View Magazine - March/April 2018

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

VIEW MARCH/APRIL 2018

COVER STORY

RONALD PORTER

IS COOKING UP SOMETHING

good ALSO INSIDE

fit view

JUMPING ROPE FOR EXERCISE gladewater

MAIN STREET FLIP-the-ISSUE

Dr. Yasser Zeid breaks ground on Judson Office Park, a 60,000 square foot complex that will be the first of its kind in Longview.

The public, along with local leaders, joined Dr. Zeid and staff in celebrating the official beginning of construction on Longview’s new medical complex.

Judson Office Park is scheduled for completion in spring of 2019, and there are already tentative plans for four to five additional buildings in the works.

Dr. Yasser Zeid and his staff at Zeid Women’s Health Center have been caring for the women of East Texas for more than 20 years. Their mission to provide quality medical solutions led them to break ground on Judson Office Park.

This state-of-the-art medical complex will be designed to serve the needs of all East Texans, with ob/gyn, primary and pediatric health care available in one convenient location. Behavioral health services and a pharmacy are also part of the plans for the facility.

For more information on development opportunities at Judson Office Park, call (903) 722-5514 or visit our website at www.JudsonOfficePark.com.

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

contents RE VIEW

8 9

TO EAT: Chill'Um Grill & More TO DRINK: Edible Art

FIT VIEW

10

Jumping Rope for Exercise

HEALTH VIEW

12

Choosing a Memory Care Facility

COVER VIEW

14

The Spice of Life: Ronald Porter is Cooking Up Something Good

14

TRAVEL VIEW

18

One-Tank Trip: ENNIS

DOWNTOWN VIEW

20

Gladewater Main Street

NON-PROFIT VIEW

22

Faith Flip

EVENT VIEW

23

Dalton Days

IN EVERY ISSUE 24 26 30

Calendar of Events Picture This!

To Eat, Drink & Do in East Texas

10

20 ON THE COVER A conversation with Ronald Porter brings to mind the wise, wise words of a mother: Don’t go to the grocery store hungry. It’s sage advice to recall before taking a stroll with Porter down his culinary memory lane.

It’s a tale of one mouthwatering meal after another, including those topped off with his mother Betty Porter's Chocolate Tart.

4 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

Certainly that’s where Nelda Strong,

Dear Readers, A few months ago, my 9-year-old son, Elijah, got in the car at the

featured on our Charm cover this month,

end of the school day almost bubbling with excitement. He’d learned

gets her drive as she works with the

something new at school and couldn’t wait to tell me all about it. Are you ready? Wait for it…

Zoning. That’s right. Zoning. Don’t laugh. I’m a little bit of a

relatively new East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance. She wants to bring services to Longview that weren’t available to her and her beloved husband, Jack

government geek, so I was pretty excited that he had enjoyed learning

Strong, when they were dealing with his

something about how our society is ordered.

Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

With a little digging, I learned that Matt Orban, father of one of

On the View side, you’ll learn about

my son’s third grade classmates, had visited Elijah’s classroom that

Ronald Porter, a Longview native whose

day as a volunteer with Junior Achievement. He taught the kids all

culinary skills don’t stop. He’s been leading the kitchen at the relatively

about zoning, and other subjects, of course. Junior Achievement sends volunteers into classrooms to teach students all kinds of things related to entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Our Charm fashion spread will give you a heads up about upcoming fundraisers for Junior Achievement of East Texas and East Texas CASA, while showing off some of the styles you’ll find at Cavendar’s Boot City. (Denim is in this Spring, should you

new Hilton Garden Inn Longview since it opened a couple of years ago, but he’s been gracing Longview’s kitchens for years. If reading about his kitchen skills makes you hungry, remember that Taste of Longview is coming up. It’s a party for your taste buds. Don’t miss it.

Whew. That’s what you’ll find in this edition of Charm and View magazines, plus a lot more.

Perhaps you’ve also noticed a new face attached to this letter. That’s me, Jo Lee Ferguson. I’m a local girl who’s spent about half her life

need an excuse to go shopping.)

Read a little further into the View side of this magazine and you’ll learn something else about Orban. He and his wife, Nicole, took their

telling this city’s story. It’s a page-turner, and I can’t put it down.

I hope you enjoy it too.

for-profit gym and turned it into a nonprofit organization that relies on donations to offer free gymnastics classes. Faith Flip serves hundreds of

jferguson@news-journal.com

children, giving them the confidence that comes through gymnastics while encouraging them in their faith –for free. What a gift to those children.

These are the stories I love. Your stories. They’re beautiful, even when they’re born out of the most difficult days of our lives.

P.S. Give the attached picture a few months and I hope it will look a lot different. Breast cancer treatment took my hair, but we’re making a comeback.

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

Cruises

Mountains

Europe

The Orient

Beaches

We’ve been there.

6 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

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INTO TODAY'S NEWS-JOURNAL news-journal.com 7

REVIEW

to

eat

Chill'Um Grill & More

"Taste of Chill’Um." I’ll admit I got perhaps a little too giddy samples. A dish called Gobi Muncherian, which consists of deep when I saw the event announcement pop up on my Facebook feed. fried, seasoned cauliflower with a sauce, won our hearts as well.

I’ve been to Chill’Um before, but just a couple of times. It’s become

We really didn’t meet a dish we didn’t like.

the place two of my best girls and I go on the few occasions we get

Three cheese chicken balls. Delicious.

a girls night out.

Chicken salad. Good stuff. (And that’s a high compliment from

I knew “Taste of Chill’Um” meant the restaurant would be this diner. I’ve never encountered a chicken salad that I didn’t have serving up samples of a number of its dishes – all for $7. Sold. I a strong reaction to – love or hate. There’s no in-between. This grabbed my usual dates so we could try some of the dishes we’ve chicken salad rated “love.”) always wondered about.

Pasta salad. Delightful.

Zareen Khan and her husband, Sami Khan, first opened Chill’Um in 2012 in Hallsville, serving up a blend of Mediterranean and Indian cuisine and some American favorites. In 2015, the Khans moved their restaurant to 330 E. Hawkins Parkway in Longview, across from the Good Shepherd Institute for Healthy Living.

One thing I’ve always appreciated is the Khans’ enthusiasm when it comes to talking about or answering questions about their food and how it’s prepared. Zareen was standing behind the buffet table when I arrived for Taste of Chill’Um, happily discussing some of the dishes they had prepared that day.

It was hard to pick where to start, but we’re a high-maintenance group of diners. We don’t like a lot of meat - although Chill’Um has plenty on the menu - and one in our group dines gluten-free.

Zareen helped us start our dining experience when she explained that a sample of Indian street food, a kind of vegetable fritter, was battered with chickpea flour. We started there, along with a thin dip made partly of yogurt and cilantro.

Yum. Yum, and Yum. We went back for seconds, and thirds.

Someone muttered, “Oh my gosh,” as we made quick work of our

Kheer (rice pudding). So good.

Hummus. This was another one we couldn’t stop eating.

