Y S A M U E L S H AW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

t was only fitting that Sublime’s raunchy ’97 single “Wrong Way” soundtracked the cutting of a butternut squash before doors opened for evening service at Culture ETX, Tyler’s beacon of haute cuisine.

“It’s like fine dining… but very irreverent fine dining,” said Lance McWhorter, who founded the restaurant in 2019 and helped catalyze a steady transformation of Rose City’s downtown square.

Since its inception, Culture has challenged the pallets of ETX foodies with menu items like octopus shakshuka, a left-field take on a classic North African pepper dish, vegan collard greens, and French staples like duck au vin.

But if Chef McWhorter has established a reputation for anything, it’s his way around a choice cut of meat.

The 90-day dry-aged pork chop is one of the customer favorites.

A 2020 winner of the coveted Cochon 555 pig

cooking competition and a 2020 participant in Food Network’s “Chopped” TV chef challenge, McWhorter is perhaps Tyler’s most decorated restaurateur and head chef.

However, there is one rule guiding Culture ETX’s seemingly anarchic menu: every dish reflects one of the many places McWhorter’s traveled.

That winding journey has taken McWhorter from East Texas, across the planet, and after 47 years, to Tyler, where the rolling stone set up shop.

ROUGH AND TUMBLE

McWhorter, 51, was born in Dallas with family roots in Athens, about halfway between Tyler and the eastern fringe of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

“My earliest memory of cooking is standing on a bucket stirring bacon grease roux with my great grandmother in her little farmhouse in Athens,” said | CONT. ON PG. 13 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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CULTURE ETX OWNER and chef Lance McWhorter plates a smoked pork belly dish, in downtown Tyler.

| CONT. FROM PG. 11 McWhorter.

From age 13 to 17, he worked in kitchens and kept his distance from a turbulent life back at home, which constantly shifted from city to city as his stepfather moved between steel jobs.

The restaurant, like his childhood summers spent in Athens, was one of the few constants.

“The restaurant world was like the home for wayward, broken toys,” McWhorter said, as he described his early years. “And It was a way to check two boxes every day: get money and food.”

By 17, McWhorter was set on a career in the military and joined the Army, then the Navy, getting his first exposure to global cultures which would find their way onto East Texas dishes decades later.

His next chapter in the kitchen was still years out by the time he left the armed forces at 25. McWhorter’s second career move still burns on his left arm — a tattooed flame — marking a five-year foray into firefighting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He may have stuck with firefighting if it weren’t for a back injury that pushed McWhorter, then 31, back into conflict zones.

This time around, however, he was providing armed security for ambassadors, dignitaries and spooks.

But behind the scenes there was a nagging feeling, “this gravitational force kind of pulling me back,” said McWhorter. Back to the restaurant.

As the future chef patrolled distant countries, McWhorter began to identify with a New York chef blazing a similar trail, but backwards.

Anthony Bourdain, the chefturned-writer-turned-culinary ambassador, was touring the planet’s food scenes with a camera crew following years of toil in the NY restaurant scene.

“I was watching his shows a lot,” said McWhorter, “and he was that person who had been in the kitchen for so long and then left and went traveling. I felt like I kind of did the reverse.”

UP DOWN

“I was 40 years old, and I | CONT. ON PG. 15 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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KIMBERLYN SNIDER and her son Jim enjoy the unique plating at Culture ETX in downtown Tyler.

| CONT. FROM PG. 13 just went, ‘I'm gonna go be a cook,’” McWhorter remembered thinking to himself.

He was back in Texas and made a beeline for the hill country by San Antonio. McWhorter decided to humble himself and start from the bottom at a higher-end restaurant, surrounded by line cooks half his age but with half his life experience.

The military training proved to be an asset, too.

McWhorter didn’t get flustered under pressure and he knew how to lead by example.

“The restaurant…it's all about the team. It's all about the mission. It's all about attention to detail and accountability. It's orchestrated chaos at times, and sometimes, it's just complete chaos,” he quipped.

Soon, McWhorter was elevated to positions of greater responsibility: exec sous chef, then executive chef. By 2016, he inked a deal as part owner and executive chef at McGarity’s in Jefferson and was taking online culinary courses at night with Escoffier.

Things were looking up – until they weren’t.

McWhorter’s co-owner skipped town, he said, leaving the one-year-old restaurant shuttered with no warning.

“I literally borrowed 250 bucks from a friend and went to Dallas to start interviewing at restaurants,” said McWhorter. He never had the opportunity to work with the best in the business and rather than spiral, McWhorter leaned into his dream.

He found a spot on the kitchen staff at FT33, an award-winning darling of the Dallas food scene.

McWhorter ditched his distinguished titles to be a line cook among more twenty-somethings, only this time, these twenty-somethings were formally trained.

“They were so driven – like fanatics,” he described his co-workers. Those colleagues, along with head chef Matt McCallister, were also an inspiration. The intensity of the environment was like iron sharpening iron, he said, equipping McWhorter with the tools for his next — and hardest — leap: starting a restaurant on his own.

DROPPING ANCHOR IN A STORM

McWhorter got the keys to a small space on Tyler’s downtown square in June 2019, on Anthony Bourdain Day, an outpouring of love for the culinary world’s bard then recently deceased. McWhorter was riding high as | CONT. ON PG. 16 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 15 accolades poured in. He won the Cochon 555 cooking competition that year; he was invited to “Chopped” as a competitor and his face found its way onto local newsstands.

“I looked at my wife and I'm like, ‘Babe, this is it. We finally did it. 2020 is gonna be our year,” McWhorter said, tearing up.

2020 was not their year. A global pandemic swept across the country, taking any sense of normalcy along with it.

“It was like Obi-Wan and Anakin. Both legs and an arm were off in three seconds,” said McWhorter. “But we never lost hope. We never quit.”

It wasn’t the last near-fatal blow to Culture ETX, but McWhorter kept the business afloat by sheer force of will, even finding ways to turn crises into opportunities for community service. During the 2021 “snowpocalypse” that paralyzed East Texas with wintry conditions, McWhorter and his platoon of cooks turned Culture’s kitchen into a food support network for those in need.

“I've always believed that when you have something or can create something when people are in need, you should just do it,” he said.

While inflation of basic food staples is still a financial headache for McWhorter, he’s learned to delegate tasks to his team and take time off for himself and his wife, Bailey.

Culture’s reservations are once again filling up for weekend services as the industry continues its halting recovery from the pandemic. And last December, McWhorter opened East Texas’ first speakeasy, The Plaid Rabbit, behind Culture’s back wall, hidden behind a fake janitor’s closet.

McWhorter is already dreaming of his next restaurant concept, a high-end barbecue shop in partnership with his wife, who’s an accomplished pit-master.

Culture ETX is located at 118 W. Erwin St. in Tyler. Reservations are encouraged for dinner service.

For hours and more details, visit cultureetx.com.

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January/February 2024 | etxview.com

WILD-CAUGHT ALASKAN SALMON with chicken fried and puréed butternut squash, and Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna with edamame, broccolini, and wasabi aioli.

THE PLATING at Culture ETX is one of the characteristics that elevates the restaurant’s vibe. (Courtesy Photos) etxview.com | January/February 2024

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THE REWARD OF SERVING RURAL PARAMEDICS FIND FULFILLMENT IN HELPING OTHERS 20

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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S T O RY B Y J O R D A N G R E E N PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL AND JORDAN GREEN

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EMS SUPERVISOR Paulette Malinak with UT Health East Texas in Jacksonville.

he ambulance ride was like a family reunion. Paulette Malinak, a paramedic with UT Health’s emergency medical services, was in the rear of the ambulance treating her brotherin-law, who’d been injured in a car wreck in Cherokee County. Her brother-in-law’s granddaughter, a new emergency medical technician, was in the front seat driving the boxy orange-and-white rig to the hospital.

Malinak grew up in New Summerfield in Cherokee County, where she works as a supervisor for UT Health’s ambulance operations.

In her more than 30-year career as an East Texas first responder, she’s walked a quarter-of-a-mile through snow to help a woman diabetic with chest pain, nearly been stabbed by a patient, and hoped a tornado would leave her and her ambulance crew unscathed as it whirled by.

And she’s transported more than one of her family members to the hospital: her late husband, her mother and her sister, to name a few.

“Working here in Cherokee County, you know a lot of people that you run on," Malinak said. "If we're at work, and we get a call for a wreck in New Summerfield, you start thinking, 'OK, where are my kids?

Where's my husband?’”

The likelihood of first responders and patients having a longtime personal relationship prior to a 911 call isn’t too high in the Fort WorthDallas metroplex or other populous places. The situation is different about 100 miles to the east. In rural East Texas, dotted with small towns where families have lived for generations, paramedics work to save the lives of people they may already know.

