VIP magazine August 2015

August 2015

Nakisha Myles Burns

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inside august features 6

game changer

As a survivor of personal hardships and a tumultuous career, Nakisha Myles Burns, BISD’s communication specialist, could just be the change agent the school district needs.

…kinda sorta. Homegrown AmeriCommerce expands its ecommerce platform nationwide while its happy, talented, creative techies commute no further than Calder.

Tried and true tardy avoidance tips from the experts, parents who send kids to school stress free.

food&entertainment 18 Healthy Habits for Hungry Kids PLUS Filling After School Snack Recipes

Jeans are on the Scene

people&places 20 Pate Takes a Place Among

22

26 Get Your Blue By You:

Outstanding Women

22 Phelan Hot and Blooming 24 Sandwiches and Smiles 46 Totally Social 57 Last Word

28 Bullet Points

31 Stop Sooty Mold

for Beauty

from Souring your Citrus 32 Backyard Paradises

38 Welded Trees

42 Reserving Round Top 44 Things We Love

Installed at Shangri La

32

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A Division of The Beaumont Enterprise The biggest name in Southeast Texas news!

Publisher MARK ADKINS

art&culture

Photography scott eslinger jim debes

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Home Editor Julie Funchess

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fashion&trends

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Fashion Editor tammy crutchfield

Contributing Writers Beth Gallaspy Stephanie Glass Flatten Jane McBride Gary Outenreath Marilyn Tennissen

14 Chaos Crushers

Editor beth gallaspy Elaine Wikstrom

Designer therÉse shearer

10 What’s Built in Beaumont

Stays in Beaumont…

Editorial Specialty Publications Manager shelly Vitanza 409.838.2849

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on the cover BISD’s Communication Specialist Nakisha Myles Burns was photographed in her own clothes and makeup because she is naturally beautiful.

Come to find out, after a two-hour photo shoot on her day off, her outside beauty radiates from the inside. Her life, career and plans to improve communication within the school district and to the community are detailed, page 6.

Photo by Scott Eslinger

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photography by Scott Eslinger

dad and his daughter drove up to the Beaumont Independent School District administration building one day in June, ready to register for summer school. They found a locked door, outside of which some media people waited for a previously arranged interview and photo shoot.

When district Communication Specialist Nakisha Myles Burns came through the building to open the door, she welcomed everyone, but turned her attention first to the father and daughter. Customer service, she says, is her top priority.

6 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

BISD Communication Specialist Answers the Call for Change

“One of the biggest challenges is regaining the trust of the community,” said Burns. “What we’ve done differently is tried to create a culture that is customer oriented by being out in the community, establishing those relationships, responding to e-mail and returning phone calls and having a really great attitude.

“I give employees the analogy of an ice cream sundae with an Imperial Sugar bag on top because that’s what my grandfather taught me - it’s nice to be nice, and people remember that and they appreciate that.”

The 5-foot-1, 36-year-old newlywed, who commutes from Houston now but hopes to be a Beaumont homeowner in the next few months, bubbles over with genuine sweetness and a positive attitude in spite of life circumstances that could have soured almost anyone.

Burns’ dad was in and out of prison when she was growing up.

Burns discovered during her first semester at Lamar University that her mother, with whom she’d had little contact, was dying of AIDS. As a toddler she and her younger sister, Yolanda, went to live with their grandparents, Isaac and Mattie Myles. Mattie died when Burns was 7.

“Growing up, I saw drive-by shootings and I saw drug deals, but I knew that that wasn’t what I wanted to do in life. I’ve had hardships and overcome, and God has blessed me to be an inspiration to someone else,” said Burns. “Not many people know that, but I want to tell it so that I can be an inspiration.”

“I attend Lakewood in Houston, and Joel (Pastor Joel Osteen) always talks about going through trials not just for ourselves but for others. If we were able to make it through something then we can give someone else inspiration. I hope my trials help someone.”

No doubt her trials, personal and professional, helped prepare her for the work at BISD. Burns, who has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in public administration from Lamar University and is pursuing her Ph.D. in education administration at Texas A&M University, began her career at North Forest Independent School District in Houston. Her first job was account reconciliation, but within two years her role was expanded to include oversight of the employee benefits department.

When a position opened in 2004 for a communications coordinator, Burns applied and ultimately became the director of communications.

However, in 2009 North Forest was identified as “academically unacceptable” and put under the supervision of the Texas Education Agency.

A board of managers was appointed, an interim superintendent named and after a few years, the district was put back into the hands of the originally elected board. In 2013, North Forest lost its accreditation and was absorbed by the Houston Independent School District.

“My district closed June 30, 2013, and I was really looking to stay within the school system and learned of the position at BISD through searching the web. I applied and got an offer but what’s funny - I turned them down,” said Burns.

“I’d already been on an emotional roller coaster, so I decided not to take it, not to jump from the frying pan to boiling water. But after

text by shelly vitanza speaking to my fiancé, and after much prayer, they called again, really interested, and I decided maybe it’s what I’m supposed to be doing, working in situations where it’s not the perfect school district and there are things that need to be corrected. Maybe I’m the change agent to help get it done.”

Change came quickly after Burns accepted the position, but not as she envisioned. Although hired as a member of the communications team, she essentially became the manager of the entire BISD communication department - print shop, media center, graphic artist, website and the public information office.

With the mission to provide customer service and become transparent and accountable to gain trust, one of the first tasks Burns completed was a formal survey of parents, community leaders and district stakeholders. She asked what they did and didn’t like and what could be better from a communications perspective. Feedback was enlightening and helped Burns set a strategy that has resulted in a new BISD website, a weekly enewsletter, a teacher of the year gala, a Superintendent Student Advisory Council and a mobile app scheduled to launch this month.

Each project has involved input from countless other people.

For example, through the entire website development and launch process, Burns consulted a committee for feedback and guidance and implemented the suggestions received.

She enlisted corporate support and student participation for May’s Teacher of the Year gala, which recognized 28 outstanding teachers and built capital for next year’s gala. >>

“

It’s nice to be nice, and people remember that and they appreciate that.

”

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August 2015 7

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8 August 2015 the VIP mag.com

The Superintendent Student Advisory Council is designed specifically for ongoing communications between administration and students. The superintendent and his cabinet, consisting of the heads of the major BISD departments like food and transportation, meet regularly with student leadership in the high schools and get their feedback about how the district is doing. Principals are not invited.

“It’s very helpful in a lot of ways because cabinet members are very receptive because they can’t see things at the district. So what better way to hear than from the students?” Burns asked. “We interact and prove ourselves and show accountability and report back to the students about what has taken place since the previous meeting; they hold us accountable.”

The free mobile app, which still has to get final approval from the committee, has been in the works for several months. The integrated app for Android and iPhone will allow parents to check children’s grades, add money to lunch accounts, view sports schedules and see if their kids have homework. District alerts and notifications will appear there as well.

Once it’s operational, “We’ll put together another committee of those involved in the school district – teachers, parents, students and business leaders or stakeholders – and get their advice on how well they like it and what needs to change,” said Burns.

“We’re pretty excited about it though because you’ll be able to do everything you do on the computer on your cell phone. We’ll have a big launch because we want 100 percent download in the district.”

With two years invested, programs implemented and a plan to put down roots in Beaumont, Burns is facing change again. A new superintendent, John Frossard, has taken the helm.

And surely after surviving one failed school district and living through controversies of another - in spite of her competence, enthusiasm, optimism and kindness - Burns might have some reservations about the path forward. But she says it’s just the opposite.

“I’m excited about the change that I know is coming and needed,” said Burns. “I’m also looking forward to the different initiatives that we’ll see throughout the district that will involve the community, as well, and a great report for the district in general with the TEA.”

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August 2015 9

photography by scott eslinger

vip feature

Left to right: Stefan Barlow, chief technology officer, Ed Sturrock, CEO, and Charlie Cooper, board chairman, in the room that houses the sales and support team

Beaumont’s Boys of E-Commerce

Go Big,

Stay Home text by jane mcbride

10 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

I want Beaumont to keep people here, to grow opportunities for people to practice creative and tech careers without having to move to Austin or San Francisco.

hen asked what five traits all entrepreneurs need to be successful, AmeriCommerce President Ed Sturrock answers with ease: passion, knowledge of their chosen space, the ability to be crafty with their approach, the ability to influence peers, associates and staff, and the agility to outmaneuver competitors.

Sturrock, along with co-founders Stefan Barlow and Charlie Cooper, used those skills to turn their once tiny Beaumont-based e-commerce software provider company into a major player. The Inc. 5000 company processes half a billion dollars in transactions on its platform yearly.