Chicken Tikka Masala. This was the only dish we found issue with. It was a little tough that day, but still pretty good.

One thing we really appreciate about dining at Chill’Um is that the folks there don’t seem to mind when we linger, refilling our tea or water for as long as we take up a table.

I also like knowing that they prepare their food fresh. Based on past conversations I’ve had with Zareen, I know she and her husband shop at the local farmers market, purchase produce from a local farmer and visit a farmers market in Dallas. Fresh, local produce is important to them. Zareen even grows some of her own herbs and vegetables on-site.

Chill’Um stands out as a delicious, unique dining experience. Try it with the intention of introducing your taste buds to something new. Your tummy will thank you.

CHILL'UM GRILL & MORE 330 E. Hawkins Parkway, Longview | (903) 663-3750 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Takes Reservations Yes | Delivery No | Take-out Yes | Accepts Credit Cards Yes | Good for Groups Yes | Attire Casual | Ambience Relaxed Noise Level Moderate | Alcohol No | Outdoor Seating Yes | Waiter Service Yes | Catering Yes

8 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

REVIEW

to

drink

Edible Art

I live my life in search of my next cup of coffee. It’s true, and, as a Free Texas Shaped Cookie” moniker as her own. (Go ahead. Stop in lifelong coffee addict, I’m not even apologetic. I don’t think it’s sad. and try it. It’s yummy.) She also sold Back the Blue cookies to help I have no dreams of changing my ways. Mostly, I just want my next raise funds for high-powered ballistics vests for Longview police. cup of coffee.

I’ve had to work really hard not to become one of her regular

So I’ll admit I was more than a little happy to hear that one of my walk-in customers. My willpower started to crumble not too long ago favorite bakers, Debbie Fontaine (can anyone really have just one when she announced the arrival of Hotshot coffee at her store. favorite baker), has a new coffee offering at her Edible Art Specialty

I stopped there recently to try it and ran into Fontaine. I could

Cakes and Cookies. It’s called “Hotshot.” Hotshots are small single- tell the cans of coffee appealed to her entrepreneurial bones as she serve cans of coffee (or hot chocolate) - sort of like a Starbucks explained to me that Hotshot had been featured on the TV show Double Shot, only, and this is genius, it’s served hot, out of a small “Shark Tank.” Hers was the first independent business to offer the “hot fridge” at her bakery. As far as I’m concerned cold coffee is a drinks in Texas, she said, and the Hotshot website shows it’s offered measure of last resort.

I first met Fontaine’s beautiful and tasty creations when I was

at fewer than 10 locations across the state.

I left with my French Vanilla Hotshot and a ridiculously good

pregnant with my first son. A little coffee shop at Good Shepherd’s brownie-cookie hybrid sold as a package for $5.50. (My oldest son Medical Plaza sold her cookies. It was a dangerous pairing for a had what I can only describe as a religious experience when he ate pregnant woman – my favorite decaf coffee and a cookie on perhaps the half of a cookie I saved for him.) Hotshot has three flavors, but a few too many afternoons. (Don’t worry. I drink fully leaded coffee others are planned for the future. Also, it’s important to note that these days.)

I’ve been so impressed over the years with Fontaine’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community. She started a bakery at home before moving her artistic kitchen into the former It’ll Do Tavern on South Street. She expanded the business a few years back to add a walk-in retail store where she sells readymade cookies, cupcakes and other goodies and claimed the “Home of the

Hotshot cans have a thermal label that keeps them from being too hot to hold.

The verdict on the coffee: Totally delicious, not too strong, not too sweet, creamy, and hot. As for the cookies? Well, they were never in question.

EDIBLE ART SPECIALTY CAKES & COOKIES 504 W. South St., Longview | (903) 234-2114 www.edibleartcakesandcookies.com 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to Noon Saturday news-journal.com 9

FITVIEW

jumping rope for exercise Words by CLARE MCCARTHY | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

THOUGH

it might be something you typically

“So, a 150-pound person would burn about 480 calories in a half

associate with your childhood, the

hour, if they were to jump rope for a half hour,” Hill says, though it

jump rope can do much more than get kids off the couch. Local trainers

would take a really advanced athlete to be able to jump rope for that

also say it’s a great tool for exercise.

long consistently.

“Jumping rope challenges the body,” says Chris Hill, personal trainer and owner of Personally Fit by Chris Hill, a Longview gym designed to help people reach their personal fitness goals. “You’re using multiple muscle groups with less impact on the body. And it’s a great cardio workout.”

Hill says he and other trainers at Personally Fit use jump rope

Jumping rope also has minimal impact on the joints and on the connective tissue, whereas running is considered a high-impact movement, Hill says. The impact is practically alleviated because you’re landing on your toes instead of your heels.

“When you do a heel-strike on a run, that leads to posterior

several times a week in their group fitness classes. He says they’re great

compressions where they go up through your spine or your hips,” says

for aerobic conditioning and fit in well with the high intensity interval

Hill. “And because you’re coming down on only one foot, as opposed

training that make up some of his programs.

to two, a lot of times you’re getting more of the weight of your body

He says 10 minutes of jumping rope is equivalent to running an eightminute mile in terms of the number of calories burned.

10 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

distributed through one foot, so you’re taking more load through that one part of your body.”

Tommy Dionisio, personal trainer and owner of Crossfit Citadel in

BENEFITS OF JUMPING ROPE

Longview, says as long as people jump rope correctly, they shouldn’t have

• Elevates heart rate

a problem with hurting their body.

• Burns calories fast

“If you’re jumping rope poorly, you can pull a calf muscle, you

• Strengthens multiple muscle groups

can strain your hamstrings, you can destroy your ankles and your

• Builds agility

Achilles,” says Dionisio. “If it’s done unsupervised and someone’s

• Increases bone density

not watching to make sure you have the right moves down, you can

• Affordable

do a lot of damage to yourself in jumping rope. But that is true for

• Portable

anything we do that’s physical.”

Dionisio says although jumping on concrete or cement can cause wear and tear to your jump rope, it won’t have much effect on your body.

“If you’re jumping and landing right, it shouldn’t matter what kind of floor you’re doing it on,” Dionisio says. “And it doesn’t matter your age. If I want to take an 80-year-old person and help them stave off bone density issues, then having them jump and land lightly on a hard surface—that’s really good for their bones. It helps re-stimulate them and it helps rebuild them. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hard floor or soft surface; they all work just fine.”

Dionisio says that depending on a person’s age and physical health, he often recommends scaling up to jumping rope so as not to injure themselves by starting too soon. Someone with joint problems or planter fasciitis, for example, might want to begin by practicing the movements and building up to jumping with a rope.

But he says he would never recommend that someone not jump

Nicole Bodenheimer, pictured above, and Mary Darby, below, use jump ropes during their workouts at Personally Fit.

rope, no matter their age or fitness level.

