ii Fall 2012
Vol. XVI No. 140
Fall 2012
■ ■ ■ Table of Contents M E E T I N G R E M I N D E R !
Bulletin Board .................................................................. 2 Leadership Lines .............................................................. 3
General Meeting
May Celebration Meeting ................................................ 4 Council Chat .................................................................... 5 Back to School Bonanza ...............................................6-7
September 11, 2012 Reception hosted by the MET Board at 6:30 p.m. Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.
Helping Hands ................................................................. 9 Career Conference ......................................................... 10 Camp Get Fit.................................................................. 11 Provisionals in the Spotlight .....................................12-14 Words of Gratitude......................................................... 15 Sustainer News .............................................................. 16 Events & Birthday Calendar .......................................... 17
The Board of Directors
Communications Council V. President Communications Sharon Kruk Our View Editor Rebecca Brightwell Internal Public Relations/Website Frankie Racine External Public Relations Kim Herman
President ...............................................................Marcy Weibe President-Elect.........................................................Emily Parks Secretary .............................................................Susan Belasco Treasurer ......................................................... Vanessa Durham VP Finance ............................................................... Cindy Neal VP Communications..............................................Sharon Kruk VP Membership...................................................Suzy Childers VP Community Projects ...................................... Shawn Dunn Strategic Development Chair ................................Mendi Brent Sustainer Advisor............................................. Bobbi Robinson Parliamentarian .............................................. Jennifer Webster Helping Hands Annual Chair .................................Cindy Neal
Photographer/Archivist Gina Green
VISION STATEMENT ■ ■ ■ The Junior League of Lufkin P.O. Box 151812 Lufkin, Texas 75915-1812
■ ■ ■ w w w. j u n i o r l e a g u e o f l u f k i n . o r g
The Junior League of Lufkin welcomes all women who are committed to volunteerism. The League educates and challenges its members to be effective community leaders, advocates, and individuals. Trained volunteers and collaborators will address and respond to community needs with positive solutions. The League focus is to educate and empower individuals, primarily children, by providing the resources and tools that will address all aspects of their well being.
Fall 2012 1
Bulletin Board Le ag ue Ba bysitters 8 Hannah Harris (15) 936- 639-583 Sheridan Adair (16) 936-632-9313 Kayla Tierney (16) 936-212-2734 Macy Rawls (16) Haley Cordell (18)
936-212-1507 903-930-9868
(boys only) Reece Roberts (14) 936-671-9195 (boys only) Bryce Roberts (16) 936-645-8395
Please contact Susan Belasco (susanbelasco@msn.com) for a change of address, email address, or phone number.
Please contact Gina Green ggreen@lufkinisd.o rg or 936.229.1035 fo r any League events that need a Photographerr..
s! e t a D e Save thGeneral Meeting
October 9 - General Meeting p.m.) 3November 1 Holiday Tea (MET, 4-6 r 8 - Sustaine Christmas Party 2 r e b m e v o N 1December 1
Please update your Dire ctorry: the email address for Kathryn Williams is kathrynwilliams2020@ya hoo.com
Please note that Fr ankie Racine has taken over the Internal Public Relations/Website position for the 2012-2013 JLL year . You can contact her at frances0718@ gmail.com or 318-426-4779 with any updates to our website!
Welcome to the Little Leaguers!
Alexis Grace Grimes A was born 5/29/12. Congratulations to Elisabeth Grimes and her family!
Kennedy Peters was born 5/15/12. Congratulations to Monica Peters and her family!
