LISA BROWN | FASHION | PICTURE THIS! | HIS POINT OF VIEW NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
ALSO INSIDE COVER STORY
FROM BARGAINS to blessings
GIFTS THAT keep on giving
there's no place
LIKE HOPE
Less waiting for emergency care (and a lot more care, if you need it). In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Longview Regional Medical Center, you’ll find faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less. And, with a team of dedicated medical specialists, we can provide a lot more care, if you need it.
The 30-Minutes-Or-Less E.R. Service Pledge – only at Longview Regional Medical Center. LongviewRegional.com
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Visit our branches on North Eastman Road (near Buffalo Wild Wings)
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903.381.6500 800.999.2328
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
Contents Beauty: Get A Stay Put Pout
Feature: East Texas Angel
14
30
Features 18
Cover Story: From Bargains to Blessings
30
East Texas Angel
34
There’s No Place Like Hope
38
I’m Dreaming Of A Blue Christmas
46
Fashion 22
Party Perfect
26
Rent The Runway A Review
10
Holiday Hangover Help
14
Get A Stay Put Pout
4 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
Feature: I’m Dreaming Of A Blue Christmas
22
38
On the Cover
School 43
Lisa Brown: A Squirrel’s Best Friend
Health & Beauty
Fashion: Party Perfect
Gifts That Keep On Giving
In Every Issue 42
His Point of View
48
Picture This!
55
Charm Challenge
The Bargain Box is an upscale boutique that benefits the Junior League of Longview, which provides services to the community. pg. 18
Spot the Charm Our September/October Spot the Charm winner was Joni Lahti and she has chosen a $100 Dillard’s gift card. She spotted the charm on page 16 in our last issue! We invite you to spot a special Charm logo in this edition. If you locate it, sign on to mycharmonline.com and click the Spot the Charm link on the homepage.
Life. Dream! Live the
Love the
CHARM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 PUBLISHER Stephen McHaney EDITOR Ric Brack • 903.237.7759 • rbrack@news-journal.com PUBLICATION DIRECTOR April Harlow • 903.232.7206 • aharlow@news-journal.com MANAGING EDITOR Christina Lane • 903.237.7724 • clane@news-journal.com ART DIRECTOR Katie Case • 903.237.7715 • kcase@news-journal.com PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Lozano • 903.237.7246 • clozano@news-journal.com
A Lifestyle Community For Seniors™
License Pending
Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care 903.758.8888 info@parkviewonhollybrook.com 601 Hollybrook Drive, Longview, Texas 75605 Another Exceptional Senior Community by Zerga Companies
6 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
DESIGNER Rebecca McCallum ILLUSTRATOR Vanessa McGraw CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ashley Anderson • Lisa Brown • Amy McHaney • Christina Lane ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Larry Jobe • 903.237.7727 • ljobe@news-journal.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Susan Payne • 903.237.7721 • spayne@news-journal.com Brittany Dorman • 903.237.7716 • bdorman@news-journal.com Trisha Hall • 903.237.7776 • thall@news-journal.com Stephanie Smith • 903.237.7726 • ssmith@news-journal.com Chris Dean • 903.237.7719 • cdean@news-journal.com Amanda Taylor • 903.232.7276 • ataylor@news-journal.com Thomas Bonner • 361.574.1249 • tbonner@vicad.com CIRCULATION Josh Hart • 903.237.7765 • jhart@news-journal.com
mycharmonline.com
LETTER
My mind immediately went to the list of things to do, people to shop for, a house to decorate, parties and events to attend. (And what to wear for said parties … this, too, needs to be considered. At length.) Long story short – I freaked smooth out. If you’re like me, you’re not ready for all of this. You’re a bit panicked right now and making a mental to-do list of your own. Or you’re an overachiever and this revelation is no big deal to you. I know it’s somewhat trite and often repeated, but sometimes I get tired of the rat race that the holidays have become for us. I remember a Christmas many years ago when as a single mom, I thought I knew the meaning of “struggle.” That same year, I signed up to help deliver gifts to Angel Tree families because it was certainly not in my budget to select a family and buy gifts for them. I felt like the gift delivery was still an opportunity to help, even if it seemed small. To this day, I’m still touched by that experience and what it taught me. I learned that while my life wasn’t ideal, it could’ve been so much more difficult. The gratitude I saw on the faces of the families I helped deliver to was worth more than any gift I could’ve been given that year. And all it took was a little of my time and the willingness to do it. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned any time I’ve volunteered my time for a worthy cause has been the realization that pitching in is more of a gift to myself than it is to the cause I’m helping. Sure, I’ve supported their efforts, but I’m the one who’s better for it in the end because it makes me a happier person. The women we’ve featured in this month’s issue of Charm can probably tell you a whole lot more about this feeling than I ever can, because they’ve dedicated themselves to helping others. They look around our community, or our world, see what they can fix and then they do their best to go out and get the job done. Dear Readers,
We’re proud to bring you the stories of these exceptional
As I sit here writing this letter, I’m thinking back to a
ladies, but more importantly, we’re proud to have them in our
conversation I had yesterday in which I figured out that there
community. We hope you’re as inspired by them as we were. And
were only 12 weeks left in 2015. Twelve weeks! Ugh! That means
as always, we hope you enjoy this issue. Happy holidays!
… 11 weeks till Christmas! I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you, but there you go. (And, incidentally, if you’re reading this the day Charm hit the paper that means there are only eight weeks. Sorry again.)
8 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
April Harlow aharlow@news-journal.com
Congratulations to the 2016 Stars Over Longview Glenda Burt
Dorothy Horne Kristen Ishihara Cherika Johnson Dorothy Khoury
Laura Laster Carolyn Northcutt Dana Parr
Francye Phillips Sandra Skoog
Lisa Van Burkleo Chrissy Berry
Celebrating 16 Years Thursday, January 14, 2016 Speaker: Liz Murray Doors Open at 11:30 a.m. Ceremony and Luncheon begin at noon Maude Cobb Activity Center 100 Grand Blvd. • Longview Complimentary valet parking will be available.
Ticket Information Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table of 8 Tickets will be available for purchase beginning Monday, November 2, 2015. To purchase, call Longview Regional Medical Center’s Marketing Department at 903-553-7400.
Speaker: Liz Murray New York Times Best-Selling Author of “Breaking Night” & recipient of the White House “Project’s Role Model Award” and Oprah Winfrey’s first-ever “Chutzpah Award”.
For additional information on this event visit LongviewRegional.com.
HealtH & beauty
T
he holidays are upon us, one of my favorite times of year! I love spending time with my friends and family. I love the food. I love the décor. And I especially
love the parties. Where there’s a party, there’s an excuse to drink champagne. And I really, really love champagne. If you’ve ever spent more time mixing and mingling than monitoring the number of times your host tops off your bubbly, this is the article for you … what to do the morning after a few too many bubbles. If you’ve read my Charm articles in the past, you know I lean heavily on girlfriends for advice in most aspects of life. The topic at hand is no exception; for this, I called on the big guns. But first, a little science. When you wake up bleary eyed after an evening of excess your body is dealing with a couple of issues. Dehydration is the primary problem – alcohol acts as a diuretic, and as you enjoy your bubbly, you aren’t as likely to hydrate with big glasses of water. In addition, champagne has been known to cause people to stay up too late, which contributes to a weary feeling the next morning. Lastly, too much liquid fun can cause an upset stomach, which really completes the trifecta of awful. So on to the recommendations …
Kati also added that
Sonic Mozzarella Sticks and a Route 44 rEaL Coke
goes a long way toward righting the ship as well.
holiday hangover help Words by AMy MCHAnEy
My friend Kati favors Emergen-C mixed with a South Texas favorite, Topo Chico, which is south-of-the-border sparkling water found in the Mexican food section of our local grocery stores. Apparently the Emergen-C replenishes many of the vitamins that the champagne stole from you. And the motto of the Emergen-C product is “Feel the Good,” so it must really help, right? As an added bonus, this product is full of antioxidants and may help prevent picking up a cold as you party hop. Kati also added that Sonic mozzarella sticks and a Route 44 REAL Coke goes a long way toward righting the ship as well. Tenna loves champagne even more than I do. Her advice? Start early. Day drinking.
