The Journey Magazine March2014 by Suzy Childers

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DO 10 THINGS YOU CAN D TO KEEP YOUR CHIL TOBACCO-FREE! 1. Realize that you are the greatest influence in your child’s life.

3. Be a good role modeldon’t use tobacco.

Despite the influence of television, the Internet, and

Statistics show that children of tobacco users are

movies, you are the greatest influence on your children.

twice as likely to use tobacco themselves. If you use

Talk to your children directly about the risks of tobacco

tobacco, try to quit. Meanwhile, do not use tobacco

use. If your friends or relatives have become ill from

in your children’s presence. Don’t offer it to them, and

tobacco use, let your children know.

don’t leave it where they can easily get it.

2. Take a stand in your homeearly & often.

4. Empower your children to deal with peer pressure.

Start speaking with your child about tobacco early- at

Studies show that children with high self-esteem are

the age of 5 or 6- and continue through the high school

less likely to be influenced by peer pressure. Encourage

years. Many kids start using tobacco by age 11, and

your children to believe in themselves and to resist

many are addicted by age 14. Kids are less likely to

pressure from peers. Talk about situations in which

use tobacco if they can talk openly to their parents

your child will have to stand up to others and “refuse

about their friends’ tobacco use, peer pressure, and

to use” tobacco and other drugs.

their own issues and concerns about tobacco.

Almost 80% of all smokers started smoking before age 18. Don’t wait! Talk to your children about the dangerous consequences of tobacco early and often.

You should never make smoking easy for your child. Do not purchase tobacco for your child. Limit their ability to buy cigarettes- if necessary, by limiting sources of income so they can’t buy tobacco. Get the help and support you and your child need. Enlist the help of your pediatrician, as well as health organizations, school counselors, and online support. Help your child form a community that will support a tobacco-free lifestyle.

5. Get your child involved in academics, sports & extracurricular activities.

9. Point out the harmful effects of smoking to one’s health & looks.

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that

of tobacco on a person’s health. Also, remind your

students who are involved in academics, sports,

child that tobacco causes a person to look and smell

and extracurricular activities are less likely to use

bad (for example, yellow teeth, bad breath, rotted

tobacco and other drugs. By engaging in these

teeth, wrinkles, etc.).

activities, students gain confidence and meet other

Make sure your child knows the devastating effects

youths who share their interests.

10. If your child is smoking, help him or her quit.

6. Learn about tobacco prevention programs at your child’s school.

Studies show that friends and family can have a big

Talk with school administrators about adopting a

make your child stop using tobacco. You can explain

school-wide anti-tobacco education program. Insist

your concern, show you care, and say you will help

that students and school employees remain tobacco-free

them try to quit. Ask your child what you could do

on school grounds.

that would be most helpful. Be non-confrontational,

impact on a smoker’s success at quitting. You cannot

supportive, and respectful. Understand the withdrawal

7. Discuss tobacco’s image.

symptoms: headaches, sleeping difficulties, fatigue,

Smoking is made to look glamorous in the movies

grouchiness, and difficulty concentrating. Remind

and on TV. Although Big Tobacco has been severely

your child that these are signs of recover and that

restricted in advertising their products, they still have to

they will not last.

find a way to recruit 5,000 new young smokers a day. Talk to your children about the way tobacco products are advertised. Help your child “read between the

LET'S PUT AN END TO SMOKING!

lines” and figure out the false messages the tobacco industry is trying to send them.

8. Discuss the money issue. Discuss with your child the money that tobacco addicts spend per day, week, and year to buy tobacco products. Remind your child that the cost of smoking or chewing tobacco is great- to a person’s health and to his or her wallet.

109 Temple Blvd. • Luf kin, TX 75901 Mon – Fri: 8 am – 5 pm • Closed Sat & Sun O: (936) 634-9308 • F: (936) 639-3521

hy does it seem like I was buying school supplies, uniforms, and backpacks just yesterday? How can the school year be almost over?

But, wow, have I enjoyed watching my kids grow academically and socially. I love watching them blossom, grow in confidence, and come out of their shell as the year goes by. As parents, we encourage and help with the teachers' big plan. Where would we be without teachers? I could go on and on about how hard I work with my kids on their homework and their school projects---but WOW, TEACHERS! I know each one of them have a special gift to be doing what they do. We are all so very grateful for their love and devotion to educate and develop our kids day after day. As a mother, you can relate to the struggles of dealing with children. Sometimes they are tired and grouchy. Other days they can be filled with energy. Then there are the days when you as the parent just want a day off. Our teachers not only have to deal with my unruly child, or wild and crazy child, they have to deal with the personalities of 9 others on top of teaching and getting a lesson accomplished. And day after day, they do it! For that reason, this mother is so very thankful! As we took these pictures at the beginning of the school year, we had no idea what the year would hold for us as a family or as individuals. As always, we have had a great year thanks to all the educators who pour into these babies. No matter the school, age, or grade of your child or grandchild, we are forever indebted to those teachers with angel wings who have accepted a special calling in life. There is no amount of money or gift that could repay their work. This Education issue is dedicated to all the teachers in East Texas who are educating our future. Without them, our community wouldn't be what it is! We are blessed to have each one of you!

Stephanie oliver

president

cover photo by Lisa Crow Photography /// cover text by Macy Haffey

13 YOUR HOME 14 18 20

Home Tour: Cross Creek Ranch In the Kitchen: Kid-Friendly Snacks Burlap & Besties: Sprucing up the Kitchen

23 YOUR COMMUNITY 24 28 30

Your Hometown: Huntington, Texas In the News Giving Back: Women Building a Better Community

33 YOUR LIFE 34 36 38 42 44

Something Abundant: The Plastic Water Jug & the Alabaster Jar Makeup Box: Sunless Tanning Maintenance Fashion: Spring 2014 Trends Stretch Marks: Parenting Prep for Know-it-alls Fitness: Fitness in a Fast-Paced Schedule

Cover by Dale Bounds

45 YOUR EDUCATION 46 48 50 54 56 58

School/MDO Listings Inspiring Woman: Denise Clifton School Features Superintendents: Education in East Texas Drug Free All Stars Mean Kids: What to Do When Someone Is Mean to Your Child

61 YOUR CHILD 62 64 66 68

EAST 73 East Texas Sports: SFA Basketball Fashion: Men's Spring Fashion Trends Small Business: Carpets by Curiosity Where Are They Now?: Chip Watts East Texas Hunting: Turkey Hunting Tips Trophy Room: Trophy Hunts Turkey Release Music: Hidden Village Music Festival

75 76 78 80 82 84 85 86

Pretty Babies The Creative Mom: From Drab to Fab A Child's Heart: Train up Your Child Why I Love Being a Mom: Kim Housely

CONTACT US: Mailing: PO Box 150537 | Lufkin, Texas 75915 Physical: 115 E. Shepherd | Lufkin, Texas 75901 936-634-7188 | advertise@tjmag.com facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast

president: Stephanie Oliver /// managing editor: Beth Johnson | editor@tjmag.com staff writer: Angie Nichols /// director of sales: Kim Iribarren | kim@tjmag.com layout and design: Macy Haffey /// event photographer: Lisa Crow | lisacrowphotography@gmail.com event photographer: Morgan Due | www.morgandue.com contributors: Melissa & Tiffani, Dale Bounds, Jessica Tinsley Bridges, Sandy Cooper, Melissa Crager, Shanna Crew, Angie Nichols, Jason Soule, Melissa Radke distribution: Lisa Crow, Janet Glover, Jarod Thompson

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Cross Creek Ranch HOME TOUR

John & Diana Kristynik

Where Nature & Warm Hospitality Come Together

et on 98 acres of scenic Texas rolling countryside, John and Diana’s Cross Creek Ranch offers nooks where you will love to linger and porches where you can enjoy the quiet landscape and watch a variety of wildlife. Visitors are captured by the serenity and rustic charm. Cross Creek Ranch: Where a good rain or a new calf are always welcome!

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IN THE KITCHEN

KID-FRIENDLY SNACKS

to Nourish Mind & Tummy

Cinnamon Crunch Mix

Prep Time: 5 min

1/2 cup Post Alpha-Bits cereal

2 cups Post Alpha-Bits cereal

1 small banana

1 cup dried fruit, such as raisins, apples or apricots

1/4 cup seedless grapes, halved

Ground cinnamon

Toss cereal and fruit in a medium bowl. Season with cinnamon to taste. Place Peel banana; split in half lengthwise. Place 1/2-cup portions in individual snack in sundae dish or cereal bowl. Top banana bags. Store at room temperature. with yogurt. Sprinkle with cereal and fruit. Makes 1 serving. 1/4 cup strawberries, sliced

Learning & Snacking Together Invite the kids into the kitchen and take snack time to a whole new level. These tasty snack recipes feature the kid-approved flavor and crunch of Post Alpha-Bits cereal, as well as fun alphabet shapes, perfect for familiarizing young learners with the letters of the alphabet.

Breakfast Banana Split

1/2 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt

arents don’t often encourage their children to play with their food. However, when snack time offers the opportunity to nourish both the body and the mind, that’s a treat any parent would be glad to serve their little ones.

The time spent together creating these tasty recipes provides a special learning opportunity for children and parents, while enjoying fun snacks along the way. Who knew snack time could be so educational? For a fun and tasty spin on a classic family favorite, whip up a Breakfast Banana Split. If your family is looking for a great snack to pop in a baggie for car rides, you will love this Cinnamon Crunch Mix. For an airy and sweet treat, try this recipe for Cool and Creamy Bananas. Beyond the fun, educational benefits, Post Alpha-Bits cereal, as part of a nutritious breakfast, is a great way to start the day. A serving provides 12 essential vitamins and minerals growing kids need. For more great recipes your family will love, and recipe nutrition information visit www.postfoods.com.

Cool & Creamy Bananas Prep Time: 10 min 1 cup Post Alpha-Bits cereal 1 cup thawed fat free whipped topping 2 medium bananas, sliced 1 cup sliced strawberries Add cereal to whipped topping in medium serving bowl; stir gently until well blended. Add bananas; mix lightly. Top with strawberries.

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BURLAP & BESTIES

by Melissa & Tiffani

SPRUCING UP THE KITCHEN

pring is coming and the thought of nicer weather makes us want to tackle some bigger projects before it starts getting hot! Here are few ideas to help you spruce up your kitchen.

Please feel free to email us if you would like to know any of the specific products we used or the names of any colors shown.

Pantry door makeover I searched all over to f ind an old door the same size as my pantry opening to use as my “new” door. After it was all said and done, I realized that I could have used my original door and just distressed it. So that is my advice if you want to do this project!! Unless you have a very handy dad/brother/husband/friend to shimmy and shave your “new” door into place, just use your old door. Big shout out to my handy man Jason for getting mine to fit!! Supplies: Door • Sand paper • Lace • Spray Adhesive • Flat paint in two different colors • Flat spray paint in a different color • Optional matte polyurethane • Optional kick plate First sand your door (if you are using an old one) to get off any f laky paint and then wipe it down with a damp rag and let it dry. Paint your inserts. I painted mine in a f lat grey, let it dry. Cut your lace to f it your door inserts (doesn't have to be exact) and spray one side with adhesive. Place this over the inserts. I cut a separate piece for each insert. Make sure and press down over the lace to get it as smooth as possible so your paint doesn’t bleed. Lightly spray your paint; I used a f lat white over the lace. It’s better to do two light coats letting them dry slightly in between then one

Party tip Label your food, people! Nothing is more frustrating at a shower or party than wondering what in the world you are eating! Food labels allow your guests to choose the foods from your buffet line that they like without everyone going through the line asking each other what things are! They also provide a little more color to your food spread and complement your theme. 20 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

heavy coat, because your paint may pool up and run together. Let your paint dry for a few minutes and then pull off your lace. Paint the rest of your door, I used a flat paint in teal, and allow your door to dry completely. Once your door has dried then go over it with an antiquing glaze. I have a dark brown glaze that I use on everything! There are numerous ways to apply glaze. For this door, we brushed it on and then wiped it off with a damp cloth, working in small areas at a time. The glaze dries fast so you can’t do the entire door and then try to wipe it off. Go all the way across and down about a foot and then wipe it off. This step is optional, but once it has all dried, I recommend putting one or two coats of matte finish polyurethane on the door to seal it and make it easier to wipe clean. My door also has a kick plate, which I do love, but it was not in the original plan! Once we started working on the door, we realized that the bottom was really crooked. If we leveled it, the door would have been way too short, so the kick plate was the easiest solution!! If you want to add one to your door then you can get them at any hardware store and just follow the directions to put it on.

Kitchen Cabinets Repainting your kitchen cabinets yourself always sounds easy until you are half way in, your stain won’t dry and you have to formulate a new plan! Luckily my bestie (Melissa) is a genius and suggested I use my favorite go to product, brown glaze!! So out of the darkness there was light and I can now share with you a very easy way to update your cabinets.

