w w w. j u n i o r l e a g u e o f l u f k i n . o rg
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.
spri n g 2013 V o l. XV I , N o 141
ii Spring 2013
Vol. XVI No. 141
Spring 2013
■ ■ ■ M e e t i n G R e m i n d e r !
General Meeting March 19, 2013 Social at 6:30 p.m. Catered by El Chico
Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.
Table of Contents Bulletin Board............................................................... 2 Council Chat.................................................................. 3 Meeting Wrap-ups......................................................4-6 Spring Market............................................................... 7 Vision Screening............................................................ 8 Helping Hands.............................................................. 9 Sprint Into Spring Fun Run....................................... 10 Career Conference....................................................... 11 Members in the Spotlight....................................... 12-13 Focus on the Community............................................ 14 In Remembrance......................................................... 15 Sustainer News............................................................ 16 Events & Birthday Calendar....................................... 17
The Board of Directors
Communications Council V. President Communications/ Our View Editor Sharon Kruk Internal Public Relations/Website Frankie Racine External Public Relations Kim Herman Photographer/Archivist Gina Green
President.......................................................... Marcy Weibe President-Elect.................................................... Emily Parks Secretary........................................................Susan Belasco Treasurer........................................................ Mary Ridings VP Finance.................................................. Michelle Haney 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
Vision Statement ■ ■ ■ 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
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.
Spring 2013 1
Bulletin Board tes! a D e h t e v Sa 19- General Meeting March
ting neral Mee April 9- Ge arket 0- Spring M April 18-2 rence areer Confe May 10- C lebration lunteer Ce May 8- Vo Breakfast/ etworking N r e w o P May 24s nds Award Helping Ha
Please contact Gina Green ggreen@lufkinisd.o rg or 936.229.1035 fo r any League events that need a Photographer.
Le ag ue Ba bysitters
8 Hannah Harris (15) 936- 639-583 Sheridan Adair (17) 936-632-9313 Kayla Tierney (16) 936-212-2734 936-212-1507 Macy Rawls (16)
Haley Cordell (18) 903-930-9868 (boys only) Reece Roberts (14) 936-671-9195 (boys only) Bryce Roberts (16) 936-645-8395
2 Spring 2013
Please contact Frankie Racin e at frances0718@gmail.com or 318-426-4779 with any up date website or any Seat Sheet in s to our formation. Please update your
Directory for:
Leeanne Haglund Friesen: leeannefriesen@ho tmail.com
Please contact Susan Belasco (susanbelasco@msn.com) for a change of address, email address, or phone number.
A New Little Leaguer! Alaysia Milan Bryan was born January 8, 2013! 6 lbs. 4 oz. 3:13pm Proud parents: Lamil Spencer and Andy Bryan
Council Chat By Tracy Nichols, Placement Chair
Placement 2013-2014
W
ow, we have had an amazing and busy year, but yet there is still so much more to come. All the wonderful women in our League have been working with amazing spirit to help so many deserving families and children throughout the 2012-2013 year. In combination with our In-League Projects we have our unbelievably terrific Fundraising Projects happening and kicking it into gear as we speak. So it’s exciting yet hard to believe the 2012-2013 year will be over before we know it! With so much good going on in Angelina County as a result of the dedication of the Junior League of Lufkin, now is the time to start thinking about what we are willing to do next year to make it just as successful or even more. This wonderful time of year is known as PLACEMENT TIME. Each of us will need to do our part so that this time of year runs smoothly and quickly. Therefore, we are asking each of you to carefully read through the placement packets which will be handed out at the March meeting and choose the projects that best fit your qualities and schedule. *MARCH 19th- General Meeting Placement packets for the 2013-2014 League year will be handed out from 6:30-7:00 p.m. If you are not able to attend the meeting, please arrange for someone to pick up your packet for you! *APRIL 9th- General Meeting 2013-2014 Placement packets MUST be turned into me on or before this date. You may drop your completed packet off at my house or at the home of Marcy Weibe or Emily Parks. If you plan to mail it, please mail it to me. Thank You! Tracy Nichols Marcy Wiebe Emily Parks 404 Arrington Road 302 Carriage Dr. 903 Woodland Ct. Diboll, Texas 75941 (in the Settlement) *SUMMER 2013 Our View will feature a list with your placement for 2013-2014! Each member is required to fill out a placement packet - even those on leave! All paperwork must be filled out along with any fines owed for 2012-2013 and your dues payment. If you fail to turn your packet in by the end of the General Meeting on April 9th, you will be placed last! Please think seriously about where you want to help within the League so that we can join together to volunteer, give of our time and love and to positively impact the lives of children and families in our community.