“Jumping rope has a very unique opportunity of going after all three forms of exercise modalities: gymnastics, weight lifting, and metabolic conditioning,” Dionisio says. Depending on what a person wants to accomplish, jumping rope can be used as a warm-up, it can be used for strength conditioning, or it can serve as a great cardiovascular workout, Dionisio explains. People can buy weighted ropes, ropes that are specifically designed to revolve faster, and ropes that are fit to their height and size.

Plus, Hill says, jump ropes are affordable and can be taken pretty much anywhere.

“You don’t even have to have a lot of space for them. You can put them in a drawer in the house, if you need to,” Hill says. “And you can carry them with you, so they’re easy to travel with, too.”

While neither Hill nor Dionisio recommends jumping rope every day, they both incorporate it three to four times each week in their fitness classes. They say it improves coordination and agility, and it’s a great way to get your heart rate up.

“You could probably write a book on all the different styles, benefits, and ways of jumping rope as an exercise,” Dionisio says.

“It’s a wonderful workout.” news-journal.com 11

HEALTHVIEW

choosing a

memory care facility Words by DOROTHY HORNE

THE

hardest thing I’ve ever done was leave my

several years prior so that if and when the time came that we

husband of 40 years in a memory care facility

needed one, we would be prepared.

and go home alone on July 3, 2017.

In the months before that, Byron, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2011, had experienced increasing confusion and anxiety if we left the house. I hired a sitter several days a week so I could run errands and take a break from caregiving.

When your loved one reaches the latter stages of Alzheimer’s, caregiving becomes virtually nonstop. You quickly become exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally. Although having

Memory care has been a blessing for both of us. Byron has a loving and supportive community as well as devoted staff members to take care of him. We are able to enjoy each other as husband and wife again, instead of having a mostly caregiverpatient relationship. Albeit in a different form, I feel like our life together has been given back to us for however long this season lasts, and I am so thankful. We have many delightful and grace-

a sitter certainly helped, eventually it wasn’t enough. I began to

filled moments together. And we still dance and listen to music

realize that soon I would be hard-pressed to continue to have

every day – that’s our best thing. Always has been, always will be.

the kind of strength necessary to provide the level of care Byron

Many factors affect selection of a memory care facility. Here

needed around the clock. I knew it was time to consider placing

are some of the criteria I considered. I hope they are helpful to

him in a memory care facility. I had already looked at facilities

other families facing this difficult decision.

12 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

THINGS TO CONSIDER Choosing a Memory Care Facility: • Talk to people. Word of mouth is the best way to find out what you need to know.

• Look at reviews and ratings online.

• Drop by. Don’t make an appointment. Ask for a tour and have your checklist and questions ready. Later, go back at a different time of the day and tour again with a different person.

• Look for cleanliness and friendliness. Does your guide introduce you to everyone? Does everyone make you feel welcome? Do they all make you feel like family?

• Is the memory care area pleasant? Ask to see individual rooms.

• Talk to the staff and residents. Watch how staff members interact with each other and the residents. Do they listen to the residents and treat them with dignity?

• Do the residents seem comfortable and relaxed? Are they engaged in appropriate activities or is everyone watching TV? Ask to see an activity schedule and about events planned for residents.

• Ask about the ratio of staff to residents, staff turnover rate and staff training.

• Ask the lead nurse about resident care planning and what input family members have.

• Look at the dining area and ask about meals.

Monitoring your Loved One’s Care: • You are your loved one’s advocate. Be observant. Visit at different times of the day. Get to know the routines. How is the food? Get to know the staff on all shifts. Talk to them about your loved one.

• Does your loved one seem mostly content and well-cared for?

• If you see a situation or mistake you need to call to their attention, do so. No facility is perfect. The difference between a good facility and a poor one is its willingness to correct mistakes and make improvements. If you have a concern, don’t hesitate to talk to a lead staff person or administrator. Staff members should be willing to listen and eager to help. If they’re not, contact the facility’s ombudsman for assistance.

For more tips, download a comprehensive care facility checklist from alz.org. Another excellent resource is “The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory Loss,” by Nancy L. Mace, MA, and Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH. We have no control over the course or effects of this devastating disease, but a memory care facility may help you and your loved one experience a more enjoyable quality of life in the time remaining.

Dorothy Horne and her husband, Byron (Special to View) news-journal.com 13

COVER VIEW

THE SPICE OF LIFE

RONALD PORTER IS COOKING UP SOMETHING GOOD Words by JO LEE FERGUSON | Photos by LES HASSELL

14 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

A

conversation with Ronald Porter brings to mind the wise, wise words of a mother: Don’t go to the grocery store hungry.

It’s sage advice to recall before taking a stroll with Porter

down his culinary memory lane. It’s a tale of one mouthwatering meal after another. There’s the lobster thermidor, the ribs, the fried chicken and biscuits. There’s the béchamel sauce. And don’t forget the steak. Or the cappuccino crème brûlée, the chocolate pie and peach cobbler. Did we mention the chocolate pecan cranberry tart with a special whipped cream on top? Oh my.

Now that you’re hungry, quick: Make your way to the dinner service at the Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center in Longview. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Longview’s wellknown chefs and get a taste of whatever delicious dishes are coming out of his kitchen that night. Porter has been the hotel’s food and beverage director and executive chef since it opened toward the end of 2015, but he’s been cooking in Longview’s kitchens most of his life.

“I used to say I’m a small-town chef,” he says of working in his hometown. “It’s a small town, but it’s big. I love it here. I love the people here. The thing about it is, a lot of times with people, they’ll say, ‘Well, I wish we had this in Longview, I wish we had that.’ If you would just give Longview the opportunity to entice your palate….”

He came by his culinary interest honestly. His grandmother, Ruth Turner, worked for the Longview landmark restaurant Johnny Cace’s for 45 years. He describes his mother, Betty Porter, as an excellent cook who’s had high-profile kitchen experiences herself.

Porter is a 1984 Longview High School graduate who had plans to become a fashion designer with the help of a fine arts scholarship he earned to Kilgore College. Porter had become friends, though, with a foreign exchange student from Austria, whose mother was a designer and store owner. His life plan changed during a trip to visit them.

“I realized I was color blind,” he said. He’d had an interest in cooking since he was a child, and his newfound realization led him to call on his art background to bake wedding cakes.

About that time he started working at the storied Carlito’s Mexican Restaurant when it was still downtown. He waited tables, but he also experimented in the kitchen and sometimes brought his creations out of the kitchen for diners to sample.

He worked there for 10 years before leaving to attend the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He ended up teaching there for a while, too, before returning to Longview. He didn’t find out until later that while he was in San Francisco, his mother sometimes cooked for Texas Gov. Anne Richards in the governor’s mansion.

After returning to Longview, he worked as a personal chef and caterer and as chef at the former downtown Longview restaurant Willy G’s.

continued on pg. 16  news-journal.com 15

After years of working as a personal chef and in professional kitchens, Ronald Porter has some go-to favorite herbs and spices he recommends people keep in their cabinets.

