View Magazine - July/August 2017

e at & d r i n k | p i c t u r e t h i s ! | o n e - ta n k t r i p

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JulY/august 2017Â

COVER STORY

feeding the

fire

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summer

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july/august 2017

contents re view

6 7

TO EAT: T. Blanco's TO DrInK: The Back Porch

HealtH view 8

Protect Your Skin

fit view 10

Splash into Summer Fitness

cover view 12

Feeding the Fire

12

travel view 18

One-Tank Trip: jEFFErSOn, TX

feature view 21

Dog Days of Summer

non-profit view 23

East Texas Angel network

event view 24 25

Great Texas Balloon race Ink Life Tour

in every issue 26 28

Calendar of Events Picture This!

10

21 on tHe Cover With an increasing number of barbecue restaurants on well-regarded lists of the state’s top joints, the region has become a destination for barbecue. Around here, the American staple pays homage to its roots while pushing the boundaries of a cooking style that began as a poor-man’s food.

4 view | J u ly / Au g u s t

Review

to

eat

T. Blanco's

Looking for a twist on traditional Tex-Mex? Look no further than filled with fajita beef or chicken, sautéed onions and peppers that T. Blanco’s, where chefs can wrap just about anything in a tortilla and is then smothered in queso – SO GOOD!). Everything I’ve had has make it delicious.

T. Blanco’s is an upscale, Tex-Mex restaurant nestled just outside

been wonderful.

The restaurant provided top-notch service on our May visit. We

of Longview in the Lakeport area. I went on a Friday night around had a friendly waitress who quickly took care of us. As soon as we Cinco de Mayo with my boyfriend when I really needed a Mexican were seated, she was at our table taking our drink order and quickly food fix.

T. Blanco’s certainly delivered.

delivered our chips and salsa. I have to say something about T. Blanco’s chips and salsa: I LOVE them. I have a sensitive palate and

The restaurant offers traditional food, such as tacos, burritos, can’t always handle a lot of heat. Their salsa has the perfect amount quesadillas and nachos. But, it also offers specialty entrées that of spice and is bold in flavor. It’s amazing. And, for those who want provide a twist on tradition.

mixed drinks, T. Blanco’s has a full bar but I highly recommend trying

On our more recent visit, we decided to branch out and try their margaritas. You really can’t go wrong when pairing a margarita the Cajunchiladas and the T. Blanco’s Mexican Fried Rice. The with Tex-Mex, but T. Blanco’s makes a wickedly delicious margarita.

Cajunchiladas feature crawfish (either sautéed or fried) smothered

The restaurant has an upscale, classy atmosphere but it’s also very

with queso; the enchiladas are topped with a tasty seafood sauce. relaxed. That atmosphere makes it perfect for a date night or for an The Mexican Fried Rice was fried Spanish rice served with a choice evening out with friends. It’s also ideal for any attire; you can dress of meat (I had fajita chicken) mixed with grilled vegetables and pico up or dress down at T. Blanco’s and you won’t feel out of place. The de gallo. Both meals were fantastic and I will definitely be back restaurant has many seats indoors, but it also has a very nice patio, for more!

If you like to play it safe, I can vouch for many of the traditional meals as well. I’ve tried everything from traditional chicken or cheese enchiladas and tacos to the sunset quesadilla (a quesadilla

perfect for dining out on summer evenings.

T. Blanco's 1045 Gardiner Mitchell Parkway, Lakeport | (903) 643-0100 www.tblancos.com 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday

Takes Reservations Yes | Delivery No | Take-out Yes | Accepts Credit Cards Yes | Good for Groups Yes | Attire Casual | Ambience Classy but Relaxed Noise Level Average | Alcohol Full Bar | Happy Hour Yes | Outdoor Seating Yes | Has TV No | Waiter Service Yes | Catering Yes

6 view | J u LY / Au G u S T

review

to

drink

The Back Porch

The Back Porch in Kilgore has a history that dates back to the of the bar’s specialty drinks, The Porch. It’s a glorious mixture 1960s, but recent improvements have launched it into a premier of Captain Morgan, Malibu, Bacardi Superior, orange juice, music venue in East Texas. Now, you can go there to hear a variety pineapple juice and a splash of Grenadine. My boyfriend had of live music Wednesdays through Saturdays while you dine on food Great Raft Southern Drawl, made by Great Raft Brewing Co. and enjoy drinks.

in Shreveport. We loved seeing a mixture of well-known brands

Owners Jackie and Vicki Clayton purchased The Back Porch in combined with local breweries on the menu. The Back Porch 1990 and, over time, converted a volleyball court into an outdoor also featured selections from Tyler’s True Vine Brewing Co. stage. A few years ago, they renovated the outdoor stage area.

With our drinks, we ordered the homemade chips with queso.

Today, when you visit The Back Porch, it’s divided into three Trying the homemade chips is a must at The Back Porch. They are areas. One area has the classic restaurant feel where you can simply great! We also ordered burgers, but this place has an extensive menu dine on food. Then, there’s a middle area which contains a full-bar that has a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and dinner entrees, with several TVs. The third area is the renovated outdoor area, which such as grilled chicken breast, pork chops and catfish meals. now has walls. A garage door-style opening connects the outdoor

From the great drinks to the food to having a relaxed, casual

area and the bar. The door can be rolled up to make it easier to hear atmosphere to listen to live music, I highly recommend The Back the music inside the bar itself. Additionally, there are garage door- Porch. The wait staff is very friendly and offers prompt service. It’s a style walls around the outdoor area that can be rolled up to let in the Kilgore institution that is well worth a visit! fresh air or closed to keep out the rain.

On a recent visit, my boyfriend and I sat in the bar area, which gives you the option to sit at the bar and simply enjoy drinks or sit at a table where wait staff takes great care of you. I ordered one

The Back Porch 904 Broadway Blvd., Kilgore | (903) 984-8141 www.thebackporchkilgore.com 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday | 10 a.m. to midnight Friday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday

Accepts Credit Cards Yes | Good for Groups Yes | Attire Casual | Ambience Casual | Noise Level Average | Alcohol Full Bar Happy Hour Yes | Outdoor Seating Yes | Has TV Yes | Best Nights Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays news-journal.com 7

healthview

protect your skin Words by AMy BROCAtO PEARsON

this

year, an estimated 87,110 new cases of

more likely to start on the chest and back in men and on the legs

invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the

in women. it is also common on the face and neck – the places that

united states.

the vast majority of those cases of skin cancers are caused by the sun.

For a lot of people, especially baby boomers and generation Xers, tan, sun-kissed skin feels healthy and attractive, but longview dermatologist Dr. Alyn hatter of Wallis Dermatology Associates knows better.

got sunburned the most before we knew better and started using better sun protection. Most melanoma cells appear brown or black, but some melanomas do not make melanin and can appear pink, tan or white. there’s no set age for when you should start to check your skin for melanoma, hatter said. “your skin should be examined routinely at every stage of life,”

“the incidence of melanoma has been on the rise for several

he recommended. “As we grow and age our skin develops changes

decades,” he said. “last year there were approximately 80,000

and new lesions throughout life. it is important to be familiar with

new diagnoses of melanoma in the u.s.”

your skin health throughout life so that one can detect abnormal

Remember the days of slathering on baby oil and “laying out”

changes early.”

by the pool? Or not using sunscreen for a day at the lake because your “sunburn will fade to a great tan?” your skin may be paying the price for that now. statistics show that an estimated 9,730 people will die of melanoma in 2017. Melanoma accounts for less than 1 percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.

what to look for “With regard to melanoma, people should spend time once monthly getting familiar with all areas of their skin, including the places where sun doesn’t shine,” hatter said.

Melanoma can develop anywhere, he said.

“One should pay attention to any ‘new’ brown or black mole

what is melanoma?

or freckle. Also be on the lookout for any changes in previously

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes, or skin

existing moles,” hatter said. “Warning signs include development

cells, according to the American Cancer society. it’s also sometimes

of asymmetry, border changes, color changes, diameter larger

referred to as malignant melanoma or cutaneous melanoma.

than a No. 2 pencil eraser and evolution or changes in any form.”

Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are 8 view | J u ly / Au g u s t

hatter offers an easy way to help people remember.

“Think of ABCDE,” he said. “If you can detect changes within 30 days or sooner you should point it out to your doctor right away. Taking pictures of your moles is an easy way to evaluate for

daily, wear long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade when possible.

“Some people have a strong genetic predisposition to develop melanoma and in these cases melanoma may not always be

changes month to month.”

preventable. Monthly self-skin examination is key to detecting melanoma early and can be life saving.”