That caught the attention of banking giant Capital One, which won a bidding war in November 2014 to acquire AmeriCommerce, a Payment Card Industry certified e-commerce software platform that helps more than 5,000 internet merchants conduct business online, or as Sturrock and his team say they help merchants “SELL STUFF!” online. AmeriCommerce also tracks sales and visitor trends and manages online stores from a tablet device or desktop computer.

Back in 2002, Barlow and Cooper were working on an e-commerce prototype inside their marketing company while Sturrock was building a website and e-commerce system for his parents’ business, Jubi Prints. The trio met, showed off their products and decided in 2005 their skill sets were a great match.

To be successful, Sturrock says, there is no place for timidity. >>

Ed Sturrock

Meet the founders as described by “El Presidente” Ed Sturrock

CEO Ed Sturrock aka “The Cheerful Daredevil” Thrill seeker, but measured and methodical in business, grounded in reality and numbers. Very pragmatic; at times heavily opinionated. Knows he’s wrong as much as he’s right; fosters an environment where people can disagree and have fun doing it. Supports high-speed hot debates in a flat management structure where teammates on all levels are empowered to make decisions and feel that they are heard. Software skills, entrepreneurial background, analytical yet goofy nature help him understand problems quickly and lead through challenges with a smile.

CTO Stefan Barlow aka “The Fast-building, Code-creating, Computer-whispering Rock” Alongside architect Dustin Holmes and Sturrock, put in crazy hours getting software off the ground; when Sturrock stepped up to be CEO, Barlow continued to lead the company’s technology infrastructure, data center and custom development changes. Has a knack for rapidly prototyping a business solution so others can take the idea and run with it. Taught the team the value of time, helping shape pricing models and teaching them not to give time away cheaply. Builds things with his hands; a car lover and tinkerer at heart.

Board Chairman Charlie Cooper

Chief executive officer Ed Sturrock, left, and sales coordinator Mike Williams shoot some baskets near the end of the day

aka “Mr. Cheerleader” Serial entrepreneur with the appetite to help AmeriCommerce get off the ground. Recognized Sturrock’s and Barlow’s skills and empowered them to run the company, always championing the software and founders. Helped bring in first investments. Instrumental in management team joining forces and fostering the company. Always-on salesmanship persona that closed early accounts. In the formative years, his zest and understanding nature helped the team creativity in growing, covering costs and running the company. theVIPmag.coM

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August 2015 11

“The persona you build sets you aside as the expert. You have to constantly hone your craft to get better and better. You have to have an aptitude for change, because you have to change a lot – and not look back. You’re always looking forward.”

Nothing matters more than the talent. During hundreds of interviews, Sturrock looked for that one man or woman who stood out as an innovative powerhouse in his or her current job. Any company would be lucky to have one or two, he says. He wanted more.

“An intellectual person migrates to where that intellect is confirmed, where they can grow their experience. Here, we have 50 people who are all at the top of their game.”

AmeriCommerce’s founders balance brain-draining work with spirit-building play. They provide lunch for the team each Monday and host a game night once a month, where’s there’s a heavy gravitation toward strategy board and card games.

“We created a hip new place to work in Beaumont that attracted people like us: smart, quirky, entertaining and effective. Our office is a mix of pop culture, groovy quotes, silly e-mails, a handmade arcade cabinet (loaded with 2,000 games), basketball goals, ping pong, darts and Xboxes. We use these to unwind between crunch times. This helps us focus and release some energy before diving into challenging tasks that require serious focus and aptitude.

“AmeriCommerce folks work hard and play hard because that’s what it takes to be happy and effective in a highly creative and techie environment. Competitiveness drives interaction and encourages excellence, while laughs and smiles are good for the soul.

Who can argue with that?”

As AmeriCommerce’s market share and reputation grew, competitors took note of a company that took no venture capital and was 100 percent debt-free. In additional to Capital One, two other “huge names” were pursuing the Beaumont business, Sturrock says.

However, he notes, they weren’t quite the right fit, in part because they were “maybe a little too serious.”

“Here comes Capital One, all fist bumps and high fives, just like us, with a vision that aligned exactly with ours and a customer base we could strategically use to help us grow. It was destiny,” Sturrock says.

“They were also the only one that genuinely wanted, like me, to take care of everyone, not just the founders. So no, I do not believe we will lose our zest or fire. It’s definitely different being in a larger company with a national product team tackling major things for small business owners, but it’s different for the better. We chose well in Capital One and would do it again any day.”

And his dream-come-true scenario for the future? The team doing more of the same, but with continued customerbased empowerment.

Process coordinator Brandi Lovett helps a customer from her desk

12 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

“My dreams are tangibly coming true, to build AmeriCommerce into a household e-commerce platform, and to do that with a team of happy and talented people from San Francisco, to Beaumont, to Washington, D.C., and everywhere in between. If you want to sell online, sell in person and run your business, we will be at the top of a very short list of tools you can use to be successful faster.”

And no, they won’t be fleeing to tech-laden locations. Team members are committed to the place where they found talent, support and success.

“I’m big on Beaumont. Too many people leave; too many compare it unfavorably with Austin and other larger cities. There’s a lot to love here. I want Beaumont to keep people here, to grow opportunities for people to practice creative and tech careers without having to move to Austin or San Francisco. I’m in love with those places too; after all, some of our team is in both.

“However, Beaumont has a lot to offer. We can keep turning Beaumont into a forward-thinking and diverse metroplex that is known for more than just oil and gas! It’s a great place, with a great university and great people.

“It’s time to put all of that to use and keep creating awesomeness at every turn.”

Sales coordinator Mike Williams plays a video game near the end of the day

Solutions consultant Grant Jones, left, and developer John Tyler play ping pong

Solutions consultant Noe Guevara works with customers via a live chat tool

Quality and Style Process coordinator Michal Robin relaxes as he works

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August 2015 13

vip feature

Cutting the

Chaos

to Create Hassle-Free School Days text by Shelly Vitanza

T

he best way to avoid manic school mornings is to be organized, and the best way to get organized is to use tried-and-true school-day tips from the experts – parents who, through trial and error, tardy slips and emotional meltdowns, have implemented standard operating procedures totally de-stressing school days.

We scouted around and found some parents who were willing to share their experiences in getting kids and themselves organized for another school year.

With three kids at two different schools, the opportunities for morning madness are as numerous as the loose-leaf sheets Lisa Bond’s children carry in their binders.

During her 16 years of parenting, she’s learned a few methods to curb the craziness.

“I’ve never been proactive but always reactive; all of my organizational ideas were born of previous disasters,” said Bond, the stay-at-home mom of two daughters, 16 and 8, and one son, 14.

“Over the years of constantly putting out fires and living by the skin of my teeth to get three kids to school and everything they need to school, I have created some things that seem simple. They’re not inventions but just processes, really no-brainers, we’ve made habits.”

Remembering the Forgotten Bond operates under the assumption that whatever can be forgotten at home will, at some time or another, be forgotten at home. Having made numerous trips back to the house after dropping the kids off at school to retrieve the forgotten item - belt, PE uniform, lunch ticket or money and an extra uniform required by the private school on special field trip and Holy Communion days - Bond now carries all of these items for each child in a container in the back of her car.

What goes to school also comes home from school, which means it can be forgotten at school, too.

Bond’s son was notorious for bringing home every individual homework folder except the one he really needed for homework. Her remedy? Bond purchased a neoprene, zippered laptop case that holds

14 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

all the class folders and fits in her son’s backpack. The laptop case goes in the backpack every day, which goes back and forth to school every day. Never is there a day when a needed folder is forgotten.

What is forgotten on occasion, according to Bond, is the brushing of teeth, so she has equipped her car to deal with such hygienic oversights: pre-pasted toothbrushes in the center console of her car.

“They brush in the car and spit in the parking lot when we get there,” she said. Bond children never have bad breath.

Avoiding the Big Dig Nothing makes a morning more exasperating than having to hunt down clothing, a search that goes from drawer to drawer, bedroom to laundry room to sibling’s room, finally expanding throughout the house. To prevent a daily dig for socks and underwear, Bond hangs everything her children need in the closet on the hanger – uniform, socks, underwear, belt.

She keeps clothes for PE classes separate, folded and placed in Ziploc bags and left in the laundry room for each child to retrieve as needed. They never intermingle with other clothes, eliminating the frantic scramble to locate them three minutes before time to leave for school.

The Bonds don’t have a mudroom or anteroom where the kids can drop their backpacks and lunch kits when they get home, so they initially pile it all in a large basket in the dining room where they later do their homework. Less time is spent looking for missing items and the house stays tidier.

Also located in proximity to where homework happens is a plastic hanging shoe rack. The rack hangs on the back of a pantry door and contains every kind of pen, pencil, marker, paper clip and other school supply the kids might need. With all the supplies in one place, the kids can find them, and Bond can see what needs replacing.

