View Magazine - July/August 2019

C A L E NDA R OF EVEN TS | PI C TUR E TH I S! | N O N PR O FI T V I E W

VIEW JULY/AUGUST 2019

COVER STORY

Karen & John Rich

SMOOTH LANDINGS ALSO INSIDE

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

contents RE VIEW

6

TO EAT: The Summit Club

COVER VIEW

8

Smooth Landings: Karen & John Rich Help Clear the Path for Balloon Race Pilots

HEALTH VIEW

12

Small Bugs with Big Risks

8

HOME VIEW

14

The Beckman Home

NON-PROFIT VIEW

20

Helping Hands of Kilgore

EVENT VIEW

22 24

2019 AKC Dog Shows Texas Shakespeare Festival

IN EVERY ISSUE 26 28 30

Calendar of Events To Eat, Drink & Do in East Texas Picture This!

14

20 ON THE COVER When an unusual entry in the Great Texas Balloon Race lost its way a few years back, John Rich answered the call for help with his son-in-law. That year, a man had tied helium-filled balloons to a chair for the race, but he had no control over his flights, said Karen Rich, John’s wife.

4 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

BY

the time you read this, the heat of a good Texas

also read about Tina Grider Lyons, a woman who has helped

summer will be in full force. It’s a hard time to be a

train generations of dancers at her Longview studio.

Texan, true, but as I write this letter in May, I’m anticipating the good things that a summer in East Texas brings.

The Great Texas Balloon Race is just around the corner. My

View magazine also is excited to highlight Helping Hands of Kilgore, a nonprofit organization that helps provide food and other services to struggling families in the Kilgore area.

sons and I have particularly enjoyed seeing the special shapes

We expect you’ll be “wowed” by a Beckville home we’re

that come to the race, and we love watching the balloons make

featuring this month. The word “spectacular” doesn’t do it

their way across the East Texas sky. The balloon race is produced

justice, but we’re also in love with the story behind the Beckman

by a small army of volunteers each year. In this edition of View

family’s new home.

magazine, you’ll read about two of them — Karen and John Rich,

Of course, our “fashion” and “shop this” features show off

who work to make sure the race maintains good relationships

treasures you can find at local retailers, including beautiful

with people who own the land where balloons might sometimes

summer dresses and great Fourth of July accessories.

land or take off.

The one thing you won’t find in this edition of Charm and

The Texas Shakespeare Festival will soon be in full swing,

View magazines is a great snow cone, or ice cream, or even

bringing romance, tragedy and professional actors and actresses

a tall glass of iced tea to help cut the day’s heat, but perhaps

to East Texas. In View, we’re also featuring Meaghan and

you can grab the heat relief of your

Matthew Simpson, a couple who relocated from New York City

choice when you sit down to enjoy the

to Kilgore to become staff members of the festival and who have

magazines this time.

found a groove in East Texas that fits their family.

Stay cool, and have a great summer.

The cover of Charm features Tequita Dudley, who, as the last original employee who helped open the city’s public bus system, keeps Longview residents moving. In Charm this month, you’ll

jferguson@news-journal.com

EAT. SHOP. PLAY. LONGVIEWMALL.COM |

news-journal.com 5

REVIEW

to

eat

The Summit Club

Words by FINN O’CONNOR | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

I had the chance to eat at the Summit Club, which is a private club with a large banquet facility and two dining rooms.

You might be wondering why I would review a private dinning club, but I believe the first-tier membership of less than $60 monthly is worth the benefits the club brings.

Members are graciously greeted when they first sit down. Someone

of wine disappear. That’s not the case at Summit Club. The restaurant actually had some decent wines by the glass. I was able to enjoy the filet with a nice wine, and some asparagus and delicious mashed potatoes.

If you have been reading my reviews for some time, you know the question I ask at this point in the meal: Does the Summit Club have Crème Brûlée?

takes your drink order within a few minutes, and then the member is

The answer is yes, and I must say it was truly the best Crème

asked to sign a small piece of paper. That’s it and the bill is taken care

Brûlée I have ever had. Now, I know just a few reviews ago I was

of — you will not see another bill nor be asked for an additional tip.

bragging on Barron’s Crème Brûlée, and it was and is still is great. But

Nafie Asad is both the owner and the chef of the Summit Club, which has a great menu.

My wife and I shared the oyster nachos for an appetizer. I am actually going to use a term I have never used before. OMG! They were delicious, and what made them just that more special was small bits of mango in the pico portion of the nachos. It was like three levels of flavor: First, the traditional tortilla chip flavor, then the taste of a deep-fried oyster and a few seconds later the sweet flavor of the mango. Three wonderful layers of flavors — that is why I said OMG. I then had the Lobster Bisque, which was the soup of the day. It pains me to say that what I was served was not lobster bisque. It has some seasoning in it that makes it taste more like a Southwest version of Lobster Bisque. Now, you might think that the review is going downhill from here, but you would be wrong. I consider the Lobster Bisque a hiccup in an otherwise wonderful meal.

I also had the Filet. My wife had the salad with steak, which we soon found out had almost the same portion of filet that I had but at a much lower price. This was great for her, but I am not as big a fan of having salad for dinner, so I would not have ordered the steak salad.

The way the filet was cooked for both our entrees was perfect.

As our entree was about to be served, I looked at the wine list. It is a small but very nice selection. This night my wife did not want any wine, so the server showed me the list of wines by the glass, and I must say I was impressed by the selection. You know there are many a wine drinker who ends up with others at dinner and no one else wants wine. So, when they have to just have a glass instead of a bottle their options for a nice glass 6 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

I must tell you the Summit Club’s Crème Brûlée was even greater. It was lighter in its texture, and that helped with the taste.

My wife had the Berries Romanoff, and for a moment I wished I had ordered that. The presentation was wonderful, and it tasted great. Then I had the second taste of my Crème Brûlée and I knew I made the right choice.

Another nice thing about the Summit Club is the staff and the servers. They have been working there for a while and they know all the members by name. Chef Nafie takes time to come out to the tables and talk with the guests. That is a very nice touch and one of my favorites at restaurants. It gives you a chance to meet and talk about your meal with the chef and owner.