10 Charm | n o v E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
continued on pg. 12
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Then sleep early and voila! Tomorrow is another day! I have to say that I have followed this strategy more than once with a satisfactory outcome – it’s actually one of my favorite tactics. Strictly during party season, of course. Kristie is a conventional girl and suggests ibuprofen and Gatorade prior to bedtime. An excellent suggestion, though one that requires some planning. During the holidays I do like to keep my bedside table stocked with my favorite Gatorade and I have found that if I follow this protocol that I am at least back to 95 percent the next day. I have two current favorites. First is a recommendation by my friend Carrie, who is a believer in Pedialyte; yes, the rehydrating drink of children suffering from the throw ups. The most effective and convenient delivery method Carrie has found is the powdered version – it looks just like a single serve Crystal Light packet and comes in a box of 16. Pour that packet of deliciousness into a bottle of water then shake-shake-shake and you’ve got yourself an exceptionally hydrating beverage. The back of the box says so. My second favorite tactic? Cherry flavor BC powder offers a dose of aspirin and caffeine in every packet. I like to think that letting the powder melt away on your tongue gets it into your system faster – whether or not that’s true, the mental game is half the battle to recovery, and for me, BC works. But the best advice of all for preventing a champagne headache? From my dear friend Melita: don’t drink! C
But the Best advice of all for preventing a champagne headache? from my dear friend melita: Don’t Drink!
12 Charm | n o v e M B e r / D e C e M B e r
HealtH & beauty
soNIa KasHuK
VeLVety Matte LIp CRayoN ROSEY NUDE • Target - $7.59
i read a review of the sonia Kashuk product that compared it favorably to the nars velvet matte lip Pencil (which is actually more like a fat crayon than a pencil). i love bargains, so my interest was piqued.
get a stay put pout Words by Amy mchAney | Photos by chris lozAno
M
Then i read that beautyPedia gave it four out of four stars. i was sold – sonia would be my first foray into the world of long last lip color. MY FAVORITE REVIEWS: “This product is comparable to the NARS matte lip pencils. Which is saying a lot coming from me. I am in love with them and the price can't be beat.” – Abigail S., Bloomfield Hills, MI “All of Sonia Kushuk's products could sell at a department store counter for 3-4x's more than what you pay at Target.”
y quest for the best beauty products this month
– BungalowChic
led me down the seductive path of long wearing
PROS: This lip color is perfectly named; it is, very precisely,
lipstick. it seems like a tall order – lipstick that
velvety matte lip color in crayon form. it went on completely
can survive lunch, dinner, a trip to the gym. but it’s the holiday
smooth with excellent coverage. i’ve worn red lipstick consistently
party season and who wouldn’t appreciate lipstick that stays put as
since i was a teen and this is one of my favorite shades of red i’ve
the night wears on?
ever worn. The color lasted all day long and did not show signs of
over the years i’ve seen advertisements for many a product
wear from 8 a.m. until bedtime.
that promises to stay put for 8, 12, 24 hours … but do any of these
CONS: let me preface my cons by saying that my cons may
products really last as long as they say they do? And if so, how
not apply to you. i am as dry as a lizard and really like to feel
does 24-hour-old lipstick actually look? i took one for the Charm
moisture on my lips at all times. The sonia Kashuk product left
team and started testing.
my lips feeling completely bare. not dry, just bare. not a bad
it turns out my stable of girlfriends didn’t have many
thing necessarily, just not my personal preference.
recommendations in the long wear lip color department. All the
BOTTOM LINE: i’ve continued to wear the velvety matte lip
more reason to sacrifice my lips to the cause. i spent some time
crayon and have liked it – if my lips feel too bare, i add a dot of
researching product reviews to identify brands to try – i’ll include
gloss, then blot my lips together, and still get great, long wear
a few snippets with each review …
from the crayon.
14 Charm | n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r
continued on pg. 16
Ronald G. Morton
Md, FAAo/hnS
East Texas Sinus and dizziness Center, longview, TX Ronald G. Morton, MD, FAAO/HNS is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. He has been in practice in East Texas for 25 years and has specialized in the treatment of sinus disease and disorders of equilibrium for several years, having founded the only clinic fully dedicated to the treatment of dizziness and imbalance in 2009. Most recently, Dr. Morton and the East Texas Sinus and Dizziness Center were recognized as a National Center of Excellence in the treatment of sinusitis. He has been invited to speak to many groups of physicians and has been selected as an honored guest at a symposium at his specialty’s annual meeting in Dallas, Texas recognizing leaders in his field in September, 2015. Physicians from around the country travel to East Texas to receive instruction from Dr. Morton in the treatment of sinusitis, and in particular, the performance of Balloon Sinus Dilation procedures, which he performs in both of his Longview and Mt. Pleasant office utilizing the most advanced technology available. The East Texas Sinus and Dizziness Center is equipped with its own CAT scanner for the evaluation of sinus and inner ear disorders, procedure facilities, audiology and vestibular (inner ear) services, hearing aid dispensing, and beginning in September, full allergy evaluation and treatment.
ronAld g. MorTon, Md FAAo/hnS
EAST TEXAS SinuS And dizzinESS CEnTEr hEAring loSS • AllErgy • gEnErAl EnT 901 PEGUES PLACE • LONGVIEW, TX • 903-212-4399 | 105 WEST 20TH STREET • MT. PLEASANT, TX • 903-717-8765
- easttexassinus.com -
reminding me of some of my chapsticks, and looks fantastic!
BUTTER
LIPPY MOISTURE MATTE LIPSTICK COME TO BED RED • Ulta - $22
The color is even and it moisturizes.” – Laura S. - Washington “I purchased this lipstick in Liar and even though it is sheer, it is still very pigmented and beautiful. I also love how moisturizing this product is. I usually put some kind of light lip balm on before applying lipstick, but with UD I don't have to.” – ncipriani – San Francisco PROS: The Urban Decay went on smoothly, though not as moisturizing as the Butter was initially. The red I chose had more
I like Butter nail color, so when I read favorable reviews of their long wear lip color, I thought I’d give it a whirl. I particularly liked reading reviews that spoke of how wearable the Butter reds were – I was torn between Come to Bed Red and Lady Bird. MY FAVORITE REVIEW: “There's no fading of color and none of that omg-my-lips-feel-straight-out-of-the-desert-dry action I sometimes experience with other products! One big cup of iced tea later and my lips are still as sultry as ever. This product has my
blue undertones which made it read more hot pink than red (not my favorite). CONS: My lips felt like chalk within a few hours. Flaky chalk. And the color definitely morphed into hot pink instead of staying truer to the initial red. The Urban Decay did not last as long as the other two products I had tried – it began to fade around the edges over time. BOTTOM LINE: Urban Decay was a thumbs down for me.
vote.” – Raleigh Seldon, Social Media Editor, mydomaine.com PROS: The reviews I read were correct about the application – the Butter Lippy went on smooth and moisturizing. It was a bonus that I loved the shade of red. And the color lasted
CLINIQUE
all day. But …
LONG LAST SOFT MATTE LIPSTICK MATTE MAGENTA • Dillard's - $17
CONS: Within an hour my lips felt dry like I hadn’t had a sip of water in days. I couldn’t take wearing it a second day to see if the first was a fluke. The Butter Lippy was going straight back to Ulta. BOTTOM LINE: I need moisture!
I did not initially plan to review the Clinique lipstick, but it
URBAN DECAY
SHEER REVOLUTION LIPSTICK SHEER F-BOMB • Ulta - $22
was included in my Clinique Bonus from an unrelated cosmetics purchase in September, so I thought I’d include it in my reviews. The Clinique product also enjoys a significant following – reviewers on the Nordstrom website give it 4.5 stars out of 5. Plus, my longtime go-to lipstick is a Clinique product (Different Lipstick in Angel Red – LOVE!). MY FAVORITE REVIEW: “This is a great red lipstick. The color is bright and clear, but not too much. It goes on smoothly and wears really well. It's very comfortable and creamy considering it
After striking out with the Butter brand lipstick, I decided to try this sheer Urban Decay formula. It also had consistently high
has a matte finish. I wasn't expecting to love this color as much as I did...” – Padre_Girl
reviews across sites, and had favorable in depth reviews citing the
PROS: The lipstick was free in my bonus.
sheer formula as moisturizing. Moisture! I was ready to spring for
CONS: The Clinique lipstick was the most drying of those that
another $22 tube of lipstick. MY FAVORITE REVIEWS: “I usually can't wear lipstick due to my dry and chapped lips. The Sheer Revolution goes on smooth, 16 Charm | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
I tried. I had friends comment on how dry and uncomfortable my lips looked. Yuck. BOTTOM LINE: This lipstick is not for me!