Bond has learned that hair bows walk off frequently, as do hairbrushes and ponytail holders. To remedy the problem and again prevent frantic searches, Bond created the rolling hair station.

“When my little one is still in her morning zombie state, eating her breakfast in front of the television, I roll the hair cart out and fix her hair while she eats,” said Bond. “I then roll it back into the den closet where I keep it.” >>

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August 2015 15

Back to School Ready

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While the Kids are Away… ….the moms can play? Only after lunches are made. Each of Bond’s kids have two lunch kits. One kit goes to school with them, and the other stays at home where Bond cleans and prepares it for the next day’s lunch. Often, Bond puts the prepared lunches in the garage refrigerator located next to the car, and the kids grab their lunches as they get in the car for school.

Bond also updates calendars and schedules while the kids are at school, which requires her to have their school schedules at hand.

For instance, she tries to avoid making doctor appointments during critical classes like math or science, and she takes a picture of each child’s class schedule on her phone. That way, she can check for convenient times while standing at the doctor’s office.

Having suffered through searches for vaccination records and directions for accessing grades and assignments on the school website, Bond created a binder filled with clear plastic sleeves so she can easily see and pull the papers she needs or just take a quick peek. The binder stays in the car.

Let Tech Help The Gideon family has three girls, ranging in age from 9 to 13.

Each of them live in very different extracurricular and social worlds, from soccer to tennis, which is further complicated by involving other family members in transport duty.

Over the years of scheduling pick-ups and drop-offs between mom (Brandey) and dad (Trey) while making sure that Trey’s mom, Martha, is aware of all school programs, plays, games and performances, the busy Gideons began using Pocket Informant, a calendar integrating app. The app is compatible with iPhone and Android, allowing users to log in and sync with others.

“We all know what each day holds and who is picking up or dropping off, and then my mother can see also what the girls are doing and decide if she wants to come or not,” said Trey Gideon.

Very soon into her parenting experience, Emily Wheeler became overwhelmed with the amount of “oh so lovely” artwork her 3-yearold was bringing home from pre-school. To preserve all masterpieces without physically keeping the fast-growing stack, Wheeler began using iPhoto for storage, as well as keeping and editing photos.

Dawn Henson Farley adopted a similar approach for prized school work. She created an e-mail address for each of her children, takes photos of every masterpiece and e-mails it to her kids. When her children are older they can retrieve and view their artistic treasures.

Back to School Web Resources for Moms & Dads Check out these resources for parents and kids, some of which are free.

IXL K-12 online practice exercises in math and language arts. Challenging but fun.

Socratic A repository for high school and college questions and answers. When you want to know how to find the value for cos−1[(cos(135’)], go to Socratic.

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Lynda Vast online learning source for all ages in education, academic and government. You can learn computer programs like Adobe InDesign or the fundamentals of accounting.

Pronunciator 50 non-English languages are taught here for grades K-12.

Benchprep A leader in helping students improve scores on standardized tests.

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August 2015 17

vip food entertainment

in

Nutrition

with Healthy Back-to-School Snacking It’s not e nough th three squ ese days to ensure ares a da y for our kiddos; n school-ag ow they w ed ant “linn You know er.” a b o u t linner? It between ’s th lun spring co ch and dinner wh at time me in fro en our off m school “I’m star and proc ving!” As laim, if balanc with the ing nutrit foo ion difficult e ds they are willin g to eat is nough fo r each of n’t meals of the tradit the day, p ional arents ar lenged w e further ith this m chalid-aftern Linner is o on chow. r e a ll y a sn kids expe ct what th ack and as such ey consid However, er linner is so close to a “treat.” (one lette dinner r and a c ouple of not be to hours), it o heavy o need r too high especiall in calorie y conside s, ring the o child has ther food consume sa d during of the da the real m y. eals Snack tim conundru e truly is a consu mption m, which is why w local pro e asked tw fessionals o to share wisdom a the nd go -to recipe op ir general tions.

18 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

Beckcom’s Better and Best The best choices for quick, healthy snacks are those that are closest to nature: • Raw fruits and vegetables • Natural string cheese • Raw nuts If you buy pre-packaged items, check that there are no additives or preservatives.

Next in line are nutrition bars.

Good for snacking or eating on the go and packed with energyboosting protein, there are a wide variety of options and flavors available. Two great choices that are widely available are: • Zone Perfect Bars • Nature Valley Granola Bars Both brands come with and without nuts or chocolate, and satisfy hunger pangs instantly. Some bars pack 180 or more calories, so usually one a day is enough.

Stay away from: • Potato chips • Packaged cookies • Sugary snacks, like so-called “energy” bars and drinks • Candy

Sugary snacks can cause a “sugar high” followed by the dreaded early-afternoon slump.

This fast and fun recipe can be eaten for breakfast or as a snack and meets several requirements: It’s quick and easy to make; it can be eaten on the go; and is car-friendly.

bagels gone bananas Makes: 2 servings, 1/2 bagel each Total Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients • 2 tablespoons natural nut butter, such as almond, cashew or peanut* • 1 teaspoon honey • Pinch of salt • 1 whole-wheat bagel, split and toasted • 1 small banana, sliced *If your child has a nut allergy, substitute a natural berry jam or preserve instead

Worley’s Rules for Nutrition Gapping My top three tips for after-school snacks are to: • Include at least two food groups • Include a fruit or vegetable; it can count as one of the food groups Think of a snack as a way to fill nutrition gaps, not as a “treat.”

That means chips, candy, snack cakes, French fries, fruit snacks, etc. are NOT snacks.

If time is short and you need a store-bought afternoon snack, here are some ideas: • Whole wheat tortilla spread with natural peanut butter, rolled up • Cheese stick and apple slices • Unsweetened applesauce and wheat crackersTriscuits or Wheat Thins • Fresh veggies and bean dip • Air-popped popcorn sprayed with olive oil, or lite microwave popcorn, and a glass of skim milk • Lance whole grain peanut butter or cheese crackers • An H-E-B brand fruit twist and lite Greek yogurt • A banana spread with natural peanut butter

• Beef jerky and carrot sticks A good make-ahead option is

loaded corn muffins Ingredients • ½ cup dried cranberries • 1 ½ cups warm water • ½ cup chopped walnuts • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon • 1 cup skim milk • ½ cup nonfat plain yogurt • ¼ cup canola oil

• ½ cup golden raisins • 2 tablespoons flaxseeds • 2 cups whole wheat flour • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ cup stone ground cornmeal • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar • 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 2 large eggs • 1 Fuji apple, washed, cored and cut into raisin-sized pieces

Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place 18 muffin liners in a medium muffin tin and spray liners with vegetable oil spray.

Soak the cranberries and raisins in the warm water for 15 minutes or until plump. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel. Set aside.

Combine flaxseeds, walnuts, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl and whisk well to combine. Add the cranberries, raisins and apple pieces and stir to incorporate.

In another bowl, combine the milk, yogurt and eggs and mix well. Add the egg mixture and oil to the dry ingredients, and mix quickly just until the dry ingredients become wet. Do not overmix.

Portion the batter into the sprayed muffin liners, filling each liner one-half full.

Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and cool 15 minutes. Muffins may be frozen when completely cooled.

Kelli Worley, MS, RD, LD is the owner of Nutrition Solutions. You can follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/NutritionSolutions and on her website at kelliworley.com

snacks that make the grade Folic acid improves memory, vocabulary and the ability to learn new things, so snacks containing it are great for a back to school boost!

Some snackable foods rich in folic acid are: • Broccoli • Citrus Fruits • Carrots • Avocado • Celery • Seeds and Nuts

and many others!

Preparation Stir together nut butter (or jam/preserves), honey and salt in a small bowl. Divide the mixture between bagel halves and top with banana slices.

Nutrition information per serving: 284 calories; 10g fat (1g saturated fat, 6g monounsaturated fat); 0mg cholesterol; 44g carbohydrates; 6g added sugars; 8g protein; 6g fiber; 369mg sodium; 301mg potassium.

Doneane Beckcom is an ISSA Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist. You can follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/ Fitness-Nutrition-Consulting-Doneane-Beckcom or on her website at fitnessnutritionconsulting.webs.com. theVIPmag.coM

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August 2015 19

vip people places

Ivy Pate l r i “G ower” P the personification of

photography by Jim Debes

text by Amy Brocato Pearson

20 August 2015

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s this year’s winner of the 29th annual Athena award, sponsored by the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Pate, the regional vice president of CHRISTUS Health of Southeast Texas has climbed her way up the corporate ladder while empowering and encouraging other young girls and women to do the same.

