a p r i l l b r a n d o n | p i c t u r e t h i s ! | fa s h i o n SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
COVER STORY
grab a glass
GIRLS
ALSO INSIDE
mascara primer -
WhaT iS iT? FEATURE
The Show is Still
gOing STROng
Carolyn Northcutt Breast Cancer Survivor
The team at Longview Regional helped Carolyn survive, and thrive. When Carolyn found a lump in her breast, her doctor recommended a 3D mammogram at Longview Regional Medical Center. The lump turned out to be a form of cancer that required surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. “I had a whole team of people working together to provide care, answer every question, and help my life go on as normally as possible,” said Carolyn. “They even scheduled my treatments around trips to see my grandchildren. The healthcare system at Longview Regional is second to none.” Contact the Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center at 903-232-8596 for information or to schedule your 3D mammogram.
PINK OUT!
Tuesday, October 4 The Summit Club | 3700 Judson Road, Longview 4:30 p.m. Doors Open | 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Panel Discussion
Tickets $15. Call 903-242-3400. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. A physician order is not required, but the patient must provide a physician’s name when an appointment is made. If the person does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient.
ECU is for EvEryonE in Gregg and Harrison Counties
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september/october 2016
s t n e t n o C Health: Be a Runner
Feature: Coaching the Future
14
Fashion: Southern Belle
28
School: Mum's the Word!
21
32
On the Cover Features 16
Cover Story: Grab a Glass, Girls!
25
The Show is Still Going Strong
28
Coaching the Future
34
Aprill Brandon: 35 Things I've Learned in 35 Years
Health & Beauty 14
Fashion 21
Health & Beauty Mascara Primer... What is It?
Southern Belle
School 32
10
Be a Runner
Mums the Word!
In Every Issue 36
Picture This!
Tucked away in East Texas, down oil top roads and hidden among pine trees, you can find a beautiful oasis where rows upon rows of lush grapevines grow.
Spot the Charm Our July/August Spot the Charm winner was Bonnie Shattles and she has chosen a $100 VISA gift card. She spotted the charm on page 32 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.
4 Charm | s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r
charm september/october 2016 publisher Stephen McHaney editor Ric Brack • 903.237.7759 • rbrack@news-journal.com publication director Amy McHaney • 903.237.3375 • amchaney@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 designer Rebecca McCallum illustrator Michelle Laverell contributing writers Aprill Brandon • Jo Lee Ferguson • Christina Lane Amy McHaney • Amy Pearson • Jack Stallard contributing photographers Michael Cavazos • Les Hassell • Loi Jones Ivey advertising director Larry Jobe • 903.237.7727 • ljobe@news-journal.com account executives Sarah Alford • 903.232.7287 • salford@news-journal.com Thomas Bonner • 361.574.1249 • tbonner@vicad.com Chris Dean • 903.237.7719 • cdean@news-journal.com John Habinc • 903.232.7221 • jhabinc@news-journal.com Trisha Hall • 903.237.7776 • thall@news-journal.com Tracy Stopani • 903.237.7726 • tstopani@news-journal.com Donna Spencer • 903.237.7721 • dspencer@news-journal.com Donna Vincent • 903.232.7276 • dvincent@news-journal.com circulation Josh Hart • 903.237.7765 • jhart@news-journal.com produced by tcm printing Sherri Goodwin • 903.232.7245 • sgoodwin@tcmprinting.com
mycharmonline.com
6 Charm | s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r
Bundles of joy. It’s what we deliver. From the day you find out to the day you deliver, there’s nothing more important to Longview Regional Medical Center than your and your baby’s health and well-being. This is why we provide extra amenities such as private rooms, spacious birthing suites, childbirth classes and breastfeeding support. And if you and your newest addition need a little extra help, we offer perinatal services that include maternal-fetal medicine specialists and a Level III NICU. For more information about our labor and delivery services, visit LongviewRegional.com/baby.
2901 N. Fourth Street • Longview, TX 75605 • 903-242-3490 • LongviewRegional.com
LETTER The Cowan Center will host Jerry Seinfeld in September – I have visions of dinner out on the town followed by an evening of the kind of humor only Seinfeld can deliver – what a way to spend an evening! In Longview, The Oak Ridge Boys are coming to the Belcher Center this fall, bringing their down home, country music with them. Fall in East Texas is also the perfect time to visit our featured wineries – Enoch’s Stomp and Los Pinos. Fall events abound at both vineyards – live music, fine dining … grape stomping! And I can’t think of two prettier places to sit and appreciate the beautiful, East Texas scenery. If you haven’t quite gotten around to your New Year’s resolutions yet, Move Athletic can fill your calendar with things to do – join their Couch25K program and you’ll have twice-weekly training runs with newfound friends. If running isn’t your bag – though I encourage you to try
I
it; you might surprise yourself – you am sometimes amazed by a recurring comment I overhear – or read on social media – “There’s nothing to do here.”
I beg to differ. Our little neck of the woods is full of interesting things to do
should swing by and visit Move Athletic’s swanky new store. It’s truly lovely and offers beautiful clothing options for athletics and athleisure alike. You may be thinking, “That’s nice, but my fall is already packed with HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL!” If that’s the case, flip through the pages to read about Gilmer High School head
and see, and this month’s Charm is packed full of ways to spend
football coach Matt Turner and his desire to build his players to
your time in the upcoming fall months.
be the best that they can be, both on and off the field. Are you
How lucky are we to have both the Belcher Center and the Cowan Center in close proximity? Each celebrates a milestone anniversary this season – 10th and 20th respectively. And the lineup of entertainment? Outstanding!
in the market for a mum this homecoming season? We have you covered there, too, with DIY tips to make your mum fabulous. Whatever your interest, there is something for everyone in this issue of Charm. Get out there and enjoy East Texas!
