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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017Â

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

contents RE VIEW

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TO EAT: Cajun Tex TO DRINK: Auntie Skinner's

HEALTH VIEW

Mind, Body, & Soul

FIT VIEW

When it Hurts to Exercise

COVER VIEW

That East Texas Sound

TRAVEL VIEW

One-Tank Trip: NACOGDOCHES, TX

DOWNTOWN VIEW

Longview Main Street

NON-PROFIT VIEW

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Rockers, Riders & Ribs East Texas Yamboree

IN EVERY ISSUE 30 33 36

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

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22 ON THE COVER From the blues music of T-Bone Walker to the country tunes of Tex Ritter, East Texas has a rich and vibrant music history. Today, their success – along with other East Texas music pioneers – still resonates throughout the hills and woods.

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LONGVIEW TEXAS Ally Venable

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Dear Readers, When we decided about nine months ago to feature live music in our September/October issue, I had no idea at the time which of our amazing local musicians we would feature on the cover. When planning a magazine, some decisions are easy; others are not. This cover was one of the most difficult to make a decision about because we are blessed in East Texas to have so many wonderful bands. You’ll read bios on many local bands in our cover story. We selected Ally Venable to be on the cover as a representative for all local bands because she has great qualities that we see in many other musicians. She’s young, she’s insanely talented, she’s vibrant, she plays with soul and writes lyrics that connect with her audience, and she (like many others) represents East Texas well as she performs for crowds both near and far. As we stood under the Kilgore oil derricks for this photo shoot, Ally played her guitar and I couldn’t help but be reminded of just how talented she is. She spent this summer working on her second album and is preparing to release it this fall. You might see it available shortly after this issue is released, and you should definitely grab a copy. Ally’s work on a second recorded album is indicative of the vibrance of the East Texas music scene, which has roots that date back to local legends like Tex Ritter and T-Bone Walker. You can read out the history of our music scene and about up-and-coming artists who are carrying on that legend in the cover story of View. This month, we’re also proud to introduce a new feature of the magazine. In our Downtown View

Gregg County Historical Museum

L Longview

18th Annual andmarks of

An Architectural Home Tour

September 16th & 17th 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Thorntree & Forest Park Advance ticket sales $20 online and at the Gregg County Historical Museum, Barron’s, Louis Morgan #4, Blue Door Antiques/Pen & Company, GZ Asian Bistro and Dog Style. $25 on tour days at participating homes

section you will find stories about East Texas downtowns. We’re kicking this series off by featuring our own downtown Longview. You can read about how downtown has changed over the years, and all of the businesses that thrive there today. In coming months, we plan to highlight downtowns in different communities across East Texas. We hope these stories not only instill a sense of pride for residents of the featured cities but that they also inform our readers from across the area about the things that make all of our cities across East Texas special and unique. In this issue of View, we headed east for our food and drink reviews to feature Cajun Tex and Auntie

1907 N. Tenth

Skinner’s. In our health and fitness stories, we encourage you to slow down, focus on your overall mind, body and soul, and to try some lower-impact exercises that are certain to help you relax as we head into a busy time of year. In our monthly One Tank Trip, we decided to go to the oldest town in Texas for a feature, and in events, what better way to celebrate fall than with a Yamboree Queen coronation and one of the biggest music festivals in East Texas: Rockers, Riders and Ribs. (By the way, many of the bands featured in our cover story – including Ally Venable – will be playing at Rockers, Riders and Ribs this year!)

8 Thorntree

If you flip the issue to the Charm side, you can learn about glamping, a concept that combines camping with luxuries so it’s like glamorous camping. Our cover features a beautiful glamping location in East Texas: Red Barn House Retreat. It’s located in Upshur County, between Longview and Gilmer. This place allows you to reconnect with nature while having all the luxuries of home. It has a pond, zipline, campfire setting, tire swing and more to encourage you to get outdoors. But when you go to sleep at night, you’re staying in a gorgeously decorated red barn house that has comfy beds, a full kitchen, a home theater and more.

5 Thorntree

Our Women In Business profile this issue features Nina Sisk, who is one of few female master technicians in the country and she works here in Longview at Roughneck Harley-Davidson. Meanwhile, as we head into fall we decided to share some ideas for decorating faux pumpkins in our monthly Charm School. From the city lights in downtown Kilgore to the beautiful

1109 Camellia Lane

outdoors in Upshur County, we had so much fun putting this issue of Charm/View together. We hope you have as much fun reading it as we did working on it. As always, we look forward to hearing your feedback and we hope you have a wonderful fall.

clane@news-journal.com

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214 N. Fredonia St. 903-753-5840 www.GreggHistorical.org

This program made possible in part through a grant from City of Longview

REVIEW

eat

If you’re looking for a place to let the good times roll at dinnertime, look no further than Cajun Tex in Marshall.

Cajun Tex The appetizer came out quickly and the dill pickle chips (lightly battered and fried) were piping hot, but cooled when dipped in the

My boyfriend and I went on a rainy, overcast evening. As soon as ranch dressing that is provided on the side. The pickles are cut a bit we walked through the doors, bright pops of color greeted us with thick, so you get a decent sized slice with each bite. The batter had a the proclamation “Laissez les bon temps rouler.” With Mardi Gras- great seasoning to it. I would definitely get these again! themed décor and bright, bold colors, you can’t help but be in a cheerful mood inside these walls.

As for our entrees, one thing is certain at Cajun Tex: You will not walk away hungry. The restaurant serves hearty portions and the

A friendly staff greeted us when we walked in. They were so food reheats well if you have leftovers (I know from experience!). warm, friendly and cheerful throughout the night that we felt like Both entrees arrived quickly at our table and tasted like they had they were old friends who we hadn’t seen in a while instead of just come off the stove. I appreciate food served nice and warm, and strangers we had just met. We have eaten at Cajun Tex before, trying everything from the

Cajun Tex does just that. The Blackened Chicken Pasta was very flavorful. The spicy

Cajun burger to classics like jambalaya and po-boys. On this visit, we Alfredo sauce is amazing! The Cajun spices give it just the right sought recommendations from staff because we were in the mood amount of heat and it had great flavor. The chicken was cooked to for something new.

perfection and we loved the seasoning. The Breaux Bridge Classic

Without any hesitation, employees suggested the Breaux Bridge likewise was just as great. The staff cooked the fish perfectly; it was Classic. Apparently, it’s the restaurant’s most popular item and a blackened, well-seasoned and tender. All of the food on this plate had staple on the Cajun Tex menu. It features three strips of fish – grilled, Cajun spices that brought heat, but without being too overpowering. blackened or fried (we had blackened) – topped with crawfish

If you’re looking for good Cajun food just west of the Louisiana

étouffée and served with dirty rice. We also ate the Blackened border, Cajun Tex is ideal. Its food has great seasoning, is served Chicken Pasta, which features blackened chicken tossed in a spicy quickly and the restaurant has a super friendly staff that will make Alfredo sauce, served over penne pasta, topped with parmesan you feel right at home. We will definitely be back soon! cheese, tomatoes and chives and served with toast. Hungry when we arrived, we ordered Lone Star Fried Pickles as an appetizer.

CAJUN TEX 104 W. Grand Ave., Marshall | (903) 935-7719 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; Closed Sunday

REVIEW

drink

Auntie Skinner's

I absolutely love visiting downtown Jefferson when the weather is in for dinner. The employees here are very relaxed and make you feel beautiful – sunny, blue skies, a light breeze in the air. There’s nothing at home. They’re happy to share stories and offer recommendations. like walking the beautiful red brick streets and exploring antique The food menu is vast and includes salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers shops. If you’re out for a day in Jefferson and decide you want to take and a variety of dinners, such as the meals that feature chicken. a break and have a drink, do it like the locals and stop into Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club Restaurant and Bar.

Harkening back to its roots as a saloon, Auntie Skinner’s is a smoker-friendly bar that features a vast array of drink options. On the

I’ve been to Auntie Skinner’s many times and it’s always a very beer menu, you’ll find everything from well-known brands to local relaxed, friendly place to go. If you’re not familiar with Auntie Skinner’s, favorites produced at area microbreweries. But you’ll also find a beer let me share some fun history with you. The restaurant has been a that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else except in Marshall: The mainstay in Jefferson since it opened in 1983 across the street from Boogie Woogie Beer. It’s a golden ale that is light, crisp and easy to the Marion County Courthouse. It’s a family-friendly restaurant that drink on a warm day. Marshall resident Alan Loudermilk created the was named after the old Dixieland song, “Auntie Skinner’s Chicken Boogie Woogie Beer recipe a few years ago because he wanted a beer Dinner.” (If you’re not familiar with this song, I encourage searching that highlighted Marshall’s history as the birthplace of Boogie Woogie. for it on YouTube. And, yes, Auntie Skinner’s food menu includes I highly recommend trying it. several chicken dinner options, including the Chicken Auntie Skinner

If you aren’t in the mood for beer, the crew at Auntie Skinner’s can

Dinner, a Grilled Chicken Dinner, the Chicken Fried Chicken Dinner make just about any mixed drink you could want. I tried an Amaretto and the Chicken Strip Dinner.)