Leadership Lines
2012-2013 Junior League of Lufkin Board of Directors
Front Row: Jennifer Webster, Emily Parks, Marcy Weibe (President), Michelle Haney, Mendi Brent Back Row: Cindy Neal, Susan Belasco, Sharon Kruk, Vanessa Durham, Suzy Childers, Bobbi Robinson
By Marcy Weibe, President
W
elcome to the 2012-2013 League Year! It is a privilege for me to serve as the 17th president of the Junior League of
Lufkin. I have sat down several times and attempted to write this letter to you, our membership, but I just could not put into words what I wanted to say. If you kknow me…I am rarely at a loss for words – spoken or written – but for some reason, on this occasion, I was. When I think about the women who have served as president before me, I am honored to follow in their footsteps and humbled to be entrusted with the same role. Last year, Jennifer Webster asked us “What if…?” What if it works? What if it doesn’t? Making a positive impact on a community starts with a vision and continues with the courage to take the next step. What if…? We had the courage needed to start a Fun Run on a shoe-string budget…and it worked. We had the courage to make a difficult decision regarding our longest running fundraiser, and it was the right thing to do. We have the courage, period. THIS IS OUR STORY…the what ifs, the hard conversations, the successes and the failures. Each decision we make, each new project or fundraiser we undertake, each scholarship or grant we award, each member who joins and each member who becomes a Sustainer is a piece of our story. The past, the present and the future are our story. The brand, if you will, of the Junior League of Lufkin is more than our name and our projects and fundraisers; our brand – our story - is also compromised of emotions and memories, too. Each of our stories with the Junior League begins and ends differently; however, throughout the middle of the tale, the stories intersect and intertwine. We make new friends; we learn new things
about ourselves and about the community, but we always have faith that our work “counts.” We have faith that there are no limits to the difference we can make. When I began my journey with the Junior League of Lufkin, I do not know if I saw myself here. Don’t get me wrong – I have been a proud member of JLL for the past eight years (and hope to have many more years to come)…and I can give a great elevator speech about who we are and what we do…but I did not join thinking I would be the president one day. I joined for many of the same reasons as you – to get involved, to meet new people, to give back to the community. My story with leadership unfolded slowly and unfolded because of the mission and vision of our organization – to develop the potential of women. At the September meeting, we will vote another dedicated group of women into Active Status. This past spring, we invited a new group of members to join us and help us continue the Junior League of Lufkin’s tradition of promoting voluntarism and improving the community. Please join me in congratulating one class and welcoming another. This is our story…and I am excited to be a part of it. We have a rich, strong history of service behind us, as well as continued and unwavering support from those who have come before us. We have a bright future ahead of us as we continue to write the script, the tale of the Junior League of Lufkin. Our story has a definite beginning dating back to the early 1950s with the Lufkin Service League, but the ending is yet to come. The year ahead is full of promise and opportunity, and I am honored to begin this new chapter with each of you. THIS IS OUR STORY. Gratefully,
Marcy V. Weibe
JLL President, 2012-2013
Fall 2012 3
May Celebration Meeting Volunteer of the Year - 2012
Hilary Walker
This is one busy lady! Hilary Walker works hard at her day job, she works hard at her second job of volunteering with several different organizations and agencies and she still has time for her third job with her commitments to the League! Above and beyond all of these things, she is a wife and a mother. Hilary completed her placement last year by chairing another successful year of Career Conference and immediately began working as co-chair of Back to School Bonanza. She is currently the incoming President for Lufkin Noon Rotary Club, and she also has spent countless hours volunteering for the American Cancer Society, most recently as the past Chairman of the auction for the Cattle Baron’s Gala. Hilary serves as a board member for both Angelina Beautiful Clean and Angelina Arts Alliance. In her “free” time, she is also a HOST mentor at Brandon Elementary and chairs the Young Professionals Network for Lufkin. Her husband said, “She is the kindest and most giving person I have ever known. Her main goal in moving back home was to immediately start giving back to the community that had given so much to her. I am truly blessed to call her my wife and best friend.” Our Volunteer of the Year truly has a servant’s heart and exemplifies what the Junior League of Lufkin is all about. Thank you, Hilary Walker, for your continued commitment and dedication to our organization and our community.
Sustainer of the Year - 2012
Barbara Peterson
Barbara Peterson is exceptionally dedicated to our community and our organization. Our special lady is a mother of three who volunteers with her church and community and continues to be an active volunteer with the Junior League of Lufkin as a Sustainer. Barbara is active on a variety of committees and programs with her church, serving with UM Army, the East Texas Emmaus Community and hosting a weekly bible study in her home. She opens her home regularly for guests of her church and can often be found delivering a meal to someone in need. A fellow Sustainer said, “Barbara has the gift of compassion and a heart for lay ministry.” In addition to her church, Barbara also finds time to volunteer and give of herself in the community, scooping ice cream every Tuesday at Pine Crest and serving on the Child Welfare Board and ADAC board.
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As a Sustainer, Barbara continues to serve the Junior League of Lufkin by volunteering countless hours to Vision Screening and serving as the Sustaining Advisor for the JLL Board. Our Sustainer of the Year is a role model for the future leaders of Lufkin. Thank you, Barbara Peterson, for your continued commitment to our organization and our community.
Rookie of the Year - 2012
Mary Ridings
There’s nothing like starting your Junior League career with a bang… and that’s exactly what Mary Ridings has done! Mary is the perfect candidate for our inaugural Rookie of the Year award, jumping in at the Back to School Bonanza before her Provisional year even began and then going above and beyond the requirements as a Provisional. A friend said, “Mary is energetic and always willing to pitch in. She is thoughtful, caring and always there when anyone needs a hand. She is dedicated to her family, her community and her church. And she’s the kind of girl who somehow finds the time to send the sweetest thank-you notes.” Besides being a wife and mother of two precious kiddos, Mary started a new job recently and continues to volunteer her time and talents at her church. She is a Sunday School teacher who serves on the Nursery Committee and as Referee Commissioner of Upward Basketball. Her husband said, “She is a self-less person who puts other needs before her own. She is a loving mother and loving wife. As long as I’ve known her, she’s enjoyed volunteering and helping others.” Just as Mary started her Provisional year with a bang, our Rookie of the Year will do the same during her first active year of membership, serving as Assistant Treasurer for the League. Thank you, Mary Ridings, for your continued commitment to our organization and our community.
