2014-2015 Junior League of Lufkin
Provisional Class
Front row: Patti Pittman, Carrie Hawkins, Larena Moulder, Kristen Paxson, Lindsay Wright, Amber Warner Second row: Brittany McBrayer, LaTonya M. Goffney, Stephanie Cole, Stephanie Clifton, Erin Parker, Alexis Pigg Not Pictured: Lana Goodson, Christel D. Phillips-Bell, Amber Nash, Beth Moszkowicz, Leighanne Bates, Leslie Ball, Amanda Merriwether, Amber Murphy, and Mallory Mulhbach (Provisional Trainer)
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T h e M ag a z ine o f t h e W o m e n o f t h e J u n io r L e agu e o f L u f k i n, Inc.
Fall 2014 V o l. XV I , N o 141
Proud to Partner with the Junior League of Lufkin to Serve Families & Communities
brookshirebrothers.com ii Fall 2014
Vol. XVI No. 141
Fall 2014
■ ■ ■ Table of Contents M e e t i n G R e m i n d e r !
Tuesday, September 9, 2014 Reception 6:30pm hosted by the MET Board Meeting 7:00pm
Bulletin Board............................................................... 2 Leadership Lines........................................................... 3 Meeting Wrap-up.......................................................... 4 Council Chat.................................................................. 5 Back to School Bonanza............................................6-7 Camp Get Fit................................................................. 8 Helping Hands.............................................................. 9 Vision Screening.......................................................... 10 Provisionals in the Spotlight.................................. 11-13 Community Spotlight.................................................. 14 Words of Gratitude..................................................... 15 Sustainer News............................................................ 16 Events & Birthday Calendar....................................... 17
The Board of Directors
Communications Council VP Communications Kim Herman Our View Editor Frances Racine Internal Public Relations/Website Becky Cota External Public Relations Kim Ogden Photographer/Archivist Jenni Blackledge Our View Sustainer Contributor Anita Caraway
■ ■ ■ The Junior League of Lufkin P.O. Box 151812 Lufkin, Texas 75915-1812
■ ■ ■
JUNIOR LEAGUE w w w OF . j u nLUFKIN i o r l e a gINC. ueoflufkin.org Women building better communities R
President.......................................................... Susan Belasco President-Elect...................................................Sharon Kruk Secretary.....................................................Melissa Roberts Treasurer........................................................ Jessica Brown VP Finance..................................................... Mary Ridings VP Communications........................................ Kim Herman VP Membership......................................... Kathryn Hensley VP Community Projects.................................... Mendi Brent Strategic Development Chair....................... Jennifer Webster Community Relations.................................... Michelle Briley Leadership Training..........................................Susan Harris Sustainer Advisor..........................................Patti Smithhart Parliamentarian................................................. Emily Parks
Vision Statement 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 2014 1
Bulletin Board SAVE THE DATES! October 14th General Meeting
November 11th General Meeting Spring Market 2015 March 26-28
of the of East Texas for the showing Join the Family Crisis Center el, Julianne Hough, Josh Duham 2013 film, Safe Haven staring of or hon in in s Theater in Lufk and Cobie Smulders at the Pine Month. We will begin the event Domestic Violence Awareness r 10, 2014. Donations will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Octobe For more information visit accepted in lieu of admission. an Robertson at www.fccet.com or contact Sus il.com or 936-639-1681. srobertsonwset@suddenlinkma
5th Annual
Congratulations to:
they
April Lawson (Brewer) er! on your wedding this summ yer, Brittany & Randy McBra February! in are expecting a new baby
Saturday, October 4 7-10pm $30/ ticket or $300 reserved table of 8 Call 936-633-0349 for tickets!
Welcome Little Leaguers!
Callen Michael Baldridge arrived on July 25th Congratulations to Ashli and Chris
-5838 Hannah Harris (16) (936) 639 -9655 Sarah Kate Harris (16) (936) 404 -9313 Sheridan Adair (18) (936) 632 -0989 676 ) (936 Meg Harris (14) -1162 Alexis Brock (16) (936) 707 (440) 488-5123 Sara Trefzger (20) -9195 Reese Roberts (17) (936) 671
Barrett Brooks May arrived on June 30th Congratulations to Emily & Tommie
Please contact Melissa Roberts (lissa@citywidedirectories.com) for a change of address, email address, or phone number.
Please contact Becky Cota (beckycotarealtor@gmail.com) for any website changes or items for the monthly meeting Seat Sheet.
Please contact Jenni Blackledge (jennyhaas83@gmail.com) for any League events that need a photographer.