TreaTmenT Some melanoma can be treated by “wide excision,” removing the offending mole or spot. That’s an effective treatment if the melanoma is Stage 0, meaning it still resides in the top layers of skin and hasn’t spread.

Stage 1 melanoma also can be treated by wide excision, but might require taking a bit more of the surrounding tissue. Doctors often will want to biopsy lymph nodes to ensure the cancer has not spread.

Stages 2 and 3 also can be treated with wide excision, with careful attention paid to lymph nodes and to nearby tissue. There might be radiation therapy or it might be necessary to apply imiquimod cream.

Stage 4 treatment will include all of the above, with chemotherapy targeted to attack cancer that has spread.

Physicians work with patients to decide the best course of treatment.

an ounce of prevenTion is worTh a pound of cure Wear sunscreen. All the time. All over. End of discussion.

“Photoprotection, avoid getting sunburns and avoiding tanning beds will lower one’s risk of developing melanoma,” Hatter said. “Photoprotection means wearing at least SPF 30 sunblock

If you can detect changes in a mole within 30 days or sooner, point it out to your doctor right away.

WHERE TO SHOP

For Every Occasion LONGVIEWMALL.COM

news-journal.com 9

fitview

splash into summer fitness Words by Jo lee Ferguson

summer

trips to the swimming pool can

A 45-minute workout in the water, with nonstop, intense movement –

mean much more than marco

maybe even weights – can have the equivalent effect of walking 5 miles,

Polo, treasure hunt and belly flop contests with the kiddos. they can be the reason you look better in your bathing suit at the end of swimming season than you do right now.

“It’s a full body workout but without the pressure on your joints from gravity,” says Woodie terrell, who works in the aquatic program and teaches other courses at the Christus good shepherd Institute for Healthy living. the Institute has indoor pool facilities.

People who are swimming fast can burn up to 600 calories per

she says. she’s taught water aerobics in the past, and she saw how water exercises benefited people with arthritis and heart disease.

Water exercises can be good, too, for athletes in sports other than swimming, both for training and recovering from injuries. “you’re weightless in the water. you’re not putting any impact on your joints and stuff,” miller says.

hour – a figure affected by the water’s temperature and swimming

she’s helped athletes train in the water with weights or bungees

speed, for instance, compared with about 100 calories an hour when

around their waist while they practiced starts in the water, for instance.

walking fast. the benefits, though, go beyond counting calories. “you’re dealing with hydrodynamics,” terrell says, including resistance and buoyancy.

People breathe differently while swimming, their kidneys “stay flush,” helping them to “function better.” swimmers move their arms above their heads, pulling through the water against 64 pounds of pressure per cubic foot. It helps strengthen the heart muscle and lungs as the swimmer breathes deeper.

While water exercise classes are offered at places, such as the city of longview’s Paula martin Jones recreation Center and the Institute for Healthy living, people also can follow their own water exercise regimen. Jumping jacks in the water, walking while moving the arms back and forth, pulling the knees into the chest – there are many exercises people can do in the water, miller says.

People who want to swim but who don’t like to put their faces in

the drag of the water has a massaging effect on the swimmer’s

the water can practice a breath stroke with their heads up and out of

skin, as the swimmer is kicking her legs, moving her arms and turning

the water, not worrying about a specific breathing technique. exercise

her body.

belt flotation devices suspend a person in the water, and they can

“your whole body is being affected differently in water,” terrell says.

Water workouts don’t have to include just traditional swimming.

Kim miller has held various roles and taught classes in the city of longview’s aquatic program since 1998, but she has overall experience that spans more than four decades.

“It stimulates every part of your body while you’re in the water,” she says.

10 view | J u ly / Au g u s t

perform a cross-country ski motion for “huge cardio.”

People should be mindful, though, that they can still injure themselves while exercising in the water.

“Because of the weight of the water, you can hurt yourself,” terrell says, explaining that correct form is something instructors are careful about. “you can hyper-extend a joint if you don’t do an exercise properly.”

Public swimming pools aren’t as prevalent as they once were, with some cities closing pools in years past because of the cost of operating and maintaining them. Many cities have turned to splash pads instead, where children can play in water features that spray and pour. Here’s a look at some city operated pools and private or semiprivate facilities with pools in this area:

Longview • Longview Swim Center, 1111 W. Fairmont St.; 2-6 p.m.

Monday-Friday, 1-6 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday; $2 for youth, $3 for adults, season passes and non-resident rates available.

• Ingram Pool, 1300 N. 10th St.; 2-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed Friday; $2 for youth, $3 for adults, season passes and non-resident rates available.

LOL&M

Lots of Laughs and Music

• Paula Martin Jones Recreation Center, 515 W. Avalon Ave.; includes indoor pool; monthly and annual memberships available; 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.6:30 p.m. Friday.

Private facilities with pools open to members: • The Good Shepherd Institute for Healthy Living, indoor, www.gsmcinstitute.org • Parkeway Family Fitness Center, outdoor, www.parkewayfitness.com • Stafford Fitness, outdoor, www.mystaffordwellness.com • Pinecrest Country Club, www.pinecrestcc.org • The Challenge at Oak Forest, www.thechallengeatof.com • Longview Country Club, www.longviewcountryclub.net

KiLgore

Season 11 Tickets Now on Sale!

• Kilgore City Pool, North Henderson Boulevard/Business 259 north of the library; 1-6 p.m. daily through Aug. 18; admission $2 per person ages 4 and older, season passes/ classes available.

• James. M. Parks Fitness Center at Kilgore College, 1100 Broadway Blvd.; indoor pool; 3:30-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3:30-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday; free to full-time students and employees, public membership options include $37/month for a single person, $47/month for family and $20 a month for seniors.

2017-2018

• Meadowbrook Golf and Event Center, semi-private city owned facility with swimming pool, www.cityofkilgore.com/Meadowbrook.

giLmer • Private facility with pool open to members: Gilmer Country Club, (903) 734-4125

Carthage • Semi-private facility with pool open to members and seasonal memberships available to the public: Carthage Country Club, (903) 693-9900

Season Sponsors: Martin Midstream Partners, KLTV Marquee Sponsors: Joy Global Foundation, Carol and Richard Manley, Transet Co. news-journal.com 11

cover view

Feeding the

Fire Words by ChriSTinA LAne

12 view | J U LY / AU G U S T

Photos by ChriS LozAno

In

BarBecue BegInnIngs

With an increasing number of barbecue restaurants

word dates back to the Spanish who, upon landing in

on well-regarded lists of the state’s top joints, the region

the Caribbean, used the word “barbacoa” to refer to a

has become a destination for barbecue. Around here, the

style of cooking used by the Taino people, who slow-

American staple pays homage to its roots while pushing

cooked meats over a fire. The grill for cooking the meat

the boundaries of a cooking style that began as a poor-

consisted of a wooden platform resting on sticks.

East Texas, it’s about the soul – and the sauce.

man’s food.

According to barbecue lore, the oldest use of the

By the 19th century, the cooking style had made

“A claim of ‘That’s great brisket’ in Longview no longer

its way to the American South, where pigs were in

has to be qualified with ‘for East Texas’” said Daniel Vaughn,

abundance and pork became the primary meat given

barbecue editor for Texas Monthly, writing in a story

the barbecue treatment.

accompanying his magazine’s occasional rankings of the best

Because barbecue, based on long, low-heat cooking,

barbecue joints in Texas. “Once the term ‘Texas barbecue belt’

can make fatty, tough and inexpensive cuts of meat

meant the center of the state. Now it stretches far and wide.”

delectable, it became ideal for impoverished families.

A look at a map of Texas Monthly’s picks of the

In the days before refrigeration, meat markets could

state’s best barbecue makes clear East Texas’ foothold

only sell fresh meats. As the shelf life diminished, the

in the barbecue universe. The largest clusters of great

older meat would be sold at a reduced cost. Taking the

barbecue joints are in and around major metropolitan

inexpensive, tough cuts and using a process that was

areas. Yes, the largest clusters are in and around Austin/

long and slow made the meat easy to eat.

San Antonio, Dallas and Houston.

By the 1950s, barbecue joints were sprouting up

But there’s another cluster, one that appears to be

across America, with the food commonly paired with

growing, right here in East Texas. Its message is that you

traditional Southern sides such as okra, sweet potatoes,

don’t have to live in or near a big city to tie into some of the

corn bread and hush puppies.

most sought-after barbecue in the nation. It’s right here, in

Modern rIse of BarBecue

our own backyard.