MY FAVORITE REVIEWS: “This is hands down my favorite lip stuff ever. It could withstand a rager in a hurricane, I swear. If you don't take your make-up off at night, you will still see it the next day. It doesn't dry your lips out like most so-called "longlasting" lip color does, which is a HUGE plus.” – B. Gerke “If you want color that lasts all day, through eating and drinking, this is your lip color. If you like a clear red shade, this is it.” – Amazon Fan
REVLON
COLORSTAY ULTIMATE LIQUID LIPSTICK TOP TOMATO • Wal-mart - $9.39
PROS: The liquid lipcolor is easy to apply – I only applied it to my lower lip and then blotted my lower and upper lips together and got great coverage. I loved the color and the fact that after it dried, that I still felt like I had something on my lips (not just bare naked lips). This color LASTS. Like you still have fresh looking color when you go to bed and wake up with perfect lipstick the next morning. A little disconcerting, maybe, but interesting to
I had pretty much decided to throw in the towel on the long wear lipstick gig – I really wasn’t all that put out by reapplying lipstick anyway. I decided to give it one more try – I forged ahead and purchased the Revlon candidate that had been on my list
know that it can pretty much withstand 24 hours of wear. CONS: This lipstick requires precise application. If you misapply and realize it immediately, you can wipe off the error. If you notice your lipstick is a little crooked 30 minutes later, it’s very difficult to rub off the errant color. BOTTOM LINE: This color is a keeper! C
since the beginning.
"Beauty, to me, is aBout Being
comfortaBle in your own skin. that, or a kick-ass red "
Lipstick.
- Gwyneth Paltrow
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Come By or Call for More Information
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Open
Mon. 4-6 • Tuesday 12-6 saT. 10-2 during winter months Private Parties Available
mycharmonline.com 17
COVER STORY
from
bargains to
Blessings Words by CHRISTINA LANE | Photos by CHRIS LOZANO
18 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
There is a room in Longview where Jeanie Folzenlogen has spent countless hours in the past 20 years sewing buttons back onto clothes from Neiman Marcus or gluing pieces together – doing anything she could to make the merchandise sell better.
S
ince
1989,
Box,
an
the
Bargain
“We purchase merchandise from Neiman’s. They give us a great
sells
Neiman
price, and then we resell it. We have a wonderful relationship with
reduced
Neiman Marcus. It has been a great community partnership and
prices. All proceeds from the Bargain Box benefit the
through it we have done a lot of great projects in the community.”
Marcus
Jeanie
upscale
has
managed
boutique
merchandise
at
that
drastically
Junior League of Longview, which provides services to the community. “The Junior League and the Bargain Box are very special to me,” Jeanie said. “What Junior League does in the community affects so many people, and I’m very proud of it.”
The Bargain Box resells the Neiman Marcus merchandise at a fraction of the price, and has created a way for women to shop for upscale purchases in Longview instead of having to drive to a bigger city, such as Dallas. “I like to shop at the Box because I know I am getting high
The Junior League of Longview is a service organization that
quality, often high-end merchandise for an amazing price,”
focuses on women, children and poverty. Some of the league’s
said Amy Hull, a Junior League member and avid Bargain Box
efforts include the annual School Supply Train in which the Junior
shopper. “I would have to travel to Dallas or shop online to find
League gives school supplies to area children in need; Kids in
the same items - and pay sometimes 10 times the price.”
the Kitchen, which seeks to combat food insecurity by providing nutritional education to children and sending them home with healthy food to eat; and establishing the iMac Learning Lab at the Longview Public Library.
But her reasons for shopping at the store extend well beyond a price tag. “I also shop at the Bargain Box because I know what it means to the league and the community. The relationship with Neiman’s
But the Junior League’s work in Longview would hardly be
is such a blessing and unique partnership,” Amy said. “I have had
possible without the Bargain Box. The store now provides enough
the privilege of attending national Junior League conferences and
money for the organization to sustain itself so that all of the money
visiting with other league leadership.
from its fundraisers goes straight into community projects. “It serves a huge purpose,” said Kathy Lancaster, office manager for the Junior League of Longview. The Bargain Box was established in 1960 on Cotton Street as a small resale shop that was stocked with donations from league members. Throughout the years, the thrift shop was a great project for the Junior League. In 1983, Junior League of Longview purchased a building on Fourth Street that was split between housing the league’s offices and housing the Bargain Box. “And we continued to have a really great thrift shop,” said Jeanie, who joined the Junior League in about 1970. Jeanie had volunteered with the Bargain Box, and in 1989 when the store manager (who was paid and not in the league) decided to retire, Jeanie volunteered to fill in. “I said, ‘I’ll do the job for a year while you look for somebody else to hire.’ Well, we decided it worked pretty well having a manager who was in the league and who got emotional about what we are doing,” Jeanie said. She’s stayed on ever since. Then in 1996, a new partnership was formed with Longview’s Neiman Marcus Distribution Center that forever changed the face of the store. “We approached Neiman’s for merchandise, something to add to the thrift shop. That led to a partnership between Junior League of Longview and Neiman Marcus,” Jeanie said.
Gay kirkland mycharmonline.com 19
“Other leagues are very impressed and frankly jealous when
“The merchandise changes weekly…you may strike out one
they learn that our largest fundraiser is a league-run store with
visit but find exactly what you were looking for (and a few things
Neiman Marcus merchandise. Most leagues are selling cookbooks
you weren’t) on your next visit!” she said.
and tickets to large-scale events to raise funds. While those are great fundraisers, ours is unique and something we can annually sustain through our members’ volunteer hours and Neiman’s generosity. The Neiman Marcus Distribution Center and Bargain Box partnership is great example of businesses and non-profits working together.”
While she has found a slew of wonderful products at the store, one of her favorite purchases is a designer cocktail dress that was originally $600. She found it at the store’s New Year’s sale and paid $10. “Another favorite purchase is an abstract art piece I had wanted for over a year but was well out of my budget. My patience and hoping paid off when I found it at the Bargain Box one day,”
Amy, a past president of Junior League of Longview, said she
Amy shared. “The frame had a tiny scratch. I purchased it on sale
tries to stop by the Bargain Box to shop at least every three to
for $25 and had it reframed. Even after adding the new frame, I
four weeks.
paid a fraction of the original price.”
Lisa tiller
Patty
Shappell
20 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
Allison werline
Donna
park
and
Lindsey eberhart
Linda
petty
Not every item she buys is on sale for as good a price as those, but they are among her favorites.
have been worn to presidential inaugurations,” she said. And while the league members said they are glad for
“I love the search, I love finding unique items, and I
the opportunities the Bargain Box provides shoppers, they
love knowing that my purchase serves a great cause, a great
are proudest of the work it enables Junior League to do in
organization and an even greater community,” she said.
the community.
Additionally, Amy noted that the Bargain Box is a great place to meet Junior League of Longview members. The Bargain Box operates on volunteers from the league. That’s another way of keeping operating costs of the store at a minimum, so that funds flow into the league and therefore into the community. New Junior League members, who are in what is called their Provisional (or training) year, are required to work several shifts at the Bargain Box. “It’s a way to meet other members and it enables them to see how a part of the league works,” Kathy said. “And of course we hope they learn to love it. It’s a wonderful endeavor.” Morgan Strong, who has been in Junior League of Longview for four years, started out volunteering at Bargain Box in her provisional year but she’s continued since, and this year is serving in the newly created volunteer position as Bargain Box liaison.
From 1960, when the Bargain Box was established to 2015, Junior League of Longview members have volunteered about 200,000 hours at the Bargain Box, Kathy said. In that same time frame, the Bargain Box has returned $4 million to community projects, scholarships and Junior League of Longview operations, she said. Some of the projects that have benefited from the Bargain Box and its partnership with Neiman Marcus include the Kidsview Playground at Lear Park, the Junior League of Longview Inc. Softball Field at Lear Park, Junior League of Longview Inc. Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build, Asbury House, Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Gregg County Historical Museum, Windridge Equestrian Center of East Texas, the Kirkpatrick Center, East Texas Literacy Council Learning Center and Longview Ballet Theater.
Morgan, who owns Morgan Abbigail, has a background in marketing and fashion merchandising. “In this position, I am able to use my education and real-life experience to better serve the Bargain Box and therefore the Junior League,” she said. “I take care of all of the Bargain Box’s marketing. I do daily Facebook posts, email blasts, and promote special events, such as the league Christmas party which will be held at the Bargain Box this year. I also do all photography for the Bargain Box.”
