The Journey - March by Michelle Haney

March 2010

Girls Group Little Princess Garden Party

Inspiring Woman

Sallye Darmstadter

simple solutions Overwhelmed with Artwork?

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

SFA Kindermusik

2010 Angelina County Rodeo Queen

jentry page Inspiring Young Woman

Special education in east texas

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2 / The Journey

March 2010

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Contents

MARCH 2010

Your Home At Home: outdoor rooms 8 Landmarks: old university building 10 Homestead: refinance? 11 home tour: linda & Todd Stafford 12 In the Kitchen: chinese cuisine 14 Landscaping 16 simple solutions: what to keep 17 Your community hot spot: friends garden party 20 business spotlight: kindermusik 22 Business Connections: gear up 23 lufkin Chamber of Commerce 24 Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce 26 Calendar 28 Places and Faces 30 Giving Back: goodwill 36 Inspiring young woman: jentry page 38 inspiring woman: sallye darmstadter 40 Education in east texas

Stephanie Oliver President and Editor Michelle Briley director of sales kay hendricks account executive Allyson Langston copy editor Courtney Conerly l ay o u t a n d d e s i g n Kristie Huddleston graphic designer dena strhban w w w. p h o t o g r a p h y b y d e n a . c o m Cover photographer Lisa crow event photographer

school listings 44

Michelle haney web designer

diboll 46

Contributors

oak creek 48 lisd 50 crimson 52 going back to school 54 austism 56 micki johnson story 59 jennifer young story 60 Your Life Hall of Fame Hubbies 62 Pretty Babies 63 Girls Group: azalea trail 64 your wallet: tax receipts 65 weddings 66 Relationships 68 education: margaret weisinger 69 Your Body Fitness: family fun 72 Health: migraines 73 fashion: spring style 74 Beauty: Hair and Nail vitamins 75

Demea Greene Allen Rush Cindi Andrews Dr. James Young K e n t P i n k e rto n A d a m S i n g l e to n D r . C h a n ta l C u l p e pp e r C h r i s to p h e r G u e r r i e r o K at h ry n G r e e n e Ta mm y B o y d Sharon Kruk Elaine Cameron

Distrubution

Janet Glover E m i ly K o l k lufkin M at t h e w L aw r e n c e nacogdoches C h r i s s y l av i o l e t t e l i v i n g s to n Anna Boles Lee Center

Advertisment Information The journey PO Box 150537 Lufkin, Tx 75915 936-635-7369 advertise@tjmag.com

review 76 Your child ask the doc: biomedical approach 78 childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play: sarah & emily stafford 80 kids konnect: garrett coleman 82 treats and eats: kids in the kitchen 83

family Support: 84 why i love being a mom: demea greene 85 journey market 86 parting 4 / Theadvice Journey 88 - March 2010

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Welcome Education gives our children the foundation they need to carry them through life. In

East Texas, we are blessed with many educational choices to best suit the individual needs of children and every unique family. It is a mixed situation—because we

have a lot of reputable, wonderful programs, it makes answering the million dollar question of “Where are you going to send Janie and Jack this year?” even harder! In

this special issue, we focus on many ways for children and families to thrive through education. We have a lot of options for Mother’s Day Out programs, preschools,

public, charter, and private schools. Have fun flipping through the pages of the March issue learning more about how East Texas is contributing to our future leaders!

Stephanie oliver president & editor

News face boo k

Are you a fan of The Journey? Join today to stay up to date with the latest news. Go to tjmag.com and click on the facebook logo.

pretty bab ie s

We have had a lot of calls about our Pretty Babies. All of the submissions for Pretty Babies, Wedding Bells, Hall of Fame Hubbies- are all free!

We are excited to share your beautiful babies and family with East Texas. Email your photos and information to editor@tjmag.com

stor i e s

Do you have a great idea for a story, an Inspiring Woman or Young Woman, a topic that you would like help with? Email us and let us know. We love hearing from our readers. editor@tjmag.com

6 / The Journey

March 2010

ur YoHome

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/ Your Home

At home O

Outdoor Rooms From Top to Bottom

Outdoor rooms continue to be rated

as essential by homeowners, given

they are extensions of interiors and add

real estate value. However, designing outdoor

living areas comes with its share of challenges.

Understanding the basics from the ground up simplifies the process.

The patio is more than a hard surface. It can serve

as the outdoor room’s focal point around which

other materials and features are styled. The textures and shapes of stone flooring can lend a dimensional feel, while a deck’s color allows it to contrast or blend with the environment.

When planning the floor, spacing is the most important component. Determining upfront if

a dining area or outdoor kitchen is desired and how many people the space will accommodate

are key considerations. The patio should be

the outdoor room innovators at Walpole

protected from sun, impervious against wind, and

versatility and quality as top priorities for outdoor

canopies are retractable, homeowners can switch

exterior spaces with foundational dimensions

a line of shade pergolas that combine cellular

vinyl pergolas are a low- to no-maintenance

accessories. “Foundations delineate the room and

canopy systems.

planned to house these installations.

Patios, along with outdoor structures, provide

and protected placements for furniture and establish the space that belongs to the room, and

Woodworkers and ShadeFX Canopies unveiled

spaces. As a result, the two companies launched

vinyl pergolas with retractable and integrated

that which does not,” says Sarah Kinbar, editor

“As a design element, shade pergolas moderate

design publication. “Edges and boundaries

Steve Ostrowski, president of ShadeFX Canopies.

of Garden Design magazine, a leading outdoor

created by foundations are the outdoor’s answer to walls.”

Outdoor product manufacturers offer exterior

structures, furnishings, fabrics and designs to provide permanent enhancements that increase property values. Through a recent partnership,

8 / The Journey

March 2010

immune from the stresses of daily life. Since the

from sun to shade at their leisure. The cellular realistic wood alternative and last more than 25 years. The durable canopies offer 10 to 15 years of use.

the transition from indoors to outdoors,” explains

“With their height, depth, and width, using

“The structure defines the space and provides a

outdoor rooms,” says Lou Maglio, president of

sense of privacy that makes dining tables and

shade pergolas adds dimension and substance to

Walpole Woodworkers. “Outdoor structures such

cushioned furniture feel more appropriate in

as these can reflect and enhance the integrity of a

Shade pergolas offer homeowners the ability to

When adding an outdoor structure, a homeowner

outdoor areas.”

create sanctuaries that are covered from rain,

home’s architectural style.”

should first decide where in the landscape to

place it, keeping in mind views from interior windows, sunlight, and proximity to the

home. “Typical retractable awnings extend less than 16 feet, and a shade pergola can be used to cover a large area up to 600 square-

feet,” says Ostrowski. “A design decision is

whether it should be affixed to or separate from the house.”

The remaining outdoor living area should

be designed like any interior, implementing function and cohesive style. Outdoor fabrics

and accessories should reveal personality while adopting juxtaposed colors, textures and lines that translate easily, as if the interior naturally extends outdoors.

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/ Yo ur Ho me

landmarks T

Old University Building

A prominent, beautiful structure standing

In 1870, the Catholic Church took over the

in Nacogdoches is an exquisite landmark.

management of the university. The school was

The building known as The Old University

Jesus and teaching was done by the Sisters of

Building is the oldest college or university building in the State of Texas.

In 2009, the building celebrated the 150th year anniversary.

known as the Covent of the Agonizing Heart of Notre Dame.

In 1873, the charter was renewed and the building

was leased to the Masonic Lodge and was known as the Nacogdoches Masonic Institute.

Many involved with the Old University Building

In 1887, the property was leased to Keachi

-“a milestone in the progress of education and a

their increased demand of patronage. The entire

celebrate her existence because of what it representsmonument to the pioneers of learning.”

Stephen F. Austin State University began in 1845, but not in the building standing today.

The university moved locations a few times. In

1859, the present University of Virginia style

building was erected as a permanent home for the university.

Mrs. Garland Roark chronicled the history of the building for the Lone Star Gardener in 1955.

It has been in continuous use for school purpose

except for two years during and after the Civil

College of Keachi, Louisiana in order to meet

faculty of 15 was transferred to Nacogdoches. Scholarships, including board and tuition in all

departments, (which included music, art, science, and literature) for both sexes were advertised at

$50.00 for 12 weeks;$ 75.00 for 5 months and $123.00 for ten months, with free passage to all Louisiana pupils from Shreveport and return.

The buildings and Washington Square, on which

they stood, was deeded to the Nacogdoches School District in 1904 and the one building which is still

standing has been used for public school purposes by the public school since that time.

War. The building was then used as a hospital and

Since 1955, the Old University Building

it became headquarters for the Federal troops

by many. The building has been restored and

quarters for Confederate soldiers; after the war,

stationed in Nacogdoches. In fact, the war played an important part in the history of the university,

for it was the gathering war clouds that brought about its first misfortune. In 1861, two years after the new buildings were completed, the doors

were closed. In order to make payments on the buildings and pay the teachers back salaries,

notes were signed. Some of the lands belonging to the university were sold in 1867 to pay off these notes.

10 / The Journey

stands as it is today and is able to be enjoyed is used as a museum. According to the Patsy

Johnson Hallman, President of the Nacogdoches Federation of Women’s Clubs (Trustees for

the Old University Building), “The building is completely restored to its former glory; it is

on its original site; the room configuration is the same, the bell, the stairs, the floors-- all are

original. The museum is here to focus on the l9th century education, the Confederate Hospital that

was in the building during the Civil War, and for community gatherings.”

March 2010

The trustees for the building want the building to be more utilized. Last year there were over

4,000 people who walked through the university building doors. The community can come in and walk through each room, rent the building

for gatherings, showers, and receptions. It also makes for a great history lesson for students.

If you are interested in helping the Old University

Building through donations, tours, or serving as a docent, call Patsy Hallman at 564.2712.

Stories FROM THE heart.

Homestead

First Time Home Buyer Credit Extended Until April 30th, 2010 - By Safiur Rahman

If you are looking to buy your

after November 6th, 2009 single tax payers

be the best time to do it. If you’ve

annum and couples filing jointly must not

first home, this could very well

been keeping up with the news, it is

must not earn more than $125,000 per earn more than $225,000. Until recently,

likely that you are familiar with President

these income limits were significantly

aimed at boosting ailing housing market.

not retroactive. If you purchased a home

Obama’s economic stimulus package

The first time home buyer stimulus is an

important part of this stimulus package as it awards home buyers a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of their home (with

a maximum of $8000). This is essentially money in your pocket because you do not have to pay this back unless you sell your

lower and unfortunately the changes are between January 1st, 2009 and November 6th 2009, then you must not have made

more than $75,000 per annum if filing

as a single tax payer and not more than $150,000 if filing jointly with your spouse in order to claim the credit.

home within the first three years. The

Having discussed the two key requirements

extended until April 30th, 2010 from the

other factors that may preclude you from

great news is that the deadline has been previous deadline of December 1st, 2009.

You actually have until June 30th, 2010 to

close but must be in a binding agreement by April 30th, 2010. This gives you a few

more months to shop around, get in touch with mortgage brokers, and apply for a loan with terms that work for you.

There are two key requirements that you must meet in order to qualify for the tax credit. The first requirement is that both

you and your spouse (if applicable) must

meet the definition of a first time home buyer as per the current legislation. You are considered a first time home buyer

if you have not purchased a home as your primary residence in the three years

above, I must also mention that there are

to repay it. For example, if you buy new

home from a close family member such as a parent, grandparent, child, or spouse

then you do not qualify. Similarly, an RV or recreational vehicle does not qualify for the tax credit because it is considered

“personal property” that is not affixed to

a piece of land. The law may also change from time to time so you really have to

stay on top of the latest developments. The best advice I can give you is to plan ahead, do all your research and due diligence, and

familiarize yourself with the legal caveats

in a way that will make this program work for you.

To find out exactly if you qualify for the

as primary residences; therefore, if you

all the latest news, tips, and developments,

purchased one of those, you may still qualify for the credit. The specific type

home stimulus tax credit and stay on top of

visit our no nonsense Homebuyer’s Stimulus Guide. For tons of free and

of home (e.g. townhouse, condominium,

valuable information regarding President

not matter as long as it is your primary

log on to: http://obamasstimuluspackage.net.

mobile home, houseboat, etc) also does residence. Secondly, you must fall within

certain income limits. For homes purchased

Lufkin | (936) 631-6789 | memorialhealth.org

qualifying for the tax credit or require you

prior to your current purchase. Vacation

homes and rental properties do not count

“Life after triple bypass.”

Obama’s stimulus package, go ahead and

tjmag.com / 11

/ Yo ur Home

home tour

Linda & Todd Stafford

Inside Crown Colony, the

Staffords live in a beatuiful

home inside the Torrey Pines

gated community. The home has 4

bedrooms, 6 full baths, open concept kitchen and gathering room, formal dining, formal sitting room, study,

and two game rooms. The traditional style throughout the home has chair railing detail and hard wood floors

in the entry and the formal rooms. In the kitchen and gathering room,

the floor has brick pavers and white wainscoting walls. Todd, Linda,

Sarah, and Emily call 107 Torrey

Pines home.

12 / The Journey

March 2010

When your loved one’s needs can no longer be met at home, turn to the caring, professional staff at PineCrest.

We offer: • Round-the-clock Medicare Certified Skilled Nursing • Three levels of Memory Support Care in secure home-like settings • Spacious private and semi-private accommodations • Private duty staff available through PineCrest’s licensed Home Health Agency

Contact Juli Cook or Amanda Scarborough to schedule a tour.

936-634-1054

AL #000424 HC #000235

“I want to do right by my parents And with PineCrest I can.”

- PineCrest family member

/ Yo ur Home

In the Kitchen

Chinese Cuisine

quick and easy pepper steak

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef round or lean chuck, excess fat trimmed

• 1/4 cup soy sauce, reduced sodium • 1 clove garlic

• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup green onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares

• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1 cup water

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

Preparation:

1. Cut beef across the grain into thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger. Add beef. Toss and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Add beef and cook, stirring constantly, over high heat until browned. Check meat for tenderness. If meat is still tough, cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes longer over low heat. Turn heat up and add vegetables. Cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 10 minutes.

3. Mix cornstarch with water; add to skillet. Cook and stir until mixture is thickened. 4. Add tomatoes and heat through.

The Ye family owns and operates several restaurants in the Dallas

area. In 2007, the Ye family opened the doors of Empire Buffet

in Lufkin. They brought the first restaurant of it’s kind to the East Texas area. Empire Buffet offers Chinese and Japenese cuisine

buffet rotating over 100 items. In addition, there is a Mongolian style grill and Sushi Bar. At the grill, customers may select their own fresh meats, a variety of vegetables and seasonings, and then

watch the chef cook it up on the spot. The dinner menu offers a

pan-fried sirloin cooked to your preference. If you prefer something on the lighter side, you might like to try their shrimp, crab, or octopus salads. All food is cooked with 100% vegetable oil and no use of MSG. Enjoy crab legs on Friday and Saturday nights.

The restaurant offers discounts for seniors with lunches as low as $5 and dinner as low 14 / The Journey

March 2010

as $7. For more information, call Empire Buffet at (936) 639-9898.

Beef and broccoli

The secret to this recipe is cooking the beef in 1 cup of oil to seal in the juices, and cooking the broccoli in water to make it crisp and tender. For a more authentic touch, try using Chinese broccoli. Ingredients:

• 3/4 pound lean beef Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (substitute rice wine if desired)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce • 1 tablespoon water

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

Thickener:

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

• 1 pound fresh broccoli • 2 garlic cloves

To Cook Broccoli: • 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar, or to taste Other:

• 1 1/4 cups oil, or as needed

• 1 tablespoon water Preparation:

1. Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices. Add the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last (use your fingers to rub it in). Marinate the beef for 30 minutes.

2. While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables: for the sauce, mix together the oyster

sauce, light soy, dark soy, and water in a small bowl and set aside. In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water thickener and set aside.

3. Wash and drain the broccoli. Cut the stalk diagonally into thin slices. Cut the flowerets into 3 or 4 pieces. Crush the garlic.

4. Heat the wok and add 1 cup oil. When the oil is medium-hot (between 300 and 325 degrees F.), add

the beef. Blanch the beef by letting it lay flat for 30 - 40 seconds, and then stirring to separate the pieces. Remove the beef when it changes color and is nearly cooked (the entire process takes 1 - 2 minutes). 5. Remove the beef from the wok and drain on paper towels. 6. Clean out the wok with paper towels.

7. Add 2 tablespoons oil to the wok. When the oil is hot, add the crushed garlic and stir fry briefly until aromatic.

8. Add the broccoli, sprinkle the salt and sugar over, and stir fry briefly, turning down the heat if necessary to make sure it doesn’t burn. Add the 1/2 cup water, and cook the broccoli, covered, for 4 - 5 minutes, until it turns a bright green and is tender but still crisp. Remove from the wok and drain.

9. Clean out the wok and add 2 more tablespoons oil. Add the broccoli and the beef. Add the sauce and

cornstarch mixture in the middle of the wok and stir quickly to thicken. Mix everything together and serve hot over steamed rice.

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/ Yo ur Home

Landscaping

Spring Gardening -By Elaine Cameron

Snow was falling yesterday afternoon

Angelina

County.

After

extraordinarily cold winter spring seems

far away. Still there are signs spring is coming.

planting area, and send it with a nominal fee to be

Texas AgriLife Extension Service has a lot of

exactly what to add to your soil for specific plants.

for Texas and our area.

analyzed. You will receive a report advising you

Pansies are peeking through the snow, flowering

Plan how you will water plants, which may be a

of robins in our yard. Soon pleasant spring days

Place those plants that require more water close

quince brightens a flower bed, and we saw dozens

will find folks working in their yards planting flowers and vegetables.

Taking time to plan, prepare the soil, and make

good choices of plant material will ensure you

are enjoying your garden and yard long past the

watering can, a garden hose or a sprinkling system. to the house. Drip irrigation is the most efficient

beds and containers while you are away.

Whether you are

planting a few containers or changing your whole

landscape, planning is the key to saving time,

money and enjoying the results. Kurth Memorial Library has many good landscape books to give you ideas.

Soil preparation is essential to beautiful, thriving

plants. For container gardening use the best

prepared potting mix you can afford. Prepare soil in vegetable and flower beds by working in 2-3

inches of organic matter, such as compost, small fine pine bark, or sphagnum peat moss. Due to our

Talk to your neighbors and friends and find out Superstar® plants have been proven to survive in

tough Texas conditions. Visit the Texas Superstar® website for plant lists, and growing information.

You will recognize Texas Superstar® plants in area nurseries and retailers by their label. My personal

favorites from that list are lantana, Mexican bush

sage, and Gold Star Esperanza. Lantanas bloom all summer long and are butterfly magnets. The

Mexican bush sage blooms in September when

my garden needs a lift and Gold Star Esperanza

shines in the heat of summer. You are sure to find plants on that list that will fit into your landscape. Angelina County Extension office also has plant

lists available free. Use these lists as you plan your garden and shop for plants.

high temperatures we need to add organic matter

Spend some time planning and choosing plants

following directions on the bag for amounts to use.

landscape all year long.

every planting season. Add a balanced fertilizer, Till or dig the bed to a depth of eight to ten inches.

A soil test is the best way to determine what your

soil needs, especially if you have a problem area

where plants won’t grow or you are planning a large project. Visit the Angelina County Extension office to pick up a soil sample kit, collect samples of the 16 / The Journey

March 2010

carefully and you will enjoy your yard and

Here are some resources for our area:

• Texas Superstar® Visit the website texassuperstar.

com to see plant lists, pictures and growing information.

• Aggie Horticulture, aggiehorticulture.tamu. edu, a website of Texas A & M Horticulture and

Visit to

pick up plant lists and soil test kits or email your

garden questions to County Agent Cary Sims at

go-lufkin.com/mastergardeners,

what plants have worked well for them. Texas

than large neglected ones.