Although larger fire departments and ambulances services offer more money for the same work, rural emergency medicine offers something for a handful of East Texas emergency medical professionals that no big-city job | CONT. ON PG. 24 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 23 ever could. Something within them, it seems, keeps them here.

Wayne Oldham started his firefighting career before he could vote. At 16, he was in the Bullard Volunteer Fire Department’s junior firefighting program, learning to drive trucks and battle blazes. He got to leave school to respond to emergencies.

He eventually became a paramedic, working in Jacksonville and Longview. A relative offered to help him get hired at the Dallas Fire Department, but he didn’t take the opportunity.

“I didn’t care for that,” he said. “I grew up in rural America, and that’s where I wanted to stay.”

Some 40 years after beginning his career, his desire hasn’t changed. He retired from the Longview Fire Department in 2018, and he now volunteers with the Elderville-Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department south of the city, where he still responds to fires and calls for medical assistance. The fire department serves sparsely populated parts of Gregg and Rusk counties.

Paramedics like Oldham who’ve been on the job for decades aren’t as common as they used to be. In 2022, the American Ambulance Association reported full-time paramedics in the United States had a 26% turnover rate. Meanwhile, other studies show the rate of burnout among emergency medical professionals is in the double digits, as professionals coping with exhaustion and trauma leave the industry. According to the Texas EMS Alliance, the Lone Star State faces a shortage of emergency medical technicians and paramedics for those reasons and more.

Yet not all fit into those figures.

It was a bloody car wreck down the street from his home about 15 years ago that compelled Nic Jones, a fellow volunteer with the EldervilleLakeport department, to become an emergency medical technician and, eventually, a paramedic. When he saw the wounded body of the driver lying in the mangled vehicle, he realized he had no clue how to help him. | CONT. ON PG. 27 24

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ELDERVILLE-LAKEPORT Volunteer Fire Department paramedics Nick Jones, left, and Wayne Oldham.

etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 24

CHRISTUS EMS PARAMEDIC and field supervisor Brandon Turner poses for a portrait in front of the Bullard Volunteer Fire Department.

“I never really thought about EMS at all until that call,” Jones said.

Though the EldervilleLakeport department doesn’t operate an ambulance service, its firefighters are sometimes the first to arrive on the scene of wrecks and other medical emergencies. It’s up to them to provide basic life-saving measures, such as CPR, until an ambulance arrives.

Jones began a full-time career with the Longview Fire Department, and when he’s not on duty there, he volunteers with Elderville-Lakeport.

“I've got a lot of heart, sweat and blood and tears I put in this fire department. So it kind of keeps me around,” Jones said.

When Oldham started his career, he was seeking the rush of adrenaline that came from putting out fires and treating people’s injuries. Now, he’s looking for something else: camaraderie with firefighters and the joy that comes from helping people.

“It's not every day you run a call involving someone dying,” Oldham said. “I would say there's more positives than there are negatives. I tell you what's really important: It's that first 'save' you get on a human being, that you bring them back from death.”

Brandon Turner was working a shift at an ambulance station near Holly Lake in Wood County one day when the doorbell rang. Turner opened the door, and a couple was standing there. The husband was looking for Turner.

“He walked up, and he got real close to me, and he says, ‘I don't know whether I want to hug you or punch you in the mouth,’” Turner recounted.

“He said, ‘You broke three of my ribs.’ And I stared at him. I said, ‘Sir, I have no idea. I don't remember that.’ And he says, ‘Well, I guess I look different when I'm alive.’ And then it all flooded back to me.”

Turner gave the man CPR,

saving his life. In his view, being in rural emergency medical services gives him a unique opportunity to do that work.

Turner, a paramedic and field supervisor with Christus EMS, has been in the industry for more than a decade.

He’s stationed at the Bullard Volunteer Fire Department in Smith County. The small town doesn’t have its own hospital, so patients are transported elsewhere.

Longer rides give Turner more time to care for patients before handing them over to emergency room staff – and more time to get to know them, striking up conversations about everything from working on tractors to attending college.

“It's neat to take someone who was really, really sick, really, really anxious and scared, and then I still get to hold their hand for the hospital,” Turner said.

Christus EMS is a division of the faith-based Christus hospital system. That’s the main reason why he works there, he said.

“I truly do believe in our slogan that we are being able to give out the healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” he said. “I mean, we literally get to go out in the community and do that every day. Who else gets to do that?”

Back in Cherokee County, Malinak put it plainly: “I still love coming to work every day.”

She likes being around her family and friends. They often wave at ambulances, looking to see if she’s driving. And for the foreseeable future, she just might be.

"I enjoy taking care of people," she said. "I enjoy, when everything is said and done, they look at you, and they say 'Thank you.' Or they hold your hand. And then when they hold your hand, that relaxes them, and everything's better on the way to the hospital.” etxview.com | January/February 2024

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OWNER ROMEREO BROWN, JR. at Weird & Different in the Broadway Square Mall.

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BUSINESS LEADERS

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WEIRD &

DIFFERENT TJC GRADUATE SHARES INSPIRATION BEHIND IMPACTFUL CLOTHING BRAND S T O RY B Y J E S S I C A T. PAY N E PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

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omereo Brown was born deaf in one ear, leaving him with a speech impediment along with other disabilities. As a result, he spent much of his time in school being bullied and ridiculed.

Today, Brown runs a successful clothing brand channeling all the pain he suffered growing up into a booming business and inspirational story made for movies.

Brown graduated from Brownsboro High School in 2015 and Tyler Junior College in 2019. Just a year after graduating college, in 2020 he founded Weird & Different.

The determined entrepreneur launched his business by selling his brand out of the trunk of his car. He has since expanded three times in less than three years and now operates a full-sized retail store in Broadway Square

Mall in Tyler.

When he was younger, Brown says his solution to the bullying he endured was to fight. However, once he embraced his uniqueness something in him shifted.

“I used to fight a lot but discovered I was fighting without understanding. I realized I needed to know how to fight to win, which I did when I took bullying to the balance sheet,” he said. “The driving force behind Weird & Different is my commitment to face bullying from a positive perspective. My company was created to inspire people to embrace who they are and their uniqueness – it’s my anti-bullying message.”

Brown said a majority of the passion he feels for his brand comes from the difference it has made in young people’s lives.

“The opportunity to talk to young people and share | CONT. ON PG. 33 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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MERCHANDISE ON DISPLAY at Weird & Different.

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| CONT. FROM PG. 31 about turning bullying into a balance sheet – that being entrepreneurship – has been priceless,” he said. “Inspiring people to achieve their goals, inspiring hope, inspiring young people has been the most fulfilling work I have ever done, and I plan on doing it as long as I am alive.”

The brand’s message has attracted some of the most unique and phenomenal people Brown has ever met, as all walks of life have come into his store.

“It is for everybody, from babies, children, teens, adults and seniors. People so identify with the brand that it becomes like a uniform to them,” he said. “The brand is literally building a community. Many of our customers are identifying and connecting with others they see wearing Weird & Different clothing; it’s like the secret handshake of accepting one’s uniqueness.”

“Their stories are powerful and inspiring,” Brown added.

Brown recently took his desire to help others to a new level by establishing a scholarship for Tyler Junior College students.

The $1,000 scholarship will be provided annually to a TJC student majoring in business, fashion design, retail or marketing.

“I wanted to do a scholarship that connected with people from TJC and let them know that I’m part of the community,” Brown said. “Making money with my business is great, but if we’re not giving back and paying it forward, we’re not doing what God | CONT. ON PG. 35

| CONT. ON PG. 40 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 33 told us to do. God told me it was time to give back to my community, and giving back to the place where I went to school is a full-circle moment.”

Creating the scholarship was a proud accomplishment of Brown’s, who said he is grateful to give back to those who supported him.

“I wanted to give to a school who was very supportive to me and has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurs, such as myself,” he said. “Dr. Juan Mejia, CEO of TJC, continues to reach and support the brand’s initiatives and our commitment to create opportunities for other aspiring entrepreneurs; especially in the areas of fashion, design, retail, supply chain management, marketing, business, and sales.”

Brown is in the process of creating a workshop for both TJC and UT Tyler students interested in the fashion industry.

To date, the Weird & Different brand has participated in the 2022 and 2023 San Antonio Fashion Week and has been mentioned in Forbes Magazine as one of the up-andcoming newest designers to hit the fashion industry.

The brand has also been invited to participate in the New York Fashion Week fashion show and events – something it will be doing in 2024.

2024 will also bring big goals such as several kiosk stands in malls throughout Texas and Colorado as well as spreading brand awareness to additional educational institutions along with other agencies and organizations.