I wanted to mention also that the servers take away the plates from the previous course before ever bringing the next course. That may be trivial, but it is a pet peeve of mine. In some restaurants, including many of the chain restaurants, the servers just push aside the plate from the previous course and put down the plate for the next course.

Or worse, they stand there and expect you to move the plate aside.

I give the Summit Club an A+, even though the Lobster Bisque was so bad. Nobody is perfect, and with the Filet, the great deal on the Steak Salad, the best Crème Brûlée, the symphony of tastes from the Oyster Nachos and impeccable service, I had to give the restaurant an A+.

SUMMIT CLUB 3700 Judson Road, Longview | (903) 753-0331 summitlongview.com Rating: A+

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903.753.3531

907 Walnut Hill Dr. Longview, TX 75605

WE MAKE FAMILIES SMILE We specialize in treating everyone from children to seniors.

“My visit was just excellent!!

Thanks for your kindness from the whole staff!!”

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www.ReaDental .com

VISIT US AT:

314 Magnolia Lane, Longview, TX 75605

903.753.4492 www.casafloraflowers.com news-journal.com 7

COVER VIEW

Smooth Landings K AREN & JOHN RICH HELP CLEAR THE PATH FOR BALLOON R ACE PILOTS Words by JO LEE FERGUSON | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS & LES HASSELL

8 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

The Great Texas Balloon Race on July 27, 2018.

W

hen an unusual entry in the Great Texas Balloon Race

“Dr. Bill Bussey called me one afternoon and said I’d like you

lost its way a few years back, John Rich answered the

to help out with landowner relations,” John rich says, referring to

call for help with his son-in-law.

the man credited with starting the Great Texas Balloon Race in

That year, a man had tied helium-filled balloons to a chair for

the race, but he had no control over his flights, said Karen Rich, John’s wife.

Longview and creating the balloon glow.

“I went to the first meeting and found out I was chairman,” John said, laughing.

“He went a little farther than he thought he did,” John said,

The Great Texas Balloon Race will take flight over East Texas

and ended up somewhere on an oilfield pad. John said he had

again from July 26 to July 28, with hundreds of volunteers such as

been sitting on the back of a truck with his son-in-law at the race

John and Karen making the popular event possible.

— they both work in the oil and gas industry — when balloon race officials asked them to track the man down. They found him around 11 that night.

“When we got to him, he had mosquito bites on top of mosquito bites,” John said, describing how the man landed in a river bottom. John works in operations for Buffco Production, “It was not a place you wanted to be at that time of night,” said Karen, who works for the investment company Stifel as a sales assistant.

The evening marked a turning point in the Riches’ work with the balloon race.

“We got out our map, and next thing you know, we’re landowner relations,” John joked.

“We could not do the race without an army of volunteers,” said Rhonda Bullard, chairwoman of this year’s race. That includes the volunteer board of directors who work yearround to produce the race.

“The operations team starts three weeks out starting to turn the airport grounds into the little city it becomes for the event,” Bullard said. “Then, by the time we get to the actual event itself … we’ve got 350 volunteers out there in the course of the weekend….”

That includes crew members, people working at the gates and people working in operations, she said. It also includes the Riches and the rest of the landowner relations committee, which usually consists of six to 10 people.

“We couldn’t have the race if we didn’t have landowners that

John and Karen Rich first became involved in ballooning about

agreed for pilots to utilize their properties to come down on or to

25 years ago, initially as a crew and then on the measuring team.

fly across and make it to targets,” Bullard said. “(The landowners

About 10 years ago, their roles changed.

relations committee) is a pivotal group of people that go out and continued on pg. 10  news-journal.com 9

“It’s the people, and it’s so much fun seeing all the people enjoying the balloons.”

- K AREN RICH

cultivate relationships with these landowners to make it possible

to them when it’s not 7:30 on a Saturday morning. We literally

for the pilots to reach the targets and then find an appropriate

work this year-round, updating the maps, making everything as

landing space beyond the targets, to get down every day.”

current as we can.”

“Once they go up, they’ve got to come down somewhere,” Bullard said.

The Riches said they got involved in ballooning because they were friends with several people who were pilots. They were invited to be crew members, and they were hooked.

“It’s the people, and it’s so much fun seeing all the people enjoying the balloons,” Karen said.

Balloon race mornings start about 4 a.m., John said, when he meets with the balloonmeister and safety officer. They consider the direction the wind is blowing as they determine where the balloons can land based on the various targets.

His committee, however, works year-round.

The maps are coded red, yellow or green: Red designates areas that balloonists can only land in in case of emergency; yellow areas also should be avoided unless the balloonists have no other option; and green areas are cleared for landing.

“Most of it is situated around livestock — and Eastman Chemical Company. Eastman is a red area,” John said. “They don’t want you going down in the plant. That’s just in the plant itself, the plant proper. The outbound areas are fine — if you want to go down in a swamp. That’s fine. We’ll get you out.”

If pilots happen to land somewhere that hasn’t been coded on the balloon race maps, he or she will make contact with the landowner as well so the site can be added to the map.

“If somebody comes up with what they think is a good location

“We’re updating it constantly,” John said. “The biggest thing

either to take off from or land — we’ll try to go out there and talk

is communication. If we know they’re going a certain direction,

10 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

we’ll go out there and we’ll make sure there’s no problems before anybody hits the ground or tries to land. If it’s all clear we’ll let the crews know it’s clear to go in this pasture.”

Landowners might have specific needs depending on the how the land is used — gates that need to be locked, for instance, or cows that need to be avoided.

“We try to make it as peaceful and as enjoyable for the balloonists and the landowners,” John said. “Some of them don’t want you to land, a lot don’t care, a lot of them, if they know they’re coming, they’ll wake the kids up, call their neighbors.”

The landowner relations committee does more than just get approval to use people’s property, Bullard said.

“There’s all kinds of negotiations, with us being good stewards of their property and making sure that everything is left exactly like we find it,” Bullard said. “The landowner relations committee

Reece, 11, Drew, 13, and Carsyn Wigley, 14, take a selfie with the Darth Vader hot air balloon at Austin Bank, on July 27, 2018, during the special shapes showcase of the Great Texas Balloon Race.

if

— they make sure that happens, that our landowners are well

you go GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE

taken care of and appreciated for allowing us to make use of their

When: July 26

property.”