Sour (the favorite drink of my waitress during my most recent visit)

The building itself dates back to 1866 when it was constructed and it tasted amazing. It combines amaretto liqueur with sweet and to serve as one of Jefferson’s many riverfront-district warehouses. sour mix, and it’s divine! The architecture has never been modernized so it exudes history. It

If you’re looking to get out of town for the day, I highly recommend

features three double doors in front with beautiful fan windows that a visit to Jefferson and a stop into Auntie Skinner’s. From the food and are reminiscent of New Orleans. Inside, history is everywhere. The drinks to the friendly staff, you’ll feel right at home and will not be walls are adorned with photos of old steamboats; if you look up, you’ll disappointed. see an antique, red tin ceiling. When you walk through the doors, expect to be warmly greeted by the friendly staff, as my boyfriend and I were when we recently stopped

AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB RESTAURANT AND BAR 107 W. Austin St., Jefferson | (903) 665-7121 www.auntieskinners.bikersforburnsurvivors.org 11 a.m. until close Sunday-Thursday (no set closing time); 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday

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HEALTHVIEW

mind, body, and soul Words by DAWN-RENÉE RICE

DOES

this sound familiar? You start your day in

Kimberly Russell-Brown, with Wickedly Inspiring Wellness, is

a mad rush to get out the door, deal with a

an Integrative Nutrition health coach who works closely with her

never-ending to-do list of demands at work, only to come home in another mad rush to another never-ending to-do list of demands. Before you know it, the week is over and it’s time to start again. If this is your life, 24/7/365, then you’re like most Americans, stressed out and barely functioning. According to WebMD, stress affects our body in several ways from causing headaches and upset stomach, to high blood pressure, sleeping issues and chest pain. Many of us turn to comfort foods and addictive behaviors, such as alcohol, tobacco or drugs, to cope. Nearly 75 to 90 percent of all doctor’s office visits are because we are stressed out, manifesting into physical ailments.

clients to find balance through nutrition. “Integrative nutrition blends the eastern and western medicine with the holistic approach,” Brown said. “I look at their lifestyle and the food itself and look at what might be out of balance in their life, whether it’s a relationship, finances, their career, spirituality … [what] we call primary ‘foods.’” After determining which primary “foods” are out of balance, Brown works with her clients to see what’s out of balance with their secondary food, which is what we actually eat. “For women in general sometimes it’s their primary foods that are out of balance because they tend to put others first,” Brown

So how do you get off the hamster wheel of life or exit the rat

said. However, men are just as prone to stress and imbalance.

race, even for just a few solitary moments of your day? How do

Their “stress levels are so high because their jobs are demanding,

you find time for you? Find a balance between your mind, body

their families are demanding and they tend not to eat right or

and soul.

skip exercise.”

continued on pg. 10  news-journal.com 9

Brown develops personalized programs for her clients to help

loving kindness,” Wisdom said. “That’s one of the precepts of

them understand and reduce cravings, increase energy, set and

Thai massage is to help the person become whole – spiritually,

accomplish goals and feel better in their body.

mentally, physically, energetically.”

“A lot of people have resistance because they think ‘Oh a diet,

When it comes to taking time for ourselves, “We have a rough

I have to give up everything.’ Or the lifestyle change means they

time disconnecting, to quiet the mind,” he said. “There’s just so

have to give up everything they love,” Brown said.

much going on, things are going so fast, the world is moving is so

Her approach is different in that she teaches how to slowly

fast and we’re so busy.” Disconnecting seems to be a big issue for many of us. Wisdom

“crowd out all the things that are bad and introduce the better habits.” She recommends reading labels to better understand what you’re eating, drinking more water, especially infused water, and avoiding sugar for mental clarity and general wellness. To find out more, call (903) 452-9451 or visit her website at www.wickedlyinspringwellness.com, or join her this fall in her small group seminar series that runs Sept. 12 through Nov. 28. Mark Wisdom, senior program coordinator at Christus Good Shepherd Institute for Healthy Living and co-owner of Integrative Bodywork, works with his students through yoga and Thai massage to help bring them clarity of mind and to relieve stress. “In the case of Thai massage, there are stretches and a lot

notes that in nearly every yoga class he teaches, someone’s cellphone goes off and the person answers, oftentimes leaving the room. Not only is it interrupting their mindfulness, but others as well. “We’ve got to slow down. Clear the mind. Yoga is a great place to do that because of the movement. You just have to disconnect your mind enough to do meditation in motion,” he said. But clearing the mind doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stopping all thoughts from entering your mind. In fact, “you’re not going to quiet the mind,” Wisdom said. “The more you try to squish them the more the thoughts come in.” He explains it’s “really not about clearing the mind completely

of aspects of it that are similar to yoga. Instead of someone just

but it’s about letting go of the thoughts, noticing them, watching

working and kneading the flesh, it’s very deep,” Wisdom said. “I

them as they come in, without the judgment … You’re observing

do a lot of stretching and deep movement that gets into things like

what’s happening.”

sciatic nerves and joints.”

Wisdom offers several tips on how to deal with stress no matter

But while it might seem that one massage is no different

where you are. “Take a few moments to close your eyes, take a few

from another, in the case of Thai massage “you’re working on the

deep breaths, turn the focus inward and quiet the mind,” he said.

whole person and trying to work on the whole person through the

To find out more and book a Thai massage with Wisdom, call (903)

movement, the touch, the words they would use like ‘metta’ for

918-8092 or go online to www.integrativebodyworkoflongview.com.

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

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FITVIEW

when it hurts to exercise Words by DAWN-RENÉE RICE

SOME

of us are born with diseases and disabilities,

because they decrease damage to your joints, increase cardiovascular

others happen to us through life circumstances.

health, strengthen your muscles and encourage weight loss.

And in a world where one-size-does-not-fit-all, the same goes for

Gorman Brown, registered yoga teacher with Mind, Body, and

exercise. We aren’t all able to be P90x athletes or the next Olympic

Metta and one of the only Yin yoga teachers in the area, said, “As a low

champion. But our bodies need to move and stay on the move in some

impact standpoint (Yin yoga) is great for all ages. It’s great for people

way in order to remain healthy for ourselves and our families. When it

who’ve never done it before and those who’ve done it all their lives.”

hurts too much to jump and jive to the latest aerobics craze, you can take it low and slow with low-impact exercises, such as swimming, yoga and Pilates. I’ve spent the better part of 30-plus years looking for the right low impact exercises, because I was born with my feet and lower legs turned in at almost 90-degree angles. For the first two years of my life my parents had to massage my feet and legs daily so they would turn correctly (as much as possible anyway). When I was growing up, I eventually had to stop playing sports and dancing because of severe

Yin yoga is taught mainly on the floor at a slower pace, and poses are held for four to five minutes at a time instead of 30 seconds to a minute, allowing you to relax into the posture, soften the muscle and get closer to the bone. It’s the opposite of Yang yoga, which is also known as ashtanga, slow flow or vinyasa, which is typically what is taught at traditional yoga studios. “Most people when they (do Yin yoga) and go to a restorative (yoga) class, that’s what people will associate Yin with,” Brown said.

stress fractures in my feet. In my mid-20s I developed arthritis in

“So Yin is very much like restorative but it is not restorative. In

my toe joints. Attempts at various aerobics classes, such as Zumba,

Yin, you have the option to keep the room heated or not. I prefer to

Jazzercise and the like, were short lived.

in my classes because I feel it will help stay away from injury. The way

Then I discovered low-impact (and no impact) exercise.

you warm up or play a sport, keeping the room heated in a yoga class

Low impact, and no impact, exercises are perfect options for

does the same. It helps keep the body relaxed so you avoid injury,”

people with disabilities, debilitating injuries, arthritis and more

Brown said.