“We want to launch of our ice cream brand that reflects our iconic logo during first quarter of 2024 with educational institutions, agencies that help survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, hospitals – especially children’s hospitals that have parent and children dealing with burn victims, learning disabilities and/or other physical challenges,” Brown said.

“Ultimately, we would like to take our brand to the boardrooms of corporate America, where unfortunately, a lot of bullying goes on in professional environments as well,” Brown said. “We are here to inspire anyone recovering toxic environments created by bullying.”

Brown said his long-term goals for the brand are even bigger.

“We want to expand to multiple brick and mortar stores, make our brand globally recognizable by supporting and/or partnering with breast cancer organizations, agencies dealing with domestic violence, foster care children, veterans returning from combat, children who have survived disfiguring accidents or illnesses, inspiring onesie outfits for newborns, and more,” he said. “There is no limit to how far we can reach.”

Brown said one of his highest hopes is people will hear his story and know they can overcome any obstacle.

“I would like people to relate to it to inspire that they can be overcomers – don’t count the underdog out,” he said. “I want | CONT. ON PG. 36 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 35 them to see me and think ‘you took your disability and made an opportunity out of it, not just being a person with a disability who started a business.’”

Brown also has a humbling message regarding the financial aspect of owning your own business.

“Don’t chase money, chase your dreams,” he said. “If you’re really passionate about it, the money will come; and chasing money alone will mean you run the risk of losing yourself and being lost.”

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And when asked what has been the most rewarding part of the journey he said “knowing my mom is proud of me.”

Weird & Different put together a powerful video campaign that ran from December 2022 through June 2023 called “Embracing Your Oddness.” The campaign gave customers a chance to share their stories on being weird and different. The profound and relatable video clips and stories can be viewed on the brand’s social media platforms.

For more information, visit www.weirdndifferent.com.

Make The Move Whether you are planning on building your dream home or remodeling a home to make it yours, East Texas Professional Credit Union can help make it possible.

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Our lending specialists offer a variety of financial solutions to meet all your lending needs. Decisions are made quickly and locally. For your convenience, apply online or on our FREE mobile app.

INTERIM CONSTRUCTIONHOME MORTGAGEHOME EQUITYHOME IMPROVEMENTREFINANCESLAND LOANS ONE TIME CLOSING WITH SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS IN CLOSING COSTS

etxview.com | January/February 2024

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TRAVEL

AN IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHED from the International Space Station shows what looking down at Earth would be like. The image at the visitor center is actually a video moving across a giant screen.

WITH THE LUNAR ROVER on the other side of a crater, Astronaut Charles Duke collects rock samples. It's one of many photographs on display at the Johnson Space Center.

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SPACE TRAVEL CENTER, LAUNCH FACILITIES JUST A DAY TRIP AWAY S T O RY A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K E I T H K O H N SPECIAL TO ETX VIEW

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television program that keeps popping up in various iterations tells us space is “the final frontier.”

But before we can get from here to there, East Texans have a chance to see where America’s entry to that frontier began and where it’s headed. We’re lucky, because those two elements of space travel are not a light year from here, but just a few hours drive.

The Johnson Space Center is Mission Control for most of America’s space travel, and Starbase is the support, manufacturing and launch facilities for SpaceX’s Starship program that has set its sights on Mars, with a stop first at the moon.

Either of these two amazing bits of our future (and, to a degree, our past) is just a day trip or weekend getaway from East Texas.

And on our journey, we’ll stop not at the moon, but at a few places to make that trip something, well, far out.

J O H N S O N S PA C E C E N T E R Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, is where NASA, and now SpaceX, have traditionally launched manned spaceflights. But once those rockets clear the tower the mission is run from Houston.

Tourists don’t really get to see the flight controllers actually controlling flights, but they can walk in the footsteps of those who did during the Mercury, Gemini, | CONT. ON PG. 41 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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THE SHUTTLE INDEPENDENCE, a full-size shuttle model, sits at the Johnson Space Center's visitor complex atop a Boeing aircraft that carried shuttles back to Florida from some California landings.

TO GIVE TOURISTS A VIEW of what it was like in the Mission Control Center, NASA turns on screens to simulate the moment.

Some are so realistic, they even left cigarette butts in ashtrays to give the feel of the 1960s and 1970s.

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A VIEW OF THE SHUTTLE BAY, where satellites were stowed prior to being placed in orbit. This is inside the shuttle Independence, a full-size shuttle model.

| CONT. FROM PG. 39 Apollo and space shuttle eras.

The visitor complex is a museum with really big and really interesting exhibits. Kids can construct a model lunar lander out of wood, paper and rubber bands and test to see whether it would survive a touchdown on the moon. They can also make rubbings of various NASA logos.

Or, they can walk into a space shuttle. True, the Shuttle Independence never flew in space, or anywhere for that matter. It is a full-size replica, down to the Michelin tires on the landing gear. So what you see inside is what it would have looked like if that craft were in space.

Families can walk up to and examine an actual Saturn V rocket, which rests on its side from the bottom of its massive rocket boosters to the tip of its ejection system at the cone-shaped capsule.

The 363-foot spaceship was one of a few that were built but never flown when the Apollo lunar program was abandoned. It rests in a building adjacent to a rocket park that holds launch engines, smaller rockets and a Mercury Redstone rocket capable of launching a single person briefly into space – think first U.S. astronaut Alan B. Shepherd’s 15 minutes in space – and other

artifacts of the country’s early venture into space.

The Saturn V is so massive, for example, that when it was fueled and ready for launch it weighed over 6.2 million pounds, or 3,100 tons. By comparison, that’s about what 39 space shuttles weigh.

Inside the building at the George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park is a bronze statue of the three astronauts whose claim to fame is that they survived the only successful failure of a moon mission – Apollo 13. James A. Lovell Jr, John "Jack" L. Swigert Jr. and Fred W. Haise Jr. can best be remembered in the aptly named Tom Hanks film “Apollo 13.”

There are several tram tours, such as the free one to the rocket park or the trip to the Apollo mission control center, which provides a view into the actual center for a fee, down to the cigarettes left by controllers in the glass ashtrays.

Back in the main building of the visitor center is an actual lunar lander hung above visitors like a giant mobile, with its foil heat shields and tiny windows reflecting light from above and below.

And before you leave, don’t forget to stop in the gift shop for everything from bumper stickers to shirts, jackets, pens and books. | CONT. ON PG. 42 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 41 There’s also a snack shop and a food court, the Food Lab, where you can get pizza, sandwiches, salads, snacks, drinks, candy and, yes, coffee at the aptly named Grounds Control.

Once back on Earth and in your own four-wheel rover, Houston has many grounded attractions. Not far from the space center is one of a handful of Dave & Buster's gaming centers for some evening fun.

If you’re making the 140-mile trek to the space center into a weekend getaway, Galveston and its sandy beaches isn’t far, especially when compared to the 239,000-mile voyage from Earth to the moon.

If you do soak up some rays, consider driving back on the Blue Water Highway (there’s a $2 toll).

One stop en route home that’s worth taking is at a little dive eatery called Sweet T’s Diner, 230 W. 2nd St., Freeport (979-871-9293). It’s relatively inexpensive for the seafood, burgers and other assorted goodies. Great service and a pleasant environment make it perfect for that landing after your space trip.

S PA C E X ’ S S TA R B A S E Driving to Starbase is a weekend adventure. The 250-mile trek is long, but not boring. You’ll skirt past Corpus Christi – breezing past miles of huge wind turbines that generate megawatts of electricity – as you head down to Boca Chica and the home to Starbase.

They’re a sight to see, for sure, but nothing when you roll up a couple miles from the SpaceX compounds, off a two lane road that passes a border patrol checkpoint, and see a small city of buildings that are manufacturing and preparing actual, life-size spaceships for actual spaceflight.

Boca Chica is so far south your phone will welcome you to Mexico. Technology can be spacey sometimes.

The company offers no tours, no food courts – not even restrooms.

In fact, some employees had fun crafting a sign to that effect, with lines like: Do not stray from public roads: Trespassers run the risk of meeting the mysterious chupacabra, which | CONT. ON PG. 44 42

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DAVE & BUSTER'S in Houston is one way to spend some time after traveling to the space center on a day trip.

IN THE NASA visitor center's lobby, an actual lunar lander hangs from the rafters like a giant mobile.

THE MASSIVE SATURN V ROCKET engines were able to send the giant spaceship off the launch pad and en route to its trips to the moon.

THE GIANT LAUNCH GANTRY at SpaceX is the largest launch and recover tower on the planet.

