Texoma, TX June 2024

FOOD + BEVERAGE HERITAGE BUTCHERY AND BARBECUE OUR FAVORITE BOURBONS

LIFE + CULTURE PERFECTING YOUR GOLF SWING

For the Men of Texoma

Our team was excited to put together this issue celebrating the men in our community. For many of us, one of the most important men in our lives is our father.

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.

As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads build up their home:

• A father’s strength can be powerful

• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational

• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting

• A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence

• Time with a dad can be fun and productive

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

AREA DIRECTOR

Roger Ireland | Roger.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Danielle Poche' | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Kenzie Baca

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anthony Adams, Christine Clark, Sharla Davenport, Roger Ireland, Nathan Knottingham, Daniel Schowengerdt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Courtney Mitchell, Valerie Hiberd, Melinda Ortley

• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational

• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving

• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable

Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you . You are invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.

Take the important men in your life out for Steak Night at Heritage Butchery and Barbecue. You can learn more about their Texas Craft BBQ and Artisan Butchery and how they are a better choice for you and your family in this issue.

Find the best gift for your Dad in our Father's Day Finds gift guide, choose him one of Our Favorite Boubans, get him a copy of  Enemy at the Helm by Mark Dickson , and support local!

Happy Father’s Day!

As always, thank you for reading and we'll see you around town!

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Proverbs 3:5-6

You focus on healing. We take care of everything else.

At Snellings Law, we’re more than just lawyers - we’re your neighbors and friends. We live and work in the community, ensuring personal treatment for every client. Trust us to guide you through the personal injury process with care, ensuring top medical care and a fair resolution.

If you or a loved one have suffered a serious or catastrophic injury due to the negligence of someone else, we can help you recover past and future damages, including:

Medical Expenses - Lost Wages - Pain And Suffering - Impairment

Your go-to destination for insightful conversations on communication, motivation, and success. In celebration of National Communication Month, we are featuring our guest Molly Hough. Join us as we delve deep into the art of networking with purpose and passion. This isn’t your average conversation about mingling at industry events. Discover why quality trumps quantity and why breaking the old-school business development rules could be the key to unlocking your potential.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Viewing the solar eclipse at the Pottsboro Library Luncheon at Blue Willow Cafe 2: Texoma City Lifestyle with Texoma FC celebrity owner Glenn Gronkowski sporting his Super Bowl LI ring 3: 2024 Shoot for the Chamber Clay Shoot presented by Sparklight Business 4: The Mighty Moms Podcast hosts Texoma City Lifestyle Partner Christy Baca with Texoma Swim Academy 5: Friends enjoy a night of Designer Bag Bingo, benefitting Grayson College 6: Partner, Tonya Hudgins with her First United Bank Mortgage Team on Go Blue Friday 7: The Sherman Chamber of Commerce honors President Eddie Brown at his retirement reception

TEXOMA CITY LIFESTYLE REALTY REPORT BY BRAD RHODES

Brad Rhodes “The Numbers Guy” and Broker at Easy Life Realty in Sherman, Texas now hosts the Texoma City Lifestyle monthly Realty Report.  The Realty Report is a sampling of recently sold properties and statistics in the Sherman, Denison and Pottsboro area. It can be located easily within each publication by the magazine’s Table of Contents. Brad Rhodes can help clients buy or sell homes in Texas and Oklahoma. Look at the numbers with Brad - Call/ Text 903.820.6001

NORTH TEXAS ARTS FESTIVAL

Denison Arts Council is proud to announce the second annual North Texas Arts Festival on Saturday, June 8th from 10:00AM to 5:00PM in historic Downtown Denison, Texas. Juried local, regional, and national artists will display and sell their work alongside local wineries, with beer and food vendors available throughout the venue.  Various artist demonstrations will be held, as well as local musicians performing music throughout the day. Family friendly and open to the public! DenisonArtsCouncil.org

As a family-owned and operated construction company, we take pride in seamlessly blending cutting-edge building technology with meticulous attention to detail. Experience the difference of a builder who values lasting relationships, delivering excellence in every project we undertake.