Tracy Nichols
The
30-MINUTESOR-LESS
E.R. Service Pledge* WoodlandHeights.net *A physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner is committed to working diligently to have you initially seen within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 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.
66073_WHMC_ERpledge_3_625x2_25bw.indd 1
11/8/12 3:29 PM
Spring 2013 3
Meeting Wrap-Ups
Volunteer of the Month
Pat on the Back Stephanie Oliver February 2013
Stephanie jumped right in when she heard about an area family in need and organized a donation drive to help them recover from a house fire. Thank you, Stephanie!
Renée Robertson February 2013
Renée Robertson has a heart of gold, and you never see her without a huge smile on her face. When she agrees to take on a new project, she does it all the way - with a smile and a servant’s heart. One friend says, “When I think of Renée, many words come to mind: sincere, sweet, and kind-hearted. Renée is an energetic volunteer in anything that she is involved with and brings her great attitude and zeal for life to those around her. I am blessed to call her my friend!” Renée is completely dedicated to her family, church and friends. Her husband says, “My wife is the most giving and generous person I know. Not only is she dedicated to our two girls and me, but also she pours that same commitment into our community through the organizations in which she volunteers - The Junior League and the Mosaic Center. She is teaching our daughters valuable lessons through her faith and the love she shows others.” Thank you, Renée Robertson, for your dedication to our community!
ou Thank uyl Sustainers nderf ur annual o w e h t to d o ings ! e t s o h o wh tage Meet Cot ie Slack
Jan l cCarrol t r M a y h s h s t i i C m Abeldt a Dana S Moore s s i l e M Frazier n Debra sworth y l l e w e n Ll rson Jane Ai okshire ara Pete b r a o B r Dot B nn Rowe Janice A
4 Spring 2013
Crystal Thomas & Melissa Whitaker February 2013
Crystal and Melissa volunteered to help complete vision screenings at campuses that are not normally covered by JLL. Thanks to Crystal and Melissa for going above and beyond!
Meeting Wrap-Ups providing A huge thanks to Sals and Sams for ruary Feb such an aswesome dinner at our food! meeting. We appreciated the yummy
the ne’s Florist as le A to ks an th Many r. Her beautiful Floral Sponso meeting! brighten every ts en m ge n ra ar
Thank you to all our members for supporting our Simply Done project in February by bringing bottled water for the Fun Run!
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
Spring 2013 5
Meeting Wrap-Ups
JLL Christmas Social
Thank you to Hostess Susan Morgan and er Cater Milagros for a great evening !
Thank you to the Sustainers for hosting a lovely event in honor of the Provisional Class of 2012-2013
6 Spring 2013
Spring Market By Melissa Roberts, Spring Market Chair
A
s I am writing this article, your Spring Market Committee is diligently working on preparing for your Junior League’s 2013 Spring Market. Amanda Morales and Kim Doyle Graham are signing up vendors for our market, along with Rebecca West finding great tasting food for our Preview Party, and Donna Ross is deciding on decorations for your French Quarter shopping spree experience. Soon, Jessica Alverson will be starting to recruit models for the fun style show, Michelle Combs and Amy Jo Looney are preparing your tickets to be sold, as well as Mary Jane West prepping to host our vendors. They are a fabulous committee who are continuing to work hard behind the scenes. The Spring Market theme is “Laissez les bon temps roule” which means “Let the Good Times Roll!” So to start out these three days of shopping, we will begin with the “Her-A-Cane” Preview Party, on Thursday, April 18. The fun starts at 6:00 pm and tickets are $35. There will be live jazz and blues music to fill the atmosphere, along with Louisiana flavored and spiced food. There will be door prizes and vendor specials all evening. You will all want to gather your girlfriends or bring along your husband for a wonderful evening. Starting at 10:00 am, Friday, April 19 will be a day full of shopping with a Luncheon and Style Show at 11:30 am sponsored by our own JLL member Emily May with SaladMaster. Be sure to invite your friends and co-workers to join you for a Louisiana luncheon and a bit of entertainment for a fun Friday. Tickets for Style Show and Luncheon are $25, plus you can stay and shop for as long as you like! I wonder who will find the baby in their cupcake dessert? And I wonder what they will receive for finding that baby? To close out the 2013 Spring Market, we will have Saturday, April 20th as a relaxing day to shop with our vendors between your kids’ baseball/softball games and other Saturday errands. All General Admission tickets are $5 and include a chance to win a fabulous Louis Vuitton purse! Contact Michelle Combs, Ticket Chair, to purchase your choice of tickets (936-465-1425 or michellecombs@hotmail.com). I hope all of you make plans to come and experience this year’s Spring Market. While I was at a JLL conference this weekend, the main theme that seemed to be repeated in all our meetings was this question: Do you and the ladies of your League have a passion for the projects and the missions that you do for your community? If so, then you and your ladies should have a passion for anything that helps accomplish those projects and missions. Your Spring Market Committee has a passion to produce the best Spring Market for our vendors and for our community so that we might be able to give back to our community through the League’s Back to School Bonanza, Kids In the Kitchen/Camp Get Fit, Vision Screening, MVP, Career Conference, and Family Nights. Encourage your family and friends to join you in attending Spring Market and supporting our passion for this community! I hope to see all of you, your friends, and family at our League’s Spring Market. Until then… “Laissez les bon temps roule.”