Amy McHaney amchaney@news-journal.com
8 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
HEALTH & BEAUTY One of the mascaras that I reviewed in that article, L’Oreal Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara, included a double-ended tube – mascara on one end and primer on the other. That was the first time I’d ever used a mascara primer, and I wondered, had I been missing out on something vital to my mascara regimen? Mascara primer is regarded as foundation for your lashes; by using mascara primer you thicken and lengthen your lashes, as well as provide a tacky surface for your favorite mascara to adhere. It is important to apply your regular mascara while the primer is still wet. Here are the mascara primers I tried – along with Blinc Mascara, my current favorite (Sephora, $26):
Clinique
LASH BUILDING PRIMER DILLARDS | $16.50
MASCARA PRIMER - WHAT IS IT? Words by AMY MCHANEY
Y
FAVORITE REVIEW: This is amazing. I’m a freak when it comes to my eyelashes so I will try so many things until I make them look bold and long. This solved everything. I love it and it shows even the smallest lash. Love this stuff. – sephoralover250 My good friend Jessica recommended the Clinique Lash Building Primer. Clinique products have long been favorites of mine, so I thought this was a good place to start. The wand of the Clinique product is what I would call a classic mascara wand, fairly narrow with flexible fibers. The primer itself is white and
ou may recall a column I wrote on lash-lengthening
looks a little like school glue. I found that this primer went on
mascaras. Well, ladies, that column officially kicked
a little clumpy – so clumpy that I wondered if I got a bad tube?
off my eyelash obsession. I’m not one to wear tons of
Clumps could be removed with a tissue before applying regular
makeup on a daily basis – I have four kids and simply do not have
mascara, but that was an added step that I didn’t like. I did feel
the time for a complicated morning routine. But I do have two
like the mascara primer extended the life of my mascara – no
musts – mascara and lipstick (and an eyebrow pencil, but that’s a
flaking or raccoon eyes, even at the end of the day. I liked this
story for a different day).
mascara primer least of the three I tried.
10 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
Smashbox
One More PRODUCT
PHOTO FINISH LASH PRIMER
Physicians Formula
SEPHORA | $22
EYE BOOSTER 2-IN-1 LASH BOOSTING EYELINER + SERUM Walmart | $8.67
FAVORITE REVIEW: I almost threw out a new mascara but this primer made all the difference! – mslorraine2u The Smashbox primer looked like school glue, just as the Clinique primer did, but it came with a plastic wand with short, stiff bristles. I thought this type of wand was better for applying the primer, though I read a number of reviews that disagreed. The product went on more smoothly than the Clinique primer, though there were still some clumps. Longevity was similar to the Clinique product. Overall, I liked the Smashbox primer better, but was not overwhelmed.
As you can tell, I have a little bit of an obsession with eyelashes these days. Several months ago, when shopping for my bargain bronzer article, I came across a Physicians Formula product that piqued my interest called Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum (Walmart, $8.67). The packaging claims included “Over 90% of women saw more Luscious, Glamorous & Defined Lashes after 4 weeks.” The before and after photos “proved” it was effective. The product is basically a liquid eyeliner applied through
Merle Norman
MASCARA PRIMER Merle Norman | $16
a “precise brush-tip applicator.” I am no pro when it comes to applying eyeliner, but I found this very easy to use. It was easy to apply a narrow, even line along my lashline, and should I draw an erratic line, the errant line was easily removed with a tissue and water. As far as the serum, I did a little investigating on a site I refer to often called Beautypedia (www.beautypedia.com) that conducts independent analysis of thousands of beauty products. Unfortunately, the serum included in the eyeliner is not likely to grow lashes – you’ll need a prescription
FAVORITE REVIEW: Wow oh WOW!!!! Although I've never
product like Latisse to do that – but the eyeliner did receive a five-star rating:
tried a primer before this and thought I'd give it a shot since it
There’s no research showing that any ingredient in this
was so talked up and boy am I glad I did!!! I have barely there
product is going to grow even a single eyelash. Aside from
light brown lashes and this really makes my lashes come alive! –
the hype, what you do get is an outstanding, pen-style liquid
BonBon1281
eyeliner with an incredibly precise brush, smart packaging,
Finally, a mascara primer that was not clumpy! The Merle Norman primer was white like the others two brands and came with a plastic wand similar to the Smashbox wand, but the formula
and impressive staying power. Simply put, this is one of the best liquid eyeliners available anywhere at any price. I couldn’t agree more.
continued on pg. 12
couldn’t be more different. The Merle Norman primer went on very smoothly, no clumps. It appeared to extend the length of my lashes, and my regular mascara went on easily over the primer. The Merle Norman primer, coupled with my regular mascara, lasted through an entire day of summer activities with my kids. Merle Norman was by far and away my favorite mascara primer. mycharmonline.com 11
RODAN + FIELDS
UPDATE I finally feel that I have reached my “happy place” with Rodan + Fields. Although the results I’ve experienced have been pretty amazing, my skin has felt dry and I’ve had to moisturize repeatedly throughout the day. I’m not sure if my skin has finally adjusted to the new routine, or if the summer humidity had a hand in it, but I am at a point where my skin feels sufficiently hydrated throughout the day without supplemental slathering of additional product. I also wanted to mention that I have started using the Rodan + Fields Micro-Dermabrasion Paste – here’s the description:
super soft, unlike other exfoliating scrubs that leave my skin tight and dry. One final note, if you are familiar with Rodan + Fields, you
Micro-Dermabrasion Paste is a high-glide, oil-free formula
probably know that this product is not sold in stores, but through
designed to promote maximum gentle exfoliation. Use
independent consultants. In the spirit of full disclosure, I wanted
intermittently to enhance cell turnover and improve skin tone
to let readers know that I do not sell this product. I became
and texture.