2012 Scholarship Recipients
Front Row: Chantal Aguillar, Morgan Elizabeth Wallace, Heather Hollingsworth Back Row: Patricia Carrilo, Kayla Caton
Council Chat By Kathryn Williams, Hospitality
I
am so excited to serve this year as the Hospitality Chair. What a fun placement to plan our meeting food sponsors, the Christmas Party, and the End of the Year Celebration! We have a few new fabulous food sponsors and some returning sponsors that were so gracious to help us again. Please join me in welcoming the following food sponsors for our upcoming meetings: Sals & Sams, El Chico, Grandough Bakery, Popeye’s, Home Theater Concepts- Gregg Durham, and Outback Steak House. Be sure to thank all of these wonderful sponsors who have donated their talent and time to support the League! For our October meeting, the JLL Actives will be welcoming our new Provisionals with a Salad Supper. Actives, please bring the following items based on your LAST NAME: A: Bread sticks or dinner rolls in a serving bowl B-C: Small green salad & dressing in a serving bowl with serving utensils D-G: Pasta salad of any kind in a Serving bowl with serving utensils H-J: Crackers and assorted cheese and/or meat, nugget tray on Serving tray K: 1 gallon of sweet tea and 1 gallon of unsweet tea L: One 2 liter of each: Diet Coke, Coke, Dr. Pepper and Sprite M-N: Assorted cookies or cupcakes on serving tray O-S: Assorted chips & dip on serving tray T-Z: Fruit or vegetables on serving tray or fruit salad in serving bowl Please keep an eye out for more information about our Christmas Party in the next issue.. it is sure to be a fabulous time!! Finally, please thank the incredible Museum of East Texas for sponsoring our September meeting. They are always so kind to host this meeting and it always is lovely. If you need anything special for meetings, please feel free to call me the week prior to the meeting at 936-229-2897.
Kathryn Williams
The Junior League of Lufkin is proud to support the following projects and organizations for the 2012-2013 year:
Community Agency Disbursements Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council of DET (ADAC) Angelina County & Cities Health District Concerned Black Men of Lufkin Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Goodwill Industries Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas The Mosiac Center National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin Volunteer Services Council
In League Funded Projects Back to School Bonanza Career Conference Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen Family Night Program Middle School Volunteer Program Vision Screening President’s Charity League Training Placement Simply Done Rainbow Room Sustainer’s Charity
Congratulations Memorial Health System of East Texas for being awarded the Women’s Choice Award for Outstanding Patient Experience in 2012. The women have spoken and when it comes to healthcare for themselves or their family, Memorial is their hospital for life. Congratulations Memorial for earning the Women’s Choice Award for outstanding patient experience.
Visit us online at MemorialHealth.org
Connect to our mobile site m.memorialhealth.us
Fall 2012 5
Back to Schoool Bonanza By Susan Harris, Back to School Bonanza Chair
O
ur 2nd Annual Back To School Bonanza was held Saturday, August 4 at First United Methodist Church, and it was a H HUGE success! Many thanks to our partners: F First United Methodist Church, Buckner Place, aand The Children’s Clinic/Angelina Pediatrics. W Without their time and generosity given before aand during the event, it wouldn’t have been p possible to pull off such a large endeavor. I want to thank my fabulous committee for all of their hard work and dedication to this project. They took their jobs seriously and it showed. Hilary Haglund Walker was my wonderful co-chair and she was a tremendous help to me. She will move this project forward next year and will do an incredible job. In the days before the Back to School Bonanza,the committee and volunteers unloaded, unpacked, and stuffed supplies into 2,000 backpacks. When Saturday was finally here, children from all over Angelina County came and received haircuts, vision screening,
dental screening, immunizations, and they all left with a backpack full of school supplies. Each station was staffed with smiling Junior League of Lufkin Actives and Sustainers, as well as many community volunteers. Over 1,900 backpacks were distributed! I am so proud to have been involved with such a wonderful, worthwhile project for the past two years. Seeing the League dollars spent in such a meaningful way will make me think twice when asked this year to buy a raffle ticket, attend a fundraiser for the League, or make a donation. THIS is why we raise funds‌for these children! I hope this year when we begin to raise those much needed funds again, you can communicate to people in the community WHY we are raising the money! Back to School Bonanza is an expensive project, but one that helps improve precious lives in our community. I can’t think of a better reason to give or spend money!