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Le ag ue Ba bysitte rs
Please update your Directory for:
Becky Cota: new email beckycotarealtor@gmail.com Kayla Walker: phone number and email: 671-1427 kmye27@hotmail.com Amber Youngblood: new address and phone number: 1938 Thigpen Rd. Pollok, TX 75969 • (936) 853-3030 Linda Anderson: new address: 112 South Bend Drive, Lufkin, TX 75901
Leadership Lines By Susan Belasco, President
I
t’s not your Great, Great, Grandmothers’ Junior League anymore... or is it? Times have certainly changed since Mary Harriman formed the first Junior League in New York City in 1901. Women have come a “long way baby” since those humble beginnings, excelling in education, employment, politics, community and civic leadership. However, we still face many of the same social issues today as those women did in their time, poverty, hunger, and disease. One thing is for certain, Mary Harriman, and her league of distinguished women, still shared the same hopes and dreams of making our world a better place then, as we do today. Have you ever really studied these distant faces from the past? Take a closer look at them. They are more like us than you think. Sure, their clothing and hairstyles are different, but look at their eyes. Their eyes are full of hope and determination; they are invincible, ready to tackle anything that stands in the way of making their world a better place. They know they are destined for great things. They chart their course and working together they present social policy initiatives and develop innovative ways to improve the lives of families in their communities. Just as the women who came before us, we too possess the same desire to do something extraordinary with our lives. The Junior League gives us an opportunity to do just that! It takes commitment to be a member of the Junior League. A commitment to fulfill the promises we make to ourselves, our community and to each other. Our community relies on us to do “what we say we are going to do.” They count on us. This is what sets the Junior League apart from any other non-profit organization. Each year brings excitement and anticipation as new members bring fresh ideas to the table; new leaders emerge with different skills, personalities and goals; and new strategic initiatives fulfill the League’s promise to promote voluntarism, develop our potential, and impact our community. I have never met a more diverse
group of intelligent, talented and dedicated women whose commitment and passion for our mission continue to improve the lives of the women and children in this community. My hope is that we will continue down this blazing path, going out and making a difference to those we serve and in the process transforming ourselves into community and civic leaders. We have big dreams and high aspirations this year. I have no doubt that we will accomplish all that we set out to do, and more. It is hard work being a Junior Leaguer. It takes commitment, passion and the desire for excellence. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, nothing can replace the feeling of internal reward knowing that because of our service, we made a difference in someone’s life. Vince Lombardi once said “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.” It is a woman’s finest hour too, when she knows she worked her heart out to help children see to read, prepared them with school supplies and clothing for the coming school year, taught them how to live a healthier lifestyle and served as an example to them for years to come of what ordinary people can do, when they work together with the same vision. As we continue to go forward, we must strive for excellence in everything we do, to go beyond ordinary, aiming for extraordinary. This is our time!
Susan Belasco
2014-2015 Junior League of Lufkin Board of Directors Front Row: Emily Parks, Susan Belasco (President), Sharon Kruk Middle Row: Kim Herman, Melissa Roberts, Michelle Briley, Mary Ridings, Patti Smithhart Back Row: Mendi Brent, Kathryn Hensley, Jessica Brown, Susan Harris, Jennifer Webster
Reach any of our bankers at (936) 829-4721 | fbtet.com
Fall 2014 3
Meeting Wrap-Up
The Junior League of Lufkin is proud to support the following projects and organizations for the 2014-2015 year: COMMUNITY PROJECTS Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas Adult Learning Center Angelina County & Cities Health District Lufkin Ambucs Concerned Black Men of Lufkin, Inc. LHS Special Education V.E.T. Class American Legion Auxiliary Unit #13 Volunteer Services Council for Lufkin State Supported Living Center Pregnancy Help Center of Lufkin Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County, Inc.
IN-LEAGUE PROJECTS Back to School Bonanza Career Conference Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen Middle School Volunteer Program Parent Academy Vision Screening Fun Run President’s Charity Member Leadership Training Sustainer’s Charity Done in a Meeting
2014 Scholarship Recipients
LaQwitha Thomas - Graduating from Lufkin High School - Attending Texas A & M Bethany Baldwin - Graduating from Hudson High School - Attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University Lanna Lytle – Graduating from Huntington - Attending Texas A & M Christopher Sheard – Graduating from Huntington - Attending Stephen F. Austin State University Tyler Allen – Graduating from Diboll - Attending Texas A & M 4 Fall 2014
Council Chat By Rebecca West, Hospitality
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t’s an honor to serve this year as the Hospitality Chair for the League. This year we want to spice things up, so don’t be surprised when you show up if things are different! We’re also bringing back the ever popular Signature Drink for each meeting. Our September meeting is right around the corner and its theme is Kickin’ It Old School. As always the Museum of East Texas and their Board of Trustees has graciously agreed to provide the food for our September meeting, so when you see them please thank them for their support. Some of the other food sponsors for this year include Chick-fil-A, Ralph & Kacoo’s, and Brookshire Brothers catering. October is our annual Salad Supper where we get to welcome and meet the new Provisional Class. Actives please bring the following items based on the FIRST LETTER OF YOUR LAST NAME:
A: B-C: D-G: H-J: K: L: M-N: O-S: T-Z:
1 gallon of sweet tea and 1 gallon of unsweet tea Assorted cookies, cupcakes, or a dessert on a serving tray Assorted chips and dips on a serving tray or bowl Small green salad and dressing in a serving bowl with serving utensils One 2 liter each of Coke, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, and Sprite Bread sticks or dinner rolls in a serving bowl Crackers and assorted cheese and/or meat or nugget tray on a serving tray Fruit or vegetables on a serving tray or a fruit salad in a serving bowl Pasta salad of any kind in a serving bowl with serving utensils
Also, be on the lookout for information on our Christmas party! If you need anything special for meetings, please feel free to call me no later than a week before our meeting at 465-0691 and we’ll work something out.