Frames on fridge We loathe clutter on the fridge, so this was our solution to be able to display things that our kids make and it not look messy! Supplies: Frames in any size/color you like • Burlap • Stapler • Hot glue gun • Magnets • Magnetized clips Remove the glass and backing from your frames. Cut your burlap slightly larger than your frame opening and staple it in place. There are a couple of options for stapling your burlap to the frame. You can staple it directly to the lip of the frame, or if your frame came with a piece of cardboard padding, you can staple it to that. Be sure to place your staples as close to the edge as possible so they aren’t visible. You can also put the back of your frame in place and let your burlap stick out and staple it to the back of the frame.

Supplies: Primer • Flat paint • Dark brown glaze • Painter’s tape • Roller brush • Sand paper First remove all your cabinet doors and pull out all of your drawers. Make sure and label them. Use your painter’s tape and label the hinges and the doors. I also drew a little map of the kitchen and labeled the doors/drawers on it so that we wouldn’t get confused putting them back on later. (My husband laughed at me for over doing it, but when he was putting the doors back on and got confused, he was happy to have my little map!) Lightly sand your bottom cabinets/doors/ drawers and then wipe off with a damp cloth. Prime your top cabinets and your top cabinet doors and let dry. Glaze your bottom cabinets and bottom cabinet doors/drawers. Brush your glaze on thick and do not wipe it off! Let each coat dry completely

before doing another. I did three coats of glaze on my cabinets to get them the shade I wanted. The more coats you put on, the longer they will take to dry. Once your top cabinets are dry from the primer, roll on the grey paint. Mine took two coats. Once your grey paint is dry, you’re ready to go over it with the brown glaze. Working with one door at a time, brush on your glaze and then wipe it off with a damp rag. Once your rag starts getting too wet from the glaze, just rinse it out and keep going! Also work in small areas at a time when you are glazing the rest of the cabinets. After all your cabinets/doors/drawers have dried, apply two coats of the matte polyurethane allowing each coat to dry in between. Once your polyurethane has dried, put your doors on, and get your kitchen back to normal!

Hot glue magnets to the back of all four corners of your frame. There are several different sizes of magnets at craft stores that come in packs of 50. We used a medium size, and on our big frame it took two magnets in each corner to hold up the frame. Put on your magnets, let them dry, and then test out your frame to see if you need to add more! We like to be able to move our clips around depending on what we are displaying. Instead of permanently attaching the clip to the frame, we put a magnet on the backside of our frame that bonds to the magnet on the back of the clip. So far we have not hung anything that was heavy enough to pull off the clip!

Melissa is a housewife who loves her husband and son, Ben and Ty, more than anything else on earth. In a previous life, she was a CPA. Her passion for serving Jesus took her and Ben to Africa for two years where, among other things, she learned she can never pack too many crafting supplies. If you want to see a happy girl, give Melissa an old piece of furniture and a paintbrush then stand back and watch the magic happen.

Tiffani Brantner is a part-time nurse and student, a constant crafter, party-thrower, "idea-comer-upper", and a richly rewarded wife and mother to Jeff and Cullen. Call her to come and get your old junk, she LOVES it! She'll turn it into something beautiful, create a theme, throw a party around it, and invite you as the guest of honor. You can reach Tiffani day or night at tifandmel@gmail.com.

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YOUR HOMETOWN

HUNTINGTON, TEXAS

ood things are happening in downtown Huntington! The small community of approximately 2,000 people have just about everything they need in Huntington, Texas. According to Huntington Business Owners Association (HBOA) President Jody Mitchell, “We have an array of businesses that meet the needs of our citizens. Huntington has two pharmacies, a doctor, a dentist, two banks, several churches, a large supermarket, several restaurants, convenience stores, florist and gift shop, insurance offices, beauty and barber shops, book keepers, a real estate company, tire stores, auto repairs, a newspaper, apartment complexes, a public library, a funeral home, a furniture store, and an award winning school district. Huntington has a green belt area through the middle of town with ball fields and a history park. We also have softball fields, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and a city park. We are located within ten minutes of Lufkin, Sam Rayburn Lake and the Angelina National Forest.” Three men, Brian Havard, Lynn Denman, and Jody Mitchell, were having coffee at Dean’s Deli when they began talking about how they could grow their town. Mitchell says, “We had an idea to form a group of business people, both owners and managers, to promote

our interests and increase our business. A meeting was called at the Community Room at the Huntington Housing Authority after Jody, Lynn, Brian, and Pam Hooton went door to door asking business people to come to a meeting. A series of meetings followed that produced bylaws and officers for the group.” In January 2013, the Association officially began with the name of Huntington Business Owners Association. “We were off and running.” The Association has had great feedback and positive response from the community. Their membership continues to grow. They have set some goals to work on such as: improving the basic infrastructure of the city, attracting more businesses to Huntington, improving the housing stock to attract more home buyers, and to improve the appearance of the city to visitors and residents. Through the network of the Association, and along with a few other organizations, improvements and additions to make Huntington a better community are already underway. “The Huntington Genealogical and Historical Society have a history museum that is set to open sometime this year. The museum will house the area’s artifacts, photos, and documents. Keep Huntington Beautiful has received the Gold Star Community award from Keep Texas Beautiful. The Huntington Garden Club provides social activities and scholarships to Huntington students. The Huntington Economic Development Committee assists the city council with grant matching funds and civic improvements. The Angelina County String Orchestra teaches and performs for functions in the county. Great things are happening in the business community of Huntington, Texas. To help with improvements or get involved in the HBOA, you can visit their website, http://www.shophuntingtontexas.com/. Huntington Business Owners Association P O Box 445 Huntington, Texas 75949

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n September 9, 1963, Southland Federal Credit Union’s (SFCU) charter was approved by the National Credit Union Administration. Starting with only seven members and working out of a house, the credit union started providing financial services to workers and family members of the Southland Paper Mill in Lufkin, Texas. By the end of 1963, the credit union had grown to 205 members and $3,004.25 in total assets.

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After 40 years of providing financial services to the Southland Paper Mill, the credit union discovered that the Southland Paper Mill would be closing. Knowing this would have an effect on the credit union’s future, the Board of Directors expanded the field of membership becoming a community charter in October 2003. The charter expanded the eligibility to include anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Angelina County, Texas, as well as businesses and other legal entities located in the county. In early 2004, the credit union took in Houston-Trinity County Teachers Federal Credit Union and once again expanded the field of membership to include anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in and businesses and other legal entities located in Houston and Trinity County, Texas. The credit union also retained all the membership of record from the merger of the Houston-Trinity County Teachers Federal Credit Union. This merger also provided two locations to better serve the membership. In 2005, the Board purchased land at 1524 E. Houston Avenue in Crockett, Texas and 2601 S. John Redditt Drive in Lufkin, Texas. Both locations were selected to meet the needs of the membership. Staff moved to the new credit union facilities that same year. In August 2008, Jonathan P. Matthews was hired to be the credit union’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Matthews has over 30 years of credit union experience and was eager to work with the Board and staff

at SFCU to help them move forward and expand the services they offer. At that time, the credit union had $17 million in total assets and $8 million in total loans. In 2008, America experienced its worst economic downturn ever. During the first year, under the new CEO’s leadership, the credit union added the credit union website, began offering online banking services and rolled out new products and services to better meet the needs of its growing credit union family. In 2013, the credit union celebrated its 50th anniversary. As of December 31, 2013, SFCU has $30.1 million in total assets and just over $22 million in loans on the books! SFCU is everywhere you want us to be. Whether by phone, debit card, online or in person, SFCU is there for you offering a wide range of services to meet your financial needs. We are a community-based credit union and anyone who lives, works or worships in Angelina, Houston or Trinity County may join our growing credit union family and take advantage of the wide range of financial services we have to offer. You can access your account through our online banking services called “It’s Me 247”. Our online banking service has some cool features and benefits, such as e-alerts, e-notifications, e-statements, bill pay services, view checks that have cleared and even text alerts. Don’t have a computer or smart phone? We offer access to our online services through our ARU (audio response unit) we call CU*TALK. Just call our toll free number 24/7 to access

your account balance and to transfer funds. We offer real time debit cards. This means when you make a deposit, you have access to the funds right away. Make a purchase using your debit card and you can immediately see the funds have been deducted from your available balance. This makes it easier for you to keep track of spending so you don’t go over your available funds. To keep that from happening, you can apply for courtesy pay to cover the transaction, saving you from additional return fees from the merchant. Need a safe place to save your money? Check out our saving opportunities which include competitive rates on certificate of deposits, IRA accounts and IRA certificate of deposits. Need a loan for a vehicle, boat, travel trailer, motorcycle, RV, 4-wheeler or for that family vacation? We offer loans for almost anything you might need with competitive rates and terms to fit your budget! Not a member? Not a problem! Join today and find out for yourself how “People helping people really matters!” is not just a slogan but a core value in everything we do. Check us out at www.southlandfcu.com or stop by one of our two locations.

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IN THE NEWS

1. The Junior League of Lufkin is wrapping up another year of raising funds for Angelina County, and we are pleased to offer a portion of these funds to qualified organizations. For details and to download the application, please visit www.juniorleagueoflufkin.org/disbursements. 2. Memorial Medical Center—Luf kin joins the American Heart Association in the f ight against our nation’s number one killer, cardiovascular disease, by participating in National Wear Red Day.

3. Anderson Elementary students are learning the art of roller skating during their PE class for the next two weeks. A program called SkateTime of Dallas, Texas provides educators with the skates, safety gear and tools needed to get up and rolling. Left: Aby Goff, PE Teacher at Aderson Elementary, is thrilled to have the SkateTime program at the Anderson campus because it teaches students a lifetime sport. Right: Fourth grader at Anderson Elementary, Bayleigh Watson, gets ready to put on her rolling skates for her PE class. SkateTime is a program that brings roller skating into the schools for an extra special physical education experience. 4. The Angelina County Master Gardeners are having their Annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday April 4, 2014. It will be held at the Farmer’s Market on South Medford Dr in Luf kin, Texas from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. We will have all your favorite plants including annuals, natives, perennials, roses and much more. They are all suitable for our hot and dry summers. It is a perfect time to get plants to replace the old ones or for new flower beds in your yard, sun or shade. You will have a chance to visit with the master gardeners who will answer your gardening questions. Proceeds from the sale are used to support programs and projects for the community. Come have fun and try for a chance to win the raffle item. For more information, call (936) 634-6414.

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5. Woodland Heights Medical Center was recently recognized by the Attorney General of Texas. The birth certificate clerks in the Health Information Management (HIM) Department achieved the highest status, Exemplary status, for achieving 100% paternity acknowledgements for birth certificate completion in 2013. Pictured (L-R): Glennda Rinker, Health Information Management (HIM) Director along with HIM staff members Stacey Beaty, Jodie Seale, Cora Myers, Melissa Wells, Denise Massey, and Jessie Erb 6. Lufkin ISD has newly formed the Lufkin ISD Education Foundation which is a non-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors with Becca Chance at the helm. Mrs. Chance was voted as president of the organization along with the executive board at the Lufkin ISD Education Foundation’s first official board meeting. Photo: Maya Bethany on the left, consultant for Innovation Foundation, Becca Chance on the right, President of the Lufkin ISD Education Foundation.

7. The sixteenth annual Nacogdoches Azalea Trail will usher in springtime in East Texas March 1-31, 2014 with a mixed bouquet of mainstay favorites. For more information about Azalea Trail events or to schedule a group tour, call the CVB at 936-564-7351 or 888-OLDEST-TOWN, log onto www.nacogdochesazaleas.com, or be our friend on facebook @ Nacogdoches Azalea Trail.

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GIVING BACK

Women Building a Better Community

How Can I Help? Pick one below and head to our website at www.juniorleagueoflufkin.org for more information. • Shop at Spring Market, March 27-29, 2014 • Purchase a Big Raffle ticket • Become a Helping Hands sponsor • Contribute to the $20.14 campaign • Run in next year’s Sprint Into Spring Fun Run

hat do the Museum of East Texas, Project Celebration, and the large cat exhibit at Ellen Trout Zoo have in common? In addition to many others across Angelina County, these projects all began with a group of women seeing a need and working to fill that need in our community. The Junior League of Lufkin ( JLL) began over 60 years ago with dedicated women who wanted to make a positive difference in Angelina County. Today, with over 100 active members and nearly 250 sustaining members, the Junior League of Lufkin’s mission has not wavered. We are a group of women committed to meeting the needs in Angelina County, and we believe that through organized and strategic effort, we can improve our community while empowering women to develop leadership and organizational skills.

Students attend the evening programs with their family and after a light dinner, parents attend educational sessions while students work on homework or have fun with volunteers. Cher-ron McLaren, a parent that is attending this year’s Parent Academy at Burley Primary, commented, “The speakers for the past two sessions were informative and provided good learning tools for the parents. I have enjoyed the information and time with my girls.”

The Junior League of Lufkin has a rich history of positive change. Currently, JLL is focusing on the women and children in our community through various projects. The feedback from participants shows that we are making a difference! Angie Goodwin, who participated in the 3rd annual Back to School Bonanza, was in between jobs and worried about providing school supplies for her 7 year old daughter. “I couldn’t afford all of the supplies that she needed to start school,” says Angie. “Back to School Bonanza was a good opportunity for me to get some assistance. I’m thankful for the Junior League and I hope they continue the project, because it’s so helpful for parents that just don’t have the money to get everything for their kids.”