Susan Harris
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Helping Hands
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Orange Hands- $100 Dream Homes & Drafting LLC Wes Combs, CRNA
Purple Hands- Advertising
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Beard Fine Jewelers Memorial Health System of East Texas Warthan Dermatology
Gold Hands-$5,000 First Bank & Trust East Texas
Sustainer Partners
Red Hands - $1,000
Bettye & Murphy George Foundation
Sustaining Hands- $501-$1000
Blue Hands- $1,500
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Johnson Pools & Spas Lufkin Coca Cola
Serving Hands- $251-$500
Green Hands- $500
Llewellyn Frazier Kathi Johnson Theresa McKewen Janice Ann Rowe Martha Chandler Lorelle Coleman Mary Martha Henderson
Dr. Fred D. & Lisa Griffin, DDS Zeleskey Law Firm Texas State Bank
Yellow Hands- $250 The Advanced Financial Group Brigettee and Trey Henderson Chance Law Office Community Title Co. Ellis Chiropractic Security & Guaranty Todd, Hamaker & Johnson, LLP Blithe Boutique Whataburger Cross Medical
Supporting Hands- $250 & under LeAnne Anderson Carol Bradley Hilda Mitchell Susie Shands Jetta Westerholm Anita Carroway Jean Dillahunty Liz Jeffrey Bobbi Robinson Barbara Carter
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Fall 2012 9
Career Conference
By Hilary Haglund Walker, Career Conference Chair
C
areer Conference was held on Thursday, Peltier Chevrolet! May 10, 2012. Approximately 600 8th College Road Trip is designed to help students understand the grade students attended the conference value of a dollar and the relationship between educational levels and – and it was another huge success! The one-day earning potential – all while having fun! The success of the conference cconference included a program by GenTX college was due to the large number of Junior League members, Junior League aand career readiness conducted by Stephen F. Sustainers and community volunteers that spent their morning with us A Austin University, as well as involvement from at Lufkin Middle School. We would not have been able to make this the Lufkin High Sch School Ignite Mentors, Junior Achievement and 36 day so special for these kids if it weren’t for the big hearts and hard career-choice speakers. The conference also included the ever-popular working spirit of these volunteers. Thank you! College Road Trip program which requires a host of volunteers to assist. This year we were honored to be assisted by 12 JLL Sustainers, over 30 active JLL members, as well as community volunteers from
Hilary Haglund Walker
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Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kithen
By Monica Gunter, Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen Chair
C
amp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen was held at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center July 23rd through 27th. We had an increase of enrollment this yyear with 61 campers participating. Campers consisted of studdents entering grades 3 – 5 this next school year. With the help oof an awesome committee and talented volunteers, I think this yyear’s camp was the best one yet! Campers were divided into three groups. Each ggroup rotated through three 45 minute sessions each day that included cooking, exercise, and health awareness. The focus each day was on the importance of making lifelong healthy choices. Carol Bradley, a JLL Sustainer that volunteers each year with CGF/KITK, was a tremendous amount of help throughout the week. As a registered dietician, Carol helped with the menu, shopping list, and presentation during the kitchen sessions each day. This year we were honored to have Smoothie King come in and provide smoothies to each camper during one of the kitchen sessions. The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center presented three classroom lessons during the week. In addition to ADAC, we also had Amanda Johnson, dental assistant with Dr. Tom Croley, and JLL Active Member, Kim Herman, teaching campers appropriate food choices as well as portion sizes. If we surveyed the campers each year, I feel sure they would tell us the gym is the best part of camp. This year was no exception. We were blessed to have some of the most talented volunteers leading and assisting us in the gym. Tricey Godfrey led our students in activities each morning before dividing the students into their groups. She was absolutely great! Not only did she get each day started, but she stayed and assisted as the three groups rotated through the gym. On Wednesday, Billy Haas shared his basketball skills with the campers. He was amazing at capturing and keeping the campers’ attention while teaching them very demanding and exhausting basketball techniques. We gave the campers bags on Thursday afternoon filled with goodies from the following sponsors: Brookshire Brothers, Woodland Heights Medical Center, Marines Recruiting Office, Navy Recruiting Office, Smoothie King, and t-shirts created by All American Athletics. Each day, Grandough Bakery graciously gave each camper a delicious cookie to take home and enjoy. In addition to the volunteers and sponsors already mentioned, I have to say thanks to the Provisionals and League members that just dropped by to help out during the week, as well as junior volunteers Alex Robertson, Colton Herman, Caitlyn Herman, Sara Gunter, and Meg Harris. As I stated earlier, I feel this year’s camp was the best and I have to add that I feel this year’s committee was the best as well! Committee members were: Ashli Baldridge, Missy Berry, Jessica Brown, Becky Butler, Rachelle Frankens, Courtney Gould, Emily May, and Brooke Vann. Last but not least, I owe a huge thanks to co-chair Heather Slaton. She was so much help from the beginning. Without her, camp would not have been so successful. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for next year!