“I love the search, I love finding unique items, and I love knowing that my purchase serves a great cause, a great organization and an even greater community.” - amy hull
Doing marketing in-house through Morgan also allows more money to go back into the league. Plus, she thrives on marketing. Morgan said she loves the added opportunity with the Bargain Box.“I love posting pictures on Facebook and giving people different ideas of how they can wear the clothes,” she said. “And then, when I see them come in and make the purchase, it’s just amazing.” Kathy, who has been in the league for 22 years, said visitors to the Bargain Box come from near and far. There are regular
But for both Kathy and Jeanie a shining moment of the work that Junior League can do through the Bargain Box and Neiman Marcus partnership came just after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “We did a sale at the old Texas Furniture Co. building. Junior League members volunteered and Neiman Marcus donated merchandise,” Jeanie recalled. “We made $75,000 in three hours. All of it went to the Red Cross for Katrina relief efforts. That was our finest hour.”
customers from Longview, like Amy, but there are also many more
The Bargain Box is located at 1109 N. Fourth St. in Longview.
who come from Shreveport, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston to
It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
shop the selections.
and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call
“We have had a gown purchased in the Bargain Box that has been worn in the Miss Louisiana pageant; we had gowns in the Miss Texas pageant; we’ve even had gowns purchased here that
(903) 753-3060 or visit www.bargainboxlongview.com. To learn more about Junior League of Longview, visit www.jllongview.org. C mycharmonline.com 21
Fashion
PARTY PERFECT Why not sparkle just as brightly as the holiday lights in festive pieces made for celebrating the season? Photos by chris lozano Location Jack ryan’s - kilgore Hair by ARACELI jUAREZ AT HAIR.COM Makeup by FOXY LADIES BY TARA See more photos on charmonline.com
22 Charm | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
DRESS: by Chelsea & Violet., $89, Dillards; SHOES: by Rowen, $185, Hurwitz; SUIT: Paul Betenly, $759, Hurwitz ; HIS SHIRT: Ike Behar, $145, Hurwtiz; CUFF LINKS: Johnathan Watchel, $75, Hurwitz. TIE: by Robert Talbot, $155, Hurwitz; WATCH: by MSTR, $199, Hurwitz
mycharmonline.com 23
DRESS: by Calvin Klein, $148, Dillard’s; SHOES: by Gianni Bini, $89.98, Dillard’s.
24 Charm | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
DRESS: by Jessica Simpson, $120, Dillard’s; SHOES: by Gianni Bini, $98, Dillard’s. PANTS: by Daniel Cremieux, $79.50, Dillard’s; Vest: TEV Vero, $98.50, Dillard’s; SHOES: by Johnston & Murphy, $155, Dillard’s; SHIRT: by Kenneth Cole, $49.50, Dillard’s. TIE: by Roundtree, $50, Dillard’s.
DRESS: Ella Moss, $228, Hurwitz; SHOES: by Rowen, $185, Hurwitz; mycharmonline.com 25
Fashion
Rent Runway tHe
Words by amy mchaney
Ever have a special occasion on your calendar and can’t find a thing to wear? Fancy party, wedding, special trip? Splurging on a one-time-wear outfit for a special occasion generally makes me cringe – I’d much rather put my dollars toward a wardrobe piece that I could get tons of use from. I have found the way to have the best of both worlds – a smashing new ensemble that’s easy on the pocketbook – through Rent the Runway (www.renttherunway.com).
continued on pg. 28 26 Charm | n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r
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FINANCING AVAILABLE WAC.
O
ur last town prior to Longview was home to many a black
gown that retails for $3,490 but has been in the rotation for more
tie gala, which required many a black tie worthy dress.
than two years rents for only $70. I used the extreme high end as
A year or so ago a number of my friends there started
an example; when searching black tie dresses, I found 15 different
using Rent the Runway as a way to supplement their personal supply of fancy frocks – and they raved about the experience.
dresses for a $30 rental rate with retail prices as high as $2,995! Once you click on a dress you can read a detailed description
When my one and only darling daughter was set to be a Junior
of the item. The “Stylist Notes” includes a general description,
Attendant at the Longfellows Ball last spring, I decided it was
but the real scoop is in the “Size & Fit” section. This is where
time to give Rent the Runway a whirl. To say I was THRILLED
Rent the Runway gives the lowdown on how an item really fits …
with my experience is an understatement. Here’s how it works …
Does it run small? Will it be comfortable for busty gals? Does it
Navigating around the Rent the Runway site is straightforward.
require special undergarments? Those questions are answered in
You can search for outfits by a wide variety of parameters –
detail here. The “Product Details” section provides fabric content
occasion, style, designer, age, body type – and Rent the Runway
and measurements.
works hard to match you to the perfect outfit!
I found that one of the most useful tools when choosing a dress
I found that searching by formality – black tie – was best for
were the reviews by other customers. Rent the Runway provides
me, then refining by designer. Since this was my first time to use
comprehensive reviews – previous wearers can leave a detailed
Rent the Runway, I was worried about fit (more on that later).
description of how the dress fit and felt on, as well as information
Limiting my search to designers whom I was familiar with as far
about their body type, height, weight, usual size, etc. The best
as fit was reassuring.
part about the reviews? The photos. It was really helpful to see
Rent the Runway pricing is pretty amazing. The retail and
the dresses I was considering on normal people – not just a 6-foot
rental price is displayed for each dress; the retail prices are
tall model whose body type is best described as “toothpick.” I also
accurate, not inflated (I checked). The rental rates seem to depend
appreciated the reviews on dress length; Rent the Runway offers
on how long the dress has been in the Rent the Runway rotation.
regular and long lengths, as well as petite in some styles. Although
For example, an Escada gown that is new to Rent the Runway and
I do not consider myself tall at 5 feet, 5 inches, reviews of several
retails for $4,995 is a $1,200 rental, whereas a Carolina Hererra
dresses recommended the long version for gals 5 feet, 4 inches
“TO say I was wITh my experIence is an undersTaTemenT.”
28 Charm | N O v E m B E R / D E C E m B E R
tall and over – very useful information when attempting to order
the dresses stated that if none of the styles worked, to call Rent
a floor-length gown!
the Runway and they would refund the charges PLUS would
As you peruse the site it’s helpful to set up an account; this
overnight an alternate dress to try for just $12.95. The box also
will allow you to “heart” items that warrant further consideration
included a large UPS mailer envelope to ship the dresses back
– basically a favorites list. You can create multiple favorites lists
the following Monday. All you are required to do is just shove
according to event – Cousin Susie’s wedding, for example. This
them in the bag and ship them, Rent the Runway takes care of the
feature allowed me to save styles for the Longfellows event as well
dry cleaning. I ended up LOVING my first choice dress – it was perfect
as others I liked that might work for future events.
for the occasion and was comfortable and flattering. And only
Once you are ready to commit, you have the choice of a four-
$60! Rent the Runway was a great experience for me and I will
day or eight-day rental; the price goes up by 60 percent to double
definitely use it again! C
the length of the rental (a $40 rental becomes a $64 rental). Rent the Runway recommends you choose a delivery date one to two days before your event. I chose two days before and my shipment actually arrived four days prior to the ball.
• Gwynnie Bee (www.gwynniebee.com) is similar to Rent the Runway and provides rental fashions for plus size women
When you choose your dress you have the option of selecting a second, back-up size of the same dress. For free. Now that’s a deal. In addition, you can choose one size of a second, completely
• Both Rent the Runway and Gwynnie Bee offer styles from casual to formal, and both offer unlimited rental options for a monthly fee
different dress for only $32.50! A year’s worth of shipping both ways, including insurance, is only $19.95, and you receive 20 percent off of your first order. I was sold.
• Receive a dress that fits perfectly but is too long? My friend Laura did just last week. She called Rent the Runway and learned that using hem tape to shorten a dress is completely acceptable!