Today barbecue styles vary by the region of the country

Tops in that cluster of joints – serving barbecue that

where it’s prepared. The same is true in Texas, where East

tops most in the state, according to Vaughn – is right

Texas barbecue is a bit different than that you might find in

here in the View.

North or Central Texas.

At No. 4 on his list of the 50 best is the original Bodacious

In the past five years alone, since Texas Monthly

Bar-B-Q on Mobberly Avenue. Joining it on the top 50 are

released its last Top 50 list, dozens of new barbecue joints

Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q in Tyler and Joseph’s Riverport

have sprouted across the state. And despite once being a

Bar-B-Que in Jefferson. Three other Longview-area

rural style of cooking, many of today’s barbecue restaurants

restaurants merit honorable mention: the historic Country

are in cities.

Tavern in Kilgore, Pat Gee’s Barbecue, just off Texas 31 on

Jackson said he believes the rise of modern barbecue can

CR 26 between Longview and Tyler and Chuck’s Country

be attributed to the attention the food is getting in regional

Smoke House in Carthage.

and popular media. TV shows such as “BBQ Pitmasters”

So what is it about East Texas barbecue that makes it so

and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” have launched it on a

great and so special? According to Jordan Jackson, pitmaster

national scale – as has Texas Monthly itself, which in 2013

of the original Bodacious Bar-B-Q, it’s about the passion and,

hired Vaughn as its first-ever full-time barbecue editor.

of course, the flavor that is strived for in East Texas.

“I think we cook with a little more soul and a little more flavor in East Texas,” Jackson said. “We also like our barbecue sauce; it’s a little more widely used around here.”

But it’s also because barbecue is a style of cooking we all like to try to pull off.

“People are starting to learn how to cook it at home more; there’s more people writing about barbecue,” continued on pg. 14  news-journal.com 13

“i think we cook with a little more soul and a little more flavor in East Texas.”

Jordan Jackson

Jordan Jackson, left, and Scott Turner, right, trained at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Though trained chefs, neither really had his heart set on working at fine dining restaurants.

Jackson said. “Everybody’s got an opinion; everybody’s got a list.” stephen Joseph, pitmaster of Joseph’s Riverport Bar-B-Que, said that even as it’s evolved, barbecue remains a style of cooking that takes people back to their roots.

“Barbecue is really hot right now. It’s definitely on the upward trend in the food industry,” he said. “there’s a little mystique to it. People are really interested in cooking with live fire and cooking with wood. Barbecue is really back-to-your-roots cooking. you’re cooking over fire; you’re cooking with wood; you use simple seasonings; and it’s all about taking a tough piece of meat and making it tender.” the renewed popularity in the food has created a mostly friendly

reopened in 2015 was about paying tribute to his mentor Roland lindsey, who founded Bodacious Bar-B-Q in 1968. “to me, this means that Roland is finally getting the notoriety that he deserves,” Jackson said. “What he’s done at Bodacious has always been top-notch; his seasonings are perfection, his sauces are perfection. so this one’s for him.”

Expanding cuisinE In the realm of barbecue, the possibilities are endless. As new barbecue joints continue to pop up and compete for notice and notoriety among an incredibly devoted fan base, it’s become

competition among pitmasters. Because of the resurgence of barbecue

increasingly important for restaurants to continue trying new things

and the number of new restaurants, it’s become even tougher to make

and expanding their menus.

lists like texas Monthly’s.

stanley’s, for example, has a vast menu of sandwich possibilities.

“I think this year was a bigger satisfaction for me than last time because

the choices run from the shrove, made of grilled ham, cheese,

there are so many more places,” said Joseph, whose restaurant also made

chopped brisket and sauce, to the Motherclucker, a smoked chicken

the list in 2012, when it was last produced.

thigh filet with spicy barbecue mayo, cheddar cheese, topped with an

Jackson said the surprising honor for the longview restaurant he 14 view | J u ly / Au g u s t

over-easy fried egg and served on toasted jalapeno cheese sourdough.

Bodacious Bar-B-Q on Mobberly Avenue longview, TX

TOP LEFT: Brisket, ribs, burnt end boudin and house made sausage at Bodacious Bar-B-Q on Mobberly Avenue in Longview. BOTTOM LEFT: Roland Lindsey checks on ribs in the smoker in 2010. (News-Journal file photo)

At Riverport Bar-B-Que, one of the most popular and must-try items on the menu is Swamp Fries. It’s Cajun fries with Joseph’s famous chopped brisket along with cheese, bacon bits, diced onion and jalapenos.

At Bodacious on Mobberly Avenue, it just depends on the day of the week you visit as to what creation you’ll find available. Jackson

that, the mood is more of “hurry and go” with little time for breaks and little time for creativity, Turner said.

“There’s more time to be creative here,” he said recently as he sat at a table in the restaurant. “It’s been nice to bring my knowledge here.”

But being trained chefs means the duo feel an even greater need to be creative.

and fellow pitmaster Scott Turner have been creating new styles of

“We always want to stay creative and stay different. The whole

sausage. They started with smoked brisket sausage and soon began

industry is really up and coming, and there’s more competition than

experimenting with varieties of boudin. Some days feature burnt end

ever. Our main goal is just to not stop,” Turner said.

boudin while sausage lovers on other days will find roasted poblano and white cheddar sausage. The duo has even offered up a goat special.

“Of everything we’ve tried, we thought the goat was going to be a flop but it wasn’t,” Jackson said. “That was funny. We didn’t think

When they first started exploring possibilities, Turner said, it made sense to try boudin because of East Texas’ proximity to Louisiana.

“When most people try something new, they’ll do test batches, but not us. We’re all in,” he said.

people would like it around here, but they did. We like to try stuff that

That meant making 25 pounds of boudin at once.

sounds goofy sometimes. Part of it is just seeing what you can do.”

“We made it out of beef cheek but then we thought, no, let’s make

Both Jackson and Turner trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Though both are classically trained chefs, neither really had his heart set on working at fine dining restaurants At places like

it a little more barbecue. So then we added in the burnt ends of brisket,” he said. continued on pg. 16  news-journal.com 15

Stanley’s Famous Pit bar-b-Q Tyler, TX

Hence, burnt end boudin was created. But they certainly didn’t stop there.

While they have the process of making sausage and boudin down to a fine art (they can make a 25-pound batch in an hour), Jackson and turner are working on offering even more specials.

Jackson and turner each said trying out new recipes and flavors helps fuel their creative sides as chefs.

“When you try out new things, the sky’s the limit,” turner said. “the only thing that holds you back really is your own creativity.”

Future oF barbecue With barbecue’s popularity only continuing to rise combined with the expanded menu options, it would seem the only place for this cuisine to go is up.

Jackson and turner each said social media is playing an even more important role in the world of barbecue. It helps them and other pitmasters get the word out about their food and their specials. Vaughn also noted in texas Monthly that social media has made it easier to find good ’cue. As technology continues to play an important role in the future, that’s only going to continue.

But despite social media, trying new flavors and getting creative, at the heart of barbecue is a future that lies in continuing to produce good, quality food reminiscent of its roots.

At barbecue joints across East texas, the most popular items on the menu continue to be the staples: ribs and brisket.

Joseph’s riverport bar-b-Que jefferson, TX

After making the list, Jackson said he isn't planning to do anything different on Mobberly Avenue. He said he believes in the old adage that if it isn’t broke, don't fix it.

“I just want to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” he said. “I don’t want to change anything.”

try it at home For those who want to try cooking barbecue at home, Jackson and turner offer these tips: • Take your time. Remember, barbecue cooks low and slow.

• Use quality meats. It makes a difference.

• Cook it until it’s done. But remember that “done” is different on every pit. It’s a process of learning how barbecue feels; if you squeeze it and it’s got a little squish to it, it’s getting there.

• Learn from your mistakes. If you cook one brisket and it’s too tough, remember what you did and adjust from there the next time.

• Remember that barbecue is a process of trial and error.

You can cook 20 briskets that aren’t great, but the 21st one might be perfect. Don’t give up.