continued on pg. 12  news-journal.com 11

Brown can attest to how Yin yoga works as a lower-impact type of yoga exercise for debilitating injuries. In 2014, Brown was severely injured in a car wreck, resulting in a break to the C1 vertebrae in her neck, four places in her skull, two lateral fractures in her pelvis and in her right foot. She was in a halo for 16 weeks and eventually had to go through cognitive, physical and occupational therapies. A year later, she discovered she has a brain disorder called Chiari malformation that she was born with and would never have shown symptoms without the wreck. “I personally use (Yin yoga) because of my injuries,” Brown said. “It’s an easier approach, and there are a lot more modifications and adjustments you can do with Yin that might be a little more difficult to do during an ashtanga class because it’s so fast paced with up and down moving.” If you’re interested in giving Yin yoga a try, Brown offers private or group lessons at various locations in East Texas. She also offers free classes to people with PTSD and to veterans. She can be reached at (903) 738-4478 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ bodymindandmetta. If yoga isn’t for you, another great form of low-impact exercise is Pilates, which allows you to work your muscles and strengthen your core from a mat or with the use of machines. It’s highly beneficial for people with disabilities, arthritis or recovering from injuries. According to Judy Weeks, Pilates instructor at Christus Good Shepherd Institute for Healthy Living, Pilates is great for all types of people. “I have had clients that are quadriplegic, clients with one leg, with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, knee replacements and hip replacements,” she said. One of her clients was in a snowboarding accident and had a spinal cord injury. He could only walk with crutches because two years post accident all of his muscles had atrophied. “We went from all of his muscles being asleep to turning everything on. And we did that all through using Pilates Reformer and the tower,” Weeks said. Thanks to Pilates, her client’s walking and muscle strength improved. If you’re interested in taking a Pilates Reformer class with Weeks, she teaches at The Institute. You can find her schedule of classes by calling (903) 323-6500 or by going online to www.gsmcinstitute.org, clicking on Fitness and scrolling down to the link for the Pilates Reformer class schedule and descriptions. 12 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

Pilates allows you to work your muscles and strengthen your core from a mat or with the use of machines. It’s highly beneficial for people with disabilities, arthritis or recovering from injuries.

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continued on pg. 14  news-journal.com 13

FROM

the blues music of T-Bone Walker to the country tunes of Tex Ritter, East Texas has a rich and

vibrant music history. Today, their success – along with other East Texas music pioneers – still resonates throughout the hills and woods as there are now hundreds of popular and successful artists across multiple genres of music. This, in part, has helped the East Texas music scene grow exponentially. And the future for music in the area shines brightly as up-andcoming musicians, such as Kilgore’s Ally Venable and Honey Grove’s Tyler Bryant, continue to carry the torch.

MUSIC HISTORY Texas undoubtedly has one of the more interesting music scenes in the country, especially considering major label artists shift to a more Wes Jeans performs Oct. 22, 2016, during Rockers, Riders and Ribs in downtown Longview. (Michael Cavazos/News-Journal Photo)

pop-inspired sound. Traditional country has really manifested itself into a new subgenre called Texas country, which has been East Texas’ bread and butter since Country Hall of Fame legend Tex Ritter belted out “I’m Wastin’ My Tears On You” in 1944. The history of music in East Texas stretches farther back in time to a period when the Native American tribes of the Caddo people roamed East Texas, singing their songs accompanied by drums, rattles, bells, notched sticks and other percussion instruments of the time. Religious music first spread to the region in the 1800s, although one could speculate that sacred music existed earlier with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors and other travelers. The East Texas Sacred Harp Convention, first organized in 1855, is the oldest Sacred Harp convention in Texas and the second oldest in the United States, and was originally considered a form of Christian worship, according to the convention’s website. The convention annually convenes in six East Texas counties: Gregg, Harrison, Panola, Rusk, Smith and Upshur. The group’s most recent meeting in August was held at the Henderson Civic Center in Henderson. The first commercial musical success to originate from the Piney Woods was composer Scott Joplin, who recorded ragtime’s first and most influential hit with “Maple Leaf Rag” in 1899. According to Edward A. Berlin in his 1994 book “King of Ragtime: Scott Joplin and His Era,” Joplin was reared in Texarkana and helped popularize ragtime in the late 1890s at the World’s Fair in Chicago. Another early musical success was Linden-born bluesman Aaron Thibeaux “T-Bone” Walker, who made his Columbia Records recording debut when he released the singles “Wichita Falls Blues” and “Trinity River Blues” in 1929. The next success was Tex Ritter, often considered an early pioneer

Neal McCoy performs Sept. 16, 2016, during the Neal McCoy and Friends benefit concert for the East Texas Angel Network. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

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of country music. Born in Murvaul, near Carthage, Ritter quickly jumped into show business by performing in radio and on television.

He was the first artist signed to Capitol Records in 1942, according to “Billboard.” Today, his success — along with Joplin and Walker’s — still resonates. “Years ago, this East Texas area had an abundance (of country artists),” said Traci Ritter-Smith, president of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage. She, of course, is referring to many of her museum’s inductees: Ray Price, Stuart Hamblen, Gene Watson, Linda Davis, etc. Plenty of other legendary country artists – as well as musicians of other genres – hail from East Texas. Eagles drummer and main songwriter Don Henley was born in Gilmer and bought his first guitar in Sulphur Springs. Musicians

MODERN MUSICIANS Rising artists, such as Kilgore’s Ally Venable and Honey Grove’s Tyler Bryant, are continuing to bear the torch and lead the East Texas music scene to great things once again. Bryant got his start playing dingy clubs around East Texas, much like fellow blues axeslayers Wes Jeans and Kayla Reeves. “I always knew this is what I wanted to do,” Bryant told the “Dallas Observer” earlier this year. He just wrapped up a European tour with his band Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown supporting Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Deep Purple.

such as Duane Propes from Little Texas and Monte Pittman from

While Bryant is at the height of his success, Venable is at the

Madonna’s backing band were guided to superstardom by Longview

beginning. She just started playing regular gigs around Texas,

cult icon Don “Unkle Dallas” Wicker, and let’s not forget about Neal

opening for bands, such as Dennis Quaid and the Sharks, Ana

McCoy’s lasting impact on the Texas country music scene.

Popovic and Rick Derringer. Her band’s debut album, “No Glass

Country musicians Gene Watson and The Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen were both born and raised in Paris, while rock band

Shoes,” was released last year to critical acclaim, and she’s working on her follow-up.

Fair to Midland and country act JB and the Moonshine Band

“I don’t know where I'll be in five years,” Venable said. “My goal

call surrounding cities Sulphur Springs and Mount Pleasant

is to be a touring musician and to just have fun and live my dream —

home, respectively.

maybe inspire some people in the process.”

continued on pg. 16 

Photo by Les Hassell

inspire

“My goal is to be a touring musician and to just have fun and live my dream —

maybe some people in the process.”

news-journal.com 15

Venable always has been a singer, but her life could have turned out different had it not been for the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan. “I started singing in the children’s choir at church when I was about 4, and then I started playing guitar when I was like 11 or 12,” Venable said. “Once I started listening to Stevie, I got into blues, and it’s kind of taking off from there.” Now a protégé of Texas guitar prodigy Lance Lopez, Venable is quickly becoming one of the rising contenders on the blues circuit. She has the accolades to prove it, including winning awards for best blues band and female guitarist of the year at the East Texas Music Awards in 2015. She also placed in the Top 10 of the “Under 20” category at the 2015 and 2016 Dallas International Guitar Festivals. Another popular rising star is country singer and Pittburg native Koe Wetzel, who has made quite the impact on the Texas country music circuit by selling out honky tonks and dive bars in the last year or so thanks to his sophomore album, “Noise Complaint.”

LOCAL MUSIC VENUES While these East Texans’ talents have taken them to the next level, a lot of that success can be attributed to the platforms by which these musicians and entertainers exercise their talent. In Texas, that means playing the right music venue. Bryant, Jeans and Reeves performed at a lot of the same music venues together, such as the now-defunct Camp Shagbark Blues Research Cole Allen performs for fans May 13, at Porch Fest in Kilgore. (Les Hassell/ News-Journal Photo)

Center in Northeast Texas. The radio program, “Louisiana Hayride,” was instrumental in the success of early country and rockabilly coming from East Texas. Nowadays, restaurants and dive bars have become the norm for even the more successful touring acts. Both Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club in Jefferson and The Back Porch in Kilgore are prime examples of flourishing East Texas music most days of the week. The latter venue hosts an annual festival called Porch Fest that spotlights the best local music of Longview and the surrounding areas. “Since we started music six years ago at The Back Porch, we’ve evolved to become a pretty well-known music venue,” owner Jackie Clayton said. The restaurant originally began as a pool hall in the 1960s, and went through several transformations before Clayton purchased the business in 1990. With the ever-growing success of Wetzel, JB and the Moonshine Band and other East Texas artists, such as Miranda Lambert and Cody Wayne, the region seems to be experiencing a creative output that hasn’t been seen like this in decades. Both Sulphur Springs’ Hannah Kirby and Carthage’s Billie Jo Russell appeared on NBC’s “The Voice,” the latter also winning the 2013 John Ritter Tribute Showcase at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Music lovers listen to a band perform May 13, at Porch Fest in Kilgore. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

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If you love putting on your boots and dancing to live music, there is no better time to be an East Texan.