Call 936.632.8239 for information.

and realize you will need someone to water small

available locally. Think ahead to summer vacation,

Make a long range plan and then list what you

well-maintained garden projects bring more joy

Medford, Lufkin, on the loop near 69 South,

cw-sims@tamu.edu

Choose plants that thrive here in East Texas.

much time you have to spend on plant care. Small,

• Angelina County Extension Office, 2201 S.

method of watering, and inexpensive drip hoses are

pleasant days of spring.

will accomplish this year. Be realistic about how

information on gardening, and yard care specific

• Angelina County Master Gardener website has

monthly

garden checklists, articles on local gardening and information on education events open to the public. The Master Gardeners Plant Sale will be held Saturday, April 10 at 8:00 am at the Farmers Market.

Plants have been grown by Master Gardeners and

are adapted to this area. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your questions.

Simple Solutions

Overwhelmed with Artwork?-By Sharon Kruk

Kids love each and every piece of art

Next, decide what you want to DO with the best of

2. Display the Artwork- For immediate enjoyment,

don’t want to throw any of their masterpieces

child’s imagination and show off their creativity.

on a bulletin board for everyone to enjoy. Another

away.

they create and more often than not, they

However, if parents keep all of the

artwork and memorabilia from preschool to high school, your home will eventually be overrun. To

the masterpieces. This is the time to celebrate your There are several different options for this step:

1. Traditional Scrapbook- A traditional scrapbook

avoid the chaos, here are a couple of tips.

is great for parents who want to save original

First, you need a system for collecting what comes

just the artwork preserved, or an embellished album

home from school. One great idea is to use a large expanding file with divided slots and label each slot with one month or season of the year. As you go

through your child’s take-home folders each week,

it’s great to frame selected items or display them inexpensive option is to install two hooks on either

side of a wall, string some yarn between the hooks, and use clothespins to display the artwork.

artwork. The finished product can be simple, with

with pictures, memorabilia and other decorations. A traditional scrapbook is a great keepsake for kids to enjoy in the future.

talk about which items are worthy to be saved and which items can

be recycled or sent to the trashcan. The key is to make the decision

together and right away.

Don’t let it pile up or it will quickly become an overwhelming process while your house turns into a messy art studio!

tjmag.com / 17

/ Yo ur Home

Simple Solutions

Continued

3. Make it a .jpg- When space is an issue, this is a great option. Scan the artwork pieces or if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a scanner, simply take a picture of the piece. Print the images and store in a simple photo album, or collect enough

photos to create a hardbound digital storybook. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your child love to have their very own book of art?

Some other fun ideas: use artwork as gift wrap, laminate pieces for placemats, send to relatives for their enjoyment, or use the .jpg images to create a yearly calendar for the family.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not able to DO anything with the memorabilia, use a large plastic tote or large pizza box to store the items for later. At the very least, display a few

items on your refrigerator for daily enjoyment! With a simple system in place,

your budding Picasso will be able to show off his creativity and you will be able to keep the clutter to a minimum at your house.

Sharon Kruk is a wife to her amazing husband, Brian, and mother to their two incredible kids, Kellen (9) and Kaylie (6). Along with several part-time jobs

and volunteering in the community, she also enjoys helping people organize and celebrate their memories in traditional and digital albums. Visit her

website at www.mycmsite.com/sharonkruk or email her at srkruk@yahoo.com for more information or for help with your projects.

r u o YCOMMUNITY

tjmag.com / 19

/ Your COMMUNITY

hot spots

Friends Garden Party

A new organization is underway in Angelina County. In 2009, Angelina County Historical

Commission realized there was a lot more work that needed to be done. Thus, the History Friends

of the Angelina County Historical Commission was birthed.

Today there are over 100 members of the History Friends. Members volunteer their time and talents to promote various aspects of the county’s history.

The hot spot for March is the History Friends Garden Party and Home Tour on March 30.

The Garden Party will be from 5-7 p.m. at the historic Walker House on 503 Harmony Hill Drive. The

home has recently been restored by the Card/Miles families. This will be a beautiful time for a Garden

Party while the azaleas are in full bloom and grace the front yard of the historic home.

The Garden Party will kick off the History Friends’ fundraising campaign. Individual memberships of $15 and family memberships of $25 in the History Friends will be available at the Garden Party. Corporate

memberships of $500 and $1,000 are also available. All the funds generated through the History Friends

membership drive will be used to run the Historical Commission office at117A East Shepherd Street, along with History Friends projects.

Some members of the History Friends are busy

collecting oral histories from longtime citizens and conducting research for historical markers. Others are honoring, as well as chronicling, the

cemeteries in the county. Their goal is to map the county cemeteries with GPS technology to

assist people who are researching their family

histories in locating deceased loved ones buried in Angelina County.

Other volunteers are recording the county’s Black, Hispanic, and Indian histories. An

Education Committee has written a history curriculumcalled “Lufkin: Where Tall Pines Tickle the Toes of Angels,” for all the third

graders in the county to study in their Texas History classes. The local history lessons, featuring drawings by Diboll artist Raymond

Ryan, is designed to teach the third graders about Angelina County and their particular communities in Angelina County—such as Lufkin, Diboll, Hudson, Central, Huntington,

and Zavalla.

20 / The Journey

March 2010

The History Friends are led by the officers for the Historical Commission: Mary Jo

Gorden, chair; Bill Bartlett, vice chair; Mary Jane West, secretary; Carol Riggs, treasurer; and Jonathan Gerland, past chair.

You are invited to join the History Friends and help preserve the rich heritage of Angelina

County. To be a part of this exciting new group, call 936-639-6986 or contact us at angelinahistory@gmail.com. Visit our website at angelinacounty.net/achc/hlinks.html.

tjmag.com / 21

/ Yo ur COMMUNI TY

Business Spotlight

Kindermusik

integrates

music

program

and

that

movement

education for children. The program itself

in Lufkin. Along with Erin Stephens Tang, the two offer four different age classes.

began over 30 years ago. Stephen F. Austin

The classes are set up so parents and children

program through its Music Preparatory Division.

the fun of making music together. Pat Barnett,

State University is the local facilitator of the

can play, learn, sing, dance, create, and share in director

Preparatory

the

Music

Division,

said, “Kindermusik is an early childhood music and movement program based

on the belief that every child is musical, every parent is the child’s most

important teacher, and the home is the most important place for learning to take root and grow.” Kindermusik

Kindermusik has found that music and listening

enhances learning. “Most parents instinctively recognize the power of music and want to do all they can to foster their child’s musical interests and development. One of the easiest things you can do is surround your child with

an active musical environment. Kindermusik International’s experience over the past 30 years has shown that

for young children –-

baby,

toddler,

preschooler, or big

kid -- there’s no better way to listen and learn than with us!

Through their Music Preparatory Division,

SFA

knows

the

usually

importance music has on children’s lives. They

Karen Greer has been one of the certified

for 8-10 weeks. The classes are divided up into

about Kindermusik or the classes offered by

has her degree in Music Therapy and is also the

around 45 minutes once a week. The teacher leads

Kindermusik teachers for over ten years. Karen Music teacher for St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School

meets 2-3 times a year

different age groups. Each age group meets for

the class in group time singing, playful dancing, and hands on experience with instruments and

musical tools; all geared toward the appropriate age group.

“With my experience,” says

Greer, “I have seen the bonding experience and fun parents and kids

Kindermusik.

With my background in Music Therapy, which is basically a developmental

goal

through

activity, I can see that is what Kindermusik is doing. Music

lays a foundation for the child. Kindermusik has a long lasting

benefit- the songs stay with them and they gain motor skills.”

22 / The Journey

March 2010

will celebrate 30 years this year. To learn more Music Prep, visit www.music.sfasu.edu/prep.

Business Connections T

Gear Up

There are so many people working

behind

the

scenes

make

our

GEAR UP students successful. Yes, we

are undoubtedly blessed to have dedicated

teachers for our children everyday, but we also

need partners to school districts and teachers to lend a hand. Along with the teachers, we need

counselors, grant writers, and specialized program directors to make sure East Texas schools are

covered and have all the resources available to them.

GEAR UP, Gaining Early Awareness and

Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, is a

national college awareness program that does just that. The goal is to increase the number of students from our participating schools who graduate from

high school and are prepared to attend a post secondary institution after graduation.

In 1999, SFA and Angelina College partnered

Another goal of the East Texas GEAR UP

Photo: Camp for Champs. Students from Central,

rigorous course work required in college. Studies

attended a two day leadership camp in January.

with six school districts and two community

Partnership is for students to be prepared for more

Commerce and the Lufkin Chapter of the Top

show that students who take harder courses in

UP grant. That year, GEAR UP officially began in

college because they are better prepared and

partners, The Lufkin/Angelina Chamber of Ladies of Distinction, to apply for the first GEAR

East Texas. Bobbie Davis, East Texas GEAR UP

Director, says, “The year we applied, there were only 92 grants awarded across the nation, and we are one of only 18 projects in Texas.” In 2005, the program expanded to cover nine school districts: Center, Central, Diboll, Hemphill, Hudson,

Lufkin, West Sabine, Woodville, and Zavalla.

high school are more likely to be successful in know how to study and manage their time.

Davis explains, “It is important for the community

parents have received information about college

school was formed to enhance a “college-going” culture on each campus.

excellent educational opportunities that exist here in East Texas. We want our students to plan for

from a community college, or completing a

they were in the 7th grade. The students and their

leadership. The student leadership group at each

require some education past high school. Our

needed for college. Our first GEAR UP students

working with those same1500 students since

develop college plans, and learn strategies for

high school students need to know about all the

their future career either by receiving a certificate

are now in the 11th grade, and we have been

While at the camp, students learn goal setting,

to know that over 85% of the jobs available today

“The purpose of GEAR UP is to inform students

and parents of the preparation and planning

Diboll, Hudson, West Sabine, and Woodville

in a technical field, receiving a two year degree university four year degree. The more education a person receives, the more career choices become available for that person.”

for the past five years,” said Davis.

tjmag.com / 23

/ Your COMMUNITY

angelina County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Academy: The Power of Email Marketing for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs Join us on Tuesday, March 30th for our first Chamber Academy Seminar of 2010! The seminar will be from 1 to 3 p.m. and will be held in the Chamber’s Community Room, which is sponsored by First Bank & Trust East Texas. Our topic will be “The Power of Email Marketing for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs.” Build the relationships that are the key to your business success with easy, inexpensive and highly effective email marketing! We will explore the basics of what e-mail marketing is, why it works so well, and how to use it in your business planning and marketing strategy to achieve special goals. This workshop covers: • Email marketing best practices • Tips and strategies for getting and keeping high quality prospects, customers and members • How to increase increasing deliverability and open rates and how to avoid spam • Examples of successful email campaigns Who should attend: Suitable for all experience levels. Anyone interested in learning more about email marketing and anyone interested in discovering more about Constant Contact. Note: Participants do not need to be a Constant Contact customer to attend. All information provided can be applied regardless of the system or service you are using for Email Marketing. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Lufkin Economic Development Corporation and our seminar sponsor: Brookshire Brothers. The cost of this seminar is $20 for Chamber Members and $35 for Non-Members. For more information, please contact The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce at 936.634.6644. Leadership Lufkin The 2009-2010 Leadership Lufkin class gathers in front of the Capital in Austin for Lufkin/Angelina County Day.

Leadership Tomorrow Leadership Tomorrow class stops for a group photo while touring TempleInland.

24 / The Journey

March 2010

angelina County Chamber of Commerce March Power Networking to Feature HR for the Small Business Join us for a free breakfast and a topic that will benefit your small business. Our speaker will be Melissa Baker, SPHR Ascendant HR, discussing “Solving PTO Problems: How to Reduce Unscheduled Absences Without Violating the Law.” Recent surveys say that 21% of employees miss work to handle “family issues,” another 18% are dealing with “personal needs,” and the rest claim they’re stressed or simply need a day off. Join us to learn the most current dos and don’ts for managing paid time off with your workers. Our expert speaker will tell you how you can reduce abusive absenteeism. Thank you to our 2010 Presenting Sponsor, Planned Parenthood, and our March Sponsor, Best Buy. For more information, please call the Chamber at 936.634.6644.

Ribbon Cuttings

Angelina Plumbing Supply celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, January 27th. Located at 1801 East Lufkin Avenue, Angelina Plumbing supply is your one-stop-shop for all of your plumbing needs. They service supplies for both business and personal use. Give them a call at 936.639.3050 today! Pictured is owner Mike Branson with his family and staff. Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team. Expressive Images Photography, Salon & Day Spa celebrated their new location with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting onTuesday, February 16th. Located at 1905Tulane Drive in the new Fashion District, the location features photography, a full salon, makeup, permanent cosmetics, eyelash extensions, massages, facials, body treatments and more! Pictured are Owner Angela Marcotte and staff. Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team. Heavenly Fashions Boutique celebrated their grand opening with a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, February 18th. They specialize in men’s and women’s apparel, shoes and accessories. They have just what you need for any special occasion, church or party. They are located at 3213 S. Medford Dr, Suite 317 in the shopping center off the Chestnut Drive exit behind Chestnut Drive Baptist Church. Stop by or give them a call at 936.6341441. Pictured are owners Darryl Citizen and Betty Daniels and members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team.

tjmag.com / 25

/ Your COMMUNITY

NACOGDOCHES County Chamber of Commerce Ag industry leaders honored The 2010 Nacogdoches County Agriculture Awareness and Appreciation Banquet is Monday, March 29, at Banita Creek Hall.Tickets available at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Nacogdoches. Legendary football coach and rancher Gene Stallings is the keynote speaker. Awardees are • Ag Pioneer of the Year - Albert Thompson • Ag Business of the Year - Mill Creek Farm • Farm Family of the Year - the Jerry Nichols family • Ag Educator of the Year - Dr. Dale Perritt Local youth planning to attend Stephen F. Austin State University majoring in Agriculture, Forestry, or Environmental Sciences will also be awarded scholarships.

Make plans to join us:

Nacogdoches Azalea Trail, March 13-April 3. The Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau staff plan for all to enjoy Texas’ Largest Azalea Garden plus more than 20 miles of azalea trails through residential districts. More event information available online at www.nacogdochesazaleas.com, or call 936-564-7351 or 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN. Ribbon cutting, 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 23. The Vault at Hotel Fredonia, 200 N. Fredonia St . New business. Open House 5 - 6 p.m. Sample delicious coffee and treats. Alive After Five, 5-7 p.m.,Wednesday, Mar. 24. Pro Rodeo & Steer Show Kick Off at the Nacogdoches County Expo Center skybox. Hosts GAP Broadcasting and R&K Distributors. Ribbon cutting, 11:45 a.m., Thursday, Mar. 25. Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. at Chamber lobby, 2516 North St . New Chamber member. Serving brats with onions, mushrooms and other goodies for lunch! Fourth Friday Luncheon, noon-1p.m., Friday, Mar. 26 at Hotel Fredonia Banita Ballroom. Registration required.

Stay Connected www.Nacogdoches.org

Browse the county’s best community event calendar and submit your events. Check the Hot News.

Look for the Chamber Member Spotlight.

Find links to the Chamber’s Twitter and Facebook pages, Shop Nac First, NacBlog and much, much more!

NACOGDOCHES County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings | celebrating good things in business Nacogdoches County Democratic Party 901 E. Main St . Chairman Stephen Wright, (936) 462-1210. New office location.

Shine Salon 105 Upton St . Owner Bradley Pollard, (936) 559-9309. New business and Chamber member.

Happy Skin 310 N. University Dr . Owner Kristine Enrile, (936) 569-8083. New business and Chamber member.

Cowboy Custom Golf Carts Owner Steve Justice, (936) 598-3640. New Chamber member.

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shelter of East Texas / Family Crisis Center of East Texas 4610A North St . Operations Manager Lisa Jackman, (936) 569-1494. New thrift store location.

Cowboy Custom Golf Carts Owner Steve Justice, (936) 598-3640. New Chamber member.

Fun Facts about the first town in texas The first CEILING FAN in Texas hung in a downtown Nacogdoches drugstore. The fan blades were turned by a mule-drawn treadmill outside.

tjmag.com / 27

/ Yo ur COMMUNI TY Nacogdoches at 6020 North Street. For more information, call 936-564-4490. FREE. From dawn until dusk. 6020 North Street 17 Reading Railroad Texas Forestry Museum – 936-637-3976

1-31 D.M. BATES A World of Color Museum of East Texas – 936-639-4434 6 Jazz on the Patio (March 12-13, 19-20, 26-27) Nacogdoches Enjoy live jazz music on The Patio at the Hotel Fredonia. FREE 7:00 p.m. Contact: Hotel Fredonia at 936-564-1234 www.hotelfredonia.com Region V High School Rodeo George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center – 936637-3976 John Foxjohn’s New Book Launch Kurth Memorial Library – 936-630-0560 Farmer’s Market (March 10,13,17, 20,24, 27,31) Nacogdoches FREE 8 a.m.-Noon 107 Pearl Street (Old Hitch Lot—corner of West Main and Pearl Streets) Contact: Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market at (936) 559-2507 http://farmermktnac.blogspot.com 7 D.M. Bates “A World of Color” Opening Reception 2-4 p.m. Museum of East Texas – 936-639-4434 8 SFA Fine Arts-“A Cappella Choir” Nacogdoches $5 adult, $4 senior, $2 student 7:30 p.m. SFA Cole Concert Hall, 2210 Alumni Dr. Contact: SFA Box Office at 936- 468-6407 www.finearts.sfasu.edu 9 SFA Fine Arts-“American Ballet II” Nacogdoches Hand-picked from around the world by the artistic staff of American Ballet Theatre, these 14 dancers (ages 16 to 20) present a varied repertoire that is rooted in classical ballet but also includes premieres of new choreographers. Single tickets: $35 for A seating, $29 for B seating and $17.50 for C seating. 7:30 p.m. SFA Turner Auditorium, 2222 Alumni Dr. Contact: SFA Box Office at

28 / The Journey

March 2010

936- 468-6407 www.finearts.sfasu.edu 10 Healthy Woman Special Guest: Dr. Brian Humphreys Woodland Heights Medical Center 936-637-8688 11 2010 Les Reeves Lecture Series “Knowing the Flowers from the Garden” Nacogdoches Contact: SFA Ag Department at 936-468-1863 www.ag.sfasu.edu Hairspray Temple Theater on the AC campus 936-633-5454 12 Easter Spectacular Horse Sale George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center – 936637-3976 Hairspray Temple Theater on the AC campus 936-633-5454 13 Nacogdoches Azalea Trail Symposium: “A Passion for Camellias” The symposium focuses on using colorful camellias as accents in azalea gardens. Presented by Dr. William Welch from Texas A&M Horticulture, the symposium includes tips on pruning camellias, propagating azaleas, and a guided tour of the SFA Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden. Lunch is provided. $40 to non-members; $30 to SFA Gardens members. 9 a.m.-2p.m. SFA Agriculture Building Contact: Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 888- OLDESTTOWN. www.nacogdochesazaleas.com

19-20 Lamp-Lite Theatre “Picnic” (March 21,26-27, 28) Nacogdoches The gripping tale of the virile and charming Hal, who drifts into town and stirs up a storm of emotions in the lives of our women. $15 adult, $12 senior, $8 student/child 7:30 p.m. Lamp-Lite Theatre, Junction of US HWY 59 and Old Tyler Road (FM 1638) Contact: Lamp-Lite Theatre at 936-564-8300 www.lamplitetheatre.org 20 Azalea Plant Sale Local nurseries and garden clubs offer a variety of plants including 30 varieties of azaleas such as the Encore and Southern Indica. FREE admission 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Downtown Nacogdoches Contact: Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 888- OLDEST-TOWN www.nacogdochesazaleas.com Main Street Sidewalk Sale Downtown stores will be participating in a sidewalk sale offering a variety of unique finds, great deals, and specialty items right at your fingertips. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Downtown Nacogdoches Contact: Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 888-OLDEST-TOWN www.nacogdochesazaleas.com Region V Jr. High Rodeo George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center – 936637-3976 Deep East Texas Rasslin’ Lufkin Pitzer Garrison Civic Center – 936-637-1668