Monica Gunter Fall 2012 11
Provisionals in the Spotlight Lori Bennet Spouse: Stephen Bennett Children/Ages: Abby Bennett, 7 years and Wesley Bennett, 3 years Occupation: Teacher at Pineywoods Community Academy Dream Career: Stay at home mom :) Hobbies: Sewing, crafting Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything with kids Favorite way to spend a day: I love it when we have days that our little family can play around, my husband grills, and we watch a movie together! Favorite author: Crazy...but it is a kid author... Patricia Polacco Favorite movie: Sweet Home Alabama Favorite vacation spot: Beach Most people don’t know that: I would secretly love to skydive, but would never have the nerve to do it!
Jenny Blackledge Spouse: Justin Blackledge Children/Ages: Journey Blackledge - 2 weeks, 1 day Occupation: Petroleum Landman Dream Career: Great mother and successful and happy with whatever I am doing Hobbies: Singing and crafts Favorite Volunteer activity: Organizing or working with kids Favorite way to spend a day: Working in my flower bed or yard, watching a good movie or shopping Favorite author: I don’t have a favorite author, I just read the ones that have good reviews. I like to read self help books about raising children by James Dobson and successful marriage books as well. Favorite movie: I have a lot of favorites. I’d say a good comedy or horror would do it for me. Favorite vacation spot: The beach or anywhere new Most people don’t know that: I quilt and I’m crafty.
Kim Childres Spouse: Chuck Childress Children/Ages: Lauren (20); Madison (11) Occupation: Executive Assistant at KSWP/KAVX Radio Dream Career: Librarian Hobbies: Reading, swimming Favorite Volunteer activity: Volunteering at the Mercy Me concert Favorite way to spend a day: Reading a book on the beach Favorite author: Karen Kingsbury Favorite movie: Steel Magnolias
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Favorite vacation spot: Any white sandy beach Most people don’t know that: I am a licensed worker’s compensation adjuster
Rolunda Coleman Spouse: Carvin Olford Children/Ages: Naiya, age 11 and Kacyn, age 3 Occupation: Claims Representative for Social Security Dream Career: Sports Counselor Hobbies: Reading and traveling Favorite Volunteer activity: All volunteer opportunities are wonderful Favorite way to spend a day: Watching Bonanza marathon Favorite author: Too many to narrow one down Favorite movie: The Five Heartbeats Favorite vacation spot: I have yet to find my favorite Most people don’t know that: I had a previous career in Public Speaking.
Lia Frot Spouse: Greg Frost Children: Allie Jo, 2 years Occupation: Homemaker Dream Career: Veterinarian Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, cooking, fishing Favorite Volunteer Activity: I love preparing meals for others Favorite Way to spend the day: By the pool or on the beach Favorite Author: C.S Lewis Favorite Movie: Steel Magnolias Favorite Vacation spot: the beach Most people don’t know that: I am scared of flying!
Leeanne Friesen Haglund Spouse: Hunter Haglund Children: Preston (1 year), baby #2 due in December Occupation: Homemaker Dream Career: Chef Hobbies: Reading, cooking Favorite Volunteer Activity: Working with children and
Amy Donahoe Spouse: Steve Donahoe Children/Ages: Christopher, 3 Occupation: Program Director/ Forensic Interviewer at Harold’s House (full-time mommy effective January 1, 2013!) Dream Career: anything that involves children Hobbies: Hobbies? What are those? Favorite Volunteer activity: Church children’s programs; anything that involves reaching out to children and families in need Favorite way to spend a day: Being outdoors with family and friends and shopping Favorite movie: The Holiday Favorite vacation spot: Colorado Most people don’t know that: I walked in my sleep out of an Amarillo hotel room when I was little
Lindseyy Friesen Spouse: John Friesen Dream Career: Owning a clothing boutique Hobbies: Running, reading, cooking Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything working with children Favorite way to spend a day: A day at the lake with my family Favorite author: Leila Meacham Favorite movie: Steel Magnolias Favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica Most people don’t know that: I can tap dance
animals Favorite way to spend a day: Spending time at the beach with my family Favorite Author: John Steinbeck Favorite Movie: Beaches Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere in the mountains Most people don’t know that: I love riding horses
Kelly Jobe Children/Ages: Levi Ramsey Jobe, age 2 Occupation: Director of Audiology at SFASU Dream Career: Audiology IS my dream job!! But as an audiologist, I would love to travel into space and study the effects of zero gravity on the vestibular (balance) system Hobbies: Golfing, reading, boating, traveling, hiking Favorite Volunteer activity: Any opportunity that allows me to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others. Favorite way to spend a day: Being with my family and/or friends doing whatever makes me laugh the hardest Favorite author: Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury Favorite movie: After all these years, Forrest Gump is still my favorite. Favorite vacation spot: Turks and Caicos Most people don’t know that: I love adrenaline filled adventures such as sky diving, bungee jumping, repelling and zip lining. Next on my list, hang gliding!