Live & LOCAL Cody Wayne Band

is a country group from Henderson whose latest single, “Fly High,” spent several weeks on the Texas Regional Radio Report. The band took home 2015 Country Band of the Year and Album of the Year for “Making Love In The Moonlight” at the East Texas Music Awards

Teazur is a cover band that is an ode to everything that was great about the ’80s. Led by guitarist Rio Wallace, the band performs classic heavy metal hits with riffs as thick as the amount of hairspray used by the band.

Special to View

Photo by Michael Cavazos.

Ally Venable Band is the backing band for teenage blues guitarist Ally Marie Venable. A protégé of guitar virtuoso Lance Lopez, she was named in the Top 10 of the “Under 20” category at the 2015 and 2016 Dallas International Guitar Festivals.

White Trash Wannabes is an East Texas rock and roll quartet that specializes in blending alternative rock and Texas country. The band has recently performed at Porch Fest and Downtown Live.

Special to View

Photo by Michael Cavazos

Dagnabbit is an eclectic cover band that plays an assortment of music from blues to bluegrass to country, and has performed all across East Texas for a number of years.

Photo by Michael Cavazos

Darrin Morris Band is a Gilmer-based country band that has dominated at the East Texas Music Awards for the past several years, winning Album of the Year, Video of the Year, Country Band of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year in just 2016 alone.

Photo by Les Hassell

The Mansion Family

Cole Allen

is a Marshall-based rock band with a self-described mixture of “roots rock with funky Southern jam band tendencies.” The band has performed around East Texas, including recently at Downtown Live in Longview.

is a one-man Americana band from Longview. Using a neck harmonica and a Farmers Foot Drum, a snare/high-hat/ bass drum contraption, Allen performs an assortment of originals that tell an array of stories.

Photo by Les Hassell

Photo by Michael Cavazos

news-journal.com 17

SPONSORED CONTENT

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THE FREDONIA HOTEL: NACOGDOCHES, TX UPON

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news-journal.com 21

DOWNTOWNVIEW

longview

main street

Words by JO LEE FERGUSON | Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

THE

people who work at Silver Grizzly Espresso are likely to greet Gary Ford by name when he walks into the coffee shop in downtown Longview. Same thing at Deb’s Downtown Café. That’s the kind of atmosphere that a walk from the parking lot into a big box store doesn’t offer, says Ford, director of pricing for Network IP, on Tyler Street in downtown Longview, on the same block as those two restaurants. He’s lived in Longview most of his life, and worked downtown for 14 years. He’s seen downtown when it wasn’t on the upward slope it is now – with new businesses creating new interest in the city’s heart. Downtown Longview today is home to restaurants, shopping, museums and reconstructed, landscaped streets and sidewalks. (Some work is still underway on street reconstruction.) “You can’t recreate just the community that’s down here,” Ford says. “You walk down the street, you see people you know…. It may not have always been that way, but it is now. It’s heartwarming.” Ford also is the chairman of the 100 Acres of Heritage Advisory Board. Longview years ago named its downtown area “100 Acres of Heritage,” in recognition of the original 100 acres that O.H. Methvin deeded to the Southern Pacific Railroad for what would become the city of Longview. The city’s downtown area is, today, a part of the Main Street America program, and the advisory board provides local input for that program. Melida Heien, Longview’s Main Street coordinator, says a thriving downtown embraces the past while moving forward. “It’s the one place of true authenticity in your community,” she says. “You’re not going to find what you find downtown anywhere else. You can’t recreate that historical layout, and if you do it’s just going to end up looking like a mall or Disney World. This is where it started, not just here, but any town where you visit. This is the place where it all started.” Ford says when he started working downtown there were just a couple of restaurants there and some shops. Now, there are more restaurants, more shopping, more reasons to come downtown.

22 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

“Now we have Funky Monkey that I’m staring at across the street, which is another gift shop,” he says, while sitting in a booth at Silver Grizzly. Silver Grizzly is across the street from the Oil Horse Brewing Co. “I think we’re in a really exciting time with all the buzz that’s going on down here. The new business we’re sitting in right now and the one I’m looking at across the street have really brought a lot of energy and excitement down here and kind of turned people’s perceptions around down here, or just made it known that downtown’s back on the rise.” Deb Bolton, owner of Deb’s Downtown Café, also describes downtown as a place where “everybody knows everybody.” It’s “more personal,” “more family.” She expected the atmosphere would continue to improve as street work is completed. “It’s growing,” Bolton says. “I think people want to be downtown.” Downtown Longview is home to businesses with a wide appeal. “If you have an interest in arts, craft beer, good coffee – it’s a walkable place…” Heien says. “The fact that we have three museums in a town this size – that’s huge,” she adds, referring to Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Gregg County Historical Museum and Longview World of Wonders hands-on children’s discovery center. Heien and Ford note more improvements are planned in downtown Longview. Ford’s advisory board, for instance, continues to work to make Heritage Plaza an even friendlier place for special events and music festivals. The organization installed a stage, for instance, in the downtown park that tells Longview history. Also, Heien said a plan the city of Longview recently adopted that includes downtown Longview calls for an emphasis on housing, and she expects the city will begin reaching out to developers to help bring more mixed-use developments to downtown Longview. “I see our downtown area kind of expanding, from the just the 100 acres to several hundred acres,” she says.

In and Around Longview's Original 100 Acres RETAIL

Savvy Sisters 208 N. Green St. (903) 238-9200 http://savvysisters.net/ Downtown Flooring Gallery 208 N. Green St. (903) 212-8557 downtownflooringgallery.com Hopscotch for Children 105 E. Tyler St. (903) 758-2753 The Wig Center 106 W. Tyler St. (903) 753-8225 The Golden Door 108 W. Tyler St. (903) 753-2907 Heartisans Marketplace 112 W. Methvin St. (903) 431-1188 www.heartisansmarketplace.com George Preston's Antiques 205 N. Center St. (903) 753-8041 Emily Rae’s Boutique 206 N. Center St. (903) 757-0307 www.emilyraesboutique.com ABC Auto Parts 201 S. High St. (903) 758-0605 http://www.abcauto.com/ Funky Monkey Floral & Gifts 105 W. Tyler St. (903) 759-2646 www.funkymonkeyfloral.com Horaney’s Feed Store 301 W. Methvin St. (903) 753-3661 Maness Furniture 225 E. Cotton St. (903) 757-4323 http://manessfurniture.com/ Shattered ER 205 S. High St. (903) 757-5911 www.screenrepairlongview.com Tatum Music Co. 301 N. High St. (903) 758-3261 www.tatummusic.net Best Buy Beauty Supply 209 W. Tyler St. (903) 757-6677

The Red Door Consignment 423 N. High St. (903) 234-1412

Backstreet Bar and Grill 214 W. Methvin St. (903) 758-6160

Guys & Gals Beauty Shop 106 S. Center St. (903) 757-7408

Methvin Street Antique Mall 504 E. Methvin St. (903) 553-9656 www.antiqueslongview.com

Wicked Kitty Saloon 217 W. Tyler St. (903) 234-1909

CS Cutting Co. 444 N. Fredonia St. (903) 757-9848 cscuttingcompany.publishpath.com

Longview Flower Shop 701 E. Methvin St. (903) 758-7541

The Tuscan Pig Italian Kitchen 401 S. High St. (903) 651-1833

Trejo’s Bridal Boutique 703 E. Methvin St. (903) 553-9393

Edible Art 504 W. South St. (903) 234-2114 www.edibleartcakesandcookies.com

Betty’s Antiques 414 E. Cotton St. (903) 753-8204

The Brewery 510 W. South St. (903) 238-8655

Johnny’s Custom Hatters 317 E. Cotton St. (903) 753-4600

The Cace Kitchen 415 N. High St. (903) 212-7720

FOOD AND DRINK

Hunan 420 N. High St. (903) 757-9137

Lil’ Thai House 212 N. Fredonia St. (903) 236-0155 www.lilthaihouse.com Hick & Frog Bistro 108 E. Tyler St. (903) 212-7778

Bon Temps Bar and Grill 115 E. Tyler St. (430) 625-7734 The Arc of Gregg County Downtown Coffee Shop 101 E. Tyler St. (903) 234-9119 Silver Grizzly Espresso 100 W. Tyler St. (903) 309-2766 silvergrizzlyespresso.com Oil Horse Brewing Co. 101 W. Tyler St. (903) 241-4686 www.oilhorsebrewing.com

Hot Dog Express 106 E. Marshall Ave. (903) 753-8081 Pho Vietnamese 417 N. High St. (903) 234-1600 Grown Folks Club 812 E. Methvin St. (903) 261-2153