My dresses arrived in a flat box. The dresses were on hangers in individual plastic garment bags. The dresses I chose were constructed of very forgiving fabric and looked great right out of the box – no steaming or pressing required. Hangtags on
“Rent the Runway was a gReat expeRience foR me and i will definitely use it again!” The Eyes Have It
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A clear zone of 1/2 the height of the logo must be maintained as shown below. No text or graphic elements can appear in this clear zone. Logo and tagline may not be stretched or manipulated in any way.
mycharmonline.com 29
F eature
East Texas
Angel Words by ashley anderson Photos by chris lozano
continued on pg. 32 ď ˝
30 Charm | n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r
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T
here is an angel among us in East Texas. Miki Strong developed a passion for helping children with special needs at a young age. Her father, Neal McCoy, started
the charity East Texas Angel Network in 1994 when Miki was 8. Since then, she has dedicated her life to helping others. Miki was born in Longview. She graduated from Spring Hill High School in 2004 and went on to receive a degree in special education at Texas A&M University in 2008. After graduation, Miki taught in Tyler at the Boshears Center, a special education campus, for four years. She taught children with severe autism and other health impairments. “I loved it. I enjoyed the kids and I do miss it sometimes. But I think that’s what I love so much about East Texas Angel Network. It’s a little more flexible than teaching but I also still get to be a part of where my heart really lies, which is with special needs children,” Miki said. After four years of teaching, she had her first child, Titan, and took a year off to contemplate her next endeavor. At the time, her grandmother, Patsy Williams, was the executive director of East Texas Angel Network. “It was about that time that I was leaving teaching and I’d always talked about coming back to Longview to be a part of the charity. It was a great time for me to start learning and studying under my grandmother. That’s what I ended up doing,” Miki said. “This organization has always been important to me because it’s a charity that my dad started. I’m his biggest fan.” In January, she took over as the executive director. “I like how flexible our office is because I can bring my boys, Titan and Dash, up here when needed. It’s really a family environment,” she said. East Texas Angel Network was established after Neal realized he wanted to start a charity that would keep money in East Texas and would families with terminally ill children that needed financial help. He was doing charity concerts around the country, but wanted to establish one where the artists could really get to know what they were doing the charity event for in the first place. The East Texas Angel Network helps families within a 75-mile radius of Longview who have children under the age of 18 with serious or life-threatening illnesses. The organization does not pay medical bills, but instead focuses on helping to pay secondary expenses such as rent, utility bills, travel and groceries. “Even if a family has a good job and they’re working, when their child is sick and has to be in and out of the hospital, a lot of times they have to miss work. They may have to go and stay in a hotel for a week while their child is getting treatments. We try to help in the 32 Charm | N o v E M B E r / D E C E M B E r
From top: Phil Vassar; Miki Strong (left); Neal McCoy (right and below); The Critterman; all at Neal McCoy and Friends Benefit Concert for the East Texas Angel Network Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Belcher Center. Photos by Les Hassell
areas that we can,” Miki said. The organization also has a food pantry in the back of its office that includes food and household items to help families on a day-today basis. “When our families come in, we always take them back there and ask if they need anything. We take donations for that all year long,” she said.
children each year. “I remember going to one of the first funerals of one of the kids and it was very difficult,” she recalled. The families, however, are very appreciative of everything the East Texas Angel Network provides. “One of the great things about our families is once the kids age out at 18, several of them have come back and been sponsors for
The angel network’s major source of income is its annual benefit
our annual event,” Miki said. “It’s been so helpful to them that they
weekend, usually held at the end of September, that includes a golf
want to continue to give back. We have several mothers that we keep
tournament and benefit concert in which Neal always performs with
on speed dial so that if we have parents call and have questions,
other guests.
these mothers who have dealt with it for so long can be a wonderful
“We have people that sponsor anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000,” Miki said. The weekend starts with a golf tournament on Friday morning followed by a sponsor guest dinner and auction that night. On Saturday morning, there is a meet and greet where children can meet the artists and the artists can see what they’re supporting and raising money for. Saturday night is the benefit concert featuring Neal along with other musicians and celebrities. With about 30 years in the industry, Neal uses connections to encourage other artists to perform at the concert and support the angel network’s cause. Through his connections, they’ve been able to have such performers as Wayne Newton, Blake Shelton, Nolan Ryan and Martina McBride show their support. When the artists arrive for the Saturday night benefit concert, the nonprofit organization usually pays them a minimal amount of
resource. It becomes a support group for the parents of the kids.”
" When parents have a child
with special needs, they oftentimes can feel alone in their struggles, Miki said. The East Texas Angel Network helps them connect with each other."
money. Some artists have even refused payment after seeing what
When parents have a child with special needs, they oftentimes
the charity is all about. This helps keep the money spent on the
can feel alone in their struggles, Miki said. The East Texas Angel
event to a minimum. About 80 percent of the proceeds go back to
Network helps them connect with each other.
the families.
“The families become close and get to know each other and
“That’s why it’s really important for them to see what we’re doing
are supportive of one another,” she said. “That’s why the meet and
here,” said Miki, whose eyes light up when she talks about serving
great on Saturday mornings before our annual event is so important,
the children and families in need.
because they come up there and they are surrounded by families
Those involved in the charity get to know each and every family. Right now the organization is supporting about 75-80 families in East Texas.
that are just like them. The kids get to interact with each other.” Through the year, the East Texas Angel Network accepts memorial, food pantry, or any other donations that people would
“They come in and bring their kids and bills and call us with
like to give. Around the holidays, supporters even hold different
updates to let us know how they’re doing. We try to keep in touch
fundraisers and donate the proceeds to the charity so they can
with all of our families,” Miki said.
help the families with Christmas presents. Donations can make a
Since stepping down as executive director, Miki’s grandmother visits the households the organization is helping. She gets to know
difference for these parents and children in East Texas during the holiday season. C
the families a little bit more on a personal level, and is able to see where they live and how the East Texas Angel Network can meet their needs a little better. Miki said the job can be very tough at times because the children they are helping are very sick. They lose an average of two to three
To make a donation or for more information on East Texas Angel Network, contact Miki Strong on the web at EastTexasAngelNetwork. com, by phone at (903) 297-9000, or by email at Miki@NealMcCoy.com. mycharmonline.com 33
F EATURE
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE
Words by CHRISTINA LANE Photos by CHRIS LOZANO
When she went to India in 2012 as part of a Rotary International effort to immunize children against polio, she hoped the efforts would have an impact on that nation.
34 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
B
ut she had no idea what an impact saving a child from
In 1952, the U.S. experienced the worst polio outbreak its
contracting the disease that once greatly affected her
history. There were nearly 58,000 cases that year that resulted in
own young body would have on her.
3,145 deaths and 21,269 people being left with mild to disabling
“I literally went to my knees,” Shirley said as tears swelled in
her eyes, “because I knew that child would never have polio.” She is among an army of people working to eradicate polio worldwide by a target date of 2018. For her, the endeavor is personal. And just imagining the day when the world will be free from the disease brings tears to her eyes. “It is a dream of mine to get the worldwide polio report and see all zeros,” she said. “That will be a glorious day.”
Polio in the 1950s
Shirley is originally from Lufkin. She moved to Longview with
her family when she was in middle school and went on to graduate from Longview High School. In 1951, at the age of 9, she was diagnosed with poliomyelitis – commonly known as polio, a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children. The disease often starts with fever, vomiting and stiffness in the neck. It ends up causing extreme pain in the limbs and can result in paralysis that is, often, permanent. “The pain is absolutely terrible,” she said. “It can engulf the entire body in just a few hours.” Polio can only be prevented by immunization – and the vaccine to treat it was not discovered until 1955. “In the early 1950s, polio was a very dreaded disease because there was not a cure for it,” Shirley recalled. The disease became an epidemic that caused great fear throughout the United States.
paralysis, according to the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. With little knowledge at the time of how polio spreads, homes were quarantined and some public facilities – notably swimming pools – shut down. “At the time, they believed polio was connected to water so they closed the pools,” Shirley said. For her, having polio started like viruses typically do, with a fever. “It’s kind of like strep, but then you start to feel the pain in your legs. It’s terrible, and it will start to work its way up. It’ll start in your toes, in your feet then move to your lower legs, then up past your knee. And your fever is extremely high,” she said. “You can be packed in hot blankets to help with the pain.” Shirley’s home was quarantined and no one could enter the house except for the family doctor. A young girl at the time, Shirley recalled her mother’s love as she was experiencing the debilitating disease. “I remember my mother would rub my legs to try to help with the pain,” she said. In 1955, Dr. Jonas Salk became the hero of the nation when he developed the first safe and effective polio vaccine, which, at that time, came in little sugar cubes. Shirley, of course, received the Salk vaccine. The road to recovery from polio takes years, she said, because the person affected becomes so weak when dealing with the disease. continued on pg. 36
“It is a dream of mine to get the worldwide polio report and see all zeros,” she said.
“That will be a
day.
”
LEFT: Shirley Griffin holds the first child in India to whom she ever gave a polio vaccine. TOP RIGHT: While in India with fellow Rotarians, Shirley Griffin got to visit the Taj Mahal. BOTTOM RIGHT: Shirley Griffin stands with fellow Rotarians with whom she went to India to give polio vaccines. Rotary International has worked since the 1980s to eradicate polio worldwide. mycharmonline.com 35
“It was one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve had,” she said. Shirley met a group of 37 Rotarians in Chicago and they flew together to Delhi, India. In that nation, 40 percent of the population has no electricity or running water. Poverty is overwhelming. Volunteers go to the country each year for National Immunization Day, when children ages 5 and younger are given polio drops that will prevent them from getting the disease. “The towns know people are coming and the children get so excited,” Shirley said. “All of the children 5 and under have to be inoculated, and they set up 80,000 clinics that families can go to Shirley Griffin gives a polio vaccine to a child in India.