Where: East Texas Regional Airport

One of the best things about working on the committee, John

Cost: Advance tickets $15 a day, free on Sunday; gate ticket prices $15 Friday, $20 Saturday, free Sunday; free for children 12 and younger.

said, is the Friday morning special shape balloon event held in

Tickets on sale at OuthouseTickets.com and area Brookshires and Super 1 Foods; $30 weekend passes available online.

Longview. The balloons inflate at various locations so people can

Information: www.gtbr.net

SCHEDULE

get an up close look at the balloons. Sometimes host sites provide breakfast for visitors.

“We worked real hard the last few years to coordinate areas where the special shapes (can locate) where the kids could be out there and be around them,” he said. “It’s just fun watching the kids, seeing their reactions.”

The special shapes show will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. July 26, Bullard said. Locations will be posted on the balloon race’s website, www.gtbr.net. She said that sponsors to some degree

July 26 6:30 a.m. — Great Texas Balloon Race Competition Flight over Longview 4 p.m. — Gates Open at East Texas Regional Airport for Great Texas Balloon Race / Media Special Shapes Inflations 6:30 p.m. — Dustin Hodges in concert 8:15 p.m. — Special Shapes Spectacular 8:45 p.m. — Great Texas Balloon Race Opening Ceremony 8:50 p.m. — Balloon Glow 9:30 p.m. — Gene Watson in Concert 12 a.m. — Gates Close for the Day July 27

are allowed to choose sites where the special shapes set up that

5:45 a.m. — Gates Open at East Texas Regional Airport

morning, but John and his committee again play an important

6:30 a.m. — Great Texas Balloon Race Competition Flight over East Texas Regional Airport

role, making sure the locations have enough space away from power lines and with enough space for the crowd. Traffic also is a consideration.

Balloon race days find landowner relations committee members in their vehicles, communicating with each other by

6:30 a.m. — Duck Drop Competition and other navigational tasks (balloons will be launched from at least 2 miles away and fly over the event grounds at ET Regional Airport. Launch site and time will vary depending on weather and wind direction.)

7:30 a.m. — Up & Away 5K Fun Run at East Texas Regional Airport 11 a.m. — Festival closes for midday 4 p.m. Festival Re-Opens for evening entertainment 6:30 p.m. — Cody Wayne in concert 8:15 p.m. — Special Shapes Spectacular

two-way radios, taking phone calls from pilots and other balloon

8:45 p.m. — Opening Ceremony

officials, monitoring winds and if, when and where the balloons

8:50 p.m. — Balloon Glow

are taking off from and landing.

9:30 p.m. — Koe Wetzel in Concert

“It can get crazy at times,” John said.

“It’s really a lot of fun,” he added. “One of the really nice things about it is you get to see every balloon.”

July 28 5:45 a.m. — Gates Open at East Texas Regional Airport 6:30 a.m. — Duck Drop Competition and other Navigational Tasks (balloons will be launched from at least 2 miles away and fly over the event grounds at ET Regional Airport.

Launch site and time will vary depending on weather and wind direction.)

news-journal.com 11

HEALTH VIEW

small bugs with big risks Words by CLARE MCCARTHY

THERE

are a variety of animals in the world

“If you’re looking at the Lone Star tick, that is going to be

considered dangerous to humans,

primarily a woodland-associated tick,” Eisen says. “Likewise the

but ticks don’t automatically jump to mind.

Often very small and difficult to identify, these bloodthirsty arachnids generally go unnoticed, hiding out in tall grasses or wooded areas until they get the chance to latch on to their prey.

But we should be more cautious of these minuscule creatures, says Dr. Rebecca Eisen, a research biologist in the Bacterial Diseases Branch of the Division of Vector-borne Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Tick-borne diseases are an increasing public health concern,” Eisen says. “We’ve seen a rapid increase in the number of tickborne diseases that have been reported over recent decades (in the United States).”

Plus, more people are at risk of exposure to tick bites and tickborne diseases since the geographic ranges of different ticks have expanded, she says.

According to the CDC, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the U.S., with more than 30,000 cases reported annually.

“That number has tripled since it became a notifiable condition in the early 1990s,” Eisen says.

In recent years, the CDC also has seen an increase in the number of disease-causing germs carried by ticks, Eisen says.

“So depending on what ticks you’re talking about, your risks are going to differ,” Eisen says. For instance, the black-legged tick is known to carry seven different pathogens that can make people sick, Eisen says.

The black-legged tick, the Lone Star Tick, and the American dog tick are all found in East Texas.

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

black-legged tick likes these forested areas but with a bit more humidity, and the American dog tick is commonly found in more grassy areas.”

Timothy King, superintendent of Daingerfield State Park in Daingerfield, says the park normally sees an increase in the number of ticks at the park as the weather gets warmer and summer begins. He says he’s already heard several different reports this season from visitors and fellow park personnel who mentioned finding ticks on their clothing or skin.

As long as people stay on the trails and wear the right clothing, they’ll be less susceptible to tick bites, King says.

“As a park ranger here at the park, I normally tell people that the best way to prevent ticks from biting you is to of course stay on the trails, wear long jeans and long sleeve shirts, and every hour or two, check yourself (for ticks),” King says. He also recommends wearing an EPA-approved insect repellent.

King says parks staff members try their best to keep the trails at Daingerfield State Park wide and well manicured, mainly so that snakes are more visible and visitors never feel the need to step off the trail. He says people may want to be more cautious in the Mountain View area of the park since it’s difficult to get machinery there and the trails are narrower and less manicured.

“Any kind of branches, brush or tall grass — that’s what ticks hang on to,” King says.

There are ways for people to protect themselves from ticks and prevent them from biting you, Eisen says. Here are some things to keep in mind:

UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK Know which ticks live in the area (either where you live or where you are visiting). Ticks can live in your own backyard or neighborhood. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html

PAY ATTENTION Be aware of when ticks are active and avoid tick habitat when possible. Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS Wear EPA-registered repellent, treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin, wear long pants and sleeves.

CHECK OFTEN Perform a daily or hourly tick check. The faster you can remove a tick, the lower your risk of getting sick from a tick bite, Eisen says. See how to remove one here: https://www.cdc.gov/

Timothy King, superintendent of Daingerfield State Park in Daingerfield, says the park normally sees an increase in the number of ticks at the park as the weather gets warmer and summer begins.

ticks/removing_a_tick.html

SYMPTOMS OF TICK-BORNE ILLNESS:

SHOWER SOON Shower soon after being outdoors. This may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good opportunity to do a tick check.