KEEP YOUR CUPBOARDS

STOCKED WITH: • • • • • • • •

COARSE BLACK PEPPER KOSHER SALT OR GRAY SEA SALT DRIED THYME ITALIAN SEASONING FRESH AND DRIED GINGER HERBS DE PROVENCE CUMIN CORIANDER

He doesn’t spend his days making the pastries and desserts he originally was drawn to, although he still enjoys his first food love.

“You can’t please everybody,” Porter says. “Not everybody has the same taste.”

“I like the little tiny things that take forever to do, little delicate

In April, a number of local restaurants are expected to participate

type things,” he said of the intricacies involved in baking wedding

in the annual Taste of Longview. The event is organized by the

cakes and the like. “I think it helps me. It makes my mind go blank,

East Texas Restaurant Association and Pilot Club of Longview.

and I can just focus on that.”

The restaurant association uses money from the event to provide

Cooking is a subject of which he never tires.

local scholarships, teacher grants and continuing education in the

“I spend my time reading cookbooks,” he said. A trip to Books-

restaurant and hospitality industry. The Pilot Club uses its portion of

A-Million or Sam’s Club will end with him buying three or four

the proceeds to support projects that help Alzheimer’s patients and

cookbooks or cooking magazines. “I’ll sit there and read it from cover

support such things as Texas Brain Injury Camps and the Miracle

to cover.”

League of East Texas.

He watches cooking shows with his mom, and they like to discuss what they see and read.

In Longview, he says, people tend to be accustomed to chain restaurants, along with buffets, fried foods and things smothered in sauce. Diners just aren’t familiar with other types of food.

“A lot of them are afraid to try some things,” Porter says. “I think it’s up to us as chefs to educate them and help them learn about foods, try certain foods.”

Porter wasn’t certain in January if the hotel’s kitchen would participate in the event, but he already knows which restaurants he likes to visit during his free time. He has a few locally owned favorites he relies on when he’s looking for someone else to do the cooking.

“Barron’s. I love Jim and Julia (Barron),” Porter says. “I eat at Tomboni’s. I love Chris and Nan. They’re fantastic.”

He’s a fan of Anne Kelt’s Hick and Frog Bistro in downtown Longview, too, Porter says, adding he knows he won’t be disappointed

Still, not everybody likes everything a chef cooks. That’s even the

if he eats at one of those places. Jack Ryan’s in Kilgore and Ginocchio

case at the home he shares with his mom and sister – the dishes

in Marshall, a newcomer to the East Texas restaurant scene, also are

they offer up at their home kitchen aren’t always successful.

on his favorites list.

16 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

Still, he has some unexpected dining experiences up his sleeve.

Porter’s leftovers tend to be in a league of their own. He describes taking home leftover wings, chicken strips and fried shrimp from the hotel’s kitchen one day and pairing them up with rolls and mashed

if

you go 36TH ANNUAL TASTE OF LONGVIEW

potatoes from Golden Chick. He made shrimp po’ boys and chicken

When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 3; 6:30 p.m. sponsor preview party

sandwiches using the meat he brought home and the rolls he

Where: Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center

purchased. He used the “fantastic mustard” sauce his mom makes,

Who: Benefiting projects of the East Texas Restaurant Association and

he says, adding with a little bit of head-shaking that she refuses to market it.

Pilot Club of Longview Cost: Adults $15 in advance, $20 at the door; children ages 4 to 10, $6 Tickets: Available March 1 at:

“I was in heaven,” he says. He also loves Mexican food, but his schedule doesn’t allow him to get to Carlito’s very often.

He’s not ashamed to admit, though, that sometimes he’s just like the rest of us.

• Topp Office Supply, 440 N.Eastman Road, Longview • Camera Shop/Hallmark Gold Crown Store, 405 W Loop 281 Ste J, Longview • Papacita's, 305 W. Loop 281, Longview • The Cace Kitchen, 415 N. High St., Longview

“Yesterday, I went to McDonald’s and got a cheeseburger,” he says. “I was craving a McDonald’s cheeseburger, so that’s what I went and got.”

• From members of the Pilot Club of Longview • By emailing tasteoflongview@gmail.com

Longview’s restaurant scene is a mix of newcomers and long-timers. It’s too early to know which ones will participate in Taste of Longview, but here’s just a sample of what Longview has to offer.

THE CACE

TUSCAN PIG

KITCHEN

ITALIAN KITCHEN View File Photo

View File Photos

WHO: Owned by Rudy and Miriam Kiapeta; they started the

WHO: Owned by the Cace family, as an extension of the restaurant

business about five years ago as a “catering, pick-up, delivery, hole

the family operated for 66 years in Longview: Johnny Cace's Seafood

in wall, underground supper club place.” Opened as a full-service restaurant three years ago.

LOVES: “We enjoy the ‘YUM!’ expression of our guests as they

& Steak House. The Cace Kitchen opened in December 2016 as a takeout food establishment serving Cace Family Favorites.

LOVES: Chelsea Cace: “I love providing our customers with food that not only satisfies their hunger, but also gives them warm memories of

savor an artisan-made dish accompanied with five-star level of

visiting Johnny Caces!”

service. Usually this is a polar opposite experience to the usual night

Cathy Cace: “I love what I do. I love the fact that I am so blessed to

dining out. As our guests depart, the comment we strive most to

be a part of a Longview family legacy that is loved and supported by

hear is ‘We'll be back,’ ” Rudy says.

so many people. I love the fact that our customers like to share their

FAVORITE DISH: Rudy says he can’t answer this because he and his wife created each item they serve. “Occasionally, I work as a server and I am asked that same question. The standard answer is

‘Johnny Cace's’ stories with us….This truly warms my heart and makes me very happy to be part of a family that had some part in helping other's make good memories.”

FAVORITE DISH: Chelsea Cace: “The crawfish ettouffee – over our

‘They are like having children; which do you love more?’ ”

crab cakes.”

FAVORITE DISH ELSEWHERE: “We prefer all our CHEWS

Cathy Cace: Creole Shrimp Gumbo.

Longview partners first and all independently owned eateries in

FAVORITE DISH ELSEWHERE: Chelsea Cace: “Sesame chicken at

Longview. We usually order off menu if the owners know we are

GZ's or French toast at Mi Casita are two that stick out in my mind

in the house,” Rudy says, referring to a marketing cooperative of

right now!”

local restaurants.

Cathy Cace: “Crab Rangoon at GZ's Asian Bistro is one of my favorites.” news-journal.com 17

TRAVEL VIEW

ONE-TANK TRIP:

ENNIS Words by AMY MCHANEY

THERE’S

not a more heavenly sight than

the best trail to follow at that time. An app called Ennis Y’all also

springtime in Texas when the

features dynamically updated trail maps in April.

wildflowers are in bloom. When I was a little girl, my parents would

Ennis is home to the Bluebonnet Trails Festival the third

load my brother and me up in the family sedan for a Sunday drive

weekend of April each year. Festivities downtown include arts

through the countryside to visit the bluebonnets.

and crafts vendors, an art show, presentations by horticulturalists,

The car ride itself was pure torture; I constantly enforced the

wildflower seeds for purchase, live entertainment and more.

invisible line dividing the backseat into equal halves, using my arm as

Sugar Ridge Winery, located northeast of town in Bristol, is a

a guillotine should my little brother encroach on MY side. The sea of

pleasant stop along the Bluebonnet Trail map. Sugar Ridge offers

blue flowers at the end of the drive was worth the sibling war in the

a wide variety of wines to appeal to any palate. Check the winery’s

backseat of the Oldsmobile, though. The memories made running

website for information on fun events like karaoke nights and

through endless fields of bluebonnets are still vivid in my mind.