Rebecca West
Flowers, Gifts & Balloons (936) 632-8400 1-800-944-0835
www.theflowerpottexas.com
303 E. Denman Ave. Suite F Lufkin, Texas 75901
Fall 2014 5
Back to School Bonanza
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By Tonja Childers, Back to School Bonanza, Chair
can not believe that the 4th Annual Back to School Bonanza has come and gone, but not without us giving away 1,935 backpacks filled with school supplies to Angelina County children for the upcoming school year. We were blessed with perfect weather as families began to line up before dawn. Some with multiple children in tow to receive services provided by The Children’s Clinic/Angelina Pediatrics, Cole Audiology Lab, local stylist/barbers, and numerous other volunteers. We were very excited that Brookshire Brothers was back again this year and sponsored our passport check stations by giving away a $100 gift card every hour and cookie cash to all of the children! We also had the privilege of hosting the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures mobile dental van all the way from Houston. Thank you First United Methodist Church, Buckner Children and Family Services, league members, sustainers, and community volunteers that helped us this year! I must say that the 4th Annual Back to School Bonanza was a SUCCESS!! Of course, all of this would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Back to School
Bonanza committee! There are no words to express my heart felt gratitude to each one of the very special ladies that made up our team.
Tonja Childers
NICU
Advanced care right here.
Woodland Heights Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
6 Fall 2014
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8/26/14 10:58 AM
Back to School Bonanza
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Camp Get Fit By Becky Butler, 2014 Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen Chair
T
his year’s annual Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen was held at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, July 14th through July 18th. Over 40 campers, entering grades 3-5, attended three sessions each day focusing on cooking, exercise and health awareness. As in years past, this project ran smoothly with the help of our wonderful group of Junior League members and community volunteers. There are no words to express my gratitude and gratefulness to those who were willing to donate their services and time. It is a true testament to the spirit of our community and I feel privileged to be a part of it! Our campers were educated in the classroom about making healthy choices, taking care of their bodies, portion control and more. A big thank you to the following presenters: Sabrina Lillard from Memorial Hospital, dental assistant Amanda Johnson from Dr. Tom Croley’s practice, Kim Herman from CASA in Nacogdoches, Benita Bennett and Victor Travis from Lufkin Community Garden and Stephanie Crager from The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center. Each day our campers were sent home with some new information on ways to stay health and learned about growing the food you eat. During the cooking sessions campers learned how to read food labels and how to prepare healthy snacks. The menu this year included vegetable cake/veggie smoothies, homemade granola bars, apple wraps and a delicious pasta salad. Campers also created their very own cookbooks with the week’s recipes, and felt empowered when they were able to make their own alternatives to some of their favorite snacks. Campers worked up a sweat in our gym/exercise sessions and had a great time doing it! Their activities included Dance Revolution, burpies, water activities, obstacle course and skating. Words cannot express how blessed CGF/KIK was to have Jennifer May from KSWP to help organize the week’s activities. Jennifer was gracious enough to volunteer her time in our gym and our campers really looked forward to each new gym session. The committee members this year for CGF/KIK were some of the hardest working ladies I have been around. Each one devoted their time and made scheduling easy for me. Thank you does not even come close to showing the appreciation I have for all their help this year. Camp was a success because of you… Allison Horsely, Marcy Weibe, Christy Todd, Aubree Tamez, Emily Misel, Katherine Todd, LeeAnn Haglund and my wonder co-chair Brooke Van. In addition to those already mentioned many other provisional and first year league members as well as one sustainer stopped by to lend an extra pair of helping hands. Plus we had many junior volunteers that were too old to be campers this year so they participated by helping our leaders in multiple sessions. Lastly, I would like to recognize our local sponsors and businesses that provided our campers with a goodie bag full of coupons and fun treats. Our bags were donated by our local Brookshire Brothers, so thank you Sally Alvis for all your help and support! The coupons and treats came from: Chick-fil-A, Smoothie King, Lufkin Lanes, the Skate Ranch, CiCi’s, Peltier, Whataburger, Orange Leaf and KSWP. I couldn’t have asked for a better event to chair and it is all because of our amazing community and volunteers. The services that not only JLL provides, but our community as a whole, has again revealed how much we care about the women and children of Angelina County. I am in awe your spirit and commitment!