Not bound by local geography, Pate has taken her leadership to the state level by serving on the board of the Lower Neches Valley Authority. For the past three years, she was also appointed to the Governor’s Commission for Women, which advocates for education, outreach, research and referral for Texas women and girls.

She supports Texas Women in Business, an organization that encourages and empowers female business owners to achieve their personal and professional goals, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas, the National Association of Commissions for Women, and GIRLSTART - an organization that empowers girls in science, technology, engineering and math.

She is a past recipient of the state Yellow Rose of Texas award.

Full name: Virginia Ivy Pate (A natural VIP).

Family: Husband, George.

Where are you from?

East Texas How did you get into hospital administration?

I was hired because of my legislative background to represent CHRISTUS Hospitals in Southeast Texas in Austin and Washington.

In addition, I had some experience in philanthropy, and it was a natural fit.

Why is GIRLSTART near and dear to your heart, and why did you get involved?

As a kid, I would have loved to have had an organization like GIRLSTART. I want young girls to have plenty of opportunities to explore STEM careers and want them to find ways to make science fun.

GIRLSTART does this for girls. Plus, the staff is great. They are so dedicated and passionate about their mission. I got involved through the Governor’s Commission for Women.

What was the last book you read?

“Wonder Girl” by Don Van Natta Jr. Who was the last person you texted?

My friend Amy. What’s your favorite food?

All Southern comfort foods.

What do you do for pure fun and relaxation?

Spend time at the beach.

When you were little, what do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a teacher.

What is the one message you’d like young girls to hear in their formative years?

Little girls are told that they are pretty. I think we should add that they are not only pretty, but they are pretty smart.

Pets?

I have had horses and dogs over the years. However, I do not have a pet currently.

What’s your dream vacation?

I would love to visit Paris.

What is the best part about working at CHRISTUS? The best part about working at CHRISTUS is that the associates are like family. We are a very close-knit group. We work together to make a difference in the lives that we touch. For example, we just added 3-D mammography, and we have already seen great results.

Also, CHRISTUS is the only Level III trauma center between Houston and Baton Rouge. In addition, I am also privileged through our affiliation with Children’s Miracle Network to help children in need of healthcare in Southeast Texas.

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vip people places

hen Hurricane Rita tore through the area in 2005, it toppled hundreds of thousands of hardwoods and pine trees across the Southeast Texas landscape.

In response, Beaumont’s Magnolia Garden Club (MGC) wanted to do something to replenish one of the area’s greatest natural resources.

Back in 2006, club members met with city of Beaumont officials and started a project to plant trees throughout the city. Within a few years, MGC had planted magnolias, oaks and crape myrtles downtown and along Interstate 10.

A few years later, club members Linda Bullard and Grace Cordts had the idea to concentrate their efforts along a two-mile stretch of Phelan Boulevard between 23rd Street and Dowlen Road. Since the project began in 2009, 100 crape myrtle trees have been planted along that esplanade, and many now are in full bloom. Donations from club members and friends paid for the trees, purchased from Sunshine Nursery in Beaumont.

There are about 50 varieties of crape myrtles, so there was a lot to consider before settling on the Natchez crape myrtle.

“We chose the Natchez variety because it’s a good ‘street tree,’” Bullard said. “They require little maintenance, grow to a nice size and are dependable bloomers.”

A mature Natchez tree forms an umbrella shape covered in white blossoms.

Before the plantings, Bullard and Cordts also had to remember a few things they learned from earlier projects, like making sure the trees were large enough to stop the city from accidentally mowing them down and that they were in a location accessible to the city’s watering trucks.

The crape myrtle, scientific name Lagerstroemia, gets its common name from the appearance of its crinkly flowers, which resemble crepe paper. The trees grow well in warm climates and come in 50 varieties with long-lasting flowers in shades of purple, red, pink and white. The trees can stand full sun and require moderate water.

The white Natchez is known to be fast growing and very adaptable, 22 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

text by Marilyn tennissen

photo by Jim Debes

Phelan the Beauty of

making it a good choice for the Phelan Boulevard project.

While it is a good tree for a public space, crape myrtles also are popular with homeowners who want to add some color to their yards. With so many size variations, there is a crape myrtle for just about any location.

And while Bullard and Cordts celebrate the beauty of the crape myrtle, they are also adamant about ending the pruning practice they call “crape murder.”

Many homeowners and gardeners think that to create more flowers, the branches of the tree should be cut off all the way down to the main trunk.

Like a scar, a knot is created at the site where the branches had been.

“For a while, the knotted look was in style, but it really shouldn’t be done,” Bullard said.

“Crape myrtles don’t need pruning at all! Just let them be natural!”

Bullard and Cordts, both born and raised in Beaumont, are life-long gardeners who became friends when they were children. Bullard learned horticultural skills from her mother, who was an avid naturalist.

And while a “garden club” might bring to mind images of women in large hats drinking tea, the 60 active club members ranging in age from 35 to 90 are active gardeners.

“We aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty,” Cordts said.

As more donations come in, the women said they would like to continue the project by planting trees down Dowlen Road.

“We are always looking for projects,” Cordts said. “We love Beaumont and want it to be beautiful.”

The Magnolia Garden Club of Beaumont was founded March 2, 1937, with 47 charter members. The club’s original purpose was to foster interest in home gardening and flower arranging, but soon expanded to include conservation, civic improvement and education.

Projects over the years have included establishing nature trails in the Wild Azalea Canyons of East Texas and maintenance of the Winifred Turner Bird Sanctuary, a part of the Big Thicket National Preserve.

The club has open meetings featuring nationally known speakers, hosts a Garden Clubs of America Small Flower and Horticulture Show and sponsors fundraisers to benefit the community.

Magnolia Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club of America, Texas Federation of Garden Clubs and the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs.

For more information, visit the club’s website: www.magnoliagardenclub.com

‘‘

We aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty... ...We love Beaumont and want it to be beautiful.

Linda Bullard, left, and Grace Cordts

Natchez The white flowering Natchez variety is one of the top performing crape myrtles in the southeastern United States. Very large blooms appear in June and continue until fall. The Natchez can grow 30 feet high at maturity.

Muskogee The Muskogee has medium-sized, light lavender flowers and blooms as long as 120 days. It reaches a height of about 20 feet.

Tuscarora This variety is characterized by its coral pink flowers. Flowering begins in late June or early July and continues for 70 to 80 days. It can reach heights of 25 feet.

Tonto Tonto is a semi-dwarf variety, growing only 12 to 14 feet high. It has deep red flowers.

’’

The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service has recommended the Top Eight crape myrtles for Texas and Louisiana.

Basham’s Party Pink Basham’s Party Pink is a tall-growing hybrid introduced to the nursery trade in 1965

by Texas nurseryman Lynn Lowery. Blooms are lavender-pink and compete with the Natchez for size.

Acoma Acoma grows to about 14 feet and develops a weeping or cascading growth habit.

The white flowers appear in June and last about 90 days.

Sioux The Sioux variety produces vivid pink flowers that last from June to September. Mature trees range from 10 to 15 feet in height.

Tuskegee The Tuskegee, which is 15 to 20 feet tall, was introduced in 1986. Its flowers are dark pink and begin in early June occurring for 80-90 days.. theVIPmag.coM

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vip people places

lunch

I

love

text by Marilyn tennissen

n the summer of 2009, Shiloh Herrington says she envisioned a paper lunch sack decorated with the image of a big red heart.

Herrington believes the vision was God’s way of telling her to feed the homeless and forgotten and to give them love as well as nutrition.

From that vision, Love Lunchsack Ministry was born, and Herrington began making about 50 bag lunches in her own kitchen.

Today, she has a team of volunteers making lunches for 300.

“I think we are different (from other groups) because our volunteers actually go out to the homeless, the addicts, the drug dealers, the prostitutes. They don’t have to come to us,” she said.

“We go into the streets, to the bus stops, into the impoverished neighborhoods and into the crack houses.”

The ministry operates out of the Family Worship Center in Beaumont, but is open to volunteers of all faiths and backgrounds.

Under volunteer coordinator Michele Humphrey, teams assemble the lunches on Saturdays. Each bag is personally stamped, painted, colored or otherwise decorated with a red heart.

Into the bag goes a meat and cheese sandwich, a banana, potato chips, cookies and a bottle of water.

After services at the center on Sunday, four or five volunteer drivers go out on established routes and distribute the sack lunches.

“We have gone to places that most people will never see, but we aren’t afraid,” Herrington said. “First, we never send anyone out alone, and the people we serve have gotten to know us. They trust us and respect us. Our safety has never been compromised.”

Treating the forgotten with dignity and showing them God’s love is at the center of the ministry, she said.

And her volunteers don’t preach or make the recipients sit through a sermon before getting a sandwich.