2010 Night of Destruction-Team Motor Jam Demolition Derby War Nacogdoches Tickets available at outhousetickets.com and Baskin’s Adult $12, Child $6 Nacogdoches Expo Center 936-564-0849. www. nacexpo.net

20-21 Nacogdoches Trade Days Nacogdoches Approximately 300 spaces available and invite the sale of a wide variety of merchandise. Shoppers enjoy ample parking, paved walkways, clean restrooms, and food concessions on premises. FREE. From dawn until dusk 1304 N.W. Stallings Drive (Loop 224) Contact: Nacogdoches Trade Days at 936-675-4099 www.nacogdochestradedays.net

13-14 Millard’s Flea Market Nacogdoches Located on the east side of U.S. 59 just north of

23 Comedy Night at Hotel Fredonia featuring Ralphie May Nacogdoches

$20 pre sale $28 at the door Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Contact: Hotel Fredonia at 936-564-1234 www.hotelfredonia.com SFA Fine Art-“Marvin Hamilisch” Nacogdoches $35 A Seating, $29 B Seating, $17.50 C Seating 7:30 p.m. SFA Turner Auditorium, 2222 Alumni Dr. Contact: SFA Box Office at 936-468-6407 www.finearts.sfasu.edu 23-31 Nacogdoches Azalea Trail Photography Show Nacogdoches A juried photography exhibition from local photographers displaying Nacogdoches County Azaleas. FREE Admission. Tues-Sun 12:30-5 p.m. The Cole Art Center, 329 E. Main Contact: Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 888-OLDEST-TOWN www.nacogdochesazaleas.com 25-27 Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo and Steer Show Nacogdoches Expo Center www.nacexpo.net/rodeo 27 “Little Princess” Garden Party in the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden Nacogdoches Introduce your favorite little girl to the beauty and joy of the garden at this special party. Enjoy refreshments, party favors, and entertainment planned to delight you and spark her imagination. $20 each, adults and children 10-11:30 a.m.; 12:30-2 p.m. SFA’s Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden Contact: Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 888-OLDEST-TOWN www.nacogdochesazaleas.com Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market Spring Fling Saturday Nacogdoches Join us as we officially kick off spring in Texas’ Oldest Town. Live entertainment, children’s activities, a variety of wonderful vendors at much more! FREE Admission 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market Contact: Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market at 936-559-2507 www.nacogdochesazaleas.com Pineywoods Youth Rodeo George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center – 936-637-3976 AB/C and Sam’s Club Tire & Battery Recycle am’s Club Lufkin – 936-632-5326

“A Blooming Good Volkswagen Show” Nacogdoches See up to 100 vintage Volkswagens- from mild to wild. FREE Admission 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Downtown Festival Plaza Contact: Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market at 936-559-2507 www.nacogdochesazaleas.com Loblolly Liberator Bike Ride Nacogdoches Featuring five courses ranging from 10 to 100 miles. Riders enjoy the beautiful scenic landscape of East Texas. For registration information, log on to: www.nactreatmentcenter.org. 8 a.m.-??? Ride starts at Nacogdoches Treatment Center Contact: Nacogdoches Treatment Center at 936-569-7173 www.nactreatmentcenter.org 27 Nacogdoches Naturally – Canoeing Martin Dies State Park Nacogdoches 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. Contact: Pineywoods Native Plant Center at (936) 468-1832 www.ag.sfasu.edu

APRIL 2010 1 Voices for Children Bluebonnet Evening CASA Historic Home – 936-634-6725 2 First Friday Cruise Nights Nacogdoches Join us in historic downtown Nacogdoches, and shop late till eight! Participating downtown merchants will stay open from 5-8 p.m. for all of your shopping needs. FREE 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Downtown Nacogdoches Contact: Nacogdoches Main Street at 936-559-2573 obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us 7-10 Temple Cup Golf Tournament Crown Colony Country Club – 936-637-8800 10 Lumberjack Challenge Texas Forestry Museum – 936-632-9535 15- 5th Annual Mosaic Center Tennis Tournament Dinner & Auction First United Methodist Church-Youth Worship Center – 936-639-5068

Send us your events at Calendar@tjmag.com. Submission deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication. (February 15th for the March issue) In order for your event to be included please list all ofthe following: Date, Event Name, Brief Description, Event Location, Time, and Contact.

tjmag.com / 29

/ Yo ur COMMUNI TY

Places

Yo u r Co m m u n i ty /

Faces

PASSIONATE PURSUIT

Shades of Grace • Piney Woods Country Club • February 4, 2010 • Nacogdoches

30 / The Journey

March 2010

Ballet Folklórico De México Angelina Arts Alliance January 24, 2010 • Lufkin

LONE STAR LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce February 17 & 18, 2010 • Nacogdoches

tjmag.com / 31

/ Yo ur COMMUNI TY

CHARITY BALL

Junior League of Lufkin • February 13, 2010 • Lufkin

32 / The Journey

March 2010

/ Your Co mmu ni ty

PACE POTPOURII LISD

SECRET KEEPER Oak Grove Baptist Church February 5, 2010 • Nacogdoches

tjmag.com / 33

/ Yo ur COMMUNI TY

ANGELINA COUNTY YOUTH FAIR Expo Center • February 15-19, 2010 • Lufkin

34 / The Journey

March 2010

ECOMET BURLEY PRIMARY DEDICATION Campus Dedication Ceremony • January 5, 2010 • Lufkin

ST CYPRIAN’S OPEN HOUSE

Lufkin Chamber Night Out • February 25, 2010 • Lufkin

tjmag.com / 35

/ Your COMMUNITY

Giving Back

Goodwill

There has been someone in all our lives

that made an impact. Whether it was the

loving influence of our parents and family, a

teacher, or a coach, looking back, we know the

people who shaped us into who we are today.

Goodwill Industries is looking for people who shape

lives. They have a new Youth Mentoring Program

that is in the start up phase. The program wants to empower youth to make positive choices that enable them to maximize their current and future potential.

Tracy Shannon, Master Mentor says, “Finding youth is the easier part; it is finding adult mentors that we

have trouble with.” The youth needing mentors are in

both Angelina and Nacogdoches County. There are

three healthy meals, a warm bed, and all the factors that help children thrive and succeed in life.

Having someone to talk to and knowing they care

makes a huge difference. Goodwill has a system in place to match up mentors and youth based on

similarities, location, gender, chemistry, etc… Through the Goodwill Guides, the community has

a direct connection in helping build up the leaders of tomorrow.

It has been said that the most precious gift to be given is your time and your presence. That is what many

youth are looking for. Many make bad choices in a desperate attempt for attention. Whether you live in a surrounding county or are part of the Angelina

so many different stories and reasons why youth are

and Nacogdoches County community,, if you are

are, but their circumstances.

be a Goodwill Guide!

failing. Their failure is not a reflection of who they

Many people take for granted little things that are not common to every child, including loving parents,

willing to drive in, please call and say you want to

Goodwill’s approach to family strengthening

To learn more about becoming a Good Guide Youth

emphasizes economic success through work.

Mentor

strategies, Good Guides™ directly embraces five

Contact: Rachel Moore, Master Mentor

Among the ten Goodwill family strengthening

strategies:

• Youth development:

Good Guides™ uses

mentoring relationships with caring adults, as well

Goodwill Industries of Central East Texas

Nacogdoches County

Tracy Shannon, Master Mentor Angelina County

Kristy Bice, Program Manager

as planned opportunities for career awareness and

Address:

301 Hill Street, Lufkin, TX 75904

to the opportunities they have when they take the

Fax:

936-632-9561

training opportunities, to enlighten young people necessary steps to achieve them.

• Job readiness and placement: Good Guides™ prepares youth for success in the workplace

and financial security by encouraging school

Phone:

E-mail:

936-632-8838

tracy.shannon@lufkingoodwill.org

rachel.moore@lufkingoodwill.org kristy.bice@lufkingoodwill.org

completion, creating career awareness learning and earning opportunities, and supporting planning for

successful

opportunities.

transitions

• Employer relations:

post-secondary

Good Guides™ recruits

businesses to provide volunteer mentors and

career awareness opportunities including site visits, speakers, job shadowing, internships, work experience, training, and employment.

• Financial education: Financial awareness, money management, savings, avoidance of debt and

predatory lenders, etc., while not essential elements of the Good Guides™ program design, could be

core activities for mentors and youth. Visits to

banks and credit unions or speakers from these institutions could introduce youth to the world of banking and savings.

• Community resource connections: Good Guides™

programs offer referrals and services to the family members of youth.

Family strengthening youth

programs use assessments to inquire about the household and families of youth.

Community

partners are used as referral resources that can offer stability to the homes of the youth.

tjmag.com / 37

Inspiring Young Woman

38 / The Journey

March 2010

www.photographybydena.com

Jentry Page

Inspiring Young Woman

The influence of wonderful programs

president of the club. Along with being club

sometimes undervalued. For Jentry Page,

of FFA, FCCLA, Drug Free All Star, Cross

for students to be involved in is

she knows the impact some of the programs

that have been offered her over the years.

“It is because of 4H,

FFA, and others that have made me who I am,” says Page.

president for Blue Ribbon 4-h, she is a member Timbers Cowboy Church, National Honor Society, KYSSED, and Texas High School

Rodeo Association. “All of these have shaped me into the person I am today. I am confident

that without the life lessons and responsibilities these organizations have taught me, I would not

be ready for college.”

piece is for all those facing the demands of

Jentry said she has

The responsibility of managing the schedule

keep your morals, and don’t give up when

around animals. Since

animals is a definitely character building tasks.

always

loved

being

she could walk she has

especially loved being around horses. Her dream is to one day open an equine rehabilitation facility. First, her goal is college. With the push

and importance placed on a college education from a young age by her family, college has

of school, traveling, taking care and feeding

Jentry Page is the 2010 Angelina County Rodeo

get done at school and grab a quick bite to eat.

year’s event, April 21-24, Expo Center, Lufkin.

and dogs. Then I finish any homework I did not As soon as my mom and dad get home it is off

“I started my path to college by joining Blue

along the way. “I have made friends, I will have

a motion. My mom nudges me and said, “Stand

up and make a motion.” I said I am not standing

up to talk!” said Page. Later, she had not idea

that shy young girl would one day become

Queen. Make plans to stop by and meet Jentry at this

to roping and goat tying practice.”

Jentry says another important piece to all the

will never forget when the president called for

things are tough.”

“Every day after school I fee the horses, goats,

always been in her sights.

Ribbon 4-H club when I was ten years old. I

being a teenager. “Keep your head on straight,

extracurricular is the friends she has made forever. Even though we only see each other

once a month or twice a month. Rodeo is such a family sport, we are all like family.”

This is Jentry’s senior year. She is a senior at

Central High School. Next year is still unclear, but Sam Houston and Panola

Junior College are a couple options.

Jentry

definitely

plans to college rodeo.

Her advice to young girls is

two fold. “I wanted to try rodeo, but it was hard. It was

something I wanted to do.

Even if it is 4H, FFA- find someone willing to help you and don’t give up.” Second

tjmag.com / 39

Inspiring Woman

40 / The Journey

March 2010

Sallye Darmstadter

On September 16, 1996, something

new and life changing opened

Inspiring Woman

Angelina Countythe doors to the Beth and

Horace Stubblefield Learning Center . Sallye

Darmstadter came in as the Director for the new

program, and today, fourteen years later, she still serves in that capacity.

In her first week as director, she took a tour around Texas. She visited non-traditional schools

similar to Stubblefield. Darmstadter visited schools in Austin, Round Rock, Brownsville,

Dallas, Greenville, and Farmers Branch. She says, “ I brought back a little bit of everything I liked.”

Her passion for the school was immediate, but when the reality of the situation hit, things

began to sink in. “I remember when we received the keys to our new building (the old Revco

building). I went in and sat down and stared

at the floor. After a while, I began to cry. We had nothing! No furniture, no desks, nothing!” remembers Darmstadter.

Soon, she began going around to all of her

timeline and schedules. Some students might

furniture they didn’t need anymore. She went

need 21 credits.

friend’s offices and banks, asking if they had any door to door and said, “I need every treasure you

only lack 3 credits from graduating, while others

have stored.” The furniture in her office is from

Sallye loves her kids. That is why she enjoys

Zbranek at Regions Bank.

is not a punitive program; we have good kids.

the first door she walked into; it came from Will

Stubblefield is a cooperative between the Lufkin Chamber of Commerce, Angelina College, and

five school districts: Central, Diboll, Hudson, Lufkin, and Zavalla. The program is designed for secondary students who have been identified as having personal, economic, or attitudinal

needs. The focus is two-fold: drop out recovery and prevention.

The program is a non-traditional learning center. The school year runs from July 1st to June 30th. It

being there when they are there. “Stubblefied But for one reason or another they had difficulty functioning in a traditional setting.” It is basically

for “high-risk” students from traditional schools. High Risk can mean anything from dysfunctional

home environments, students parenting their own parents or parenting siblings, abusive relationships, homelessness, teen pregnancy,

substance abuse, and more. That is why the teachers are there to do more than only teach.

The staff includes a Social Worker and five full time certified teachers.

is flexible and self paced. The center is open from

“It is an emotional journey with our students.

A.M. – 3 P.M. Friday. Students must attend four

want to know you care and someone is listening,”

7 A.M. – 5 P.M. Monday through Thursday and 7 hours a day, five days a week. There is a clock in

and out system similar what businesses use . The

They don’t care how much you know; they just said Sallye.

program requires the state minimum of 22 credits

A very unique aspect of Stubblefield is that they

the TAKS Exit Exams. Students set their own

age at Stubblefield, ranging from 16-21, come

and each student must pass all four sections of

have an “over age” program. The average student

tjmag.com / 41

with funding from their school district. Students over 21 require community funding. “That is why this school is a community project.” Today, they have had over 70 graduates over the age of 21. The oldest was 53; in 2009, there was a 41 and 33 year old; and in 2008, there was a 52 year old.

There is no other school in Texas like Stubblefield. Sallye is proud that

Stubblefield stands out above the crowd and the kids are able to give school recognition for their hardwork.

The summer program is used by many school districts in the county. Every

year Darmstadter writes a grant to fund the summer school. This is to

accommodate the 400 (average) students that enroll for summer credits. For the past twelve years, one local foundation has provided the full funding for

the entire summer. Sallye is very proud of this aspect of the center. She says

that students that attend during the summer are typically making up credits.

42 / The Journey

March 2010

These students can easily become drop outs. Thanks to Stubblefield they have a chance of getting back on track.

To date there have been 1,016 graduates from Stubblefield and 4,624 students have participated in the summer program.

Women like Sallye are only making our community stronger by offering more to the citizens in the county. There is power in education. Sallye

Darmstadter says,” We are building self-esteem, shaping character, setting

goals, reinforcing problem solving skills and developing time management skills. Graduates leave Stubblefield with a renewed self-esteem, respect for their community, and higher expectations for themselves.”

n i n o i t a c u d EEAST TEXAS

It has been said time and time again from

We have over seventeen independent public school

pay do so in hopes that our local counties can raise up

diffferent organizations, non-profit agencies,

districts within Nacogdoches and Angelina Counties,

leaders and thinkers who will come back and be our

fundraising efforts, and leaders in the community-

along with over 10 private schools available in the two

leaders on school boards, elementary school principals, and possible even a superintendent.

- that East Texas is home to an incredibly giving and

counties. Many schools and districts are growing and

supportive community . That is why so many are proud

expanding by building new elementary schools and

to call East Texas home. People in East Texas have big

expanding their campuses.

hearts and, more importantly, big devotion to lend a hand or roll up their sleeves until the job is done.

It takes all hands on deck to make our children today thinkers for tomorrow. East Texas is blessed to offer

Those involved with the many avenues of education can

many options for parents to choose so they can find

testify to the giving spirit that is so readily seen again and

the program that best fits their child and the needs of

That attitude is perfectly conveyed in the education

again in East Texas--from the teachers, to the parents, to

the family.

arena. Although we are a rural community, we have

the school boards, and full circle back to the children.

an extensive amount of educational options available.

Those that volunteer their time and work harder for less

tjmag.com / 43

400 N. John Redditt www.cwbc.org 400 N. John Lufkin, TX Redditt TH 6-4 Lufkin, TX (936) 632-6599 (936) 632-6599 www.cwbc.org 4. www.cwbc.org First United Methodist TH 6-4Betsy Bales Director: TH 6-4 201 E. Hospital Street 4. Nacogdoches, First United Methodist TX 4. Director: First United Methodist Betsy Bales (936) 560-4631 Director: Betsy 201 E. Hospital Bales Street www.fumcnac.org 201 E. HospitalTX Street Nacogdoches, M-F TH MWF 1-4 S x Nacogdoches, (936) 560-4631TX (936) 560-4631 5. www.fumcnac.org Kids Day In www.fumcnac.org M-F TH MWF 1-4 S x Director: Regina Shupak M-F TH MWF 1-4 S x First Presbyterian Church 5. 607 KidsJaneway Day In 5. Director: Kids DayRegina In Shupak Lufkin, TX Director: Regina Shupak First Presbyterian Church (936) 634-3711 First Presbyterian Church 607 Janeway www.fpclufkin.com 607 Janeway Lufkin, TX TH 18-4 Lufkin, TX (936) 634-3711 (936) 634-3711 www.fpclufkin.com Place 6. My My Growing Growing Place www.fpclufkin.com TH 18-4 Director: Debbie TH 18-4 Director: Debbie Denby Denby 805 E Denman Ave 6. 805 My Growing Place TX Place E Denman Ave 6. Lufkin, My Growing Director: Debbie Denby (936) 639-6884 Director: Debbie Denby Lufkin, TX 805 E Denman Ave www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm 805 E Denman Ave Lufkin, TX M-F TH TWH 2mo-4 (936) 639-6884 Lufkin, TX 7x S (936) 639-6884 (936) 639-6884 www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm 7. www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm SFA Early Childhood Lab M-F TH TWH 2mo-4 Director: Lori Harkness M-F 2mo-4 TH TWH 2mo-4 7 x M-F 7:30-5:30 7x S S (936)468-4006 7. www.sfasu.edu/echl SFA Early Childhood Lab 7. Director: SFA EarlyLori Childhood Lab M-F 6-4 Lori Harkness Director: Harkness Sonshine School (936)468-4006 (936)468-4006 www.sfasu.edu/echl 8. North Sonshine School Street Church of Christ www.sfasu.edu/echl M-F 6-4 North Street Church of Christ M-F 6-4 Director: Susan Bentley Bentley Director: Susan 8. 3914 Sonshine School North Street 8. 3914 Sonshine School North Street North Street Church of Christ Nacogdoches, TX 75961 North Street Church of Christ Director: Susan Bentley (936) 564-2471 Nacogdoches, TX 75961 Director: Susan Bentley 3914 North Street www.northstreetcoc.org 3914 North Street (936) 564-2471 Nacogdoches, TX 75961 M-F MWF TH 1-4 Nacogdoches, (936) 564-2471TX 75961 www.northstreetchurch.com (936) 564-2471 9. www.northstreetcoc.org Tanglewood Learning Center www.northstreetcoc.org M-F MWF TH1-4 1-4 M-F MWF TH 8:30-1 Ext Avail Director: Carolyn Morley M-F MWF TH 1-4 1118 Tanglewood Cir 9. Nacogdoches, Tanglewood Learning Center Texas 75961 9. Director: Tanglewood Learning Center Carolyn Morley 936-564-1484 Wee Care Director: Carolyn Morley 1118M-F Tanglewood Cir 15-5 Ext care to 6th S 7 1118 Tanglewood Cir75961 Director: JanieTexas Lowery Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 936-564-1484 10. 106 WeeECare Bremond 936-564-1484 M-F 15-5 care to 6th S 7 Director: JanieExt Lowery M-F 15-5 Ext care to 6th S 7 Lufkin, TX 106 E Bremond 10. Lufkin, Wee Care TX 10. (936) Wee Care 634-3386 Director: Janie Lowery (936) 634-3386 Director: Janie Lowery 106 E Bremond TH 1-4 1-4 TH 9:30-2:30 x 106 E Bremond 7 Lufkin, TX Lufkin, TX (936) 634-3386 (936) 634-3386 1-4 TH x TH 7 7 x 1-4