Provisionals in the Spotlight Tanya McDonald Spouse: Chance McDonald Occupation: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Dream Career: Own my own bakery Hobbies: Baking, gardening Favorite Volunteer activity: Cooking or preparing food for others Favorite way to spend a day: Spending time with family Favorite author: I don’t have a lot of time to read for fun Favorite movie: Any good chick flick Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere close to water Most people don’t know that: At the end of the day I love to relax and watch the sun set
Emilyy Meisel Spouse: Richard Meisel Children/Ages: Mason (11), Connor (8), Reagan (4) Occupation: Teacher Dream Career: Wedding Planner Hobbies: reading, photography Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything with kids Favorite way to spend a day: On a beach with
the family and a good book Favorite author: Nora Roberts Favorite movie: Gone with the Wind Favorite vacation spot: Any beach Most people don’t know that: I am slightly obsessed with NBA basketball
Jennifer Molina J Spouse: Michael Molina Children/Ages: Aletheia - 12, Knox - 11, Jackson - 10 & Gianna – 5 Occupation: Office Manager Dream Career: House flipper or personal shopper Hobbies: Reading, scrapbooking, remodeling Favorite Volunteer activity: The Mosaic Center Favorite way to spend a day: Reading, shopping and a trip to the spa with my girls Favorite author: I don’t have a favorite - there are so many great ones! Favorite vacation spot: Italy Most people don’t know that: Until last year I’ve never lived anywhere longer than 4 years - we’ve been in Lufkin for almost five
Melinda Moore Spouse: Benjamin Moore Children/Ages: Madeline Moore, 2 weeks Occupation: CPA and Tax Manager at Lufkin Industries Dream Career: Needlepoint shop owner Hobbies: Reading, needle pointing, and running Favorite Volunteer activity: I enjoy being the treasurer on several boards, including the Museum of East Texas Guild. I also love helping organizations that benefit children. Favorite way to spend a day: On the lake with friends and family (when there is water!!) Favorite author: Michael Connelly and James Patterson Favorite movie: Sleepless in Seattle Favorite vacation spot: Ireland Most people don’t know that: Benjamin and I are now the proud parents of a sweet baby girl, Madeline, born on July 25!!!
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Fall 2012 13
Provisionals in the Spotlight Carolyn y Moyers y
Malarie Thompson
Katherine Todd K
Spouse: Eric Rohani Children/Ages: Jaxon – 7 Occupation: Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dream Career: I’m doing it! :) Hobbies: Reading, running, hiking, traveling, dancing Volunteer activity: Mentoring youth Favorite Voluntee Favorite way to spend a day: Leisure family time Favorite author: I don’t have one. After years of reading text books, I really enjoy a good read, but I read an eclectic variety of mostly nonfiction. I am not into novel series. Favorite movie: I don’t have 1 favorite; Good Will Hunting, The Help, Little Man Tate, to name a few. Favorite vacation spot: Any of the West Indies Islands Most people don’t know that: I love to cook Gourmet dishes
Spouse: Cody Thompson Children/Ages: I have a step son, Aiden, age 5 Occupation: Case Management, Lufkin State Supported Living Center Dream Career: Child psychologist with a private practice Hobbies: Cooking, working out, home improvement projects Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything in which I am able to interact with others Favorite way to spend a day: With my family on a beach somewhere! Favorite author: I mostly read the textbooks assigned to me in grad school Favorite movie: Anchorman Favorite vacation spot: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Most people don’t know that: I hate airplanes. We love to travel, but no matter how many places we go I am always afraid of flying!
Spouse: Jeffrey H. Todd Children/Ages: Miller will be 2 years on December 2nd Occupation: 3rd Grade Math & Science Teacher, Anderson Elementary Dream Career: Being a teacher Hobbies: Reading, Readin cooking, & entertaining Miller Favorite Volunteer activity: Helping those who need it Favorite way to spend a day: Anything fun with family and friends Favorite author: Mary Kay Andrews & James Patterson Favorite movie: There are too many to choose from Favorite vacation spot: The beach or the mountains Most people don’t know about you: I’m not sure there is anything, but I guess I could say that I’m the baby of five children.