Becky Butler 8 Fall 2014
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Helping Hands
2014-2015HelpingHandsCampaignPartners Corporate Sponsors SilverHands-$2,500
Memorial Health System of East Texas
In-Kind/Media Sponsors 90.9 KSWP & 91.9 KAVX Insight Pharmaceuticals, LLC
Woodland Heights Medical Center
Blue Hands-$1,500
Sustainer Partners
Red Hands-$1000
Sustaining Hands - $501 - $1,000
Georgia Pacific Lufkin Coca Cola
Green Hands-$500
Amerigroup Winston & Denman Timber, Ltd
Yellow Hands- $250
Advanced Financial Group Community Title Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group Inc Hollywood Dental Center Popeyes Whataburger Wright Buick GMC
Orange Hands- $100 Chance Law Office Home Theater Concepts Law Offices of Robert G. Osborn Todd, Hamaker & Johnson, LLP
Purple Hands- Advertising Abeldt’s Gaslight Pharmacy Beard Fine Jewelers
Llewellyn Frazier Lisa Griffin Mary K. Grum Lynne Haney Dot Brookshire
Serving Hands - $251-$500 Anita Caraway Martha Chandler Lorelle Coleman Jean Dillahunty Mary Martha Henderson Brigette Henderson Lynda Langston Susan Morgan Nancy Moore Janice Ann Rowe Ann Shands
Supporting Hands - $250-Under Rebecca Chance Barbara Corbett Vickie Evans Andrea Friesen Rona Friesen Vicki Gann Lisa Haglund Kathi Johnson Kimberlie Kassaw
Allyson Langston Debra Lloyd Kelley Moore Barbara Peterson Tracy Portwood Bobbi Robinson Sherry Roper Donna Spore Thalia Tierney
Amy Jo Looney
Fall 2014 9
Vision Screening By Crystal Thomas, Vision Screening Chair
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he Vision Screening Committee has a very exciting year planned. Quite a few changes have been made to what we’ve done historically. First and foremost, we have altered our schedule to only screen on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The intent is that more volunteers will be available to assist with a more structured and predictable schedule. Screening will begin promptly at 8:45 each morning. The Vision Screening Committee will hold the annual vision screening training on Thursday, September 4, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Museum of East Texas. Please plan to attend this training if you are interested in helping screen. So far we have 26 full days of vision screening planned lasting from September to December. Last year we screened over 5,000 children, which added up to over 450 volunteer hours, 336 of those coming from our active League members! So, as the League can see, we can use all the help we can get. It truly is a rewarding experience to see the children who benefit from our help and the difference this service makes in our community. If you have any questions or would like to help in any way (even if you’re not already trained), please contact Crystal Thomas at crystalthomas@suddenlink.net or 936-366-7339.
Crystal Thomas Vision Screening Dates Tuesday, September 9 - TBA Thursday, September 11 - Hudson - TBA Tuesday, September 16 - Hudson - TBA Thursday, September 18 - Hudson - TBA Tuesday, September 23 - LMS Thursday, September 25 - LMS Tuesday, September 30 - Anderson Thursday, October 2 - Brandon Tuesday, October 7 - Brandon Thursday, October 9 - LHS Tuesday, October 14 - Brookhollow Thursday, October 16 - Trout Tuesday, October 21 - Trout Thursday, October 23 - Kurth Tuesday, October 28 - Slack Thursday, October 30 – Herty
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Tuesday, November 4 - Burley Thursday, November 6 - Dunbar Tuesday, November 11 - Garrett Thursday, November 13 - Herty Pre-K Tuesday, November 18 - Coston Thursday, November 20 – Garrett Tuesday, December 2 - Kurth Pre-K Thursday, December 4 - TBA Tuesday, December 9 - TBA Thursday, December 11 - TBA
10 Fall 2014
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Provisionals in the Spotlight By Becky Cota, Internal Public Relations
Introducing our 2014-2015 Provisional Class Erin Parker
Spouse: Richard Parker Children/Ages: Dalton Parker, 15, Rylee Parker, 11, and Lainie Parker, 9 Occupation: Vice President of Human Resources for Brookshire Brothers Dream Career: I am in it. I love what I do!
Hobbies: shopping, spending time with my family, and love my CrossFit gym. Favorite Volunteer activity: I enjoy working with teens on preparing resumes and applications, and on interview skills. Favorite way to spend a day: Being at home with my family and friends. Favorite author: Sandra Brown Favorite movie: Notting Hill Favorite vacation spot: Love spending time at the beach. Most people don’t know that: My husband claims I am addicted to online shopping.