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ROCKETS are under construction at Starbase.

| CONT. FROM PG. 42 is known to roam these parts and eat its victims. Also, trespassing is a violation of Texas penal code 30.05.

Tours: Starbase does not offer tours to the general public. Your best bet is to come work for us and then you can be here all the time.

Restrooms: Yikes, this is awkward, but public restrooms are not available at Starbase. You might want to start driving home now.

That’d be one long run to the loo.

The SpaceX presence at Boca Chica has two main components.

First, you’ll encounter the Starfactory, which is both under construction and manufacturing Starship spacecraft. From the road, or walking up to one of the numerous entry gates, are rocket ships in various states 44

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of manufacture. It’s quite the spectacle. Some are in plain sight and others are in their hangars.

The second is the actual launch facility, which is just a stone’s throw, literally, from the beach. A high school quarterback with a good arm could throw a stone far enough to ding one of the giant fuel tanks just to the side of the world’s tallest “launch and catch” tower, which stands some 480 feet above the sandy sea level where that high school quarterback was standing. A Starship can lift off from the platform with the giant gantry tower and its lower Super Heavy booster stage will return there and be caught by giant robotic arms.

As that goofy sign said, you can’t tour Starbase, but you can apply to work there. SpaceX is hiring. In a big way. The company already employs over 1,800 people at Starbase. It is looking to expand as it makes more

THE FAMOUS KING'S INN serves up shrimp, scallops, fish and other treats. It's best to make a reservation.

And try the tartar sauce. It has a little, spicy kick to it.

BOCA CHICA BEACH is just a few hundred yards from the launch pad at the SpaceX complex.

and more of these giant out-of-this-world crafts. The operation at Boca Chica is the largest employer and it’s still growing.

But if you just want to chill – or bake – that beach is easily accessible by foot or car. Just pass the main Starbase campus on your left, drive a half-mile and pass the launch complex on your right. Then, blast-off onto the sand and pull up feet from the water. No, you won’t get fried to a crisp when a rocket takes off – the beach and access is closed on those days. But you can get pretty close either down the bumpy road or across the water at South Padre Island.

Along your star-bound journey to SpaceX, don’t forget to have a meal or two. One popular spot is just off the beaten path about five miles at “The Famous King’s Inn.” It’s at 1116 East County Road in Riviera and can be reached at 361-297-5265. If you see a couple of pink

gorillas on the side of the road, the restaurant is a block away.

The family style restaurant is anything but formal; folks come in shorts and flip-flops or slacks and jackets or gowns. It’s up to the customer and the event.

The menu isn’t cheap, but it isn’t pricey. Fried shrimp or scallops are popular, as is the catch of the day, which can be fried or grilled. And with the restaurant right on the water, you can bet the catch is fresh. (Tip: Definitely order the tartar sauce, which is unlike any other you’ll find. So much so, the restaurant declined to share its secret recipe for this article, and with good reason: it’s special.)

So if you’re ready to blast off without leaving this blue marble we call Earth, there are two easy ways to get your space fix – NASA or SpaceX. And in neither case will anyone be saying, “Houston, we have a problem.” etxview.com | January/February 2024

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CULTURE

LADARIUS "LOW D" DANIELS performs at America First Wings & Grill in Tyler.

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The Right

Notes EAST TEXAS SAXOPHONIST’S LOVE FOR MUSIC BEGAN AT EARLY AGE S T O RY B Y K AT E C E Y H A R R E L L PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

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hirty-one-year-old LaDarius Daniels, also known as "Low D," was raised by his grandparents in Gilmer, where he still lives and works as a professional tenor saxophonist and record label owner.

During his formative years, Daniels excelled in extracurricular activities despite academic hurdles and personal struggles. He discovered his passion and purpose through learning music scales and improvisation.

From small beginnings, Daniels' evolution led to regular performances at festivals, restaurants and private events throughout East Texas and the advancement of his company and label "Stay Sexy."

"It just kept going and didn't stop," he said.

He has held regular gigs at Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards and Winery in Pittsburg for eight years, had a residency at the House of Blues, performed at The Free Man Cajun Cafe and Lounge in Dallas and opened up for blues legend TK Soul.

He's also supported community events and organizations such as the Longview City Artwalk, Downtown Live, the Arboretum and Nature Center and the East Texas Yamboree. He continues to grow his company year after year.

Daniels moved to East Texas when he was 5 years old. His grandmother was a pastor and sang in the church, and some of his earliest memories are listening to blues tapes with his grandpa and Motown music with his aunt.

"It was always around, so I liked it," Daniels said. "But, I didn't start getting into it until I started playing saxophone."

He struggled with mathematics and bounced between school districts and remedial programs to address learning gaps. In sixth grade, he discovered his love for playing the woodwind instrument that would become his signature. | CONT. ON PG. 49 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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TURKEY TROT IN TYLER

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| CONT. FROM PG. 47 Daniels said the movie Drumline was popular that year, and like all the boys in his class, his first choice was percussion, but saxophone was his fate. When he first picked up the saxophone, he had no idea it would become a cornerstone of his life.

He may not have been the best player or sat in the first chair, but he was known for his spunk and tendency to ad-lib.

"My freshman year, I used to get in trouble for making up stuff," he said. "It was easy but boring, so I always added extra notes. It worked, but it wasn't what was written."

That was when his high school band director gave him a burnt disc of a New Orleans brass band.

"That was the first time I ever listened to jazz," he said. "That's when I paid attention."

He said it was amazing and wondered why the school didn't play music like that. He quickly realized the level of talent required to pull it off, and he dove headfirst into jazz, listening to artists like American saxophonist and bandleader John Coltrane.

His first taste of jazz band was his sophomore year of high school when he played the baritone saxophone. He has many memories of participating in competitions and concerts. He enjoyed the music, but the bass line didn't stand out how Daniels wanted.

The baritone saxophone is larger than the tenor, smaller than the bass saxophone, and the lowest-pitched saxophone in common use.

In college, he studied music education and played tenor saxophone during concerts, marching season and in the jazz band. He took private lessons and studied music theory, literature, composition and ear training.

By the end of his first year, he had 24 major and harmonic minor scales memorized up and down. "[My professor] told me he was like, ‘Remember this, no one's ever done this in my teaching career,’" Daniels said. "When we did our scales, it was like every note, every octave up and down. You start in the middle, go all the way up, go all the way down and then come back to the middle," he said. "I used to know 40 or 50 plus scales by memory, which was the highlight of my career." | CONT. ON PG. 50 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 49 There were still saxophone players who were better than him in the jazz band; they could play altissimo notes, the high notes on the saxophone, or were skilled soloists, but he memorized scales like no other.

In 2011, he dropped a course in his bachelor's degree program. Over the years, life happened, and his full-time student status turned to part-time until he ultimately didn't complete his degree with only a few classes left, but he didn't stop playing saxophone.

"I fell in love with performing and jazz band in college," he said.

He auditioned for the Army National Guard Band but was discharged due to injuries. Yet, while focused on finishing school and finding stability, he realized he didn't want to be a teacher anymore. Until then, he'd borrowed school instruments, but with a growing family, his grandfather helped him buy a saxophone, and he started moonlighting as a musical performer.

Being on stage was electrifying for Daniels, and his musical background made it easy for him.

"It came naturally. I got better because everything started falling into place. The things I didn't know how to do before solo-wise and composition," Daniels said. "It just opened up everything."

He grew up playing on stage with others, but it's different from playing solo.

"It's different. It's just an awesome feeling," Daniels said.

When he started performing locally, there was no one performing live jazz music.

"We saw it in schools, colleges and concerts," Daniels said. "But it wasn't like New Orleans or somewhere where people just played in clubs and restaurants."

During the pandemic in 2020, Daniels had extra time on his hands and used it to start his LLC. Although challenging, he found success through professional development.

"It's all a learning experience. There are many things I shouldn't have done," Daniels said. "It all paid off in the end.”

His career includes working as a server, delivery driver, pest control service and pursuing music full-time. He's released singles such as 'Ain't No Sunshine," "Lonely Man" and "Baby, My Baby," multiple extended plays and he also produces The Low D Podcast and creates content.

Daniels expressed his desire to leave a lasting impact, citing his grandmother's recent passing as a driving force behind his passion for performing, growing his business and building his reputation.

He wants to continue growing his online presence, producing music, and performing and connecting with talented artists nationwide. Saxophone and his artistry are versatile from soul to trap jazz and lo-fi music; he hopes his audience enjoys each performance, he said.

Daniels' journey demonstrates the impact of influential moments and the power of community in facilitating personal growth and success, even in small towns.

People can listen to Daniels music on Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music and Youtube, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and X and check out his latest live performances on Bandsintown.com.