Today, Shirley continues to suffer from post-polio syndrome, which affects from 40 percent to 50 percent of the people who once had polio. She continues to have some pain in her legs.
to get the vaccination.” But beyond the clinics, volunteers also go door-to-door to inoculate children. The experience took Shirley into the slums of India, down
The Fight
narrow streets with cinderblock houses gated in the front, asking
After recovering from polio and graduating from Longview
“The first baby that I gave the drops to was a 6-month-old
High School, Shirley went on to attend Kilgore College, then
Muslim baby whose father was a Rotarian. He knew we were
Texas Eastern School of Nursing.
coming and he wanted us to give the drops to his daughter,”
She married her husband, John, and stayed at home to support her two daughters while they were in school. In 1994, she purchased Master Travel and operated the business until 2001. After getting back into the workforce, she also decided to get involved with the Rotary Club of Longview. Former City Councilwoman Joan Berry asked Shirley in 1995 if she would be interested in being a member of the club. She was. What she didn’t know then was that Rotary International, which oversees Rotary clubs worldwide, had begun a program in 1985 whose aim was to eradicate polio worldwide through mass vaccination of children. The United States was declared polio-free in 1988, and since then Rotary has been working with the World Health Organization, the federal Centers for Disease Control, UNICEF and the Gates Foundation to rid the world of polio as part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. When Shirley learned Rotary was fighting a disease near and dear to her heart, she realized her involvement in the club was a blessed union. Shirley annually organizes and hosts a fundraiser whose proceeds go toward polio inoculations via Rotary. It has raised tens of thousands of dollars each year to support the Rotary effort. And in 2012, she was given the opportunity to travel to India to personally administer the vaccine to children. 36 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
if any children inside needed to receive the drops.
Shirley recalled as she began to cry. “That child was just a doll. She literally brought me to my knees.” After giving drops to each child, volunteers mark the left pinky finger with a purple drop of indelible ink to identify that the child has received the polio vaccine. But along with the happy children who are excited to get the inoculation, there are also those who have been stricken with polio and did not recover. “As you walk down the street you can see those who have had polio. They are called ‘crawlers’,” Shirley recalled. “They are people with crippling cases of polio.” Legs withered by polio, the crawlers pull themselves down the street with their hands. Many of them are shunned by their families and live in constant pain. “In another generation, you won’t see them anymore because we are ridding the world of polio,” Shirley said.
The Future
A few years ago, India was one of four countries on the polio
endemic list. The other three are Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. With India, the first letters of the four countries spell “PAIN,” Shirley said. “We are trying our best to eliminate the pain,” she said. In 2012, India was declared polio-free but it takes three years with no new polio cases before a country is removed from the
endemic list. This year, the remaining countries continue to experience new cases; however, the numbers are reduced every year and Shirley believes the day will come in her life when she will see the world completely free of polio. Since Rotary International took up the fight, the organization has contributed $1.3 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. In 2014, there were fewer than 370 polio cases confirmed worldwide, a reduction of more than 99 percent since the 1980s when the world saw about 1,000 cases a day, according to Rotary International. This year, fewer than 50 polio cases have been reported worldwide.
“Polio is still out there. There is still work to be done,” she said. “We’re on the brink of eradicating this. It’s very important to rid the world of this dreaded disease.” Shirley prays everyday that polio does not return, and said she intends to continue helping to fight it. Should the day come she sees the world free of polio, she says it will be a miracle to her. “It will be a miracle that God has given the doctors the intelligence to come out with something that can rid the world of such a disease,” she said. “We hope that we have met the needs of so many people. This has been a wonderful endeavor for me. Rotary has worked tirelessly on it. It means everything to me.” C
”
Shirley said education is the primary factor involved in working with the remaining countries, some of which believe the vaccination will sterilize young girls. Shirley also wants to encourage education at home, reminding that polio is only “a plane ride away.” It remains important for every child to receive the polio vaccine because it could come
that we have met the needs of so many people. This has been a wonderful endeavor for me. Rotary has worked tirelessly on it. It means everything to me.”
back one day.
1418 McCann Road Longview, Texas 75601
903-758-0300
mycharmonline.com 37
F EATURE
I’m Dreaming of a
Christmas
Words by LISA BROWN | Photos by CHRIS DEAN
O
ne of the greatest images of the Christmas season is seeing young children sitting beneath a brightly decorated Christmas tree, gleefully unwrapping presents.
For many families in Longview that scenario isn’t a reality.
Officer Ryan A Pine Tree High School graduate, Misty didn’t always want to be in law enforcement. She thought she would be a stock broker. The idea of living in a
But a Longview Police Department program, overseen by
big city, such as Dallas or New York City, appealed to her and she
Officer Misty Ryan, is dedicated to making the holiday season
thought stock brokers lived in the big city world with all the lights.
brighter for children in need. Misty, a Police Area Representative (PAR) officer, for the Longview Police Department has dedicated much of her career to helping children and overseeing the department’s Blue Santa Program is just an added bonus.
Later, she considered pursuing a degree in law but settled instead on law enforcement. She became a police officer in 2003 and holds certificates in gang awareness investigation, advanced child abuse, sexual abuse and family violence investigation for cyber crimes; she is also a certified child passenger safety technician.
“Helping the kids is my favorite part of the job. I love to see
Misty served Longview residents as a patrol officer for
when things turn out good for kids who were in a bad situation,”
more than eight years before transferring to the Police Area
she said.
Representative (PAR) unit.
38 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
continued on pg. 40
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1. Longview Police Department’s Sgt. Matt Seyer, dressed as Blue Santa, passes out gifts to children at the home of Alice Flakes Thursday, December 18, 2008. Photo by Les Hassell 2. 2-year-old Chloe Raney gets a candy cane from Santa during a Blue Santa Celebration. Photo by News-Journal Photos 3. Aaron, 2, left, and Destiny Adams, 2, visit with Santa Saturday, December 22, 2021, at the Blue Santa Christmas Party. 4. Eva Randell, 6, visits with Santa Saturday, December 22, 2021, at the Blue Santa Christmas Party. Photo by Les Hassell. 5. Longview Police Department Officer Misty Ryan delivers Blue Santa program gifts Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at the beat 20 police area representative office in the Longview Mall. Photo by Kevin Green.
There is one PAR officer for each of six areas in the city of Longview. PAR officers work in the community in the area to which they are assigned and work closely with residents. The officers are responsible for organizing neighborhood crime watches, helping with community events, conducting child ID programs, speaking at various events, and other programs. Throughout her career, Misty has worked with children who come from a variety of backgrounds and has found them in many sad circumstances. She enjoys seeing the kids bounce back from their troubles. She recalled the day she got called out to a sexual assault case. The victim, Misty found, was a 16-year-old girl.
Blue Santa The Longview Police Department launched its Blue Santa program, which distributes gifts to underprivileged children at the holidays, in 2004. Misty helped with the program in the beginning, and took over coordinating it a few years ago. Though the Blue Santa program has changed over the years, Misty said this year she is working to take it back to its original format in which officers nominate families with whom they have made contact throughout the year. “An officer will respond to a call and we like for them to be
“That’s a case that always sticks out for me,” Misty recalled. “I
go back out and visiting with those families throughout the year.
wanted to do something – anything – to make her feel just a little
Then when Christmas rolls around and we’re taking nominations
better. I gave her a teddy bear. I learned later that she had named
for Blue Santa, the officers can provide the names of the families
the teddy bear after me.”
they have been working with through the year,” she said. “We want
40 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
them to be more invested in the program and in our community.” This year, families will only be assisted at the recommendation of a Longview police officer. Children can be identified through an officer’s interaction with them in schools, recreation centers, parks, calls for assistance, and neighborhoods. Officers can also receive recommendations from outside sources, such as churches, school counselors and social workers. There is no public application; an officer just has to nominate a family. After a family is a chosen, they will be given an application by the officer and must fill out the paperwork and turn it back in.
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According to the police department, the children helped often come from single-parent homes or unstable family environments. Many are from families who have to choose to provide basic needs, such as utilities and food, instead of being able to give gifts to their children. And many of these children know Christmas only as a holiday from school, according to the department. Because the department generally serves dozens of families, providing hundreds of gifts each year, it also means volunteer assistance is necessary.