interested in Rodan + Fields when I started seeing before and
I love a good exfoliating scrub, and this is one of the best ones
after pictures pop up all over my Facebook feed. The before and
I’ve ever used. I was surprised that it was oil free – not that it
after pictures were impressive, so I decided to find out for myself
feels greasy, but because it leaves my skin feeling moisturized and
– and for our readers – if the product would live up to the hype. C
Closing the Loop on Breast CanCer A Time For Information & Inspiration Join Dr. Gary R. Jacobs and the staff of Cosmetic Surgery of East Texas Wednesday, October 19 2 - 4 PM Longview Community Center 500 E. Whaley Street R.S.V.P. 903-753-2276 by Wednesday, October 5 to reserve your seat
www.cosmeticlongview.com
12 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
HEaLtH & bEauty
I
have a love-hate relationship with running. I was a kid who detested running during P.E. Laps at soccer practice? I hated them. Really, it was hard to think of a worse form of torture
than running – for the sake of running – as a child. Fast forward to my late 20s – living in Dallas – when one of my college roommates invited me to join her for a morning run. I really have no idea what compelled me to join her one day – did I mention I hated running? – but I did and I was hooked. our morning runs became our social hour. We added more friends to our running group and our social hour became even more fun. I ran with girls who I’d never met before. It was a funny relationship; I grew to know so much about their lives – families, jobs, children, husbands. And strangely, I sometimes wouldn’t recognize my running friends if I saw them at the grocery store. A gal looks very different early in the morning, sweaty and sporting a ponytail, than she does after a day at the office! We logged lots of early morning miles and ran many a 5k, always rewarding ourselves with a cold beer at the end of any race. running fosters such camaraderie – I treasure those memories. this little anecdote is simply to tell you that you, too, can become a runner. Don’t have friends who are runners? I can fix that! I stopped by move Athletic to learn about their couch25K program – a support and training group for aspiring runners to go from sitting on the couch to completing a 5k run. move Athletic is the brainchild of Kathleen cochran and erin Lee. Kathleen’s focus is yoga, erin’s is running. the two saw a need for stylish “athleisure” wear in Longview … and the rest is history! they opened move Athletic earlier this year and it is a stunning, lovely space with a big city vibe. And the clothes – to die for! erin gave me the scoop on move Atheltic’s couch25K program. the first couch25K group began in may with three participants. In the beginning, erin said that the runners could only do about five minutes of running at a time, but now each one can complete a 5K with minimal walking breaks. the couch25K program includes two group runs per week with erin
be a
runner Words by amy mchaney
14 Charm | s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r
or personal trainer Kristin White. the group downloaded an app onto their phones that instructed them when to run and when to walk as they built stamina. In addition to the group runs, the girls would typically run one other day each week. erin said that all three completed the program by running in the Up and Away race hosted by the Longview running club in July. that’s pretty amazing to go from beginning runner to 5K finisher in the crazy texas heat!
Have a few excuses ready? Not so fast! Here are a few of my favorite – and widely researched – health benefits of running:
1.
2.
3.
Running makes you happy! Ever heard the term “runner’s high?” That feeling is thanks to the release of hormones called endocannobinoids – you can get the high with just 30 minutes of treadmill time. Running can improve your memory! Do you have hereditary memory loss in your family like I do? Or four kids like me? Then your memory can probably stand to be improved, too. A 2014 study at the University of British Columbia showed regular exercise that gets your heart rate up – like running – can increase the area of your brain involved in verbal memory and learning, the hippocampus. Running strengthens your knees! Think you’ll tear up your knees if you try running? Think again. Many studies show that running actually aids in increasing bone mass.
If I haven’t convinced you to try running, perhaps you’d be interested in yoga? Move Athletic offers free yoga at 11:15 a.m. on Saturdays with Longview yoga instructor Rachel Workman. Bring your own mat or purchase a cool new one at the store. C
Whether you’re new to running or have already logged major mileage, check out these upcoming 5k runs below. Most registration fees range from $15-30 and include a cool T-shirt and swag bag. Monster Dash 5K/10K Junior League of Longview Oct. 15, 2016 Heritage Plaza – Downtown Longview www.runlikeamonster.com Gobble Wobble Newgate Mission Nov. 19, 2016 Paul Boorman Trail www.newgatemission.org/gobble-wobble.html Casa superhero 5K/1 Mile East Texas CASA Dec. 3, 2016 Lear Park www.casahero5k.com JinGle bell JoG 5K/1 Mile ArtsView Children’s Theatre Dec. 10, 2016 313 W. Tyler St. – Downtown Longview www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com
Feel inspired to start running? Move Athletic will host another Couch25K session to prep runners for upcoming fall races. The fee is $50 per person, which includes a T-shirt and the twice weekly training schedule for five weeks. If you’ve already conquered the 5K, Move Athletic is also hosting a 5k to 10k transition group; same fee and same duration. Stop by Move Athletic to sign up, or register via Facebook or Instagram.
Move Athletic www.moveathletictx.com 716 Glencrest Lane in Longview - across from the former Kmart (903) 230-6683
LONG-WEARING CREAM SHADOW STICK
Made in the USA
Available in ten gorgeous matte and luminous shades, you’ll want to collect them all!
Longview Mall
903-753-0041
Phone Number Business Hours
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©2016 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.
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mycharmonline.com 15
COVER STORY
s l r i G Grab as glas
Words by CHRISTINA LANE Photos by CHRIS LOZANO & LORI JONES IVEY
16 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
T
ucked away in East Texas, down oil top roads and hidden among pine trees, you can find a beautiful oasis where rows upon rows of lush
grapevines grow. Though often thought of as a romantic destination, wineries also offer up the chance for women to relax with a glass of wine in hand at the end of the week with their best girlfriends. From Palestine to Pittsburg, the Piney Woods are filled with wineries that offer women (and men!) an opportunity to relax while listening to jazz and sipping a smooth glass of vino. Here’s a look at a couple of our favorite winery getaways. continued on pg. 18 ď ˝ mycharmonline.com 17
In the years that followed, Enoch’s Stomp gained a strong – and evergrowing – fan base in East Texas as well as from more Metropolitan areas as people would hear about the sweet and dry wines and come to sample them. From a small 13-foot by 30-foot tasting room, the venue now has about 6,000-square-feet of space to work with. It has become a popular venue for weddings, allows the public to come help stomp its grapes during events several times a year, and features a restaurant with an exquisite menu and food so popular that reservations are generally recommended. “I didn’t expect the restaurant would get that big,” Altus said. The winery has a slew of accolades to its name and its wines have been
Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery
featured in festivals across the state. The festivals also helped the winery distribute its vino to other markets. “People would taste the wine at the festivals and ask the liquor stores in the area to sell our wines,” Altus said. He said it is very humbling to have people requesting Enoch’s Stomp’s wines in other markets. “It feels really good,” he said. Enoch’s Stomp features a variety of wines – from sweet to dry, red to white, to blush and dessert. “In East Texas, we have noticed that people tend to prefer sweeter wines; I guess it seems there are more sweet people here,” he said, noting their Blanc DuBois is among their most popular for its sweetness.
Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery When Altus Koegelenberg left South Africa and moved to the United States in 2001, he had no plans to grow grapes in the country. Altus was no stranger to the process of growing grapes though. He grew up on a grape farm in South Africa that his family had owned for several generations. But when he left South Africa behind with a dream of making a better life for his family, he thought he also was leaving grape-growing behind. Altus’ wife is a physical therapist and when they moved to the U.S., they
As the business continues to grow, he said, the winery is pushing its marketing and continuing to push into large areas. “We’re focusing more on the marketing now,” he said. “We have another 40-45 acres that we can plant grapes on, so as soon as we start to sell more wines then we will plant more grapes.” After all these years, Altus said he continues to enjoy the overall winemaking process from crushing the grapes to the tasting. “I love everything about it,” he said.
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards
landed in Houston. In 2002, they moved northward and settled in Longview.
Founded in 2000 in Pittsburg, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards has grown
Altus recalled being sad for the first year or two after leaving the grape
from a little winery that started out producing 25 to 50 cases of wine each
farm behind.
year to an institution that now produces about 10,000 cases a year. And,
“I never thought I would farm more grapes again,” he said.
that number continues to grow as Los Pinos’ wines make their way into
But, of course, that was only what he thought at the time. It was actually
new markets.
just the beginning of his story and his journey in East Texas. As fate would have it, Altus met a man named Jon Kral, a chemist with an interest in wine-making. In 2004, they bought property on Ferguson Road, outside of Harleton. “It looked like a jungle before we started,” Altus recalled. “We prepared the soil and then we planted 12 acres of grapes.”The first grapes, located on six acres of land, were planted in 2005 with six more acres planted in 2006.
Gerald Jones serves as managing partner and director of production and sales at the winery while Dana Pool serves as managing partner and chief executive officer. The first vines at Los Pinos were planted in 2000, and its tasting room opened in 2002. In Texas, there are more than 350 wineries in existence today and Los Pinos was about the 40th. Gerald said Pittsburg allows the winery to be centrally located between
“It normally takes about three years to make wine,” Altus said. “But, in
Mount Pleasant, Texarkana, Marshall, Jefferson, Shreveport, Longview,
2007, we were able to make a little wine. … In 2008, we were ready to start
Tyler and Canton. Even a two-hour from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
selling the wines.”
isn’t a problem for many of Los Pinos’ fans who come to taste their wines.
18 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
“On a weekend night, we get a lot of regulars who come from Gilmer, Pittsburg, Longview and the surrounding areas, but there are also a whole lot of unfamiliar faces who come from bigger cities,” Gerald said. In the beginning, news about the winery spread through word of mouth. While the winery continues to benefit from word of mouth marketing, today it’s also able to take advantage of social media to help spread the word even more. One hope is, Gerald said, that those who visit from outside of East Texas will go back to their homes and request that stores in their city sell Los Pinos’ wines.
los pinos ranch Vineyards
As wine festivals began to be popular in 2004-2005, Los Pinos started making appearances at many of the events across the state. “We’ll go down a day or two early, prior to the festival, with our wines, samples and marketing materials, and we’ll pop into stores in close proximity to where the festival is being held,” Gerald said. “That was how we started getting into so many retailers about a decade ago. That perpetuated us to a whole new level.” Today, Los Pinos’ wines can be found in more than 1,000 stores and about 150 restaurants across Texas. Early on, Los Pinos’ decided that while people were tasting wines, that the winery should offer snacks. So the winery began offering platters with cheeses, meats and grapes. The popularity of that grew until the winery decided to open a restaurant.
“Many people start out with the sweet wines, but as their palates become
Dana came on board in 2005, initially as the chef for the restaurant. She had
more refined they’ll come back and begin to explore the dry wines,” he said.
previously operated a restaurant in the Longview/Kilgore area, and when
Seeking to strip away the idea that consuming wine is pretentious, Los
she sold it, a kitchen was built at Los Pinos. “I never dreamed it would go over as well as it has,” Dana said. “It has grown from cheese and crackers to quite an extensive menu.” Today, Enam Chowdhury heads up the restaurant, serving as a managing partner with Los Pinos’ and its director of food and beverage. Enam came to Los Pinos after spending his entire career in hospitality. He has worked at resorts across the world and, prior to Los Pinos, sharpened his skills at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, Hotel Cipriani in Venice and Charler Palmer Steakhouse at The Hotel Joule. The restaurant seats slightly less than 100 people inside, slightly less than
Pinos’ wine labels feature whimsical designs that patrons seem to enjoy, Gerald added. With more than 100 international awards to its name, critics seem to agree with patrons that Los Pinos’ wines are among the best. As the winery continues to grow, Gerald said maintaining quality and consistency is key. “It really boils down to staying focused on what we best – taking care of the customers when they make the trip to visit us as well as the consistency of the wines that you see on the shelves,” he said. Dana said it is humbling every time, patrons come from near and far to visit Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards.
100 outside on the deck and has another room that can hold, again, just less
“We always feel very blessed when somebody drives down our scary
than 100 people. Dana said that on a regular night, the restaurant seats about
little road to come see us,” she said. “It’s been fun. It is surprising how
200 people at a time with tables turning a couple of times each evening.
much we have grown, but it is such a blessing and we look forward to
Live music, such as jazz, can be heard on most weekends now.
the next stage.”
C
While the restaurant is doing well, Los Pinos continues to be first and foremost a winery. It produces 23 different wines, from sweet to dry and everything in between. Gerald said he has noticed that East Texans seem to have a preference for sweet wines, but an enjoyable aspect of the business for him is seeing some of his loyal customers’ palates grow.
continued on pg. 20 mycharmonline.com 19
30
Mt Pleasant
1 Pittsburg
271
259 Jefferson
Gilmer
2
155
80 Marshall
Gladewater Longview
80
20 Tyler
If You Go:
s l r i G
1
Grab as glas
20 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards 638 County Road 1334 • Pittsburg, TX 75686 (903) 855-1769 LosPinosRanchVineyards.com HOURS: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays; noon to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
2
Enoch’s stomp vineyard and winery 870 Ferguson Road (CR 4312) • Harleton, TX 775651 (903) 736-9494 / (903) 777-3249 EnochsStomp.com HOURS: noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
Fashion
Photos by Chris lozano Makeup by Foxy ladies by tara Clothing by Puttin' on the Glitz
n r e h t u So
e l l e B
mycharmonline.com 21
NECKLACE: $25
BOOTS: Cowgirl Candy, $245
TOP: UmGee, $44
22 Charm | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
TOP: Puttin' on the Glitz, $35.00,
mycharmonline.com 23
TOP: Andree Blue, $38.00, BAG: Louis Vuitton, $400.00,
NECKLACE: $18.00
24 Charm | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
F EaTurE
The
Is Still Going
Words by amy pearson | Photos by les hassell
W
hen the curtain rises on the 2016-2017 season, two East
purpose facility that opened in fall 2007.