Brittany McBrayer
Spouse: Randy McBrayer Children/Ages: First baby due Feb 13, 2015!! Occupation: Insurance Agent and Photographer Dream Career: Full-time photographer/event venue owner Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, hunting, reading, music Favorite Volunteer activity: Working on the music team at a youth Christian leadership retreat Favorite way to spend a day: Outside in nice weather with my family Favorite author: Too many to pick just one!! Favorite movie: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Favorite vacation spot: Jackson, WY Most people don’t know that: I’m a bit of a hippie at heart :)
Larena Moulder
Spouse: Ricky Moulder Children/Ages: 27 & 23 Occupation: Real Estate Secretary Dream Career: Mortician Hobbies: Sewing-Reading-Fishing-HuntingKeeping grand babies Favorite Volunteer activity: Serving at Salvation Army on Thanksgiving Favorite way to spend a day: With family doing fun stuff. Favorite author: Nicholas Sparks Favorite movie: Grumpy Old Men & Grumpier Old Men (gotta watch both) Favorite vacation spot: Salt Lake City, Utah Most people don’t know that: I want to be a Mortician.
Lana Goodson
Spouse: David Goodson Children/Ages: Kara Goodson Haney, 23; Cole Goodson, 17; Michael Haney (son-in-law), 24 Occupation: teacher Dream Career: to own a restaurant Hobbies: reading, shopping Favorite Volunteer activity: visiting with elderly or sick Favorite way to spend a day: with family and/or friends Favorite author: Nicholas Sparks Favorite movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding Favorite vacation spot: Washington, D.C. Most people don’t know that: David and I eloped and didn’t tell anyone for two weeks!
Christel D. Phillips-Bell
Spouse: Stephen Bell Children/Ages: n/a Occupation: News Anchor/Producer Dream Career: I am living my dream! Hobbies: making gift baskets, hanging out with my nieces, motivational speaking, and spending time with family. Favorite Volunteer activity: Brandon Elementary H.O.S.T.S (Helping One Student to Succeed) Favorite way to spend a day: Relaxing with a glass of wine, a 100 calorie bag of popcorn, all while watching a good TV show or a movie. Favorite author: My Mother, Queen Esther Phillips (Path to Promise) Favorite movie: No favorite movie but favorite TV show is Scandal Favorite vacation spot: Montego Bay, Jamaica Most people don’t know that: I love to sing
Kristen Paxson
Spouse: Still looking for the right guy Children/Ages: No children, but I do have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Kody. Occupation: Business Manager at Pax-Sun Air Conditioning & Heating, and MBA graduate student as SFA Dream Career: I would like to become a business professor. Hobbies: Traveling, working out, spending time with friends & family Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything that is hands-on. Favorite way to spend a day: Doing something active or adventurous. It could be traveling, hiking, biking, working out, going to the lake, visiting a winery, etc. Favorite author: Non-Fiction: Joyce Meyer, Dee Henderson & Julia Quinn Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing & Remember the Titans Favorite vacation spot: Interlaken, Switzerland Most people don’t know that: I have done several sprint Triathlons, and run a half-marathon.
Fall 2014 11
Provisionals in the Spotlight Amber Nash
Spouse: Richard Nash Children/Ages: Gracelyn, 7 and Deacon, 3 Occupation:School Counselor at Central Junior High Dream Career: Broadway star :) Hobbies: Reading, “Pinteresting”, spending time with my family Favorite Volunteer activity: working with my church Favorite way to spend a day: lounging by the pool Favorite author: Sophie Kinsella Favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice Favorite vacation spot: New York City
Beth Moszkowicz
Spouse: Arie Moszkowicz Children/Ages: Lily, 6 months Occupation: Freelance reporter and mom Dream Career: Artist or photographer Hobbies: Reading, traveling, running Favorite Volunteer activity: Mentoring children Favorite way to spend a day: Relaxing by the pool
or beach Favorite author: Jane Austen Favorite movie: Sound of Music Favorite vacation spot(s): Cayman Islands, New York City Most people don’t know that: I am terrified of roller coasters
Patty Pittman
Spouse: Anthony Pittman Children/Ages: Lily Ann 3, Dahlia Belle 1.5 Occupation: Stay at home mom Dream Career: Cirque du Soleil performer Hobbies: Making and creating/ DIY projects Favorite Volunteer activity: Reading/tutoring/ mentoring Favorite way to spend a day: Exploring and discovering new things with my family. Favorite author: Gillian Flynn for now... Favorite movie: Gone With the Wind Favorite vacation spot: Maui Most people don’t know that: I wish that I got to live during the late 1800’s.
Carrie Hawkins
Spouse: RJ Hawkins Children/Ages: Brody 3 1/2 and Briley 21 months Occupation: Assistant Controller at Brookshire Brothers Dream Career: Marine Biologist Hobbies: Sewing and running Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything that helps others Favorite way to spend a day: With my family outside playing Favorite author: I don’t have time to read!! Favorite movie: Hope Floats Favorite vacation spot: snow skiing Most people don’t know that: one of my goals in life is to run a half marathon before I die!