“Helping the kids is my favorite part of the job. I love to see when things turn out good for kids who were in a bad situation,” she said. Misty said in past years, about 700 volunteers have helped wrap more than 1,000 gifts for the families in the program. To volunteer to help out with Blue Santa events and wrapping, a person can make contact with Misty or a board member. Additionally, the public can donate to the Blue Santa program by giving cash, checks, gifts cards or other in-kind contributions that the department can turn into a tangible gift for a child. The public can also donate new, unwrapped toys. Donations to Blue Santa are tax-deductible. The Blue Santa program tries to gives three gifts to each child, and gifts are toys that are age-appropriate and that do not promote violence of any kind. Checks can be made out to the Blue Santa Fund and mailed to the Longview Police Department at P.O. Box 1952, Longview, TX 75606. Blue Santa donations can also be dropped off at the police department at 302 W. Cotton St. in Longview. Misty said she is looking forward to another holiday season with the Blue Santa program for children are a central focus of her career. In fact, the children inspire her. “I love to see smiles on children’s faces,” she said. C mycharmonline.com 41
T
His point
Words by C. H. ArmAn
of view
he Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King may have put the call
how about organizing a workplace full of volunteers to ring them
for helping others most simply when he said, ‘Life’s most
every weekend?
persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing
for others?’ He did not ask how much you are giving or to which charities
Instead of digging out a coat or two to donate, why not become a collection point within your workplace or organization and bring in so many more?
you contribute. Those are both worthwhile questions about
The same goes for food drives for local food pantries, toys for
worthy and necessary endeavors, but, again, what are you doing?
underprivileged children or even Habitat for Humanity. Become
The holidays are always the beacon that draws people to be
the beacon where others gather to do for others. Collect canned
more charitable. They are the time when calls to charity are most
food or toys. Pick up a hammer and help build a house, but also
prevalent and urgent. And, quite frankly, it’s easy enough to give.
get a dozen friends to join in and do the same.
An extra buck in the kettle here, a coat donated there and we can
I guess the point of all this is that charity is not good enough
go home that night and feel we’ve done our part. And we have, to
if it is only done to make you feel good about being charitable.
some extent.
True charity is based on making sure the recipient of these gifts
But wouldn’t it be just as easy to do a little more?
is more comfortable than they were before. The only thing that
Instead of just donating some cash, how about looking into
matters is their well-being. So what if donating five bucks makes
what it takes to ring that bell yourself one weekend? Better yet,
us sleep a little better that night? What’s really important is that the recipient “sleeps better” and hopefully for several nights. By doing just a little with our time and efforts, we can help make that a possibility. And just in case you’re a habitual
procrastinator
like
me, let me leave you with one last quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.
“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” C
42 Charm | n o v E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
SCHOOL
needs. You are able to purchase boxes filled with wine, food, beauty products, T-shirts, toys, crafts and pretty much anything else you can imagine without ever leaving your living room. There are even boxes designed with your four-legged friends in mind. All of the different subscriptions can be purchased per month
heer ear! C e om he Y S d n Se oughout T Thr
or you can save money by purchasing them for several months in advance (usually the plans include three, six or 12 months). Boxes typically contain an information card with a list of each item inside, the product description and retail price. Here are some suggestions to help you find the perfect gift for your friends and family.
BIRCHBOX
$10/month or $110/year
BIRCHBOX MAN
GIFTS THAT KEEP ON
GIVING Words by ASHLEY ANDERSON
R
$20/month or $195/year
Birchbox is the subscription service that started it all. The company, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary, was created by two female best friends who were looking for a way to easily and efficiently try, learn about, and purchase beauty products online. The women’s box includes five beauty, grooming and lifestyle
emember
in
National
Lampoon’s
Christmas
samples from high-end brands such as Benefit Cosmetics,
Vacation when Clark Griswold receives a one-year
Crabtree and Evelyn, and Stila. The assortment may include
subscription to the jelly of the month club and goes
everything from nail polish, face cream and makeup to hair
on a huge rant? Well if online subscription services existed back
products and perfume. The men’s box includes four grooming
then, he would have been much happier with his Christmas bonus!
samples and a lifestyle item such as socks, backpacks and T-shirts,
Nowadays you can customize a monthly gift to fit everyone’s
all tailored to suit your man’s personal style.
continued on pg. 44 mycharmonline.com 43
After you sign up, you will fill out a beauty or grooming profile
the recipient the profile before sending the wines. Three bottles
that enables Birchbox to pick the products that are right for you.
of wine are included each month based on the recommendations
One of the best things about this subscription service is the fact
you receive from taste preferences. One unique feature about
there is an app that goes with it. You can discover personalized
Club W is that every bottle of wine features a barcode you can
recommendations, see your entire box history, and shop full-size
scan with your phone that links to the company’s mobile app. The
versions of your samples conveniently on your phone.
app lets you watch videos about the making of that specific wine selection and lets you rate all of your wines so you can remember what to order next month.
BARKBOX
$29/month or $21/month for a six-month subscription
CITRUS LANE
$29.95/month or $24.95/month for a six-month subscription
BarkBox is a monthly subscription box for your dog. Each box contains a combination of four to six treats, toys and hygiene products that have been hand selected and approved by Scout the
Citrus Lane was founded by a mother of two who wanted to
dog, head product tester for BarkBox. The items are customized
help parents discover innovative products, share information and
based on the size of your pet (less than 20 pounds, 20 to 50
ask questions. The monthly boxes are described as “care packages
pounds, or more than 50 pounds). Every month BarkBox picks
to help moms and dads on their parenting journeys.” It’s designed
a different theme for your pup to enjoy, such as the circus, space
for newborns to children 5 years old. Each box contains four or
and Mardi Gras. This is a perfect gift for dog lovers and their furry
five products, such as toys, books and snacks that are selected
best friends. Better yet, why not get your own pet a present to
especially for the age of the child. You will also receive parenting
enjoy on Christmas morning?
tips and coupon codes each month and sometimes even a gift for parents. Just like Birchbox, Citrus Lane has an app where you can discover the best products and exchange top picks and tips with other parents. This would be an especially great gift for new and expecting parents.
CLUB W
$45/month
KIWI CRATE
$19.95/month or $18.50/month for a six-month subscription
Club W is a personalized wine club that provides you with personalized recommendations based on your specific palate. The company’s wine selection is curated from locations around the world and changes on a monthly basis. When you sign up, you
If you are looking for a gift for children a little bit older, Kiwi
will fill out your palate profile by answering six questions about
Crate has several different options for you to choose from. This
the flavors you enjoy. If you are giving it as a gift, they will send
is a do-it-yourself craft box for children 4 years old and up. It
44 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
was created based on “a passion for hands-on fun that encourages
NatureBox delivers a variety of nutritionist-approved foods
creativity and curiosity in children.” Your monthly crate will
right to your door. You can choose to order three or five snacks
contain two or three themed projects designed to be fun and
at a time with more than 100 options to choose from, such as
educational. The Kiwi Crate is for children 4-8 years old and
strawberry carrot fruit chews (my personal favorite), jalapeño
includes arts and crafts, science projects, and games. For ages 9
white cheddar popcorn, and chocolate hazelnut granola. All of the
and up, the company offers a Tinker Crate and a Doodle Crate.
snack options are healthy so you won’t have to feel guilty about
The Tinker Crate is for children who wish to explore science,
indulging in a tasty treat during the day. There is an option to have
engineering and technology while the Doodle Crate is for those
them delivered weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. If you receive a
who have a creative mind. The company has a test crew of kids
snack you didn't like, they will even replace it in your next box.
who make sure the projects are engaging and fun, so your child is
This is a great option for families on the go or anyone trying to
sure to love it.
eat healthier.
NATUREBOX
$13.95 for three snacks or $19.95/month for five snacks
Ordering any of these boxes or the hundreds of others out there will surely make your loved ones feel special this holiday season. You might even want to buy a little something for yourself while you’re at it! C
"
ORDERING ANY OF THESE BOXES OR THE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS OUT THERE WILL SURELY MAKE YOUR LOVED ONES FEEL SPECIAL THIS
Holiday Season."
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F EATURE
A Squirrel’s
best friend Words by LISA BROWN Illustrations by VANESSA MCGRAW
I
t occurred to me the other day as I was training for my first strong man competition (just joking, I was
actually lying on my couch watching an episode of Hee Haw in Espanol because my cat refused to push the TV remote towards my outstretched hand) that it might be time to contemplate some rather big questions about my life. Such things as:
Have I reached my full potential as a human being? Um, no. I still can’t play “Bohemian Rhapsody” on the ukulele, nor can I fashion a festive holiday centerpiece using only twigs, dehydrated chicken bones, and nuts. (Pinterest ROCKS!)