Texas venues will have reason to bring down the house.
When it’s not filled with patrons and fans, the building also serves as
The LeTourneau University Belcher Center is
the university’s chapel. To that end, the Belcher Center was designed by
celebrating its 10th anniversary while the University of Texas at Tyler’s
a firm from Arkansas specializing in architecture and theater design. The
Cowan Center hits the 20-year milestone.
Belcher Center boasts 1,400 seats on the lower level and an additional
Both venues have been hubs of performing arts and culture in the nearby cities for as long as they’ve been serving their communities.
600 seats in the opera-style balconies. “It was actually conceived as the chapel for LeTourneau University’s
“I took my children to see shows when they were growing up, and now
campus worship, but the need for a performance center in the area
I take my grandchildren,” said Tyler resident Linda Clark, who recently
was great, so the plans were expanded a bit to fill that,” said Senior
took her granddaughters to a sold-out performance of the Broadway
Director Cynthia Hellen. “The building itself is truly beautiful, but it
hit musical, “Annie,” at the Cowan Center. “There’s something magical
was mostly built for function and acoustics. The auditorium’s wood
about the lights going down and the curtains going up that kids love.”
and curves are for sound – and many of our visiting performing artists
It’s not only children who love performances. Kilgore native Carl
have compared it to the sound in New York’s Carnegie Hall. It was
Strawn has seen Christian band “Mercy Me” at the Belcher Center
also one of the first entertainment venues in the nation to use the
every time they come to town, which, by his estimation, has been at
Vortek system, which replaced the familiar weights and pulleys of the
least six times he can think of.
stage area with a computerized, motorized fly system.”
“It’s good that we have this place available to us as citizens,” he said. The Belcher cenTer The S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center is a dual
The Vortek systm and acoustics help make performances come to life in a facility featuring a full working stage and orchestra lift, complimented by an assortment of prop and staging areas, dressing mycharmonline.com 25
tickets, depending on how many shows they pick. “The arts present opportunities to get out of our day-to-day routines,” Cynthia said. “They bring beauty and fun to our lives and give us a chance to make memories with our families and friends.” The Cowan CenTer The R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center is calling its 20th anniversary a “landmark” season. “When planning our landmark 20th anniversary season, I wanted big talent and big fun,” said Susan Thomae-Morphew, executive director of the Neal McCoy and Friends Benefit Concert for the East Texas Angel Network Sept. 26, 2015, at the S.E. Belcher Performing Arts Center. (Les Hassell/News-Journal File Photo)
rooms, soundproofed rehearsal rooms, classrooms and offices, according to the Belcher Center website.
Cowan Center. “This season is filled with star power and large celebratory shows. The line-up includes lots of comedy, cirque and circus, glorious music, magic and illusions.” A grand building on the UT Tyler campus, the Cowan Center houses the UT Tyler Meadows Gallery and is also home to the East
Modern lines and contemporary architecture also provide
Texas Symphony Orchestra. More than 30 percent of patrons come
students with a place to worship, gather and listen to Christian music
from outside of Smith County, providing an economic boon to the
and speakers three times a week.
area, Susan said. The Cowan Center offers arts enrichment programs
As the center heads into its 10th year, Cynthia is proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish and offer through the years.
to area school children as well. “The Cowan Center is the premier venue for Tyler and the East Texas
“This is a labor of love for LeTourneau University,” she said. “We
region,” she said. “It is unique through its programming. We serve our
enjoy the opportunity to bring wholesome entertainment options to
patrons by booking diverse programming at the highest possible level. It
the people of this area, and we like having the community come to
is unique through its supporters and loyal patrons. We couldn’t be more
see this beautiful campus. We have learned a lot about what kinds
grateful for the community and region we serve and the connection we
of shows do well here and plan to keep bringing those as long as the
have by bringing arts experiences and brilliant speakers to town. Every
community keeps coming to see them!”
experience is added to our memories in a multitude of directions.”
Cynthia certainly has her pulse on what does well in the area and what residents like to see.
For the 20th anniversary, Susan planned an all-star lineup. “We have encore performances such as Jerry Seinfeld, back by
To that end, she planned the 10th anniversary season accordingly.
popular demand, Jeff Foxworthy who helped us celebrate our 10th
“We wanted to do something special, so we started with the thought
anniversary, Jim Brickman who is back for his third time, ‘42nd
of doing an entire season of favorites from the past nine years,” she said.
Street,’ and ‘Greater Tuna,’” she said.
“But there were just so many good shows touring this year that hadn’t been
New shows include Jackie Evancho, who rose to fame at the age
here yet that we opted for mostly new ones, and encore performances from
of 10 on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and Black Violin who will share their
Jeanne Robertson and Celtic Woman.”
blend of classical, hip-hop and R&B.
Included in this season are the comedy of Colin and Brad from “Whose
“Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, known as The Trocks,
Line Is It Anyway?” and Jeanne Robertson, the incredible illusions of
has been bringing the house down with laughter since the 1970s
Adam Trent “The Futurist,” the one-and-only Chubby Checker, legendary
through their world-class ballet with a hilarious, comic twist. The
performers The Oak Ridge Boys, the one-man play An Evening With C.S.
Aluminum Show is a unique export from Israel that has been
Lewis, the spectacle of Celtic Woman, and family shows “Goodnight Moon
described as STOMP meets Blue Man Group,” Susan said.
and the Runaway Bunny” and “The Cat in the Hat.” In addition to the festive feel of the 10th anniversary season, “We plan to introduce a new membership program that will provide cool opportunities, like presales and other special goodies,” Cynthia said. Subscribers to the Belcher season shows get to choose the same seats for all the shows in the entire package they select, and they get discounted
26 Charm | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
Cirque Dreams Holidaze will feature soaring acrobatics while “The Illusionists: Live from Broadway” is a magic show that features a mix of the outrageous and astonishing acts. Joining “42nd Street” in the Broadway Series are “Pippin” and “Dirty Dancing,” which Susan said are both new to the Cowan Center stage.