Abby Root Children/Ages: 1 puppy, Joby, 7 years old, long hair mini daschund Occupation: Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Lufkin High (Culinary Arts) Dream Career: To own a small boutique in Lufkin, but I do have lots of dream jobs! Hobbies: Embroidery and calligraphy…both new things for me! Favorite Volunteer activity: Helping children and animals in any way possible Favorite way to spend a day: Hanging with friends and family Favorite author: People Magazine Favorite movie: I have tons! Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with sun, sand and water
Ashley Self Spouse: Ryan Self Occupation: 3rd grade teacher in Lufkin ISD Dream Career: Teaching (but if not...yoga instructor) Hobbies: Running, playing with my dog, reading Favorite Volunteer activity: Working with children Favorite way to spend a day: On the lake Favorite author: Kate Dicamillo Favorite movie: Anything scary! Favorite vacation spot: Positano, Italy Most people don’t know that: I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer at an orphanage in Africa for 2 months during summer 2010
14 Fall 2012
Casell Todd Spouse: Fiancé’ Travis Hodges Children/Ages: Mary Liz Crager, 6 Occupation: Recreation Specialist for the City of Lufkin Parks & Recreation. Dream Career: Working for a nonprofi nonprofitt that helps he animals or the environment Hobbies: Reading, cleaning, and trying new things Favorite Volunteer activity: Working with children or animals Favorite way to spend a day: Read a good book, spend time outside, and have a nice dinner with my family Favorite author: Impossible to name! I love so many books, but mainly historical fictions Favorite movie: Again I cannot pick one, but I love history and horror movies Favorite vacation spot: Any beach! Most people don’t know that: I want to start my own animal shelter one day
Christie Todd Spouse: Cragg Todd Children/Ages: Mary-Michael Todd (3) and Millie Todd (1) Occupation: Stay at home mom Dream Career: To own and run my own Bed and Breakfast Hobbies: Cooking and DIY projects Favorite Volunteer activity: Christmas Helpers Favorite way to spend a day: Fun Day outdoors with my family! Favorite author: Sandra Brown Favorite movie: Shag Favorite vacation spot: The beach Most people don’t know that: My degree is in Restaurant and Hotel Management
Kayla y Walker Occupation: 1st grade teacher Dream Career: Astronaut Hobbies: Dancing, working out, reading Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything with or for kids!! Favorite way to spend a day: With my family... and on the beach Favorite author: James Patterson Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption or St. Elmos Fire Favorite vacation spot: Destin, FL Most people don’t know that: I got hit on by Nick Carter a couple years ago on vacation... such a creep :)
Sha’nin Willis Spouse: Joseph H. Willis Children/Ages: Hannah (17), Abigail (13), Slayton (11), Savanna (9), Brance (7) Occupation: Registered Nurse Dream Career: Trauma Flight Nurse Hobbies: Reading and cooking Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything involving children, elderly or war veterans Favorite way to spend a day: Big meal on the table and my house full of family Favorite author: Joyce Meyer Favorite movie: Fried Green Tomatoes Favorite vacation spot: Arkansas Most people don’t know that: I love Holistic Nursing and have always dreamed of writing a book
Words of Gratitude
Fall 2012 15
Sustainer News By Bobbi Robinson, President
S
ince this year the Sustainers are being encouraged to volunteer with the League and in their community, we would like to highlight Jetta Koch Westerholm this month. She has been an usher for the Arts Alliance for 10 years, volunteer at the Mosaic Center, Texas Forestry Museum and worked at Woodland Heights Gift Shop for 10 years. She was Membership Chairman for Friends of the Library for 6 years. Also, she has been a First United Methodist Church board member and past class president, Board member of Historical and Literary Club, Board member and recent past president of Lufkin Dance Club, member of Angelina County Historical Commission and Committee chairman of DAR. Until recently she played hand bells at church, has been a member of Junior League of Lufkin since 1956 and Board member of the Sustainers and was twice named “Sustainer of the Year.” Jetta has been involved with the Back to School Bonanza for two years and has given 2 scholarships to LISD seniors for over 10 years. Her biggest volunteer effort of her life was being State President of Texas Medical Association Auxiliary. She visits 2 nursing homes frequently and has worked the Spring Market for 2 years. What a great example of volunteerism especially for 84 years old!!! I would love for every Sustainer to follow Jetta’s example.