16 view | J u ly / Au g u s t

Dubya’s Smokehouse BBQ 102 Old Coffeeville Road

Marshall

Troup

(903) 643-9191

Tuels M&ET 4369 Texas 154

(903) 923-8705

(903) 839-4227

Adam’s Rib Pit Bar-B-Que 102 Jet Drive Bodacious Bar-B-Q 2227 S. Mobberly Ave. (903) 753-8409

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 904 N. Sixth St. (903) 753-2714

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 1300 W. Loop 281 (903) 759-3914

Boxcar Bar-B-Q 2902 Gilmer Road (903) 759-1911

Carter’s Bar-B-Que 519 S. Eastman Road (903) 236-3271

Texas Best Smokehouse 3302 S. Eastman Road (903) 248-4300

Unc’s BBQ 1411 E. Marshall Ave. (903) 236-3122

Atlanta

(903) 797-0070

(903) 725-0247

Gladewater Bodacious Bar-B-Q 1105 W. Upshur Ave. (903) 845-2311

JT’s Barbecue 1820 S. Tyler St. (U.S. 271) (903) 845-4600

Hallsville Bodacious Bar-B-Q 1164 W. Main St. (903) 668-4227

Hawkins

Dubya’s Smokehouse 3842 S. FM 2869 (903) 769-0900

Henderson

Barbecue Express 801 Elmore St. Bodacious Bar-B-Q 2018 Victory Drive (903) 938-4880

Ezell’s BBQ 504 S. Alamo Blvd.

Porky’s Smokehouse and Grill 504 E. Carolanne Blvd.

(903) 593-3973

(903) 927-2144

Mineola

CowBurners BBQ and Taproom 109 N. Johnson St. (903) 638-8668

Mt. Pleasant

(903) 572-7860

Tommy Bar-B-Que 6282 Loop 59

Sadler’s Smokehouse 1206 N. Frisco St.

(936) 462-8880

Smokehouse Restaurant 207 U.S. 79

(936) 560-1676

Bullard

Rib Masters 312 N. Houston St. (903) 894-5016

Carthage

Chuck’s Country Smoke House 4934 FM 1970 (903) 690-0105

Daingerfield

Fran’s Barbecue and Pizza 900 Linda Drive (903) 645-2461

Outlaw’s Bar-B-Que 1404 Linda Drive

(903) 586-1951

Jefferson

Joseph’s Riverport Barbecue 201 N. Polk St. (903) 665-2341

Kilgore

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 4521 Texas 42 (903) 983-1421

Crazy Bob’s Bar-B-Que 6144 Old Highway 135 North

Nacogdoches C.C.’s Smokehouse Restaurant 2709 Westward Drive

Mike’s Barbeque House 1622 South St. The Barbecue House 705 N. Stallings Drive (936) 569-9004

Ore City Ol Smoky Kountry BBQ and More 504 U.S. 259 North (903) 241-6084

(903) 525-9844

(903) 593-7377

Pat Gee’s Barbecue 17547 County Road 26 (903) 530-1872

Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q 1410 S. Southwest Loop 323 (903) 597-8391

Spring Creek Barbecue 5810 S. Broadway Ave. (903) 561-5695

Stanley’s Famous Pit BarB-Q 525 S. Beckham Ave. (903) 593-0311

Texas Best Smokehouse III 16243 U.S. 271 (903) 877-0800

Y’all’s Barbecue and Producer 1515 County Road 24

Overton

(903) 705-8924

(903) 253-3198

Rib Masters 803 Texas 110

Boomtown BBQ 11859 U.S. 259 North

Whitehouse

Pittsburg

(903) 839-0530

Jerry’s Smokehouse 2550 FM 21 (903) 575-9443

(903) 986-2196

(903) 645-3444

Country Tavern Texas 31 and FM 2767

Tatum

Gilmer

Eat-A-Bite Barbeque 402 Texas 31

(903) 947-6400

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 1204 N. Wood St.

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 4030 Frankston Highway

Jake’s BBQ 11968 Texas 64

(903) 657-9999

Stacy’s Bar-B-Q 1217 S. Jackson St.

(903) 592-4148

Outlaw’s Bar-B-Que 100 W. Ferguson Road

(903) 796-2344

Jacksonville

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 1879 Troup Highway

(903) 566-7923

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 1005 U.S. 79

(903) 734-4208

(903) 531-2306

(903) 572-1561

Texas Bar-B-Que 415 Loop 59

Longhorn Smokehouse 10191 Texas 155 South

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 13069 FM 14

Hickory Hill BBQ 20101 Texas 31

(903) 796-7667

(903) 657-7524

Bar BQ Hernandez 501 S. Glenwood Blvd.

Blalock Bar-B-Que 2310 N. Jefferson Ave.

(903) 657-8301

Big Sandy

(903) 842-2141

Tyler

Bob’s Bar-B-Que 1205 Pope St.

(903) 657-5581

Ray and Wade East Texas BBQ 610 S. Georgia St.

(903) 938-6064

Rickey’s Rib Shack BBQ 706 Loop 59

(903) 796-5719

Katie’s Old-Fashioned BBQ 18916 CR 2138

East Texas Bar-B-Q Directory

Longview

(903) 984-9954

Bodacious Bar-B-Q 1630 Hill St.

(903) 984-1100

(903) 843-3481

news-journal.com 17

sponsored content

TRAVEL view

ONe-TANK TRiP:

JEFFERsON, tX Words by DAWN-RENéE RICE

As

The Hamburger Store

we enjoy the last few months of summer, many of us find ourselves

the steamboat Inn, set in a historical building that was remodeled, painted and

realizing we either haven’t taken our summer vacation yet, whether

landscaped earlier this year, is located only 1.5 blocks from downtown. they have

from lack of time or money (or both), or we want one more getaway before the

a relaxed, upscale environment; cater to groups and families; are pet-friendly; and

kids go back to school and the fall weather hits.

serve an excellent daily breakfast, which is cooked to order and plated on china.

Enter the “one-tank trip” idea.

their large porch area has plenty of rockers and porch swings for a relaxing time.

It’s the perfect answer to getting away without going too far and without

Old Mulberry Inn is a large, greek Revival-style home offering modern

breaking your budget. East texas is full of little towns and areas you can escape to

amenities with vintage accents. It’s nestled in a park-like estate with two adjoining

on one tank of gas. Jefferson and its surrounding area, including Caddo lake, is

cottages that offer even more tranquility and luxurious accommodations. the

one of our favorite summer destinations.

inn’s name comes from having the oldest mulberry tree in Jefferson on the

timeless. Historical. Romantic. Haunting. All of these words describe

property, which is situated on more than an acre and only a few blocks from

Jefferson and that’s barely scratching the surface. Walking the streets of Jefferson

downtown. they serve breakfast daily and encourage you to sit back on one of

is like taking a step back in time to a bustling riverport set in the 19th century.

their porch swings and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

When it was founded is up for debate – some place it as 1836, others say the

several other places worth staying at are the Excelsior House Hotel, built in

early 1840s – either way, Jefferson has a rich and diverse history that appeals to

1858 and the oldest hotel in continuous operation in texas; the Jefferson Hotel,

travelers to this day.

equal parts timeless with a southern charm and modern-day feel with a private

It was once one of the largest and most significant riverports in texas, with a

bathroom and cable tV; and the Delta street Inn, a 1920s prairie-style house,

level of prosperity that lent it the name “the golden Era.” It became a boomtown

recently restored and offering cozy accommodations and modern amenities.

in the mid-1900s with a genteel, southern charm and populated with an eclectic

TO EAT

mix of successful, wealthy families, opportunists, settlers and immigrants looking for a better life. the historical buildings with New Orleans-style facades, wrought-iron balconies and French Quarter vibe that once saw this era come to life now house restaurants, antique shops, boutiques, hotels and more.

Jefferson is not only considered the “Queen of the Bayou” thanks to its riverport status and close proximity to the Big Cypress Bayou, it’s also considered the Bed and Breakfast Capital of texas. A quick google search counts at least 16, if not more, bed and breakfasts in this area. Each one has its own charm and most are within walking distance of Historic Downtown Jefferson. And we can’t talk about Jefferson without mentioning another claim to fame as one of the most haunted towns in texas.

TO STAY

When it comes to what to eat in Jefferson and the surrounding area, there are so many great options it’s hard to pick just one. In the heart of historic downtown Jefferson, there’s Auntie skinner’s Riverboat Club, a favorite of locals and travelers alike. set in a historic building constructed in 1866 and still retaining its original look and feel, Auntie skinner’s menu varies with everything from appetizers and entrées to sandwiches, steaks and burgers. they have live entertainment and a bar, too.

Just down the way from Auntie skinner’s you’ll find Whistle stop Diner & Venue. they have a diverse menu with something for everyone, all at a price to feed the entire family. Whistle stop offers daily specials, plus Burger Night, steak saturday and their not-to-miss homemade cream pies.