12 Fall 2014
Lindsay Ray Wright
Spouse: Justin Wright Children/Ages: We have a 5yr old daughter, AllieGwyn. Occupation: I am the Secondary Special Education Teacher and JH and Varsity Cheer Coach at Pineywoods Community Academy. Dream Career: My dream career would be to have a little nook by the ocean where I could sit and write children’s literature. Hobbies: My hobbies are spending time with my family, shopping, and going to dinner. I am a major foodie! Favorite Volunteer activity: I love any volunteer activity that involves helping a child. Favorite way to spend a day: My ideal day would be curled up on the couch with my little family watching Full House re-runs. I also enjoy browsing stores on Saturdays with nothing else on my schedule. Favorite Author: Nicholas Sparks Favorite movie: This is a tough one, Sweet Home Alabama, The Notebook, 50 First Dates, the list could go on. Favorite vacation spot: My favorite vacation spot is Seaside, Fl. Most people don’t know that: I am the Queen of the hot glue gun. I can make or fix anything with a little hot glue.
Leighanne Bates
Occupation: I work in the traffic department at Townsquare Media Dream Career: university professor or book editor Hobbies: running, reading books Favorite Volunteer activity: I really enjoyed passing out backpacks at the Back to School Bonanza! Favorite way to spend a day: Sleeping in, starting my day with a great run, watching college football (in the fall), spending time with friends and family, and ending my day by cooking something tasty in the kitchen. Favorite author: Nicholas Sparks or Emily Giffin Favorite movie: Tommy Boy Favorite vacation spot: Boston Most people don’t know that: I have to eat all of one thing on my plate before I can move on to another food on my plate. Also, I hate prime numbers.
Alexis Hudson Pigg
Spouse: Jared Pigg Children/Ages: Addison 6, and Allison Claire (due October 8th 2014) Occupation: Investment Analyst at Merrill Lynch Dream Career: Exactly what I am doing now! Hobbies: Traveling, Spending time at the Lake, Crafting with my daughter, and many others. Favorite Volunteer activity: Hard to choose just one! I LOVE teaching bible study and helping out with Youth Events at Carpenter’s Way Church. I also have many amazing memories working with the Annual Pineywoods Cattle Baron’s Gala. Favorite way to spend a day: Spending time with our many family members and friends at the Lake. Favorite author: C.S. Lewis Favorite movie: Christmas Vacation (so tacky, but I love it) Favorite vacation spot: Cozumel, Mexico
Provisionals in the Spotlight Stephanie Clifton
Spouse: Kasey Clifton Children/ages: Kade 10 & Kenley 7 Occupation: Stay at home Mom Dream Career: I am doing it :) Hobbies: Watching my kids play baseball/softball, reading, swimming & just about anything outside. Favorite Volunteer Activity: I am the PTO President at Peavy & I love it! Favorite way to spend a day: Out on the lake in our boat or just swimming and hanging out in my own backyard. Favorite Author: Nicholas Sparks Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing Favorite Vacation Spot: Bahamas Most people don’t know that: I can’t sit still....I am obsessed with my rocking chair & have been since I was a year old!!
Stephanie Cole
Spouse: Kyle Cole Children/Ages: Easton Cole 4 months Occupation: Senior Accountant Hobbies: Reading, painting, spending time with my family Favorite Volunteer activity: decorating, painting, anything where I can be crafty Favorite way to spend a day: Relaxing, enjoying the sun, and the outdoors Favorite author: John Grisham Favorite movie: Finding Nemo Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere near the water Most people don’t know that: I love football season!
Leslie Ball
Spouse: Kris Children/Ages: Brett, 3 years Luke, 9 months Occupation: Teacher Dream Career: Interior Design Hobbies: Crafting, Shopping Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything that involves kiddos! Favorite way to spend a day: Spending the day with my hubby and boys! Or being with good friends on a shopping trip! Favorite movie: The Notebook Favorite vacation spot: Riviera Maya Most people don’t know that: I like to garden!
Amanda Merriwether
Children/Ages: Zackery 14 Charley Ann 5 Occupation: Client Service Representative Dream Career: Labor and Delivery Nurse Hobbies: Horses Favorite Volunteer activity: Food pantries Favorite way to spend a day: spending the day with my kids Favorite author: F. Scott Fitzgerald Favorite movie: Sweet Home Alabama Favorite vacation spot: Any Mountain Vacation
LaTonya M. Goffney
Spouse: Joseph Goffney Children/Ages: Joslyn 10 & Joseph 14 Occupation: Superintendent of Schools Dream Career: Education Hobbies: Reading Favorite Volunteer activity: Making a positive difference in any capacity Favorite way to spend a day: Reading Favorite author: John C. Maxwell Favorite movie: Pretty Woman Favorite vacation spot: New York City Most people don’t know that: I collect nonfiction books, but I don’t have time to read them.
Amber Murphy
Spouse: Darin Murphy Children/Ages: Ronan - 2 years old Occupation: Registered Nurse Dream Career: Certified Nurse Midwife Hobbies: Crocheting, reading, shopping, and spending time with family Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything that helps women/children, especially new moms. Favorite way to spend a day: Being productive and getting a lot of stuff done. Favorite author: Charlotte Bronte Favorite movie: Sense & Sensibility Favorite vacation spot: Hot Springs, AR Most people don’t know that: I’m an only child.