Do my friends and family know how much they mean to me? I should think so. I’m always the first person to type “LOL” on a Facebook post (even when it’s not remotely funny, like that one time I inadvertently typed it on a post about a friend’s irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis). AND I always make sure to fist bump my mother goodbye. (Luckily I hardly ever knock her
wasn’t the greatest person to have on a construction site. When asked if I knew how to frame a window, I believe my answer was “Just lie about where the window was the night of the murder?” All in all, I’ve tried to be a very giving person my entire life.
backwards while doing so anymore.)
For instance in the first grade, I was always sharing my chocolate
Have I ever volunteered to help build a house from the ground up? Surprisingly, yes!! And … no. (It kinda depends on
pudding packs and Hostess ding dongs with my less fortunate
what you mean by the words help, build and up.) I probably
lunch choices.
46 CHARM | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R
classmates whose parents only sent them to school with healthier
My mother was never what you would call a typical school lunch aficionado. I once told her that I’d like to have some vegetables in my groovy Partridge Family lunch box, and was quite chagrined when I opened it the next day to find an unopened can of creamed corn. I digress. Getting back to how wonderful and caring I’ve always been, I even spent a whole year making it my mission to bury any dead squirrels that I found along the roadways. Looking back, I can see that I might have needed some type of round-the-clock mental counseling, but at the time I really felt that I was doing a tremendous service to all of mankind (and squirrelkind) by giving them a proper send off.
To be honest, I just want to be remembered as a good person and eventually have my end of days go something like this:
Saint Peter: “Ahh, Lisa Brown, I had you on my list as arriving around noon, why are you so late?”
Lisa: “I made a left turn over by the dessert buffet and got a bit lost.”
Saint Peter: “Well let’s begin, shall we? I just have one small question for you before I open up the Pearly Gates and let you in. Were you always striving to be the best person that you could have been?”
This little mission came to an abrupt end one dark and moonless
Lisa: “Wow, talk about getting right to the point, couldn’t we
night after I found myself being questioned by a bemused police
start out with a small basic math quiz, or maybe you have an old
officer who had observed me emerging from a wooded area with
TV Guide lying around that I could dazzle you with?”
a tiny shovel and a small chipmunk-sized tarp. I also toyed with the idea of joining the Peace Corps after graduating from high school. As I was filling out the paperwork, I
Saint Peter: “Just answer honestly. And don’t worry, we already know about the squirrels.”
was asked to write down any special skills I had. I really couldn’t
Lisa: “Well, lemmee see, I can truthfully say that I hope I was. I
think of anything useful, unless you count my almost savant-like
tried my absolute best with the life I was given.”
ability for rhyming and an inexplicable knack for completing the TV Guide crossword puzzle in under five minutes. Eventually I became a bit of a canned food drive enthusiast. I spent most of my late 20’s and 30’s volunteering for various charity events (where I became quite well known for coming up with somewhat cleverish themes).
Can you feel the love tonight? (Disney movie night in the park food drive) I think I can, I think I can (food drive at an Amtrak station) I can and Wills (legal aid fund raiser) I’m also that person in any office who will buy your kids fundraiser wrapping paper, cookie dough, farm equipment raffle ticket (yes, I was this close to owning my very own personal combine harvester in 1994) coupon books, Christmas wreaths and my all time favorite, cheese ball sampler (I think I actually ended up putting that kid through his first two years of community college). And yes, I know there are so many people out in the world that agree with that famous saying: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” I get it, but don’t you think it’s nice to have a hearty sandwich
Saint Peter: “We think so too, please come in!! You have family and friends waiting for you on the Lido deck. And Davy Jones would like to take you out for a macaroni and cheese dinner later this evening. Welcome to Heaven.” And that, my friends, is exactly what I think about when my cat won’t hand me the remote control and I find myself watching Hee Haw in Espanol. C
“All in all, I’ve tried to be a very giving person my entire life. For instance in the first grade, I was always sharing my chocolate pudding packs and Hostess ding dongs with my less fortunate classmates whose parents only sent them to school with healthier lunch choices.”
or some tasty pasta while sitting on the dock waiting for that first bite? mycharmonline.com 47
Picture
This!
pegues hurst shootout
lydia deJong, marie mahon, corey evans
longview | the home of steve & nicole bodenheimer | 9/3/2015 Photos by chris loZAno
members and friends of the Good shepherd foundation got the first shot at winning ford edge raffled as part of 2015 Gold rush at a kickoff event at the home of steve and nicole bodenheimer. Pegues-hurst ford helps sponsor the raffle, whose winner was picked at the foundation’s Gold
samantha bradley, dr. stePhanie Payne
aPril myers
rush event in mid-october.
cyndi bell, kent & lynn bryson
nicole & steve bodenheimer, vicki liPsey
48 Charm | n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r
tyrone curl, dean waskowiak
lori danielson, charlotte corley
brandi russell, Jill smead, angie herrington
P icture this
ambucs
mobility bash
longview | maude cobb convention center | 9/26/2015 joHny zaCkary, mark langston
Photos by chris lozano
longview ambucs held its annual mobility bash on sept. 26. the organization works to provide mobility for people with disabilities. the event featured music, casino, games, live and silent auctions, food and a draw down for a 1999 Porsche.
steven & ingrid self
kori & ryan albertson
brandon & brandi glasgow
ryan & andrea jones
tryston & kenna stewart
alexis degarmo, megan Hogg, rebekaH Corley, niCole bounds, viCtoria gallegos
mycharmonline.com 49
P icture this
wunderfall
2015
genie & jim Bartlett, april & sierra rangel
longview | maude cobb convention center | 9/19/2015 photos by courtney case
st. mary’s catholic school hosted the 25th annual Wunderfall. the event features a German dinner, drinks and dancing in celebration of octoberfest, a silent auction, raffles and live music. laci & cody fulton
chris & kristen ramsey
ashley & susie cave
sheri & Bill Burlingame
Ben stock, janelle ganagan, emilee & richard lindsay
lindsey & dennis guinn, laurie kuBicek
chichi & dr. paul lin
elizaBeth & ryan Baumgardner
50 Charm | n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r
sharon Bradley, reggie givens
P icture this
East tExas angEl nEtwork dinnEr Casey Johnson,neal MCCoy, Kela MCswain
longview | maude cobb convention center | 9/25/2015 Photos by chris lozano
between the celebrity golf tournament Friday morning and the big benefit concert saturday night comes the annual east texas angel network sponsor dinner and auction. this year’s event brought together sponsors of the event that’s raised more than $8 million and helped more than 500 east texas families over the years.
Kathleen CoChran, annie davis, gina dehoyos, Julie woods, libby bryson
Melanie northCutt CroCKer, Matt CroCKer, Kindel toMberlain
dr. Karen roberts, dr. JiM rePasKy
PaM lollar, Candi MaCKly
roMan Quinn, JessiCa barnhill
daniel & rebeCCa anguiano
davy & Kristy sherMan
Casey Johnson, bob gallaher
Jay & Kelly hinton
mycharmonline.com 51
P icture this
landmarks of longview
betty & mike clowers
longview | The home of Jeannie & mike PemberTon | 9/18/2015 Photos by ChriS LoZano
Jeannie and mike Pemberton opened their home for a gathering of supporters of the Gregg County historical museum before its annual Landmarks of Longview homes tour. The event this year was in memory of ann Lacy Crain, a museum benefactor who died earlier this year. She was the first recipient of the museum’s Preservation award in 2008. This year’s recipients were kilgore residents Lloyd and evelyn bolding.
dr. Peggy coghlan, mary murdoch
mike & Jeannie Pimberton
lloyd & evelyn bolding, Patricia ann and commissioner gary boyd william villyard, mike Pimberton, gene villyard
lindsay loy, dr. Frank Jackson, walter northcutt
evelyn & lloyd bolding
52 Charm | n o v e m b e r / d e C e m b e r
lynn bryson, Francye PhilliPs
P icture this
Carla worsHom & tHeresa walker
think pink longview | maude cobb convention center | 9/29/2015 Photos by chris lozano
the fifth annual think Pink survivor celebration luncheon and fashion show was staged by the Good shepherd Foundation, a philanthropic arm of its namesake health system. it raises funds for the breast center at Good shepherd.
HeatHer Brooks, CHeylo steele, Dr. CHuCk seaCrest, moniCa lewis
Hanna Cromer, morgan strong
steve DenfielD, rita reinDl, tim CrofforD, sHona Cates James CooPer, martHa williams
louann Hulett, Jennifer Diaz
Carla worsHam, tHeresa walker, Penny tHomPson, karen Jones, sHirley BoyCe, riCHarD Jinks, amy tillman
mycharmonline.com 53
charm
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