“We are establishing relationships,” Herrington said. “We don’t force anything, and we don’t judge. We just show them love.”

As a volunteer, Humphrey said she has seen lives changed, and not just among the homeless.

“The experience really got me out of my own,” she said. “Out of my comfort zone, out of my own life and my own problems.”

Through talking with the homeless, the volunteers learned there was something else they desperately needed: mosquito spray.

“Many homeless camp in wooded areas, and they told us the mosquitoes are unbearable. Now we carry cases of mosquito repellent and hand those out whenever we can.”

Men’s socks, men’s underwear and men’s tennis shoes also are among the most requested items.

The ministry welcomes more volunteers and donations. Its website, lovelunchsackministry. org, is set up for easy online donations using credit cards or PayPal, and the group has an account at Neches Federal Credit Union.

“They (the needy) might be able to get food somewhere else, but they won’t get a hug,” Herrington said.

24 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

Wonderful volunteers making it happen, from preparation to delivery.

photography by silvia mcclain

Shiloh Herrington, founder of Love Lunchsack Ministries, left, and Michele Humphrey, manager

We are establishing relationships.

We don’t force anything, and we don’t judge.

We just show them love.

”

Shiloh Herrington

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August 2015 25

vip fashion trends

purejeanius

T

text by Tammy Crutchfield

he memo is out: Jeans are indisputably a fashion mainstay, and this season’s denim is all about reinterpreting an old classic in fresh ways.

What does this mean exactly? I guess you can say that everything old is new again!

But the problem is many women have been told over the years that anyone old enough to have worn a trend the first time should not repeat it. While this might be true about pulling out your old Daisy Dukes, I believe that there is a little caveat to this where other denim is concerned, so hear me out!

Since we all know that fashion repeats itself, what is wrong with staying on trend, no matter your age? The key is to keep it age-appropriate.

So, this is my challenge to you: Don’t be afraid to wear those bell-bottom jeans and culottes just because you wore them in the 1960s and ‘70s. Trust me; the fabric used in the industry today results in a whole new look and feel, even better than the first time around!

Put away those run-of-the-mill skinny jeans that you have worn day in and out over the last few years and zip yourself into this season’s denim.

Cases in point: a chic pair of culottes or a vintageinspired splattered or patchwork piece.

While you’re at it, don’t be afraid to make your own piece of art out of some of your old paint or beloved denim pieces, then sit back and take in the compliments when people ask you where you got it! (What did we ever do before Pinterest?)

must-try trend for 2015-16:

Frayed denim

No matter where your travels take you, a piece of artfully frayed denim is a packing must. From signature deconstructed tops to must-have jeans, raggededged denim comes in a style for every personality.

7 for All Mankind Culotte with Let Down Hem

26 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

Free People Patchwork Jean

Pilcro Superscript High-Rise Flare Jeans

denimdata

Vintage Photo of 1970s Bell-Bottoms

It used to be said that a pair of jeans is a pair of jeans is a pair of jeans – no two thoughts about it. That isn’t necessarily the case in the industry today because there are so many different styles and washes.

There also are a lot of interesting facts about jeans I never knew, so I decided to share a few of these tidbits about America’s favorite fabric!

• The very first jeans were indigo. Why? Because that color hides dirt and dust better than light colors. Even now indigo is the preferred color.

• Jeans made by Levi Strauss & Co. always feature the orange-colored thread exclusive to the brand. Check it out if you haven’t already.

• A maximum of 225 pair of jeans can be made from a single bale of cotton. Beat that!

• Your skinny jeans are not pure cotton. They are mixed with a bit of an elastic fabric known as ‘Elastene.’ This is why skinny jeans are stretchable and stick to the skin.

• Here’s the French Connection – The word ‘jeans’ actually is derived from the French term Bleu de Genes. Also, the word ‘denim’ comes from Nimes, a French city. Denims originated there, which is why the name is denim (de Nimes). Read: ‘of Nimes’.

• The oldest known jeans are Levi Strauss & Co. 501s that are said to be 115 years old. Discovered in 1997, an anonymous Japanese collector bought the pair at auction for $60,000 in 2005.

• 48 percent of the world’s trade in fabric is in cotton, from which denim is made.

• And my favorite: About 450 million jeans are sold in the U.S.A. alone each year. On an average, every American owns at least seven pairs. Now, don’t you feel better about your closet?

the New Boyfriend Jeans:

Flares

Boyfriend jeans have been the go-to, casual-turned-classy pant of 2014 (even though my father-in-law is always quick to point out that I have holes in my jeans!) Every label made its version, every editor wrote about his or her favorites and every blogger personalized a pair. 2015’s answer to the loose leg and the low rise of the BF jean is the high-rise flare. So, go ahead and take on this ’70s revival and sport the style, but here’s a tip: Be sure to pair this look with a chunky shoe because flats and even stilettos can get lost in the wide leg. Also, tuck in your blouse to show your waist and elongate your legs even more!

Lastly, did you know that this statement is printed on the pocket inside of every pair of Levi’s jeans? ‘Jeans have become an American tradition, symbolizing the vitality of the West to people all over the world.’

Wow, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Read more at www.magforwomen.com/did-you-know-these-facts-about-denim/#k44IuyF6UsJs3aS7.99

Don’t forget that denim comes in many shapes, sizes and styles from comfy and casual to a night out on the town.

Even if you are not a jeans fan, there are some you can wear to keep you stepping out in style!

Yves Saint Laurent once famously said, “I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans, the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant.”

And if recent runway events are any indication, that’s a sentiment shared by many of today’s most promising designers.

Splendid Dégradé Washed-Denim Mini Dress, Di-Amanda Denim & Diamonds Flower Pendant, Valentino Bow Wedge Sandal, Mango Soft Denim Top, Ray-Ban Wayfarer Denim

Miss Me Shine Lover Frayed Shorts Boy Chanel Flap Bag

T

hroughout the years, we have seen denim, chosen for its durability and comfort, go from the working man’s closet to today’s biggest fashion trend on just about every runway. In fact, Vogue featured its first denim-clad model on a 1930s cover, hinting that jeans could perhaps be a fashion statement, not just practical clothing for working men. Guess you could say that the people at Vogue sure knew (and still know) their business! Despite ups and downs through the decades, it looks like jeans are here to stay! theVIPmag.coM

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August 2015 27

vip home garden

summer landscape survival tips

text by Gary Outenreath Director of Horticulture Beaumont Botanical Gardens

Watering

Sunlight

Water on a regular schedule in the morning or evening when the sunlight is at a low angle. “Yo-yo” watering, where times may vary or days are missed, can lead to poor results. Soils should drain well, especially in containers and baskets. Rainfall can be deceiving relative to container plants. Plants that are full may not get as much water as one might think, so check them before their water cycle.

This time of year has the greatest amount of available sunlight. As such, even plants that are “full sun” actually do better if given a small amount of shade. Before planting, look for areas in your landscape that have such conditions. Smaller, more manageable containers can be relocated until better conditions occur.

Insects and Diseases In many cases, pest outbreaks are a result of good conditions for the pests and less favorable conditions for the plants. Like humans, healthy plants are better able to withstand attacks by invading organisms.

Many pests’ reproductive rates increase as the temperatures rise, so being diligent in checking for the invaders will help in preventing “blowups” amongst these pests. The most common insects to look out for are: Spider Mites – Members of the spider clan suck plant juices, causing a dusty appearance. Acute infestations can create small webs.

Mealy Bugs – White and sticky, they suck juices and may appear in large numbers if not controlled.

Whiteflies – These small - 1/8-inch or so - flying insects usually are found on the underside of leaves.

To date, more than 1,500 species have been described.

Aphids – Small green parasites usually seen on new growth.

Early detection and treatment is paramount to control outbreaks. A moderate stream of water will knock many of these pests off plants. The use of insecticidal soap also will help.

Diseases, primarily viral or 28 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

fungal, are yet another potential problem for maintaining attractive plants. Viral infections are more difficult to control than fungal problems, but partial control of either is possible with good sanitary practices. Infected leaves, spent flowers, dead twigs and the like should be removed, placed in a plastic bag and properly discarded. Several chemicals also are used for controlling plant diseases.

Check with your favorite nursery for assistance in choosing the best course of action.

Best bets for Southeast Texas

These are a few plants that are usually reliable in our summer conditions.