BYOM – Bring Your Own Meat to cook on their grill.

With children of my own now, I find myself on a quest each spring

If you’re looking for a unique experience, visit the Galaxy Drive-

to identify the ideal spot for photo ops with the best bluebonnets.

In just three miles north of downtown Ennis on Interstate 45. The

What better place than Ennis, the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas?

drive-in movie complex opened in 2004 and features seven screens.

Taking Interstate 20 west from Longview, then dropping south on

It is open 365 days a year, rain or shine and features first run movies.

Texas 34 from Terrell, Ennis is just two hours down the road.

The best part? The price of admission entitles you to two feature

TO DO

films that are shown in succession.

The Ennis Garden Club showcases more than 40 miles of

TO EAT

mapped Bluebonnet Trails April 1 to April 30 each year. Ennis was

Downtown Ennis offers a variety of unique dining spots. Be

designated home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail” by the

sure to try out Wildflower Café for a delicious sandwich. I tried the

state Legislature in a measure signed by then Gov. George W. Bush

Rachel, sister to Reuben, but made with turkey rather than corned

on June 18, 1997.

beef. Wildflower Café also offers a variety of soups and salads and a

The Bluebonnet Trails surrounding Ennis are unique in that Ennis

selection of pies that changes daily.

Garden Club members monitor their bloom status throughout the

Firehouse Grill is housed in an historic - you guessed it –

month, making note of which areas of wildflowers are peaking and

firehouse in downtown Ennis. The restored building is an excellent

putting on the best show. The Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau,

backdrop for an extensive menu featuring mouthwatering options

located downtown, offers free maps that have been highlighted with

such as fried zucchini, quail-k-bobs and buttermilk pie.

18 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

If all you need is a little pick-me-up, stop in the Pop Top Coffee Shop. This super cute corner café will give you the caffeine infusion you need to get you through the day.

TO SHOP Stop by Kindred Soule when downtown. It’s a small business with a big heart – or “soule.” The store offers an eclectic collection of jewelry and accessories, as well as children’s apparel, home goods and more. The shop also houses a tea bar and eatery should you need to whet your whistle.

TO SLEEP

TO DO

Bluebonnet Headquarters 204 W. Knox St. (972) 878-4748 www.visitennis.org 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, During April - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Sugar Ridge Winery 353 Sugar Ridge Road | Bristol (972) 666-2888 www.sugarridgewinery.com 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Firehouse Grill 219 SW Main St. (972) 875-8353 www.firehousegrillennis.com 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday Pop Top Coffee Shop 120 N. Dallas St. (469) 383-0617 www.poptopcoffeeshop.weebly.com 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

TO SHOP

was built in 1905 by Confederate Army Capt. H.T. Moore and his

Galaxy Drive-In 5301 N. Interstate 45 | Ennis (972) 875-5505 www.galaxydriveintheatre.com Open nightly; Check website for show times $7 ages 12 and up; $3 for children

wife Malinda Jane Anderson Farrar Moore. It was constructed in

TO EAT

TO SLEEP

Ennis is home to a number of chain motels, but if you’re looking for a unique place to lay your head, make a reservation at the MooreVentura Bed and Breakfast near downtown. The Moore Home

the neoclassical revival style and boasts almost 7,000 square feet.

Sam and Joanne Ventura are the current owners and meticulously renovated the home while preserving its rich historic beauty.

THE LEGEND OF THE BLUEBONNET

Wildflower Café 211 W. Knox St. (972) 878-6868 www.wildflowercafeennis.com 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Kindred Soule 200 W. Knox St., Suite 100 (972) 876-4202 www.kindredsoule.com 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Moore-Ventura Bed and Breakfast 400 W. Denton St. (972) 878-7300 www.mooreventurabedandbreakfast.com

Historical Marker at the Moore-Ventura Bed and Breakfast

One of the most beautiful of many legends associated with bluebonnets says that a long time ago, the Comanche Indian Tribe was being annihilated by starvation, cold and disease. The Great Spirit revealed to the tribe chieftains that all would be made right if their most cherished possessions would be made a burnt offering and scattered to the four winds. A little Indian princess, the daughter of the highest chief, overheard the council and immediately made ready to sacrifice her beautiful doll with a headdress from the blue jay. While all were asleep, the ritual was performed on a hillside not far from camp.

The next morning, where the ashes had fallen there was a beautiful spread of blue flowers, the same shade as the blue jay’s feathers. These flowers, the legend says, were the bluebonnets, which until this day bloom in the spring in Texas. (Source: Ennis Garden Club) Did you know the bluebonnet is also called buffalo clover, wolf flower and el conejo? The flower’s scientific name is Lupinus texensis. It was adopted as the official state flower by the Texas Legislature in 1901 at the request of the National Society of Colonial Dames in Texas.

According to the Ennis Garden Club, the bluebonnets along the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails almost always reach their peak around April 21, which is San Jacinto Day, the day when Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836. Coincidence? I think not! news-journal.com 19

DOWNTOWNVIEW

gladewater

main street

Words by ANNTOINETTE MOORE | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS & LES HASSELL

YOU

don’t have to look very hard to see this town’s roots.

Railroad tracks laid down in the 1870s by the Texas and Pacific Railway Co. run right through downtown, and the pumping unit from the first gusher drilled near town during the 1930s oil boom sits beside the rails, a derrick towering above it.

Today, locals and visitors come downtown to shop, eat, soak in the historic atmosphere, and listen to live music.

Take a stroll down the sidewalks, look into the old storefronts, and gaze upward at the vintage streetlights in the state-designated “Antique Capital of East Texas.”

“The stores have everything from furniture to gadgets to technology.

We have stores that sell the old-time candies. We have an awesome bookstore, a wonderful Christmas store [and] the ice cream store,” said Elaine Roddy, chairwoman of the Gladewater Main Street board.

Restaurants include Guadalupe's Mexican Restaurant, the Sugar Shack (with “wonderful pies and sandwiches. They’ll sell you a whole pie.”) and the Central Station, a new venue with craft beers, brick-ovenbaked pizza and live music (country, folk, pop, and adult contemporary) on the weekends.

“When you stop at (U.S. Highway) 80 and look down the hill, the main street is inviting. Just come down the street and see what we have,”

20 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

said Roddy, who's also president of the board of downtown's Gladewater Museum, run by volunteers. “We’ve stood the test of time.”

The Main Street program is crucial because it keeps downtown revitalization and development plans on track.