Melissa Roberts
Chance to win a Louis Vuitton with any admission ticket
Johnny Riley will be entertaining us with Blues & Jazz for the Pre-Party Night The help you need to start & support your small business is just one phone call away. Call Ray Ann Baker to apply now. • Business Loans • Small Business & Commercial Checking Accounts • Business Debit MasterCard • Remote Deposit Capture • Business Bill Pay • Cash Management with ACH Origination • Credit Card Merchant Services
Taking care of business the common sense way. Ray Ann Baker Vice President
Texas State Bank
3001 S. John Redditt Dr. Lufkin, Texas 75904
936-639-6470 Spring 2013 7
Vision Screening By Whitney Garza, Vision Screening Chair
I
t is finished. Vision Screening for 2012-2013, that is! What started out as a daunting task soon became a reality, as we visited 24 campuses across Angelina County, for a total of 29 days
of screening. Our adventure began Wednesday, August 22nd, with our annual vision screening training at the Museum of East Texas. Our thanks go to Edee Crosman from the Texas Department of State Health Services for providing our training again this year. The vision screening certification is good for a five-year term. So, if you have been trained in the last four years, your certification is still valid and we would love to have your help next year! After screening all of Lufkin ISD, Hudson ISD, and numerous preschools and private schools, nearly 5,000 children were screened and over 450 volunteer hours were logged. The Vision Screening Committee, Provisionals, and Sustainers worked tirelessly and selflessly to accomplish this task within three months, from September through the end of November! Thank you so much to my committee for their dedication to this placement: Carolina Armstrong, Erica Callaham, Claudia DeArmond, Julianne Greak, Leslie Jinkins, Jean Lucas, Tyler Pavlic, Monica Peters,
Katie Saalfeld, Lamil Spencer, and Co-Chair Melissa Whitaker. Many thanks also to the Provisionals and numerous Sustainers who helped to pitch in at so many schools. We could not have completed this important community service without help from everyone! As I have said many times before, it is my belief that Vision Screening is the hardest but most rewarding placement within Junior League of Lufkin. To be able to see each and every face of the precious children we are helping through vision screening is so moving. If you have not been fortunate enough to have a Vision Screening placement, I would suggest giving it a try. I promise you won’t regret it.
Whitney Garza
LOANS
ALL
FOR
YOUR NEEDS.