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school listings

Directory Mother’s Day Out Programs Directory Mother’s Day Out Programs Directory Mother’s Day Out Programs Directory Mother’s Day Out Programs Directory Mothers Day Out Programs Angel Keepers Day School

Director: Cindy Odom Angel Keepers 711 North 2nd Day School Director: Cindy Odom Lufkin, TX2nd 711 North Lufkin, TX www.lufkincentral.com 1. www.lufkincentral.com Angel Keepers Day School M-F MWF MWF TH6-4 6-4 M-F TH Director: Cindy Odom 711 North 2nd 2. Lufkin, CalvaryTX Baptist Church Director: Alicia Whitehead www.lufkincentral.com Calvary Baptist Church 1. Angel Keepers Day School 3732 NE Stallings M-F MWF THOdom 6-4 Director: Cindy Director: Alicia Whitehead Nacogdoches, TX 711 North 2nd (936) 564-4539 2. 3732 Calvary Baptist Church NE Stallings Lufkin, TX T/H Director:1-4 Alicia Whitehead www.lufkincentral.com TX 3732 NE Stallings 1. Nacogdoches, AngelMWF Keepers Day M-F TH 6-4School Nacogdoches, Director: CindyTX Odom (936) 564-4539 3. Carpenters KidsChurch 564-4539 711 North 2nd 2. (936) Calvary Baptist Carpenters Way Whitehead Baptist Church T/H 1-4 T/H 9-12:30 Lufkin, TX Director: Alicia Director: Bonnin www.lufkincentral.com 3732 NE Alicia Stallings 400 N. John Redditt M-F MWF TH 6-4School Nacogdoches, TX 1. Angel Keepers Day Lufkin, TX Kids 3. Carpenters Carpenters Kids (936) 564-4539 Director: Cindy Odom (936) 632-6599 Way Baptist Church 2. Carpenters Calvary Baptist Church T/H 1-4 711 North 2nd www.cwbc.org Carpenters WayWhitehead Baptist Church Director: Alicia Bonnin Lufkin, TX Redditt TH 6-4 400 N.NE John 3732 Stallings Director: Alicia Bonnin www.lufkincentral.com Lufkin, TX TX6-4 3. Nacogdoches, Carpenters Kids M-F MWF TH 4. 400 First United Methodist 632-6599 N. John Redditt (936) 564-4539 Carpenters Way Baptist Church Director: Betsy Bales www.cwbc.org T/H 1-4 Director: Alicia Bonnin 2. Lufkin, Calvary Baptist Church TX 201 E. Hospital Street TH 6-4 400 N. John Redditt Director: Alicia Whitehead Nacogdoches, TX (936) 632-6599 Lufkin, TX 3732 Stallings 560-4631 4. (936) First NE United Methodist 3. Carpenters Kids (936) 632-6599 Nacogdoches, TX www.fumcnac.org www.cwbc.org Director: Betsy Carpenters WayBales Baptist Church www.cwbc.org (936) 564-4539 M-F TH MWF 1-4 S x 201 E. Hospital Street Director: Alicia Bonnin TH 6-46-4 TH T/H 1-4 Nacogdoches, TX 400 N. John Redditt 5. Kids 560-4631 Lufkin, TXIn Methodist 4. (936) First Day United Director: Regina Shupak www.fumcnac.org (936) 632-6599 Director: Betsy Bales 36 THE JOURNEY March3.2009First Carpenters Kids United Methodist First Presbyterian Church M-F TH MWF 1-4 S x www.cwbc.org 201 E. Hospital Carpenters Way Street Baptist Church 607 Janeway TH 6-4Alicia Director: BetsyTX Bales Nacogdoches, Director: Bonnin TXIn Kids Day 36 THE JOURNEY March5.2009Lufkin, (936) 560-4631 400 N. John Redditt 36 THE JOURNEY March4.2009201 (936) 634-3711 E.United Hospital Street Director: Regina Shupak First Methodist www.fumcnac.org Lufkin, TX www.fpclufkin.com First Presbyterian Church Director: Betsy Bales M-F TH MWF 1-4 S x Nacogdoches, (936) 632-6599 TH 18-4 TX 607 E. Janeway 201 Hospital Street www.cwbc.org Lufkin, TX TX 560-4631 Nacogdoches, 5. (936) Kids Day 6-4In Place 6. TH My Growing 634-3711 (936) 560-4631 Director: Regina Shupak www.fumcnac.org Director: Debbie Denby www.fpclufkin.com First Church 4. www.fumcnac.org FirstEPresbyterian United Methodist 805 Denman Ave TH 18-4 M-F TH MWF 1-4 S x M-F TH MWF 7:15-5:15 607 Janeway Director:TX Betsy Bales Lufkin, Lufkin, TX 201 E. Hospital Street 639-6884 6. (936) My Growing 5. Kids Day In Place (936) 634-3711 Nacogdoches, TXDenby www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm Debbie Director: Regina Shupak www.fpclufkin.com Kids Day In Ave (936) 560-4631 M-F TH TWH 2mo-4 805 E Denman First Church TH Presbyterian 18-4 7x S www.fumcnac.org Lufkin, TX Director: Jessica Bridwell 607 Janeway x M-F TH MWF 1-4 S 7. SFA Early Childhood Lab (936) 639-6884 Lufkin, TX Place 6. First My Growing Presbyterian Church Director: Lori Harkness www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm 634-3711 Director: Debbie Denby 5. (936) Kids Day In (936)468-4006 M-F TH TWH 2mo-4 www.fpclufkin.com 607 Janeway 805 E Denman Director: ReginaAve Shupak 7 x S www.sfasu.edu/echl TH 18-4 Lufkin, TX First Presbyterian Church M-F 6-4 TXChildhood Lab 7. Lufkin, SFA Early (936) 639-6884 607 Janeway Director: LoriPlace Harkness 6. (936) My Growing www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm 634-3711 TXSchool 8. Lufkin, Sonshine (936)468-4006 Director: Debbie Denby M-F TH TWH 2mo-4 (936) 634-3711 North Church 7x S www.sfasu.edu/echl www.fpclufkin.com 805 E Street Denman Ave of Christ www.fpclufkin.com Director: Susan Bentley M-F 6-4 Lufkin, TX 7. TH SFA18-4 Early Lab TH 18-4 9-Childhood 2:30 3914 North Street (936) 639-6884 Director: Lori Harkness TX 75961 8. Nacogdoches, Sonshine School (936)468-4006 6. www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm My Growing Place of Christ (936) 564-2471 North Street Church M-F TH TWH 2mo-4 www.sfasu.edu/echl Director: Debbie Denby 7x S www.northstreetcoc.org Director: Susan Bentley M-FE6-4 805 Denman Ave M-F MWF TH 1-4 Lab North Childhood Street 7. 3914 SFA Early Lufkin, TX TX 75961 Director: Lori Harkness March 2010 8. Nacogdoches, Sonshine School 639-6884 9. (936) Tanglewood Learning Center (936) 564-2471 (936)468-4006 North Street Church of Christ www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm Director: Carolyn Morley www.northstreetcoc.org www.sfasu.edu/echl Director: Susan Bentley M-F TH TWH 2mo-4 1118 6-4 Tanglewood Cir MWF TH 1-4 7x S M-F 1.

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44 / The Journey

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57:30 5 -years Principal: Rev.No Andy Gossett 3---www.lufkinisd.org years Special Subjects 98:30 -2:30 5:30 MWF M-F 18 -311:45 18 months Days M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. Private Program 2413 Paul Avenue P K-5 (936) 468-4006 4 4 years 8:30 11:45 T/H Days PJH Lufkin, TX 75901 x Music 9 -2:30 2 2 years M-F Yes www.sfasu.edu/charter_school (936) 632-3339 J 6-8 -35years years 935-2:30 MWF M-F Special Subjects T/H Sports Px www.eastviewacademy.com No 7.H -Nacogdoches Christian Academy 9-12 P K-5 T/H 2 3 4 P J H Director: Donna Baker xMWF Music 4 - 4 years Schools Chapel 11. St Cyprians Episcopal School SE Stallings J--211 6-8 MWF Head of School: Brinn Willford 5 5 years Nacogdoches , TX Sports Special Subjects .Fredonia ChristHill Episcopal 5. Lufkin ISD DUAL Language 9.1115 Regents BaptistSchool Computers S. JohnAcademy Redditt H 9-12 (936) 462-1021 Head ofMrs. School: Audrey Director: Sylvia Eubanks Administrator: Principal: Emily HarrisRussell P K-5 Lufkin, TX 75904Mary Ann Bentley Schools www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com xprivate Chapel Music 502 E Starr Ave (936) 630-4290 200 NE Stallings 1711 South Street Times S Spanish and public schools J - 6-8 (936) 632-1720 Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches, TX 75969 moChrist P ISD J DUAL Language TX TX 75961 .Nacogdoches, Episcopal School 5. ywww.lufkinisd.org Lufkin 9.www.saintcyprians.org Academy Schools Christ Episcopal School Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. St Regents Patrick Catholic School 7:30 5:30 Computers Sports (936) 564.0621 (936) 559-7343 (936) 564-4472 Head of School: Audrey Russell Director: Sylvia Eubanks Administrator: Ann Bentley PJH H - 9-12 xMary year S Steve 3Stallings 4 P Coryell Schools www.ces-nac.org www.regentsacademy.com b ofAve School: Audrey Russell Gifted and Talented 502 Head E Starr (936) 630-4290 200 NE Principal: .www.fhbacademy.com Christ Episcopal School 5. Lufkin ISD DUAL Language 9. Regents Academy 8. Pineywoods Community Academy 8:30 11:45 Days Times S Chapel 7 Nacogdoches, www.lufkinisd.org Nacogdoches, TX 75969 SSpanish 3 4TX P 6 xSchool Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. PSt.JAcademy H Head Audrey Russell Sylvia Eubanks Administrator: Mary Ann Bentley 5mo months PofJSchool: 6.Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak 1. Christ Episcopal 5.Director: Lufkin ISD DUAL Language 9.Patrick Regents 12. St Catholic School 502 EM-F Starr Ave Director: Cindy Henderson 2116 Lowry 9 -2:30 (936) 564.0621 (936) 559-7343 Gifted and Talented 7:30 5:30 502 E Starr Ave (936) 630-4290 200 NE Stallings 602 S Raguet P J H Head of School: Audrey Russell Director: Sylvia Eubanks Administrator: Mary Ann Bentley Principal: Steve Coryell Computers 18 months syear www.ces-nac.org www.regentsacademy.com Nacogdoches, TX 10. SFA Charter School Director: Cindy Henderson (936) Lufkin, TXNE 75901 Nacogdoches, TX www.lufkinisd.org Nacogdoches, TX 75969 Lufkin, TX630-4258 75904 .Harmony Eastview Academy 502 E Starr Ave (936) 630-4290 200 Stallings Christian School 2116 Lowry St. T/H 8:30 11:45 Days Principal: (936) 630-4258 (936) (936) 559-7343 634-5515 5Administrator: months 7 Times SRev. 3 4Andy P TX 6 xGossett 6.(936) Lufkin ISD PLysa J HHagan Principal: Nacogdoches, www.lufkinisd.org Nacogdoches, TX 75969 years P JP.A.C.E. H S564.0621 Spanish Flo Davis Lufkin, TX 75901 (936) 564.0621 www.lufkinisd.org (936)634-6719 mo M-F(936) 7:30-5:30 p.m. www.lufkinisd.org www.ces-nac.org www.regentsacademy.com www.pineywoodsacademy.org MWF 9 -2:30 Gifted and Talented 2413 Paul Avenue (936) 564.0621 559-7343 Principal: Tracye Brashear M-F (936)634-6719 P J H 18 months 7:30 5:30 (936) 468-4006 years www.ces-nac.org P J H4 P www.stpatricklufkin.com year 10. SFA Charter School Director: 7 PCindy H Henderson Lufkin, TX 75901 www.ces-nac.org www.regentsacademy.com SAcademy 34P6x 6. yLufkin ISD PJH JJP.A.C.E. Rice Drive www.stpatricklufkin.com .1601 Eastview www.sfasu.edu/charter_school T/H Principal: Lysa (936) 630-4258 (936) 632-3339 Gifted and Talented x Lufkin, TX 75901 years 8:30 11:45 3 4 P J 7 Principal: Rev. Andy Gossett S 3 4 P 6 6. Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. P JHagan H Days 3 4 P J p.m. 5(936) months M-F Charter 7:30-5:30 www.lufkinisd.org P x School www.eastviewacademy.com 10. SFA Cindy Henderson 632-1905 2413 PaulAcademy Avenue 7. Director: Nacogdoches Christian Academy Gifted and Talented .years Eastview MWF Nacogdoches Academy 9 -2:30 (936) 468-4006 M-F Principal: Lysa Hagan (936) 630-4258 www.harmonychristianschool.org 18 months PDonna J Cindy HChristian Lufkin, TX 75901 2Rev. 3Academy 4Andy P J Gossett H Director: Baker 10. SFA Charter School Director: Henderson ges 2.Principal: Eastview www.sfasu.edu/charter_school 11. St Cyprians Episcopal School M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m.Hagan www.lufkinisd.org y Crimson Christian Academy Director: Donna Baker (936) 632-3339 211 SE Stallings Principal: Lysa (936) 630-4258 2413 Paul Avenue Schools 3 4 P J years K-5 T/H Principal: Rev. Andy Gossett years Head of School: Brinn Willford (936) 468-4006 6 Fredonia mo2413 P www.eastviewacademy.com Nacogdoches , TX M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. www.lufkinisd.org x P J H Lufkin, TX 75901 7. Nacogdoches Christian Academy .years Hill Baptist Paul Avenue 1615 Tulane 211Lufkin SE Stallings 1115 S. John Redditt 1.(936) Christ Episcopal School 5.(936) ISD Language 9.www.sfasu.edu/charter_school Regents Academy -8 MWF 462-1021 (936) 468-4006 632-3339 years 2Mrs. 3 475901 PJ H Director: Donna Baker Principal: Emily Harris PSylvia JDUAL H Eubanks Lufkin, TX March 2009TX THE JOURNEY 37 1w.tjmag.com year Lufkin, 75904 Head of School: Audrey Russell Director: Administrator: Mary School Ann Bentley 11. St Cyprians Episcopal Lufkin, TX. 75901 Nacogdoches , TX www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com www.sfasu.edu/charter_school P www.eastviewacademy.com x 211 SE Stallings 1711 South Street (936) 632-3339 7. Nacogdoches Christian Academy K-5 Schools 9-12 (936) 632-1720 years 502 E Starr Ave (936) 630-4290 200 NE Stallings Head of School: Willford -15 months Nacogdoches PDonna J , TX Nacogdoches, 75961 yNacogdoches P x Brinn www.eastviewacademy.com 2 3 4TX PTX J H Baker (936)639-1222 (936) 462-1021 . Fredonia Hill Baptist 7.Director: Christian Academy Nacogdoches, www.lufkinisd.org Nacogdoches, TX 75969 1115 S. John Academy Redditt 11. 9.www.saintcyprians.org St Cyprians Episcopal School -8 (936) 462-1021 (936) 564-4472 SE Stallings 1.Principal: Christ Episcopal School 5.211 Lufkin ISD DUAL Language Regents years Mrs. Emily Harris 2 3 4 P J H Director: Donna Baker (936) 564.0621 (936) - 18 months x Mary Lufkin, TX S559-7343 375904 4 PEpiscopal www.crimsonchristian.com www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com Head of School: Brinn Willford P J H b www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com www.fhbacademy.com 11. St Cyprians School Nacogdoches , TX Head of School: Audrey Russell Director: Sylvia Eubanks Administrator: Ann Bentley 1711 SouthHill Street 8. Pineywoods Community Academy 211 SE Stallings . Fredonia Baptist 9-12 www.ces-nac.org www.regentsacademy.com (936) 632-1720 1115 S. John ReddittBrinn Willford K-5 Head of School: (936) 462-1021 502 P E Mrs. StarrTX Ave (936) 630-4290 200 NE Stallings 23.Schools years P J P J Nacogdoches, 75961 y J Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak Nacogdoches , TX Principal: Emily Harris 12. www.saintcyprians.org St Patrick Fredonia Lufkin, TX 75904 7 SHill 3 4Baptist P6x 6.602 Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. P JRedditt HTXSchool 1115 S. Catholic John www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com Nacogdoches, TX www.lufkinisd.org Nacogdoches, 75969 ges es (936) 564-4472 S Raguet (936) 462-1021 South Street -831.1711 Principal: Steve Coryell Principal: Mrs. Emily Harris (936) 632-1720 Eastview Academy years Gifted and Talented xb S 3 4 P Christ Episcopal School 5. Lufkin ISD DUAL Language 9. Regents Academy Lufkin, TX 75904 (936) 564.0621 (936) 559-7343 www.fhbacademy.com Lufkin, TX 75904 www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com P J Nacogdoches, TX 75961 y P J H 8. Pineywoods Community Academy . Harmony Christian School 2116 Lowry St. 1711 South Street www.saintcyprians.org mo -642.5:30 10. Administrator: SFA Charter School Cindy Henderson Head of School: Audrey Russell Director: Sylvia Eubanks Mary Ann Bentley (936) 632-1720 www.ces-nac.org www.regentsacademy.com 9-12 Eastview 2413 Paul Avenue Pineywoods Academy (936) (936) 564-4472 years J Academy Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak Administrator: FloTX Davis Lufkin, TX 75901 P Charter J Nacogdoches, 75961 y634-5515 Principal: Lysa Hagan 630-4258 x 12. St Patrick Catholic 502 EPStarr Ave (936) 630-4290 200 NE Stallings www.saintcyprians.org S 3 4 P x Principal: Rev. Andy Gossett bSchool es www.pineywoodsacademy.org 7 www.fhbacademy.com S 3 4 P 6 6. Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. P J H year -1511:45 602 SSRaguet Principal: Tracye Brashear (936)634-6719 (936) 564-4472 8. Pineywoods Community Academy Lufkin, TX 75901 602www.lufkinisd.org Raguet M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. Principal: Steve Coryell Nacogdoches, TX Nacogdoches, TX years 2413 Paul Avenue S 3 4 P x75969 Gifted and b yPineywoods Lufkin, TX 75904 4P J Talented 1601 Rice Drive www.stpatricklufkin.com www.fhbacademy.com P564.0621 JChristian 8.Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak 468-4006 .- 5:30 Harmony School 2116 Lowry St. School (936) (936) 559-7343 Community Academy 12. 10. St Patrick Catholic School -15 months 30 Lufkin, TX 75901 (936) 632-3339 Lufkin, TX 75904 P J H SFA Charter Director: Cindy Henderson (936) Lufkin, TX P 75901 602 S 634-5515 Raguet 2.Administrator: Eastview Academy - K-5 www.sfasu.edu/charter_school Flo Davis Lufkin, TX 75901 www.ces-nac.org www.regentsacademy.com 3 4 P J J Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak Principal: Steve Coryell (936) 632-3339 12. St Patrick Lysa Catholic School Principal: Hagan (936) 630-4258 11:45 www.pineywoodsacademy.org (936) 632-1905 Lufkin, 75904 Principal: Rev. Andy Gossett www.eastviewacademy.com 18 months (936) 634-5515 Principal: Tracye (936)634-6719 602 STX Raguet .--6-8 Harmony Christian 2116 Lowry St. es P www.eastviewacademy.com x 7 S Avenue 3 4Brashear P School 6x 6. Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. PSteve J Hp.m. Principal: Coryell M-F 7:30-5:30 www.lufkinisd.org 7. Nacogdoches Christian Academy www.harmonychristianschool.org (936) 634-5515 2413 Paul yLufkin, 4and PTXJTalented 1601 Rice www.stpatricklufkin.com 75904 Administrator: Flo DavisSchool Lufkin, TX 75901 30 Gifted 4. 2Lufkin, 3 4 PDrive JTX H www.pineywoodsacademy.org 2116 Lowry St. (936) 468-4006 years 2PChristian 3J75901 4PJ H Director: Donna www.pineywoodsacademy.org 5:30 P J H Baker yHarmony Lufkin, TX 3Tracye 475901 (936) 634-5515 Principal: Brashear (936)634-6719 --29-12 11. St Cyprians 3 4 P75901 JEpiscopal 10. SFA Charter School School Director: Cindy Henderson Administrator: Flo Davis Lufkin, TX www.sfasu.edu/charter_school 211 SE Stallings 2.(936) Eastview Academy (936) 632-3339 4 P J 632-1905 y(936) www.pineywoodsacademy.org 4630-4258 P J , TX 1601 Rice Drive www.stpatricklufkin.com years Head of School: Brinn Willford Principal: Lysa Hagan Principal: Tracye Brashear (936)634-6719 -33.11:45 Nacogdoches Principal: Rev. Andy Gossett P www.eastviewacademy.com x Fredonia Hill Baptist www.harmonychristianschool.org Lufkin, TX 75901 7. www.lufkinisd.org Nacogdoches Christian Academy 1115 S.3 John Redditt www.tjmag.com March 2009 THE JOURNEY 37 y M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. 4 P J 1601 Rice Drive www.stpatricklufkin.com 4 P J Fredonia Hill Baptist (936) 462-1021 2413 Paul Avenue 4 (936) years Mrs. 632-1905 30 275901 3 4Emily P J Harris H Director: Donna Baker yPrincipal: Lufkin, TX 75904 3 4 P J (936) 468-4006 Lufkin, TX www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com PJH Lufkin, TX Mrs. 75901 34P J 11. St Cyprians Episcopal School 1711 South StreetEmily Harris Principal: Regents 211 SEAcademy Stallings (936) 632-1720 www.sfasu.edu/charter_school (936) 632-1905 5 www.harmonychristianschool.org years (936) 632-3339TX 75961 Head of School: Brinn Willford P J Nacogdoches, y Nacogdoches , TX mes y www.saintcyprians.org www.harmonychristianschool.org 3South 4 PHill JStreet 3. www.eastviewacademy.com Fredonia Baptist 1711 Administrator: Mary Ann Bentley March 2009 JOURNEY 37 PTHE x Redditt 1115 S. John (936) 564-4472 7. Nacogdoches Christian Academy (936) 462-1021 -www.tjmag.com K-5 Principal: Harris y ISD DUAL xb Legend S 3 4 P 32Mrs. 43P4TX JEmily 30 5:30 Lufkin, TX 75904 www.fhbacademy.com Nacogdoches, 75961 . -Lufkin Language 9. Regents Academy 200 NE Stallings P J H Director: Donna Baker www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com 8. Pineywoods Community Academy 1711 South Street www.tjmag.com March 2009 THE JOURNEY 11. St Cyprians Episcopal School 37 6-8 (936) 632-1720 Sylvia Ann Bentley 211 Stallings P J Eubanks Administrator: Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak Ages 30 www.tjmag.com -Director: 11:45 P Mary JTX 75969 Nacogdoches, TX 75961 ySE (936) 564-4472 Nacogdoches, Accredited 12. March St Patrick Catholic School Head of2009 School: Brinn Willford www.saintcyprians.org (936) 630-4290 200 NE Stallings THE JOURNEY 37 Nacogdoches , TX 602 S Raguet 3. Fredonia Hill Baptist -.2:30 9-12 (936) 564-4472 Principal: Steve Coryell 6 - 6 mo 1115 S. John Redditt Yes www.lufkinisd.org Nacogdoches, TX 75969 (936) 462-1021 www.fhbacademy.com x (936) 559-7343 Lufkin ISD DUAL Language 9. Regents Academy f