See more details here: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_

• Fever/chills • Aches and pains (headache, fatigue, muscle aches) • Rash See more details here: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/symptoms.html

people.htm

FRIDAY NIGHT HEADLINER

GENE WATSON 9:30 PM

BALLOON GLOW NIGHTLY AT SUNDOWN weather permitting

Great Texas Balloon Race

July 26-28, 2019

200 Airpark Dr. • East Texas Regional Airport Longview, TX

www.gtbr.net

SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINER

KOE WETZEL 9:30 PM

#GTBR2019 news-journal.com 13

HOME VIEW

the

beckman home Words by JO LEE FERGUSON | Photos by LES HASSELL

14 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

continued on pg. 16 ď ˝ news-journal.com 15

IT

might be hard to pick a favorite feature in Daniel and Lacy Beckman’s new home in Beckville.

There’s the wine room, with its wrought iron door and arched

brick ceiling. The master suite includes an exercise room with a mirrored wall. The single-story house features an upstairs bonus room the family uses as a game room. An outdoor entertainment area includes a swimming pool, fireplace and fire pit for cooking steaks. The kitchen has many inviting features, but the one that might draw the most envy is its Sonic ice machine.

The 5,600-square-foot home contains one fantastic detail after another, but perhaps the best part of the home is one that can’t be seen: The place it holds in one family’s history in Texas.

“It’s built on family land,” Lacy Beckman says of the home, which her family moved into starting in January. The family — Lacy and Daniel, their 5-year-old daughter, Elliana, and two boys, 17-year-old Jackson and 16-year-old James – were living there when the home was featured on the East Texas Builders Association spring Parade of Homes.

Lacy said the property where the home was built is part of a larger piece of land that her great-great-great-grandfather Daniel Martin received from the Republic of Mexico.

“It stayed in my family for all these years, and, of course, my parents were sweet enough to deed us the land to build on,” she said.

For Lacy, there was never a question about where she wanted her family to live.

She’s a Beckville graduate. Her now deceased grandparents, Beauford and Beatrice Martin, lived on that land, and her parents, Bobby and Ann (Martin) Tuttle, still do. Her brother and his family live there as well.

Lacy knew she wanted their daughter to have the same “country life” she did as a child.

“It’s cool because I used to explore in these woods with my grandparents just as these kids do now with my parents,” Lacy says. “(Elliana’s) cousins live down the road. It’s kind of like we have a family compound right here.”

Lacy says family is everything to her.

The family was living in Shreveport, with she and her husband both covering large territories in medical sales. That territory meant it would be possible for them to relocate to the family land and still work in their service areas. So a year and a half ago, they sold their home in Shreveport and lived in what was her grandparent’s house while the new house was built — about 200 yards from where their wedding ceremony took place eight years ago.

16 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

continued on pg. 18 

Lacy, left, Elliana, 5, Daniel, Jackson, 17, and James Beckman, 16, at home near Tatum.

news-journal.com 17

18 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

They knew they were building a forever home.

“When you build on family land, you know you better build what you want,” Lacy says. “We’ll be living here until the day we die. We’re not selling that piece of property. We tried to put everything into it we would ever want, and that’s kind of a neat piece of this puzzle, too.”

They worked with W Home Design and Perry Waggoner of Waggoner Custom Homes to design and build the home.

“I wouldn’t change anything,” Lacy says. “It has everything in it we would ever want.”

The Beckmans agreed they liked the Hill Country style. After that, they designed a house that appeals to the interests and needs of their five members.

The Beckmans’ daughter was born through in vitro fertilization, and so Lacy says she keeps her close, watches her “like a hawk.”

The home includes a special playroom for her, off with the living room, hat is enclosed with sliding barn doors.

“I can see her right there playing,” Lacy says. “She’s right there with us.”

Lacy wanted a wine room, which was built with a wine-barrel seating area.

“My idea for that room, was when we go in there, there are no cell phones,” that it would be time for her and her husband to sit down and talk, she says. It’s a place to put work aside “and just kind of a quiet spot to talk and not to have all the world and work consume you.”

Her husband has a hunting room where he displays his trophies, and she has an exercise room.

Her closet features cabinets, drawers and shelving that make it possible to display and organize her shoes, purses and clothing.

“It’s just nice. It’s nice to walk in and not feel cluttered and crammed,” she says. “It’s kind of like a fairy tale closet.”

The outdoor area is great for entertaining, Lacy says, but it’s also perfect for the thing that’s most important to her — “family togetherness.”

For Lacy, though, the home isn’t so important as the location.

She says she is “emotionally tied to the land.”

“It’s sacred and such a blessing that we were actually able to come back home,” Lacy says. “It’s just incredible to me. We’ve been so blessed and so fortunate to be able to bring the kids up around family and with all the support. That’s my big deal. I’d be happy in a tent so long as I was still in this place.” news-journal.com 19

NONPROFIT VIEW

helping hands of kilgore Words by BECKY BELL | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

WHEN

people are making difficult choices between buying medications or feeding

their families in Kilgore, Helping Hands of Kilgore lives up to its name.

Helping Hands was established in 1987 by community members who wanted to have a common place for people in need of food to go in Kilgore, said Ursula Plaisance, executive director.

Plaisance said the comments she receives from clients assisted by Helping Hands make her job a blessing. She said clients are often facing desperate choices before they come in for services.

“The people are very thankful for the services because they lay awake at night wondering how they are going to feed their baby,” she said. “Our main goal is to help people with hunger. We would love to see hunger go away totally. Unfortunately, I think we are not going to see hunger go away for a while.”

Helping Hands serves the Kilgore Independent School District, where 71 percent of the students are in poverty. An average of 300 families come to the agency for help each month and 12 to 20 new families come in each month.

“A lot of misperception is that it’s the same families,” Plaisance said. “Some come a couple of times a year and some don’t come quite as often. They are eligible every 30 days or as the need arises, but it is such a blessing to the families. And if we can’t meet their needs, we can always find services to help them in Gregg County.”