Cindy Neal
Vice President Mortgage Lending - Lufkin
Member FDIC
Reach any of our bankers at (936) 829-4721 | fbtet.com 8 Spring 2013
Junior Leauge.indd 1
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Helping Hands
2012-2013 Helping Hands Campaign Partners Corporate Sponsors Platinum Hands-$10,000 Brookshire Brothers Peltier Chevrolet Cadillac
Gold Hands-$5,000
First Bank & Trust East Texas Blue Hands- $1,500 Johnson Pools & Spas Lufkin Coca Cola Lufkin Industries, Inc. Woodland Heights Medical Center Temple Inland
Red Hands- $1,000
Bettye & Murphy George Foundation Simon & Louise Henderson Foundation
Green Hands- $500
Abeldt’s Gaslight Pharmacy Alexander, Lankford & Hiers, Inc. Bancorp South Forestar Dr. Fred D. & Lisa Griffin, DDS Texas State Bank Winston & Denman Timber Zeleskey Law Firm
Yellow Hands- $250
The Advanced Financial Group Blithe Boutique Borgfeld & White, P.C. Brigettee and Trey Henderson The Center for Sight Chance Law Office Community Title Co. Cross Medical Ellis Chiropractic Haglund Law Firm, P.C. Popeyes Security & Guaranty Southwood Drive Animal Clinic Todd, Hamaker & Johnson, LLP Vince Treadwell, Edward Jones Investments Whataburger
Orange Hands- $100
Dream Homes & Drafting, LLC The Elite Cleaners Southern Chrysler The Very Thing Wes Combs, CRNA
Purple Hands- Advertising
Sustainer Partners Sustaining Hands- $1000 Mary K. Grum
Serving Hands- $251-$500 LeAnne Anderson Dot Brookshire Martha Chandler Lorelle Coleman Jim & Jennifer Cumbie Llewellyn Frazier Mary Martha Henderson Kathi Johnson Junior League of Lufkin Sustainers Theresa McKewen Nancy Moore Janice Ann Rowe
Supporting Hands- $250 & under Martha and John Bates Carol Bradley Anita Carroway Barbara Carter Jean Dillahunty Rona Friesen Liz Jeffrey Hilda Mitchell Bobbi Robinson John Rudis, MD and Sharon Rudis Ann Mayo Shands Susie Shands Thalia Tierney Jetta Westerholm
Other Partners $20.13 in 2013
Earl and Barbara Harris Ron & Cathy Murdock Arlin & Mary Grimes Janice Craven Sheila Thacker Betty Emery Cynthia Iverson J.S. Tower Ann Simpson Etech Bobbie Yawn Sandye & Van Vandervoort Deborah Crawford Craig C. Bonner Sarah Milligan
Beard Fine Jewelers Amy Jo Looney, Merle Norman Cosmetics Memorial Health System of East Texas Morgan Insurance Agency Warthan Dermatology Woodland Heights Medical Center
Spring 2013 9
Sprint Into Spring Fun Run By Renée Robertson, Fun Run Chair
T
he 2013 Sprint Into Spring Fun Run was a huge success! The race was held Saturday, March 2nd at Crown Colony Country Club and raised a little over $8,000!
Over 200 runners competed in the race this year, including 60 kids who participated in our Kids’ Run. Nacogdoches Endurance provided the chip timing service and equipment for the 5K and 10K. The runners enjoyed samples from Smoothie King and GNC, and JLL Helping Hands Sponsor, Peltier Chevrolet, provided bananas and energy bars. The Chick-Fil-A Cow, Smoothie King Cup and life-sized banana all came out to cheer on the participants. The Sweet Thing! truck was also at the race selling yummy cupcakes and treats to the crowd, and KSWP/KAVX radio station supported the race with on-air promotion and a door prize certificate to Moody Gardens for the runners. Thank you to the Fun Run Committee members and volunteers who all weathered the cold and made the race run so smoothly! Many Provisional, Active and Sustainers members all volunteered their time for the race. The committee would also like to thank Crown Colony Country Club for hosting the event again this year and helping with the set up of the start and finish line area. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to all those who were a part of the Sprint Into Spring Fun Run this year!
Renée Robertson
10 Spring 2013
Career Conference By Crystal Gann, Career Conference Chair
T
he 2013 Career Conference will be held on Friday, May 10 at Lufkin Middle School. The one day conference for Lufkin 8th Graders includes many different career choice speakers, presentations by current Lufkin High School students, and The College Road Trip activity. Jim Franks will be present again this year to put on the always wellreceived College Road Trip. College Road Trip is a handson career exploration activity designed to help students understand the value of a dollar and the relationship between educational levels and earning potential. It is a perennial favorite! The Career Conference Committee has already started planning with a good jump on a wonderful line-up of speakers. If you are interested in volunteering as a career speaker or you know someone that might be interested, please call or email Chair Crystal Gann at (936) 674-8915 / cgann@lufkinrealestate. com or Co-Chair Heather Kartye at (936) 414-0683 / hkartye@consolidated.net. Also, if you are interested in volunteering to help with the Career Conference, please let us know! We are looking forward to another great event!
Amy Jo Looney
Crystal Gann
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Spring 2013 11
Members in the Spotlight
Can you guess the JLL member? By Frances Racine, Internal Public Relations 1. I am mom to Cason and Cooper and wife of Nathan. I work as a Realtor here in Lufkin. I graduated from Central Heights High School and SFA. My favorite family activity is hunting. I bet you didn’t know that I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a little girl!
A
B
Sharon Kruk
Lora Huerta
2. I am mom to Josh and Andrew and wife of Kevin. I teach 2nd grade Peavy Primary. I graduated from SFA. My favorite placement is MVP and I love to go camping with my family! 3. I am wife to Clayton and mom to Knox. I am co-owner of Blithe Boutique in downtown Lufkin. I graduated from Lufkin High School and The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA. I have this quirky habit of when I drive somewhere, I have to make a circle to get back to my starting point, for example: if I take the loop to get somewhere, I will go through town to get home. When I was a little girl, I wanted to grow up to be a veterinarian!