Craving a juicy burger? the Hamburger store is the place to go. the restaurant has been a Jefferson tradition for more than 50 years and touts their

speaking of bed and breakfasts, if you plan to stay overnight or for a few days,

Jefferson ghost Burger™ as their trademark burger. Made with ghost pepper

the steamboat Inn and Old Mulberry Inn & Cottages are two great options.

cheese, the ghost Burger capitalizes on the town’s ghostly history and fame. the

18 view | J u ly / Au g u s t

continued on pg. 20 

if you go to

Jefferson Billy Carter's Caddo Guide Service

Go-Devil Caddo Lake Adventure Tours "Leave the beaten path and explore Caddo's backwaters"

Johnson's Ranch Marina

107 W. Austin Phone: 903-665-7121 Jefferson, TX 75657 Fax: 903-665-6409

5131 Cypress Dr, Karnack, TX 903-789-3213 www.johnsonsranch.net billy@johnsonranchmarina.com

Sunday - Thursday 11am-10pm • Friday & Saturday 11am-2am

Auntie.skinners@aol.com • AuntieSkinners.com

A Jefferson Tradition for over 50 YEARS!

Best Pies in East Texas!

Award winning Hamburgers & Po-Boys Steaks • Seafood • Chicken • Pies 101 Market Street • Jefferson TX 75657 Phone: (903) 665-8302 Website: www.hamburgerstore.com Email: info@hamburgerstore.com

Steamboat Inn

Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate at Old Mulberry Inn, a large, Greek Revival-style home offering modern amenities with vintage accents.

Check-in 3:00 pm | Check-out 11:00 am

Live Your Dream! For Sale $334,500

114 N. Marshall St. Jefferson, Tx 75657 • 903-708-5969

209 E Jefferson St | Jefferson, TX 75657

903.665.1945

www.oldmullberryinn.com

903-679-9000

Catfish • Seafood • Steaks 211 PR 2422, Karnack, TX 75661 W/TH 5-9 • Fri 5-10 • Sat 11-10 • Sun 12-7

news-journal.com 19

SpONSOrED CONTENT

Hamburger Store has been featured in Southern Living and Texas Highways

nights, which has been voted as a TripAdvisor Top 10 Spooky Places to Visit

Magazine, and named in Texas Monthly’s list of Top 50 Hamburgers in the State.

and one of the Top 10 Best Ghost Walk Tours in the country. The Grove, one

Just because you’re staying in Jefferson doesn’t mean you have to only eat

of the historical and haunted homes in Jefferson, offers a guided tour through

in Jefferson. Take a short, scenic drive to Caddo Lake, the state’s only natural

Jefferson’s past on Saturdays and by reservation only on Sundays.

lake, and dine on tasty seafood at RiverBend Restaurant. This family friendly

Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, pack your bags, load up the kids

restaurant is also family-owned and operated. They’re located right on the water

and fill up your tank for your next “one-tank trip” destination to the historical and

with panoramic views of the Big Cypress River on Caddo Lake. RiverBend

charming riverport town of Jefferson.

delights its customers time and again with their tasty hand-cut steaks, catfish and seafood, which is made to order.

And we couldn’t talk about places to eat without mentioning Joseph’s Riverport B-B-Que! If you haven’t read our cover story on page 12 already, you’ll quickly discover this barbecue restaurant was recently named to the Texas Monthly Top 50 Barbecue Places in Texas, and with good reason.

TO DO Don’t worry about being bored or trying to find things to do when you visit Jefferson. There’s plenty of fun – whether it’s strolling the historic streets; browsing antique stores, clothing boutiques and gift stores; visiting the Jefferson Historic Museum; or taking a fun train ride with the kids on the Historic Jefferson Railway, to name a few.

If you have a love of all things antique, stop in to Brayden & Company, located at the corner of Walnut and Lafayette. They offer more than 8,000 square feet of quality antiques, collectibles, jewelry, and vintage and shabby chic home décor and furniture. This locally owned and operated store offers a high-end, upscale atmosphere with competitively priced merchandise. They even offer world-wide shipping, so if you see something you want and don’t have the space to bring it home, or you want to ship it to a loved one, they can handle it for you.

The Jefferson General Store, open since the 1860s, is another store you won’t want to miss, with its old fashioned soda fountain, rows of penny candies and plethora of souvenirs tucked into every possible corner of the store. Yesteryear Gift Shop & Classy Glitz Boutique has everything from clothing, accessories and collectibles to Christmas items available year round.

Want to get out on the water? Explore the nooks and crannies of nearby beautiful Caddo Lake or take a fun, leisurely bayou boat tour on the Big Cypress River. Billy Carter’s Caddo Guide Service offers you a personalized GODEVIL® surface boat touring experience at the lake. Thanks to its flat bottom design and ability to navigate through the shallowest of water this boat can take you places no other boat can go. His personalized tours also include pontoon boat tours for larger groups and night tours by starlight.

Experience the history of the bayou with a one-hour narrated tour in Jefferson with Turning Basin Riverboat Tours. As you take in the scenic views, listen as Captain John Nance and his crew tell the tale of Jefferson’s steamboat history and educate you on the flora and fauna of the bayou.

No visit to Jefferson is complete without a ghost tour or two! Make sure to check out the Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk Tour on Friday and Saturday 20 view | J u LY / Au G u S T

For more information on where to eat, shop, play and stay in Jefferson visit the following websites: www.visitjeffersontexas.com and www.jefferson-texas.com.

to stay

The Steamboat Inn 114 N. Marshall St., Jefferson, (903) 708-5969 Call for hours, or call or go online to book your reservation. www.steamboatinntx.com Old Mulberry Inn & Cottages 209 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson (903) 665-1945 Call for hours, or call or go online to book your reservation. www.oldmulberryinn.com Excelsior House Hotel 211 W. Austin St., Jefferson (903) 665-2513 Call for hours, or call or go online to book your reservation. www.theexcelsiorhouse.com Jefferson Hotel 124 W. Austin St., Jefferson (903) 665-2631 Call for hours, or call or go online to book your reservation. www.historicjeffersonhotel.com Delta Street Inn 206 E. Delta St., Jefferson (903) 665-2929 Call for hours, or call or go online to book your reservation. www.deltastreetinn.com

to eat

Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club 107 W. Austin St., Jefferson (903) 665-7121 Sun-Thur, 11a-10p; Fri 11a-12a; Sat 11a-2a www.auntieskinners.com Whistle Stop Diner & Venue 121 W. Austin St., Jefferson (903) 601-4456 Thu 11a-7p; Fri-Sat 11a-8p www.facebook.com/ whistlestopjefferson The Hamburger Store 101 S. Market St., Jefferson (903) 665-8302 Mon-Thur 10:30a-8p; Fri-Sat 10:30a-9p; Sun 10:30a-3p www.hamburgerstore.com

RiverBend Restaurant 211 PR 2422, Karnack (903) 679-9000 Wed-Thu 5-9p; Fri 5-10p; Sat 11a10p; Sun 12-7p Joseph’s Riverport Bar-B-Que 201 N. Polk St., Jefferson (903) 665-2341 Tue-Thur 11a-6p; Fri-Sat 11a-7p; Sun 11a-3p www.facebook.com/riverportbbq

to Do

Brayden & Company 129 N. Walnut St., Jefferson (903) 665-2762 Mon-Fri 9a-5p www.braydenandcompany.com Jefferson General Store 113 E. Austin St., Jefferson (903) 665-8481 Sun-Thur 9a-7p; Fri-Sat 9a-10p www.jeffersongeneralstore.com Billy Carter’s Caddo Guide Service Johnson’s Ranch Marina 5131 Cypress Dr., Karnack (903) 789-3213 Call to schedule your tour. www.caddoguideservice.com/ sightseeing Turning Basin Riverboat Tours 200 Bayou St., Jefferson (903) 665-2222 Tue-Sat (weather permitting) Call for times. www.jeffersonbayoutours.com Historic Jefferson Railway 400 E. Austin St., Jefferson (866) 398-2038 Call or check website for hours. www.jeffersonrailway.com Jefferson Historic Museum 223 W. Austin St., Jefferson (903) 665-2775 Open year round 9:30a-4:30p (excluding New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). www.jeffersonmuseum.net

FEATUREVIEw

dog days of summer Words by ChRISTINA LANe

The

sun is out, skies are blue and the weather is warm. It’s the perfect time for getting outdoors with friends and

family. If you’re like me, your dogs are your family. So why not treat them to some summer fun, too?

shops For pet parents looking to buy new items for their dog, Longview offers several stores that let pooches accompany their owners inside.