b 7 b 7 b f

b b b b

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Pineywoods Community Academy

Lufkin, TX 75904 8.(936) Pineywoods Community Academy 559-7343 www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com Administrator: Mary Ann Bentley (936) 634-5515 www.regentsacademy.com 200 Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak www.regentsacademy.com NE Stallings www.pineywoodsacademy.org PJ y S Raguet P J 602 H Nacogdoches, TX 75969 P JTX y Academy 4H P J Lufkin, 9. (936) Regents 559-7343 75904 8.www.regentsacademy.com Pineywoods Community Academy (936) 634-5515 Administrator: Mary Ann Bentley 10. SFA Charter School Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak www.pineywoodsacademy.org 200 NE Stallings SFA Charter School Principal: Hagan PLysa JH 602 Nacogdoches, yS Raguet 4 TX P J75969 M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. Principal: Lysa Hagan Lufkin, TX 75904 (936) 559-7343 (936) 468-4006 10. SFA Charter School (936) 634-5515 www.regentsacademy.com M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. www.sfasu.edu/charter_school Principal: Lysa Hagan www.pineywoodsacademy.org P J H M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. P x4Academy 468-4006 9. (936) Regents y PJ (936) 468-4006 Administrator: Mary Ann Bentley 10. www.sfasu.edu/charter_school SFA Charter School www.sfasu.edu/charter_school 11. St Cyprians Episcopal School 200 NELysa Stallings Principal: Hagan Head of School: Brinn Willford P P x Nacogdoches, TX 75969 M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. 1115 S. John Redditt (936) 559-7343 (936) 468-4006 Lufkin, TX 75904 11. St Cyprians Episcopal School www.regentsacademy.com www.sfasu.edu/charter_school (936) 632-1720 Head of School: St Cyprians Episcopal School JBrinn H Willford P xP www.saintcyprians.org 1115 S. John Redditt Head of School: Brinn Willford Lufkin, TX x School S 375904 4 P School SFA Charter 11. 10. St Cyprians Episcopal 632-1720 1115 S. John Redditt 9.(936) Regents Academy Principal: Lysa Hagan Head of School: Brinn Willford www.saintcyprians.org 12. St Patrick School Administrator: Mary Ann Bentley M-F 7:30-5:30 p.m. Lufkin, TXCatholic 75904 1115 S. John Redditt Principal: Steve x S468-4006 3Stallings 4 PCoryell 200 (936)NE Lufkin, TX 75904 (936) 632-1720 2116 Lowry St. Nacogdoches, www.sfasu.edu/charter_school (936) 632-1720 TX 75969 Lufkin, TX 75901 School 12. St Patrick Catholic (936) 559-7343 www.saintcyprians.org www.saintcyprians.org Px (936)634-6719 Principal: Steve Coryell www.regentsacademy.com 4 Px S 3 4Lowry P S 3St. www.stpatricklufkin.com 2116 P JEpiscopal H 11. St Cyprians School Lufkin, 3 Catholic 475901 P J Brinn HeadTX of School: Willford 12. (936)634-6719 St Patrick School 10. SFA School 1115 Charter S.Steve John Coryell Redditt Principal: www.stpatricklufkin.com Principal: Lysa Hagan Lufkin, 75904 2116 LowryTX St. 3 475901 P J p.m. M-F 7:30-5:30 (936)TX 632-1720 Lufkin, (936) 468-4006 www.saintcyprians.org (936)634-6719 www.sfasu.edu/charter_school March 2009STHE 37 x www.stpatricklufkin.com 3 4 PJOURNEY

b b

S 3St.4 P 2116 Lowry Lufkin, TX 75904 y No Lufkin, TX 75901 (936) 632-1720

1 -1 year

12. St Patrick Catholic School 15-15 months (936)634-6719 www.saintcyprians.org Principal: Steve Coryell 18 - 18 months Private www.stpatricklufkin.com Program S 3 4St.P x 2116 Lowry 3 475901 PJ 2 - 2 years Lufkin, TX Yes 12. St Patrick Catholic School 3 - 3 years (936)634-6719 No Principal: Steve Coryell www.stpatricklufkin.com 4 - 4 years 2116 Lowry 3 4St.P J Lufkin, TX 75901 5 - 5 years Special Subjects (936)634-6719 March 2009 THE JOURNEY 37 P - K-5 www.stpatricklufkin.com Music

J - 6-8 Sports 3 4 P J H - 9-12 March 2009 THE JOURNEY 37 Chapel Computers Times37 S Spanish March 2009 THE JOURNEY 7:30 - 5:30 8:30 - 11:45 Days 9 -2:30 M-F T/H MWF f

Mrs. EmilySchool Harris www.fhbacademy.com 4. Principal: Harmony Christian Director: Eubanks PSylvia JPHJStreet 1711 P J South Administrator: Flo Davis (936) 630-4290 TX 75961 Nacogdoches, Principal: Tracye Brashear . www.lufkinisd.org Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. (936) 564-4472 1601 Rice Drive Language . 4.Lufkin ISD DUAL Harmony School and Talented www.fhbacademy.com mesGifted PSylvia J HChristian Lufkin, TX 75901 Harmony Christian School Director: Eubanks Administrator: Flo Davis Director: Cindy Henderson (936) 632-1905 P J (936) 630-4290 30 5:30 Principal: Tracye Brashear Administrator: Flo Davis (936) 630-4258 . Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. www.harmonychristianschool.org www.lufkinisd.org 1601 Drive www.lufkinisd.org andRice Talented Principal: Tracye 304.-Gifted 11:45 y 3H 475901 P J Brashear Harmony Christian School Lufkin, PCindy JTX Director: Henderson P J H Administrator: (936) 632-1905 1601 Rice Drive 2:30 (936) 630-4258 Flo Davis Principal: Tracye Brashear www.harmonychristianschool.org . www.tjmag.com Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. www.lufkinisd.org Lufkin, TX 75901 Language Lufkin ISD DUAL . 5.Nacogdoches Christian 1601 Rice Gifted Talented yand 3Drive 4Baker P Eubanks J Academy J Sylvia H Director: Director: Lufkin, TX 75901 Director: Cindy Henderson (936)PDonna 632-1905 630-4290 211 SE630-4258 Stallings (936) 632-1905 (936) www.harmonychristianschool.org www.tjmag.com www.lufkinisd.org ,Christian TX www.harmonychristianschool.org . Nacogdoches Nacogdoches Academy www.lufkinisd.org (936) Director: Donna H 3y 4462-1021 PP J JP 3HJ4 Baker PJ www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com 211 SE Stallings Nacogdoches TX 6.www.tjmag.com Lufkin P.A.C.E. P ISD J ,Christian y . (936) Nacogdoches Academy 462-1021 Gifted and Talented Lufkin ISD DUAL Language Director: Donna Baker www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com Director: Cindy Henderson . 5.Pineywoods Community Academy Director: Sylvia Eubanks 211Lufkin SE Stallings ISD DUAL Language J , TX y(936) P630-4258 Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak Nacogdoches Director: Sylvia Eubanks www.lufkinisd.org (936) 630-4290 602 S 462-1021 Raguet (936) (936) 630-4290 P JH Lufkin, TX 75904 . Pineywoods Community Academy www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com www.lufkinisd.org www.lufkinisd.org (936) 634-5515 Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak P J y P J H P J H www.pineywoodsacademy.org S Raguet 7.602 Nacogdoches Christian Academy Lufkin, TX 75904 Director: Donna Baker y 4 P J Lufkin ISD P.A.C.E. Academy . 6.(936) Pineywoods Community 211634-5515 SE Stallings Gifted and Talented Principal Lynette Cheek/David Greak www.pineywoodsacademy.org Nacogdoches , TX Cindy Henderson 602Director: S Raguet (936) 462-1021 y 4630-4258 P75904 J (936) Lufkin, TX www.nacogdocheschristianacademy.com www.lufkinisd.org (936) 634-5515 PJ y www.pineywoodsacademy.org PJH

Schools 1.

Christ Episcopal School Head of School: Audrey Russell 502 E Starr Ave Nacogdoches, TX (936) 564.0621

Lufkin ISD DUAL L

tjmag.com 45 Euba Director:/Sylvia (936) 630-4290 www.lufkinisd.org

PJH

/ Education

DIBOLL isd

Every Child! Every Day! Every Way!

Diboll Independent School District is a

the area with this new curriculum concept. Diboll ISD

offer a free breakfast program for all patrons during the

midsize rural/suburban school district that

monitors student growth through a “value added system”

summer months.

has been in existence since 1884. Diboll ISD

that holds each stake holder accountable for student

has an enrollment of approximately 1900 students.

growth. Diboll ISD has partnered with Angelina College

Diboll ISD focuses on developing the whole child which

There are four campuses, including: Diboll Primary that

to give our graduates the opportunity to graduate high

is evidenced by the wide array of opportunities that our

houses PK-1st with 463 students; Temple Elementary

school with college credit hours. Transportation for this

students have in our CHAMPIONSHIP extracurricular

that houses 2nd-5th with 582 students; Diboll Jr. High

program is provided and tuition is paid by Diboll ISD.

programs and clubs. Diboll is consistently represented

School that houses 6th-8th with 388 students; and Diboll

Articulated courses and level-one certification courses

at the State level by one or more of these programs

High School that houses 9th-12th with 470 students.

are offered at Diboll High School.

each and every year. Former Diboll students from these

Diboll is located approximately 12 miles from the City

great programs continue to excel at the college level

of Lufkin. The school district encompasses 114 square

The Diboll ISD School Board has made our district’s

miles. The value of the district’s property is based on

compensation package a high priority and continually

residences, forest land and agriculture.

evaluates our “pay structure” so that Diboll ISD is highly

Diboll ISD looks forward to the engagement of parents

competitive with school districts in a three county area.

and community with an emphasis on collaborative

Potential job candidates can now access and send all

planning and shared decision making. Diboll ISD is

million dollar bond package to build a campus for

applications and forms via our updated Human Resource

proud of its partnership with our local and state level

K-3 and 4-6 schools northeast of Diboll High School.

link on the district website. We attend numerous job

PTSA. We have implemented the School Reach call out

Proceeds from the bond will also be used to improve

fairs each year recruiting new administrators and

system that notifies parents of special events, truancy

current technology infrastructure, along with safety and

teachers to our wonderful community. During our recent

issues and district communications. Parent Connect

traffic issues throughout the district. Construction on the

financial audit, our district received a FIRST Rating of

allows parents to view their child’s grades, attendance,

new campus should start in June/July.

“SUPERIOR ACHIEVMENT”. This is an indicator that

and discipline records via the internet.

In November of 2009, Diboll ISD voters passed a 22.5

and beyond.

reflects how well we use the district’s money. The Diboll ISD Team and our community strongly

Diboll Primary, Temple Elementary and Diboll High School campuses received “Recognized” ratings this

Diboll ISD places a major emphasis on health and

believe in the saying “EVERY CHILD! EVERY

year from the Texas Education Agency. Diboll Junior

safety. We have implemented the Raptor System that

DAY! EVERY WAY!” and strives toward educational

High received the NCEA award for growth in math

scans driver’s licenses and ensures that sex offenders

excellence as we look forward to meeting the diverse

as compared to schools across the nation with similar

are not allowed access to our student’s classrooms and

needs of our most precious commodity, “Our Children”.

demographics. All campuses have met the criteria

commons areas. Our campuses use ID badges for staff

We invite you to visit our website, http://www.dibollisd.

for No Child Left Behind, (NCLB) and 100% of our

and students and recently completed an intensive safety

com/, for more information about our schools.

staff has met the highly qualified (HQ) criteria for

audit in 2008. Security cameras are used to monitor all

teachers. Diboll ISD is recognized as one of the top 10

entrances on campus. Security cameras have been added

Renaissance Learning Lighthouse Districts in the nation

to a number of our buses to improve student discipline

because of our commitment to our Accelerated Reader

and safety for our drivers and students. We have an outstanding nursing staff trained in all

District

recently

Curriculum

student need areas. The nursing staff also organizes

Management Audit from the Texas Association of School

an employee health screening program each year. A

Administrators (TASA) and has shown major progress

recent Child Nutrition Audit showed evidence of a high

with a commitment to boldly address continuous

quality department. The Diboll ISD Child Nutrition

improvement in curriculum delivery and alignment.

program is totally computerized which allows for more

Diboll ISD has implemented the C-Scope curriculum

accurate reporting and funding options. Staff is trained

model over the past four years and is a leading district in

monthly on new issues affecting the food industry. We

46 / The Journey

completed

Gary Martel Superintendent of Schools

and Accelerated Math program. The

Sincerely,

March 2010

tjmag.com / 47

/ Education

Oak Creek center

Lufkin ISD

Oak Creek Center began in 1996.

community to produce the consumers a pay check.

that time and all have been instrumental to

this contract, we offer a day full of educational

There have been four directors since

According to Deidra Davis, “Oak Creek Center

For those who do not have the skills to train on

has been appreciative of the consumers we serve

and training activities.”

Center, and private pay consumers. Our goal is

from St. Giles Living Center, saw the need to

Oak Creek works one on one with each consumer

opportunities. We are committed to ‘Challenging

the Oak Creek Center opened.

works on teaching strategies to deal with anger

keeping Oak Creek center on top. It all began

when Jim Hazen and the late Al Strickland, both

serve all consumers. That is when the doors for

Their mission statement is “Challenging Minds, Empowering Dreams.” The reason behind the mission is to make sure each person is offered

choices and exposure to as many opportunities

as possible. Director Deidra Davis says, “This

involves our day to day training of teaching how

to complete quality work that is needed in the

to teach them everyday life skills. The staff

issues, disappointments, and acceptance of others. They also teach consumers about actions and

consequences; the importance of good judgment and being a good citizen.

“Our staff has a wealth of knowledge,” says Davis.

In January, the center began a sign language

class to help consumers and staff communicate with others who are not able to speak. The

Oak Creek Center

center is divided into two different categories:

P.O. Box 424 Lufkin, Texas 75902 Bus: 936-633-7480 • Fax: 936-634-7571

the contract coordinator, plays a vital role in

Day Habilitation and Vocational. Brian Powell,

increasing job opportunities and training for each consumer. He has gained contracts from Wilsonart, Builders Best, Cooper Industries, Atkinson

Candy, Hunter’s Domain, TXDOT, and the City of Nacogdoches. Carla Arnold, Day Habilitation

Coordinator, brought her expertise with planning the daily activities for consumers. Some of the

additions she brought to the center are exercise, hygiene training, community service, cooking, sign language, music therapy, and more.

Diedra Davis, the current Director, knows

firsthand the importance of Oak Creek Center. She is also the mother of Timothy Davis who

Challenging Minds Empowering Dreams

attends the center. Timothy is 26 years old and has Cerebral Palsy. “Timothy enjoys each day at the

center and cannot imagine a day without it,” she says. Oak Creek strives to encourage people to try

tasks until they succeed, all with the hopes they will gain skills as well as earn money.

48 / The Journey

March 2010

from St. Giles Living Centers, Edu Care, Burke

to continue to offer quality services and work Minds, Empowering Dreams.’”

tjmag.com / 49

/ Education

Lufkin ISD T

Being the largest school district in

the county, Lufkin Independent School

District has a lot of expectations to meet.

Year after year, schools throughout the district

are making headlines, not only for the outstanding

athletics in the district, but also for their exemplary educators and leaders, high performing students,

school auditorium, a state of the art dual language

year of multiple National Merit Finalists and

security cameras for the high school and middle

and two exemplary campuses, two campuses

and advances in curriculum and buildings.

campus, Burley Primary, new science labs,

Roy Knight, Superintendent, says, “Lufkin

school campuses, and additional improvements to

Independent School District provides students

eight elementary campuses.

nurturing environment.” Having the advantages

One of the highlights of the district is the PACE

amenities a larger city could offer.