SERVICES

Bombshell Hair Design 208 N. Green St., Suite 100-A (903) 553-0378 Salon Pink 204 N. Green St. (903) 236-3622 Inspire Photography by Hannah 125 E. Tyler St. (903) 236-2566

Salon Phoenix 500 E. Methvin St. (903) 522-2051 Sam Smead Photocreative 705 E. Methvin St. (903) 758-3900 www.samsmead.com Texas Cleaners and Laundry 201 W. Tyler St. (903) 753-1177 Texas Tire Exchange 202 W. Tyler St. (903) 753-6692 Big 5 Tire and Auto 301 W. Tyler St. (903) 753-5764 www.big5tire.com Lobo Tire 311 N. Sixth St. (903) 758-1512 Floor Medic 322 W. Tyler St. (903) 663-5509 http://www.floor-medic.com House of Pain Old-Fashioned, Hard Core Gym 311 W. Tyler St. (903) 738-4676

MUSEUMS/ PERFORMING ARTS

Longview Museum of Fine Arts 215 E. Tyler St. (903) 753-8103 www.lmfa.org

Deb’s Downtown Café 103 W. Tyler St. (903) 234-2823

The Posh Princess 110 W. Tyler St. (903) 445-2869

Gregg County Historical Museum 214 N. Fredonia St. (903) 753-5840 gregghistorical.org

Pig Trail Inn 100 S. Center St. (903) 230-9870

Master Travel 100 E. Tyler St. (903) 753-5896 www.mastertvl.com

Longview World of Wonders 112 E. Tyler St. (903) 212-4969 www.longviewwow.org

Phine Salon & Apothecary 112 W. Methvin St. (903) 234-7173 www.phinesalon.com

ArtsView Children’s Theatre 313 W. Tyler St. (903) 236-7535 www.artsviewchildrenstheatre.com

RMC 203 S. High St. (903) 753-9393 www.rainbowmembersclub.com High Street Donuts 210 S. High St. (903) 653-4855

Desert Tanning Co. 106 S. Center St. (903) 758-0880

news-journal.com 23

finding a financial advisor

THE

financial industry has changed over the last half decade, and middle class men and women looking to grow their money have no doubt experienced that change firsthand. Unlike in years past when large financial firms welcomed middle class investors with open arms, many firms now take no such approach, offering little to no incentives to their own brokers for accounts that are not in excess of half a million dollars or more. Much of this shift can be traced to heightened scrutiny of the financial industry in response to the economic downturn that began in 2008. More regulations and higher costs have made it less cost-effective for financial firms to cater to middle class investors, many of whom are in the dark about the best ways to grow their money. But even though the industry has changed, men and women can still find financial advisors who can help them plan their financial futures.

RECOMMENDATIONS Arguably the best way to find a financial advisor is to seek recommendations from family and friends, ideally those in similar financial shape as you. Though larger firms may prefer to ignore middle class investors, some firms make a point of catering to this oft-underserved market. When asking friends and family for recommendations, try to determine if any of the people you speak with have their own broker or simply speak with customer representatives when issues arises. Companies that provide you with your own

local banker profiles ALICESON HOWELL, RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Doing business in East Texas, you need a banker familiar with our unique East Texas market. A Longview native, Aliceson Howell joined the Austin Bank team in 2014 as a Business Development Officer and recently transitioned to Relationship Manager. With over 20 years’ experience in nonprofit management, her passion is helping East Texans reach their dreams and working hard to make their lives better. Austin Bank, a community bank headquartered in Jacksonville, is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family, celebrating more than 108 years of service in the Texas banking industry. “It is my promise to be a partner and friend, to help create a better everyday life for our communities, families and businesses.” 911 NW LOOP 281 | LONGVIEW, TX 75604 OFFICE 903.295.4426 AHOWELL@AUSTINBANK.COM

MARY DODSON,

BRANCH MANAGER, NORTH LONGVIEW Making members happy is Mary Dodson’s passion. As the branch manager of Eastman Credit Union’s North Longview Branch, when Mary says, “we’re here for, and only for, our members,” she means it. With 27 years of mortgage and banking experience, Mary’s expertise runs the gamut of real estate, finance, and banking services. “My number one passion,” Mary says, “is inspiring my employees so that they are eager to come to work each day,” and as a result, her branch staff exceed member’s expectations again and again, providing extraordinary service to every member they serve! Mary loves spending time with her children, she’s very involved in supporting the needs of her community, and volunteers for school and community events whenever she can. 3066 N. EASTMAN ROAD | LONGVIEW TX 75605 OFFICE 800.999.2328

24 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

special advertising section

broker may be easier to work with and more likely to listen to your concerns than those that do not assign you your own broker.

help you in various areas, including retirement, estate planning and tax planning.

FEES

APPROACH

When on the lookout for a financial advisor, inquire about the fees you would have to pay if you chose a particular firm. Annual fees typically hover around 1 percent, but some firms willing to take smaller investors may charge nearly double that, knowing that middle class investors have few other options at their disposal. Determine the fees a firm will charge before making your final decision. When asking about fees, ask the representative to explain the details of each fee, noting if the firm will earn a specific amount if they sell you a particular product. If they will, they may be incentivized to sell you a certain product even if that is not necessarily in your best interest.

Choose the firm whose offerings best match your needs.

Many investors find it's best to work with financial advisors whose approach to investing and financial planning matches their own. If you're risk averse, then you likely won't be comfortable working with a financial planner whose approach is aggressive. Likewise, if your goal is to make as much money as possible and you don't mind taking risks, then a more conservative planner likely won't be able to yield the types of results you're looking for. Identify your own approach to investing and planning, and then look for a planner who shares that philosophy.s Upon looking for a financial advisor, smaller investors may no longer find an

SERVICES

industry that's waiting to welcome them with open arms. But there are ways for

It's also important to distinguish between the services each firm provides. Some will only sell you advice, while others offer comprehensive planning that can

middle class investors to find financial planners who are willing and capable of managing their money.

SHELLIE LITTLEJOHN,

RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, TEXAS REGION – NMLS# 1137467 Shellie Littlejohn has 30 years of experience in the financial industry, and as ECU’s Mortgage Relationship Manager, Shellie loves the challenge of using ECU’s unique mortgage options to help her members achieve their goals. “We offer options that are unique to ECU,” said Shellie. “It excites me to help people, and I love the challenge of catering to our member’s needs!” Shellie doesn’t use a cookie cutter approach, because no two members’ situations are alike. Her work ethic and her dedication to each member are evidenced by how she customizes home buying options. “ECU is as an easy sell, because our mortgage products are so diverse!” Shellie’s passion for excellence and helping others doesn’t end at work. Her family, church and community are also touched by her desire to make an extraordinary difference! 3066 N. EASTMAN ROAD | LONGVIEW TX 75605 OFFICE 903.686.1588

CARLA DIXON,

BRANCH MANAGER, SOUTH LONGVIEW BRANCH Carla Dixon’s enthusiasm for member service is contagious. As Eastman Credit Union’s South Longview Branch Manager, Carla began her career at ECU over 22 years ago, and she has built a strong rapport with her members over the years. Members know that Carla sets the bar high for her staff, and they trust her and her staff to save them money and provide them with the absolute best product options. “I firmly believe that no one else can compare to what ECU has to offer members,” she says. Carla has lived in Kilgore most of her life. She is a dedicated wife and mother, an active member of the East Texas Literacy Council, and an active member of the Longview Community. HWY 149 AT KODAK BLVD | LONGVIEW, TX 75603 OFFICE 800.999.2328

special advertising section

news-journal.com 25

NON-PROFITVIEW

longview

community ministries Words by APRIL BARBE | Photos by LES HASSELL

LONGVIEW

Community

Ministries

has been serving East

Texans in need for 32 years by providing food to families, coats for children, teaching job skills and a variety of other services. Executive Director Robin Fruia said making the ministry successful depends on the help of more than 400 volunteers. “LCM is able to serve thousands of needy citizens with over 400 volunteers assisting in various programs such as Meals on Wheels, Family Service Center, Food Box, Coats for Kids, Learning Lab and many more community projects and programs,” Fruia said. The nonprofit organization’s biggest mission is its Food Box through which it distributes groceries to families in the area. So far this year, Longview Community Ministries has distributed about 14,000 boxes of groceries to 2,600 families. Each box provides about 12 grocery items, such as canned goods, cereal, pasta and dried beans. “In addition, we have been able to provide perishable items

Longview Community Ministries incorporated on Sept. 19, 1985, as a nonprofit corporation, according to the organization’s website. In 2005, the LCM Learning Lab launched to help meet needs in providing clients with technology training and job skills. With the help of more than 40 area congregations and numerous other civic organizations, Longview Community Ministries continues the tradition set by the founding leaders demonstrating the effectiveness in community partnership to address needs in the Longview community. The Family Service Center meets with each family who seeks assistance from Longview Community Ministries. Requests vary but include food, rent or mortgage assistance, utility assistance, prescription assistance, heaters, fans, dental extraction and medical screenings as well as free basic life and job skill training classes. Volunteers work to identify families who qualify for Longview Community Ministries’ food and financial assistance programs.

when they are available,” Fruia said. “This might include fresh fruits,

As a nonprofit organization, though, Longview Community

vegetables, dairy, frozen meats or bakery items. Each box is different

Ministries relies upon donations and fundraisers to help with its costs

and depends on the availability of these items each day.”

and providing items to families.