Plaisance said Helping Hands also provides assistance other Ursula Plaisance, on Wednesday May 22, 2019, at Helping Hands of Kilgore.

20 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

than food, including monetary support as available and assistance with prescriptions. In addition, Helping Hands assists people

Left: Shelves at Helping Hands of Kilgore. Right: A communitywide produce drop at Helping Hands of Kilgore. (Photo Special to View)

who need to sign up for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition

On the second Monday of each month, Helping Hands has

Assistance Program, the Lone Star card or Temporary Assistance

a communitywide produce drop, with 6,000 to 7,000 pounds

for Needy Families.

of fresh fruits and vegetables available from farmers from the

Much of Helping Hands’ success is attributed to the strong volunteer base which helps the organization operate, Plaisance said. The Kilgore High School lifestyles class has helped in a variety of ways, including assembling children’s snack bags during their class period. In addition, there are 25 dedicated and committed volunteers who are amazing, she said.

“They are the heartbeat of Helping Hands. Without them, it would not be possible,” Plaisance said.

26 counties which operate under the East Texas Food Bank.

In addition to food, Helping Hands also offers a Cooking Matters class that includes food demonstrations and recipe cards, so clients can replicate the meals at their home. In April of 2018 the organization received a grant to install commercial shelving, so more foods could be put on display, including food with packaging information that helps clients make healthier food choices.

According to a fact sheet about Helping Hands, Kilgore —

“We try to have a healthy pantry and those who have different

a community heavily dependent on the oil industry — was hit

lifelong illnesses feel so much better since we converted that,”

hard by the recession of the oilfield in the mid-1980s. The slow

Plaisance said. “Doctors are telling them their blood pressure is

economy touched many who were normally employed. Pastors

better now that they are not eating as much sodium. We don’t

at First Baptist Church and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church

want them to have a sluggish lifestyle. We don’t always make the

in Kilgore identified the need for food assistance, and assistance with utilities and prescriptions as being the most urgent needs Soon after discussions began, the Kilgore Ministerial Alliance formed the organization, involving all local churches. This allowed the churches to coordinate efforts and consolidate resources. In

wisest choices, and it’s nice to have a place for clients who have not been exposed to these healthier choices.”

For more information about Helping Hands call (903) 9841796. The organization’s website is under construction.

its beginning, Helping Hands operated under the nonprofit status of First Baptist Church.

In December 2003, Helping Hands entered into an agreement with East Texas Food Bank, taking the local pantry to a new level.

In 2005, Helping Hands applied for its own nonprofit status and became more independent as a ministry.

Helping Hands is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 201 S. Main St. in Kilgore, where it has been located since 2008.

more

information HELPING HANDS

What: Food pantry established in 1987 Serves: Kilgore Independent School District where 71 percent of the students are in poverty; an average of 300 families per month in a city of almost 15,000 people Funded by: Local churches, community clubs, businesses and individuals who donate money and food items.

Main food source: East Texas Food Bank in Tyler Number of people served in 2018: 3,511 families

news-journal.com 21

EVENT VIEW

2019 AKC Dog Shows Words by BECKY BELL | Photos by LES HASSELL

CONNIE

Richardson doesn’t have to

Champion Envision Who’s Cheap Talkin’ Now, but in the ring he

play cards to feel the thrill of a

goes by “Rick,” from the beloved hero on AMC’s “The Walking

winning hand.

That’s because she gets the same feeling when any of the boxers or Boston terriers she shows wins. For the past 11 years, she has traveled across the country pursuing her hobby because she loves it.

Dead.” Her Boston terrier who is still on the way to becoming a champion is known as Encore’s Pillow Talk, but is called Corrie when her owner needs to get her attention.

Nancy Mellott, chairwoman of Longview’s upcoming show,

“It is very addicting,” the Gilmer resident said. “It is kind of

said she is second generation to the dog show as her father raised,

like gambling because it is an amazing feeling. People think it is

hunted and showed beagles. Her first show dog was a Saint

easy, but it is not easy.”

Bernard and she won in group.

Canine starlets such as Richardson’s dogs will be groomed to the nines for the upcoming 2019 AKC Licensed All Breed Dog Shows on July 27 and 28 at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center.

This is the Longview Kennel Club’s 62nd show. The Tyler Obedience Training Club will conduct All-Breed Obedience Trials on both days next door to Maude Cobb at the Longview Exhibit Building. Spectator admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children younger than 12.

Richardson said showing dogs is a lot like the 2000 comedy “Best in Show,” because things can get quite comical behind the curtains.

“If I wasn’t hooked already I was then,” she said.

She said the upcoming dog show is rooted in a formal dog show that started in Longview in 1957.

“Back then the women wore hats and gloves and dresses,” she said, and the men wore suits. “They served wine and cheese and crackers and all that.”

Something community members might want to consider is bringing their own dog to the show, Mellott said. Around lunchtime dog handlers will demonstrate how to show a dog in a professional show.

“They say it takes a crazy person to be a dog person, and I kind

“We’ve got to get people involved so we can continue this

of agree with that because we are crazy about our dogs and that

hobby,” Mellott said. “Most people talk about spaying and

is pretty much how it is,” she said. “It is a lot of hard work, don’t get me wrong, but it is also very comical too. Going to a dog show is like moving an entire house every three or four days and then tearing it down again.”

neutering, but these purposely bred dogs are a hobby and we do love our dogs and most breeds have a purpose behind them. We prefer dogs purposely bred.”

Richardson travels with professional handler Tina Starr and

Dogs compete in seven categories before the best of show

says her relationship with dogs has led her to make some of

category — the final category — is presented. The categories are

the best friends she has, including Starr. Her boxer is known as

toy, sporting, herding, nonsporting, working and hound.

22 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

At the conformation shows in Longview, up to 190 AKC recognized breeds can compete to be named the dog that most closely matches the standard for each breed exhibited. In 2016, the Longview Kennel Club had 125 breeds entered with more than 700 dogs competing, according to the Longview Kennel Club website. In 2018, the Longview Kennel Club had 231 dogs competing. At the obedience trials, activities will range from basic obedience to the more advanced classes that involve retrieving scented objects and performing jumps.