“Main Street is that spark, the one that has the ideas. We work very closely with the business owners,” Roddy said. That is the primary job of new Main Street Manager Christina Stanger, who started in February.

The program is administered through Gladewater city government and offers grants to store owners for painting facades and creating or updating signs. It has helped build a pavilion downtown and improve the area around the derrick.

Gladewater City Manager Ricky Tow said, “Our Main Street program works with the businesses owners to enhance their structures, to draw more visitors downtown. It’s a building block.”

“Historic downtowns inform collective community memory,” said Robert Johnson, Gladewater’s executive director of economic development and a Main Street board member.

“People want to interact with historical destinations, historical buildings. The revenue generated from the wonderful shops and places to eat is important in keeping the community vibrant,” he said.

Recently, a Main Street grant was used to paint and add awnings to the Masonic Lodge downtown, Roddy said. In the future, she’d like to light the oil derrick, a project that has been on the books for a while.

Stephanie Chance has owned Decorate Ornate for almost 18 years and is also on the Main Street board. Her husband, Allen, is an electrician and donated his time to install the downtown streetlights.

“If you drive through at nighttime now, it’s beautiful with our vintage lampposts,” she said.

Because of Gladewater’s designation as an “antique capital,” “people come from everywhere looking for that one special piece.”

Decorate Ornate has antique doors from Europe “that have gone in all over East Texas. I work with lots of builders in Dallas, Austin, and all over Louisiana. I offer anything that you could think of for your home,” Chance said.

But downtown is more than just stores. Important annual festivals include the East Texas Gusher Days (coming up April 21-22), the Roundup Rodeo in June, the Arts and Crafts Festival in September and the annual Holiday Open House of stores downtown, which draws hundreds of people from Dallas, Shreveport, Tyler and Longview.

There’s also the Gladewater Opry located in the historic Cozy Theater, which is “packed out every Friday and Saturday night,” she said.

if

you go 33RD ANNUAL EAST TEXAS GUSHER DAYS

When: April 21-22 Where: Downtown Gladewater Cost: Free, though some activities, such as the car show and chili cook-off, have a participation fee.

Information: www.gusher-days.com

GLADEWATER, TX Founded: 1873 by the Texas and Pacific Railway Co. Population: 6,441 Did You Know: Johnny Cash wrote "I Walk the Line" while waiting to perform in Gladewater.

The Flanagan family attends the East Texas Gusher Days Festival in downtown Gladewater.

Businesses In and Near Downtown Gladewater: RETAIL

Antiques II 112 S. Main St. (903) 845-6493 Facebook Christie's Collectibles 113 N. Main St. (903) 845-2811 Country Girl Collections 124 S. Main St. (903) 241-1821 Facebook Darla's Gift Shop 100 S. Main St. (903) 845-9999 Facebook Decorate Ornate 202 S. Main St. (903) 845-2519 www.decorateornate.com Facebook Gladewater Antique Mall 100 E. Commerce Ave. (903) 845-4440 Facebook

Gladewater Books 109 E. Pacific Ave. (903) 845-4843 Facebook

The Screen Door 106 E. Commerce Ave. (903) 985-1133 Facebook

The Sugar Shack 125 S. Main Street (903) 987-9066 Facebook

Graf's Antiques & Jewelry 119 S. Main St. (903) 845-2700 Facebook

Superior Pawn & Gun 207 S. Main St. (903) 845-4888 www.superiorpawntx.com

West Pacific Pizza 224 W. Pacific Ave. (903) 845-5885 www.westpacificpizza.com

Greenwood's Year Round Christmas 111 E. Pacific Ave. (903) 844-2201

Unique Furniture & Antiques 217 N. Main St. (903) 387-0495

Hillie's Airbrushing & Tattoo 110 S. Main St. (903) 780-9343 Facebook

Yesterday's Treasures 105 W. Commerce Ave. (903) 845-7800 Facebook

The Central Station, Brick & Brew 101 N. Main St. (903) 374-4700 gladewatercentral.com, Facebook Live music on Friday & Saturday nights

R & S Antiques 111 S. Main St. (903) 844-2130

RESTAURANTS

The Ribbon Bow-tique 203 W. Commerce Ave. (903) 845-9933 www.theribbonbowtique.com Facebook

Guadalupe's Mexican Restaurant 101 E. Pacific Ave. (903) 845-2318 Facebook Subway 106 E. Upshur Ave. (903) 845-8200

ARTS/MUSEUMS Gladewater Museum 116 W. Pacific Ave. (903) 845-7608 gladewatermuseum.org

Gladewater Opry 108 E. Commerce Ave. (903) 845-3600 www.gladewateropry.com Veteran's Memorial Plaza 115 E. Pacific Ave. www.gladewaterformerstudents.com

news-journal.com 21

NON-PROFITVIEW

faith flip

Words by ANNTOINETTE MOORE | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

SOME

couples flip houses. Matt and Nicole Orban

which are popular with boys, Orban said, because they get to climb on

“flipped” their for-profit gym, turning it into

things and jump from one obstacle to another.

Faith Flip, a nonprofit that offers gymnastics at no charge to pre-school through high-school age kids.

“We took a leap of faith and let God flip our gym. Now we get to teach our faith in Jesus and teach kids to flip,” said Matt Orban, who founded Faith Flip with his wife, Nicole, in July 2014.

The gym accepts new students year-round, and offers a competitive trampoline and tumbling team for boys and girls.

Erinn Walton has four children at Faith Flip – three girls aged 12, 9 and 8, and one boy, 5.

“They’ve all learned quite a bit. They’ve gained lots of skills,

Orban, who has been coaching gymnastics and cheerleading since

especially my older girls,” Walton said. Even her 5-year-old son is

1996, said they were inspired by Christ Fit Gym in Bossier City, La.

learning “patience and to wait his turn, to listen and follow instructions.”

It’s a free, nonprofit gym founded by Billy Weatherall that depends on

“It’s a great motivator for them to get their [school] work done. They

donations rather than membership fees and offers weekly Bible devotions.

The Orbans liked that idea and wondered if something similar would work at their gym in Longview.

“We tried different things for about a year, donating some money to

all love to go,” Walton said.

The Waltons had a 2-year-old son who passed away from cancer at the end of 2016. During his illness, though money was tight the other children continued to go to their Faith Flip classes because they were free.

missions, doing weekly Bible verses, even holding a church service on

“I really appreciate all the people who work there. They are very

Sunday. Nothing seemed to be what God wanted us to do. We finally

patient and kind. I also love that they have a Bible lesson as part of

figured out that God wanted everything,” Orban said.

every gymnastics lesson,” she added.

So he and his wife stopped charging for classes. Instead, they asked people to donate what they could.

“Some people can’t give at all. We have a donation box, so people contribute money there. They can also donate online,” he said.

Other people give things needed to keep the gym running: toilet paper, garbage bags and popsicles, for example. The gym has both paid staff and volunteers who help with classes or the devotionals offered with them.