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FASHION

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A PATH TO SUCCESS LONGVIEW ENTREPRENEUR LEANS INTO HIS HERITAGE WITH A GOAL TO INSPIRE OTHERS S T O RY B Y S A N TA N A G A L L A C H E R PHOTOGRAPHY BY LES HASSELL

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ucked away on Judson Road in Longview sits a space Luis Castanon and Gino Guzman plan to transform into a classy taqueria with big-city vibes.

On a cool December morning, Castanon met ETX View on location to talk more about the venture. His girlfriend Bailie Edwards tagged along for the shoot, where the couple modeled fashion from River Outfitters complemented by accessories from Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry.

Turn to the next page to read about Castanon’s powerful testimony behind his entrepreneurial spirit. | CONT. ON PG. 54 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 53 A young Luis Castanon couldn’t have pictured the life he’d be living today at 37 years old.

Between his entrepreneurial spirit and God’s grace, Castanon is building a future he can be proud of and hopes his journey inspires others to do the same.

A BETTER LIFE

Castanon, an owner of multiple businesses with dreams to do more, said it’s God’s hand guiding his vision, propelled by a desire to overcome what he describes as a rough childhood.

Now living in Longview for over two decades, Castanon spent his early childhood years in Tampico, Mexico.

“Growing up in Mexico, you’re born into poverty. There’s no way to escape it,” Castanon explained. That’s the main reason his father brought the family to the United States, he said.

“Knowing the childhood I had in Mexico, I just knew that that’s not a way of living. I knew when I had kids of my own, I didn't want them to go through the struggles that I went through.”

As a child, Castanon longed for more – even the bare necessities.

“All I ever wanted was a pair of shoes that fit – my shoes were always too big or too small,” Castanon recalled.

A thriving entrepreneur today, Castanon always had the desire to make a better life for himself. In Mexico, he wasn’t even 10 years old yet and he was already putting himself to work.

“I was in the streets selling pastries before school, after school – if we made it to school,” Castanon said. Going to work instead of school soon became a necessity many days of the week for an 8-year-old Castanon. His father had left for the United States to pursue a better life for the family, propelling the young boy to step up and become the ‘man of the house’ for his mother and sister in their small Tampico home.

“I’ve always had that spirit – to work and go for more,” Castanon said.

His father worked for a year, saving up money to bring the Castanon family to the U.S. to start anew. Arriving in his new home of Texas at the age of 9, Castanon and his family settled in a home on the south side of Longview. After escaping his poverty-ridden hometown and arriving in the land of opportunity, Castanon began to go down a bad path where he’d stay for the majority of his youth.

“I got involved with the wrong crowd, I made bad decisions,” Castanon said. “But eventually God gave me an opportunity to get out of that lifestyle and have a fresh start.”

God wasn’t always such an integral part of Castanon’s life. In Mexico, he was baptized as a | CONT. ON PG. 56 54

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THE COUPLE’S BOOTS, including Bailie’s Blazing Western boots in the color bone and Luis’ Odessa Waxed Saddle boots by Hari Mari, are sold at River Outfitters in Longview.

BAILIE EDWARDS and Luis Castanon model fashion from River Outfitters and Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry at the site of Castanon’s newest business venture, Patio 903.

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| CONT. FROM PG. 54 baby but the things he saw around him made it difficult to believe in a higher power.

“I always felt like if there really was a God, then why am I like this? Why am I in the streets? Why is this the way life is?” Castanon said.

As an adult, Castanon found God and was baptized again. He finds strength in his faith and leans on his relationship with the Lord for support.

A SECOND CHANCE

While he tries not to revisit the past very often, Castanon knows he had to go through it to grow from it.

“It made me the person I am. I had to learn what it was like to struggle, to go to juvenile, to almost lose everything, to lose friends in the streets to murder or life in prison,” Castanon said. “I have friends still in prison 56

January/February 2024 | etxview.com

right now that I grew up with. I don’t feel like I’m better than them, I just feel like I was given a second chance at life.”

That second chance includes living life with his beautiful children – Carson, 15, Sarai, 10, and Ella, 5 – and working toward his future goals.

GOING FOR MORE

Castanon has been in construction for over 12 years, owning his own business Castanon Enterprises, which specializes in residential new construction, remodels and other services. Just over one year ago, Castanon opened Mr. Churro – a specialty churro shop that is abuzz in Longview and continues to get more popular by the day. The shop, located at 174 Beechwood Dr., also sells coffee. He operates the business with his family.

Seeing how much the Longview community loves the

In each issue of ETX View, we are so thankful to have a number of supporters who help us bring our fashion shoot ideas to life. For the Professional Issue, we wanted to highlight a local entrepreneur looking to help the city grow.

We teamed up with Luis Castanon, a home builder who also owns a churro business and is working with a partner to open a new taco spot on Judson Road in Longview. Luis invited us out to the location to tell us more about his plans for the space, and while we were there, Luis and his girlfriend Bailie Edwards modeled some local fashion and accessories for our photo shoot.

In addition to showing off winter fashion graciously provided by River Outfitters in Longview, Luis and Bailie had the opportunity to wear some stunning jewelry. Although they are only dating, our good friend Jim Bartlett showed up to the shoot with a gorgeous set of wedding rings that we couldn’t turn down! Thank you Jim, for playing photoshoot sidekick for the day. We enjoyed your company. Jim also provided us with necklaces, bracelets, earrings and a classy watch. The jewelry wasn’t the only ice on the shoot, as we met on a wintry December day with cold, windy weather. But Luis and Bailie were such good sports and had a lot of fun with the looks. We can’t thank them enough.

One last shout out to our partners for making this day possible, and thank you to our ETX View team members who work so hard to put this together. Your ideas always turn out so amazing on these pages.

If you are interested in sponsoring our bi-monthly fashion shoots or want to provide clothing or a venue, we would love to hear from you.

Email us at info@etxview.com or call Sales Manager Tracy Stopani at 903-237-7726.

sweets offered at Mr. Churro, Castanon was inspired to bring more authentic Mexican flavor to the city.

PATIO 903

Castanon’s latest endeavor is renovating the venue pictured in ETX View’s January/February Fashion Shoot.

Located at 1811A Judson Road in Longview in what was formerly Tomboni’s, Castanon and his business partner Gino Guzman plan to open Patio 903.

Patio 903 will be an upscale dining and entertainment venue with tacos, beer and other authentic Mexican drinks such as Michelada. In addition to premium meats for the tacos, of course there will be chips, salsa and guacamole.

The duo, who coincidentally are both from the same hometown of Tampico, Mexico, happened to meet each other in Longview and hit it off professionally. For three

years, they’ve wanted to create something together like Patio 903. When an opportunity was presented to lease the building on Judson Road, Castanon said Guzman was the first person he called to pitch the partnership.

The vision for Patio 903 is classy and upscale, while being affordable and comfortable. Castanon and Guzman hope Patio 903 will be a place people want to hang out, rent out for parties and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere. In addition to an indoor space with plans for a new bar, there is ample square footage outside with patio tables, string lights and a stage for live music.

Castanon said they will book local musicians and also plan to find Mariachi bands and other performers who can highlight their Mexican roots.

“We want to bring some of our culture back from Tampico to Longview,” Castanon said. | CONT. ON PG. 59 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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THE COUPLE’S clothes, including Luis’ burnt orange Airflow Insulated Vest and Sanddollar long-sleeve shirt, both

by Duck Camp, and Bailie’s champagne satin button-down and ivory faux fur coat, are available for purchase at River Outfitters in Longview.

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LUIS CASTANON modeled a Frederick Goldman 14K two-tone, seven stone 1.47-carat bevel edge wedding band, a Simon G titanium link necklace, and a Rolex 18-karat Daytona watch. Bailie Edwards modeled a Hearts On Fire 18-karat, 3.264-carat solitaire engagement ring with a matching signature five-stone 1-carat wedding band. On her other hand, she wore a Hearts On Fire Grace triple-row domed ring which was 1.70 carats. Her other pieces were also from Hearts On Fire, including 18-karat, 3.30-carat Lorelei crescent drop earrings, a 12.04-carat line necklace and a 6.90-carat Temptation tennis bracelet. Prices all available on request.

Visit www.bartlettfinejewelry.com or stop by the store at 2002 Judson Rd Suite 101 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. | CONT. FROM PG. 57 They want Patio 903 to have those big-city vibes – a place so cool that it’s the spot you want to show off to your friends when they’re in town visiting.

Castanon said Patio 903 is expected to open in May or June 2024.

FIERY SPIRIT

Castanon has a fire in his belly that ignites his entrepreneurial endeavors. He says what keeps him

going is the fact God has given him talents that allow him to serve others through his work. From building homes at Castanon Enterprises to managing his eateries, Castanon’s biggest goal is to inspire others to chase their own dreams.