• Family Crisis Center of East Texas

Suzy Childers, a sustaining member of JLL, has a son who benefitted from the Vision Screening program conducted by JLL members at his elementary school. Suzy commented, “My son, Graham, participated in JLL’s vision screening in the 5th grade. We had no idea he had vision issues until the screening indicated that he needed to see an eye doctor. Getting those glasses did wonders for him! His grades soared, his confidence was boosted and today he’s an awesome middle-schooler. Thank you, Junior League of Lufkin!” Parent Academy is one of the Junior League of Lufkin’s newest projects and focuses on strengthening families at different elementary schools in the area.

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In addition to various community projects, the Junior League of Lufkin also disperses funds to a variety of organizations in Angelina County through its Community Disbursement program. For the 2013-2014 League year, the JLL awarded college scholarships to five area students and dispersed funds to the following organizations: • Concerned Black Men of Lufkin • Lufkin Adult Learning Center • Lufkin Community Partners • Museum of East Texas • Pregnancy Help Center • Volunteer Services Council at Lufkin State Supported Living Center

To continue our unique mission of empowering women through effective change in the community, the Junior League of Lufkin encourages the public to get involved in our projects and pick one or more ways to help. For more information on JLL and to keep up-to-date with all of the League’s happenings, the community can visit our website at www.juniorleagueoflufkin.org and like us on Facebook at Junior League of Lufkin.

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SOMETHING ABUNDANT

THE PLASTIC WATER JUG “Mom, can I try this on?” Consumed with sorting the bag full of colorful garments, surrounded by comfort and clean laundry scent, I turned and saw her holding up the lime green African dress I set aside. Innately, I almost shrugged her off like a blouse that doesn’t fit, because it actually probably wouldn’t fit her. But in a flash, I remembered playing dress-up in my own mother’s closet around her age. That transitional age when you need to learn how to wear a grown-up gown, dangle earrings, and high heels, then in the next moment shed them and skip back to a pony-themed bedroom to curl up with your assortment of stuffed animals. “Sure. Let me teach you how to tie the skirt.” For the next two hours we tried on the borrowed clothes our mission pastor’s wife wore while living among the Fulani in Niger, Africa. Mycah and I traded, twirled and snapped selfies.

“Mom, I’m going to miss you when you’re in Africa for two weeks.” Tears stung and no words seemed to f it the weighty moment. Then she reminded both of us, “But you have to go, or a whale will swallow you.” Her Jonah Jesusjuke made us both laugh. God led me with cords of human kindness, with ties of love, to teach Fulani women. Through the story of a sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with precious perfume, I pray they learn that women are important to our Savior and are deeply loved by the Father. Jesus said the story has gospel power (Matt. 26:13) and I must believe His word can unlock a f lood of His kingdom on the dusty plain. I will tell them the story of the alabaster jar, but in order for me to do that, I have to tell you the story of the plastic water jug. God sent it to me through a sixty-something year old man named Bill. Bill is retired from the military with a back-story few could stomach, but he loves the Lord. He hand-wrote a note and taped it to the front of an empty water jug. It reads, “DONATIONS FOR A NGIE NICHOLS. MISSIONARY TO AFRICA.” He carried the plastic water jug in his hands as he visited veteran’s hang-outs and events. He told other service men and women about this faceless “ANGIE NICHOLS” and her trip to Africa. He asked if they might make an offering to the cause of taking Jesus into all nations. After several weeks, the water jug was full.

Alone with the heavy plastic water jug and Jesus, I cut it open and watched as hundreds of coins spilled out. As I pulled out crumpled ones and f ives and tens and twenties, a knot caught in my throat and my chest squeezed in beautiful pain. Men and women, who know the walking out of greater love hath none than this, gave from their daily provision. I felt Jesus say, “They have done a beautiful thing to me.”

by Angie Nichols

AND THE ALABASTER JAR And I ask, “Lord, can I try this on?” This example of service, this title? “MISSIONARY TO AFRICA” fits me as awkwardly as the lime colored African dress fits my 10 year old daughter. I bet you can list some titles, too. He calls you blameless, holy, w ithout blem ish. He ca l ls you daughter, bride, beautiful. Do your God-given titles fit you awkwardly? His glory is always too much for our clay jars to hold. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Cor. 4:7) When a plastic water jug holds the glory of an alabaster jar, Love proves He ma kes a l l t hings beaut iful in its time. Let’s ask the Father, “Can I try this on? Can I wear it until I believe it? Can I run back to your comfort and shelter when I shrug it off ?” Oh, dear sisters, He prepares us. Everything He allows in your life is preparing you for the day you stand at the wedding – a bride beautifully dressed for her Husband with garments of salvation, a crown of splendor, pearls strung on a red cord of atonement, and the fragrance of Christ Himself. (Rev. 21:2, Is. 61:10, Is. 62:3, 2 Cor. 2:15)

Angie Nichols is the founder of Something Abundant Ministries, serving women through worship and Biblical teaching and the author of Something Abundant: growing from a child of God to the bride of Christ. Her passion is for women to know the beauty of an abundant life knowing Christ as Bridegroom. She is married to Chris and they have one daughter, Mycah. For more information, to read more or book speaking events, visit: somethingabundantministries.org tjmag.com • 35

sunless tanning maintenance

MAKEUP BOX

ot only am I a sunless tan technician, but I am an avid sunless tanner. Most Thursdays I will come home bronzed and ready for the weekend. Not only is sunless tanning much healthier, you can get an instant tan and be sun-kissed in hours with color that can last for several days. However, there are times when you need a small touch up but are miles away on a tropical beach or just stuck at the office one too many nights a week. I have been a sunless tanning expert for a few years and have experimented with many different products. My best advice is to choose your spray tan technician wisely. Experience is the key. Recommendations are a plus, too. Always remember you get what you pay for. Don’t skimp on the price, because you may be skimping on your tan.

These are my TOP 3 products that help preserve the life of my tan: 1. Victoria’s Secret Bronze: Instant Bronzing Tinted Body Spray: $15

2. Big Sexy Aerotan: $15 3. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs: $11

- Covers cracks and fading, similar to a leg makeup

Tips to prevent sunless tan fading: • Avoid using harsh soaps or loofah sponges while showering. Wash lightly with your hands. • Stay away from oils or lotions with mineral oil, these strip the tan of its color.

• Don’t exfoliate or use a toner on your face during the week you have your tan. • You may also apply a gradual face tan so that your face doesn’t become lighter than the rest of your body. Use a light gel or cream face wash.

• Maintain your tan by using a gradual tanning lotion to keep the tan growing darker.

• Just because you are sun-kissed with a sunless tan DOES NOT mean you are protected from the sun. Always wear your sunscreen to help prevent wrinkles and skin cancer.

Tips to prevent sunless tan mishaps: • Shave and exfoliate the night before, not right before because the pores in your skin are still open and will absorb more tan solution than needed. • Always have a clean face. • Always use a barrier cream on the tops and palms of your hands, tops and bottoms of feet and elbows. You may also add a barrier cream to your knees, however if the sunless tan artist is experienced, they should know how to avoid problems around the knee area.

Be Blessed Beauties,

Raegan Williamson

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FASHION

SPRING 2014 TRENDS blouse: $40, Liz Claiborne Button Front Dot Blouse, JCP shoe: $27.99, Salliana High Wedge Sling, Payless necklace: $33.99, Erica Lyons Statement Necklace, Belk’s dress: $34.94, Sleeveless Striped Dress, Old Navy

blouse: $22.99, Xhilaration Chiffon Wrap Top, Target pants: $24.99, Merona Rolled Ankle Skinny Jean, Target watch: $16.99, Xhilaration® Bracelet Watch in Mint, Target earrings: $49.00, Hannah Chandeliers, Stella & Dot

blouse: $30, Buffalo Colorblock Blouse, JCP dress: $29.94, Wrap Front Jersey Dress, Old Navy skirt: $34.99 , Peter Pilotto Black & White Print Skirt, Target bag: $29.99,Minicci Quincy Shopper, Payless shoe: $29.99, Fioni Krime Peep Toe Pump, Payless

blouse: $29.94, Floral Print Chiffon Blouse, Old Navy scarf: $16.99, Floral Infinity Scarf, Payless skirt: $22.99,Mossimo Scuba Skirt, Target pant: $29.99, Ambar Rose Print Twill Pant, Target dress: $29.99, Peter Pilotto Crisscross Dress, Target

stripes: $39.94, Ponte Knit Striped Blazer, Old Navy blue: $58, jcp Tipped Blazer, JCP white: $34.99, Mossimo Colorblock Blazer, Target

38 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

by Jessica Tinsley Bridges, Creator of jesslea.com

pring is almost here and the new spring trends are in full swing. I don’t know about you, but by March I’m dying to break out all my spring clothes and freshen up my closet with the latest trends. The new gorgeous spring 2014 fashion trends are fresh, feminine and will bring liveliness to any wardrobe.

NAVY Navy is just as slimming as black, a little more exciting than most neutral colors and it’s not as heavy as black or as drab as grey. It makes perfect sense that it will be a trendy classic color this spring.

PASTELS I have always loved the femininity of pastels and how they look so springy. This spring look for soft green (mint), lavender, pink, yellow, coral, peach, and light turquoise. To keep this trend from looking too juvenile, pair pastels with naturals like white pants. Pastels aren’t for everyone, but a little color never hurts. There are small ways you can make this trend work for you. Try adding a pastel statement necklace and earrings to your outfit.

BLACK & WHITE The black and white combo is one of the hottest trends this spring season. This color combo has been around for generations. Black & white is versatile, classy, timeless, universally flattering, and easy to wear. More than likely, this trend is already in your closet without even purchasing any new pieces. The easiest way to wear this combo is to use the black and white wardrobe staples you already own. You can pair a white top (bonus if it’s striped) with a black pencil skirt or accessorize a white dress with black pumps.

FLORAL PRINTS This season’s florals come in soft pastel colors and vibrant hues. Flowers radiate femininity, liveliness, and look so pretty. A floral top looks beautiful with a solid color bottom. If the floral pattern is more on the bright side, pair the top with darker pants, jeans or a skirt. If you are hesitant to try the floral trend, start by pairing a floral pump or scarf to your outfit.

BLAZERS The blazer is a super-chic fashion item that can be used to create a broad variety of looks. Blazers have a way of dressing up any outfit and making almost anything look pulled together and polished. My favorite way to wear a blazer is to pair it with jeans. To get this style right, you need to choose jeans that are fitted or skinny. If I’m going for a dressier look, I will add an embellished top under the blazer.

Jessica (Jess) is a 28-year old brunette born and raised in Lufkin. She is in love with fashion and wearing high heels, even though she’s 5’10’’. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a Fashion Merchandising degree. She and her husband live in Houston with their 2 dogs, Bella and Bentley. She is an assistant buyer for a department store in Houston, Texas. She has her own fashion blog, Jess Lea where she shares her love for fashion on a budget.

photo by The Silhouette Studio

tjmag.com • 39

40 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

STRETCH MARKS

PARENTING PREP FOR KNOW-IT-ALLS ou know those quiz zes that are so popular on Facebook right now: What ‘Friends’ character are you? (Chandler!)

What Southern belle are you? (Scarlett!) If you were a drink you’d be... (Sweet tea!) If you were a meat you’d be... (Hard salami!) Not that I do them or anything, but the other day one popped up and here was the question: How many children should you have? I had to take this test immediately. So right then, while driving down the loop with my kids hanging out the windows, I took this online quiz. (Oh, I’m kidding... or am I?) I knew my answer would be

five because one of my favorite shows is 7th Heaven, and I’ve always wanted a big family like that. Imagine my surprise - nay, horror! - when I found out I should only have ONE child! Y’all! I have TWO kids! This leads me to this month’s ar ticle in our yearly “Education” issue. Now, not one of the words written below is by yours truly, but oh how I wish it was. It was written by Colin Bowles and taken from his book, "The Beginner’s Guide to Fatherhood." I had to share it with you today because if there is one “education” I would like to give some of my childless friends, single friends, or “omg-we’re- gonna-be-parentsand-it’s-gonna-be-totes-presh-because-wealready-have-a-poodle-and-we-love-the-zoo” friends, it’s this one! Enjoy.

Test 1: Preparation

Test 3: Nights

Test 4: Dressing Small Children

Women: To prepare for pregnancy, put on a dressing gown and stick a beanbag down the front. Leave it there. After 9 months, remove 5 percent of the beans.

To discover how the nights will feel: Walk around the living room from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 6-10 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly.

Buy a live octopus and a string bag. Attempt to put the octopus into the string bag so that no arms hang out.

At 10:00 p.m., put the bag down; set the alarm for midnight and go to sleep.

Forget the BMW. Buy a practical fivedoor wagon.

Get up at 11 p.m. and walk the bag around the living room until 1:00 a.m.

Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.

Men: To prepare for children, go to a local chemist, tip the contents of your wallet onto the counter and tell the pharmacist to help himself. Go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head off ice. Go home. Pick up the newspaper and read it for the last time. Test 2: Knowledge Find a couple who are already parents and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels and how they have allowed their children to r un wild. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child’s sleeping habits, toi let tra ining, table manners and overall behavior. Enjoy it. It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.