University ’s Engineering department in it’s PACE

The school district is made up of over 600 teachers,

and pre-med magnet curriculum,” explains Knight.

advanced degrees. Current student enrollment is

main focuses for the school district. To keep

students per teacher.

its High School “Robotics Team Competition”

This has been a stellar year for achievements.

these areas are a special highlight. The district is

campus improvements. Knight says, “Reinvesting

ISD graduates in medical schools around the

environment is really an investment for students.”

and Drafting Design classes have partnered with

a world of opportunities in a diverse, caring and

of a micropolitan community, LISD offers many

Commended Scholars, four recognized campuses received national recognition from the National Center for Educational Achievement as ’High

Achieving Campuses,’ as well as out-performing

the state average in 60 of 75 tested areas. LISD

Magnet program. “LISD partnered with Purdue

received Exemplary or Recognized’ scores in 65

Magnet program to enhance our pre-engineering

the help of the fine staff and Board of Trustees that

with twenty-five percent of those teachers holding

Science, math, engineering, and technology are

approximately 8,500. There is an average of 13.9

strengthening that focus, LISD has expanded

of 75 tested areas,” states Mr. Knight. It is through LISD is able to reach new heights. Knight says, “The LISD Board of Trustees sets high expectations

for our students and staff and provides them with the means to accomplish these goals.”

into the middle school. To see students excel in

There are 15 campuses that make up LISD

First and foremost was the 40 million dollars in

happy to say that there are currently ten Lufkin

Hackney Primary

in our building structures and the education

nation. This year, the LHS Building Construction

Some of those improvements included a new high

Habitat for Humanity and are building a home for a local citizen.

Testing and performance receives a lot of the focus in education today. LISD

wants to give every child the tools they need to succeed. However, the

performance matches up

to our level of teaching.

“Lufkin continued its legacy of high student

achievement in 2009-10, with it’s 12th successive 50 / The Journey

March 2010

Burley Primary

Garrett Primary

Brandon Elementary Herty Primary

Coston Elemenarty Kurth Primary

Dunbar Primary

Anderson Elementary Trout Primary

Brookhollow Elementary Slack Elementary

Lufkin Middle School Lufkin High School ACE Alternative

tjmag.com / 51

/ Education

crimson christian academy A

A Christian High School has been a

CCA is operated by a

the years in East Texas. Crimson Christian

school is funded by

doors the fall of 2009. According to the Board of

contributions. Currently,

long time “want” by many parents over

Academy took the leap of faith and opened her

Directors, “God answered the prayers of many parents and students who were seeking Him for a Christian high school.”

Board of Directors. The

tuition, fundraisers, and CCA is trying to secure funding for technology,

media, a library, and a science lab.

(CCA is

For fall 2010, the school will enroll for grades

a 501 (c) 3 non-profit

The Board of Directors says Crimson Christian

board and school family

6th -10th, with a waiting list for 11th grade.

Academy will add grades as God allows.

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets.” Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV. Although the present home

for CCA is Southside Baptist Church in Lufkin,

the school is an independent Christian ministry.

organization.)

The

is already growing, as

seen by the 2010-2011 registration that began February 1, 2010,” Whitaker says, “We are

currently taking applications for teachers certified in math or science (preferably secondary).”

CCA believes that the Bible should be what

Crimson

forefathers and the tremendous work they did

through a dedicated, prayerful group of people.

all education is founded on. “We respect our

founding this great country.

They founded

America on a rock, the rock of Jesus Christ. CCA

desires to found our school on that same rock”

Christian

Academy,

Christian

extending through high school finally exists The roots have been established and the school is ready to grow.

said Whitaker. All courses at CCA are Biblically

CCA admits students of any race, color, and

well prepared academically and spiritually for

privileges, programs, and activities generally

integrated. “We believe that our students will be college and life.”

“My people are destroyed from the lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6 NIV

national or ethnic origin to all the rights, accorded or made available to students at CCA. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in

the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, athletic programs or other

Academy-administered or Academy-sanctioned

programs or activities. Admission decisions are the sole discretion of CCA.

52 / The Journey

March 2010

The vision of CCA:

Crimson Christian Academy seeks to develop young Christians to advance God’s kingdom by:

• Knowing who they are in Christ and their Godgiven purpose in life.

• Educating students to be responsible leaders

by preparing them academically to face the challenges of the changing world.

• Being able to discern and apply Biblical truths.

• Being men and women of faith and integrity.

• Developing social character which places all others above themselves.

• Instilling physical awareness which regards their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

• Positively transforming their world for Christ.

tjmag.com / 53

/ Education

going back to school

Hold “Old” is Too Old for College? By Gary Stallard

At what point in life does one

become “too old” to consider

starting, or finishing, college?

Think about it. The mere mention of the

word “college” tends to strike fear in the hearts of prospective students – and those

are just the ones currently preparing to leave high school.

So what about the “older” – we at Angelina College prefer the term “non-

traditional” – crowd? Some people either don’t see the need for higher education

after my high school graduation – with

an overwhelming fear of failure. I had

no idea what to expect, or whether I’d retained enough to pass a single college

class. I hadn’t exactly aced Algebra

in high school, and I was pretty sure I hadn’t accumulated further knowledge throughout those years. If they still hadn’t

found that least common denominator they’d been hunting back when I was still in school, I doubted I was going to

longer. Is there some sort of academic

It took no time at all to realize one

The answer is a resounding

“No.” At AC, nearly half the

student population is over the age of 25, with some of those

students older than 40. They’ve been out in the workforce, and have learned through layoffs or

slow promotional opportunities that

further

training

education

isn’t

economy,

it’s

today’s

and

luxury;

ever-changing a

necessity.

Prospective employers can be

picky when selecting those they want on their payrolls, and one of the deciding factors will be training and/or education.

March 2010

back to the college classroom – 20 years

be much help at nearly 40 years old.

time limit for these old-timers?

drastic transition. Personally, I headed

until later in life, or just let time slip past before realizing they’re not teenagers any

54 / The Journey

That doesn’t ease the fear of such a

important point: Success in college

has little to do with outright intelligence and

Even better, I’ve witnessed numerous stories

everything to do with how hard one is willing to

involving those older students moving on to better

my older students are some of my best students.

homes, displaced workers making a career change

work. I teach writing classes, and in most cases

They can hear a lesson and apply it to something

they’ve already experienced in life; it makes sense to them now, where it may not have before. Even

more importantly, they have more motivation to

lives. Single moms landing dream jobs and buying for the better, even people who just stopped

settling for whatever job they could find to land a new career involving something they love.

succeed and earn a degree. Families, bills and

So, again, how old is too old?

driving one’s successes.

The answer: You’re NEVER too old to learn.

other financial obligations are powerful factors in

tjmag.com / 55

/ Education

autism

With a growing number of children diagnosed with Autism today, more communities are building up a network of resources. East Texas has a number of

wonderful resources for parents with children of special needs. There has been a lot learned in recent years about Autism. Families dealing with Autism make huge strides by reaching out to those in the medical community or those who work hands on with Autism on a daily basis. The earlier intervention; the greater the success.

Here is a list of local networks for Autism, along with other helpful resources.

Churches

P.O. Box 13019, SFA Station

Lufkin First Assembly

speechpath@sfasu.edu

for parents who desire a secure and fun place for their child while they

Hetti Legg

Contact Deanna Ramsey at 936-632-3540 or dramsey@lufkin.org.

936-564-6907

Meet once a week for special needs kids during the 11 am worship service attend the service.

Grace Bible Church

528 Ochiltree, Nacogdoches

PromiseLand

Education

their parents attend the 9:30 worship service.

Nacogdoches ISD

A safe place for kids with special needs to be shown the love of Christ while

Contact Amanda Johnson at 936-371-1536.

Speech and Language

S.T.A.R.S

511 South University Dr.

Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 936-569-5000

Layne DeBardelaben, M.A., CCC/SLP

GETCAP Head Start

Stephen F. Austin State University

Charlotte Weaver Stokes Complex

Nacogdoches, TX 75962

936-564-1142

email: debardellj@sfasu.edu

The Helping House

Professional Speech & Language Services

A place for children with autism and other developmental delays

3416 East Denman, Lufkin

training.

ww.ProfessionalSpeechLanguageServices.com

Nacogdoches, Texas 75964

SFA Stanley Speech & Hearing Clinic

936-371-1536

The Speech and Hearing Clinic offers a variety of services for individuals

LISD

include: speech and language evaluation, audiological evaluations to

Deidra Harrison

Clinical Instructor

Nacogodches County

2100 N Raguet HSTC Rm205

1902 Old Tyler Rd. Nacogdoches Texas 75964

936-468-1155 voice

Private School

Anita Scoggins CCC/SLP, Jan Ward CCC/SLP, Debra Bankston CCC/SLP

Full day school, after school care, summer clinic, consulting and parent

936-639-3007

919 Jack Lock

Amanda Johnson, Director

SFA Speech Language Pathology Program

www.the-helping-house.org

demonstrating communication disorders. Services that are provided

Special Education

determine hearing acuity, speech and language therapeutic intervention, and

936-634-6696

consultation with parents and clients. Phone: 936468-7109

56 / The Journey

March 2010

Occupational Therapy

Social

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy

A nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with

FUNctional Pediatrics

3316 N University Dr D, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-2632 Brenna Knott, OTR 936-564-4661

www.functionalpediatrics@suddenlinkmail.com Cornerstone E.C.I.

Best Buddies-SFA program

intellectual disabilities by providing opportunites for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.

Stephen F. Austin chapter of Best Buddies, please contact the current

College Buddy Director, Sarah Mullen, at: cbd@bestbuddiessfa.com

An early childhood intervention program that helps families who have

Burke Center-Family Counseling Association

early development. Together, parents and staff work to improve the child’s

936-639-1141

children birth to three years of age overcome difficulties in the areas of

physical, cognitive, social, and adaptive development in an effort to build a stronger foundation for the child’s future.

4101 South Medford Drive, Lufkin , TX 75901 936-639-1141

Parent Information

East Texas Autism Coalition

Offers occasional trainings as well as an annual informational conference. BRENDA JONES 936-632-7944 Changing the Path

Monthly support group in Lufkin for parents with children under the autistic spectrum

Tennessee Love 936-414-2767 tlove@dpsol.com

Region 7 Education Service Center

The Region 7 Education Service Center in Kilgore serves the Lufkin and Nacogdoches area. They have workshops geared toward teachers and parents regarding ASD from time to time

www.esc7.net . Click on “Professional Development” tab then

4101 South Medford Drive, Lufkin , TX 75901 East Texas Special Needs Softball

Special Needs Softball Sign-up is Feb 15- Feb 12 at the downtown Lufkin

Parks and Recreation building. This team is open to any child with special needs, any age, gender or diagnosis is also welcome! The cost is only $30

includes insurance, t-shirt, and hat. Contact Missy McCleskey at 936 -4146648. www.etsns.org

Camps

Elijah’s Retreat is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Christ centered organization For Families Facing Autism Jeff or Kathie Moore

257 CR 3110 Jacksonville, TX 75766 903-589-0145.

www.elijahsretreat.com Evaluation

Dr. Kathryn Akin M.D.

Developmental- Behavioral Pediatrician Tyler, Texas

903-592-1890

“Workshops”. The next one will be “ASD Addressing Behavior Challenges”

on March 29th

1909 North Longview Street Kilgore, TX 75662 903-988-6700

tjmag.com / 57

/ Education Internet Resources Autism Speaks Inc.

www.autismspeaks.org

Books

www.fhautism.com

Thinking In Pictures by Temple Grandin

www.firstsigns.org

Could it be Autism? By Nancy D.

www.cureautismnow.org

www.nas.org

www.autismspeaks.org

Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and

www.fhautism.com

Karyn Seroussi

www.firstsigns.org

www.cureautismnow.org

www.nas.org

Future Horizons Inc. First Signs

Cure Autism Now

The National Autism Society Autism Speaks Inc.

Future Horizons Inc. First Signs

Cure Autism Now

The National Autism Society itunes.com

Download free podcasts from Defeat Autism Now! conferences

search: Autism Research Institute Autism Research Institute

Watch video from 2009 Defeat Autism Now! Conferences www.autism.com

Talk About Curing Autism www.tacanow.org Facebook

Deep East Texas Autism Support Group

58 / The Journey

March 2010

Wiseman

The Out of Sync Child by Carol Strock Kranowitz, M.A

Pervasive Developmental Disorder by

MiCki johnson S

Since I was 11 years old, I have often

We asked ourselves, “do we continue down the

After surviving a spleen injury from a bicycle

change the life of a child through adoption?” We

both of us a lot in a short amount of time!

to adopt and we are so glad that we did. In 2005,

Autism doesn’t define Andrew, it only explains

wondered what my life purpose was.

wreck at 11 years old, I have often wondered why

God chose to let me survive something that another child died from that

road of infertility treatments and do IVF, or do we

thought and prayed about our decision and decided we adopted Madison

very day. I had ruptured my spleen and lost half

of my blood supply and probably

should

not

have survived. I have

the doctor at 11 years in any way affect my

Now at 32 years old, I know that it has been a long journey to get the understanding of what God has

planned for me. First was meeting my junior high and high school sweetheart Chris at church. I am so glad that God placed him in my life. We dated

imagine

chance to succeed before assuming that he is going

asking: “Why us?”

pull back. I pray that NO ONE gives up on Andrew

support system! I have made some amazing friends

life, the love is still the same!

helped me through the emotional ups and downs. I now know God had big plans for my life-- I am

Functioning Autism. I remember the walk back to

supposed to fill

being a mommy and I know what purpose I am in life and that is

sad that day, but today I am not sad, I am hopeful!!

being the best wife

with

to Chris and the

hopes, prayers, and aggressive therapy, by the time

best mommy that

Andrew is in the first grade, he will blend in and

I can to Madison,

you would not be able to pick him out of a first

Andrew, and any

grade class. With the diagnosis of Autism, we now

the help of speech therapist Anita Scoggins at

to conceive a child and were at a curve in the road.

during all of these journeys and their support has

meant to be a wife and mother. I absolutely LOVE

seeing my 2 1/2 year old son diagnosed with High

a year of trying to get pregnant without success,

treatments. We were not successful at our attempts

I have learned the importance of having a strong

The next stage in life after adoption has been

know what we are dealing with and are learning

we went to the doctor and did several infertility

because he has huge potential.

Andrew. We have

learned that no matter how a child comes into your

of prayer! Shortly after nursing school, Chris and I

decided that it was time to try to start a family. After

to fail. I pray that I know when to push and when to

Through infertility, adoption, and now autism,

The doctor reassured us by saying that

ever survived nursing school. Survival included lots

Andrew, rather I plan to allow Andrew to have a

better plan for Chris,

Micki, Madison &

life without him.

Texas Houston. I often look back and wonder how I

Andrew to help him be the best that he can be. I

middle of all of our

the car with a heavy heart. I remember being so

Next I went to nursing school at the University of

the challenge! I plan to do everything possible for

do not plan to put any unnecessary limitations on

from junior high through college and now have

been married for 10 years. I could not imagine my

future holds for Andrew, and I know that it is going

life

that God had a much

one day.

that

to be a challenge from here on out, but I am up for

Johnson.

And now we know

chances to have children

about him. He is the same lovable child that he was

Glenn

infertility, we kept

old if this wreck would

him, and it doesn’t change the way that we feel before he was diagnosed. I do not know what the

without them! In the

and I remember asking

feel

Andrew

not

to be a mommy one day

strongly

adopted

the Helping House in January and she has taught

Then, in 2007, we

that we did and can

small child that I wanted

things happen for a reason and in God’s timing.

Johnson.

We are so happy

known since I was a

Michelle

Helping House has been wonderful. We started at

the tools necessary to teach Andrew. Through

other child that God may bless us Photos by Go Por-

with one day!!!

Professional Speech & Language and Occupational

Therapist Brenna Knott of Functional Pediatrics

we are learning these tools. Amanda Johnson at the

tjmag.com / 59

/ Education

jennifer young T

The numbers are staggering. 1 in every

to continue speech and occupational

These days, the word is more commonly

see what services they offer, and she

110 children is diagnosed with Autism.

known around mothers and the signs are more

understood.

Jennifer Young knew the term and a few of

the characteristics, “but beyond that, I knew absolutely nothing.”

The Young’s third child, Madison, has been

therapy, contact the school district to

was given a prescription.” Unhappy

with the instruction and help given by the physician, Jennifer was determined to learn more!

On her journey to learn more, she has learned more than she ever imagined.

diagnosed with Autism.

What she has found, she exclaims, is

“I began to suspect Madison had Autism around

stopped making eye contact, she became

three years of age. I knew something was “off”

before she was three, but didn’t know what.” When Madison was a year old, she had surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip which

required a body cast for three months. The surgeon mentioned there would be delays, but by the time she turned three she should “catch up”

with her peers. For those years, they attributed her problems to the delay. At the age of 3 and 8 months, Madison was formally diagnosed.

Jennifer remembers, “I left the appointment

where she was diagnosed with the instructions

that “Autism in treatable!” Madison withdrawn, had repetitive behaviors and stemming (hand and arm flapping),

her language was mostly echolalia

strain and stress on the entire family. I like to call

language), she had severe tantrums throughout

of autism,’ said Young.

(repeating what she heard, but not meaningful the day, severe difficulty transitioning between

activities, didn’t play with toys appropriately,

Through the years, Jennifer Young has had people

severe gastrointestinal problems and skin rashes.

support. She has found many resources in the East

preferred to line toys up, didn’t sleep well, had

Texas area to help her daughter and her family.

“She is almost, dare I say, recovered! The more

She says, “The best advice I have received was

dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorder, and

and to find a Defeat Autism Now practitioner.

no idea she is not a “normal” child. Young says,

I learn and the more I do to correct her immune

the symptoms of Autism.”

These two things are what started us on the road to recovery.”

Most importantly, Jennifer says, “The most

personal finances trying to help their child.

faith is only good when it’s in God, not man.

Jennifer says, “All the medical and therapy expenses have been and continue to be a

tremendous financial burden, as most of

it is not covered.” The divorce rate has been speculated to be around 80% in these

families. Having a child with Autism can be overwhelming. “It adds an incredible March 2010

to implement a trial of the gluten/casein-free diet

There are many sad side effects of Autism

for families. Families put a strain on their

come along side her, offering their friendship and

Today, when people who meet Madison, they have

heavy metal toxicity, the less she displays

60 / The Journey

the siblings of an affected child the ’silent victims

important lesson I’ve learned is that

blind

Learn research, ask questions, and get multiple opinions....never give up.”

r u o Y LIFE tjmag.com / 61

/ Yo ur life

Hall of fame hubbies David Wheeler

My husband, David Wheeler is an absolutely amazing father and husband. We have been

married for 7 1/2 years and have 4 amazing children. David is more than a father--he is a daddy. Our beautiful children Emily, 8; Hailey, 7; Aaron, 6; and Ella, 3 months, are so

blessed to have him as their daddy and I am very privileged to share my life with him. We love you so much,

Crystal, Emily, Hailey, Aaron and Ella

Ryan Merrel

Ryan Merrel is the Angelina County 4-H Extension Agent, but more importantly, he is a wonderful husband and father. He can bring shouts of joy and beautiful smiles to the faces of his little ones, Rhett

and Hannah Beth. He is a true alpha male that enjoys teaching boys to be men and generally everything “man”. He has a heart for the Lord and takes great pleasure in his job as head of the house. He is

dependable, honest, and trustworthy. Ryan brings smiles to our faces when he walks through the door

and merriment into our home.

Submit your husband. Email us 250 words or less describing your hall of fame hubby, please include a photo, and email us at halloffame@tjmag.com

Join us for our next FREE Healthy Woman event. Sinus Headaches: How Balloons Change Your Life Brian Humphreys, M.D., Board-Certified ENT and Member of the Medical Staff at Woodland Heights Medical Center

Wednesday, March 10 • Noon – 1 p.m.

Woodland Heights Affinity Center • 302 Medical Park Dr., Ste. 103 Complimentary lunch • Door prizes Seating is limited, please RSVP to 936-699-CARE by March 8. Healthy Woman is a fREE resource from Woodland Heights Medical Center. Join today at www.woodlandheights.net or call 936-637-8688. Membership is free, and the benefits last a lifetime. 62 / The Journey - March 2010 A W OODLAND H EIGHTS

M EDICAL C ENTER R ESOURCE 505 S. John Redditt Drive • www.woodlandheights.net

Mark your calendar Healthy Woman anniversary luncheon on april 29

Pretty Babies 1. 2. 3.