C
D
Suzi Childers
Rebecca Brightwell
4. I am wife to Tommy and mom to Jackson and Walker. I am a critical care educator and ICU nurse at Woodland Heights Medical Center. I graduated from Hudson High School and Angelina College with my ADN and University of Texas at Tyler with my BSN. My favorite family activity is water skiing. I bet you didn’t know we raise our own chickens! 5. I am wife to Sam and mom to Savannah Grace and Sawyer Grace. I am a local Attorney here in Lufkin. I graduated from Timpson High School and graduated college from the University of Texas Austin and Baylor Law School in Litigation. My favorite placement was Charity Ball. I volunteer with Junior Achievement and St. Cyprian’s Church and School. I’m obsessed with gardening and plant shopping!
E
F
Laci Driscoll
Jean Hester
6. I am wife to Daniel and mom to Benjamin. I work in sales, networking hardware and software for DP Solutions. I graduated from Pleasanton, TX and SFA. I volunteer for CASA. I love family cookouts. I wanted to be a teacher and dance instructor when I was a little girl! 7. I am wife to Joe and mom to Emily and Olivia. I teach 4th grade dual language at Slack Elementary. I graduated from Shepherd High School and Sam Houston State University with my BS in Academic Studies. I graduated with my Masters of Education from Sam Houston University. My favorite placements are MVP and B2SB. I love going to the movies and the beach with my family. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a doctor! 8. I am wife to Clay and mom to Bosten, Brynn, Brodie, and Baylor. I am the owner of The Journey, A Magazine for Women and East Magazine. I graduated from Texas A&M in Leadership Development. I also volunteer at St. Cyprian’s School. I love spending time with my family. When I was a little girl I wanted to be a teacher!
G
H
Stephanie Oliver
I
J Tyler Pavlic
12 Spring 2013
Emily May
Allyson Langston
Members in the Spotlight
Can you guess the JLL member? 9. I am wife to Todd and mom to Chase, Nate, and Zoie Grace. I am a hairstylist at Studio 319. I graduated from Alto High School and Tyler Junior College, Academy of Hair Design. My favorite placement is Career Conference. I love spending weekends watching my boys at the motocross races and my daughter at cheerleading competitions. I bet you didn’t know I’m an identical twin!
K Becky Cota
10. I am wife to Brian and mom to Kellen and Kaylie. I work at The Mosaic Center as the Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator. I graduated with a BS in Political Science and English from Texas A&M University and a Master’s in Educational Administration from University of Houston-Victoria. My favorite placement is Vision Screening. My family loves sports, all sports. I like to write things on my To-Do list that I have already done just so I can mark them off. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up! 11. I am wife to Mike and mom to Matthew and Nicholas. I am a Librarian at Lufkin Middle School. I graduated from Lufkin High School and SFA. I received my Master of Library Science from the University of North Texas. My favorite placement in the League is B2SB. I love spending time with my family outdoors. I bet you didn’t know I can play “a few” songs on the piano. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a nurse and a teacher! 12. I am wife to Kevin and mom to Luke, Lilly Grace, and Lucy. I do PR/Marketing at the Museum of East Texas. I graduated from Maine Smith High School. I graduated from Baylor with a BS in Secondary Education, English & French. I received my MA in English from SFA. I love just hanging out with my family. I bet you didn’t know I’m profoundly deaf in my left ear – so if you said hi and I didn’t respond, it’s because I didn’t hear you – Honest!! When I was a little girl I wanted to be a TV news anchor or journalist! 13. I am wife to Keith and mom to Addison and Jack. I am an Architect and part owner of an Architect firm here in Lufkin. I graduated from Lufkin High School. I attended Baylor and Texas A&M and graduated with my Bachelor of Environmental Design. My favorite League placement is Family Nights. I love to spend time with my family snow skiing and spending time at my parent’s lake house. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a Fashion Designer or Merchandiser! 14. I am wife to Jeff and mom to Nolan and Graham. I work in Marketing Communications at Temple Inland. I am also the owner of Lou Stationery Studio. I graduated from Clements High School and Lon Morris College. I also attended Texas A&M University. My favorite placement is Provisional Chair. I love spending time with my family going to the movies and eating out. I bet you didn’t know I can sing several songs from the Sound of Music on command!