42 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

Set the alarm for 3:00 a.m. As you can’t get back to sleep, get up at 2:00 a.m. and make a cup of tea. Go to bed at 2:45 a.m. Get up again at 3:00 a.m. when the alarm goes off. Sing songs in the dark until 4:00 a.m. Put the alarm on for 5:00 a.m. Get up when it goes off.

Time allowed: 5 minutes. Test 5: Cars

Get a coin. Insert it into the CD player. Take a box of chocolate cookies; mash them into the back seat. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. Test 6: Going for a Walk Wait. Go out the front door.

Make breakfast.

Come back in again.

Keep this up for five years. Look cheerful!

Go out.

by Melissa Radke

Come back in again.

Test 9: Feeding a 1-year-old

Test 12: Long Trips with Toddlers

Go out again.

Hollow out a melon.

Walk down the front path.

Make a small hole in the side.

Walk back up it.

Suspend the melon from the ceiling and swing it side to side.

Make a recording of someone shouting “Mommy!” repeatedly. Important Notes: No more than a 4 second delay between each “Mommy.” Include occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet.

Walk down it again. Walk very slowly down the road for five minutes

Now get a bowl of soggy cornflakes and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon while pretending to be an airplane.

Stop, inspect minutely and ask at least 6 questions about every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue and dead insect along the way.

Continue until half the cornflakes are gone.

Retrace your steps.

Test 10: TV

Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbors come out and stare at you.

Learn the names of every character from the Wiggles, Barney, Teletubbies and Disney.

Give up and go back into the house. You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.

Watch nothing else on television for at least five years.

Test 7: Conversations with Children Repeat everything you say at least five times. Test 8: Grocery Shopping Go to the local supermarket. Take with you the nearest thing you can find to a pre-school child -- a fully grown goat is excellent. If you intend to have more than one child, take more than one goat. Buy your weekly groceries without letting the goat(s) out of your sight. Pay for ever ything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Tip the rest into your lap, making sure that a lot of it falls on the f loor

Test 11: Mess

Play this tape in your car, everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler. Test 13: Conversations Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your shirt hem or shirt sleeve while playing the Mommy tape listed above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room. Test 14: Getting Ready for Work

Can you stand the mess children make?

Pick a day on which you have an important meeting.

To find out: Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.

Put on your finest work attire.

Hide a fish behind the stereo and leave it there all summer. Stick your fingers in the f lowerbeds and then rub them on clean walls. Cover the stains with crayon. How does that look? Empty every drawer/cupboard/storage box in your house onto the f loor and proceed with step 5. Drag random items from one room to another room and leave them there.

Take a cup of cream and put 1 cup of lemon juice in it. Stir. Dump half of it on your nice silk shirt. Saturate a towel with the other half of the mixture. Attempt to clean your shirt with the same saturated towel. Do not change (you have no time). Go directly to work.

You are now ready to have children. Enjoy!! And that, my lovelies, is an education. LOOK CHEERFUL! Melissa Radke is married to the best looking man in town, whom she affectionately refers to as The Attorney General. They have two children, Remi and Rocco; you have probably seen their picture in the Most Wanted list at your local schools. She loves movie popcorn, telling her friends what to do with their hair and being the center of attention. You can find her anytime at melissa@lufkin.org or Chik-fil-A. You are encouraged to ask for her autograph. In fact, she insists. tjmag.com • 43

FITNESS

Fitness in a Fast-Paced Schedule

s a mom of four, including three year old triplets, I understand the challenges of a busy schedule and the need to prioritize our opportunities for making healthy choices. Incorporating these ten tips into your day will increase balance, strength and heart health while having fun!

To learn more about us please visit http://www.brentfitness.net/ or text “Luf kin” to 22828. 1. Keep it clean! Your body is using calories for energy all day, every day. The food you choose should always be determined by your activity level for the next three hours. If your energy is low, get a boost from natural sugars like the ones found in fresh fruit or Agave syrup. For low activity, choose a snack that is higher in protein. One of my favorites is a ‘Protein Pudding!’ Mix 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder with seven ounces of plain Greek yogurt. You won’t risk an unhealthy food choice when you have a healthy snack option on hand. Don’t skip the fat! Avocado and Flax Seed are great examples of healthy fats.

This is also an appropriate exercise for children if they have a ball that meets their height and weight. *Tip: Remember to give your glutes an extra boost by pushing through your heels when you stand. 6. Push ups! Target your upper body with this easy move and you don’t even need to hit the floor! Angle your body by leaning slightly forward to place your hands on a steady surface. Slowly lower your body and use your arms to slowly push yourself back to starting position. If you are advanced, use a desk and repeat 20-25 times. Beginners use a wall and repeat 12 times. Both levels should complete 4 sets. To increase intensity, perform the exercise while making a diamond shape with your hands.

10 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR HEART HEALTH & BUILD DEFINITION WHILE IN THE CLASSROOM

2. Take a walk! Take advantage of your travel around campus! A brisk walk will improve heart health and burn calories. A lunge may take more time, but you’ll arrive at your destination with increased balance and a stronger core and legs. However, walking isn’t just for the legs! Carrying a weighted book by crossing it under your arms and holding it close to your chest will increase intensity and balance. If dumbbells aren’t ideal for your classroom, hold an object that weighs 3-5 lbs in each hand and perform a bicep curl while you walk. 3. Games! Use games to sneak in a fun cardio session! You will strengthen the bond with your kids and you won’t even realize you’re working out! Simon Says, Red Light-Green Light and Tag are all fun ideas that will secretly burn calories while you’re having fun! Your class may even want to create a game of their own! 4. Squats! Our motto is “Making Fitness Fun,” and we are here to help redeem the squat’s unwanted reputation! You may not even realize how much you squat throughout the day. Instead of performing this exercise with reps and sets, make a conscious effort to squat throughout the day. No more bending at the waist, strengthen your legs and add a boost to your bum by squatting to pick up books, toys, a toddler, etc. You will find yourself with stronger legs and abdominals in just a few weeks. 5. Have a ball! Struggling with finding the fun in exercise? Grab a ball! Increase balance and stability by choosing an exercise ball appropriate for your height in place of a chair.

7. Take a seat! Forget about your grandma’s chair aerobics! You’re ready to lift those glutes before summer! Take a wide stance across the seat of your chair with your toes pointed slightly outward. Step 1: Before you allow yourself to sit, hold a squat position for 3-5 seconds. Step 2: Push through your heels to stand. Beginners repeat 10-12 times – Advanced repeat 20 times for 4 sets

8. Dips! This is one of the easiest toning exercises to sneak in during the day. Stabilize yourself for dips using your desk or a chair. Beginners start with your feet on the ground and your knees bent. Advanced extend your legs in front of your body with your toes pointed upward. Mentally focus on your tricep muscles, asking your arms to do the work, not your legs. Beginners repeat 10-12 times. Advanced repeat 15-20 times. Complete 4 sets. 9. Get creative! Do you use songs to teach? A little wiggle and bounce won’t only boost your calorie burn for the day, but it’s sure to help your class with music memorization and learning! 10. Have fun! Choosing activities that you enjoy are key to maintaining routine exercise. If you love it, chances are you will want to continue! Thayleigh Brent is a wife and mom of 4, including three year old triplets. Her experience in the fitness industry ranges from professional trainer and instructor to elite athlete. She is an NPC Bikini Fitness competitor and she competes in multi-sport events, open water swims, triathlons and various other fitness competitions. Thayleigh is the owner of Brent Fitness, LLC and holds a Personal Training Certification from the International Sports Science Association (ISSA), a Group Fitness Instructor Certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and an Aquatic Fitness Certification from the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). She is a licensed ZIN member and holds both Zumba Fitness® and Zumbini™ licenses. She is also a licensed Masala Bhangra Workout instructor.

tjmag.com â&#x20AC;˘ 45

SCHOOL

LEGEND ACCREDITED  Yes  No PRIVATE PROGRAM  Yes  No

SPECIAL SUBJECTS  After School Creative Care  Archery  Art  Chapel  Computers L Latin ♪ Music PE Physical Education S Spanish  Sports VE Vocabulary Enrichment

MOTHER’S DAY OUT PROGRAMS 1. Calvary Baptist Church Director: Alicia Whitehead 3732 NE Stallings Nacogdoches, TX 936-564-4539 T/TH; 8am - 2:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years 2. Carpenters Kids Carpenters Way Baptist Church Director: Jennifer Tompkins 400 North John Redditt Lufkin, TX 936-632-6599 www.cwbc.org T/TH; 9am - 2:30pm Ages: 6 months - 4 years

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3. First Christian Director: Patsy Allen 1300 South First Lufkin, TX 75901 936-634-9698 M-F, 7:20am - 5:30pm Ages: 8 weeks - 5 years After School Care for K-5th Grade

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4. SFA Early Childhood Lab Director: Lori Harkness 936-468-4006 www.sfasu.edu/echl M-F; 7:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years Kindergarten - 5th Grade after school until 5:30pm

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5. Sonshine School North Street Church of Christ Director: Susan Bentley 3914 North Street Nacogdoches, TX 75965 936-560-1016 email: susan.sonshineschool@gmail.com M-F, MWF, T/TH Ages: 1 year - Pre-K

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6. Wee Care First Baptist Church Director: Shauna Pittman 106 East Bremond Lufkin, TX 75901 936-634-3386 T/TH Ages: 2 years - 4 years

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SCHOOLS 1. Christ Episcopal School Head of School: Audrey Russell 1428 North Mount Street Nacogdoches, TX 75961 936-564-0621 www.ces-nac.org Voted Best of Nacogdoches Private School 7:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 3 years - 6th Grade

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2. Crimson Christian Academy Administrator: Susan Hubbard 1615 Tulane Drive Lufkin, TX 75901 936-639-1222 www.crimsonchristian.com M-F Ages: 6th Grade - 12th Grade

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3. First United Methodist Director: Betsy Bales 201 East Hospital Street Nacogdoches, TX 75961 936-560-4631 www.fumcnac.org M-F, MWF, T/TH; 7:15am - 5:15pm Ages: 1 year - 5 years

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4. Fredonia Hill Baptist Principal: Mrs. Peggy Fedun 1711 South Street Nacogdoches, TX 75964 936-564-4472 www.fhbacademy.com Extended After School for our students Ages: Pre-K 3 - 7th Grade

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 for 7th Grade 46 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

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5. Lufkin ISD DUAL Language Director: Sylvia Eubanks 936-630-4290 seubanks@lufkinisd.org Ages: Kindergarten - 12th Grade

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Lufkin ISD Gifted and Talented Director: Betty Harrison 936-630-4254 Ages: Kindergarten - 12th Grade

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My Growing Place Director: Debbie Denby 805 East Denman Avenue Lufkin, TX 936-639-6884 www.lufkinfirst.com/mygrowingplace.htm M-F; 7:30am - 5:30pm Ages: 2 months - 4 years

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Nacogdoches Christian Academy Director: Donna Baker 211 SE Stallings Nacogdoches, TX 936-462-1021 www.nacchristian.com Ages: Pre-K3 - 8th Grade

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9. Regents Academy Headmaster: David Bryant 200 NE Stallings Nacogdoches, TX 75961 936-559-7343 www.regentsacademy.com Ages: 4 years - 12th Grade

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10. St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School Head of School: Mr. Brinn Williford 1115 South John Redditt Lufkin, TX 75904 936-632-1720 www.saintcyprians.org Become a fan of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School on facebook. Ages: 3 years - 5th Grade

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HOME SCHOOL 1. Kingdom Builders Home School Co-Op Dyna Zbylot 936.240.6404 dzbylot@yahoo.com Denman Avenue Baptist Church T/H, 8:15am - 3:05pm Ages: Kindergarten - 12th Grade

SCHOOL/MDO LISTINGS

DIRECTORY

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11. St. Patrick Catholic School Administrator: Jim Menz 2116 Lowry Street Lufkin, TX 75901 936-634-6719 www.stpatricklufkin.com Visit us on Facebook! M-F, 7:15am - 5:30pm Ages: 3 years - 8th Grade

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CHARTER SCHOOLS 1. Pineywoods Community Academy Paramus Early College HighSchool Director: Bruce Marchand ECHS Principal: Merilyn Session Secondary Principal: Monica Gunter Elementary Assistant Principal: Delbert Murphy 602 South Raguet Lufkin, TX 75904 (936)634-5515 www.pineywoodsacademy.org Ages: Pre-K 4 - 12th Grade

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2. SFA Charter School Principal: Lysa Hagan 936-468-5899 www.sfasu.edu/charter_school M-F, 7:30am - 3pm Ages: Kindergarten - 5th Grade

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PE tjmag.com • 47

INSPIRING WOMAN

by Melissa Crager

DENISE CLIFTON n just seconds, Denise Clifton’s life turned upside down. A vibrant educator, basketball fanatic and mother of three heard the word no one wants to hear – cancer – only hours after suffering a stroke.

Denise, a native East Texan and graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, is known for her sweet spirit and the loving relationship she shares with her husband David and three sons, 20-year-old Hunter, 17-year-old Grant and 13-year-old Ty.

On January 14, the Central Junior High teacher was taken to Nacogdoches Medical Center where physicians discovered a blood clot on the right side of her brain that had caused a stroke.