Amber Warner
Spouse: Daniel Warner Children: Jaelyn Warner age 6 Occupation: Registered nurse & Assistant Director of Nursing at Hospice in the Pines Dream Career: Own a boutique Hobbies: crafts, distressing old furniture, shopping! Favorite Volunteer Activity: Animal shelter Favorite way to spend a day: cartoons in pj’s in the morning, shopping & mani/Pedi’s, going to the lake, cooking with my family! Favorite author: Stephen King Favorite movie: The notebook Favorite vacation spot: Destin, Florida Most people don’t know that: I’m from Georgia
Fall 2014 13
Community Spotlight By Stacey Holcomb, LHS Special Education V.E.T. Teacher
M
y name is Stacey Holcomb and I teach a Vocational Class at Lufkin High School. The name of my class is V.E.T. (Vocational Exploration Training). My students volunteer at various sites in the community such as schools, hospitals, convalescent centers, churches, and businesses to learn vocational skills. These skills enable them to network into the community setting and gain valuable job contacts. About 10 years ago, Angelina Beautiful Clean contacted me to see if my class would be interested in a recycling project collecting used print and toner cartridges, cell phones, laptop computers, etc. at various schools and businesses. It sounded like a great project to teach the students about recycling, be profitable to our program, and keep harmful waste products out of our landfill. We began with the schools in our district and a few businesses. The students and staff enjoyed the project, and we decided to expand and approach more businesses. Maegan Prejean and Amanda Anderson present and past Executive Directors of Angelina Beautiful Clean have been wonderful to team with us on this project and have so many valuable contacts. They advertised in newsletters and approached civic groups to generate interest. At the present time, we have 44 sites which include businesses, hospitals, schools, Angelina College, and individuals that are helping with our recycling projects. Our student locate where the items are stored, load them onto the bus, sort, package, label and ready boxes for shipping. They are involved in the entire process. Our students learn responsibility, good social skills such as being courteous and conscientious whenever entering the various establishments, as well as how to successfully operate a project. They even learn about earning and saving money and then spend the money biannually on items they might want such as gift cards to restaurants. It is a positive program that is fun and enables the students to be visible in the community. Whenever the students go to various sites such as the hospitals and schools, convalescent centers, and schools to train, they are required to wear the correct colors/uniforms/non-skid shoes that the facility requires of employees. It helps the students blend into the working environment and for safety purposes. The students learn skills in nutrition and environmental services as well as child care and customer services. Last year, I applied for the Junior League Service Grant and you graciously sent my program a check for $1,000. I am so grateful and appreciative for your help because the money will be spent to purchase new collared shirts, scrub uniform pants and tops, and non-skid shoes for our class. Also, the uniforms scrub tops will have our school and class names embroidered on the top. I also plan to purchase an I-Pad for our math class, which will be an innovative technology/ teaching tool. Thank you so much to the Junior League of Lufkin for your dedication and support. You do so many wonderful things for students, families, teachers, and the community. Your help is greatly appreciated. It will help to get our classes off to a great start!
Stacey Holcomb
Lufkin High School V.E.T. Teacher
14 Fall 2014
“For a Full Measure of Quality & Service� (936) 639-2346 abeldtrx@consolidated.net
200 Gaslight Blvd. Lufkin, Texas 75904
Words of Gratitude
When was the last time your toes were in the sand?
Call us today we have several wonderful homes available to own or rent.