Shade/Partial Shade • Begonia • Bromeliad • Caladium • Coleus

Sun • Bougainvillea • Canna • Copper Plant • Gomphrena • Hibiscus • Lantana • Plumbago • Purslane • Shrimp Plant • Verbena • Vinca

• Gingers • Impatiens • Marigold • Pentas

• Polka Dot • Wedellia • Zinnia

' MAISON D

6TH & CALDER

E

409.813.1100

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30 August 2015

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vip home garden

treating

Sooty Mold text by Jane McBride

photo by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Jefferson County Master Gardener

Texans love their citrus, and the increased availability of varieties that grow well here have more backyard gardeners trying their hand at growing lemons, limes, satsuma, kumquats and other fruit. If you’ve noticed a black or charcoal gray coating on the leaves of your pricey, beloved citrus trees, the most likely culprit is sooty mold.

While it looks terrible, sooty mold won’t necessarily threaten the life of your tree, but it should be treated. It can result in dead leaves, fewer fruit and premature fruit drop. Heavy coating interferes with photosynthesis, stunting growth.

Why it happens: The underlying cause of sooty mold is an insect infestation either on the tree or another plant nearby. The primary culprits are sucking insects like aphids or whiteflies, but others include mealybugs, leafhoppers, scales and more. All secrete honeydew, which, combined with heat and humidity, can result in mold growth. The sooty mold fungi overwinter on twigs and branches.

What to do: Sooty mold spores can travel in the air, infesting neighbor plants,

so it’s best to treat all plants showing signs. The first step is getting rid of the problem-causing sucking insects. Although ants don’t fall in that category, they do protect honeydew-producing insects and parasites so they can harvest the sweet stuff. Who knew ants were farmers? Do your best to banish them from your yard and surrounding areas.

Always try organic, earth-friendly measures; read labels and do your homework. The most effective treatments are a light summer horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. It’s imperative to coat the underside of the leaves because those sneaky suckers hide out there.

The layers of mold are very thin; you can peel them with a fingernail, but who wants to do that? After a few days, take a hose to the tree early in the day; a strong stream of water will knock them right off, hopefully attracting natural predators such as lady beetles, green lacewings and lizards. Encourage these to live in your garden. Avoid pesticides that indiscriminately kill all insects, including beneficial ones. After heavy, prolonged rains, it likely will be necessary to reapply treatments.

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5945 College St. • Monday - Saturday 9 - 9 • Sunday 12 - 8 • 866-3883 • www.gppgolf.com theVIPmag.coM

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August 2015 31

vip home garden

photography by scott eslinger

Summer

Home of Mike and Christy Persia 32 August 2015

| the VIP mag.com

Sanctuaries Poolside Outdoor Kitchens text by Julie Funchess

With a subtropical climate and sun-filled days about 75 percent of the time, many Southeast Texas homeowners are transforming their backyards into mini resorts, going beyond the common backyard pool to include outdoor living spaces with kitchens and fireplaces. >> theVIPmag.coM

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August 2015 33

34 August 2015

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a Southeast Texas native who had been away from the area for more than 27 Sherrene Cook, years but recently returned to Beaumont, knew what kind of outdoor oasis she wanted at her recently purchased Old Town home. Cook, who has lived in Louisiana, Florida and Puerto Rico, has previously remod-

eled 13 outdoor spaces and wasted no time starting on this one. The project literally began the day she moved in!

Cook drew inspiration for the backyard pool from the waterfalls she loves in Florida. Coastal Pools collaborated with her on the large beach entry pool with a heated spa. Incorporated in the pool design is a waterfall feature, a beautiful focal point flanked on either side by large gas-powered fire pits that at night provide a dramatic backdrop.

Adjacent to the pool area is an impressive outdoor kitchen created by Ted Bolman of Universal Builders in tune with Cook’s vision.

It includes two massive islands that house appliances from Coburn Supply Co. and Tri-Supply: a built-in gas grill, two gas-powered burners for large gumbo and crawfish pots, two regular gas cooktop burners and the largest Big Green Egg made -- one of only 1,000 special editions produced. A sink, under-counter refrigerator and two warming drawers complete Cook’s outdoor dream kitchen. >>

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36 August 2015

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long-time residents Mike and Christy Persia, of Beaumont, had a backyard with a pool that was rarely used. About three years ago, they decided to renovate the backyard

to better reflect one of their passions - entertaining friends and family. They all enjoy gathering to cook together. Their daughter, Hannah Persia, a private caterer and chef at Amelia Farms, loves to cook with her dad and family. With a family of three grown sons, daughter and grandchildren, just getting family together is a party! The additional space added has changed how they entertain and live. Even when not entertaining, they enjoy the space daily.

When the Persias first decided to take on this project, they called friend Ronnie Anderson of Anderson Construction. Together with Anderson and Stoney Petit, they put together a plan that worked to bring their vision to life. Important to them was a space that included all the elements they needed to be able to prepare and cook everything outdoors while enjoying their guests. The area includes a beautiful vaulted and beamed ceiling, fireplace, and TV and stereo system complete with a karaoke machine.

The actual kitchen is U-shaped with cabinets and painted wood wall storage. The countertops in the food prep area are stainless and are slate for the upper bar eating space. The most important elements to the Persias were a large grill for Mike, warming drawer and a “Sonic-type” icemaker. The stainless countertops were fabricated and installed by Kommercial Kitchens. In addition, the kitchen includes a built-in blender and several refrigerator drawers to keep drinks cold.

Mike said he has no regrets at all about the project and wishes they’d done it sooner. On Thanksgiving Eve, you will find friends dropping off turkeys that the Persias brine overnight. Last year they had over 40 for Thanksgiving Day. About eight years ago, this tradition started with a few families and only a few turkeys, but today you’ll find the family hosting dozens of friends on Thanksgiving Day and putting this beautiful and functional space to great use!

When it comes to outdoor kitchens and living spaces, pretty much anything is possible. These two homeowners took the space they had and transformed it to reflect their lifestyle. Depending on your budget and desires you can turn your backyard into the perfect retreat for you and your family.

Hannah Persia theVIPmag.coM

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August 2015 37

vip art culture

magical & magnificent

Bottle Trees sprout up at Shangri La

text by Beth Gallaspy

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photography courtesy of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

ith colored glass glistening in the sunlight, bottle trees have long been seen as protectors, said to trap evil spirits inside at night until the light of a new day destroys them. For bottle tree artist Stephanie Dwyer, these beautiful totems have served to not only keep the bad “juju” away but to attract the good.

“In my heart of hearts, I believe that me building these bottle trees is God’s gift to me to take care of myself, not only financially, but spiritually, emotionally … and also a great connection that I have with people that I would not have met otherwise. I’m meeting people all over the world because of them,” Dwyer said.

Among the newest friends the 48-year-old artist has made through her custom metal and glass creations are staff members at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange.

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Dwyer spent about two months on site earlier this year completing her largest commission yet - four bottle trees each about 16 feet tall with a branching spread of 10 to 15 feet.

Originally, Shangri La had four bottle trees made from the bare trunks of four stripped-down Eastern red cedars lining a main walkway. When those deteriorated due to weather and age, Shangri La Director Rick Lewandowski suggested finding an artist to create more permanent replacements. Dwyer came highly recommended.

“They’re really spectacular,” Lewandowski said. “It became a very special opportunity for her to craft and scale up her skills.”

Dwyer will need those skills as she completes her next commission - a bottle tree installation that will be part of the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture now under construction on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. She never could have envisioned such a project when she first began experimenting with sculpture more than a decade ago, weaving together alder saplings on her mother’s property near Bellingham, Wash. Those wooden designs lasted a year or two at most, and a friend who was a successful metal artist told her she should switch to metal and build pieces that would last a lifetime.

That advice prompted Dwyer to enroll in technical school in 2004 to learn welding. She then took jobs she disliked in a refinery and a fabrication shop before returning to her true love - art.

“I got into it just for myself because I wanted to build these structures out of metal. It was just something that was in me to do. I find my safe haven in woods, in trees. Now, looking back, it all fits together,” she said.

The last piece of the puzzle for Dwyer was a move from Bellingham to Mississippi in 2006 to escape an abusive relationship. In Mississippi, her aunt introduced her to bottle trees, explaining the regional appeal of the art form traditionally associated with African-American culture, and expecting that as a welder, Dwyer would be asked to create them.

“I said I’m not going to copy what I’m seeing because that doesn’t appeal to me, but I’ll do my own version. It’s just grown and grown through the years. The trees have grown into something I’m very proud of, but it’s also a unique relationship I have with the people who buy them,” Dwyer said.

“There’s something about that person that they have good insides to them. That’s been my experience.”

Many of the new friends who have bought Dwyer’s trees over the years initially encountered her at art and craft shows. Loading and unloading the large, heavy trees took its toll, though, and she injured her back a few years ago. >>

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She no longer travels to shows, instead inviting potential customers to come to her. Dwyer lives and works on 178 acres near Paris, Tenn., where she also fosters animals, her first love.