TEXOMA FC STORY OF THE CREST

Texoma Football Club’s identity symbolizes progression, inclusion, and unity. The identity is inspired by the football club’s unique name and location with the name Texoma being a combination of Texas and Oklahoma and the club’s fan base being a mixture of communities from Texas and Oklahoma. Texoma is a story of two. The two state birds featured on the crest, the Northern Mockingbird (Texas) and the Scissor Tailed Fly Catcher (Oklahoma), are working together to protect the football.  Learn more at TexomaFC.com

Photography by Texoma FC

A revitalization effort in downtown Sherman of developments, renovations and upgrades is underway! Urban Sherman is committed to doing its part in rebuilding our classic downtown. Contact us for available properties.

www.UrbanSherman.com 940.289.0222

Located in the historic Katy Depot, Downtown Denison, we gather some of the very best varieties of wine to satisfy any palate. From California’s Wine Country to Spain, France, Argentina, and beyond. There is something for everyone at Stafford House Provisions. Come shop, taste, and explore!

TWIN OAKS NURSERY

Encouraging And Enabling The Community To Build And Enjoy Their Outdoor Environments

Just east of the Texoma Medical Center is an oasis of flowers, shrubs, shade trees, and benches designed to be a destination nursery offering premier products, and heartfelt plant guidance to the community. Once you arrive, their garden envelops you as a refuge away from your busy and stressful life and

“The Garden Coaches provide guidance so each purchase is successful. Twin Oaks coaches will help customers make the right investment and avoid mistakes.”

infuses a little peace and joy. A year ago, Corey and Kayla Albrecht began being stewards of Twin Oaks Nursery with a passion for encouraging and inspiring their community for their own garden or greenspace.

After 23 years in the corporate world, Corey desired to get back his roots and was ready to try something new. At the same time, Kayla, who had been raising and educating their kids for 20 years, was open to a new challenge. Corey took a sabbatical, and they spent a year resting and began searching for their next adventure that spoke to their heart and sense of community connected business.  They found Twin Oaks Nursery, which had been in the same family for 45 years. The family who currently ran the nursery, were ready to retire and presented a perfect opportunity for Corey and Kayla.

Their first weekend as nursery owners was also Mother’s Day 2023. Mother’s Day in the nursery business is like Black Friday for our winter holidays.

Kayla credits a great team, 80% of whom had stayed with the nursery during the transfer, for helping them come up to speed. This is a real family business today, with Kayla and Corey’s children involved. Their son, a Sherman firefighter, helps plant trees on his days off. Their daughter, in college, helps with background operations remotely, while their youngest, a home school high schooler, helps with social media and digital media creation.

The nursery supplies both retail and commercial customers. Corey has taken his bumps and bruises of corporate America and desires to grow Twin Oaks’ Commercial Supply into a more robust one-stop shopping for landscapers & construction. They provide all plants in quantity from 4 inch to 200-gallon trees, irrigation supplies, hardscape & the tools to be a successful landscaper. Twin Oaks has 20 full greenhouses and hundreds of trees out on the line to choose from in one place.

Kayla shares that their customers are interested in water conscious and native plants. Twin Oaks desires to find and supply plants that do well in our extreme summers and mild winters and can handle the few days of freezing temperatures. Landscaping can be a significant investment for homeowners, and they are looking for durable and reliable plants. The Garden Coaches provide guidance so each purchase is successful. Twin Oaks coaches will help customers make the right investment and avoid mistakes.

In the long term, Corey and Kayla envision creating a business more integrated with the community and a place of refuge for everyone. Their first step in this direction was sponsoring the Sherman Arts Festival and the Whitesboro Peanut Festival and adding a quarterly community fun event for kids. They have also given butterfly gardens to area schools, hosted pet adoptions, and given out seed packages to encourage families to follow the miracle of growing a plant from seed. In the future, they want to offer Mommy and Me story times, planting programs, family seasonal events, and educational classes such as beekeeping, rose care, and gardening for beginners.