“Nothing is required. We appreciate all the help, for sure,” Orban

Orban said it can be challenging to achieve certain gymnastic skills, but it gives students a great sense of confidence when they do.

“We want to help the kids of this community grow athletically and spiritually. We don’t want to limit that to just those who can afford it,” he said.

faith flip

Where: 3923 Pals Pkwy | Longview, Texas 75604

said. The gym operates purely on donations and sponsorships from

President: Matt Orban

local businesses.

Vice President: Nicole Orban

Faith Flip offers beginner, intermediate and advanced gymnastics

Founded: July 2014

classes for pre-school through high-school age, and specializes in

Number of Kids Served: About 500 pre-school through high-school age youths participate weekly

tumbling, trampoline and cheerleading. It also has parkour classes,

Information: (903) 758-5910, www.faithflip.us and on Facebook

22 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

EVENTVIEW

dalton days Words by CLARE MCCARTHY | Photos by LES HASSELL

ON

May 23, 1894, shots rang out in downtown Longview, only minutes after outlaw Bill Dalton and three of his gang members robbed the First National Bank on Fredonia Street.

About 200 shots were fired by outlaws and townspeople in response to the robbery, resulting in one of the biggest shootouts in Old West history.

Two Longview residents lost their lives and three were injured before Dalton and his crew fled the city.

Now, the historical event is re-enacted each year as a tribute to the heroism showed by Longview townspeople and a celebration of Longview’s heritage and history.

“It’s probably one of the biggest historical events that happened here in town,” says Lindsey Loy, executive director of the Gregg County Historical Museum. “It’s exciting. Kids love it. Parents love it. It makes for a great event.”

The Gregg County Historical Museum held the first Dalton Days in 1994, the same year it formally dedicated its Bill Dalton Bank Robbery exhibit featuring photos, text, and weapons from the robbery. In 2012, the museum moved the re-enactment and its connected festival to the Longview rodeo arena, away from the Fredonia Street location. When Loy took over as executive director in 2016, she decided it was time to move the festival back downtown.

“We felt it would make for a much more engaging and realistic reenactment if we performed in the same area in which the original bank robbery occurred,” Loy says. “Our building was not there in 1894 when the robbery actually occurred, but the shootout did happen in the same place right in the middle of the street.”

Loy says Dalton Days is a not just a way to showcase the history of Longview but also a way to encourage Longview residents to explore the Gregg County Historical Museum.

“The point of all our events is to let people know that the museum is here and that they can come and see the museum,” Loy says. “Moving [Dalton Days] back downtown and offering free admission to the museum for a day really boosted our participation.”

This year’s Dalton Days will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 7 in the same downtown Fredonia Street location. The museum will bring in professional actors from several gun-fighting groups to perform the robbery re-enactments, which will take place at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m., with various musical guests performing in between.

A “kids zone” will be set up, complete with a petting zoo, face painting, and family-friendly games, and children can attend a meet-andgreet with the re-enactors at noon. Oil Horse Brewing Company will be selling root beer out of a traditional “saloon,” and other food trucks and vendors will be set up throughout the festival.

Loy says it’s important to continue the Dalton Days festival in order to educate people about Longview’s history and encourage children to appreciate it.

“We want to encourage kids to love history,” Loy says. “[Dalton Days] gets kids interested in history and our kids grow up to be our patrons, which is exactly what we want…The guns are loud, they produce real smoke, so kids get excited. And it’s a free event, so parents can bring the entire family without worrying about having to spend a fortune once they get here.”

The museum is adding something new this year: the Dalton Dash 5K and Fun Run, set to begin at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., respectively. Register and find more information on the Gregg County Historical Museum’s website at www.gregghistorical.org.

if

you go DALTON DAYS

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 7 Re-enactments of the robbery at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.

The Dalton Dash 5K at 8:30 a.m. ; The Dalton Dash Fun Run at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Fredonia Street and Bank Alley, Downtown Longview Cost: Free Information: gregghistorical.org

news-journal.com 23

EVENTSVIEW

calendar of events LONGVIEW

Rediscovering Andy Warhol Through March 24

Repeats are Neat Children’s Consignment Sale March 15 to March 19

Home Again Gala April 6

Blue Jeans & Ball Gowns April 14

longviewihn.com

www.bluejeansballgowns.com

Alpine Church of Christ Gym, 610 E. Loop 281

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

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.lmfa.org

www.repeatsareneat.com.

“The Road to the Promised Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement” Through March 10

Women in Longview Day March 21

Hilton Garden Inn Longview & Conference Center.

www.gregghistorical.org

Gregg County Historical Museum.

www.womeninlongview.org

gregghistorical.org

Cookin’ At The Creek BBQ Cook Off March 23 and 24

Merrit Ranch in Kilgore

Zonta Antique Show and Sale March 2 to March 4 (903) 235-4144

www.longviewunitedway.org

Cameron Carpenter and his International Touring Organ March 3

Northeast Texas Tabletop Convention March 24

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

Bear Creek Smokehouse, 10857 Texas 154, Marshall

LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.belchercenter.com

(903) 918-7924, Facebook

Goldilocks on Trial March 8 to March 10

Casting Crowns March 24

ArtsView Children’s Theatre, 313 W. Tyler St.

LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com

www.belchercenter.com

Big Daddy Weave March 11

36th Annual Taste of Longview April 3

Mobberly Baptist Church, 625 E. Loop 281

www.mobberly.org

Spy Training Mini Camp March 13

Longview World of Wonders

www.longviewwow.org

24 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

Dalton Days & Wild West Show April 7 Downtown Longview, Fredonia St.

Denim & Diamonds April 7

(903) 297-2202, Junior Achievement of East Texas Mudbugs and Music April 7

Passing Zone Saves the World April 14 LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

www.belchercenter.com/ Performance.html Longview PRCA Rodeo April 20 to April 21 Longview Rodeo Arena, 100 Grand Blvd.

www.longviewrodeo.com

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

Weird Al Yankovic Live!

April 20

East Texas Symphonic Band April 9

www.belchercenter.com

www.arcgc.org

LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

Harvest Festival Crawfish Boil April 21

ArtWalk April 12

www.harvestfestivallivestockshow. com/crawfish-boil/

www.etsymphonicband.com

Downtown Longview

www.facebook.com/artwalklongview/ Longview Green and Clean April 14

Lear Park, 100 H.G. Mosely Parkway

www.facebook.com/ tasteoflongview

longviewtexas.gov/2258/ Longview-Green-and-Clean

Carson & Barnes Circus April 4 and April 5

Chautauqua Festival April 14

www.bigtopshow.com

www.longviewtexas.gov/2163/Library

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center

Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton St.