Longview Community Ministries has origins with area church and

Among its largest fundraisers, the annual Touch A Truck – Feed a

community leaders, who, in the 1980s, observed inconsistent resources

Family is set annually in October at the Gregg County Fairgrounds.

and duplication of efforts in serving those in need in Longview.

This year’s event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7.

26 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

“It’s designed for children and adults to see, touch, learn and interact with dozens of interesting vehicles,” Fruia said. “Touch a Truck may include ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, cranes, dump trucks, school buses, 18 wheelers, radio controlled vehicles, and maybe a helicopter or hot air balloon! An inflatable playground, as well as many other children’s activities will be onsite for children of all ages to enjoy.”

LOL&M

Lots of Laughs and Music

The Touch A Truck event also will feature entertainment, prizes, community booths, door prize drawings, a raffle, silent auction and food. Admission is free, but a jar of peanut butter for Longview Community Ministries' food pantry or a monetary donation of choice is welcomed. Everyone is invited, regardless of their ability to donate. “This will be our ninth annual event and our goal is to raise as much as possible for our needy families,” Fruia said. Longview Community Ministries is currently seeking sponsorships for the event, as well as vehicles for display. The organization is also seeking donations of items for the raffle and silent auction. In addition, other helping organizations, businesses and churches are invited to set up tables or booths to provide information and fun activities for children. Fruia said more than 1,700 people attended the event in 2016. “It’s a great way to reach out to those in need when you support LCM’s Touch A Truck event through sponsorship,” she said. To reserve a booth space or to become a sponsor of “Touch A Truck – Feed A Family,” visit the website at www.longviewcommunityministries. org/documents.

Season and Individual show tickets on sale Now! Letters Aloud 7:30 pm Saturday, September 23, 2017 Sponsored by Friends of the Belcher Center

Beach Boys 7:00 pm Monday, October 9, 2017 Sponsored by Texas Bank and Trust

Building 429 with Josh Wilson and Chris August 7:00 pm Thursday, November 2, 2017 Sponsored by Chick-fil-A

Charlie Daniels Band 7:00 pm Sunday, November 5, 2017 Sponsored by Longview News-Journal

2017-2018 if

you go TOUCH A TRUCK – FEED A FAMILY

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7 Where: Gregg County Fairgrounds, 1123 Jaycee Drive, Longview Cost: Free but a jar of peanut butter for LCM’s food pantry or a monetary donation is recommended Information: www.longviewcommunityministries.org

Season Sponsors: Martin Midstream Partners, KLTV Marquee Sponsors: Joy Global Foundation, Carol and Richard Manley, Transet Co. news-journal.com 27

EVENTVIEW

rockers, riders, and ribs Words by CHRISTINA LANE | Photos by LES HASSELL

ONE

of Longview’s largest festivals returns Oct. 20-21 in an expanded format that will feature more live music, more biker events, more barbecue and more family friendly fun. Rockers, Riders and Ribs, which attracted more than 10,000 attendees to downtown Longview last year, will feature 14 bands performing over two days, as well as dozens of vendors, bikers games, a rib cookoff and children’s activities. “If you want to have a day that’s affordable and fun, and have a concert experience, this is the place to come. We have 14 bands performing, and they’re quality musicians,” said Larry Jobe, event coordinator for the festival and advertising director of Longview News-Journal. “It’s a great place to enjoy sights and sounds with your neighbors and friends.” The event begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 20 with the Roughneck Harley-Davidson/ Lone Star Ice House/Electric Cowboy Kickoff Party. The free evening will feature seven musicians – Cole Allen, Ally Venable Band, Wes Jeans, The Mansion Family, White Trash Wannabees, 13 Shots and Drug Store Gypsies – performing at Lone Star Ice House/Electric Cowboy in Longview. From 4 to 11:30 p.m. there will be live music, food vendors and a beer garden at the location. On Oct. 21, the day begins with a ride for motorcyclists. Kickstands will go up at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Lone Star Ice House/Electric Cowboy and bikers will ride to the iconic Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club in Jefferson, where they will enjoy brunch and activities. More than 800 bikes have already registered this year, with more expected, Jobe said. Gates downtown will open at noon Oct. 21 and the daylong festival will last until midnight. Bikers will parade into downtown Longview for a day of music, food and entertainment. Festivities include a car and truck show sponsored by ABC Auto Parts; the Scooter Shed Rib Run which features $1,000 in prizes; Torch’s Rock ’n’ Roll Inferno featuring Heather Spitfire performing fire tricks; and the Rider2Rider R3 Stunt Bike Team performing stunt bike tricks. More than 200 booth spaces have been sold this year, up from the 114 booth spaces that were sold last year, Jobe said. That means more vendors for festival-goers to enjoy. Harley-Davidson is bringing its demo truck down to Longview from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, allowing East Texans to take demo rides on their bikes. Meanwhile, the Lucky 7 Custom Cycles Bike Show and Soundoff will be a centerpiece of this year’s Rockers, Riders and Ribs. The contest will dole out more than $5,000 in cash and prizes. “It’s a sanctioned event featuring some of the best custom bikes in Texas and some of the biggest motorcycle stereos that you’d ever want to hear,” Jobe said. The Kids Zone will feature a slew of children’s activities, including multiple bounce houses.

28 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

Meanwhile, in terms of entertainment, Rockers, Riders and Ribs will feature some high profile acts. The Oct. 21 lineup includes local band White Trash Wannabees, Hootz, Brandon Giles, Louisiana Swamp Donky, Lance Lopez, Kentucky Head Hunters, Edgar Winter and Foghat. Rock band Foghat will headline the event. With hits from the 1970s, 80s, 90s and present day, the band is perhaps best known for its song, “Slow Ride.” General admission on Oct. 21 is $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the festival. A portion of the proceeds from the festival benefit nonprofit organizations, including Bikers Against Child Abuse, Pink Ride, Junior League of Longview, 100 Acres of Heritage, Go Texan Gregg County and the Robert Arellano Foundation. The festival not only provides fun and contributions to nonprofit groups, it also offers a boost to the local economy. Jobe said last year’s 10,000-plus attendees came from 35 different states with at least half of the festival-goers came from outside the immediate East Texas area. The festival accounted for about a $1.8 million impact to the local economy, he said, including people spending money at local hotels, restaurants, stores and more. At Rockers, Riders and Ribs, not only does admission give attendees access to live music and festivities, it also is their chance to win a 2017 Dyna Street Bob that has been custom dipped. Roughneck Harley-Davidson of Longview is providing the bike and Diamond C. Trailers of Mount Pleasant donated a custom trailer for it. It also features a seat customized by G-Force Seats, lights from Barron Lighting, and custom grips and foot pegs provided by Choo Choo’s Customs of Gilmer. It’s valued at about $30,000 and will be given away to one lucky attendee at Rockers, Riders and Ribs. A person’s admission ticket is his or her chance to win; there is no extra fee. For more information about the 2017 Rockers, Riders and Ribs, visit www.rockersridersribs.com.

you go ROCKERS, RIDERS AND RIBS

When: Oct. 20-21 Where: Lone Star Ice House/Electric Cowboy on Oct. 20; downtown Longview on Oct. 21 Price: Free on Oct. 20; $15 in advance or $20 at the gate Oct. 21 Information: www.rockersridersribs.com

EVENTVIEW

east texas

yamboree

Words by MEREDITH SHAMBURGER | Photo by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