The entire team at Twin Oaks exists to encourage and enable the community to build and enjoy their outdoor environments. Explore this amazing place tucked in between Hwy 75 and Hwy 91 behind the Texoma Medical Center, you will walk away with a smile.

Twin Oaks Nursery & Supply, 2107 FM 691 (Grayson Dr.), Denison, TwinOaksNursery.com

HERITAGE BUTCHERY AND BARBECUE

PHOTOGRAPHY

When you buy meat at the grocery store, does the butcher know which ranch supplied the beef? Is it free of chemicals, hormones, steroids, and antibiotics? Presumably, the meat is from numerous ranches, all over the country or possibly foreign countries, and full of chemicals and hormones.

Fortunately, Texoma has a healthier, better choice: Heritage Butchery and Barbecue in Denison. Heritage Butchery and Barbecue opened in November 2022 offering food from local ranches in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, within 250 miles of the Texoma region. The artisan butchery lists their sources on its website so you can constantly see where their meat, poultry, vegetables, and products come from and are located. True transparency supporting Texas small businesses.

The meat is clean, meaning hormone (no steroids, no antibiotics) and pesticide free, and grass fed. Heritage offers a plethora of meat, not just beef, like pork, chicken, lamb on occasion, eggs, and even sometimes duck, seafood, and alligator sausage.

Texoma residents, Brad and Stephanie Hammett worked with Pete Gonzales to bring this concept to the area. Gonzales is “an old school butcher” who had knowledge, years of expertise, plus an expansive network of local farmers and ranchers. Besides the exceptional, wholesome meat, the Hammetts focused on regenerative ranchers and farmers who replace the soil and land, not destroy it.

According to Valerie Hiberd, Market Director for Heritage Butchery, the business is affordable to all people. Valerie states, “We have varying cuts of meat to accommodate any budget from high end like wagyu to

homemade deli meats.” She continues that the emphasis is to have clean, organic food from a sustainable local farm and ranch. In fact, the butchery uses the entire animal with very little waste. They “honor the animal” by using as much as possible from bone broth, tallow, to the cuts of meat. Heritage Butchery prides itself on being a “nose-to-tail” shop, using every part of the animal.

As mentioned, the deli meats are made in house including sliced ham, canadian bacon, beef pepperoni to homemade sausages. The handcrafted sausages range from traditional to unique like Pork Fried Rice or Spaghetti and Meatball sausage. Valerie exclaims, “They sound crazy but are delicious!”

What if you don’t feel like cooking but want some of the best barbecue in the area? In addition to the butcher shop, Heritage Butchery and Barbecue is also a restaurant featuring award winning barbecue. The menu comes direct from the butchery, so you know it is fresh, organic, and delicious.

Heritage offers slow-smoked barbecue as well as the popular cooked-to-order hamburgers from the butchery’s made-from-scratch ground beef. The breakfast items include “BBQ Butchers Breakfast” consisting of a pancake, meat of choice, and hashbrown. You’ll want to order the Pitmaster Burrito, their biggest seller, or the Brisket Sandwich, another popular dish. When you see the food in the market, it will be on the menu at the restaurant.

The restaurant has quickly gained notoriety, catching the eye of Texas Monthly magazine. It named Heritage as one of “The 25 Best New and Improved BBQ Joints in Texas” in 2023 noting “the restaurant does not skimp on quality” praising the fresh meat market

and smoked meats, side dishes, and handcrafted desserts. This is partially due to the talents of Executive Chef Marco and BBQ Pitmaster Garrett Nickols who create unique lip-smacking burgers of the week and exceptional specials based on the items available in the butchery like Smoked Bacon Jalapeno Brats, Spicy Italian Chicken Sandwich, Sloppy Joe’s, and Elote Cream Style Corn.