Ella Claire Wheeler | November 16, 2009 Proud parents: Crystal and David Wheeler Lufkin, Texas Jackson Carter Owens

Proud Parent: Kayla Owens Grandparents: Kathy and Donald Owens Lufkin, Texas

Sophia Camille Shoopman | April 19, 2009 Parents: Susan and Chad Shoopman Grandparents: Sharon and Ted Hancock Ret. Brig. Gen. Ron and Vickie Shoopman

4. Peyton Alexis McBride |

December 2, 2009 Proud Parents: Candyce and Chip McBride Proud Grandparents: Larry and Jerry Frank Spring, Texas

Lauren Ashley Wright | January 14, 2010 Parents: Erica and Roy Wright Grandparents: Christeen and Ricard Calhoun Josie and Roy Wright, Sr.

Carter Jansen Williams | December 22, 2009 Proud Parents: Crystal and Ray Williams Diboll, Texas

Email Pretty Babies submissions to prettybabies@tjmag.com or mail to PO BOX 150537 Lufkin 75915 Please include the same information seen above.

We cover everything from top toâ&#x20AC;Śyou know.

C h o o s e We l l . www.woodlandheights.net 40883_WHMC_7_375x3_4C.indd 1

2/17/09 6:06:20 PM

tjmag.com / 63

/ Yo ur life

GIRLS GROUP

Azalea Trail

A beautiful trip that everyone who

Nacogdoches Azalea Trail

Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden. This one

for Camellias” will be

around. People travel far and wide to come see

William Welch from Texas

lives in East Texas should make is tothe

of a kind trail is highly sought after from all

this beautiful masterpiece.

A perfect mother daughter day, grandmother

and granddaughter day, or just a group of little girls is the fourth annual Little Princess

Symposium: “A Passion

presented March 13. Dr.

A&M Horticulture will focus on using colorful

fall and spring blooming

camellias as accents in azalea

gardens.

Lunch

Garden Party. There will be two party times

is provided, followed by

March 27. Little girls ages 3-10 are encouraged

propagating azaleas, and

available--10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, to dress in their favorite princess or garden party

tips on pruning camellias,

a guided tour of the SFA

dress. In past years, tickets go quickly. The day

Ruby M. Mize Azalea

favor, and garden tour. Tickets are $20 each for

and Dr. Welch. The event will be held at the

will be enjoyed with refreshments, crafts, party children and adults.

While you are on the Azalea Trail, make

Garden by Barbara Stump

Stephen F. Austin State University Agriculture

Building from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

plans for a family photo. The Azaleas are an

Looking to have Azaleas of your own? Visit the

not out for long, so the window of opportunity

– 3:00 p.m. in downtown Nacogdoches. Local

absolutely gorgeous backdrop. The blooms are is short. A family photo with the hot pink

Azaleas is an annual event for many families,

makes a memorable Easter photo, and will most definitely be cherished for years to come!

Do you have the Azalea “pink” thumb? The

Azalea Plant Sale on March 20, from 9:00 a.m.

nurseries and garden clubs will offer a variety

of plants, some of which will be varieties of azaleas including the EncoreTM and Southern

Indica. The sale also features hard to find native deciduous azalea varieties. There will also be

perennials,

houseplants

and other choice ornamental shrubs and trees.

64 / The Journey

March 2010

For More Information on the events listed or

Guided Tours of the Garden during Azalea Trail time (March 13-April 3, 2010),

contact the

Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, 936-564-7351 or 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN.

your wallet E

To Keep Tax Deductions and Credits...Keep Your Records! By Tammy Boyd

Everyone who files a tax return

should have documentation to verify

income, deductions, and credits, especially

those with small businesses. Without proper

documentation, the IRS can disallow deductions and credits taken on a tax return. Who wants to pay

extra taxes due to the lack of paperwork? What

if, when I’m organizing my records after filing, I

find other documents proving income, deduction,

or credits that should have been included but were not? Also, what should I keep? IRS Examinations…

Most IRS examinations (audits) are at least started, and quite often finished, by mail. Being

able to quickly access the information needed to verify deductions and credits claimed will help

What to keep…

How to keep it…

copies of bills, credit card statements, receipts,

electronically. The original documents can be

The IRS recommends that individuals keep

invoices, mileage logs, cancelled checks, or any other records that can support a deduction or

credit you claim on your tax return for at least

three years after filing the return. Keep in mind,

however, that in some cases, records can be

requested after three years. Some of the most

expenses, mortgage interest, student loan interest, and any other credit or deduction taken on a tax

return. Mileage logs can be requested as proof of

own the property. When deciding what you should eligible, the IRS can disallow the deduction or

credit in an examination. Your tax preparer can

creates a balance due to the IRS, penalties and

interest are accruing from the due date of the

original return. The faster the amendment is filed and balance paid, the lower the overall bill will

be. If the amendment creates a larger refund, you

Boyd Tax Service located at 210 Largent Street

She is a member of the National

Association of Tax Professionals and prepares several hundred tax returns each year.

She

can be contacted at 936-634-2405 or tboyd@ karberboyd.com.

the deduction and credits on your return.

be kept.

be filed as soon as possible. If the amendment

really help save money.

advise you what documents are needed to prove

and the corrected tax returns. Documentation attached to the amendment. Amendments should

Keeping good records may take time, but can

in Lufkin.

For small business owners,

concerning the change will also need to be

shown within the time frame requested. Use the

stocks, investments, IRA transactions, and rental

to amend the return. To file the amendment,

information will be needed from the original

onto a CD. Any method is acceptable to the IRS

Tammy Boyd is the senior tax preparer at Karber-

keep, remember that if you can’t prove you were

but should have been, you can file Form 1040X

document storage service (for a fee), or burned

charitable or business miles deducted. Records

in most cases.

tax return and find things that are not included

on that computer, backed up to an internet based

method that is best for your circumstances.

expenses, childcare expenses, higher education

property should be kept even when you no longer

If you are organizing your records after filing your

that are scanned onto a computer can be stored

charitable contributions, employee business

and credits can be denied, causing you to owe the

Amending Returns…

ever they can be accessed if needed. Documents

as long as the necessary documentation can be

and 1099Rs. Records could be requested to prove

related to home purchases and improvements,

IRS for the difference, with penalties and interest

filed in filing cabinets, stored in boxes, or where

common documents to prove income are W2s

you keep the deductions and credits you deserve.

Without the proper documentation, deductions

Records can be kept either physically or

more detailed records should employment gross

This includes tax

receipts,

records,

proof

expenses, and documents to verify assets. A tax preparer

can advise what types of records are necessary for your business.

could be due some interest from the IRS.

tjmag.com / 65

/ Yo ur life

Wedding Bells

Audrey Odom and Tyler Sams

Married: September 18th, 2009 Nacogdoches, TX

G. Patterson Photographic Studio & Gallery www.gregpatterson.com

Ashley Marie Pate and John Joseph Mast Do you have an engagement, bridal, or wedding photo you

Married: December 19th, 2009

weddings@tjmag.com

G. Patterson Photographic Studio & Gallery

would like to share with The Journey? Email your photo to

66 / The Journey

Nacogdoches, TX

www.gregpatterson.com

January 2010

Bruce and Janie Moehling of Corrigan are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Karie Jan Yankie, to Bryan Cody Goodwin, the son of Billy and Glenda Goodwin of

Lufkin. The wedding is planned for October 9, 2010, at House

Plantation in Hockley, TX.

Wedding/Engagement Announcement for: Ginger Potter & Jonathan Musick Wedding Date: March 27, 2010

Location: Backyard Wedding in Ratcliff, TX

Photographer: Jacqueline Becker Photography, LLC, www.jmbfoto.com

tjmag.com / 67

/ Yo ur life

Relationships

How Do I Fit? - By Kathryn Greene

One of the opportunities I

have is to help couples in pre-

personality

most wives are like me in that they think

organized, have a

they want their husband to be like them.

That is, they want them to think and feel just like they do. It was a great help to

me when I discovered that God made us

all different – not just male and female but also with different personalities. I recommend reading Florence Littauer’s book

Personality

Plus

gain

understanding of you as well as others. In

her book she has a personality inventory you can take that helps you understand how some people are natural leaders like

a lion (choleric), others are creative and

deep thinkers like a beaver (melancholy), others are dependable and steady like a

golden retriever (phlegmatic), and then there are others that are the life of the

party like an otter (sanguine). Attaching

animal names to the four different personality types helps to visualize how

each personality responds to life situations

very

tendency toward perfectionism,

and will want

things done in

a certain way. They will probably be the ones to handle the financial needs of the

family. If this is the wife, the husband may think that he is not being the man of the house if he doesn’t set up the

budget and post the bills. But, a golden

retriever husband really means to get

around to balancing the bank statement they just keep putting it off. The marriage

relationship will work better if the husband

will accept the strength of the wife to do the paper work and let her know they will

share in making the financial decisions of the family. One of the ways he can do this

is by letting his wife know he will write the bills on a set day of the week.

Some men love to cook while their wife

So, you are a lion married to a golden

planners while their wife may be the life

procrastinates and is perfectly content for you to make all the decisions. Life is much more laid back for him. For you, life is a

loves to garden. Some men are great

of the party and give very little attention to details. What I have found to be

important in making a marriage work is to realize that there are God-given roles, but

series of challenges and you are not happy

the duties of each spouse should fit their

you may be a very creative musician and

takes learning how to live with each other

He doesn’t understand your need to spend

The husband’s strength is usually the

unless you are involved in a project. Or,

your husband is a very driven choleric. time in quietness listening to or playing music. We are all created different and when we understand that difference we can work on accepting each other.

Because personalities are different, the March 2010

will

in different ways.

retriever and you wonder why he

may

vary. A beaver

marital counseling to understand

their personality differences. I think

68 / The Journey

home

duties of the husband and wife in the

individual personalities. A good marriage

in a way that best completes each other. wife’s weakness and vice-versa.

God made us all different…even husbands and wives. Celebrate the differences!

Education

Margaret Weisinger - Teacher of the Month

After graduating from college, many people cannot wait to use their degree. After a little while,

the reality of the workforce sets in. Some decide to tweak their careers. Others do a complete 180

and change career paths. Fortunately for her students, Margaret Weisinger has been teaching since the

day she graduated.

Ms. Weisinger grew up in Freeport and graduated from Brazos Port. After graduation, she attended Stephen

F. Austin. When she graduated from SFA, she began her teaching career. Her first school was Shelbyville

third grade, where she taught for three years. Then she went to Hudson for a year. That is right about the time she went back to school working on her Masters in Early Childhood. Ms. Weisinger taught fourth

grade at Central for a year. Then after the year at Central, she went back to Hudson teaching Kindergarten. She has stayed there for the last THIRTY-FIVE years!!

Margaret Weisinger has not once questioned her career choice. She is doing what she loves. When you ask her how she has been able to do it for so long, she says, “I just love the little ones.”

She says she has known since she was five years old that she wanted to be a teacher. “I have always loved kids, especially little kids. My aunt was a teacher and I remember thinking I wanted to do that, too.”

The best part of the job for Weisinger is seeing the lightbulbs go off and watching them learn and grown.

tjmag.com / 69

/ Yo ur life

Ms. Weisinger has seen a lot in 40 years of teaching. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things have changed a lot. Kindergarten has really turned into what first grade used to be. Kindergarten used to be

about social skills and learning how to get along with others. Now the kids are reading

and writing.â&#x20AC;?Regardless of what she has seen and the changes she has watched , she still enjoys everyday and her kids bring her so much joy.

Her advice to parents is to read with your children, work with your children, do homework with your children, and be involved.

Parents are grateful to have teachers like Ms. Weisinger. Thank you for your many years

of dedication!

70 / The Journey

March 2010

ur Yobody

tjmag.com / 71

/ YOUR BO DY / Yo ur BODY

FITNESS 101

Getting Your Family Into Fitness - By Christopher Guerriero

Getting and staying in shape is

important for you - but your workouts

may be more important for your family.

The reason: your family is inexorably drawn

if you are making poor fitness and nutrition choices at any age, its likely your family will be making the same choices shortly.

to follow your fitness example - for good or

When Junior sees Dad parked in front of the tube

nutrition has a ripple effect that spreads across

the same lifestyle.

bad. How you manage your personal fitness and your entire family.

Your personal ripple effect may be one of the most powerful forces shaping your family’s mental and physical future. Consider the following:

and digging into a bag of chips, it’s hard to resist

The evidence is compelling. Your example, your behavior, your habits are being absorbed by your family at warp speed. The secret is making it a blessing instead of a curse.

We are products of our environment. We gravitate

Its never too early or too late to start. In the

a simple matter of repetition. The more we see,

consistently exposing people to a healthy lifestyle

toward what we are repeatedly exposed to. It’s

hear, use, or eat something the more it becomes ingrained in our psyche. In fact, social scientists believe environmental repetition may have an

effect on gene expression and can literally change your biochemistry.

The power of suggestion is strong. The power of repeated suggestion is practically unstoppable. So

research center, my staff and I see the impact that has on individuals. As people mature, they embrace exercise as a natural, fun part of their lives.

So how do you do it? Its a day-to-day process

You have the power to influence the health and

awesome health habits. Every time you choose the

fitness of every person in your family (your children, your spouse, your siblings, your parents

--- and even your friends). The fitness habits you

help them build will keep serving them in every area of their life. I can think of no better gift to give

donation to yourself and to your family’s lifetime health and fitness fund.

But here’s the secret...

National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center

You absolutely must lead by example. Never

millions. He is creator of the award-winning

people will instinctively gravitate to you and learn from your examples.

The process for some “hard-headed” folks might be a bit slower, but they’ll come along once they

see how much more fun you’re having in your new body than they could ever hope to have unless they pick up the pace and learn from your example.

March 2010

an active game over T.V., you’ve just made another

Its your personal ripple effect in action¦

living a healthy life in a tight lean body, and

vegetables over the chips, a walk over a drive, and

people than the gift of health.

“tell” a person what they should do, just keep

72 / The Journey

and a series of repeated small steps that add up to

Christopher Guerriero is the founder of the

and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to ‘Maximize Your Metabolism’ system. To learn

more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FREE how-to articles and FREE

teleseminars, visit maximizeyourmetabolism.com

women’s health

Female Migraine Sufferers may have Greater Risk for Cardiovascular Disease By:Chantal Culpepper, MD

More than 28 million people suffer

Other lifestyle factors such as smoking or taking

than men – lending new credence to the old

Women who reported migraines with aura had

migraines, and more women are affected

birth control pills increased the risk further.

line, ‘not tonight dear; I have a headache.’

other well-known risk factors for heart disease

and stroke, as well. Members of this group

Three out of four migraine sufferers are women,

were 40 to 60 percent more likely to have high

according to the National Women’s Health

cholesterol and 70 percent more likely to have

Information Center of the U.S. Department of

high blood pressure.

Health and Human Services. Migraine headaches can be very painful and debilitating, and can affect

Migraine headaches don’t top the list of health

that migraines can affect your heart as well.

cardiovascular risk factors like high blood

quality of life. In addition, recent research reveals

issues to watch for, such as better known

pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity;

A migraine can last anywhere from four hours to

however, women with migraines should be aware

three days. Forty percent of women with migraines

of their known cardiovascular risk factors.

have at least one migraine each month, and one

quarter suffer four or more attacks per month, according to the National Headache Foundation.

migraines with aura. An “aura” is a migraine

It’s thought that hormones are the reason

the migraine and consists of various visual cues –

migraines more often affect women than men, and the demographics of migraine sufferers

support that reasoning: most migraines are

symptom, usually a warning sign that precedes spots, wavy lines or flashing lights – or a prickly, numb feeling in the hands.

diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 and

The study found that those women who possessed

begins to decline.

an enzyme that helps process amino acids, were

45. After menopause, the frequency of migraines

Beyond the immediate pain and inconvenience of migraines, long-term damage to your health is also a concern. Women with a history of

migraines are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, according to recent industry studies.

A women’s health study at Harvard University Medical

School’s

Brigham

and

Women’s

Hospital tracked the relationship between genetic

background, migraine headaches and heart disease in more than 25,000 women over age

45. Researchers found a link between migraines and heart disease for women who experienced

If you suffer from migraines, talk with your family doctor about treatment as well as your heart health and heart disease risk.

For

more information on migraines, visit www. woodlandheights.net and click on the health resources link.

If you don’t have a family

physician, call 699-CARE for a referral.

a variant of a gene that plays a role in making

About the Author: A recent addition to the Lufkin

more likely to experience vascular events such as

Chantal Culpepper, MD, is an experienced family

a migraine with aura. The gene variant is carried

by 11 percent of the population. Study results were published in the June 24, 2009, issue of Neurology.

Over a 12-year follow-up period, 625 women

experienced a heart-related event such as

community and Woodland Heights’ medical staff,

practice physician with a professional interest in

women’s health. Her practice is located at 710

Gaslight, Suite A, just behind Woodland Heights Medical Center.

Dr. Culpepper is currently

accepting new patients. For an appointment, call (936)632-4653.

heart attack or stroke. Women who tended to

experience migraines with aura had double the risk, and those with both migraines with aura and the gene variant had three times the risk of heart attack or stroke.

tjmag.com / 73

/ Your life

fashion W

Top 2010 Fashion Trends By Adam Singleton year,

accessories. You’re bound to see a lot of

eagerly await the fashion world’s

But two of the most prominent designs

With

every

new

fashionistas across the globe

newest trends – and this year is certainly

no different. It’s time to say goodbye to asymmetry, baggy pants, and washed out

hues, and get ready to welcome a whole to range of vibrant colors, prints and styles.

It seems every year sees a fashion revival of some kind – and this year, it’s all about

the 80s and 90s. Expect to see biker shorts,

bumbags, and bodysuits – for example, from the likes of Rochas, Stella McCartney,

Celine, and Donna Karan. Don’t shy away from 80s or 90s graphic prints. In fact, the bolder the better. 2010 is also a year to don

your inner wear as outer wear. From lacetrimmed slips and corsets to frilly bras underneath sheer tops, you don’t have

to hide those beautiful intimate pieces

tribal patterns, 2010 is the year to flaunt those prints.

And, of course, no trend report is complete without a word or two on color. It seems 2010 will be the year of blues and yellows –

particularly lemon yellow and ice blue. So whether you’re shopping for clothes, shoes,

or accessories, gravitate towards colors inspired by the sun and the sky. Don’t be

afraid to combine and layer various shades of either color. As far as spring’s neutral

colors go, it’s all about fleshy tones such as blush, rose, soft tan and apricot – as relayed by the Warehouse collection.

white shirts, tailored trousers, and shaped

means you’ll be able to see these trends

When it comes to accessories like handbags,

quilted and patchwork designs are at the top of the trend list. However, these designs

will also emerge in apparel – particularly as patchwork skirts and springtime jackets.

Those looking for an ultra casual look can opt for rustic straw and wicker bags – also

among the key fashion accessory pieces this season. Looking for shoes? 2010 has

traded sky-high heels for flats, kitten heels, and low-level heels – and Missoni, Louis

Vuitton and Jimmy Choo are eagerly offering inspiration.

However, one of the biggest fashion

trends for 2010 is in printed apparel and March 2010

bold, ethnic designs to more intricate

Retailers everywhere are already rolling

parkas - will also be huge this spring.

will be vintage and tribal prints; from

anymore. Instead, show them off all you

can. Clean cut pieces - for example, crisp

74 / The Journey

pinstripes, graphics, and leopard prints.

out their springtime collections – which in action, whether in high street stores, boutiques, or department stores. So get a head start on 2010’s springtime fashions, and look your best in the latest trends.

beauty

Hair and Nail Vitamins - By Kent Pinkerton

Hair and nails are very good indicators

of the general health condition of the

body. Any kind of illness or stress is reflected

through the skin, hair and fingernails. Hair and

nails show symptoms such as brittleness, thinning,

breaking, and splitting when neglected or when the body goes through extreme pressure conditions. Even

when the body is deficient in essential nutrients, the hair and fingernails shows the signs.