Mellott said the show also is perfect for the dog lover who needs to find little extras for their pets, such as dog beds, chewies, jewelry, and shampoo and conditioner. Vendors will be set up at the show for pet lovers to shop for their furry friends.

if

you go

2019 AKC LICENSED ALL BREED DOG SHOWS, HOSTED BY LONGVIEW KENNEL CLUB; ALL-BREED OBEDIENCE TRIALS, HOSTED BY TYLER OBEDIENCE TRAINING CLUB When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 27, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 28 Where: Dog show at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center; Obedience trials at Longview Exhibit Building Cost: Spectator admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children younger than 12 Information: www.longviewkennelclub.org/show.htm; enter through July 10 at onofrio.com

Top: Professional handler Robert Chaffin gives an instructional demonstration for new handlers July 28, 2018, at the Longview Kennel Club’s AKC All-Breed Dog Show. Bottom: Sun Ahn from Korea grooms his Shetland Sheepdog Maemi July 28, 2018, at the Longview Kennel Club’s AKC All-Breed Dog Show.

NEW SCHOOL YEAR. NEW SOCIAL GROUP. NEW PRESSURES.

Also offers: • Heated Indoor Pool with Lazy River Theme • On Site Catering provided by our F&B Director, Joshua Fahrenholt-hunt • 122 Rooms with 5 Suites • On site Restaurant, bar

Need tips on how to start?

Call: 903-237-1019 Visit: longviewtexas.gov/cdfy

Start the conversation about drugs and alcohol before their friends do.

news-journal.com 23

EVENT VIEW

texas shakespeare festival Words by NELLA KOPP | Photos SPECIAL TO VIEW

FOR

Meaghan and Matthew Simpson, a move to

they were members of the Musical and Dramatic Academy, to

Kilgore six years ago meant a simpler life

Kilgore when the festival was offered a grant through the Texas

filled with the drama they love as staff members of the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

Shakespeare Foundation.

“Being introverts and homebodies, having a quick commute to

The festival is one of the City of Stars’ biggest hits, with this

work and a simpler lifestyle allows us to focus on the work we get

year’s season kicking off June 27 and ending July 28. The Simpsons

to do with the festival and spend time with our families. That was

have been on staff with the festival since they moved to Kilgore in

a lovely change for us,” Matthew said.

2013. Now, married with two children, the couple have adjusted from big city living to their “perfect for us” life in Kilgore.

While the festival showcases classic, Shakespearian plays,

When asked what they were most excited for this year, they agreed that having many returning company members allows them to better understand the cast.

Meaghan said that, “Even though you may know the stories or

“We are able to jump into work in a deeper level,” Matthew

have seen the plays before, you can be at a different point in

said. Since they are returning members, they all know each other

your life; you could be a new parent, have experienced a death or

already and better know their acting habits.

heartbreak, and it can speak to you on a different level.”

Meaghan is originally from a suburb of Chicago, but moved around the Northeast area throughout her college years.

“We are very lucky to get to do what we love,” Meaghan said.

“It’s a privilege.”

Matthew and Meaghan agreed that they, and the festival,

Today, she is the associate casting director for the festival,

have been so successful because of the community. The Texas

having graduated with her Master of Fine Arts from the University

Shakespeare Festival allows East Texans to explore classical

of Delaware Professional Theatre Training Program. This is

theater presented by renowned performers.

where the acting magic happened, when Meaghan met her now husband, Matthew.

“You can feel the audience’s appreciation from the stage,” Meaghan said.

Matthew, originally from Minnesota, is the director of

Every year, the dynamic duo participate in the plays, choosing

development for the festival and graduated from the same

to either to act or direct. This year, Matthew has decided to direct

university with the same degree.

while Meaghan plays the witch in the Festival’s premier musical,

Together, the couple moved from New York City, where 24 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

“Into the Woods.”

After many requests for the festival to feature a musical, they decided that “Into the Woods,” a 1986 musical adapted for film in 2014, would be perfect for the City of Stars in the heart of the Pineywoods.

if

you go

TEXAS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL When: June 27 to July 28; day and nightime performances, check www.texasshakespeare. com for details Where: Van Cliburn Auditorium, in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore College Plays: “As You Like It” and “Othello” by William Shakespeare; “Born Yesterday”

by Garson Kanin; “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine; and the children’s play “The Girl Who Cried Throgmonster,” by Grace Abele.

Information and Tickets: www.texasshakespeare.com, (903) 983-8601

PRICING Season ticket: $99 (includes one ticket to “As You Like It,” “Born Yesterday,” “Othello” and “Into the Woods”) Individual tickets: $33 Padded bench seat: $28 Group prices: (20 or more) $27 “The Girl Who Cried Throgmonster” — tickets: $8 / $6 group price (groups of 20 or more) Backstage Tour: $5 Festival Center Tour: $5 Chinese Theatre Night: no charge (one night only) — 7:30 p.m. July 23, reservations required

Matthew and Meaghan Simpson with their children Vincent and William.

Talent Showcase: $25 — 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. July 24

Go. See. Do.

Cover Reveal Party Thursday, August 22nd, 2019 • 5-7pm

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? ?

VIEW

Get a Sneak Peek at the Cover of the Next Charm/View Magazine FABULOUS FOOD, PLENTIFUL REFRESHMENTS SHOPPING, SAMPLING AND FUN

MERLE NORMAN COSMETIC STUDIO Longview Mall 3500 McCann Rd.

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Find the nearest ALLPOINT atm location @ www.texasbankandtrust.com

TBT Charm GoSeeDo Snorkler 2019.indd 1

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news-journal.com 25

EVENTSVIEW

calendar of events LONGVIEW

Fourth of July Fireworks and Freedom Celebration July 4 Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center

www.LongviewTexas.gov/Fireworks Rob Holladay Magical Balloon Show July 4 Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex

www.facebook.com/ LongviewPublicLibrary

Liz Hickok: “Intimate Immensity” July 6 to Sept. 21 Longview Museum of Fine Arts

www.lmfa.org

Simon Waranch: “Young Maestro” July 6 to Sept. 21 Longview Museum of Fine Arts

www.lmfa.org

All the Way Live Gospel Music Festival July 6 Heritage Plaza

www.facebook.com/ events/547971742394763 ”Fashion and Photography: 1860-1900” July 9 to Aug. 31

Gregg County Historical Museum

www.gregghistorical.org

Liz Spering takes her new purse back to her seat after winning a round of bingo during Habitat For Humanity’s Bags and Bling Bingo, on August 7, 2018, at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center.