While that is a great honor, Valerie declares the goal is to make the magazine’s Top 50 overall BBQ list. “We believe we can make it happen," she says. “We want people to know the quality and health benefits of the clean meats in our butchery and how delicious it tastes in our restaurant food.”

Heritage Butchery and Barbecue also caters and supports fundraisers for area schools where a portion goes back to the charity. They also continually participate in various festivals and community events.

Being a part of the community is something both Valerie and The Hammetts serve with passion. After all, they live and have lived in the Texoma area for decades. While they are not technically related, Valerie brags, “It is definitely a

family here.” It is their ambition to educate the people of Texoma plus provide nourishing, clean meats to your family. Valerie reiterates, “We want to educate people as to why you should buy your meat from a butcher, not the grocery store. We explain why our meats are different, and where they come from.” Heritage’s website concurs stating, “We are passionate about fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between local producers and consumers that will last for generations to come. Whether prepared in your home or in our kitchen, our food is from our community, for our community. Come be a part of our heritage.”

Heritage Butchery and Barbecue provides food you take pride in buying for your family. Whether it’s purchasing the meat from the butcher market or enjoying tasty barbecue at the restaurant, Heritage Butchery provides a better, healthier, and clean alternative to the store.

211 N. Hwy. 75 Denison, TX HeritageButchery.com

INTRODUCING 1876 COUNTRY CLUB

LUXURY MEETS LEISURE ON THE GOLF COURSE IN LEGACY HILLS

Luxury generally refers to experiences or lifestyles that are considered high-quality, elegant, and often associated with comfort, refinement, and class. Nothing aligns better with this definition than 1876 Country Club, located in the heart of the Legacy Hills development in Celina, Texas.

While North Texas has no shortage of places to play golf, none will personify luxury more than this oneof-a-kind, upscale country club. In addition to an exceptional golfing experience, the club will also offer tennis, swimming, fine dining and exclusive social events.

Centurion American Development Group engaged native Texan and renowned golf course designer, Lee Singletary, to design the 18-hole course. It will be next to the Little Elm Creek and its tributaries, with beautiful trees like Live Oak and Cedar Elm throughout the grounds. It will consist of a driving range, practice facility and short-game area. The Championship tees will play 7,337 yards and include five sets of tees for each hole, allowing for an assortment of handicaps. The course grasses are made of TifEagle Bermuda and TiffTuff Bermuda on the tees, fairways, and roughs.

Following the opening of the golf course, a lavish, full-service clubhouse facility with a state-of-the-art exercise area, men’s and women’s locker rooms plus saunas, a group fitness gym and private member rooms will be developed. Both fine and casual dining opportunities will be available at the property to suit all occasions.

While 1876 is tentatively scheduled to open in November 2024, now is the time to obtain Founding Memberships. A very limited number of highly sought memberships are currently available to individuals and businesses. Benefits include preferred access to tee times, partial rebates of initiation fees and private events. Presently only golf memberships are available, but eventually, the club will offer tennis and social club memberships. Sandy Lewis, Director CONTINUED >

of Sales, Operations and Membership, states the memberships have been in high demand and will sell quickly.  “We’ve already had amazing interest,” notes Lewis. “Since Centurion American broke ground on the Legacy Hills development in April 2022, we’ve had inquiries from people enthusiastic about the potential for this beautiful golf facility.”

Centurion American designed the deluxe country club to celebrate Celina’s history while maintaining a sophisticated, modern resort ambiance. Named after the year Celina was founded,"1876 will offer the area a truly unique and special place to gather unlike any place in North Texas,” said Mehrdad Moayedi, CEO of Centurion American. “It will be the central hub for the Legacy Hills development.”

Legacy Hills is located near the intersection of Legacy Drive and Celina Parkway, near the future extension of Dallas North Tollway. The development has an array of onsite amenities including walking trails, numerous amenity centers, potential Celina ISD schools, plus a first responder station. Mehrdad Moayedi states, “Legacy Hills offers something for everyone seeking the experience of living in Celina.” Also noteworthy, a sports park comprised of 27 acres of land donated to the City of Celina from Centurion American is planned which will pass through the center of the development and the 1876 Country Club.