“She is always with her boys,” said Robertson. “You should hear how her husband and kids talk about her. They adore her. She has such an amazing spirit.”

After starting medication to dissolve the clot, the Clifton family was rocked by another medical revelation. Test results from a previous culture showed Denise, 44, had a rare form of lung cancer, called Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma. The morning after the stroke, she was taken to Memorial Hermann in Houston where surgeons performed a major procedure to relieve the swelling on her brain. She regained feeling and movement in her left leg, as well as minimal feeling in her left arm. Denise, surrounded by her family, remained in Houston for weeks struggling against the disease overtaking her body. The 8th grade English Language Arts teacher’s medical complications brought on a host of words the family never dreamed of hearing: limited movement, surgery, rehabilitation, and finally, no cure, and ultimately, hospice.

T-shirts supporting the Clifton family are on sale for $10 up to X-Large and $12 for 2XL and larger. Proceeds go toward medical bills. Anyone interested can call or text 936-635-8907 with name and order or call The Sign Shop Too at 936-634-0412.

48 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

After a month of f ighting in Houston hospitals, Denise came home to East Texas. However, throughout this devastating experience, other, more powerful words have been spoken: love, prayer, strength and courage. “Here is this person so full of life,” family friend Jeana Robertson said. “She is so very young, and I think that’s the hardest part. We don’t understand why or how this could happen to her.”

Family friend Jaimie Carson said, “Denise is very easy going, and she never stresses about anything. She has a huge heart, and she has touched so many lives.” As an advocate in the classroom for the past 22 years – 16 years at Wells ISD and 8 years at Central ISD – Denise is known for her passion for education and commitment to her students. “Mrs. Clifton is the teacher that all the kids go to for support,” CJH Principal Kris Whisenant said. “She is like a surrogate mother to them because she is very sympathetic to the struggles in their lives. She has created a level of comfort that makes her students able to thrive. She is an outstanding teacher.” Robertson said, “Denise is the kind of person who would go out of her way for her students. Her husband David told me they would buy coats, clothes, even Christmas for her students that were in need. She is so full of life, love and loyalty.” And just as she did every day in her classroom for more than two decades, now Denise is teaching her community a valuable lesson – one of unity in times of difficulty. As a fan of the Central Bulldogs basketball team, Denise never missed a game her boys played. During one game this season, the Central and Hudson High School basketball teams put competition aside to join hands and pray at mid-court. Her favorite team gathered again in prayer at the Central v. Diboll High School game earlier this year.

Following her diagnosis, the “Pray for Denise Clifton” Facebook page was started to keep others at home updated on her condition.

Get well cards from her students adorned the walls of her otherwise stark hospital room, and students from neighboring Wells ISD posted pictures on Facebook proclaiming, “We love you, Mrs. Clifton.”

Words of encouragement like “Keep fighting,” “You’ve got this, now rebound!” and “You can get through this. God will give you the strength,” fill the page that is more than 2,000 members strong.

Local business, AAA Trophy, donated 50 percent of its school spirit shirt proceeds to help with Denise’s surmounting medical bills, while encouraging the town to “Go Kelly Green” in January.

“The best thing we can do for them right now is pray, but we also need to show them all the love, care and support they deserve,” said Robertson.

A community united around the teacher they respect and the woman they love.

SCHOOL FEATURES

PINEYWOODS COMMUNITY ACADEMY Pineywoods Academy is a college preparatory charter school with an average student to teacher ratio of 16:1.

ineywoods Community Academy is a PreK-12th grade public charter school funded by the state of Texas. Enrollment is open to all students in Angelina County and the surrounding area based on space available at each grade level. PCA’s high school, PARAMUS ECHS, is in its fourth year of designation as an Early College High School by the Texas Education Agency. This means that PCA students can begin taking dual credit classes at Angelina College beginning in 9th grade, which is earlier than students can begin taking college classes at a traditional high school. PARAMUS students earn high school credit while taking college classes, and can earn up to 60 college hours and an Associates degree from Angelina College. The PCA Way fits perfectly into the new House Bill 5 graduation requirements for incoming 9th grade students, and PARAMUS students will be able to earn any one of the five HB 5 endorsements offered by the state. In addition, students can participate in vocational certificate programs at Angelina College including welding, diesel mechanics, child care, as well as LVN and RN programs. PCA also has contracted with the Lufkin Academy of Hair Design to offer interested students the opportunity to earn their Beautician’s licensure upon graduation from high school.

ineywoods students at all grades are taught a rigorous curriculum that goes above and beyond the statemandated TEKS standards. In addition to advanced academics, students at Pineywoods have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of enrichment and extracurricular activities. At the elementary grades, students can participate in UIL Academics, Destination Imagination, Mini-Cheer, and Robotics, while at the junior high level in addition to these activities students can participate in basketball, track, and choir. Junior high students can also participate in sub-varsity cheer and be part of our awardwinning Wolfette Drill Team. High school students can participate in UIL District 23A athletics including basketball, cross-country, track, tennis, and golf. Academic competitions including Destination Imagination, UIL Academics, and Robotics are available for high school students as well as UIL One-Act Play, art competitions, and UIL choral solo and ensemble. PCA’s high school performance choir, PARAMUS Dechorus, was a 2013 sweepstakes winner in the district 17 UIL choir competition and was a featured choir at the Branson Choral Festival last May.

SCHOOL FEATURES

St. Cyprian's Episcopal School

ith his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul reminds us to think about what ever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. For nearly 60 years, the faculty at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School has cherished the golden opportunity to educate children and nurture their spirits. We recognize that each day is full of opportunities to share the joy of learning, spark lifelong passions and to instill character to last a life time.

Our mission is the heart of everything we do. We have high expectations for our students, through a nurturing and rigorous program, we remain committed to supporting them through their journey. Voted best private school in Lufkin, St. Cyprian’s prepares your child for success with a strong combination of academic development and creative expressions. St. Cyprian’s challenges students to achieve their highest academic, spiritual and physical potential in a Christian setting. In addition to the core academic subjects, St. Cyprian’s offers computer/technology, art, music, Spanish, archery and chapel. Here are just a few of the many reasons to join the St. Cyprian’s Community.

Spiritual Growth Our children are learning that faith is an active endeavor. The mission of St. Cyprians Episcopal School is to provide the academic, spiritual, emotional and physical development for our students in a Christian setting. ~Ron and Michelle Haney

A School/Family Partnership You will love St. Cyprian’s because there are so many opportunities to get involved. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and family friends are welcome to the St. Cyprian’s Community for a variety of events including Dynamic Dad Reading Night, Grandparent’s Day and Destination Imagination. ~The Minguez Family

Our Students Become Leaders Parents love St. Cyprian’s because our students receive excellent leadership training. From public speaking to serving others, our students learn and apply honesty, humility and faithfulness to their everyday lives. ~ Janee Tatum

We believe a strong partnership between parents and the school is vital to a student’s success. Call today for a personalized tour. 632-1720

52 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

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SUPERINTENDENTS Gary Lee Martel Superintendent, Diboll ISD

Mary Ann Whiteker Superintendent, Hudson ISD

Allen Garner Superintendent, Central ISD

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney Superintendent, Luf kin ISD

David W. Flowers Superintendent, Zavalla ISD

28 years as an educator, 6 years as superintendent

41 years as an educator, 19 years as superintendent

22 years as an educator, 12 years as superintendent

16 years as an educator, 6 years as superintendent

19 years as an educator, 6 years as superintendent

“I want to be known as a hard working Christian man that served his community with integrity and honesty, someone that people can count on. I have a list of things we have done in the district, but what is more important is I know it is better than when I stepped into the job, and I look forward to making it better over the next few years. If you wake up each day trying to make things better in all you do, I believe you have lived a full life.”

“The vision we developed as a district continues to move the district forward, transforming a 20th century education system to one that is preparing students for the 21st century and beyond.”

“I’m part of an outstanding team at Central ISD. Our team has accomplished a great deal from a successful bond program, building new facilities, financial integrity, and improving student performance for all kids. God has blessed me with an incredible team focused on doing what’s best for kids, and I am thankful.”

“We commit to be a premier school district where our teachers are the best paid and our students are the best prepared.”

“My personal goals are to build positive relationships, have a safe school, be efficient with district monies, improve instruction and academic performance, strengthen community relations, and renew the heart and courage of teachers.”

Not Pictured: Maria Betancourt-Smith, PhD Assistant Superintendent, Huntington ISD 35 years as an educator, 8 years as assistant superintendent

“I believe that education is a calling. Those who are called are passionate about what they do as they strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those whom they serve. I hope that my legacy will be to have made a positive difference in the lives of students and in the lives of their teachers, counselors and campus administrators. I

hope that as a result of my efforts students develop knowledge and skills that build on their varied talents, interests and abilities so that they become lifelong learners ready to meet the demands of the 21st century, who are happy and productive citizens, and who participate in our democracy.”

Education in East Texas

A STEP ABOVE THE REST

amilies in East Texas are blessed with school districts that are comprised of dedicated educators who have a common goal, to help students reach their full potential and become productive members of their community. As we heard from 6 superintendents in Angelina County, the common priority for each district is college and career readiness.

school; therefore, I have a deep appreciation of the influence of positive, supportive relationships.” She adds, “These benefits are not found in a larger city.” Many schools are bringing in business leaders that are tailored to the interests of specific students. Huntington ISD offers mentoring programs specific to a student’s career focus. Mr. Martel reminds us, “As always, stay involved. Ask questions and be a part of the solution.”

Education is constantly changing, but Angelina county superintendents are determined to stay a step ahead and keep their schools moving forward. According to Dr. Goffney, “We are very fortunate to live in a state that has high standards for all students.” Each district is working to ensure each of their students is reaching those standards, regardless of their different challenges. Mrs. Whiteker states, “There are increased expectations and learning standards for all students with specialized academic programs that target individual needs of students.” Over the years, Texas schools have seen many positive changes. Dr. Garner says, “During my experiences in several successful districts, we have seen significant improvement in student performance, graduation rates and college testing.”

With each community and district working together, East Texas students are poised for success. Mr. Flowers says, “Our students are growing up in the most caring and giving county in the country.” The close proximity to Angelina College is also a great benefit to all schools. Dr. Betancourt-Smith explains, “Students have access to complete college courses while in high school.” Dr. Garner adds, “Central has a wonderful partnership with Angelina College where many students participate in dual credit earning over 900 hours with a district investment of $110,000.”

If you were to ask a group of parents to name their number one complaint with today’s education system, it would most likely be the excessive amount of standardized testing. According to these superintendents, things are beginning to change. David Flowers explains, “The emphasis is finally moving away from standardized testing and career readiness is gaining traction.” All districts noted increased attention on meeting individual student needs to prepare them for their future after high school, whether they will attend college or begin a vocational trade. Schools are realizing that in order to prepare their students to enter the workforce, they have to realize that “work place” will look different for each student. Gary Martel adds, “Education is changing in so many ways and we have to embrace this change and plan accordingly.” Local schools have strong partners in making sure their students are successful. Each of the county superintendents credit local businesses and community members for coming alongside the schools and creating well-rounded students. Each district encourages community members to put their time and talents to use in the local schools. Mrs. Whiteker describes, “I am a product of a small

House Bill 5 has been a hot button issue among Texas Educators. Local superintendents are positive about the change and excited about the different pathways being offered that will help students realize their goals. Each district is working on deciding what these changes mean for them, but each one is certain the future outcomes will be better for students. Dr. Goffney explains, “Lufkin ISD is excited about the opportunities that HB5 allows, which includes expanding our college and career ready initiative. We will be able to offer students option in all 5 pathways proposed by HB5.” Dr. Garner says, “We want all students to have the opportunity for postsecondary training and education. Some students will choose to attend college; still others will decide to train to become plumbers, diesel mechanics or licensed vocational nurses. The workforce needs highly trained and skilled young people prepared for their future.” These superintendents are quick to point out that the success of their schools can be clearly traced to the excellence in teaching found in their district’s classrooms. Teachers do make the difference. More than ever, they are going above and beyond the normal call of duty. It is no different for the school leadership. Each of these superintendents carries a heavy weight upon their shoulders. Every day, they are working to ensure that their students thrive in a classroom today in order to reach their full potential for tomorrow’s future. tjmag.com • 55

DRUG FREE

ALL STARS

he Drug Free All Stars are high school seniors from the six Angelina County High Schools who exemplify a commitment to a drug, alcohol and tobacco free lifestyle. They will be active during this school year as they volunteer their time in the community. The Drug Free All Star program is coordinated by The Coalition. Maci Herrington, Special Projects Coordinator for The Coalition, organizes the program. To become an All Star the youth must turn in an application and have two recommendations from teachers, bosses or other adults with whom they have had a professional relationship. The applications are reviewed and then the youth are called in individually for a short interview. They can be interviewed by a board member or Maci. The staff and board make the final decisions and the youth are notified. The ones who are chosen are contacted and the year begins. They go through training to ensure they are prepared to talk to media as well as the public about the issues they stand firm on. They are called on throughout the year to be volunteers and role models in the community to show others what it really means to live a drug, alcohol and tobacco free lifestyle.