Nutrition is very important for the body. Even though

hair and fingernails are just dead cells, they are an important indicator of the general well being of a person. Nutrition for the body is derived from the food we take. When the body does not receive the essential nutrients, or if it loses the ability to absorb

nutrients from the food it receives, it causes the body to use up internal resources. This causes weakness

in the body parts and is reflected in the skin, hair and fingernails. In order to have healthy hair and

finger nails, it is very important to consume food

that contains some major vitamins like vitamin A

(produces healthy sebum in the scalp), vitamin C

(antioxidant), vitamin E (improves scalp circulation), Biotin (produces Keratin), Inositol (keeps hair follicles healthy), Niacin (promotes scalp circulation)

and pantothenic acid, Para-Aminobenzoic Acid,

vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 that prevent graying

and hair loss. Of these, vitamin E is found to have a

significant influence on the health of not just hair, but also skin and fingernails.

Most vitamins are derived from food. The most

common food-based sources of vitamins are: citrus

fruits, green vegetables, fruits like pineapple,

There are several products in the market today that

act as essential vitamins for hair and nails. These are in the form of oils, shampoos, gels, sprays, lotions and creams. These are generally prescribed

by specialists but some are also available over the counter. However, it is better to consult a specialist before using these products. There are also hundreds of websites that provide information about these products. They can also be ordered online.

strawberries, kiwi, potatoes, green peppers, cheese, vegetable oils, soybean, raw seeds, dried beans,

wheat germ oil, brewers yeast, whole grains, eggs,

liver, rice, milk, fish, turkey, chicken, and red meat. Other nutrients required by the body are proteins and

minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and essential fatty acids.

tjmag.com / 75

The review E ast e r pand o ra charm

The perfect gift for the Pandora bracelet collector. A beautiful sterling silver egg bead

studded with cubic zirconiums, the decorative

Easter egg charm will be a welcome addition to anyone’s basket. The great thing about

Pandora is there is every price point for every budget! Available at Cavanaugh’s in

Lufkin,936.634.861 or Laines in Nacogdoches, 936.564.6724.

j o n h art Everyone, especially a teacher, needs a

good all around bag.

The Midland Tote is perfect bag. It has a

center compartment with zipper closure for security and easy

access. Inside you’ll find a large zippered pocket and two open pockets. The outside features a small zippered front pocket for keys and

coins and both ends have open pockets for cell

phone and umbrella. Handles wrap around the whole tote for maximum strength. Jon Hart is available in Lufkin at The Very Thing, 936.632-

2202 or in Nacogdoches at Adair Boutique, 936.662.6512.

in v is ib elt

The newest accessory to hit the market! Belts are almost out of style these days. Not only that, but the

buckle is bulky, cold, and can dig into your stomach. With Invisibelt, you don’t have that problem.

The belt come in clear, black, or fashion patterns. The belt lies flat under your tops and cannot even

tell you have a belt on. It adjust like a strap on a bra. Fits sizes from 0-14. A must have accessory in every closet! Available now at Charla’s Fashion Shop in Nacogdoches, 936.564.8384

76 / The Journey

March 2010

r u o Y child

Photo by Lisa tjmag.com / 77

/ Yo ur CHILD

Ask the doc

biomedical approach | By dr. james young Parents of children diagnosed with autism

Gastrointestinal dysfunction is also much more

and RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE!

a large role in the behavioral manifestations.

need to be aware that treatments are available mainstream

medicine

recommends

Currently,

behavior

modification therapies, like ABA, and speech or

occupational therapy tailored to the individuals’ needs, which in most cases are quite helpful.

Where our current healthcare system fails is in the prescription of neurotropic or psychotropic

medicines, which are geared at sedating the patients

to control the tantrums and repetitive behaviors. This approach only masks the problem, but does nothing to correct it. Many of these children will

eventually be institutionalized or never be able to function on their own as adults. Scientific Autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders whose prevalence is rising at alarming rates. The

most recent statistics put the rate at 1 in 110. In

1980, the rate was about 1 in 10,000. This is simply staggering!

Autism affects more boys than girls, about 4 to 1. It is considered a “spectrum” disorder because not all children are affected equally. We still

don’t know what causes autism or how to “cure”

it. There is controversy over the possible causes,

including genetics and environmental causes. The

truth probably lies between with both a genetic predisposition and environmental “triggers”.

The hallmark characteristics include poor social

and communication skills as well as repetitive speech

(echolalia)

(stemming).

and

body

movements

Many children diagnosed with

an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will never

become functional and productive members of society but it doesn’t have to be this way.

78 / The Journey

March 2010

biochemical,

research

has

immune,

identified

and

many

gastrointestinal

dysfunctions that play a huge role in many of the symptoms displayed by children with autism.

prevalent in autistic children, and may also play Inflammatory conditions in the bowels lead to malabsorption and a “leaky gut” which causes

chemicals and proteins to enter the bloodstream where they eventually affect brain function and behavior. Dietary modifications, such as a gluten

free / casein free diet can have a dramatic effect in the behavior in these children. Anti-inflammatory

medications and medications aimed at restoring a healthy gut flora (probiotics and certain

antibiotics, especially antifungals) also improve gastrointestinal function.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction

can be addressed with various vitamins and dietary supplements. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is also

being studied as a possible means to improve this.

The “biomedical” approach to autism, though

Due to the impaired biochemistry, many children

“alternative medicine”, actually is a more scientific

heavy metals, such as lead and mercury. They

disregarded by many mainstream physicians as approach, and there is plenty of research and well

designed scientific studies to support its use. The

majority of children with autism have impaired immunity, which at least must raise the question of the plausibility of a vaccine connection. I am not saying that vaccines cause autism. I don’t

believe that question has been adequately studied, though we would be led to believe by many with

with autism are also found to have toxic levels of bodies are not able to detoxify and eliminate

these metals the way the rest of us do so they build up over time and reach toxic levels. Lead

and mercury have detrimental effects on brain function and behavior. Chelation therapy is used to bind the heavy metals so they can be eliminated from the body.

a large financial stake in vaccines that they do not.

Parents need to know that autism is NOT

and for all have not been done, and unfortunately

possible. I would encourage every parent whose

statement “the studies do not show a connection

a physician trained and experienced in treating

“the studies show that vaccines do not cause

a biomedical approach.

Appropriate studies to answer the question once may never be done. There is a difference in the between vaccines and autism” and the statement autism”. To say that the study doesn’t show a

connection doesn’t mean that no connection exists, it simply means the study failed to show one.

hopeless. Autism IS treatable, and RECOVERY is

child is diagnosed with an ASD to seek help from

autism with combined behavioral therapies AND

There are many resources available to learn more

about autism, available treatments, and physicians

specializing in the biomedical approach.

The

Autism Research Institute website is a good place

to start. Don’t give up! It’s a long, sometimes frustrating journey, but the rewards are worth every step of it.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” - Chinese proverb.

Dr. James Young is a board certified Cardiovascular and General Surgeon; receiving his MD from

Ohio State University. Currently, he practices at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Dr. Young became

committed to learning everything about autism after his only daughter Madison was diagnosed with

Autism in 2006. Madison has made remarkable

improvements and is nearly indistinguishable from her peers at present. (936) 559-9019

Do you have a topic you would like to learn more about regarding children’s health? Send us your questions and ideas and we will find a local professional to answer your questions. Email us at editor@tjmag.com.

tjmag.com / 79

/ Yo ur CHILD

child’s play sarah & emily stafford

Sarah and Emily Stafford’s rooms are a perfect reflection of them. Sarah’s room is filled with her father’s great

grandfather’s antique furniture and looks absolutely beautiful in the room. Emily’s room is adorned with a beautiful plum theme throughout the room. Both rooms were well thought out and designed. Both girls have

a built in desk station to focus on their studies. Another great feature to their rooms is the built in dressers in their closets. Both girls have ample room to have lots of friends over!

80 / The Journey

March 2010

tjmag.com / 81

/ Your CHILD

Kids Konnect garrett coleman

On February 6, 2010, Garrett Coleman won the

title of Spelling Bee Champion. For over 30 years,

Kiwanis Club of Lufkin has been hosting the annual Spelling Bee in the area. This year, participants from Angelina, Houston, Nacogdoches, Sabine and

San Augustine counties were vying for the spelling bee championship. The local event is tied in with the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The winner of the

Kiwanis event moves on to compete in the Houston

PBS spelling bee on March 27. The winner of the Houston event then moves on to Washington to compete June 2-4, 2010.

Garrett Coleman is eleven years old and attends St.

Cyprians Episcopal School. This is his second year

to compete. Last year, he placed fourth overall. This

year, with his final word of “participant,” Garrett

won first place. “I was so relieved when I heard the final word,” said Garrett.

Studying for a spelling bee takes a lot of work. Garrett shares how he gets in his routine. “I make

notecards by section (Latin, Old English, Slavic, etc) from the book and then my dad reviews me. I study

by section after I finish my regular homework. When

learning to spell the words, it really helps to learn the definition, too. It also helps me to have a word association to remember the word.”

Spelling might run in the family. Troy Coleman, Garrett’s father, competed in the Houston Chronicle Spelling Bee in 5th grade, 6th grade, and 7th grade. We know you will do great in Houston, Garrett!

Does your child have a craft, hobby, or interest that they would like to share with other kids their age? Tell us about it by emailing us at editor@tjmag.com. Your child might be featured in a future issue of The Journey!

82 / The Journey

March 2010

Treats and eats kids in the kitchen

The goal of the Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen initiative, which is supported by The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. and its member

Leagues, is to empower youth to make healthy lifestyle choices and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues. Junior

Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen is an Association-wide initiative of Junior Leagues that is committed to improving the health of today’s youth by empowering

them to make choices that lead to healthy lifestyles. The initiative illustrates the power of volunteerism to address community needs on both the grassroots and international levels. Educating both children and their families is key to reversing the trend toward increased levels of childhood obesity. For more recipes that are kid friendly and easy for children to prepare, visit http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org. Click on the Families and Educator’s link.

tutti fruity popcorn balls

Banana pops

1/2 cup honey

2 bananas, peeled and cut in half

Ingredients:

1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon butter

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla

5 cups fresh popped popcorn

1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)

Ingredients:

4 Popsicle or craft sticks

1/4 to 1/2 cup flavored yogurt

1/2 cup chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut, or sprinkles

1/2 cup crushed graham cracker, gingersnap, vanilla wafer, or chocolate cookie crumbs

1 cup whole or chopped dried fruits (cranberries, blueberries, raisins, apples,

Directions:

brush or a butter knife, spread yogurt over the entire banana.

Cover with plastic wrap and heat in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until

banana.)

or apricots)

1. Combine honey, brown sugar, and butter in microwave-safe container. mixture is bubbling and steaming hot. Carefully remove honey syrup dish

from microwave with the help of your adult chef assistant. Stir in cinnamon and vanilla. Set aside.

2. Put popcorn, nuts, and dried fruit in a large mixing bowl. Pour cooked honey syrup over popcorn and toss with a wooden spoon until you have

1. Insert a Popsicle stick into cut end of each banana half. Using a pastry

2. Roll banana in garnish of choice. (Or you can sprinkle garnish on 3. Place bananas on sheet pan covered with foil and lightly sprayed with

nonstick cooking spray. Place pan in freezer. After about 15 minutes, place

a sheet of plastic wrap on top of slightly frozen bananas. Freeze for at least 1 hour more or until ready to serve.

coated all the pieces of popcorn with honey syrup. Let mixture cool 10

Serving Suggestions

3. Now spray your hands with nonstick spray or dampen them with a splash

chocolate yogurt with chopped nuts, coconut, or chocolate cookie crumb

minutes before forming into balls.

of water. With your hands, take a scoop of popcorn mixture and form a 2 to 3-inch sized popcorn ball. Repeat until you have made all the mixture into

popcorn balls.

Try strawberry yogurt with dried cranberry or dried blueberry garnish. Try

garnish. Try vanilla yogurt with graham cracker, gingersnap, or vanilla wafer crumbs.

4. Popcorn balls may be wrapped individually with plastic wrap and stored for 3 to 5 days.

The Junior League of Lufkin offers the nationally recognized program, Kids in the Kitchen, in conjunction with Camp Get Fit. This exciting week long

summer camp is available for children entering grades 3 through 5. The camp gives kids hands-on tools for healthy meals and cooking tips, as well as fun

ways to stay active and healthy. To register for the camp, which is held towards the end of the summer, visit www.juniorleagueoflufkin.org tjmag.com / 83

/ Yo ur CHILD

family support questions for counselors

Question: I want to encourage my child to get involved with extracurricular events. My son is 10 years old, he is very shy and reserved. As a mom, I feel like he would come out of his shell if he found something he liked. He just won’t try anything. At what point do you stop encouraging and say this is who he is and his personality?

ANSWER: Extracurricular activities have been shown to promote a better attitude towards learning and can lead to an increased sense of accomplishment and

higher self esteem. Participating in these events give children an educational as well as a creative outlet. Making new friends is a wonderful bonus. Some are a great way to get in some exercise. The important thing to remember is to let your child choose what appeals to them. Does your child like sports or dance? Is

your child artistic or musical? Do they enjoy academics or cooking? Are they into learning about animals or the environment? Provide them with opportunities

to try new things. Check the Chamber of Commerce for information about local children’s activities. Museums, colleges, churches, and the zoo as well as other

groups in the area offer a variety of camps and classes, especially in the summer. See which ones your child’s friends will be participating in. A shyer child

will usually feel more comfortable if they know someone else there, or if they know one of the teachers. Some children love to participate in a wide variety

of extracurricular pursuits. It can help them to be more well rounded. Just don’t over schedule, as kids need some “down” time just to relax. Other kids may not be as interested. Don’t worry - they will find what is appealing to them when they are ready to do so. Always encourage your children to do what is right for them and give positive reinforcement when they try something for the first time. Trying things together as a family can be an adventure and an easy way to ease your child into trying something new. Extracurricular activities can certainly be beneficial. Plus, they are just plain fun! Cindi Steptoe-Andrews MS,LPC,NCC Question: My daughter and a friends daughter recently turned 16. Our kids have always been relatively good kids. Recently, I know their daughter

has been trying to deceive them a lot, talking (“lying”) their way out of trouble. Our daughters have been good friends since elementary. I know this is normally the age where many children choose the high road or a side street. Should I talk to my friend about the situation or should I talk to my

child about choosing other friends? I am concerned about my friends child and her well being and about my child having to possibly loose a friend.

ANSWER: A real friend is a true blessing and should not be lightly abandoned. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for

his friends.” That passage (John 15:13-15) goes on to say more about the importance of friendship. Like most relationships, friendships tend to ebb and flow in cycles. When Job had lost his family and all of his possessions and was covered in sores, he sat on the ground and covered himself with ashes. This

was when his three friends came and sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. It is when we are at our worst that we need our friends the most. And just because a friend is making poor choices and pursuing wrong actions does not mean we have to follow their example. Instead, it gives us an

opportunity to help them by setting a positive example. Only if she started making poor choices, lying to you, and getting into trouble would I encourage her to steer clear of that friend.

Friendship takes dedication, and a certain amount of maintenance! Best wishes! Allen E. Rush, MA, LPC

Would you like a professional opinion about one of your questions? Send your questions to editor@tjmag.com

84 / The Journey

March 2010

why i love being a mom by DEMEA GREENE

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD”.

had not given up on the idea of adoption, but I was

(Psalm 127:3)

excited about having another baby. Again, I took

On Father’s Day a few years ago, I was listening to

honestly say, even going through a miscarriage,

our pastor preach a sermon on adoption. At the time,

I was expecting baby number three. There were

so many other questions about adoption, too; for example: how much would this cost? How would

this before the Lord and He gave such peace. I can that I had joy in my heart and assurance that, in

His timing, God would bring another child into our lives.

my extended family feel about the child? Would

That July, we felt a peace to begin the adoption

How would I even begin the adoption process?

in March 2009, we were given information about

knowing that we would not see our baby for at least

sweet and we were so excited to hear about him, yet

him and keep him while we were thousands of miles

the child feel included in the rest of the family? My preacher taught about the needs of orphans and about God’s heart for them. Then I heard Proverbs

24:12 ,”Once our eyes are opened, we cannot pretend we do not know what to do. God, who

weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act.” I felt the Lord asking me to give all my concerns to Him

process. We decided to adopt from Russia, and

a baby boy in Smolensk, Russia. He seemed very we were worried because there was a possibility of

several health issues. We were given one week to

The first week of June 2009, we got another call from

child was indeed God’s best for us and that all the

only two weeks!

or wait for another. It was clear to me that this concerns I had about him, I needed to give over to

obedient. I asked Him to make His way plain to us,

decision, and we had our first trip to Russia planned

including His perfect timing. I prayed, “Lord, this is in Your hands. We want to serve you.”

Time passed, we had our sweet Bella, and we were very busy with our three children. But God never let adoption get very far from my mind.

the LORD.

I called our agency, gave them our

for the very next month!

On April 21, 2009, after a long plane ride and a five hour, very bumpy car ride with a driver that spoke

no English, we arrived in Smolensk. One of the ladies brought the little boy, named Pavel, to us.

She sat him down on my lap and said, “Mama.” I

In April 2008, I learned that I was expecting again.

looked at him. He was so small, pale, and sick. He

the information I could about adopting and read

didn’t smile at us. It was so scary for me. Everyone

I was shocked and confused. I had been getting all book after book about suffering, desperate children

needing homes and loving families. I was very excited about God

using us to help even one of these.

In June, I went to

was running fever and seemed to feel terrible. He

was looking at me and I felt like I could burst into tears.

had to leave to come home. It was hard to leave,

20th, which was appropriately the weekend of Father’s Day! Now each day I pray, thanking God

that I can be a mother to ALL of these children and

asking Him to help me in loving them, teaching

them, and raising them to know the great love that God has for them all and the great lengths He will go to bring them to Himself. I pray that each one would be shot out as arrows to let the world know

our God who loves us, who hears our every cry, and meets our every need!

He needs a loving family.” I prayed that God would

The next morning, we were able to go back and see

pregnancy.

and on the 17th went to Russian court. We brought

Weston Lee Samuel Pavel Greene home on June

were in our room, I just cried. I felt the Holy Spirit

found out there were some problems with

On June 16, 2009, we arrived in Smolensk again

saying to me, “This is my child. He needs a home. again give us peace and assurance about Pavel.

and

our agency, telling us that we would be traveling in

We drove back to our hotel silently and once we

my first obstetrician appointment

away.

decide whether we wanted to pursue this “referral”

as this was His will for us. That day I surrendered my heart to Him and told Him that we would be

a month. But we trusted that God would watch over

Pavel again. We signed the papers for him and then

tjmag.com / 85

86 / The Journey

March 2010

tjmag.com / 87

Parting Advice: Looking back to your school years, what would you have done differently and what advice would you give students today?

I think I would have put forth

The one major thing that I would love

a lot in high school, so I didn’t.

and tolerance towards others. It seemed

more effort. I didn’t have to study

Then when I got to college I had

to learn study skills. I think it

would have been much easier to learn note taking and study skills while I was in high school. Jennifer Williams

to go back and change is my attitude so easy to judge others at the time. I

wish I would have been more accepting

of everyone and not so quick to make an opinion. Life has taught me that you

have no idea what goes on behind the scenes and that everyone has something

GEAR UP Coordinator

special to offer.

Lufkin ISD

Michelle Briley I would say to work hard and keep their

Lufkin, Texas

head on straight and put all their heart

I would have taken my education a lot more

I wouldn’t change anything. I believe

needs to be a positive and good habit. Even

into school because it affects their future. that everything happens for a reason and good things will come from hard work. Jentry Page

Central High School Senior

seriously starting at an earlier age. Studying

though I have chosen my God given talents

to make a living, I think a degree from a university is a great plan “A” and a greater plan “B”.

Debbie Tompkins

Nacogdoches, Texas

88 / The Journey

March 2010

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