“Sometimes you get on social media or see the news about businesses struggling to grow or secure permits to start their own business, and it discourages you instead of encouraging you. I don’t think it needs to be like that,”

Castanon said. When that negativity hits, Castanon said “turn off the TV” and get out in the community – where signs of life for thriving businesses are everywhere you look.

“You should be able to get online and see that the city is growing and good things are happening, and it makes you want to be part of that instead of wanting to go outside the city limits,” Castanon said. “This is our home. This is where I want my money and tax dollars to go.”

Longview has opened its arms to Castanon on every venture he’s done, so he wants to be part of the movement to help the city grow.

He hopes his journey helps aspiring business owners take the leap.

“I really hope that this opens up a door or opportunity for other people that want to start their own business or want to go into their own food venture or entertainment or whatever their goal is,” Castanon said. “Anyone can be a business owner, be their own boss, and be independent.”

He hopes his ability to secure permits with the city and open a unique business will encourage other entrepreneurs that Longview is “welcoming to these kinds of ideas, and you don’t have to go to Tyler or Austin or somewhere like that.”

“Because that’s what everybody says, ‘Oh, this is what they do in Austin or in Dallas. It’s never, ‘This is what they do downtown.’ Why not Longview?” Castanon said.

For anyone yearning to start their own venture, Castanon has some advice.

“Pray about it. Pray for a clear vision. Then get educated in the area that you wanna invest in.

Surround yourself with people who have succeeded and who have failed in what you’re wanting to do, and then surround yourself with people that have the same vision as you,” Castanon said.

His motto is to “pray, plan, execute.” It’s important to not only have passion for what you’re doing, but make sure you have people in your corner who can help you navigate the process. From knowing what permits and licensing are needed to having a mentor who has been in your shoes before, it’s crucial | CONT. ON PG. 60 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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BAILIE’S JEANS are a high-rise bootcut fit in the brand Vervet, sold at River Outfitters in Longview.

| CONT. FROM PG. 59 to have that experience on your side, he said.

And ultimately, “Make sure that whatever you're wanting to do is a vision that was given to you and something you've researched and prayed over.”

ALL THE GLORY

Castanon’s proudest accomplishment is earning his United States citizenship in October 2021. He will never forget his father’s sacrifice to bring his family into the U.S. and takes pride in getting to this moment after so many years.

Nominated as a top finalist in ETX View’s 40 Under Forty awards and Longview News-Journal’s Best Of East Texas, Castanon said recognition is a way to give glory to his Creator.

“It’s all for His glory, not mine,” Castanon said. “ I always want to make sure I redirect the glory to God and my family and my parents for bringing me here. I see recognition as a way to put the talents He gave me to good use and help others. I have a voice, and this is one way I can help reach more people.”

Castanon finds ways to share his message in the community. Whether it’s through his businesses, his social media presence or speaking to local youth in 60

January/February 2024 | etxview.com

schools, Castanon spreads the message that dreams can be reality with a little hard work and faith.

“It’s important not to forget where you came from and how you started,” Castanon said. “Life has come full circle for me, and I hope my voice can help others in some way.”

Another message is promoting unity.

“When I was growing up, we never left the southside.

We stayed in south Longview. We had our own gas stations, our own meat market, our own Walmart – our own everything. We didn't have a reason to cross (Highway) 80 to go to Fourth Street or Gilmer Road; same reason those people dont cross over 80 to go to the southside. I don't think it needs to be like that.

There’s a whole different side of town that people aren't used to,” Castanon said.

Now, he wants all sides of the community to experience the other.

“We should be all together and united. Rather than each having our businesses over here or only shopping on one side of town, let’s all enjoy what Longview has to offer as a whole – together,” Castanon said.

With a message like that, it’s easy to follow leaders like Castanon who have a vision to unite the community and cultivate growth.

Jim

Bartlett FINE JEWELRY

Jim

Bartlett FINE JEWELRY

2002 Judson RD • 903-758-4367 • www.BartlettFineJewelry.com DiamondFire@Mail.com • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram etxview.com | January/February 2024

61

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January/February 2024 | etxview.com

You made it through 2023…

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No blender necessary! Just add liquid & throw the bag in the freezer. Shop our variety of mixes!

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Introducing ETX View Elite, sponsored content within ETX View Magazine that highlights the best local businesses in our community. Discover the extraordinary entrepreneurs and unique offerings that make our region special. From cozy boutiques to innovative startups to established local favorites, ETX View Elite is your guide to supporting and exploring the local economy.

Join us in celebrating the businesses that make our community thrive with exclusive offers and insider tips. Connect with ETX View Elite for a delightful exploration of our remarkable local businesses and services. If you are interested in being part of ETX View Elite, contact Sales Manager Tracy Stopani at 903-237-7726.

THE TUXEDO CO\THE DRESS CO

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hile New Year’s Eve has passed, the journey to your dream wedding continues with us. At The Dress Co., we’re committed to making your special day truly memorable. Here’s why we’re the right fit for your wedding plans: Extensive Collection: Explore our diverse range of over 300 exquisite wedding gowns, ensuring every bride discovers a dress that reflects her style, be it classic, modern, or unique.

Expert Guidance: Our experienced consultants offer personalized attention, guiding you through every step, from finding the perfect silhouette to alterations, ensuring you feel confident on your big day.

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Our high-quality dresses and accessories are crafted with attention to detail, promising timeless elegance and durability.

Affordable Options: We understand the importance of staying within budget. Enjoy competitive prices without compromising on quality, making your dream wedding achievable without financial strain.

Although the New Year’s celebrations have passed, your journey toward a remarkable wedding continues with us. Say ‘I do’ to a seamless and personalized wedding experience at The Dress Co.! Let’s bring your wedding vision to life.

100 Tall Pines Avenue, Ste 1 | Longview | 903-759-5503 64

January/February 2024 | etxview.com

G r e a t e r

T y l e r

2 0 2 4

A s s o c i a t i o n

O F F I C E R

&

o f

R E A L T O R S ®

D I R E C T O R S

THE GREATER TYLER ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

T

he Greater Tyler Association of REALTORS® is a non-profit organization serving the entire East Texas community. Our mission is to be a trusted ally, that promotes professionalism and integrity in the real estate industry, and to promote the importance of home and property ownership in our community. As members of the National Association of REALTORS®, we surround ourselves with professionals here to serve you. GTAR would like to introduce you to our 2024 Officers & Directors.

Pictured from left to right: Diana Zamora (Director), Kelly Raulston (Past Chairman), Amanda Jackson (Secretary/Treasurer), Coleman Fitzgerald (Chairman Elect), Shannon Franzen (Chairman), Karl Crawford (Director), Tracy Hurst (Director), Emily Santina (Director), and Linda Burns (Director).

Pictured to the right is Shannon Franzen, the 2024 chairman of the board. She has served on the GTAR board for 6 years, and is a twenty twoyear veteran of the real estate industry representing clients all over east Texas. Shannon believes being involved in the community and its schools is integral to understanding the local real estate market. Time with family is never something Shannon takes for granted. She understands that home truly is where the heart is.

The Greater Tyler Association of REALTORS®, its Members and Affiliates strives to be your local source for real estate.

LEARN MORE etxview.com | January/February 2024

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WORKOUT ANYTIME

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ersonal training is one of the best forms of knowledge, support and motivation. The personalized guidance and structure offered by Workout Anytime’s certified trainers extends far beyond that of traditional exercise routines, bringing out all the benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

Tom Reagan and Johnny Fitzgerald make up the Workout Anytime personal training team. Between them, they have over 15 years of training experience and have helped hundreds of clients reach their personal fitness goals. They both have accreditation through the biggest and best national organizations. Johnny specializes in athletes, and also holds a Stretching and Recovery certification from NASM. Tom specializes in healthy lifestyle, nutrition, body building and has a specialty certification from NASM in Women’s Health.

Our personal trainers design workout routines specifically tailored to individual needs, considering factors like fitness level, health conditions, and personal objectives.

They create sessions that are designed to be time-efficient, eliminating the need for lengthy, ineffective workouts. We celebrate milestones, no matter how small, fosters a sense of accomplishment and fuels ongoing dedication. Regardless of where you are in your fitness journey, we look forward to seeing you at Workout Anytime and helping you on your journey.

LEARN MORE 6004 S. Broadway Ste 200 | Tyler, TX | 903-571-1095

THE BODY MECHANICS DISCOVER THE HEALING POWER OF INFRARED SAUNA THERAPY!

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t our massage center, we embrace a holistic approach to wellness that includes innovative treatments like infrared sauna therapy, complementing traditional massage care.