L Amanda Morales
M Diana Hineman
N Crystal Gann
The Energy Flows Through Us
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$1.99 1106 S Timberland Offer expires 09/30/2013 Present coupon when ordering. One coupon per customer per visit. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other offer. Good at participating Popeyes only. ©2010 AFC Enterprises, Inc.
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Spring 2013 13
Focus on the Community
The Mosaic Center
By Donna Busler, Executive Director
T
he Mosaic Center, Inc. is a non-profit ministry offering education, guidance and hope for the women of Angelina County. As an affiliate of the Christian Women Job Corps, our ministry strives to break generational cycles of poverty by assisting women in achieving economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their family unit. The Mosaic Center also provides an environment in which Christian volunteers share the love of Jesus Christ through meaningful service on the local mission field. With the support of the Junior League of Lufkin and many others, our mission of providing “a hand up, not a hand out” is being accomplished and lives are being changed here in our community. Since the founding of The Mosaic Center, Inc. in 2004, we have served over 2,500 women in Angelina County. The women that come through our doors lead burdened lives, but through The Mosaic Center, they are touched with education in life and job skills, direction to local services, job search assistance, encouragement, mentoring, hope, and prayer. By bringing over 10,000 volunteer hours and 300 committed, local volunteers together with women who want a better life for themselves and their children, lives have been vastly improved. Through our loving and systematic approach, women in our community have moved towards healthy lifestyles. Over 80% of our trackable core program graduates are employed or enrolled in education. This model of a community taking responsibility for the rehabilitation and development of its own citizens has attracted the attention of civic and state leaders throughout Texas. The Mosaic Center’s 11-week core program features computer training, Jobs for Life curriculum, Bible study, health education, financial management study and relationship skills. In addition to the core program, GED (high school equivalency test), ESL (English as a second language), and CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) classes are offered regularly, as well as a developing Graduate Care Program. All of these efforts, combined with functioning as a clearinghouse of social services for women, have had a tremendous impact on our community. We have learned that when you touch a woman’s heart, you touch the whole home, and we see exciting evidence of generational change: children’s lives improving. With the support of the Junior League of Lufkin, The Mosaic Center hosted its 4th annual Family Fun Day/Graduate Reunion this past summer at Kiwanis Park and it was a huge success! We saw over 125 people connected to The Mosaic Center, with graduates, current students and many of their family members in attendance. Everyone enjoyed visiting one of Lufkin’s best parks with plenty of time for the children to play at the Splash Pad and a mini teaching
14 Spring 2013
session on Frisbee Golf. Attendees also enjoyed face painting, a foot race around the walking trail, a session on managing bullying with Gabriella Roberts and more exciting fun. We focused on good nutrition by offering a healthy lunch for everyone. Best of all, Family Fun Day was a free event for our students and their families because of the generous funding from the Junior League of Lufkin. New volunteers are always welcome at The Mosaic Center in the areas of prayer, classroom instructors, mentors, lunch providers, donors and administrative help. Our main fundraiser for the year, the Hearts for Hope Dinner and Auction, is being held on March 21, 2013 at Lufkin’s First Baptist Church. We invite you to support our mission by attending the dinner or purchasing a raffle ticket. Our silent and live auction items provide something for everyone and the catered dinner by Outback Steakhouse and live entertainment will make for a great evening with friends! Please call 936-6395068 for ticket information or visit www.mosaiccenter.org for more information. Lives are being changed here at The Mosaic Center and we are grateful for the support of The Junior League of Lufkin. We look forward to another year of meaningful service and a continued partnership with the League.