If you are interested in a Founding Membership, contact Sandy Lewis at sandy@1876countryclub.com  or 214-458-5501 for more information about this fabulous opportunity.

“LEGACY

Our Favorite Bourbons

$150

The “Best Bourbon” Is Truly Up To The Individual and Occasion Under

We were recently asked to suggest the Best Bourbon under $150 and as I reflected on my list of favorites, providing a single answer wasn’t as straightforward as it appeared. Think of it like this. If we asked 100 people in our community what their favorite restaurant is—the answers would be varied based on the individual’s personal palate or even the moment you asked them in!

Here is our list of favorites that will have you covered at any price point and occasion.

BLANTON’S SINGLE BARREL BOURBON

Blanton’s is recognizable on sight due to the round bottle with a brass horse and jockey for a stopper. Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon.

— BlantonsBourbon.com ($100-$150)

BASIL HAYDEN’S RYE BOURBON –AGED 10 YEARS

In a sea of cask-strength offerings, Basil Hayden’s stays true to its 80 proof roots. The high rye content of its mash bill charges the nose and palate with notes of caraway and spice, while 10 years in the barrel have added leather and an attractive nuttiness. If you aren’t looking for high proof, this is a remarkable bourbon.

— BasilHaydens.com ($75-$100)

PINHOOK ‘BOURBON WAR’ VERTICAL SERIES 5 YEARS

Pinhook pulls 150 barrels from a special lot to create this straight bourbon whiskey with a lively nose of butterscotch,

cinnamon stick, licorice, and vanilla. These aromas set the stage for a robust palate of cherry, chocolate, toasted brown sugar, and chicory. With the additional 5th year of age, what was tropical fruit transitions to darker fruit flavors and what was brighter candy is now rich and caramelized; hints of smoke now start to appear for the first time.

— PinhookBourbon.com ($75-$50)

EAGLE RARE 10 YEAR

Eagle Rare 10 Year lives somewhat in the shadow of its 17-yearold elder sibling, but don’t let that shy you away. This is a sweet and mellow bourbon with definite signs of maturity and its orange peel and toffee aromas are a little shy, but the palate serves sturdy sweet and spice notes and a toasty finish.

— EagleRare.com ($30-$50)

OLD FORESTER 86 PROOF

While others in Old Forester’s impressive lineup claim the hearts of bourbon geeks (such as the 1920 Prohibition Style), this bottle stands head and shoulders above everything at this proof and price point. It oozes aromatic charm and follows with a palate that is lithe but in no way lacking flavor.

— OldForester.com ($20-$30)

MCAFEE’S BENCHMARK OLD NO. 8

Sometimes you find a $20 laying around or just need a good mixing bourbon. Benchmark Old No. 8 is made at the same distillery as Blanton’s and the ever-coveted Pappy Van Winkle! The nose bears caramel notes with a delicate stone-fruit backdrop. A robust and sturdy palate with some fine leather notes mingling with dry tobacco, a touch of oak, and a hint of dried cherries. The finish is smooth and calming.

— BuffaloTraceDistillery.com (Under $20)

From Hardship To Hope

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOUSE OF ELI

Sherman,Texas hosts a beacon of hope that shines for young men transitioning from juvenile detention, foster care, or facing homelessness. The House of Eli stands as a transformative home where the cycle of poverty, abuse, and addiction is not only addressed but actively interrupted. Founded by Tawni and Brad Hodge, this Christ-centered initiative offers a compassionate environment aimed at preventing these young men from entering the adult prison system and combating chronic homelessness.

HOW HOUSE OF ELI EMPOWERS

YOUNG MEN AND TRANSFORMS LIVES

“HOUSE OF ELI’S APPROACH GOES BEYOND REHABILITATION; IT’S ABOUT EMPOWERMENT AND ENABLING THESE YOUNG MEN TO ENVISION AND BUILD A PROSPEROUS FUTURE.”