National retailers PetSmart and Petco welcome dogs in the store to

Longview is filled with options for dog owners and their four-legged

browse, but so does a local pet boutique. Dog Style, located at 2002 Judson

friends. From parks and lakes to shops and doggie daycare facilities, east

Road in The Village shopping center, is a locally owned canine supply

Texas is filled with fun options for your pups.

company that offers everything from leashes, collars and clothes to food, treats and fresh-baked goods.

Owner Barbara herman opened Dog Style in 2013 after seeing a need

Dog parks

in the market. herman previously lived in New York but moved back to east

Just like their two-legged owners, pups enjoy getting outdoors, too. In

Texas to care for her mother. After her mother’s death, she began looking

Longview, the Paul G. Boorman Trail features two dog areas – one for big

for jobs and, when the market was slim, decided to go into business herself.

dogs and one for little dogs – where pups can socialize and stretch their legs

“We like to say we have everything you need for your dog and a whole lot

off-leash.

The Stragent Dog Park features a 7-acre large-dog area and a 2-acre small-dog area. Dogs weighing less than 35 pounds can use the small-dog area while those weighing at least 35 pounds must use the large-dog area.

The large-dog area features an agility course while the small-dog area is heavily wooded. A couple of years ago, the organization added fencing to a small portion of the big-dog area for small-dog use so that small dogs could have some space that wasn’t as wooded.

Outside of Longview, the cities of Kilgore and Marshall also feature dog-friendly park options.

Kilgore opened Meadowbrook Bark in 2015. The Kilgore dog park also features two areas, one for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds and the other for dogs of all sizes. Meadowbrook Bark is located off of horseshoe Drive on the north end of Meadowbrook Park.

Marshall’s brand new dog park, located at 303 Ray St., had a soft opening in June with an official grand opening planned later this summer.

of things you didn’t know you need,” herman said.

Dog Style has a variety of dog food, treats, leashes, collars, dog clothes, pet beds, treat canisters, shampoos, bandanas and bows, decorations and more. everything is high quality, can’t be found anywhere else in the area and the food is healthy.

“We verify that all the food has the highest nutritional value for your dog,” herman said.

Dog Style features a barkery (a pet bakery) in which fresh treats are prepared. Looking for a birthday cake for your pup that is healthy for dogs?

Dog Style has it.

When you walk in the store, you’ll be greeted by Choo-Choo, herman’s dog who is at her side 24/7.

“Choo-Choo is our door greeter, our model, she’s our taste tester and she’s our best customer who does not pay her bill,” herman said with a laugh.

She encourages people to bring their dogs into the store for a visit, and said it can help with finding the proper-fitting attire or collar for your pup. continued on pg. 22  news-journal.com 21

Pet boarDing

“Plus, we like to play with them and spoil them,” she said.

Dog Style features occasional events that encourage customers to gather to socialize with their dogs. For events or more information, Dog

If you’re planning a vacation or simply busy with work, Creature Comforts in Longview offers the perfect solution.

Creature Comforts offers pet boarding but it also offers pet daycare,

Style can be found on Facebook.

grooming and the only cattery in town at its resort-style facility, located at 1600 W. Cotton St. Owners Tonya and Bret Read opened Creature

Dog events Like Dog Style and Stragent Dog Park, other groups in Longview also are looking to help pet owners socialize with their pups.

Comforts about three years ago.

The daycare, which is popular year-round, allows families to drop their dogs off at 7 a.m. and pick them up by 5 p.m. – similar to daycare

Throughout the summer, you can take your dogs to surrounding lakes for some outdoor fun. But, did you know that at the end of the summer you can take your pups to the Longview Swim Center?

for children. Tonya Read said being able to socialize with other animals is extremely important to a pet’s overall health.

“Overall, it makes the pet healthier and happier,” she said. “Dogs love

The City of Longview annually closes out its summer swimming season

their owners, but owners don’t speak dog language. It’s just not the same as

with an event called Dog Days of Summer. On that day, pet owners can

having the opportunity to play with another dog. That’s where dogs learn

bring their dogs to the swim center for them to take a dip in the pool.

behaviors – good and bad; it’s where they learn to be social. It also keeps

This year, Dog Days of Summer is set from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 12.

The swimming pool will close for the season immediately after Dog Days ends. Cost is $3 per dog and dogs must have tags and proof of rabies vaccine to enter. The Longview Swim Center is at 1111 W. Fairmont St. Longview’s new animal shelter, the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center, held a 1-mile “wag walk” for two-legged and four-legged family members in May and another similar event is on tap in August.

Strut Your Mutt 1-Mile Wag Walk Take Two is set for 8 to 11 a.m.

Aug. 19 at Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center, 303 H.G. Mosley Parkway. The morning will feature music, vendors, raffles and children’s activities and, of course, a 1-mile walk for humans and their pets.

Read started out walking dogs and doing pet sitting nearly 20 years ago.

She said in the last five to seven years she has noticed a shift in that now pet resorts are becoming more popular.

“Now, people treat their pets more like their children, and when they go on vacation they really want to know their pet is having a good time,” she said.

In addition to the services she already offers, Read went in June to be certified as a dog trainer. That means she’ll be able to help correct behavior issues that she sees in some of the dogs that visit her daily, in addition to being able to help train dogs to obey commands.

At Creature Comforts, Read also strives to help pet owners socialize.

The walk is sponsored by Longview PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving), a nonprofit organization that supports the shelter. For more information, visit www.longviewpaws.org.

them active, physically and mentally.”

She offers an occasional “mutt mingle” in which dogs and their owners can visit Creature Comforts after hours to meet up.

For more information, visit www.creaturecomfortstx.com.

Creature Comforts is a high-end pet resort operating in a state-of-the-art facility. We are run by a fully trained and certified staff of animal lovers, so you know your best friends are in good hands.

I’m having a

GREAT time making new friends here!

Boarding • Grooming • Daycare • Cattery

Training Coming Soon!

1600 W Cotton St Longview, TX | creaturecomforts.pet | 903.753.7297 22 view | J u LY / Au G u S T

non-profitview

east texas

angel network Words by APrIL BArBe

The

east Texas Angel Network has stayed true to its name for more than two decades as an organization that acts as a guardian angel

to families in need.

This fall, the organization will aim to raise at least another $500,000 for area families in need with its annual golf tournament and concert.

Strong’s father, singer Neal McCoy, and his wife, Melinda, founded east Texas

Since it was created 23 years ago, east Texas Angel Network has helped

Angel Network in 1995. each year, McCoy and his friends in the entertainment

more than 600 families and raised more than $8 million, according to executive

business put on a golf tournament and show for the organization’s biggest

Director Miki Strong.

fundraiser of the year. While the 2017 guest list is not yet finalized, fundraisers in

east Texas Angel Network is a nonprofit organization that financially assists families who have children with serious or life-threatening illnesses. The organization does not pay medical bills. Instead it helps families with secondary expenses, such as rent, utility bills and car payments. “east Texas Angel Network is such a worthy organization because the money raised here stays here to help those families that truly need it,” said Strong, who has been executive director for the past three years. “We pay directly to the provider of the service instead of distributing cash to the family.”

Strong said all funds raised through the organization are used to help families within a 75-mile radius of Longview. As of June, she said, east Texas Angel Network is assisting about 100 families.

“Not only does east Texas Angel Network provide financial assistance, a food pantry, help providing Christmas, occasional specialty funds, etc., but it becomes

prior years have included appearances by Jack hanna, Bryan White, Tracy Byrd, Lorrie Morgan, Kevin Sharp, Blake Shelton, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and more.

This year’s golf tournament will tee off at 10 a.m. Sept. 29 at Wood hollow Golf Club in Longview. That evening a sponsor dinner and auction will be held at The Summit Club. On Sept. 30, a breakfast meet and greet for the organization’s “angels” and their families will be held at Papacita’s. Participants also will have the opportunity to meet celebrities and guests in town for the weekend.

“They also get the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the animals that we have brought in for the event weekend,” Strong said.

The night of Sept. 30 is the big Neal McCoy and Friend’s Benefit Concert at the Belcher Center.

an emotional support group for many of the families as they go through the good

“As always, Neal will be performing with a special guest. We do not have that

and bad times that come with having a child with a disability or serious illness,”

guest officially nailed down yet, but we promise to announce it as soon as we do,”

Strong said.

Strong said.

Try a river Cruise!

Special Rates if you book now for Summer 2018

100 E. Tyler St. | Longview, Texas 903.753.5896 • 800.253.2961 www.mastertrvl.com

Mountainsi news-journal.com 23

eventview

great texas balloon race Words by JO lee FeRgusOn | Photos by les hAssell

the

great texas Balloon Race decided to follow the crowd this year when it came to booking entertainment for the three-day festival

set July 28-30. travis tritt’s saturday night performance is designed to play to the larger crowd that typically attends the festival’s second night compared with opening night on Friday.