Research into infrared sauna therapy’s impact on cardiovascular and overall health is promising. We integrate these findings into our services, offering clients an opportunity to explore these potentially beneficial therapies. Our infrared sauna sessions not only promote relaxation but also aim to support the body’s natural healing processes. Our commitment to staying informed ensures a nurturing environment where clients can access tailored treatments. Our goal remains consistent: supporting clients on their wellness journey.

430-625-7089 | TheBodyMechanicsMassage.com 66

January/February 2024 | etxview.com

JOHNNY’S CARPET ONE

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s a fourthgeneration family business, Johnny’s Carpet One Home & Floor has evolved to specialize in diverse flooring solutions for both residential and commercial spaces. Known for their exceptional service, they excel in custom tile work showcased in prestigious parade houses. Their showroom offers exclusive Carpet One products backed by robust warranties. The skilled sales team stays updated with the latest designs and installation techniques, ensuring every customer enjoys a seamless and highquality experience. Johnny’s unwavering commitment to superior service defines their legacy in the industry.

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LONGVIEW WORLD OF WONDERS

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isit WOW! Longview World of Wonders inspires a sense of wonder by giving children the experience to become lifelong learners.

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VISIT WOW 112 E Tyler St. Longview TX 903-212-4969 etxview.com | January/February 2024

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CASA FLORA Casa Flora: Your Ultimate Destination for Valentine’s Day!

M

ake this Valentine’s Day an unforgettable one with the enchanting beauty of Casa Flora. Whether you’re expressing your love to a significant other, celebrating a special friendship, or simply indulging in self-love, our exquisite floral arrangements are the perfect way to convey your heartfelt emotions.

Step into a world of romance and elegance with our meticulously crafted bouquets. Each arrangement is thoughtfully curated by our skilled florists, ensuring that every petal and stem tells a story of love and devotion. From vibrant roses to delicate lilies, our stunning collection of blooms will captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression.

At Casa Flora, we understand that every love story is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of options to suit your personal style and preference. Choose from our classic red roses, symbolizing passion and desire, or explore our diverse selection of mixed bouquets, featuring an exquisite blend of colors and textures.

Whatever your choice may be, our are guaranteed to make hearts flutter and create lasting memories.

In addition to our exceptional floral arrangements,

Casa Flora also offers a variety of gift options to complement your chosen blooms. We have carefully curated a selection of luxurious and fun gifts that will add an extra touch of indulgence to your Valentine’s Day celebration.

Experience the magic of Casa Flora this Valentine’s Day. Let our blooms speak the language of love and convey your deepest emotions to that special someone. Visit our website or visit our shop to explore our exquisite collection and make this Valentine’s Day a truly unforgettable one.

Casa Flora - Where Love Blooms.

SEND FLOWERS

314 Magnolia Lane | Longview, TX | 903-753-4492 | CasaFloraFlowers.com 68

January/February 2024 | etxview.com

etxview.com | January/February 2024

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CALENDAR events

JANUARY/FEB BULLARD ONE DAY OF REVIVAL 10:30 A.M. AND 6 P.M. JAN. 21 Lighthouse Church 650 S. Dr. M. Roper Parkway (Hwy 69) https://fb.me/e/aFSYJGoIe

CANTON WINTER BENEFIT 3D ARCHERY TOURNAMENT 9 A.M. JAN. 27 On Target Archery 29993 State Hwy 64 https://fb.me/e/4fyDD25zz

MOMMY AND ME DANCE 7 P.M. FEB. 17 The Barn at The Silver Spur Resort 13785 State Hwy 19 thesilverspurresort.com

DADDY AND ME DANCE 7 P.M. FEB. 9 AND 10 The Barn at The Silver Spur Resort 13785 State Hwy 19 Thesilverspurresort.com

CARTHAGE PANOLA CO. CHAMBER BANQUET & TASTE OF PANOLA COUNTY 5 P.M. FEB. 22 Carthage Civic Center 1702 S Adams St, Carthage, TX www.facebook.com/PCCOCTX

Krew of Hebe Mardi Gras Upriver Parade and Ball in Jefferson

FLINT

JEFFERSON

THRIVE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 6:30 P.M. FEB. 23

MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE 2 P.M. JAN. 14

Flint Baptist Church 11131 FM 2868 W https://rb.gy/xx8h24

JACKSONVILLE BOOK LOVERS UNITE BOOK CLUB 12 P.M. JAN. 22 and FEB. 19 Jacksonville Public Library 526 E Commerce St https://fb.me/e/6nQU8y8Xq

POETRY CLUB 10 A.M. FEB. 3 Jacksonville Public Library 526 E Commerce St https://fb.me/e/XsdI2m6P 70

January/February 2024 | etxview.com

Jefferson Community Center 501 E Hayward St., Jefferson Visitjeffersontexas.com

MARDI GRAS QUEEN MAB BALL 8 P.M. JAN. 27 Jefferson Convention & Visitor Center 305 East Austin St., Jefferson www.mardigrasupriver.com

MARDI GRAS UPRIVER FEB. 9-11 Dallas, Polk, Austin Streets Jefferson www.mardigrasupriver.com

KILGORE EAST MOUNTAIN BLUEGRASS SHOW 7 - 9 P.M. JAN. 19 FBC Kilgore 501 E North St., Kilgore www.eastmountainbluegrass.com

BULLDOGS & BOOTS GALA 6 P.M. FEB. 17 Texan Theater 201 S. Kilgore St., Kilgore www.facebook.com/ KISDFoundation

LINDALE

CLASSIC ARMS PRODUCTIONS GUN & KNIFE SHOW 9 A.M. - 5 P.M. JAN. 20 | 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. JAN. 21 Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd., Longview www.capgunshows.com

HERPS REPTILE & EXOTIC PET SHOW 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. JAN. 20 | 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. JAN 21 Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Dr., Longview www.herpshow.net

DUCK DUCK MOOSE 7 - 9 P.M. JAN. 20

LINDALE 4-H ROBOTICS CAR SHOW 8 A.M. FEB. 25

Community Connections 501 Pine Tree Rd., Longview www.facebook.com/ DuckDuckMooseImprov

Savannah’s Events 238 County Rd 318 W https://fb.me/e/1ALvSgPZf

HOMELESS RESOURCE DAY 8 A.M. - 2 P.M. JAN 25

ADULT GAME DAY 10:30 A.M. JAN. 16, 23 AND 30 Little Russell Memorial Library 200 E Hubbard St https://fb.me/e/6Ja8I5rWd

LINDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BREAKFAST 7 A.M. FEB. 13 ChristPoint Methodist Church Lindale 402 W Hubbard St https://fb.me/e/3TO7EJInD

LONGVIEW

Longview Exhibit Center 1123 Jaycee Dr., Longview www.longviewtexas.gov

RAHAB'S RETREAT RANCH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER/DINNER 6 - 8 P.M. JAN. 26 Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd., Longview www.rahabsretreatandranch.com

CANDLELIGHT CHAMBER CONCERT 7 P.M. JAN. 26 Belcher Center at LeTourneau University 2100 S Mobberly Ave., Longview longviewsymphony.org

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT 4 P.M. FEB 1 - 29 Gregg County Historical Museum 214 N Fredonia St., Longview gregghistorical.org

FRANKIE AVALON 7 P.M. FEB. 3 Belcher Center 2100 S Mobberly Ave., Longview https://bit.ly/48edwXc

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT ON AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORICAL MARKERS IN GREGG COUNTY 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. FEB. 6 - 28 Gregg County Historical Museum 214 N Fredonia St., Longview gregghistorical.org/black-historymonth

PUPPY PALS LIVE! 3 P.M. FEB. 10 Belcher Center 2100 S Mobberly Ave., Longview https://bit.ly/46VoOPl

| CONT. ON PG. 72

2024 Arts!Longview Honors Celebrating Dr. James Snowden

PINE TREE ISD EXPEDITION 2024 6 P.M. JAN. 18 Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd., Longview www.ptisd.org

2024 ARTS!LONGVIEW HONORS: CELEBRATING DR. JAMES SNOWDEN 6 P.M. JAN. 20 Longview Community Center 500 E. Whaley St., Longview www.visitlongviewtexas.com

etxview.com | January/February 2024

71

MLK Jr. Day Parade, Tyler | CONT. FROM PG. 71 GRACE PETTIS 6:30 P.M. FEB. 10 Longview Museum of Fine Arts 213 N. Fredonia St., Longview https://www.gracepettis.com

LEE ROCKER OF THE STRAY CATS 7:30 - 10 P.M. FEB. 3

EAST TEXAS SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT 7:30 P.M. FEB. 12