26 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

Story Lady — Summer reading program July 10

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex

www.longviewtexas.gov/library

ArtWalk Downtown July 11 Downtown Longview

www.artwalklongview.com Longview Jaycees Trade Days Second weekend of each month Longview Exhibit Building

www.greggcountyfair.com/Trade_Days Riverside Trade days Second and fourth weekend of the month 3711 Texas 42 North

riversidervpark42.com/ riverside_trade_days All About Eyes with Dr. Shiloh July 13 Longview World of Wonders

www.longviewwow.org

James Wand — summer reading program July 17

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex

www.longviewtexas.gov/library Romance On The Rails - Pints in the Pines July 19

Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot

texasstaterailroad.net/events/ saturday-starlight-train/

Classic Arms Production: Gun & Knife Show July 20

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex — Exhibit Building

www.capgunshows.com

Left: Denise Howell looks over artwork she aquired during ArtWalk in downtown Longview on April 11, 2019. Right: Balloonist Brandon Heavin takes to the sky for a practice run of the Great Texas Balloon Race, on July 26, 2018, in a field next to Living Word Church off of FM 1252.

End of Summer Reading Club Party July 24

Chemistry Day with Dr. Pennington Aug. 2

CASA Superhero Fun Run Aug. 10

www.longviewtexas.gov/2897/ Summer-Reading-Club

www.longviewwow.org

easttexascasa.org

Broughton Park

”Ella Enchanted” July 25

ArtsView Children’s Theatre

Longview World of Wonders

Bags & Bling Bingo Aug. 6

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex

www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com/ performing-arts/2018-2019-season

www.Facebook.com/ northeasttexas.habitat

Great Texas Balloon Race July 26 to 28

East Texas Open Jiu Jitsu Grappling Tournament Aug. 17

East Texas Regional Airport

www.greattexasballoonrace.com AKC Licensed All Breed Dog Shows Dog Show Obedience & Rally July 27 and 28

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex www.longviewkennelclub.org/show.htm Texas Shakespeare Festival Through July 28

Van Cliburn Auditorium, Kilgore College

www.texasshakespeare.com Repeats are Neat Aug. 1 to Aug. 4

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex — Exhibit Building

www.repeatsareneat.com

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex — Exhibit Building

Facebook

Bad Boys Bull Tour Aug. 17

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex — Rodeo Arena

Longview Mall

KILGORE

Fourth of July Extravaganza in Kilgore July 4 Kilgore City Park

Kilgore Main Street on Facebook To the Moon and Back July 10 Kilgore Public Library

www.cityofkilgore.com/library HMNS Discovery Dome July 12 Kilgore Public Library

www.cityofkilgore.com/library

Facebook under Bad Boys Bull Tour

MARSHALL

Sharon Shrine Circus Aug. 30

Downtown Marshall

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex — Rodeo Arena

www.thejordanworldcircus.com

Cajuns vs Cowboys Rabbit Show Aug. 31 to Sept. 1

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex — Exhibit Building

(903) 508-8315

Second Saturday July 13

marshalltexas.com/events/#!calendar Rotary Club of Marshall 100th Anniversary Celebration Aug. 24 Marshall Convention Center

marshalltexas.com/events/#!calendar

SHREVEPORT

4th Annual Red River Balloon Rally July 12 and 13 redriverballoonrally.com

JEFFERSON

Jefferson Salutes America July 4

Otstott Park gazebo, Big Cypress Bayou

”The Marvelous Wonderettes Dream On” July 5 to July 7 The Jefferson Playhouse

www.jefferson-texas.com/ events/#!calendar Jefferson’s 8th Annual Civil War Symposium Aug. 10 Jefferson Visitor Center

www.jeffersonmuseum.com Want your event listed in the Calendar of Events?

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

The deadline to submit September/October events is July 30. news-journal.com 27

LOCALVIEW

to

eat, drink & do in east texas

to eat

to shop

Elegant yet casual, Café Barron’s serves lunch, brunch and dinner, with daily specials throughout the week. Indulge in your favorite wine, beer or cocktail from the bar.

Invest in the best cosmetics and skincare at Merle Norman. Take advantage of their free skin analysis, free five minute hydrating facial, free make-up lessons plus much more.

CAFÉ BARRON'S

MERLE NORMAN

405 W Loop 281 Suite F, Longview (903) 663-4737, www.shopbarrons.com

3500 McCann, #L7A, Longview Mall, Longview (903) 753-0041, www.merlenorman.com

to shop

PETERS CHEVROLET

BARRON'S

Barron’s is your one-stop shop for gifts, clothes, jewelry, accessories, home décor, books and more. Shop Barron’s for all of your holiday and special occasion needs.

405 W Loop 281 Suite F, Longview (903) 663-2060, www.shopbarrons.com

HENRY & MOORE JEWELRY With more than 40 years of combined jewelry experience, Sondra T. Moore & Mamie Henry pair up to provide Longview with exquisite jewelry & gifts.

303 W. Loop 281 Ste. 105, Longview, (903) 663-1515

LONGVIEW MALL Nestled in the heart of Longview’s entertainment attractions, Longview Mall serves the communities of Longview, Kilgore, Gladewater and Gilmer. Found at the intersection of McCann Road and Loop 281, the Longview Mall is the perfect spot for shopping, dining, entertainment and more. Home to over 70 stores, Longview Mall has a store for every style.

3500 McCann, Longview 903.753.4453

Peters Chevrolet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat offers the Longview, TX area a full lineup of new and used cars that will match your lifestyle and budget.

COALITION FOR DRUG-FREE YOUTH The Coalition for Drug Free Youth (CDFY) is a collaboration of community resources with parents, school districts, law enforcement, judicial system, faith community, businesses, youth, community agencies, and anyone with an interest in preventing underage drinking and youth substance use.

140 E. Tyler St., Suite 400, Glover-Crim Building, Longview, TX 75601 903-237-1019, www.longviewtexas.gov/CDFY

4181 US-259, Longview, TX 75605 (877) 615-3187, peterscars.com

EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION

to do

Take care of all your banking and financial needs with ETPCU. Become a member today and enjoy competitive rates on loans, mortgages, vehicles and more.