“Our budget did not change, but the way we arranged it did,” says Jeanie Anderson, who heads up the great texas Balloon Race’s entertainment committee with Brant Wright.

In the past, entertainment usually consisted of a texas country music act on Friday and classic country on saturday. It didn’t seem to matter, though, who race organizers booked for Friday night; saturday night would always draw the biggest crowd, Anderson says.

“We decided, ‘let’s just give up doing a national act on Friday and stick with a popular local act and put the bulk of our resources into a big headliner for saturday, because that’s going to draw more people anyway,” Anderson says. “It’s an experiment, but we think the logic behind it is sound, and we hope that a lot of people will show up.”

With that philosophy in mind, popular local band teazur will take the stage at 9:30 p.m. on the balloon race’s opening night, immediately after the iconic balloon glow. Founded in 2006, teazur’s four members perform cover and original radio rock. the Darrin Morris Band will return to the race to perform at 6:30 p.m. saturday, followed by the special shapes spectacular, opening ceremony and balloon glow. travis tritt will perform at 9:30 p.m. saturday. he’s a “little more edgy” than some of the past country music acts that have performed at the race, Anderson says. Race organizers are hoping he’ll appeal to a blend of younger and older audience members.

24 view | J u ly / Au g u s t

longview’s great texas Balloon Race was born out of an agreement between what was then the new longview Mall and a world-record hot air balloon pilot, Dr. Bill Bussey. In 1978, Bussey flew across longview with a mall banner attached to his balloon, and, in turn, he organized the first balloon race at the mall. A couple of years later he organized the first-ever balloon glow, which is now copied at other races. the race later moved to the stroh Brewery complex and finally to the east texas Regional Airport.

Anderson says race organizers hope tritt’s presence will attract people who have never attended the balloon race before. “hopefully, they’ll kind of get the bug and will get what the event is all about and will come back,” she says.

Online ticket sales seemed to show the new approach was working. Race spokeswoman gai Bennett said online ticket sales were up by about 80 percent compared to where they usually were in mid-May. Decades after the launch of the great texas Balloon Race, the event remains important to longview for the revenue it brings to hotels and restaurants, for instance, and for the recognition it brings longview.

“We’re proud of longview … We’re proud of east texas,” Anderson says. “there’s a lot of beauty here. We want people to come and experience that.”

if

you go Great texas Balloon race

when: July 28-30; competition flights at 6:30 a.m. each day; gates open at 4 p.m.

Friday and Saturday at East Texas Regional Airport for festival events.

Price: $30 weekend pass, available online; ticket for only Friday or Saturday $15 in advance; tickets $15 for Friday at the gate, $20 for Saturday at the gate; free Sunday. information: www.greattexasballoonrace.com

eventview

ink life tour Words by niCHoLAS HuBeR | Photo by MiCHAeL CAvAzoS

Longview

is getting inked once again as more than 200 tattoo artists, vendors and entertainment acts descend upon east Texas for the sixth annual ink Life Tattoo and Music Festival, set Aug. 11-13. “we have some pretty amazing talent coming this year – tattoo artist-wise and entertainment-wise,” said Regan St. Peter, ink Life’s owner and founder.

The festival will begin at noon Aug. 11-13 and will end at various times each day. Activities will be inside the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 grand Blvd.

Festivities on Aug. 11 are headlined by magician Dan Sperry, who appeared on “America’s got Talent” in 2005.

“This guy is just an amazing illusionist,” St. Peter said. “He’s very goth, very rock and roll. He’s not your typical rabbit-out-of-a-hat magic guy. He does some really crazy stuff.” not only are human suspension and dangerous sideshows returning to the festival, but tattoo competitions and free tattoos also will be available, according to St. Peter. “on Sunday, we are doing free ‘ink Life’ tattoos for everybody that comes in on a first come, first serve, basis,” he said.

He added that attendees will have the option to get a free tattoo if they take part in a competition similar to a contest seen on the “ink Master” Tv show. “we also have a competition on Sunday where people can come in and register to be a canvas,” he said. “Then the artists have to do their best tattoo in two-anda-half hours in a competition – and the (person doesn’t) have to pay anything for the tattoo.

“Some of the tattoos have been holy crap amazing and something some people would pay $600 or $800 for.”

The artist chosen as the winner of the competition will receive a custom Clint Cummings-signature Jackson guitar. Cummings was a 35-year-old Fort worthbased tattoo artist who appeared on the second season of “ink Master.” He died of colorectal cancer in December.

Music on Aug. 12 will feature two multi-platinum recording artists who have never performed in Longview.

Blackfoot, featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke and former Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist greg T. walker, begins the day’s musical festivities at 9:15 p.m.

Quiet Riot, a Los Angeles-based rock band formed by ozzy osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads, will close out the night beginning at 10 p.m. The quintet is best known for its 1983 no. 1 album “Mental Health,” which featured the lead single “Come on Feel the noize.”

The Aug. 13 opening band is new York City-based alternative trio Marcy Playground, best known for its 1997 hit “Sex and Candy.”

Platinum-selling Tennessee rock group Fuel will close out the musical adventures. The band, which is known for its songs “Shimmer,” “(Hemorrhage) in My Hands” and “Falls on Me,” starts performing at 8:15 p.m.

Tickets are $25 per day or $40 for a weekend pass. viP passes, which are $50 per day or $75 for the weekend, include express entry, access to viP/artist lounge with private bar, front stage viewing for Friday and Saturday’s concerts, meet and greets with radio personalities, free entry to the event’s after-parties and a viP lanyard.

Admission includes all concerts and entertainment. Children under the age of 12 get in free.

For more information, visit www.inklifetour.com.

if

you go

Ink LIfe Tour TaTToo and MusIc fesTIvaL When: Aug. 11-13 Where: Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd., Longview cost: $25 per day or $40 for a weekend pass; VIP tickets are $50 per day or $75 for the weekend Information: www.inklifetour.com

news-journal.com 25

eventsview

calendar of events longview

Fireworks and Freedom Celebration 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(903) 237-1230

teen Jam Dance Party 6 to 9 p.m. July 4

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(903) 237-1230

Rodney Carrington Live 7 to 10 p.m. July 7

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

Yoga and a Pint 10 to 11 a.m. July 15

Oil Horse Brewing Co., 101 W. Tyler St.

(903) 241-4686

“the Pirates of Penzance,” presented by Artsview Children’s theatre 7 p.m. July 27-29; 2 p.m.

July 29-30 ArtsView Children’s Theatre, 313 W.Tyler St.

www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com

Asbury House Garage sale Fundraiser 8 to 5 p.m. Aug. 4; 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 5

First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Fredonia St.

www.asburyhouse.net

Delta Waterfowl Banquet 5:30 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

www.deltawaterfowl.org

Great texas Balloon Race July 28-30

Ink Life tour tattoo and Music Festival Aug. 11-13

www.greattexasballoonrace.com

www.facebook.com/inklifetour

www.knue.com

East Texas Regional Airport grounds, FM 349 and Jerry Lucy Drive

Longview Jaycees trade Days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9

Up and Away 5K 7:30 a.m. July 29

“the Pink elephant” stage play 7 p.m. Aug. 12

www.longviewrunningclub.com

www.facebook.com/ ThePinkElephantPlay/

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

LeTourneau hangar at the East Texas Regional Airport

“east texas Collects” exhibit July 11-Aug. 26

tyler Obedience training Club Dog Obedience and Rally trials 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29-30

www.greggcountyfair.com/ Trade_Days

Gregg County Historical Museum, 214 N. Fredonia St.

www.gregghistorical.org

“Field of Dreams” exhibit July 8-Sept. 23

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

(903) 570-6196

www.lmfa.org

Longview Kennel Club AKC Dog show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 29; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30

ArtWalk 5 to 8 p.m. July 13

(903) 734-6370

Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St.

Downtown Longview

www.artwalklongview.com Classic Arms Production Gun and Knife show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 15; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 16 Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.capgunshows.com

Drive to Remember Car show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 15

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

www.drive2remember.org

26 view | J u ly / Au g u s t

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

“Doublewide texas,” presented by theatre Longview 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3-5; 2:30 p.m.

Aug. 5-6 Grace Crossing United Methodist Church, 1001 W. Hawkins Parkway

www.theatrelongview.com Repeats Are neat Aug. 3-6

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.repeatsareneat.com

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

Longview Community Center, 500 E. Whaley St.