Memorial City Hall Performance Center 110 E Houston St., Marshall https://bit.ly/3TlJ0Xs

Location: Belcher Center at LeTourneau University 2100 S Mobberly Ave., Longview etsymphonicband.org

THEATRE LONGVIEW PRODUCTION: HARVEY 7:30 P.M. FEB 22 - 25 Theatre Longview 500 E. Whaley St., Longview theatrelongview.com/event/harvey

MARSHALL MARSHALL SYMPHONY LEAGUE BUBBLES, BAGS, AND BUNCO! 6 P.M. JAN. 12 The Corral at Marshall Mercantile 211 N. Washington St., Marshall marshalltexas.com

ANDY GROSS 7:30 - 10 P.M. JAN. 20 Memorial City Hall Performance 72

Center 110 E Houston St., Marshall https://bit.ly/3NmcHDW

January/February 2024 | etxview.com

MINEOLA TYLER AREA VAMPIRE BALL 7 P.M. FEB. 10 Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe 117 N Johnson St https://rb.gy/zuc2ps

TYLER THE FIFTH ANNUAL MLK SPOKENWORD COMPETITION 7 P.M. JAN. 12 The Foundry Coffee House 202 S. Broadway Ave https://rb.gy/nkr205

LOVE AND RESPECT MARRIAGE CONFERENCE 6 P.M. JAN. 12 and 9:30 AM. JAN. 13 Colonial Hills Baptist Church 7330 South Broadway www.colonialhills.com

INAUGURAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE 10 A.M. JAN. 13

BEGINNER FRUIT TREE GROWING WORKSHOP 11 A.M. FEB. 10

Texas African American Museum 309 W Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd https://t.ly/ICJYm

Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms 975 CR 2220 https://fb.me/e/3kJhLYkKg

EAST TEXAS PSYCHIC FAIR 11 A.M. JAN. 13

TATUM ISLAND TRAIL HIKE 1:30 - 2:30 P.M. JAN 13 Martin Creek Lake State Park 9515 Co Rd 2181D, Tatum tpwd.texas.gov

Courtyard by Marriott Tyler 7424 S Broadway Ave https://fb.me/e/1Kg3SeyQF

COFFEE CREDIT AND CONNECTIONS 10 A.M. JAN. 13 Tyler Metro Chamber of Commerce 2000 W Gentry Pkwy https://fb.me/e/1Hlw45MBG

BLOOD DRIVE SPONSORED BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 10 A.M. JAN. 14 St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 18221 FM-2493 https://fb.me/e/ezxBbmYiZ

ART JOURNAL WORKSHOP 10 A.M. JAN. 15 Northeast Texas Cancer Center and Research Institute 501 S Saunders Ave https://rb.gy/kwdfxm

WALK WITH A DOC 12 P.M. JAN. 17 University of Texas at Tyler 3900 University Boulevard https://t.ly/-0mZH

WALK WITH A DOC 12 P.M. FEB. 21 UT Health Science Center at Tyler 11937 US-271 https://t.ly/-0mZH

40TH ANNUAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BY DR. RAY PERRYMAN 11:30 A.M. JAN. 18 W.T. Brookshire Conference Center 2000 W. Front St https://t.ly/RpxFd

SPOKEN WITH THE PROTEST 7 P.M. FEB. 1 True Vine Brewing Company 2447 Earl Campbell Pkwy www.truevinebrewing.com

EAST TEXAS FRUIT, NUT AND VEGETABLE CONFERENCE 8 A.M. FEB. 9 Tyler Rose Garden Center 420 Rose Park Dr https://fb.me/e/1FO9Pwb2L

THE PRINCESS BRIDE 2 P.M. FEB. 10 Liberty Hall Theatre 103 E Erwin St https://libertytyler.com/

WINTERFEST 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. FEB. 10 The Coco Bean 7272 Crosswater Ave https://fb.me/e/4Bsj4PjnE

8TH ANNUAL QUEENS AND JERKS VALENTINE’S DAY COMPETITION 8 A.M. FEB. 10

BREATHE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 9 A.M. FEB. 10 Marvin Methodist Church 300 W Erwin St marvin.church

SING AND SWING- A JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS 7:30 A.M. FEB. 10 UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Boulevard cowancenter.org

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE FEB. 9-11 AND FEB. 15-18 AND FEB 22-25 Tyler Civic Theatre Center 400 Rose Park Dr tylercivictheatre.com

ENGINEER’S WEEK 3-5 P.M. FEB. 18-24 Discovery Science Place 308 N Broadway Ave discoveryscienceplace.org

| CONT. ON PG. 74

Premier CrossFit 1906 Capital Dr https://t.ly/yp8-2

EAST TEXAS BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA 1 P.M. JAN. 20 W.T. Brookshire Conference Center 2000 W Front St https://idobridalexpo.com/

SHAW REVOLVER LIVE 9 P.M. JAN. 20 South Tyler Speakeasy 16884 FM 2493 https://fb.me/e/10AUFwbWW

ON YOUR FEET! MUSICAL 7:30 P.M. JAN. 23 UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Boulevard cowancenter.org

ACADEMIC RODEO AT DSP JAN. 29 Discovery Science Place 308 N Broadway Ave discoveryscienceplace.org

East Texas Bridal Extravaganza, Tyler etxview.com | January/February 2024

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| CONT. FROM PG. 73 KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND 7:30 P.M. FEB 14 UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Boulevard cowancenter.org

STEM LIKE A GIRL FEB. 17 Discovery Science Place 308 N Broadway Ave discoveryscienceplace.org

WINTER BLAST 5K, 10K, 15K 8:45 A.M. FEB. 17

THIRD ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH GALA 6 P.M. FEB. 17

MOBY DICK 7:30 P.M. FEB. 28- MAR. 2

Holiday Inn Conference Center 5701 S Broadway Ave texasafricanamericanmuseum.org

Jean Brown Theater-Tyler Junior College 1300 S Mahon Ave www.tjc.edu/theatre

LEAP YEAR MADNESS 5K 6 A.M. FEB. 24

CHARLOTTE’S WEB 10 A.M. AND 12:30 P.M. FEB. 29

Rose Rudman Park 450 Shiloh Rd https://fb.me/e/51Wb6PBrI

UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Blvd cowancenter.org

DANCE! FEATURING THE TJC ACADEMY OF DANCE 7:30 P.M. FEB. 24

WASKOM

Rose Rudman Park 455 Shiloh Rd thefreedomrunners.com

UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Boulevard etxsymphony.org

WASKOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL BANQUET 6 P.M. JAN. 30

FIDDLE ZOO FOR KIDS 10 A.M. FEB. 17

CREATIVE ENVISIONS: VISION BOARD PARTY 1 P.M. FEB 24

Venue Catfish Village 1950 W. Waskom Ave., Waskom marshalltexas.com

College Elite 319 W Front St www.collegeelite.org

WHITEHOUSE

First Presbyterian Church 250 Rusk St https://fb.me/e/38q8Opk7r

CHOCOLATS SYMPHONIQUE 7:30 P.M. FEB. 16 AND 3 P.M. FEB. 17 First Presbyterian Church 250 Rusk St newtxsinfonia.com

MINSOO SOHN PLAYS SCHUMANN 7:30 P.M. FEB. 27 UT Tyler Cowan Center 3900 University Boulevard etxsymphony.org

ADULT BOARD GAME NIGHT 5:30 P.M. JAN. 19 Whitehouse Community Library 107 Bascom Rd https://fb.me/e/6rC2tQAcT

EVENTS FOR PUBLICATION IN THE MARCH/APRIL ISSUE OF ETX VIEW MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL TO INFO@ETXVIEW.COM BY FEB. 15

STEM Like a Girl, Tyler 74

January/February 2024 | etxview.com

T EXA S O N CO LO G Y.CO M

EXPERT CANCER CARE RIGHT WHERE YOU LIVE. When facing a cancer diagnosis, you deserve your own team of specialists, advanced treatment options, leading edge technology, and access to clinical trials. You also deserve to be there for opening night of his first leading role. With more than 280 locations across the state, Texas Oncology delivers expert, comprehensive cancer care and lets you keep being Mom.

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etxview.com | January/February 2024

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Your heart. Your life. Our purpose.

When it comes to your heart health, your lifestyle choices and family history play a crucial role in determining your risk of developing heart disease. For exceptional care close to home, the dedicated team at CHRISTUS Heart & Vascular Institute To learn more about your risk for heart disease scan the QR code or call 903.315.5400 to make an appointment.

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January/February 2024 | etxview.com 23-513863

is committed to extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by providing evidence-based, compassionate heart care right here in Longview. Visit CHRISTUShealth.org to learn more.