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from the romantic cinema hit to the stage.” Dr. Ben Carson will be a featured speaker in the fall. The UT Tyler Longview University Center will present speaker Charles Krauthammer at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center in Longview. “Our biggest night of this year of celebration will be the night of
Thank You for voting us BEST FLORIST IN EAST TEXAS!
Jay Leno, here for his first performance in Tyler,” Susan said. “We are hosting a formal gala dinner prior to the Leno performance to raise funds for our Cowan Center Performance Excellence Endowment. Ticket buyers to Leno will also see a short presentation honoring those who helped make our amazing venue flourish and sharing the memories of the artists we’ve experienced. This evening will be the main event for our season-long celebration.” Members of the Cowan Center are considered “loyal friends,” in Susan’s words, and can buy tickets ahead of public sales and sometimes even get free tickets. This year, Members Gala will take place on stage between the Jeff Foxworthy shows. “We are as surprised as anyone that the Cowan Center is now in its 20th season,” Susan said. “Looking back at the amazing artists and speakers we’ve presented gives us pride and inspiration to continue this labor of love. We know it’s a success through the applause, the laughter and the standing ovations. It’s rewarding to see the light in the patrons’ faces as they exit the building.” C
C
CFasalora flower shop
Monday ~ Friday 8:30am - 5pm • Saturday 8am - Noon 314 Magnolia Lane, Longview • 903.753.4492 www.casafloraflowers.com mycharmonline.com 27
F eature
COACHING FOR THE FUTURE Words by jack stallard | Photos by chris lozano, michael cavazos
he football stadium named for his predecessor looms large
t
the head coach will give a knowing glance to the past as he heads
behind Matt turner as he sits at his desk inside the Gilmer
to his office, but he’ll pause a little longer to look at the sign that hangs
Buckeyes’ field house.
above his door.
photos of buckeyes who signed to play in college and framed jerseys of
but, most important, the future of the young men he coaches.
the halls leading to his office are lined with championship trophies,
some of those players who reached the highest level the game offers – the National Football League. on Aug. 25, matt will begin his second season as the head football coach of one of the state’s most successful programs when Gilmer takes on Liberty-eylau at trinity mother Frances rose stadium in tyler.
the sign is about the future. His future. the coaching staff’s future. on that sign is the buckeye “mission statement,” – taken partially from the pages of the bible with a special note about what is expected of the buckeye coaching staff. “Life’s Mission is to be true to God, be true to our family and then work at our job as if working for the Lord not merely for men” (Col 3:23).
Win or lose, when the buckeyes return to Jeff traylor stadium
Integrity, loyalty, honesty, love and discipline are also mentioned
following the trip to tyler, the coaches and players will look at those
– along with an insistence that every buckeye player gives his all on
trophies, photos and jerseys and know they are part of a long tradition
every play.
of winning.
28 Charm | s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r
“Friday nights are wonderful. they are exhilarating,” matt said.
“We’re trying to teach a process for life. If you are disciplined, do the right things, have a positive attitude, are a respectful person, bring a little intensity to things and when you fail you get up and do it again. … that formula has worked pretty well for me in my career. I assume it works well for the guy who works at Eastman, or the guy who works at the fire department.” “But there is just so much more to what
his first year.
we need to be doing. There is more to it
The key, he said, was realizing he didn’t need to reinvent the wheel.
than winning. It’s a process, and I believe
“We just tried to continue doing what we have done for years,
the principles we try to preach are the
remaining faithful to our roots and following a process we believe in,”
principles the community wants. The
Matt said. “Jeff Traylor did an incredible job here, and I’m honored
community wants to win, and so do we.
to have been a part of that with him. Now, it’s just a matter of doing
“We’re going to do everything we can to be successful, but it’s so useless
things we know to do. To be honest, when we get in trouble it’s usually because we’ve taken our eyes off that.”
to spend time worrying about the end
Matt grew up in Creston, Iowa, and played baseball on scholarship
result if you forget to spend time on
at Southwestern Community College in Creston and then Arkansas
the process that creates the end result.
State in Jonesboro. He earned his degree at Arkansas State, and met
We’re trying to teach a process for life.
his future wife, Jill, during that time.
If you are disciplined, do the right things, have a positive attitude, are
The couple married on March 5, 1982, during his first year as a
a respectful person, bring a little intensity to things and when you fail
coach in Marked Tree, Arkansas. He later spent two years as a coach
you get up and do it again. … that formula has worked pretty well
in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, before a friend told him about a job at
for me in my career. I assume it works well for the guy who works at
Marshall High School under legendary coach Dennis Parker.
Eastman, or the guy who works at the fire department.”
“I had never been to Texas and didn’t know anyone in the state,
Few East Texas teams have won as often or at the level Gilmer has
but I always wanted to coach and teach in Texas,” Matt said. “Jill and I
during the past decade and a half. During that time, the Buckeyes
loaded up the car and headed to Marshall. I remember driving across
have put up videogame-like numbers on offense, winning three
the state line, looking at Jill and saying ‘This can’t be Texas. Look at
state championships (2004, 2009 and 2014) and finishing as the state
the trees.’ I was looking for tumbleweeds and big rocks.”
runner-up two other times (2007 and 2012). Matt was the offensive coordinator for all of those teams. He took over as head coach before the 2015 season when Jeff Traylor left to
What he found, was a new love for football – a love that has kept him in East Texas for 30 years with stops in Marshall, Jacksonville and now Gilmer.
become tight ends and special teams coach at the University of Texas,
“It’s still football. You’re still playing the sport, but in other places
leading Gilmer to a 14-1 finish and a berth in the state semifinals in
there just isn’t the same connection between a community and a team continued on pg. 30 mycharmonline.com 29
because of the things Jill does to make sure it’s a stable environment. I’m not naive enough to think that someone didn’t create that environment. I’m not home, so it was Jill turner that created a place like that for matt turner to come home to. It’s a blessing. I thank God for it, and probably not nearly enough.” the 2016 high school football season will end in Arlington in late December, and whether or not the buckeyes have to make more room in the trophy case for more championship hardware is yet to be Coach Matt Turner works with Kollin Hurt during Gilmer Buckeyes practice at Buckeye Stadium in Nov. 2014, in preparation for their upcoming playoff game with Gladewater. (Michael Cavazos/News-Journal File Photo)
seen. Wins and losses will happen, this year and for as long as matt roams the sidelines as a high school football coach.