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

M cDONALD'S

& SOUTHERN CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE 2013-2014 Drug Free All Stars Emily Avriett Central High School

Alejandra Gaitan Diboll High School

Jace Bolen Central High School

Reagan Hurley Diboll High School

Jonah Gergen Central High School

Sarah Smith Diboll High School

Karina Jacobo Central High School

Omar Solis Diboll High School

Kallie Wisener Crimson Christian Academy

Kaylenn Baker Hudson High School

Tyler Allen Diboll High School

Bethany Baldwin Hudson High School

Aaron Bess Diboll High School

Blake Bufkin Hudson High School

Maci Herrington, Special Project Coordinatorâ&#x20AC; photo by Delaney Harbuck of Harbuck and Co.

Ashley Davis Hudson High School

Rachel Davis Huntington High School

Ashlyn Coleman Lufkin High School

Mitchell England Hudson High School

Lauren Flournoy Huntington High School

Cheyenne Garcia Lufkin High School

Cady Fuller Hudson High School

Jessica Gillespie Huntington High School

Tanner Kassaw Lufkin High School

Blaire Lankford Hudson High School

Jordan Golden Huntington High School

Caitlyn Lindsey Lufkin High School

Karina Medina Hudson High School

Allison Haney Huntington High School

Cristyn Nichols Lufkin High School

Chandler Merrell Hudson High School

Logan Nerren Huntington High School

Reagan Sheffield Lufkin High School

Alyssa New Hudson High School

Ashlyn Reece Huntington High School

Sydney Sheffield Lufkin High School

Ashley Nichols Hudson High School

Kourtni Sanderson Huntington High School

Madi Stephens Lufkin High School

Jill Picou Hudson High School

Linzey Vaughn Huntington High School

Anchal Thomas Lufkin High School

Katy Ratcliff Hudson High School

Samantha Wafer Huntington High School

Breaunna Trotty Lufkin High School

Sarah Sanders Hudson High School

Erica Wright Huntington High School

Taylor Williams Zavalla High School

MEAN KIDS

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS MEAN TO YOUR CHILD

his sounds neither motherly nor Christiany, but here’s the deal: I hate mean kids. I do. I hate them. I want to gather them all up by the nape of the neck and flick them in the head, one by one. And then I want to lock them all up in a room, so they can leave my children alone and, instead, live out the rest of their days being mean to each other with sore neck napes. But, that would be wrong and bad. And also, illegal. And not at all like Jesus. The other night my 12-year-old walked off the basketball court with his head hanging low because a mean kid on his team was mocking him. “Every time I complimented someone on my team or said, ‘Nice shot,’ this kid imitated me and laughed at me. He just kept doing it even when I asked him to stop. I don’t understand why kids always make fun of me. Sometimes I just feel like the whole world hates me.”

I don’t normally confront other children. In fact, I can’t recall a time when I ever have. But this incident made me angry and before I knew it, I was marching up to Mean Kid to give him a talking-to. I calmly (kinda) approached Mean Kid and said, “Hey. I want you to be careful how you talk to my son and your teammates or I’ll be talking to Coach and your parents about it.” (Oooooh…SCARY! Clearly, I hadn’t planned out my threat. It all happened in less than 3 minutes. I mean, as an adult, what exactly do you say to frighten the crap out of a Mean Kid–that is legal and moral? I’m gonna flick you in the head and lock you in a room???) Mean Kid immediately straightened up and said, “Sorry, Ma’am.” And then, after what looked like a talking to from his father, he approached me a few minutes later and said, “I’m sorry again, Ma’am. Oh, you BETTER call me Ma’am, Mean Kid.

One Mean Kid can make him feel like the whole world hates him. Mean Kids carry a lot of power. (Cruel irony: I signed Elijah up for this team to help him gain self-confidence and make friends.)

I guess I did scare him, after all. Then I searched the gym for my deflated and defeated son to put my arm around his shoulder and tell him I got in Mean Kid’s face and Mean Kid apologized.

Then Elijah leaned into me and said, “Thanks. I’m so glad I have a Mom who sticks up for me.” Oh, yes, you do, Elijah. Yes. You. Do. (Once a kid down the street picked a physical fight with Elijah—even pushing him and grabbing him around the neck. And Elijah threatened him with, “Oh, you just wait, I’m gonna tell my mom. And she does P90X!”) (True story.) (I don’t know if he thought I might actually go pummel this kid, or maybe challenge his mom to a push-up contest, or what.) I know I won’t always be there to save my children from Mean Kids. In fact, the older they get, the less I’m there. The older they get, the more subtle the meanness gets. The older they get, the less likely they are to come to me. The older they get, the more likely the constant taunting will shape how my kids see themselves. Since I can’t lock all the Mean Kids in a room, the best thing I can do is equip my children to handle the Mean Kids themselves. The next morning at breakfast, I seized the teachable moment and gave Elijah a Life Talk. I said, “Here are a few things I want you to know today: There will always be mean people. There will always be people who don’t like you. Some people don’t like me. Some people don’t like Dad. It’s just the way it is. Jesus lived a perfect life—Like, He made NO MISTAKES and said NOTHING STUPID, EVER. But people hated Him, still. You can’t change that. All you can do is equip yourself to deal with hate in a healthy, productive way. But that voice in your head that says, “Sometimes I feel like the whole world hates me”? That’s Satan. And that’s a lie. Not everyone hates you. There are way more people who love you than people who don’t. Kids are mean for a reason. Sometimes, it’s because it makes them feel strong. Sometimes, they are going along with the crowd to be accepted. Sometimes, it’s because no one ever told them it was wrong to treat people that way. Sometimes, it’s because someone has been mean to them. But almost NEVER is it because of you. Don’t ever define yourself based on the opinion of the Mean Kid.

You should always tell an adult when someone is mean to you. Tell your coach, tell your teacher, tell me. Whether it’s mild, like at basketball practice, or major, like constant taunting and bullying, tell someone. A trusted adult will be able to tell the difference between the two and help put an end to it before it goes too far. And just FYI, I will ALWAYS be on your side. Don’t be afraid to call the bully out. Kids who privately mock you behind a coach’s back are cowards. It’s okay to say, “Hey, stop it. We’re teammates and that’s not cool.” Say it loud enough for Coach to hear you. Shining light on darkness makes darkness go away.” Then I leaned across the kitchen counter, looked him in the eyes and said, “If you hear anything I say today, hear this, Elijah. It’s the most important thing I’m telling you: Don’t EVER be the Mean Kid. Ever. And when you see another kid getting picked on, for the love of all that is right and good, go rescue that kid. Go put your arm on that kid’s shoulder and tell him you are on his side. Then go up to the Mean Kid and say, “Stop it.” Some kids may be getting picked on at school AND at home. Some kids might have parents who abuse, verbally and physically. They may not have a mom and dad who love them and empower them to deal with bullies. You could change his life if you stick up for him, Elijah. You might be the only one who sticks up for him! Be THAT kid. Be the one who sees the hurting, downcast kid and RESCUES him. That makes you just like Jesus. Finally, remember what the Bible says about sowing and reaping. If you sow encouragement, peace, strength and protection in your relationships, you will reap the exact things. You will find yourself surrounded by others doing the same to you and for you. You will attract friends who value the same things you do. God will see to it. God is on your side, son.” Elijah’s countenance changed. I could see hope in his eyes. Hope that he had power to handle future Mean Kids. Hope that maybe he could change the life of a hurting child by simply sticking up for him. And hope that if this kid messed with him at the next practice, I would go all P90X on him. Whatever that means.

This article was included with permission from Sandy Cooper, author of the blog, "The Scoop on Balance." To read more, visit http://www.thescooponbalance.com/ tjmag.com • 59

PLACES & FACES

Brookshire Brothers Charitable Foundation Presentation

60 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

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PRETTY BABIES

3 4

6 1. Madison Jane Dwire & Addison Mae Dwire. 11/8/13. Proud Parents: Alisha & Christopher Dwire. Proud Grandparents: Howard & Melinda Thompson / Rickey Sessum / Chris & Yolanda Dwire. 2. Braylee Lynn Lowery. 5/28/9. 3. Kasen Chad Mills. 9/11/13. Proud Parents: Caleb & Kristen Mills. Proud Grandparents: Roger & Rhonda Mills / Von & Kelly Jones. 4. Hadley Lynn Nerren. 11/30/13. Proud Parents: Henry & Jami Nerren (Huntington, TX). 5. Vivienne Noelle Polk. 11/25/13. Proud Parents: Jonathan & Anna Polk (Nacogdoches, TX). Photo by Creative Photography. 6. Eli Isaac Raines. 5/14/13. Proud Parents: Robert & Melissa Raines. Proud Grandparents: Cindy Raines / Mark & Dove Rodrigues / Anna Beck.

E-mail Pretty Babies submissions to prettybabies@tjmag.com. Please include the information seen above. Submissions are free of charge.

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THE CREATIVE MOM

by Shanna Crew

Floors: From Drab to Fab

I’m also using this technique for the floors in my husband’s law office. We are currently remodeling and wanted it to look like we pulled away the ancient carpet and found art-deco style murals underneath.

o you have a wood f loor that’s in distress?

The carpet in our son’s room was a bit icky when we bought the house, so we had planned on eventually replacing it. Fast forward two years and it still remained on the to-do list. Then, an accident involving Nerf guns, a can of paint, and 5 wild boys bumped that project up on our list of priorities. When you peel away flooring, especially in older homes like ours, you hope for that HGTV moment where beautiful hardwoods are revealed underneath. Alas, this was no Cinderella tale. Underneath the grimy boy-germ/paint encrusted carpet was a giant piece of plywood where water damage (from a tree that fell victim of hurricane Ike) had caused the previous owner to hastily repair the wood floor. Since this was a ‘kid room’ I really didn’t want to put down more carpeting, and I also didn’t want to spring for new wood floors. I needed a finish that could withstand my active first grader without me having to stress over keeping it nice. So, like everything else in our house, I painted it. Weston is fascinated with British culture and especially loves the Union Jack. I tried to talk him into all kinds of fun designs: roads for his cars, a map to pirate treasure, a compass Rose, solar system, or monogram and stripes! However, he was sold on the British Flag. To prep the floor, I

swept and lightly sanded down any rough spots. Normally you would thoroughly sand and prime an area before painting, but since it’s going to be ‘distressed’ you can embrace the imperfections. The carpet had been glued down, so there were no tack strips to remove. If you do have to remove tack strips, you can fill any holes left behind with wood putty. I taped out and painted my design with a very thin coat of paint. You could use a projector on a ladder or grid out a design if you aren’t sure of your drawing skills. I let quite a bit of wood show through in several areas. Once that was dry, I sanded the entire floor with a palm sander and 60 grit paper, making sure the grain showed through in places. The dust from sanding was swept up and the floor mopped with a damp rag. Then I hand rubbed a dark stain with polyurethane using sections of an old towel, concentrating on the edges for a darker effect. Since the stain is going over paint, it will not soak in as well. This takes a lot longer to dry, so be prepared to have tacky floors for a few days. It has been four months and the floor has held up great, despite many spills, scrapes, scrubbings and general daily abuse.

Shanna Crew left her job training astronauts at NASA to become a full time artist and mom. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeremy, who is a local attorney and co-founder of Big Thicket Brewery---Lufkin’s first craft brewery. They have 3 children: Devon, Weston, and Evangeline.

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by Jason Soule

A CHILD'S HEART

TRAIN UP YOUR CHILD

ou may not know this about me, but I was a teacher for eight years and a principal for three. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in school leadership, and a lot of philosophies about educating kids. I have instructed hundreds of children on dozens of topics and counseled many parents who were at their wits-end on how to positively shape their child’s future.

That is the bottom line for parents isn’t it? We want to help our children grow to be successful. We want to give them knowledge and training that will allow them to make the most of the opportunities that come their way. On top of that, we want to fill their lives with diverse activities that will shape them into a capable leader, but in our efforts to build well rounded human beings, we can easily forget that our values are the sum of our choices. We are often too quick to rely on our own intuition about raising our kids. As a result, pride and ambition overrides common sense and we unwittingly begin teaching our children to value vices instead of virtues. Are you mistakenly teaching your child to value things that will hurt him? See for yourself.

You may be teaching the vice of pride if: • Winning is more important than competing with honor. • Doing things right is more important than learning from mistakes. You may be teaching the vice of laziness if: • Defending your child is more important than holding them accountable. • Providing for your child is more important than expecting them to take initiative. You may be teaching the vice of envy if: • Excusing your child for their incapability is more common than encouraging their talents. • You teach them that “the successful are lucky,” instead of expecting them to work hard for what they want. You may be teaching the vice of lust if: • Glorifying boyfriend and girlfriend relationships trumps the value of boy and girl friendships. • Guarding their privacy is more important than protecting their innocence.

direction– when they’re old they won’t be lost.” But unfortunately, it is not always easy to know which direction is the right direction. Parenting is not an intuitive process, and you only have one chance to get it right. Here are a few tips that will help you be a better parent and raise great kids. Copy parenting that works. If you know a family that has great kids, invite them over, cook them a steak and ask them questions about how they raise their kids. Even professional athletes need a little bit of coaching from time to time. Bring your kids to a church that cares about children. It is good to have some help raising your kids. A good kid’s church program will reinforce the values you are already teaching and surround them with positive friendships. Improve yourself. We create in others what we are ourselves. It is important for all parents to be growing personally. Integrity and character is a commodity that will be used up if it is not replenished. Read beneficial books, attend a challenging conference or church service, exercise, and take time to reduce stress. The better person you are, the better parent you will be. It is never too late to fix your parenting. In fact, the only unforgivable thing is not fixing a problem when you recognize it. There is no shame in asking for help; learning from our mistakes can be a virtue. In the end, every kid deserves a parent that is willing to learn what it takes to raise them right.