Donna Busler
In Remembrance By Allyson Langston rying to pinpoint precisely what magic Emily Shelton Watts possessed that made her such a joyful, special presence would be impossible. She was one of a kind and stockpiled an abundance of gifts that were packaged together by God in a way that made her totally and completely unforgettable and unique. The way Emily lived her life and carried herself provided everyone who had the privilege of knowing her with life lessons that we could all use to improve our interactions with the world. This list of lessons she taught could go on well into the hundreds, but these are the top twelve lessons (in no particular order) I have taken from her and will treasure for the rest of my days. 1. Everyone matters. It didn’t matter if you were a young child or well into your golden years—you felt like you mattered to Emily. She did not regard a person’s age, occupation, education, or experience to determine whether or not they were worth knowing—if God put you on this earth, then, by gum, you had something to offer—and she was going to figure out what it was. Once she figured out what your gift was, she let you know it. 2. You don’t always have to have the answers. “Let me see about that,” was one of her taglines. She was sought after as an expert in many, many fields and interests and she didn’t always have an immediate answer or solution to an inquiry (although she often did!). She wasn’t afraid to say she needed a little time to reflect before giving a response. I am certain her reflection time involved prayer and consultation with her Creator—and as a result, she always had the “right” answer and was sought after by everyone as a problem solver. It’s okay to not have all the answers at first! 3. Greet everyone with a hug. She wasn’t afraid to give a warm and loving embrace to anyone, ever. If she had just met you, it was an arm around the shoulder and a handshake. After that, it was a full on body embrace. She held you tight in her arms (often for more than a quick second) and you could feel her energy and life force flow to you and make your day better. 4. Treat every person you encounter as if they were the most important person in the room, whether it’s a room of two or two hundred. One of her friends, Peggy Evans, wrote on her Facebook page, “You had a unique way of making everyone feel like seeing them was the highlight of your year - you made us feel special.” She truly did! So many regarded themselves as her “best friend” because she made everyone feel like they were the most important person she knew. 5. Take the time to find and recognize the talents of others--and then tell them and other people about it! While serving as President of the Junior League of Lufkin, she started the “Volunteer of the Month” and “Pat on the Back” awards. At the conclusion of every meeting, she publicly recognized one member who was making a difference in the community with “Volunteer of the Month” and listed not only their community involvement, but also remarks about them from friends and loved ones. She also gave out “Pat on the Back” awards to recognize those who had given special time or consideration to the Junior League that month. At Emily’s last meeting as President, she started the “Volunteer of the Year” award. All three of those public acknowledgments of service continue in the League today. What a legacy to leave for the League! 6. Be madly in love with your children. She always had a positive word and story about her babies. She was such a proud mother and felt unbelievably blessed by how amazing her children were from the time they were little bitty things. What a blessing to them and a lesson to us—she knew her children were a gift from God and she wasn’t afraid to let people know she realized that. 7. Manners matter. She was incredibly gracious and was quick to ask with a “please” and give a hearty “thank you” for a job well done. 8. Don’t ever say anything about anyone you wouldn’t say to their face. One of our very first conversations involved this and it still makes
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me laugh. I was brand new to town and knew very, very few people. I can still hear her say, “Sweet girl, the best advice I can give you about living in Lufkin and the one thing you need to know about this town is that everyone—and I mean E V E RYO N E — i s somehow related! And if you choose to say something unkind, you will probably find out later that you’ve told that unkind word to a sister-in-law or a cousin or an aunt or someone who bought their dog from that person. You speak kindness and you’re gonna be just fine.” I’ve often wondered what my early twenty something self was saying that prompted that advice, but I am incredibly thankful for it and it has been beneficial in Lufkin and far beyond. 9. Live the words of I Thessalonians 5: 14-18: “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Life threw some pretty tough curve balls Emily’s way, but you would never hear about it from her. She applied these words to her daily living no matter what she was up against and only let those around her hear her words of thanks in all circumstances. 10. Laugh heartily and try to find humor in every situation. Life is fun! Enjoy it! It is difficult to think of one interaction with her that didn’t involve robust laughter at some point. She had a gift to not take life too seriously and her laughter made every situation better. 11. Don’t put things off and live fully. Want to take that trip? Take it! Thinking about a friend? Call him or her. Needing to write a note? Write it. Although her life was cut short so unexpectedly, I feel certain Emily moved to heaven without a single regret. She soaked up every single minute of her earthly existence. 12. Live JOYfully. If you truly put JESUS first, OTHERS second, and YOURSELF last, you can’t help but be filled with joy and that joy is contagious and beautiful and makes you a radiant being that others just can’t get enough of—ever. Ralph Waldo Emerson could well have been writing a description of Emily when he wrote the following: “To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded.” Knowing Emily was walking on this earth made countless lives breathe easier—and when we reflect on the knowledge that she is walking with Jesus and singing and laughing in heaven, we need to exhale loudly and give thanks for a life well lived and the lessons learned by example and through action taken from Emily Shelton Watts.