“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve adopted out to who’ve bought trees from me, and I still keep in touch with these people and these dogs. It’s the bottle tree club. It spans across the United States, a definite connection between people.”

The people she meets also have challenged her to continue to grow. She still recalls a commission for an attorney in Mississippi who asked her to create a 10-foot tree for his garden. She told him she couldn’t do that. He told her she could, and she did.

At Shangri La, she was asked to create steel bottle tree structures that would last and spent days exploring the gardens to get a feel for the place her creations would live.

“Anyone can build a metal tree, but you can tell, I think, when you put your heart and soul into it because there’s a flow to it.

They’re complementing each other, but they feel organic for the place they’re located.”

The canopy of trees surrounding the property inspired her, as did the Gothic framework of a nearby greenhouse.

“I said we can’t compete with that greenhouse; we have to complement it. The trees have a slight arch that mirrors that Gothic arch and the pitch in the gable. I didn’t want them to look stiff and straight. They had to have some kind of flow or fluidness to them.”

Dwyer plans to return to Shangri La in September for a celebration of her new trees, creating an opportunity for Southeast Texans to meet the artist. By that time, the renovated gardens surrounding the trees should be beautifully grown out, Lewandowski said.

A few months of weathering will allow the trees’ CorTen steel to rust to a lovely amber hue that will stand out against the garden’s foliage and greenery, Dwyer said. “That’s when they’re really going to look their best,” she said.

She also expects to bring along some smaller trees for sale, so Southeast Texans can take home a little good “juju” and join Dwyer’s bottle tree club.

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Marburger Farm

Big Red Barn

vip art culture

Round Up at Royer’s Pie Haven

text by shelly vitanza Twice a year one of Texas’ smallest towns transforms into one of the nation’s biggest antique shows, attracting vendors, artisans, collectors, craftsmen and gypsy junkers the world over. For 10 days beginning Sept. 24, Round Top, population 90, situated 181 miles from downtown Beaumont, is the hub of a sprawling tent city of treasures for sale from the finest antiquities to garage sale goodies, decorator items, hand-crafted pieces, funky yard art, jewelry, clothing and more. If it exists, it’s at Round Top. Actually Round Top’s Antique Show, now in its 48th year, includes 60 different markets, many located in tents, but others in permanent structures that spread on either side of the eclectic center that is Round Top. The biannual market, open in the spring and fall, stretches down Texas 237 between Carmine and Warrenton and encompasses nearby towns Fayetteville and Shelby. Thousands flock to the event each opening, so preplanning to attend is paramount. Plan now with these quick tips and tricks to make the most of this unique shopping experience.

STAY

GO

EAT

Avoid the weekends. Hundreds of thousands of people squeeze into a four-mile stretch of the market every weekend it’s open, causing traffic jams and lines for food, shopping and bathrooms. Take vacation days and go Tuesday through Thursday. The optimal time to attend this year is Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. Not all of the markets are open the first week, but all are open during the final week, and prices are better as the market gets closer to closing.

The historic inns and bed and breakfasts are abundant but usually booked unless you plan six months in advance. For a quick, lastminute trip, stay outside the Round Top area in a hotel and drive in each day. Considering also that you’re exhausted from walking all day in the elements – heat, wind, rain – you’re too tired to care much for the quaintness and history of your hotel. Put the money in your purchases, and book a room at the Navasota Comfort Inn, the La Grange Hampton Inn or the La Quinta in Brenham.

While shopping, scout out fajitas in a bowl served up by the parishioners of St. John Lutheran Church. At Marburger Farms, the sandwiches are big and filling. Keep cash handy for water bottles you’ll need on your shopping journey, especially if it’s hot. For night dining, try to get a reservation at Royer’s Café on the square in Round Top. The food is divine and worth a wait. Definitely have the buttermilk pie for dessert, BUT if you don’t eat at Royer’s you can still have their pie because Royer’s Pie Haven is located half a block SHOP behind the restaurant. Eat pie at Royer’s and then get a slice or two Research the markets you are most interested in perusing and to go at the Haven. Another option is Los Patrones Mexican Restauconcentrate on visiting those specific venues, or pick an area of shops rant located across the street from Royer’s. They have great guacaand concentrate on that area, saving other areas and markets for mole and just-right margaritas. The wait is usually reasonable. future trips. It is an unreasonable expectation to think you can cover all of Round Top in a few days. Shopping becomes more expensive as RESOURCES you get closer to Round Top’s center city, so shop the outskirts and For more information to plan your shopping spree in Round Top, work your way in. Some markets to consider: Marburger Farm (Be check out these websites: prepared to pay to park and to enter, but the shopping is exceptional www.roundtop.org and organized.), the Original Round Top Antiques Fair, the Big Red www.roundtoptexasantiques.com Barn and the Junk Gypsy Company. www.showdaily.us/RoundTop.cfm 42 August 2015

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The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Beaumont Plaza Experience the resort feeling without the price!

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3950 I 10 South@Walden Road Beaumont, TX 77705 Phone: (409) 842-5995 • Fax: (409) 842-7810 www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza

An Entrance to Remember

3 1. Cheers & Cheers Again

You can’t repurpose your wine, but wine bottles are a different story. A South Carolina candle company, Rewined, uses discarded wine bottles as containers for soy wax candles. Featuring eight core scents that mimic both red and wine wines as well as champagne, Rewined is now available in Southeast Texas at Balboa Company. Find Balboa at balboacompany.com and check out Rewined at rewinedcandles.com. Sip and smell simultaneously.

2. Lash Out

Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum basically is a mascara primer, but it separates and lengthens lashes, giving them volume so they appear fuller and thicker. The fairly new Dior product is best used daily, applying immediately before mascara but also at night to enhance lash growth. Six months of use by our VIP editor, and the results get two thumbs up. Check major department stores for availability or go online to dior.com.

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SueOpensDoors.com 409-860-3200

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3. Chic Cinching

For men, style is a cinch with Smathers & Branson needlepoint belts.

Pick a pattern for fashion and to communicate your personal hobbies, interests and even your favorite sports team. Belts are available at For Heaven’s Sake in Beaumont, where you also can special-order custom patterns to best represent your personal panache. Join the manly trend that really shows the worth of the girth.

4. Fill’er Up…

…your body, that is, with food that fuels it. ThisFitFuel is food you can use that’s readily available for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 730

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Left to right: Quotarians Nancy Currie, Candice Zummo, Brenda Theriot, Mary Martinez, Vicki Clark, Debbie Benoit, Wilma Pace, Jane Nielsen & Neal Nielsen

Liberty in Beaumont. Offering fresh, homemade selections of proteins and a wide variety of vegetables in big, little and snack portions, ThisFitFuel has meals ready to go or will prepare food to eat in. Order customized meals for the next week or stop by for mustard-glazed salmon with carrot bites and cinnamon sweet potato mash, just one of the many enticing proteins with two veggie selections! Get a menu and details at thisfitfuel.com.

5. Bed Bags

Members of Quota International of Southeast Texas collect used plastic bags, cut each bag in five or six strips, tie the bags together end-to-end, roll the strips into a ball and then crochet 36-inch by 72-inch sleeping mats for the homeless. The eco-friendly project results in comfortable mats that are easy to roll up, carry and hose off. One mat requires 40 hours of crochet time and between 600 and 700 bags. To date, Quota has distributed eight mats to Southeast Texas’ homeless and more mats are in the works. For information about Quota, crocheting or to donate bags, contact Nancy Currie at 409.626.4735.

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6. Up to Beaumont

Nederland’s holistic and health gift shop, Down to Earth, is moving north with a second location in Beaumont’s Mildred Building. This unique boutique carries a line of handmade bath and body products including soaps, lotions, shaving bars, shampoos, conditioners, bath bombs, deodorant and more. All products are organic and chemical-free, using essential oils. Improve your ambiance with products including herbal teas and soy candles, ready to purchase or customized for your specific needs. Visit Down to Earth’s website at downtoearth-tx.com or browse at the Mildred Building and on Avenue H in Nederland. theVIPmag.coM

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Pizza Inn’s

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Cat5 is available to check out every Thursday Thursaday in the Beaumont Enterprise and it is distributed to the top locations in the Golden Triangle.

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Retailers we love and their merchandise we love to have!

The best spot to find out what is going on with the latest trends in dining, night life, music, art, events, and fashion in the Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana areas.