You may be teaching the vice of greed if: • Protecting the value of assets is more important than investing into the value of relationships. • Being wealthy and well-connected is more signif icant than having integrity. It’s important to remember the character of a child is seasoned by their surroundings. It is the God given responsibility of every parent to raise their children to be men and women of virtue. In the book of Proverbs verse twenty-two, the Bible instructs parents to, “Point your kids in the right

Jason has dedicated his life to teaching kids. During his career he has been a coach, an elementary teacher, a principal and is currently the kid’s pastor at Lufkin First Assembly. He speaks the language of kids and loves to see them grow in Christ-like character. He is married to Karli, and they have three beautiful daughters, Haley, Abby, and Olivia. To see more of what he does, visit the KidWorks website at www.lufkinkids.org. You can also reach him by mail at jsoule@lufkin.org.

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WHY I LOVE BEING A MOM Jim and Kim Housely with their children, Reed (12 yrs), Kaelyn (10 yrs), James (5 yrs), and Ruth (3yrs)

Kim Housely “To God be the glory, great things He hath done!”

od gave me a miracle. In reality, He’s given me tons, but let me tell you from the beginning about one of the most special.

My husband, Jim, and I were old hat at parenting. We had two children, two years apart, just four years earlier, but neither had prepared us for James. James was, well, he was different. He was born with a heart murmur and an ear tag, and he was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia at three months old. He had ear infections and countless rounds of antibiotics. James was plump with the blondest hair and a perfect cherubic face; however, by the time he turned two-and-a-half years old we knew something was wrong. James was the pickiest of eaters, eating only when we prodded and coaxed. His speech was slow and his understanding off. I would tell him a cow says, “Moo,” and he couldn’t repeat it back to me. Though he was often the life of a party, he was becoming increasingly difficult to control and seemed distant. Jim or I could say his name several times close to him and he hardly responded. We reasoned that his inattention must be due to his hearing. In a last ditch effort, Jim and I sent our boy for tubes. Instead of it being the answer to our concerns, things became determinedly worse. We saw handf lapping, hand-spinning, and toe-walking emerge in our precious son. These were all traits that I’d recognized in a young man whose family had visited our church years before. To top it off, there were those gut-wrenching times when he’d run away, looking as if he’d never known us. It broke our hearts. We didn’t need anyone else to tell us what was happening with James. Through reading, research and prayer, we had confirmation. There was no doubt about it. It was autism. During this time, James lost a considerable amount of weight. His belly swelled and his arms and legs looked like sticks. His gait was awkward and his pallor was ashen. He was angry and physically in pain. I remember a day that he felt so bad, and we longed to have him back to normal. We picked him up and stood him outside to play baseball. He tried, but after his second halfhearted throw he trudged back inside to rest. I couldn’t bear to look back at pictures of my seemingly healthy child of before. What had happened? It felt as if I had lost my son. “So loved He the world that He gave us His son.” Jim and I worked quickly to learn as much as we could to help James. Staying up night and day, I ordered books, read articles, and emailed individuals around the country with questions to make myself understand what was happening and, most importantly, find what we could do to change it. It was a fast and furious time, and I was so grateful to each person that took the time to increase my learning. I had a nutritionist talk with me and pray with me on

68 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

the phone from California. There was a NAET practitioner that called me to respond to my questions on her way to the airport because I had emailed her. A Chinese physicist set aside time just to explain the benef its of using what he had discovered for James. I was thankful and relieved to learn that children can RECOVER from what is known as autism, but even more, there was a new love and appreciation for people who used their gifts to help others during a time of need. It blessed my heart the day that four people that I had spoken to through previous months contacted me when they read an article about a diet that had successfully healed an autistic little boy. It’s quite the learning curve not to be impatient when it looks as if your son is falling apart. I wanted a magic bullet, a def inite strategy for pulling James out of his current state of malfunction. We found a DA N! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctor a couple of hours away and had many tests run. We used therapies and healing diets that advanced his health signif icantly, but promptly found that prescriptions and over-the-counters weren’t going to cut it for him. I called him the multiple-toxicity-reactor; he responded severely to almost any medication we tried. It was crucial in my eyes to f ind some other way to meet his needs. I’d been introduced to essential oils a few years before. I thought it was exciting the time that I used them to avoid the f lu when all the rest of my household became ill. I loved how nice they smelled when cleaning with them, or when I placed a few drops on my AC air f ilters. They were a novelty, something to play with. We still stuck with doctor visits and antibiotics for any “real” sickness. When we began hitting a brick wall using drugs with James, the Lord reminded me of my oils. I redirected my research and found mamas who had used essential oils to recover their children from the autism diagnosis. I was inspired! Dusting off my Essential Oils Desk Reference from a few years back, I eagerly looked into different conditions, studied through numerous websites, and asked endless questions to see where to begin. When my eyes were twitching, my mind was racing, and I couldn’t sleep in the early days of James’ regression, Frankincense leveled my stress response. The first time I gave him the digestive enzymes that included Peppermint oil, my little guy with such gastrointestinal problems cleaned out my dishwasher for me. He felt that much better! As we came down with colds, stomach bugs, bites, burns, bruises, scrapes, pain, you name it— all were treated successfully with our set of oils. As I added to my collection of grounding oils more specifically geared toward brain trauma, I saw a change in James’ demeanor. He was more laid back and easier to laugh and smile. My very favorite story is the point when I began using Vetiver and an oil blend called Valor with James. When I rubbed them on his feet after he drifted off to sleep at night, I noticed that he woke up unusually pleasant. Before this time he wrote consistently backwards, but I observed the first day post-oil application that James was writing forward. During a two week span, I

forgot to apply the oils three times. On each of the days following, he wrote backward again. I think this was God’s way of showing me we were on the right track and that He had provided something very special. Over a two-year span of ups and downs, James’ face filled out and his color returned to rosy. We could go to the park where I was thrilled to see him interact with the kids rather than hide from them. We could not only travel to the library, but also go inside and enjoy it! In times past when he’d walk through the heavy doors and see the large open area filled with people, James would have such fear that it necessitated turning around and walking right back out. Steadily his speech improved, spontaneous conversation appeared, and a wonderful, beautiful personality emerged. “Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the life gate that all may go in.” The son that I’ve gained is a healthier son. I no longer look dejectedly at old pictures; I rejoice in where we are, and thank my loving God for what we’ve come through! I’ve learned through this journey that it wasn’t just James that had health concerns, but the rest of our family as well. Without a change in our path there wouldn’t be just one child on the brink of disaster, but instead a whole home. It’s not a perfect comparison by any means, but James was our substitute; there’s no doubt in my mind that God used his illness and regression to reveal problems and give us an example of a path to health. On this side of the trial, I have come to better appreciate the example and provision of Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to have the privilege to love and honor Him for His self less, sacrificial payment for our sins. James paved the road for us to heal physically, but Christ made a way for us to change our destination—to heal spiritually for all eternity. Joyfully, I can report that things have leveled and James is progressing well. We are using our oils and pouring the best nutrition possible into James; we try to make each day count. The harmful chemicals that were once in our home have been removed, and we have had no need for antibiotics or overthe-counter medications. Close attention to clean, whole food and the use of essential oils have been a major addition for the empowerment and health of my family. I love to help others implement what I’ve learned through this experience. What a blessing it is to help others change their habits to move toward a life of wellness! When I speak with someone that God has placed in my path and am able to pay back even a little of what those kind strangers did for me, I rejoice in the scripture, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) I have all conf idence that God will guide our steps through the rest of this healing journey, and you can be certain that I will praise Him for it! “Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done.” tjmag.com • 69

LOOK AT ME

LOOK AT ME! brought to you by

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74 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

photography by Hardy Meredith – SFA University Photographer

EAST TEXAS SPORTS

SFA BASKETBALL

tephen F. Austin has been making headlines throughout their basketball season. Towards the end of their regular season, ESPN Sports Center and all the sports fanatics out there saw a one in a million, buzzer beater play.

According to SFA Athletics, the Jacks were, “Tied 68-68 in the waning seconds, junior Jacob Parker stole a Northwestern State pass and sealed the 22nd-straight victory for the Stephen F. Austin men's basketball team with a dunk with 0.3 seconds remaining in a 70-68 win over Northwestern State on February 22, in front of a nearcapacity crowd of 7,148 inside William R. Johnson Coliseum.” The victory helped SFA improve to 25-2 on the year and 14-0 in Southland Conference play as the `Jacks notched their 31st-straight home victory in WRJ Coliseum, which is tied for the longest streak in the nation with both No. 2 Florida and No. 5/6 Duke. Their last away game, on February 27, sealed their SLC title. Sophomore Thomas Walkup recorded a career-high 28 points in a 103-63 victory at New Orleans in the Lakefront Arena. Head coach Brad Underwood said, “New Orleans has a good basketball team and we felt like we had to match their intensity in order to win here on the road. When the ball goes in the basket, things look easy. We are very balanced, we have a lot of weapons and tonight we got the ball to the rim, which was really good.”

SFA (26-2, 14-0 SLC) entered the night with a three-game lead over Piney Woods rival Sam Houston State, and with the win over UNO (11-12, 8-7 SLC) and SHSU’s 80-71 loss and UCA on the same night, the ‘Jacks claimed their second consecutive outright conference championship and first under Underwood. SFA scored 100 points for the first time since they did so against Howard Payne in 2010 and the first against a league opponent since dropping 110 against Texas-Arlington in the 1994-95 season. This season has definitely been an exciting one for Underwood’s first year. There has been a lot of buzz locally and nationally about the Stephen F. Austin’s men’s basketball program. They will continue vying for national recognition in post season play. You can follow the men’s basketball program on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

MEN'S SPRING FASHION TRENDS fASHION

from Miller's Point All clothing pictured is at Miller’s Point. Miller's Point is located at 203 E Main Street, Nacogdoches, TX /// (936) 462-1515.

Spring is such a fun time for fashion! We get to bring out the playful colors that have been hibernating for the winter, and here at Miller’s Point we have plenty of spring merchandise to choose from. Pantone’s color of the year for 2014 is “Radiant Orchid,” so you can be sure that you will be seeing a lot of purples this season. Along with purple, “color bursts” were seen during New York Fashion Week by many designers. Models were shown wearing outfits with multiple bright colored apparel. Another men’s trend that will be in for spring ‘14 are prints. Lots and lots of prints. Plaids, paisleys, gingham, and stripes are just a few of the different prints that Miller’s Point has to offer. Also seen at New York Fashion Week were white or neutral colored suits. These are a great transition piece into the spring and can work for multiple occasions. They are also great for wearing over a bright printed button up to incorporate multiple spring trends into one outfit!

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small business

CARPETS BY CURIOSITY

nyone who has visited Carpets by Curiosity and feels like Mark Ferden has been there “forever,” well, you are partially correct. Mark started working at the shop for the previous owner, James Loomer, when he was thirteen years old. “When I was in junior high, we lived across the street (from James Loomer). He came to me and asked if I would go to work sweeping the floors after school. I was thirteen at the time. So I guess you could say, ‘I literally learned the flooring business from the ground up.’” Since those younger days, Mark grew up, graduated from Luf kin High School, graduated from Angelina College, and married his wife, Margie. They are the proud parents of three sons Jason Vest and wife Sarah, Mark Vest and wife Jamie and Ryan Ferden and wife Megan. They also have two joys of the family, grandsons Gunner Vest and Ethan Ferden. After graduating, Mark had the opportunity to move and work out of town, but never did. He stayed working for Mr. Loomer and, “I never looked back,” he said. The thought of him owning the store

never crossed his mind because, “I thought Mr. Loomer would never retire. However, he started talking about selling out and came to me and said I was the best candidate for the job and it got me to thinking. After struggling with the pro and cons what really set my mind at ease was the message given in church one Sunday about placing yourself in God’s hands and taking that leap of faith.” Still today, Carpets by Curiosity has been family owned and operated for almost 60 years. “We pride ourselves in competitive pricing and performing quality work. We believe in supporting our local hometown business in keeping our money at home. Along with my two employees, Don Ridgeway and Sherman Snelson, we stay up to date on the newest trends in the flooring industry. It's not just about how it looks and feels. We are expected to know the manufacturing process, warranties, different qualities, styles, colors and much more in a constantly changing market. I love the flooring business, because I know it is an investment that will be around for many years. When you buy flooring, everyone should know there are lots of gimmicks out there. So I recommend doing your homework. We sell all types of flooring including

carpet, vinyl, ceramic, wood, laminate, vinyl plank and vinyl tile and turf. We perform complete installation on floors, walls, back splashes and showers. We do residential and commercial work. We also sell solid wood and treated furniture. We give free estimates and stand behind what we sell. My goal is to always satisfy our customers by helping them get the best value for their money. I know if they leave happy with our services they will tell someone else and that can be your best advertising out there.” Mark Ferden says, "Don't Get Took".