Larry Cain 936-414-2128
Fall 2014 15
Sustainer News By Anita Caraway, Our View Correspondent It seems like yesterday that I sat down to write this article last August. This year has certainly flown by and I am so thankful for the rather mild summer we have had but I am excited for the fall which means FOOTBALL in my family. It is time to kick off a new League year filled with opportunities for the Junior League of Lufkin Sustainers to help the organization and community that we are all so passionate about. Since May, there have been a few areas where we have already been working. In August, we had members help with two League projects and we want to extend a thank you to Tina Turner who helped with Camp Get Fit and Jamie Zayler who headed up our involvement with the Back to School Bonanza. Additionally we want to thank those who volunteered at these activities. To say that it could not have been done without you is an understatement. August also brings training for Vision Screening and once again Ginna Hudgens is our point person for that project. This is another far reaching project in our community and if you attended the training or are still certified, please consider helping in the fall. If you are interested in helping with this project, please email Ginna at virginiahudgens@yahoo.com or reach her by phone at 632-5865. Our Fall Luncheon has been scheduled for Wednesday October 1st from 11:30 – 1 pm at Crown Colony. This is always a great time to catch up on how everyone is doing so we hope that you will make plans to attend. Among other things we will be getting an update on the League activities, we will be able to welcome our new Sustainers and you will have a chance to sign up to help with projects. One of my favorite things at the Fall Luncheon is the recognition of an organization with a donation from the Sustainers. Remember that nominations will be due in a few weeks and we will send out an email with more details soon. The Holiday Tea is just around the corner so look for more information on that date and time at the Fall Luncheon. We will also pass along information on our service project for the Tea once it has been finalized. As a reminder, please contact Bobbi Robinson if you know of a Sustainer who is ill or who has suffered a loss in her family. She will then send a card on our behalf. You can reach Bobbi by email at bjr5950@suddenlink. net. 16 Fall 2014
For your information, the Sustainer Board for 2014-2015 is as follows: President Patti Smithhart Vice President Thalia Tierney Secretary Carol Bradley Treasurer Linda Malnar Parliamentarian Bobbi Robinson Our View Correspondent Anita Caraway Back to School Bonanza Jamie Zayler Fall Luncheon CindyTaylor, Margaret Huggins, Sissy Seely Vision Screening Ginna Hudgens Holiday Tea Tina Sellers, Terri Thigpen Fun Run Lisa Haglund Spring Social Lorelle Coleman, Allyson Langston, Becca Chance Spring Market Kelley Moore Camp Get Fit/ Kids in the Kitchen Tina Turner Career Conference Suzy Jungmann Emeritus Luncheon Ann Watson Middle School Volunteers Elizabeth Perkins Emeritus Representative Jetta Koch Westerholm We are looking forward to an exciting 2014-2015 year and will be watching for opportunities for our group to step in and help make not only our League better but Angelina County better as well.
Anita Caraway
The Junior League Prayer We pray that we will never be so blind That our small world is all we ever see, Or so supremely satisfied, That what we are is all we ever want to be. Give us the joy of feeling someone’s need, Make us gracious followers; Make gracious those who lead. And more than all, We pray that through the years we will remember that there are always new frontiers.
Events & Birthday Calendar
S Sunday
E
P
Monday
Tuesday
1
9 Becky Butler Lia Frost
14
Janie Slack Virgina Winston
21
15
Suzanne Alston Leslie Ainsworth
Vannita Moore Donna Spore
29 Keela Morgan
Shelly Slaton Mary Ridings Board Meeting 5:45pm
Sunday
11
17Mary Jane West
18
Ann Caskey Joanne Roquemore Brittany McBrayer
C
T O
Tuesday
25
E
20 27 Carol Bradley Amanda Morales
R
Thursday
2
8
Friday
3 Terri Self Ashli Baldridge
9
4 Tempe Lou Durham
10
11 Michelle Briley
15
16
20
21
17
Sheila Skelton Rebecca Davis
General Meeting
Kitty Davis
22
23
18
Kimberly Graham
24
25
Karen Harris Becky Holton
Dana Smithhart
27
28
Board Meeting 5:45pm
N
Sherry Roper Paula Werner
O
Monday
29 Stephanie Cole
Joie Henderson Leeanne Haglund
E
B
V
Tuesday
30
M
Wednesday
E
Cissy McCarroll
31 Rebecca West
R
Thursday
Friday
1 2
3
9
4
10
12
18
Stephanie Gustafson Nelda Horton 23 Terri Zeleskey 30
Jean Dillahunty
T.J. Patterson Cissy Seely Cinda Taylor
General Meeting
17 24 Joy Scott-Killam Board Meeting 5:45pm
7
8 Kelley Moore Donna Willis
Cindi Andrews
11
19
13 20Susan Robertson Christel Bell
Luanna Semlinger
25 Elizabeth Perkins
26 Nancy Moore Monica Gunter
27
Saturday
1
6
Brooke Vann
Laddie Williams
16
5
Cindy Neal Marcy Weibe
Julie Castleberry
Saturday
Jennifer Conway Ann Shands
14
Sunday
19 26
B
Andrea Friesen
Judy Perry Lisa Haglund
13
Susie Freeman Tonya LaForge
Wednesday
7
13
26
12
Sally Hogue Hilda Mitchell
Marietta Yeates
19
6
Tina Luna
Belinda Gomez
12
Ginna Hudgens Trisha Woodford
30
Monday
6
5
Saturday
Dessa Glass
1 5
R Friday
Shelli Ellis Jean Hester
10
24
O 31
4
Amber Nash Melissa Huggins
23
E
Thursday
General Meeting
Jane Ainsworth Tracy Portwood Jennifer Molina
Lynda Langston
B
Laura Squiers
16
22
28
M
3 Sarah Vier
8 Lynda Zimmerman Mary K. Grum
E Wednesday
2 Mary King
7
T
Tammi Axelson
14
15
21 Rona Friesen
22
Cathey Friesen Crystal Gann Melinda Moore
Larena Moulder
28
29 Misty Croley Callie Winston
Ann Watson Misty Zeleskey
Fall 2014 17
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 151812 Lufkin, Texas 75915
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.
PA I D Permit No. 45 Lufkin, TX