Food truck Rally 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 11-12; noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 13 Parking lot of Longview Mall, 3500 McCann Road

(903) 753-4452

Longview Jaycees trade Days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 13 Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.greggcountyfair.com/ Trade_Days Run It Like It’s Hot Miracle Mud Run 7 to 11 a.m. Aug. 19

Lear Park, 100 H.G. Mosley Parkway

www.runitlikeitshot.org

strutt Your Mutt 1-mile Wag Walk: take two 5:30 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5

Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center, 303 H.G. Mosley Parkway

www.longviewpaws.org

White Oak FFA Livestock show 8 to 11 a.m. Aug. 19 Ag pavilion at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(254) 592-6794

Yoga and a Pint 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 19 Oil Horse Brewing Co., 101 W. Tyler St.

(903) 241-4686

senior Citizens extravaganza 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 19 Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

(903) 237-1279

Mercy Manor “Recipe for Life” Banquet 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

www.mercymanor.com

Greater Longview United Way Kickoff Luncheon 11:30 a.m. Aug. 31

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

www.longviewunitedway.org

Kilgore

texas shakespeare Festival July 1-July 30

Van Cliburn Auditorium in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, 1200 S. Henderson Highway

www.texasshakespeare.com July 4 Celebration 6 to 10 p.m. July 4

Kilgore City Park, East North Street

(903) 984-5081

gladewater

Fireworks at Lake Gladewater 9 p.m. July 1 Lake Gladewater, 1625 Lakeshore Drive www.gladewaterchamber.org

Main street Art stroll 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 12

Downtown Gladewater

www.gladewaterchamber.org

Gilmer

Yamboree Annual July 4 Celebration 8:30 p.m. July 3

Jeff Traylor Stadium at Gilmer High School, 850 Buffalo St.

www.yamboree.com

Jefferson

“The Marvelous Wonderettes: Act 2,” presented by The Opera House Theatre Players 7:30 p.m. July 1-2; 3 p.m. July 3 Jefferson Playhouse, corner of Market and Henderson streets

Henderson

www.jeffersonoperahouse theatreplayers.com

Lake Forest Park, 1005 Texas 64 West

VFW Fish Fry 11 a.m. July 1

Independence Day Celebration 5-10 p.m. July 1 (903) 657-6551

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.,” presented by Henderson Civic Theatre’s Youth Guild 7:30 p.m. July 13-15 and July 2022; 2:30 p.m. July 16 and July 23 Henderson Civic Theatre, 122 E. Main St.

www.hendersoncivictheatre.org East Texas Sacred Harp Singing Convention 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 12; 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13 Henderson Civic Center, 1500 Lake Forest Parkway

(903) 863-5379

Sharon Shrine Circus 7 p.m. Aug. 31

Rusk County Youth Expo Center, 3303 FM 13

www.thejordanworldcircus.com

marsHall

Market on the Square Children’s Craft Event 9 to 11 a.m. July 1

Harrison County Historic Courthouse, 1 Peter Whetstone Square

(903) 702-7777

Main Street Second Saturdays Noon to 10 p.m. July 8 Downtown Marshall

(903) 935-7868

Market on the Square Children’s Craft Event 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 12

Harrison County Historic Courthouse, 1 Peter Whetstone Square

(903) 702-7777

Main Street Second Saturdays Noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 12 Downtown Marshall

(903) 935-7868

VFW Post 10373, 1399 U.S. 59 South

(903) 624-9047

Jefferson Salutes America 5 to 10 p.m. July 4

Otstott Park, 210 W. Lafayette St.

www.jefferson-texas.com Jefferson Cruise Night 5 p.m. July 21 Downtown Jefferson

www.jefferson-texas.com The Great Awakening Youth Retreat July 20-22 Diamond Don RV Park, 1602 Texas 49

www.greatawakeningretreat.com VFW Fish Fry 11 a.m. Aug. 5

VFW Post 10373, 1399 U.S. 59 South

(903) 624-9047

Civil War Symposium 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12

charm / View Cover Reveal Party

?

Thursday August 17th 5-7 p.m. @

Get a Sneak Peek at the Cover of the Next Charm/View Magazine

Great Shopping Fabulous Food Plentiful Refreshments Fun Event

Merle NorMaN CosMetiC studio

3500 McCann Rd.

Sponsors

Jefferson Historical Museum and Society, 223 W. Austin St.

(903) 665-2775

Jefferson Cruise Night 5 p.m. Aug. 18 Downtown Jefferson

www.jefferson-texas.com Gun Expo 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 26; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 27

www.RockersRidersRibs.com

Jeffersonian Institute Building, 120 E. Austin St.

(903) 665-2672

Want your event listed in the Calendar of Events?

Please send information to clane@news-journal.com with the subject line “View Calendar.”

The deadline to submit September/October events is July 31.

Presented by

lone star ice house & electric Cowboy

Friday October 20TH 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

&

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

1016 McCann Rd - Longview,TX

downtown Longview, tx

6 BANDS Featuring The DrugSTore gypSieS

free!

Lucky 7 Custom Cycles Bike Show & Soundoff Excel Utility Construction Burnout Contest ABC Auto Parts Car show • Fire Show Featuring Torch “Rockin the Ribs” Cookoff And More! hosted by

For sponsorship or booth information call (903) 237-7727

11 bands and OVER 10,000 aTTEndEEs In 2016! news-journal.com 27

Picture

This!

Small BuSineSS

awardS

elizAbeth smith, Andy mAcK, steven tAylor

longview | maude cobb convention and activity center | 5/9/2017 Photos by cHriS Lozano

more than 350 people attended the business Solutions conference on may 9, during which small businesses received awards. this year’s recipients were Gill electric, Family owned business of the year; roughneck Harley davidson, entrepreneur of the year; central title co., Small business of the year; and Fullman & Lawrence insurance agency, minority owned business of the year.

cheriKA Johnson, chetevA mArshAll

Kristin edge, Amber Johns, John Andrews, Jennifer hArPer wAllAce rhymes, dAnA cArter, Andy bergfield

AliciA yoder, soPhie sArtors

28 view | J u Ly / au G u S t

picture this

Giants of law enforcement longview | maude cobb convention and activity center | 5/16/2017 Photos by chris lozano

a crowd of about 600 people gathered may 16 at the 26th annual Giants of law enforcement banquet to recognize the hard work and dedication of law enforcement Don olSon & MartHa olSon

officers and agencies within Gregg county. the banquet saw seven participating agencies recognize more than two dozen law enforcement officers, supervisors, civilian employees and volunteers.

elaina treJo, JeSSica MitcHell Jackie Hargrove, neil Hunter, kiefer Hunter, SHeri Hunter, kiley Hunter

cHriS BullarD, JaSon Brannon, Mark Brown, tyrone tolBert, JoHn Minor, craig Herrington, gorDon freeMan, luke wHiteHeaD, Jerry ruSSell

news-journal.com 29

picture this

Longview

CattLe Barons’ BaLL

Randy and dionne lott

longview | The Landing evenT CenTer aT Joshua Farms | 5/20/2017 Photos by Les hasseLL

Country musician mark Chestnutt headlined the 2017 Longview Cattle Barons’ Ball on may 20 at The Landing event Center at Joshua Farms.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit the american Cancer society for its research into finding a cure and new treatments for cancer.

ByRon and anita sandifeR

Cole and CRystal MyeRs

BRuCe and loRi whatley Kyle MCClenny, valaRie sChwind

Jeff and deidRe hill

30 view | J u Ly / au g u s T

wendy and adaM teRRy, JoRdan Reynolds

picture this Peters Chevrolet, JeeP, DoDge, ram, Fiat/etvarsity

AmAndA Quinn, vAlerie wArren, Johnny Quinn

Best PrePs

longview | maude cobb convention and activity center | 5/23/2017 Photos by chris lozano

student athletes from 15 area schools were urged to continue their good work on the field of play, in the classroom and in the community on may 23 at BriAn PArker, Johnny Quinn, CAmeron williAms

the Peters chevrolet, Jeep, dodge, ram, Fiat/etvarsity best Preps awards Program held at maude cobb convention and activity center. Guest speakers were letourneau university athletic director terri deike and former nFl player and united states olympic bobsled member Johnny Quinn.

JAke rAines, Johnny Quinn, dArBy grAff

lexi dotson, dAle dotson, Johnny Quinn, lArry JoBe CArolyn williAms, Johnny Quinn, diCk williAms

Johnny Quinn, eriC eitel

JAniCe Cruz, AmAndA Quinn, Johnny Quinn, CAsey reed, dAvid reed

news-journal.com 31