Feature Your Listings in the Next VIP! Call Shannon Stott 409-838-2892 46 August 2015

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totally social Beaumont 4th July Fireworks 2

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1. Left to right: Wyatt, Jimmie and Trystan Evans 2. Cheryl Williams, left, and Carlos Williams 3. Peggy Williams and Ronald Manning 4. Mitchell White 5. Left to right: Delores and Thomas Kinder, and Fred and Melody Hosbrough 6. Angel and Anna Maria Flores

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photography by Scott Eslinger theVIPmag.coM

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Kidmunity Players’ Bugz

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1. Left to right: Debbie Hanagriff, Reva Spriggs and Micah Ducote 2. Left to right: Ciara, Randall and Ethan Read 3. Jazmyne Slaughter, left, and Misty Slaughter 4. Left to right: Ian, Devyn and Rebecca Mitchell 5. Left to right: John,Laura and Bethany Hamilton 6. Tiffany and Rudolph Taylor 7. Left to right: Medley Chutney, Harrison Fife and Erin Fife

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photography by Scott Eslinger

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Two Magnolias Cooking Camp

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1. Lenore Hudspeth, left, and Victoria Hudspeth 2. Johnathon Book-Hoffard, left, and Olivia Varrington 3. Claire Danks, left, and Regan Cook 4. T.J. McReynolds, left, and Vicky Bloodworth

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Hope Women’s Resource Clinic

9.22.15 Annual Gala

Featuring Kevin Sorbo from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys & God’s Not Dead

Save the Date

For more information, call (409)898-4005 or visit www.hope-clinic.com

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photography by Scott Eslinger

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Beaumont Juneteenth Celebration 1. Left to right: Kaile Sorrell, Parris Allen, Madison Bure and Alivia Joseph 2. Left to right: Ieshia Fontenot, Eric Roberts and Rosa Roberts 3. Left to right: Charles Woods, Adrian Scott, Jazzie Redd and Contessa Dickson 4. Left to right: D’andrea Carter, D’andre Carter, Brianna White and Kadence Odom 5. Left to right: Ja’cori Roberts, Jacque Brown, Ja’ila Giuy and Ja’vin Giuy 6. Left to right: Adajia Guillory, Jimmy Guillory and Candice Harding

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Calder Twilight 5K

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1. Beulah and Thomas Grant 2. Left to right: Sage Woolridge, Blake Woolridge, Hannah Augustine and Gabrielle Augustine 3. Troy Harper and Alyssa Barton 4. Kellie Fowler, left, and Billie Kay Melanson 5. Left to right: Eric Locaylocay, Allen Edano and Charles Punay

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Breakfast with the Bishop

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1. Left to right: Dot Jacobs, Rose Durke and C.J. Liberto 2. Left to right: David Green, Ashleigh Bertran and Kwasi Caiesey 3. Left to right: Kim Arrington, Bishop Curtis Guillory and Kay Arrington 4. Morline Guillory and Langston Adams 5. John and Kristen Hoffpauir 6. Left to right: Andrea Bru, Graziel Hinola and Sualy Jones 7. Cheryl Begnaud, left, and Jessica Begnaud 8. Left to right: Maria Perez, Rosita Day and Irene Lopez

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photography by Silvia mcclain

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Jefferson Theater Movie Night

Beaumont Pride Celebration

1. Yolanda Perez and Ben Morales 2. Christina and Mark Segura 3. Left to right: Ines Alvidres, Ana Garcia and Grace Mathis 4. Jeremy and Shanna Hawa

1. Jolee Tanner, left, and Venus Williams 2. Mariah Colbert, left, and Zayda Colbert 3. Left to right: Mike Wright, Charity Goodwin and Jimmy-John Alkins 4. Left to right: Equator Avellaneda, Karen Kettle and Tisha Flowers

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photography by Scott Eslinger

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Calder Woods Antique Car Show

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1. Emil Weaver, left, and Henry Nix 2. Lula Fontenette, left, and Jaquil Living 3. Vicki Carroll and Del Roth 4. Left to right: David, Ernestine and Lisa Sandlin 5. Left to right: Chiron Sylvester, John Dal Santo and Edna Carroll 6. Left to right: Nell Bates, LaShonda Guidry and Michelle Espinoza 7. Left to right: Linda Patterson, Bill and Nancy Feidler 8. Left to right: Marie Westbrook, Marlene Locke and Emma Block

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vip people places

Is It Time for School Yet?

T

his is my very first back-to-school as a working mother. Last year, my son crossed the threshold of a local PK-3 program, marking my first official “to-school” day. Prior to that he had been in different Mother’s Day Out and play programs at churches that (thankfully!) went all year round, even if it was on some abbreviated summer schedule. But, now having experienced my first “real” summer off since I was in school myself, I, age 47, can say as I write these words on July 1, 2015: We are really ready for back-to-school.

The summers of my youth in Beaumont meant running from neighbor’s house to neighbor’s house until that mom either: 1) gave us something to eat or 2) demanded we go outside and get some fresh air. You remember those days? Drinking water came out of hose not a bottle. Our forts were made from broken branches on cushy piles of mowed grass not prefabricated cardboard with bricks printed on the “right” side. (There is a chigger bite story here that has to be told faceto-face to fully convey the deformity that temporarily resulted.) I did not know what sunscreen was. Baby oil, yes. Sunscreen, no. We rode our bikes to Fertitta’s to get Snackin’ Cake mix (It came in its own pan, and you just add water!) in the afternoons and would then cruise house-to-house to find out whose mom was napping long enough to give us the required 30 minutes in the kitchen uninterrupted.

And that was how I remember summer – a full three months of running around with nothing, anything and everything to do.

Fast forward to the last 18 or so years of my life. What happened to these laid back comrades of my youth? They have become mothers who schedule playdates, camps and carpool. There are creative camps, academic camps, sports camps and faith-based camps. There is Vacation Bible School, not just at your own church, but at all the churches in town. And this stuff was being planned months in advance. Calendars on the fridge detailed every activity for each kid with the week of family vacation blocked out in highlighter. It has seemed crazy to me. Why schedule? Be free. Play. Nap. Relax. That was my plan for summer 2015, but I should have known better.

Since I had my son when most of my friends’ kids were entering high school, I have eaten crow for every self-righteous comment and

text by Stephanie Glass Flatten thinly veiled criticism ever uttered as the eccentric single gal/auntie.

I have a long list of apologies as my dear friends have watched my failed attempts at regularly scheduled naps, vegetable eating, the use of Mr. this and Mrs. that, public urination guidance, television-asa-babysitter-use and a myriad of other I’ll never-s. But perhaps my most epic fail to date (did I mention my son is 4?) involved this, our first summer and the casual way I rolled into day one without much of a plan at all because “it’s summer, right?”

So my husband goes to work, and I sit down in my home office ready to begin my work day and allow Shep to roll into the lazy days I remember so well. I am on my company’s monthly management call at 10 a.m. when I hear, “Mommy, I need to potty!” >>

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Mute. Mute Mute.

“Sheppy, Mommy will be right with you. She’s on a work call.”

There is another minute of productivity on my end when right behind my chair and directly into my computer’s microphone we all hear, “Mommy, I spilled, and there is peepee on the floor! Wipe it up!

Wipe it up!” There is polite and insincere laughter as my last eight years of home-office, hyper-vigilant professionalism slips away. And from there it was downhill. Fast.

When my husband pulled into the driveway at 5 o’clock, Shep and I met him on the sidewalk as I shouted, “We have got to get summer schedule together! TONIGHT!” And for some reason, this was delivered, or was it received, as an accusation. What followed was not our best night as a family.

And so it began. The last minute scramble to sign up and register. To plead for an opening. To beg to stretch that age bracket just a little for a December birthday. In one of my lowest moments the next day, I may or may not have offered the chairperson of a local VBS cash to create an opening. (It didn’t work.) I had ample opportunity to learn from sisters and friends but refused to see it. And like everything done at the last minute, the process was far more painful than it needed to be. Our summer is now cobbled together of camps, friends, grandparents and babysitters, and I spend almost as much time driving Shep to each activity as he spends there.

Waxing on about the way things used to be isn’t really productive.

And deep down I know that a side-by-side comparison of then and now would yield plenty of pros and cons in both columns. But summer has a new definition for me. In preparation for back-to-school 2015, I have already printed my calendar for summer 2016. It’s never too early to plan for the summer!

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Compassionate with Patients. Tough on Cancer.

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Providing radiation and chemotherapy services right at home, from doctors you know and trust.

We believe true caring encompasses more than just cancer treatment.

It is important that our compassion and commitment to individualized care are evident in every interaction with our patients and their families.

Our physicians are a team of board-certified cancer specialists with more than 90 years combined experience, including many years at MD Anderson Cancer Center. We focus on expanding our knowledge and capabilities in order to offer the most current and appropriate care for our patients.

At the Cancer Center of Southeast Texas we keep hope alive by providing high quality care within our community. We offer personalized healing and comprehensive support for patients and their families.

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THE END OF JOINT PAIN STARTS HERE.

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