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

Longview Symphony “All that Jazz” April 21

LeTourneau University, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

www.longviewsymphony.org Sixth Annual Caddo Lake Earth Day Paddling Flotilla April 21 Shady Glade Resort RV Park, 449 Cypress Drive,

Karnack2018cbtmnflotilla@gmail.com, (903) 672-5524

Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live April 23

Dalton Days

LeTourneau University Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

www.belchercenter.com/ Performance.html “Aladdin” April 27 and April 28

LeTourneau University Belcher Center

www.belchercenter.com/ Community_Events/ Longview Wine Festival April 28

The Green, Texas 31 and Spur 63

etalzalliance.org/wine_festival.html Habitat for Humanity "Raisin' The Roof" April 28

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex

http://longviewhabitat.org/rtrsponsor-opportunities/

KILGORE

Chautauqua Festival

Avalon Faire March 31 to April 29

1076 FM 1252 W., Kilgore

www.avalonfaire.com

LAKE CHEROKEE Ride For Recovery March 31 Lake Cherokee

www.rideforrecoverylongview.com

MARSHALL

Nighttime Scavenger Hunt March 9 Caddo Lake State Park

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caddo-lake

GLADEWATER

East Texas Gusher Days April 21 and April 22 Downtown Gladewater

(903) 845-5501

JEFFERSON

“Bookmark” March 2 to March 4

First United Methodist Church Youth Building, South Line and Henderson Street

easttexasperformingarts.org Diamond Don’s 16th Annual AHRMA National Vintage Motocross April 12 to April 15

Avalon Faire

Diamond Don RV Park, 1602 Texas 49 East

www.DiamondDon.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 May/June events is March. 31.

news-journal.com 25

PICTURE THIS

BOURBON &

BOWTIES LONGVIEW | MAUDE COBB CONVENTION & ACTIVITY CENTER | 2/3/2018 Photos by LES HASSELL

The fifth annual Bourbon & Bowties, a popular fundraiser benefiting

ROBIN CARROLL, ERIN DUNNAHOO

Longview World of Wonders, featured a bourbon trail, live and silent auctions and a dinner catered by Bear Creek Smokehouse.

KRUPAL & POULLOMI PATEL, NEELY SMITH, DR. DEREK CEGELKA

JULIA ABRAMS, JANIE TATE

JEREMY & LAUREN GIBSON, PAIGE LINDSEY, JORDAN JACKSON PHILLIP COLLIER, CAROLE PARKS

26 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

DEVANN & JERRIE DECKER, RANDY & JAMIE SWISHER

ALICE & MATTHEW KUHN

PICTURE THIS

JUNIOR LEAGUE

CHARITY BALL LONGVIEW | SUMMIT CLUB | 1/20/2018 Photos by LES HASSELL

The Junior League of Longview brought back its Charity Ball on Jan. 20 for the first time in about a decade. The black-tie event raised money to support Junior League projects, such as the School Supply Train.

MIKE & CAROLYN NORTHCUTT

JIM TACHIAS, RAINA HOWERTON

CARSON & KELSEY RUNGE

BECKY HANCOCK, JASON & JOSEPHINE BRANTLEY

DICKENS & KATE WILKINSON

CHARLES & LINDA THOMAS

FRANK & JILL CHANEY

news-journal.com 27

PICTURE THIS

ARTWALK

MIDTOWN LONGVIEW | THE VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER | 2/8/2018 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

RACHEL & GARRETT DAY

Longview’s popular downtown ArtWalk expanded into a new event in February – ArtWalk Midtown at The Village Shopping Center. About 15 artists participated in the event. The next ArtWalk Midtown is set for Sept.

13, with traditional Downtown ArtWalk evenings set for April 12, July 12 and Oct. 11.

LUCY HARRISON, CLYDE CLUBB

MELONYE RODGERS, ELYSE MCCOSKEY, CHARLES ARNOLD

SANDRA & ERIC SKOOG

28 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

ANUP BHANDARI, MELANIE PINKSTON

CHARLOTTE & DON ESCH

PICTURE THIS

LONGVIEW CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE BANQUET LONGVIEW | MAUDE COBB CONVENTION & ACTIVITY CENTER | 1/18/2018 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Jeff Moseley, chief executive officer of the Texas Association of Business, was guest speaker in January at the Longview Chamber of Commerce’s JAMEY & JANEL WALKER

annual banquet. For the first time, the chamber honored a nonbusiness as Large Business of the Year, with the recognition going to Gregg County.

Bio-Derm Laboratories won Manufacturer of the Year, while the Chairman’s Award went to Ron Hutchison and Ambassador of the Year Award went to Linda Fullman.

JACKIE STITH, DIANNE SWANK

SHARON COLLINS, MAUREEN EAST, MAYRA CASTANEDA

JASON & SHARON SYPERT

KEITH & PAM MCINTOSH

TONYA FETTERS, JUDY HARRIS, JANIE NOLLEY

news-journal.com 29

LOCALVIEW

to

eat, drink & do in east texas

to eat

to shop

services

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.

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

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

FemTouch, Coolsculpting, skin laser procedures and skin treatments. Also, Botox fillers from performing Medical Directors Philip Hawner, M.D., plastic surgeon, Dr. Alyn Hatter, dermatologist, and a licensed staff.

1515 Judson Road, Longview (903) 757-2955

CAFÉ BARRON'S

to shop 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) 663-4737, www.shopbarrons.com

DARLA'S GIFT SHOP Stop in at the only gift shop in Gladewater open five days a week! Shop women's fashion, accessories, specialty food items, locally made candles and much more.

100 S. Main St., Gladewater (903) 845-9999 www.facebook.com/DarlasGiftShopGladewater

HERITAGE WINE & SPIRITS Heritage is a modern Wine and Spirits retailer, designed to elevate your “beverage” shopping experience.

Wines, Spirits, Craft Beers and a friendly, knowledgeable staff!

2000 N. Eastman Rd., Longview, (430) 625-7121 30 VIEW | M A R C H / A P R I L

HENRY & MOORE JEWELRY

MERLE NORMAN 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.

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

to do BELCHER CENTER

CHERRY HILL MEDSPA

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

EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION

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

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.

Multiple locations, www.etpcu.org

services

EASTMAN CREDIT UNION

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) 2454614, www.casafloraflowers.com

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

to

eat, drink & do in east texas

services FLOOR MEDIC

R & K DISTRIBUTORS

DR. YASSER ZEID

Your premium floor cleaning company is here to the rescue. They offer emergency water extraction, Oriental rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning and more.

322 W. Tyler Ave., Longview (903) 663-5509, www.floor-medic.com

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.

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

At Zeid Women’s Health Center we offer procedures and services that benefit all of our patients, including some procedures that can be done in-office through minimally invasive surgery.

Locations in Longview, Tyler & Henderson (903) 315-2700, www.zeidwhc.com

GRANITE PLANET

REA DENTAL

East Texas' supplier of cultured marble and granite. Let us help you design the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams!

1229 Market St., Longview (903) 759-4726

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

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

MASTER TRAVEL Plan your getaway with Master Travel.

Buy airline tickets, reserve your hotel, and find the best deals on vacations, rental cars and cruises plus much more.

100 E. Tyler Ave., Longview, (903) 753-5896

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

TEXAS BANK AND TRUST Texas Bank and Trust has been serving East Texas for nearly 60 years. We serve 16 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 news-journal.com 31