that you have in texas,” matt said. “I grew up in the midwest and coached at other places. the people were all great, but it’s different here.” both of matt and Jill’s children were born and raised in east
When his career is finished, however, the buckeye coach hopes he is remembered for more than what happens under those fabled Friday Night Lights.
texas – caitlin arrived in marshall in 1989 and Luke was born in
“I just hope they say that I honored the Lord in the way I did
Jacksonville in 1993 – and matt gives Jill credit for creating a stable
my job,” he said. “that’s my ultimate goal and that’s the mission
home life for him and the children in the midst of the whirlwind that
statement above my office door. Do I always do it perfectly? No.
is east texas high school football.
but when all else fails, I’m going back to that, and I hope that’s what
“When I’m home, I’m home,” matt said. “It feels like home
30 Charm | s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r
people remember about me.” C
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circles of cardboard, to be exact, with a hole in the center where the star of the show, the mum, sits. Gayla said the cardboard disks come in several sizes, displaying a circle of about 4 inches as the base for a garter. That size, though, also could be used as the base for a mum for a younger child, she said. “They’re not very expensive,” she said of the mum base. Two of the disks are decorated and attached to the third disk that serves as the back of the mum. Gayla, who has decades of floral experience, started an example garter by making what will serve as the backdrop for the mum – the middle disk. The mum-maker can use whatever color scheme she or he wants. In the sample she made, Gayla selected a large-width white ribbon that she complemented with a smaller-width ribbon that could be in the school’s colors. “We make these little points,” she said, cutting lengths of ribbon in the two colors about 3 inches long. She placed the thinner ribbon on top of the wider
mums
The Word! Words by Jo Lee Ferguson | Photos by chris Lozano
ribbon, curved them around to create a loop at the top and stapled the ends to the front edge of the cardboard circle’s perimeter. The ribbons were attached so that about half of the “point” she created stood above the edge of the disk. About nine of those points are needed to go around the perimeter for the garter cardboard circle, she said. Then, she used a contrasting ribbon color to create another set of points that she stapled to the back of the cardboard circle, so those points peeked out between the points on the front. The top cardboard circle holds the mum and the long-trailing
A
ribbons, with the ribbons fastened first, with a stapler.
stapler. A glue gun. A mountain of ribbon and tiny trinkets, and of course, a silk mum. That’s the basic recipe for a homecoming mum or garter
the industrious mom – or hey, not to suggest anything crazy, but maybe even a high school student – can use to craft a personalized homage to this uniquely Southern tradition. For many students, especially seniors, mums are designed following the adage “go big or go home.”
“(The students) will want to incorporate different kinds of ribbons,” she said. “A lot of the schools are putting black with the other (school) colors.” Silver or gold ribbon usually are paired with the school colors in the mums. “But most of the kids like the silver the best,” Gayla said. She started the ribbons on the sample garter by laying a thinner, contrasting ribbon on top of a wider, solid-colored ribbon and then
“They like them as long as they can get them without tripping on
stapling them to the bottom of the cardboard’s perimeter. She typically
them,” said Gayla Griffin, floral designer at Ellis Home and Garden in
lines about a third of the bottom perimeter with four layers of hanging
Longview, speaking about how long the ribbons on homecoming mums
ribbon, with about five ribbons per layer. Then she added other colors
are sometimes. “The seniors – it’s their last year in high school. They
of curly ribbon, stapling them on top of the top edge of the other ribbon.
want to really go out and get a really nice (mum).” The mighty circle is the foundation for a mum or garter – three 32 Charm | S E p T E m B E r / o c T o B E r
She ties trinkets to the curly ribbon. “They pick out their trinkets based on what sports of what activity
that they really like – football, baseball, basketball,” Gayla said. The mum has a “stub” that is placed through the center hole on the top disk, and then the mum is glued down to the top disk. The stub goes through the second and third disks as well, with a cap at the end of the stub. The garter that the boy wears – or sometimes a cheerleader who prefers the garter to a mum – is glued and stapled to the back of the middle disc. That’s also where a loop of fabric that a mum can be pinned to is placed. The third disk is attached to the back to cover up all the staples, Gayla said. For the less crafty who still want to put some work into personalizing their own mum: Ellis Pottery sells a basic mum to which additional ribbon and trinkets can be added. Of course, that’s just the basic outline of the mum. Add some flair to make it more personal: Å Check out the ribbon on the Christmas aisle for something different. Å Visit the wedding aisle for even more different ribbons and other items you can add to the mum. (Just don’t get any ideas while you’re there. This is high school, after all.) Å Add a boa: line the cardboard disk with a boa and let it hang
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Å Use stickers to add your name or your honey’s name. Å Go wild with some animal print ribbon. Å Attach a teddy bear to the mum, or, a stuffed animal that reflects your school’s mascot. Å Add strands of hearts or stars to the ribbons hanging from the front of the mum. Å How about some sequins among the ribbons? Å Add some battery-operated lights. C
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mycharmonline.com 33
F EATURE
W
hen you’re nine months pregnant and busy chasing a sugar-addicted toddler around, certain things are bound to fall through the cracks. The family’s collective hygiene, for one (she types as she tries to remember
how many days in a row her son has worn those Spiderman pajamas). Basic human decency, for another (she types while cringing as she remembers yelling “so help me, if you poop in that plant, mister!” while talking to her insurance agent on the phone). And, of course, remembering important dates, such as holidays and doctor’s appointments and Taco Tuesday. Which is how I ended up ugly crying into my lasagna last Tuesday in a pregnancy-hormone-fueled rage. And which is also how my 35th birthday snuck up on me. Having always been someone who was always just on this side of obnoxious when it came to celebrating her birthday, this is pretty much unheard of. I mean, I’ve been known to celebrate the day of my arrival on Earth for the entire month. Words by APRILL BRANDON Illustrations by MICHELLE LAVERELL
34 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
And 35? Sure, it’s not a huge milestone but a big enough one that it makes you question whether wearing blue glittery lipstick is still a good idea or not.