THE

Yamboree is more than a festival for President Brandon Garmon: It’s a homecoming. That’s why he says it’s always so successful year after year. “There are a lot of memories that go back many, many generations and people coming back together to kind of reminisce and to enjoy some of those memories that they grew up with,” he said. This year’s East Texas Yamboree — the festival’s 80th year — takes place midOctober in Gilmer, providing a multitude of activities for the families coming home. They range from a livestock show to a barn dance to the annual two-night coronation of the Yam Queen, where seven local girls who form the royal court will dazzle crowds in specially-made, jewel-encrusted dresses. The Yamboree first began in October 1935. Upshur County farmers had been producing yams since about 1890, but the crop was quarantined because of a weevil infestation. When that quarantine lifted, a festival was planned to celebrate the harvest. The festival is the second-oldest in Texas, with volunteers throughout Upshur County and from the service clubs who nominate Yam Queen candidates working to make it happen each year. “It’s a major deal when you think of in two weeks, you know, raising approximately $200,000 in Upshur County,” Garmon said. “That means that a lot of people care about the Yamboree, they care about these girls and they want that tradition to carry on. So there’s a lot of public interest in Upshur County and the Yamboree and it being a generational family event and a big homecoming for everybody in October.” Although the Yamboree occurs in October, the planning and preparation take place year-round. “Many people don’t realize that the Yamboree really is truly a year-round event,” Garmon said. “We start with meetings, planning, we select the girls — the service clubs actually select their candidates.” The candidates, who spend two weeks vying for the Yam Queen crown, sell tickets and raise community donations for the Yamboree and the scholarships it gives out each year. The Yam Queen candidate who raises the most money is declared queen at a special “counting of the money” event in the summer and officially crowned at the Yamboree coronation ceremony. This year’s Yam Queen is Gilmer High School senior Madison Dean, who was nominated by the Gilmer Rotary Club.

Her ladies-in-waiting include Glenna Vhae Langford, nominated by the Kiwanis Club; Rainy Dollison, nominated by the Lions Club; Jasmine Chenelle Boykins, nominated by the Iris Garden Club; Lillie Amy-Marie Jenkins, representing the Bluebonnet Literacy Club; and Allie Lange Fennell, representing Beta Sigma Phi. Brianna Esquivel, representing the Twentieth Century Club, was named Yamboree Princess after raising the second-highest amount of money in the Yam Queen race. Dean said it felt great to be named Yam Queen, especially because she has two cousins and an aunt who have also taken part in the royal Yam court. “It feels good to be able to carry out the tradition,” she said. She said she is looking forward to the Yamboree, with her favorite part probably being the parade, which includes the Yam Queen and her ladies-inwaiting traveling in elaborate floats. Garmon said the race for Yam Queen can get very competitive, especially this year as several of the candidates had mothers, aunts and other relatives who have also run for Yam Queen. But that competition ends when the race is over, he said. “You see them come together and everybody’s interested in making the Yamboree continue on for many, many years,” he said. Garmon’s no stranger to the Yamboree either. He participated in the Yamboree parades and marching contests as a member of the Gilmer Buckeye Band. Now his children, Carter and Caroline, and his wife Kim take part in the fun as well. Carter has served as a member of the Queen’s Court under several Yam Queens, while Kim serves on several Yamboree committees and through Beta Sigma Phi. Family- and volunteer-involvement is what makes the Yamboree so special, Garmon said. “The Yamboree wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the people that we have, volunteers who work to make it come together,” he said.

you go EAST TEXAS YAMBOREE

When: Oct. 18-21 Where: Activities throughout Gilmer, primarily downtown and at Yamboree Park Information: www.yamboree.com

news-journal.com 29

EVENTSVIEW

calendar of events LONGVIEW

“East Texas Collects” exhibit Sept. 1-23 Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St.

lmfa.org

Sharon Shrine Circus 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

Longview Game Day, sponsored by the Northeast Tabletop Convention 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9

Healthyville Premiere 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 23

Longview Ambucs Mobility Bash 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 30

Longview Public Library, 222 W. Cotton St.

www.longviewwow.org

www.longviewambucs.com

Bags, Bling & Bingo 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 12

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(903) 918-7924

Longview Word of Wonders, 112 E. Tyler St.

Ruffles and Rust Expo 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23 (903) 819-5773

(903) 566-2151

East Texas Builders Association Event Center, 2023 Alpine Road

Renegade Southern Rabbit Club’s Cajuns & Cowboys Rabbit Show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 2-3

My First Math Series 3:30 p.m. Sept. 14

Heritage Plaza, Green and Methvin streets

longviewhabitat.org

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

Longview World of Wonders, 112 E. Tyler St.

(318) 641-6778

www.longviewwow.org

Abundant Life Ministries’ Parade of Tables 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 2

Longview Symphony’s Bach’s Lunch 11:45 a.m. Sept. 15

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

First Lutheran Church, 3901 Bill Owens Parkway

Christ Fest 2017 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

East Texas Angel Network Concert 7 p.m. Sept. 30

Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

www.belchercenter.com National Night Out Oct. 3

www.christfest.org

Events in neighborhoods across Longview

Flash Glow Walk/Run Awareness Event 5 p.m. Sept. 23

REACH Conference 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4-5

McWhorter Park, 1000 Toler Road

www.longviewrunningclub.com

www.longviewtexas.gov

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(903) 218-6523

(903) 753-7699

www.longviewsymphony.org

“Letters Aloud” 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23

National Night Out Kickoff Party 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 5

Landmarks of Longview 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 16-17

www.belchercenter.com

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

Theatre Longview’s Best of Broadway fundraiser 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23

Touch A Truck – Feed A Family 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(903) 237-1019

My First Math Series 3:30 p.m. Sept. 7

Longview World of Wonders, 112 E. Tyler St.

www.longviewwow.org Gregg County Fair Sept. 8-16

Gregg County Fairgrounds and Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.greggcountyfair.com

Downtown Live 5 p.m. Fridays, Sept. 8-Oct. 27 Heritage Plaza, Green and Methvin streets

www.facebook.com/ LongviewMainStreet/

East Texas Physique Championships 9 a.m. Sept. 9.

Various homes in Longview

gregghistorical.org

Yoga and a Pint 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 16 Oil Horse Brewing Co., 101 W. Tyler St.

Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

Grace Crossing United Methodist Church, 1001 W. Hawkins Parkway

“Mallory Page” exhibit Oct. 7-Dec. 17 lmfa.org

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.theatrelongview.com

(903) 753-3561

Longview Home BierFest 2017 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16

An Evening of Cakebread Wines (LMFA event) 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 24

Monster Dash 8 to 11 a.m. Oct. 7

www.etbrewersguild.org

lmfa.org

(903) 241-4686

Heritage Plaza, Green and Methvin streets

Gaither Vocal Band 6 p.m. Sept. 16

Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

www.belchercenter.com The Good Life Senior Expo 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 20

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(903) 232-7206

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(832) 731-8057

30 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

The Summit Club, 3700 Judson Road

Pygmies & Pirates Part Deux Goat Show Sept. 29-30

Heritage Plaza, Green and Methvin streets

www.jllongview.org

Beach Boys in concert 7 p.m. Oct. 9 Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center Ag Pavilion, 100 Grand Blvd.

www.belchercenter.com

Celebrate Life Survivors 5K Walk/Run 8 a.m. Sept. 30

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(337) 401-2020

Texas Oncology-Longview Cancer Center, 1300 Fourth St.

www.texasoncologyfoundation.org

Ducks Unlimited Banquet 5 to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 12 (903) 720-0608

ArtWalk 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12

Downtown Longview

www.artwalklongview.com

Food Truck Rally Oct. 13-15

Longview Mall, 3500 McCann Road

(903) 753-4452

Sabine FFA Livestock Show 7 a.m. Oct. 14

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center Ag Pavilion, 100 Grand Blvd.

(903) 738-4481

Pink Heals Poker Run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14

Anytime Fitness, 1013 Wal St.

(903) 663-8686

Longview Jaycees Trade Days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct 14; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

(903) 753-4478

Gum Springs Heritage Festival and Battle of Fort Crawford Oct. 14-15 5963 East Country Club Road

www.facebook.com/ maplespringsheritage

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Decision America Texas Tour 7:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19

Longview Exhibit Building and Rodeo Arena, 1123 Jaycee Drive

(704) 401-2620

Rockers, Riders & Ribs Oct. 20-21

Kickoff party Oct. 20 at Lone Star Ice House and Electric Cowboy, 1016 McCann Road; day-long festival Oct. 21 in downtown Longview

www.rockersridersribs.com

Classic Arms Productions’ Gun and Knife Show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct 21; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22

Metro Business Expo Oct. 28

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.longviewmetro.com Longview Symphony Orchestra’s “Halloween Spooktacular” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28; opening notes at 6:15 p.m. Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

www.belchercenter.com

Lone Star Speedway Fourth Armadillo Nationals Oct. 13-14

Lone Star Speedway, 3131 FM 1252

(903) 986-9731

Oktoberfest 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 Downtown Kilgore

(903) 984-5081

3 Redneck Tenors 7 p.m. Oct. 17

Dodson Auditorium, 817 Nolan St.