The Lufkin Junior League Sustainer Board Sitting: Jan Paxson, Bobbi Robinson, Linda Malnar and Kathi Clark. Standing: Debra Moore, Ginna Hudgens, Ginger Bates, Susan Morgan, Jetta Westerholm, Thalia Tierney, Terri Zeleskey, Barbara Peterson
Important Information for Sustainers: • Thanks to the 20 + that volunteered at the Back to School Bonanza. • Fall Gathering is October 24th at Crown Colony Country Club • Holiday Tea is November 28 from 4-6 p.m. at Museum of East Texas. Requests for funds: Due September 1st, call Linda Malnar for more information
By Patti Smithhart
W
ow….it is summer and it is raining!!!!! After last summer, we (at least I) thought we might just burn up this year. This is surely temporary, but isn’t it lovely while it lasts? Time passes quickly!!! So it is time to start thinking about all the wonderful and worthwhile projects Lufkin Junior League sponsors in our community. More than ever before, the active League needs our help! Most of us are in the position to offer our time and talent to at least one League event in the coming months. Ladies, we are a very large group of women who have gained knowledge and valuable experience during our years of voluntarism. Our input into the active League’s projects is worth more than most of us think! If you give of yourself, you will see. Our Actives are so appreciative and always so open to our suggestions. Our Sustainer goal this year is to involve every Sustainer who is able in at least one JLL project or other community event. Please consider carefully how important these projects are to Lufkin. All of us are people who have made this community better. There is still that opportunity for us. Just one event or project…..that is all we need to do. Imagine how many volunteer hours that would be! What an impact we could have! Any level of work is available to us. If you are only able to sit and do hand work…someone will find that spot for you. If you want to lead hands-on activities…JLL has your job. Please give thoughtful consider-
16 Fall 2012
ation to volunteering just once with JLL in the coming year. You will get more than you give!! Below you will find a list of JLL, and even two other, volunteer opportunities. Contact names and dates are included. Vision Screening: Whitney Garza, Chair – wgarza@gmail.com Ginna Hudgens, Sustainer rep. Whitney says her committee is in desperate need of Sustainer help! They screen almost 5000 children, and could not accomplish it without Sustainer help. CASA: training begins in Aug. or Sept. contact Natalie Thornton at CASA office ANGELINA ARTS ALLIANCE: Ginger Trotter,Volunteer Coordinator - 633-3220. Volunteers needed for many different jobs no need to phone ahead, just show up. As the year progresses, there will be other opportunities for us. We will use this column to keep our Sustainers informed. Please be mindful of the needs as they come up. On a personal note, let me tell you that I volunteered last spring to work the Career Conference at Lufkin Middle School. I had never been to it before, and honestly did not really understand what it is. It only took one morning of my time. It was so fun!!!! I truly enjoyed being there with the JLL Actives and Sustainers….and the kids were great!!!! I am hooked!! Will be there again this year!! Just Saying!!!!!
Events & Birthday Calendar E
S SUNDAY
e
p
MONDAY
t
e
TUESDAY
m
b
WEDNESDAY
e
r
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1 Mary King
2
3
4
10
11
7
17
Mary K. Grum Lynda Zimmerman
Ginna Hudgens
12
13
14
18
24
Ann Caskey Joanne Roquemore Board Meeting
19
15
20
21 Tina Luna
25
Becky Butler Lia Frost
Janie Slack Virginia Winston
Mary Jane West Melissa Huggins
23
8
Dessa Glass General Meeting
Leslie Ainsworth
16
6
Shelli Ellis Jean Hester
Beth Denman Laura Squiers
Sarah Vier
9
5
26
22 Allison James
27
28
Carol Bradley Amanda Morales
Susie Freeman
Vannita Moore Donna Spore
29 Lynda Langston
Jane Ainsworth Tracy Portwood Jennifer Molina Keela Morgan Mary Ridings Shelly Slaton
30 Sally Hogue Hilda Mitchell
O 31
SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
2
8
b
WEDNESDAY
3
e THURSDAY
16
17
23
5
6
11
12
13
Marietta Yeates
29 Sherry Roper Paula Werner
19
20
25
26
27
Kimberly Graham
24
Dana Smithhart
SUNDAY
o
MONDAY
Paula Hughes Samford
31
Leeann Haglund Joie Henderson
N
Lisa Haglund Judy Perry
Cissy McCarroll
30 Board Meeting
Kitty Davis Lib Oviatt
18
Karen Harris Becky Holton
28
SATURDAY
Michelle Briley
Sheila Skelton Rebecca Davis
22
FRIDAY
4
General Meeting (Salad Supper)
15
r
Tempe Lou Durham
10
Andrea Friesen Rose Johnson
21
o
Terri Self Ashli Baldridge
9
Jennifer Conway Ann Shands
14
t
TUESDAY
2nd half of dues deposited
7
c
Rebecca West
v
e
TUESDAY
m
b
WEDNESDAY
e
r
THURSDAY
1
FRIDAY
2
SATURDAY
3 Julie Castleberry Carol Zbranek
4
5
6
7
Cindi Andrews
11
12 Brooke Van
18
T.J. Patterson Cissy Seely Cinda Taylor
19 26 Elizabeth Perkins
Nancy Moore Monica Gunter Board Meeting
9 Tammi Axelson Claudia DeArmond
13
14
15
20
21
22
27
Rona Friesen Misty Croley 28 Callie Winston Sustainer Holiday Tea (4-6pm, MET)
Emily Watts Amber Youngblood General Meeting
Luanna Semlinger
25
8 Kelley Moore Donna Willis
Cathey Friesen Crystal Gann Melinda Moore
10 Laddie Williams
Joan Temple
16
17
23
24
Stephanie Gustafson Nelda Horton Terri Zeleskey
29
Cindy Neal Marcy Weibe
Joy Scott-Killam
30 Ann Watson Misty Zeleskey
Jean Dillahunty
Fall 2012 17
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
P.O. Box 151812 Lufkin, Texas 75915
Permit No. 45 Lufkin, TX
M i s s i on S tat e m e n t The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
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