(It is. It always will be. I will be 95 and still rocking it. I will be
They will. Eventually. When they have children of their own and are trying to demonstrate how “num-num” vegetables are.
buried wearing that lipstick.) Thirty-five is also an age when you start to, if not actually become wise, perceive yourself as becoming wise. Which is why instead of celebrating my almost-forgotten 35th birthday with a
17.
Beer and meat both taste better outside.
18.
There are a lot of horrible problems in the world. A woman wearing leggings as pants is not one of them.
big bang (it’s hard to dance all night when you are roughly the size of a planet and have swollen hobbit feet), I want to share some of the wisdom I’ve picked up along the way in my 30-plus years of living.
And so, here are the 35 things I’ve learned in 35 years: 1.
Life is too short for uncomfortable underwear.
2.
Your kids won’t remember your muffin top and cellulite. All they’ll remember is that perfect summer day when Mommy played with them in the ocean.
3.
You should never gamble with your health. Drink the good vodka.
4.
Love means never having to say “does this make me look fat?”
5.
When a woman says no, it’s not the beginning of a negotiation.
6.
Have a small wedding and a big honeymoon.
7.
If the Internet comments section has taught us anything, it’s that wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age.
8.
It’s possible to cook without drinking wine. But I wouldn’t recommend it.
9.
Dance like everyone is ignoring you because they’re on their phone watching funny videos of other people dancing on YouTube.
10. Pregnancy is best experienced looking back from 10 years in the future. 11. 12.
Anything can be turned into a pizza topping. It’s our right as Americans. Apologize when you’re wrong. Stop apologizing for existing and taking up space.
19. Telling your children no is hard. Dealing with spoiled brats is even harder. 20. Naps should be mandatory for everyone on rainy afternoons. 21.
The only way to survive parenthood is to develop a good sense of humor and own old furniture.
22. Never underestimate just how brave you really are. You fight invisible monsters every day. 23. Never underestimate just how brave your kids are. They fight invisible monsters every day. 24. It’s nearly impossible to succeed if you’ve never failed, so fail and fail spectacularly. Then cry, get drunk with your best friend and vow to never try again. Then try again. 25. Spend your birthday doing fun things instead of unwrapping fun things. 26. Go ahead and have breakfast for dinner, pizza for breakfast and wine for lunch. 27. You have an opinion. Good for you. It doesn’t mean you necessarily have to share it every chance you get. 28. Dog fur is the most resilient substance on Earth. No matter how much you use a lint roller, it will still be there on your pants. Even if you’re murdered and dumped in the ocean and found two years later, police will still be able to identify you by the dog hair they find on your pants. 29. It’s always better to look your age than to look like you’re desperately trying not to look your age. 30. I honestly don’t know if love is always stronger than hate but that’s not going to make me love any less fiercely. 31. Shelter pets always make better pets.
13. Getting really angry at how slow the line is moving has never, ever made the line move faster in the entire history of line-standing.
32. Oh, just swim and stop worrying about getting your hair wet.
14.
33. Never trust someone who doesn’t drink coffee.
Try to live every day with the joy and abandon of a naked toddler who just escaped from his bath.
15. When it comes to politics, chances are good that the bad guys aren’t the people who have it worse off than you do. 16. Don’t stress out when your children refuse to eat their vegetables.
34. One of the best jobs in the world is being the Official Boo-Boo Kisser to a tiny human with a skinned knee. 35. Getting older is something to celebrate. Especially when you consider the alternative. C
mycharmonline.com 35
PICTURE
This!
PASTA and PUCCINI
TINA LOVEJOY, GENIE HIBBS, JOYCE BUFORD, JIM BROSSARD
LONGVIEW | PINECREST COUNTRY CLUB | 7/8/2016 Photos by CHRIS LOZANO
IMANI HANDY
JADE AND JONATHAN KILLINGSWORTH
Dozens of people turned out in July to listen to singers, their accompanist and a harpist during Pasta and Puccini. The event served as a fundraiser for the Longview Symphony.
MATTHEW AND CHRISTINA NEHRLING, ANGIE HERRINGTON
LORI OSBORNE, LINDA WHITEHEAD, RAINA HOWERTON
SUSAN COOK, DIANE MCFARLANE
TYLER FARRER, KRISTIE HARVEY
36 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R
CHARLES STANDLY, KIESHA ROLAND
LACY HUTCHINSON, BRANDON BARRON
P icture this
Tiana Thurman
fireworks and freedom celebration longview | maude cobb convention and activity center | 7/4/2016 Photos by chris lozano
Tracy cooPer, murray moore
thousands of east texans celebrated independence day by watching a fireworks extravaganza at maude cobb convention and activity center. mayor andy mack invited guests to enjoy hamburgers in a special, viP tent while onlookers listened to headliner asleep at the Wheel during the city’s Fireworks and Freedom celebration.
miTchell ruTT, grace harrison
Terry nealy, KrisTi and Kayla smiTh Tommy gage, Tina grammer
david Kyle, chrisTina FosTer, carl hayden, shiva Parimi
laney PeTerson, devin Beyer
PaxTon Jones, Brianna wiese
mycharmonline.com 37
P icture this
party at akin park longview | akin park | 7/9/2016 Photos by chris lozano
Jo lee, eliJaH and Peter Ferguson
a morning of food and fun helped longview residents celebrate new playground equipment at akin park. in addition to an updated playground, akin park also features walking trails and other amenities.
kendall and cole tomBerlain
saraH , ellie, david and claire Henry Joel HeFlin, vic verma
sam warden, Brian adcock, ramey Blalock
lea Hicksman, Julie Ford, karen Haas, sHana ireland, krista Black
38 Charm | s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r
sHannon and cHristina dixon
P icture this
business after hours longview | hampton inn | 7/26/2016 Photos by chris lozano anthony BrookS
on July 26, East texas business men and women gathered at hampton inn for the monthly Business after hours mixer. the mixers provide an opportunity for longview chamber of commerce members to meet and learn about each others’ businesses.
Magan tyler, garrett whitehorn
BarBara BiggS, Mary raMoS, virgina hunt, kathleen aDaMS, teri Mutchnik
cinDi Bell, roBert aDaMS
Shalee Faircloth, liSa Morgan
al ricci
kriSti cack, lynDSey JohnSon
StePhanie PatterSon, Sky Durett, olivia SecorD, chriS MillS
mycharmonline.com 39