HALLSVILLE

(903) 988-1591

Hallsville City Park, North Central Street

World’s Richest Acre, 100 N. Commerce St.

Longview Teen Court’s BBQ Bash and Cookoff 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23 Flying Feathers Ranch, 3680 Flamingo Road

(903) 237-2736

East Texas Yamboree Oct. 18-21

Downtown Gilmer, Yamboree Park and Gilmer Civic Center

www.yamboree.com

HENDERSON

Hallsville Western Days Oct. 6-7

East Texas Oilmen’s Chili Cook-Off 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26

Henderson Civic Theatre’s “Leading Ladies” Sept. 9-10, Sept. 16-17, Sept. 23-24

(903) 668-2400

(903) 984-5571

hendersoncivictheatre.com

KILGORE

Lone Star Speedway Monster Truck Fall Nationals 8 to 11 p.m. Sept. 9

Lone Star Speedway, 3131 FM 1252

(903) 986-9731

Kilgore S.A.F.F.E. Day 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16 World’s Richest Acre, 100 N. Commerce St.

GLADEWATER

Gladewater Arts & Crafts Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17 Former Broadway Elementary School grounds, 200 E. Broadway St.

(903) 845-5501

DIANA

saffeday.org

Family Fun Day at Thomas Falls 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 9

ABBA-Fabulous 7 p.m. Sept. 19

(903) 968-6924

Dodson Auditorium, 817 Nolan St.

(903) 988-1591

Lone Star Speedway Sprint Car Bandits Series 360 8 to 11 p.m. Sept. 30

Lone Star Speedway, 3131 FM 1252

(903) 986-9731

Henderson Civic Theatre, 122 E. Main St.

Paint the Town Pink, fundraiser for Henderson Fire Department 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3 Henderson Civic Theatre, 122 E. Main St.

(903) 657-5528

Fly-In at Rusk County Airport noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 7

Rusk County Airport, 3500 CR 416A

(903) 657-7081

Thomas Falls Outdoor Adventures and Event Center, 5543 U.S. 259 North

MARSHALL

GILMER

Telegraph Park, North Washington Avenue

Designer Purse Bingo 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16

Gilmer Civic Center, 1218 U.S. 271

(903) 843-2413

9/11 Heroes Run 5K and 1-mile fun run 5 p.m. Sept. 9 911heroesrunmarshalltx.itsyourrace.com/ event.aspx?id=9486 continued on pg 32 

Monster Dash

Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive

www.capgunshows.com Yoga and a Pint 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 21 Oil Horse Brewing Co., 101 W. Tyler St.

(903) 241-4686

Gold Rush 2017 6:30 p.m. to midnight Oct. 21

Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

(903) 315-5284

East Texas Symphonic Band concert 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 Belcher Center, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave.

www.belchercenter.com Harvest Festival & Livestock Show Oct. 25-28 Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Drive, and Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.

www.harvestfestivallivestockshow.com

news-journal.com 31

Dixieland on the Square 11:30 a.m. Sept. 13

Texas Bigfoot Conference Oct. 6-8

www.marshallsymphony.com

cryptomundo.com/bigfoot-report/2017texas-bigfoot-conference/

Telegraph Park, North Washington Avenue

Jeans ’n’ Classics 8 p.m. Sept. 16

Downtown Marshall

www.marshallsymphony.com FireAnt Festival 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 14

Harrison County Courthouse Square, downtown Marshall

www.facebook.com/ FireantFestivalMarshall/

Victorian Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21

Starr Family Home State Historic Site, 407 W. Travis St.

(903) 935-3044

JEFFERSON

Jefferson Fire Brigade Benefit Car Show Sept. 9 Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

Jefferson Burn Benefit Biker Rally Oct. 13-15

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL BANKING

Call on our team of banking advisors who make it their business to understand yours.

Downtown Jefferson

(903) 472-2547

Taste of Jefferson Noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 Downtown Jefferson

www.jefferson-texas.com/thetaste-of-jefferson Want your event listed in the Calendar of Events? Please send information to clane@news-journal.com with the subject line “View Calendar.” The deadline to submit November/December events is Sept 30.

(903) 742-9449

Lake O’ The Pines Norton Owners Association Rallye and Bike Show Sept. 28-Oct. 1

903-237-5628 300 EAST WHALEY STREET I DOWNTOWN LONGVIEW

Diamond Don’s Motorsport & RV Park, 1602 Texas 49 East

www.texasbankandtrust.com

(214) 402-1436

Kilgore S.A.F.F.E. Day

TBT Charm B&P.indd 1

7/28/17 10:18 AM

REA DENTAL

Karen Frazer Rea, DDS General, Family, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry

F. Dee Rea, DDS, MSD Practice limited to Periodontics

We Make Smiles!

903-753-3531

907 Walnut Hill Dr. | Longview, Texas 75605 | www.ReaDental.com 32 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

PICTURE THIS

TEXAS BANK & TRUST

PHOTO CONTEST LONGVIEW | TEXAS BANK AND TRUST | 6/25/2017 Photos by CHRIS LOZANO

TAMMY GAGE, LORI OSBORNE, SHERRY GIBBON

Texas Bank and Trust welcomed a crowd of people to a June 25 reception honoring winners of its 35th annual Photo Contest and Exhibit. Representing 29 communities, 116 photographers submitted images depicting life in Texas. Alan Roberts took Best of Show for his photograph titled “Texas Winter Sky.”

ROBERT & BARBARA VINSON

EMILY & SAMANTHA BARTON, LAUREN PARKINSON

SOPHIA REYES, KIMBERLY GODINEZ JACK, JON & JUSTIN LOCKHART

RON & JOANNA ST. ANGELO

SPRING, ELIS & SASHA ROSE

news-journal.com 33

PICTURE THIS

FIREWORKS & FREEDOM

MAYOR’S TENT

BERNARD BROOKES, LISA PILGRIM

LONGVIEW | MAUDE COBB CONVENTION AND ACTIVITY CENTER | 7/4/2017 Photos by CHRIS LOZANO

The mayor’s tent was filled July 4 as people turned out to celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks show. The city’s annual Fireworks and Freedom Celebration featured the largest fireworks show in the area. Other activities included musical headliner the Band of Heathens, a car and truck show, children’s activities and a dog fashion show.

OFFICER K. RANKIN, OFFICER R. KOTULLA

KELLY, ANDY & MADISON MACK, MONTY SHEIKH, TARYN & WILL MACINTYRE, ANDREW HANSEN, ELLE & JULIE WOODS, KEN CARTER

34 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

WHITTNEY NORTHCUTT, NICHOLAS NORTHCUTT, SAVANNAH YARBOROUGH, GARRETT TIPTON

HANIFA WRIGHT, ATEFA REZAI

RACHEL HOUSE, DIANA BANDA

PICTURE THIS

GREAT TEXAS BALLOON RACE

PILOT PARTY LONGVIEW | TEXAS BANK AND TRUST | 7/27/2017 Photos by LES HASSELL

Celebrating its 40th year, the Great Texas Balloon Race drew hot DYLAN DROEGE, SHELBY MCMILLIN

air balloon pilots from across the nation to Longview for a three-day competition. A pilot party July 27 preceded the start of the competition, which saw dozens of hot air balloon grace the East Texas skies.

LUKE, NOAH & PATTIE FARR

ALISA JENNINGS, BRYAN HESTER

JENNIFER REYNOLDS, ROBERT MCCOWN DAVID & JEANNE COLLINS

CHRISSY MORRIS, MARK & SUSIE DULWEBER

CARMEN GADT

SHARON DORCHESTER, CAROL POPE

news-journal.com 35

LOCALVIEW

eat, drink & do in east texas

to eat

to do

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

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

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

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

PETERS CHEVROLET CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT Drive off in the vehicle of your dreams! Peters offers a full lineup of new and used cars to match your lifestyle and your budget. 4181 U.S. 259, Longview (877) 615-3187, www.peterscars.com 36 VIEW | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

BELCHER CENTER

GREGG COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Dive into history with a visit to the downtown Longview museum. Permanent and rotating exhibits offer the basic history of Gregg County and how it came to be. 214 N. Fredonia St., Longview (903) 753-5840 www.gregghistorical.org

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) 2454614, www.casafloraflowers.com

CHERRY HILL MEDSPA 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

EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION

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

FLOOR MEDIC 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

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

eat, drink & do in east texas

services

R & K DISTRIBUTORS

REA DENTAL

TEXAS BANK AND TRUST

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

From cosmetic dentistry to general dentistry, you’ll receive top-ofthe-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

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

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

2017

From the good life to the golden years, this event is for you!

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. news-journal.com

LAKEVIEW Funeral Home

premier

Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd. Longview, Texas 75604 news-journal.com 37