BELCHER CENTER Enjoy a bit of culture in your life. Take in special performances, concerts, community events and more. Go online for a schedule of events.

LeTourneau University, Stegall Dr., Longview (903) 233-3080, www.belchercenter.com

services

CASA FLORA FLOWER SHOP Stop and smell the roses … and order some too! Beautiful flowers for all occasions are available for delivery to the East Texas area.

314 Magnolia Ln., Longview, (800) 245-4614, www.casafloraflowers.com

CHRISTUS GOOD SHEPHERD HEALTH SYSTEM CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System sets the standard for health, wellness and state-of-the-art healthcare in East Texas.

700 E. Marshall Ave., Longview, (903) 315-2000, christusgoodshepherd.org

28 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

services

Multiple locations, www.etpcu.org

EASTMAN CREDIT UNION Be a part of something extraordinary with ECU. Banking, financing, loans and competitive rates add superior value to your life and help reach your financial goals.

3066 N. Eastman Rd., Longview; 300 Kodak Blvd., Longview (800) 999-2328, www.ecu.org

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH SALON & SPA Mother’s Day Gift Cards Available Elegant & Trendy Salon 10 Experienced Hairstylists Tranquil Day Spa Hot Tub Jacuzzi/Shower 8 Treatment Rooms -3 Couples Suite 5 Spa Pedicure Chairs & Nails Massage/Facials/Body Scrubs Micro-Derm/Peels 1915 Judson Rd, Longview, TX, 75605 (903) 234-1020, foydayspa.com

services HEARTIS

At Heartis Longview, we are committed to providing a stimulating and nurturing environment-filled with warmth, comfort and care, that improves quality of life and allows our residents to flourish. As a national leader in assisted living and memory care, you can count on Heartis Longview to deliver the highest quality care for residents.

1408 Lago Trail, Longview, TX 75604 903-291-0020, www.heartis.com,

HILTON GARDEN INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Hotel includes beautiful rooms, a full service restaurant and bar, fitness center, business center, and an indoor pool.

LONGVIEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Healing begins here as Longview’s community healthcare provider with 180 physicians and healthcare professionals, a 230-bed facility and national recognition in chest pain and stroke care.

2901 N. Fourth St., Longview (903) 758-1818, www.longviewregional.com

R & K DISTRIBUTORS This family owned and operated company offers up to 68 different brands of alcohol from five different breweries, including exclusive rights to the Anheuser-Busch products.

905 E Hawkins Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605 903-212-3000

1302 E. Whaley St., Longview, (903) 758-4494, www.rkdistributors.com

KRISTINA COOLIDGE, AGENT

REA DENTAL

Contact an experienced agent who knows rules and regulations, market value & unique, legal protocol for buying and selling on Cherokee.

Kristina Coolidge, Carol Coolidge Real Estate 903-720-4838 kristina@lakecherokee.com www.lakecherokee.com

TEXAS BANK AND TRUST Texas Bank and Trust has been serving East Texas since 1958. We serve 15 communities from Marshall, TX, to the DFW metroplex.

The directors, officers and employees of Texas Bank and Trust are committed to providing exceptional service and quality products to partner with our customers in achieving their financial goals.

ATMs worldwide.

Main Bank – 300 E. Whaley St.; Mortgage Lending – 304 N. Green St.; Pine Tree – 1800 W. Loop 281; Pine Tree Convenience – 1801 Gilmer Rd.; North Lgvw – 3622 McCann Rd. www.texasbankandtrust.com

TWIN OAKS LAKE CHEROKEE 11245 State Hwy 149, Longview Texas 75602, 430-558-1241

From cosmetic dentistry to general dentistry, you’ll receive top-of-the-line dental services, including sedation dentistry, in a calm, relaxing, family friendly environment for all ages and stages.

907 Walnut Hill Dr., Longview (903) 753-3531, www.readental.com

To advertise your local business here, call 903-237-7736.

news-journal.com 29

PICTURE THIS

ETVARSITY

BEST PREPS

ALEXIS STEIN, CRYSTAL BENNETT

LONGVIEW | MAUDE COBB CONVENTION AND ACTIVITY CENTER | 5/21/2019 Photos by LES HASSELL

OB Jones, a standout basketball and football player in Tatum, and New Diana teammates Joelle Newton and Lauren James took home top honors during the ETVarsity Best Preps Award banquet, held on May 21 at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center.

The annual awards program recognizes the top student athletes in the combined coverage areas of the Longview News-Journal, Marshall News

ZAMORIA & TOSHIBA MCGRUE

Messenger and Panola Watchman. The athletes’ coaches nominate students based on their GPA, community involvement, impact on their classmates and teammates and performance in athletic competition.

Jones was named Male Student Athlete of the Year, and Newton and James shared the title of Female Student Athlete of the Year.

Peters Chevrolet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat was title sponsor. East Texas Professional Credit Union was Red Carpet sponsor and Eastman Credit Union was Varsity sponsor.

Guest speaker was Jon Peters, a record-setting high school athlete at Brenham High School in the late 1980s and author of the book “When Life Grabs You by the Baseballs.”

KENDRA & MICHAH CHAPMAN, KARI CINOTTO

30 VIEW | J U LY / AU G U S T

CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ, GRACE HATTON

BRYCE BURNS, STACY CREWS, BULINDA & DEYTON BURNS

PICTURE THIS

MUD BUGS

CASEY & HANNAH SIMS

& MUSIC LONGVIEW | LONGVIEW EXHIBIT BUILDING | 3/30/2019 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Friends of the ARC of Gregg County presented the eighth annual Mud Bugs and Music on March 30 at the Longview Exhibit Building.

Attendees were treated to music by Bayou Boogie, with dancing and a corn hole tournament — and 1,500 pounds of crawfish.

The ARC of Gregg County assists people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

WENDY & DUSTIN ASHLEY

RICKY HUDGINS, LINDA JAMES, MELANIE MATHEWS SHANNON & ERIC CARITHERS

DAVID & JONI GATES, NICKI & DANNY PATTERSON

SHARON, FRANKIE, WILLIAM & MATT WRIGHT

news-journal.com 31