The genesis of House of Eli was inspired by the Hodges' deep involvement in foster care and volunteer work at local juvenile facilities. Witnessing the recurring struggles and lack of support for these young men, they were moved to establish a sanctuary that could offer more than just temporary relief. The rate of failure and recitivation was concerning and alarming.  Tawni was working on a Master’s degree and spent that time to do research on what she experienced, was moved to make a change for the better - buying and renovating a house, organizing the non-profit organization, and serving the students.

Today, the House of Eli has evolved into a comprehensive program that includes transitional living and vocational training, helping these individuals build a foundation for healthy, independent, and productive lives.  While Tawni Hodge is still deeply involved in the mission and services, Laura Ayers stepped into the role as Director of House of Eli along with a small group of dedicated leaders including a graduate of the program.

House of Eli opens its doors to young men aged 18-21, providing a critical stepping stone at a vital time in their lives. The program is offered at no cost to the participants, relying on the generosity of private donors, foundations, and partners committed to giving these young men a second chance. Each resident’s needs are meticulously assessed by a dedicated team, ensuring personalized guidance and support tailored to their individual circumstances.

The mentoring initiative at House of Eli is one of its core strengths. Recognizing the profound impact that positive role models can have, the program pairs each young man with a community mentor. These mentors are not just teachers but lifelines, offering guidance, wisdom, and the kind of personal connection that fosters true growth and self-discovery.

The vocational training aspect of the program is particularly impactful. Residents apprentice under experienced supervisors in fields such as construction, landscaping, CONTINUED >

Still Charming

A consignment resale and upscale thrift business that exists only to raise support for the amazing young men who work to call House of Eli their home. All proceeds benefit the house. As an organization, they feel led by God to teach job skills to these young men as they raise money. Consignments and donations are welcome! Still Charming provides a showcase for your gently used upscale clothing or home furnishings to either consign or donate.

Learn more at StillCharming.com 125 N. Travis St., Sherman, TX 75090

and fencing. This hands-on learning lab is not merely about acquiring skills; it's about mastering the art of excellence and taking pride in one's work. Through these practical experiences, residents not only learn valuable trade skills but also develop the business acumen necessary to thrive in today’s economy.

House of Eli’s approach goes beyond rehabilitation; it's about empowerment and enabling these young men to envision and build prosperous futures. The community is encouraged to get involved, whether through mentoring, volunteering, or hiring these young men for their services. This engagement is vital, reinforcing the belief that a supportive community is key to the success of its initiatives.

In the words of a staff member, "These young men want something different; they just don’t know how." House of Eli provides the tools and support to help them find their way, demonstrating that with the right guidance, the cycle of incarceration and hardship can be broken, leading to fulfilling and self-sufficient lives. The success stories of these young men are not just a testament to their resilience but also to the transformative power of care and opportunity provided by House of Eli.

As House of Eli continues to grow and enrich its programs, the vision of its founders remains clear: to equip these young men with the skills, confidence, and support necessary to succeed. With every young man who walks through its doors, House of Eli is not just changing individual lives; it's uplifting communities and fostering a future where every young man can achieve his potential.

If you explore their website at houseofeli.net you’ll see a video on the home page entitled “Why We Exist.”  In that short video, Eder, a resident at the time, expresses the impact that House of Eli was having on his life.  Today, if you look a little future into the website you’ll find that Eder is now a Business Manager at House of Eli.  This is one of so many stories of success and redemption that the loving compassion and care presented in the House of Eli has had on this community.

House of Eli is a vital part of Texoma's landscape of hope and recovery, inviting all who can contribute to join in their mission. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or providing mentorship, every bit of support helps to secure a brighter, more stable future for these young men, proving that transformation is not just possible but is happening every day at House of Eli.