Allyson Langston Spring 2013 15
Sustainer News By Patti Smithhart
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t is with a heavy heart that I begin to write this column for Our View. Once again we have been reminded that life is fragile and that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Our own Emily Watts was far too young to leave us. She leaves two adult children who are still early in their independent lives. Most of us can relate to how desperately they will miss their mother. Our Rebecca Chance has lost her sister and friend. Becca has endured far too much loss in recent years. We hold her in our thoughts and prayers. On Feb. 13, our member Woodie Hicks died from pancreatic cancer. Woodie had suffered greatly in recent months. We are saddened by her loss. Our prayers also go out to Susie Shands upon the death of her mother, Lib McGar Oviatt. Mrs. Oviatt had affiliated with our group when she moved here. She was a lovely lady. In recent time we have also lost Caledonia “Donie” Moore and Lena Belle “Peachy” Denman, two of our charter members. There is no calculating how many hours these ladies gave to the League and to our community. Let us remember the Moore, Denman, Koch and Todd families at this time of loss and grief. WOW! We are a busy bunch! Here are some dates you need to know, and some pertinent information. Thursday, April 18, 2013 through April 20, Saturday: JLL Spring Market. As always, JLL Spring Market will be held at the Civic Center, AKA the newly renovated Convention Center. On Thursday evening from 6 pm until 9 pm, the League will host a pre-party featuring food, live jazz, and early shopping. Ticket is $35. On Friday there will be a luncheon and style show from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Ticket is $25. All day Friday and Saturday there will be awesome shopping. General admission tickets are $5 per day. The Big Ticket covers all of these events and sells for $50 to Actives and Sustainers (one ticket per membership). Sustainers are needed to man the ticket tables (as we have done for the past few years). Two volunteers are needed for each 2 hour shift on Friday. Mary Jane West is the Sustainer Coordinator for Spring Market. She will be sending an e-mail sign-up sheet later. She can also sell you a Big Ticket. Friday, May 10, 2013: Career Conference This is a JLL sponsored event at Lufkin Middle School that teaches eighth graders about working and earning money to live on. Sustainer volunteers are needed. Vickie Evans can provide more details and can sign you up to work. The JLL Sustainer Emeritus Luncheon will be held in late April or early May. If you have attained the age of 80, you are to be honored. Your Sustainer dues will also be reduced by half. Ann Watson is in charge of this lovely luncheon. Volunteers are needed. Thalia Tierney reports to us that The Mosaic Center will hold its annual fundraiser, the Hearts for Hope Dinner and Auction, on March 21, 2013 at First Baptist Church. Raffle tickets are available for $5 each or five tickets for $20. The raffle items are impressive! You can learn more about this event at www.mosaiccenter.org or by calling 639-5068.JLL Sustainers send out a huge THANK YOU to Lisa Griffin and Kathi Johnson for their work on our Holiday Tea. They have produced two lovely events for us. We appreciate their efforts! Bobbi Robinson received an e-mail for all of us. It seems that the
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Helping Hands Fund is $1,000 short for the year. If you would like to help boost the fund to the needed level, please send your check to Cindy Neal.JLL Sustainers received a thank-you note from Will Chance for our contributions to his Books That Benefit project. What a fine young man he is! We are all so proud of his work, and excited at him being honored with the 2013 Golden Anvil Award. In 1976 the Lufkin Service League founded the Museum of East Texas. In the thirty-seven years since, the Museum has grown to be one of the jewels of our city and indeed of our area. The Museum of East Texas functions largely on the energy of volunteers. That is us, ladies! Many of us remember the beginning of the Museum. Even more of us remember the “early years.” Our dedication to education makes it a natural fit. The Museum has spots to fill for people of all levels of physical ability, and of time to give. Ann Phifer Reyes, Curator of Education, can place volunteers in projects such as Art Camp, Super Saturday, and Have-a-Hug. Of course, there is always a need for docents. Museum Guild President is Susan Belasco. She can direct you to the needs which are filled by Guild members. The Museum holds a very special place in the history of the League. If you have a few hours to give to make our community better, the Museum of East Texas needs you! Call 639-4434 to learn where you will fit. It is time to pay our dues. Sustainer dues are $80 unless you are a Sustainer Emeritus. You, our honored ladies, only have to pay half of that. You have earned that privilege! Deadline for dues is May 20. If you do not attend the Social, mail your checks to our treasurer, Linda Malnar. We hope to see all of you at the Sustainer Social on Thursday, March 7. We don’t see enough of each other!!! I personally miss seeing some of you who are ahead of me in the League journey. Our gatherings are not the same without you! If you think that someone in our group would prefer not to drive that evening, please offer them your service. If that is not feasible for you, call me or any other Board member. We can joyfully arrange “taxi service.” Until next time,
Patti Smithhart
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N. (Crystal Gann) K. (Becky Cota) I. (Tyler Pavlic) H. (Emily May) D. (Rebecca Brightwell) B. (Lora Huerta) L. (Amanda Morales)
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G. (Stephanie Oliver) E. (Laci Driscoll) A. (Sharon Kruk) M. (Diana Hineman) J. (Allyson Langston) F. (Jean Hester) C. (Suzy Childers)
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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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