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

LOCAL GRADUATE, CHIP WATTS

chool districts in East Texas are known to equip students for success in life through exceptional learning experiences facilitated by some of the finest teachers in the country. Dr. George Jobling “Chip” Watts V of Boston, Massachusetts is one such East Texas son benefiting from the education he received and who has an even brighter future ahead of him. Chip’s Lufkin roots run deep as the grandson of the late Dr. William B. Shelton and the son of civic leader and beloved friend to many, the late Emily Shelton Watts. He is a member of the Lufkin High School class of 2003. During his early high school years, Chip says he wasn’t too sure about what career he wanted to choose, but he was most interested in math and science courses. “I enjoyed them the most and knew I wanted to do something that involved those types of Since my youth, studies,” he says. “I had a lot of wonderful and influential teachers at Luf kin High School.” In particular, Truitt God, you have taught Eubanks, Watt’s Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher, me, and to this day I as well as his Chemistry II teacher, “Made a dry subject declare your come alive,” says Dr. Watts.

marvelous deeds. (Psalm 71:17)

Then, during the summer between his junior and senior years at Lufkin High, Chip had the opportunity to shadow a local doctor. The experience had a positive inf luence on Chip. That, along with the legacy left by his grandfather, Dr. Bill Shelton, led Chip to make the decision to go into the medical field and pursue a career as a physician.

After high school graduation, Chip obtained a scholarship to attend Texas Christian University where he studied biology, graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He then attended The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas where he obtained his post-graduate degree in medicine in 2011. During his senior year of medical school, a residency match placement process that included a long process of interviews and other selection requirements, determined Watts would complete a one year internship at John Peter Smith Hospital in Ft. Worth followed by four years of radiology residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies such as X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose or treat diseases. Currently, Watts is working to finish his last two years as a resident at Beth Israel. When his residency is complete, he will have completed a total of five years of residency. This summer, he will apply for the final year of training that will begin in July of 2013. One year of Fellowship is necessary to complete his training as a radiologist. Watts says, “It is hard to say what is next for me. So much of it depends on what contacts are made during the Fellowship year. I am keeping my mind and options open and looking for the best opportunity.” Certainly, east Texas can be proud of Dr. Watts and will be watching with pride as he lives out the lessons he learned here.

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EAST TEXAS HUNTING

Turkey Hunting Tips Do's & Don’ts of Turkey Hunting

unting the wild turkey in the spring affords an opportunity to experience our great Texas outdoors and the natural beauty of our wild lands. The spring weather, colors, sounds and smells are at their best this time of the year. If you are lucky enough to hear the thundering gobble of an Eastern wild turkey (EWT) or see one strut and drum close up, you will understand why we love to experience this contact with this beautiful bird. Our current EWT populations were re-established in 56 East Texas counties between 1978 and 1995. Over 7,000 birds were released into the wild. Wild turkeys are on a decline, but some East Texas counties still have a spring hunting season from April 15-May 14. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has launched a new effort to fill in the areas that are void of EWT in February 2014. In the coming years, other release sites will be identified for restocking by in East Texas. Two hundred and forty wild trapped birds have been released this February at three release sites. This is very exciting for East Texas! If you have an interest in hunting wild turkeys, here are some tips and information you need to know. A free TPWD Outdoor Annual Regulation Book is available at TPWD offices, most sporting goods stores or online at www.tpwd.state.tx. us. Look in the book to f ind out if there is a spring turkey hunting season where you plan to hunt. You will need to obtain a TPWD hunting license and Upland Game Bird Stamp (UGBS) to turkey hunt in East Texas. These UGBS funds are paying for the new (EWT) Super Stocking that has been launched by TPWD. Remember, all turkey kills must be tagged immediately after the bird is harvested in a secure manner from the hunter’s license tags. You can place the tag anywhere on the bird. Before hunting, always read the special regulations for EWT in your county in the TPWD Outdoor Annual, 2013-2014. It is illegal to take an EWT with a rif le, only shotguns and archery are permitted.

82 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014

by Dale Bounds

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Never wear clothing that has any red, white or blue because they can be mistaken for colors found on wild turkeys. Turkey gobbler’s heads turn bright red, white and blue when they get excited and react to a hen turkey call. Be sure that the accessories you carry are not red, white or blue (e.g. diaphragm calls, box calls, chalk, candy wrappers, apples, cigarette packs, etc.) and are not visible to other hunters. Remember, turkeys have great vision. Camouf lage your gun. If not, at least cover up white diamonds or other red or white markings. Be still; they see any movement.

TURKEY DECOYS For your safety, there is a proper use of decoys in turkey hunting woods. Decoys work. If a wild turkey is fooled by a decoy, think what an inexperienced hunter might do if they slip up on a decoy and you are making turkey calls that sound like the real thing. A decoy should never be visible while being transported. Never carry an uncovered, identif iable decoy any distance. Whenever possible, set-up by a “stand” tree that is wider than your shoulders and taller than your head. This is to insure your safety around other hunters.

Always keep your hands and head camouf laged when calling. Wear dark colored socks and pants that are long enough to keep your bare skin from being exposed. Do not “over-camouf lage” by sitting in vegetation so thick that it obscures your vision. If you use a man-made blind of camouf lage netting, maintain a clear f ield of view.

From your seated position, identify the clearest line of vision to your front. Establish a “sight line” that allows you 100 yards visibility. Then, set your decoy(s) approximately 20 yards from your position on the line. Should you see another hunter, especially if he/she is close to your line of sight, call out to them in a loud, clear voice. Their presence has already compromised your location and a “soft” call may only confuse them, rather than alerting them to your presence. If you are calling over decoys and then elect to move to a new location, check carefully to ensure that no one is stalking your decoys. Check before leaving your “location” tree. Should you see someone in the area, rule 4 applies. Remember, decoys work. If a wild turkey if fooled by a decoy, another hunter might think it is the real thing and shoot in your direction!

Become a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and help us. www.nwtf.org.

Your safety is your responsibility….hunt defensively!

SAVE THE HABITAT. SAVE THE HUNT.

Wild turkeys have incredible eyes that might be their best defense. Listed below are a few tips for using camouf lage:

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TROPHY ROOM

TROPHY HUNTS

Billy Tolar with an 8pt he killed in Brackettville with his bow. The deer weighed over 200 lbs live weight.

Duck dog, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Nookâ&#x20AC;? Frost, has a career total retrieves thus far of 535 ducks from the marshes of Louisiana. She came from a rescue center in Beaumont and is now a fine hunting partner for Gary & Greg Frost.

Dr. Kerry Evans. 10 pt buck killed at Evans Farm in Colmesneil, TX.

Billy and Bobby Tolar with an alligator they killed on Dam-B in September.

Dennis Jones & Danny Havard spent the day hunting with Christopher Jones and his wife (not pictured). The group hunted in Oklahoma, bagging mallards, pintails, widgeon.

Bobby Tolar. 10pt, killed in Brackettville.

Barrett Bennefield, 7 yrs old. Broaddus Hawaiian Black Ram. Scored 109 4/8. Mason, TX. Feb 1, 2014.

Kaitlyn Hicks killed these two 8pts in Brackettville 6 hours apart.

Send a photo of your trophy hunt & information to photos@tjmag.com. Submissions are free of charge.

by Dale Bounds

he cold winter temperatures are slowly leaving East Texas and many with spring fever are ready to get outdoors and enjoy beautiful spring weather. Recently, over 40 people, some as young as five years old, gathered at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) released 26 Easter wild turkeys.

The day of the release was over 10 years in the making. According to Scotty Parsons, NWTF East Texas Conservation Field Supervisor, “Our Texas NWTF Chapter has invested in habitat improvements all over East Texas. In the last 5 years, Texas NWTF has contributed $190,000 toward habitat work in East Texas and our NWTF team has leveraged that with TPWD, USFWS and USFS into $3.7 million, a 20:1 ratio. Some of those funds have been used on the project work at GEWMA.”

turkey release

Eastern Turkeys Fly from Tennessee, Land in East Texas at TPWD’s Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area

The goal of the project was to restore the grassland component to the over 400 acre area. This work on the GEWMA represents $68,692 of habitat enhancement work in a 10 year effort. Jason Hardin, TPWD Upland Game Bird Specialist, shares, “Since 1979, over 7,000 Eastern wild turkeys were released in 58 East Texas counties. Population started decreasing in 2006 and the turkey season in some East Texas counties was closed.”

TOP: 26 Eastern Wild Turkeys released at TPWD - Gus Engeling WMA in Anderson BOTTOM: Over 40 people gathered to witness the Eastern Wild Turkey fly out of the boxes to their new home at Gus Engeling WMA. photos by Dale Bounds

Hardin said, “After a 10 year hiatus from Eastern turkey restoration activities, TPWD has reengaged in Eastern turkey restoration efforts beginning this winter. Last spring, TPWD and NWTF biologists evaluated a number of sites across East Texas utilizing TPWD’s new Eastern turkey habitat evaluation technique. Of the sites evaluated, 3 scored high enough to receive a stocking. Those sites are currently being Super Stocked with 60 hens and 20 gobblers for a total of 80 birds per release site. In all, TPWD plans to release 240 wild turkeys this winter in East Texas. Super stocking has proven to show higher survival than the traditional method of block-stocking, which stocked 15-20 birds at 5-10 sites across a county. Today, our goal is to identify the best available habitat and utilize super stocked turkeys to serve as a source population. Over time, TPWD hopes birds will begin to move into adjacent unoccupied landscapes.” These turkeys were trapped in Tennessee and shipped to Texas with funds generated by the TPWD Upland Game Bird Stamp. In addition to the restoration, TPWD is funding research through Stephen F. Austin State University to track the released turkeys using state of the art GPS Technology. A percentage of the birds released will be wearing GPS backpacks. This research will help TPWD continue to improve strategies for restoring wild turkeys to East Texas. According to Tom Hughes, Assistant Vice President of NWTF Conservation, “We have also had support from many state wildlife agencies to make all this work happen; the cooperative nature of this project reaches far from Texas. In the great tradition of earlier wild turkey restoration, state wildlife agencies have stepped up again with the help in trap and transfer. To date, Texas has received 97 turkeys from five different states, and NWTF is helping to facilitate the process. This project is the start of a new effort to fill in the empty gaps in East Texas with wild turkeys and ties in with the NWTF new initiative, “SAVE THE HABITAT, SAVE THE HUNT.” By 2017, Texas will improve 47,000 acres of habitat, recruit 30,000 new hunters and find 100,000 more acres that the public can hunt. National Wild Turkey Federation: Conserve. Hunt. Share.

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MUSIC

HIDDEN VILLAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL tandpipe Coffee House was one of the original retail locations to open during the downtown Luf kin renovation.

In 2012, trying to come up with ideas to bring in patrons and attention to downtown, the idea of live music came about. According to Standpipe Coffee Shop partner Ben Harbuck, "We already had live music every weekend, but someone hit on the idea to see if we could get any big names to Luf kin. After a few emails, we realized that just by asking and doing persistent, hard work, we could have something really fun in the making." On the shirttail of a highly successful and well known event known as SXSW held annually in Austin, Texas, the Standpipe team thought that would be the perfect fit. "In 2012, we had bands play on their way to SXSW in Austin. The Hidden Village Music Festival is about the 'hidden' people, places, and things that make Lufkin not just another city, but a place we are proud of, a place we want to live in, and a place we can one day turn over to the next generation. Simply said, a village hidden beneath a forest of pines." If you have never been to one of the nightly live music shows, you are missing out on a unique event. "It is beautiful, raw, honest people making music. For some it is just a job, and for some it is the only thing they know how to do. We have bands from New Orleans, Maine, New York City, Tokyo, Tennessee, Texas, and California. All kinds of music, all genres, all levels of talent! We want to put Lufkin on the map as far as a 'safe haven' for traveling musicians. Many of these bands do not get paid much, and sometimes not at all, so we want them to know that Lufkin supports their art and their music, and to keep up the good work! Be sure to pack a little extra cash for a t-shirt, CD, or just a tip. Each band is different, from alternative blues, bluegrass fusion, americana, singer-songwriter type, to Japanese punk rock!" The Hidden Music Festival is slowly making its mark on the live music scene. Quite a few local musicians are opening up for "big name bands." Harbuck says, " The really cool thing is that we are now having acts that have 'made it' come back to Luf kin because they love the people and the experience. So even though they get paid more elsewhere, they ASK if they can come back just to get to see their friends and play music!" 86 â&#x20AC;˘ THE JOURNEY â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH2014

March 8th-17th, every single night at 7:30, there will be live music at Standpipe Coffee House. The cost is $5 at the door, or you can get a 10 day pass for $30! CHECK OUT: www.hiddenvillagemusic.com www.standpipecoffee.com facebook.com/standpipecoffee under the 'events' tab You can call Standpipe Coffee House at 936-632-7473 or email Ben at Ben@standpipecoffee.com.

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88 • THE JOURNEY • MARCH2014