HouseOfEli.net

903.771.4339

FATHER’S DAY FINDS

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE FATHER OR FATHER FIGURE IN YOUR LIFE. LET US BE THE FIRST TO SAY, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

1. TANNER MARK BOOTS Dennards, 3716 Town Center Drive, Sherman Dennards.net

2.  BIG GREEN EGG Fletcher Ace Hardware, 512 FM 120, Pottsboro AceHardware.com

3. ABU GARCIA BAITCAST REEL Bomgaars, 2725 N HWY 75, Sherman Bomgaars.com

4. TEXAS STATE SILHOUETTE LEATHER COASTER Rays Mercantile, 101 E Main Street | Suite 110, Denison RaysMercantile.shop

MEET THE AUTHOR

Everyone loves a good story and no one understands that better than Mark Dickson, author of Enemy at the Helm . Having moved to the Texoma area fresh out of surgery residency in 1993, he built a successful practice and, in addition to starting the Trauma Center at Texoma Medical Center, held several leadership positions within the network including Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff.

Once his kids were raised, he transitioned into medical contract work and bought a farm outside Collinsville, Texas. Despite having no background in farming or ranching, he and his wife Theresa successfully evolved the property from hay production into an agrarian dream complete with fruits, vegetables, herbs, chickens, ducks, bees, horses and cattle.

We sat down with Mark to find out how a surgeon-cum-farmer added author to his list of disparate accomplishments!

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU DECIDE TO BE AN AUTHOR AND WHAT WAS YOUR PATH TO PUBLICATION?

The funny thing is, I never harbored any desire to be an author (see what I did there?). In 2018, Theresa and I were headed out to sea on a Caribbean cruise when we noticed a small Coast Guard vessel shadowing our departure. I told her “I know why he’s there. And I know how to defeat it.”

I explained to her that they were there to deter any potential action against the cruise ship and laid out a potential scenario how our escort could be disabled allowing an attack anyway. We joked how it would be a great story but not being a “writer,” we let the idea die.

A few months later, I revisited the idea and, given some spare time, started putting words down on paper. Before you knew it, I had a draft of the novel!

DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING PROCESS. DO YOU OUTLINE, PLOT, AND PLAN, OR IS YOUR WRITING MORE ORGANIC?

By nature, I’m a planner. I research, strategize, acquire the necessary skills and materials and execute tasks in a methodical fashion. With writing, I just started putting down the first thoughts that came in my head. Those thoughts would lead to others, and so on.

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE MOST CHALLENGING AND/OR MOST ENJOYABLE ABOUT WRITING?

Finding the time to write! Life gets in the way with everything we want to do, right? I would frequently put it aside to do more important things,

“FINDING THE TIME TO WRITE! LIFE GETS IN THE WAY WITH EVERYTHING WE WANT TO DO, RIGHT?”

then come back weeks or months later. In a way, I think it helped to be able to come back fresh to an idea or use a different approach.

DID YOU TAKE ANY INSPIRATION FROM THE TEXOMA AREA IN YOUR NOVEL OR DO YOU PLAN TO USE THE REGION AS A SETTING IN A FUTURE NOVEL?

Absolutely! I used a lot of people I know from the area as inspiration for some of the characters. People who know me can recognize some of them. There are multiple settings all over the world, but the main characters are from Texas. I decided to use Austin as their base because it was on the route one of the bad guys took from New Jersey to Mexico. I definitely have a more rural setting in mind for the next two novels

DO YOU IDENTIFY WITH YOUR MAIN CHARACTER OR DID YOU CREATE A CHARACTER THAT IS YOUR OPPOSITE?

Oooh, good question. There’s a surgeon in the book, John Jensen, so there’s some obvious parallels there. That said, I consider the main character to be Tom Jensen, and I took his experience in Latin America straight from my own youngest son’s experience. His enthusiasm for life and willingness to try anything is infectious and I wanted to capture that as much as possible.

WITHOUT SPOILING THE NOVEL, DO YOU FEEL THAT BALTIMORE’S FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE TRAGEDY IS A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

Choke points are all vulnerable - that’s why they’re called choke points. We are a strong country in large part because of our trading prowess. If a bad actor wants to cripple us, blockage of chokepoints and trade is an obvious objective. Just because it hasn’t been done in our lifetime doesn’t mean it’s not on someone’s list.

We just got a glimpse of the difficulties that will ensue from the blockage of one harbor. What if that was multiplied by over 20 times, like in the book?  I guarantee that adversaries are watching and learning from this. I made a post the day the bridge got hit where I asked if the authorities were treating it as a crime scene. I caught flak from people I don’t know who said I was being irresponsible to suggest it may be more than just an accident. Three weeks later, the FBI said they were opening a criminal investigation.

MARK DICKSON

AUTHOR OF

ENEMY AT THE HELM

Enemy At The Helm by Mark Dickson is the provocative and engaging first installment of a new thriller series full of terrorist activity, conspiracies, and the military operations and other less expected efforts to stop them.

Available everywhere books are sold.

Learn more at MarkDicksonAuthor.comor. com

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

01.

Get fit for equipment.

If you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip. The clubs don’t swing themselves, so don’t neglect instruction and practice, but getting the right equipment is a vital piece of the puzzle.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

02.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads:

Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

03.

Practice your short game every day.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

events

JUNE 1ST

Charlie Willie Music Festival

OLD QUAIL RUN FARM, SHERMAN | 5:00 PM

Aside from the amazing music, you can expect to see some of the best food trucks in the area. There will also be a tiny tattoo artist, customized hat bar, permanent jewelry, and MORE! All added ticket and raffle sales will go back into the community through non-profits, scholarships, and specialty projects supported by Sherman Service League.  ShermanServiceLeague.com

JUNE 3RD

Summer Piano Camp

680 E. FM 120 | SUITE 100, POTTSBORO | 8:00 AM

Elevate your child's summer with the power of Music Theory! Summer Piano Camp will consist of two weeks (10 days) of 45 minute lessons. Whether a rookie or professional, your 5-8 year old will greatly benefit from the intensive training received from Summer Piano Camp. Not to mention the scheduling flexibility (AM/PM sessions available). NTXPiano123@gmail.com

JUNE 6TH

Hot Summer Nights

SHERMAN MUNICIPAL GROUNDS | 7:00 PM

The City of Sherman hosts their 30th annual FREE concert series every Thursday evening during the months of June and July on the Municipal Lawn! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your coolers, and enjoy live entertainment with friends and family! June artists include: Don Felder, Easton Corbin, Al Steward & The Empty Pockets, and Kolby Cooper. Facebook.com/HotSummerNights

JUNE 7TH

Music on Main

FOREST PARK, DENISON | 7:30 PM

Downtown Denison welcomes you to enjoy FREE music every Friday at 7:30 pm in Forest Park (300 W. Crawford.) Pack your snacks, order local delivery, or pickup your favorite meal on the way - and don't forget your own blankets and lawn chairs! June artists include: Red Steagall, Texas Hill, The Cleverlys, and Georgia Thunderbolts.  Facebook.com/DowntownDenisonTx

JUNE 8TH

North Texas Art Festival

DOWNTOWN DENISON | 10:00 AM

The Denison Arts Council is proud to announce the second annual North Texas Arts Festival! This is a family friendly event and open to the public. Juried local, regional, and national artists will display and sell their work alongside local wineries, with beer and food vendors available throughout the venue. DenisonArtsCouncil.org

JUNE 13TH

Open Mic Night

THE MILIEU WINE BAR, SHERMAN | 7:00 PM

Join Hitting the Streets podcast every second Thursday for a fantastic night of live music and lots more! All are welcome! This is a wonderful platform to potentially discover your local artists. Performers can sign up prior to the events. Pair the evening with your favorite glass of wine and enjoy specialty menu items from The Milieu Wine Bar.  RollingWithMC@gmail.com