Our View October 2011

2011-2012

Provisionals

Back Row (left to right): Leslie Ainsworth, Allison Horsley, Ashli Yawn, Melissa Huggins, Frances Racine, Missy Berry, Jessica Brown, Carolina Armstrong, Emily May, Rebecca Weeks, Monica Peters. Second Row (left to right): Crystal Thomas, Mandy Camp, Jessica Alverson, Katie Henry, Tyler Pavlic. Front Row (left to right): Diana Hineman, Erica Callaham, Rebecca West, Becky Butler, Donna Ross (Provisional Trainer), Tonja Childers, Mary Ridings, Leslie Jinkins. Not pictured: Melissa Hannah, Cara Hewitt, Lamil Spencer, Cori Weeks

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T H E M O N T H LY M AG A Z INE O F T H E W O M E N O F T H E J U NIO R L E AG U E O F L U F K I N, I NC.

OCT O BE R 2011 V O L. XV I , N O 135

ii October 2011

Vol. XVI No. 135

October 2011

■ ■ ■ Table of Contents M E E T I N G R E M I N D E R !

General Meeting Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Museum of East Texas Salad Supper at 6:30 p.m.

Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

Bulletin Board................................................................... 2 Leadership Lines............................................................... 3 September Meeting........................................................... 4 Council Chat..................................................................... 5 New Year’s Eve Ball......................................................... 6 Vision Screening............................................................... 7 Helping Hands.................................................................. 8 Words of Gratitude............................................................ 9 Provisional Class Update................................................ 10 2011-2012 Provisional Class..................................... 11-13 Motivational Minute....................................................... 14 Focus on the Community................................................ 15 Sustainer News............................................................... 16 Events & Birthday Calendar........................................... 17

The Board of Directors

Communications Council V. President Communications Mendi Brent Our View Editor Sharon Kruk Internal Public Relations/Website Elisabeth Grimes External Public Relations April Earley Photographer/Archivist Allison James

■ ■ ■ The Junior League of Lufkin P.O. Box 151812 Lufkin, Texas 75915-1812

■ ■ ■

JUNIOR LEAGUE w w w OF . j u nLUFKIN i o r l e a gINC. ueoflufkin.org Women building better communities R

President.......................................................... Jennifer Webster President-Elect....................................................... Marcy Weibe Secretary............................................................. Julianne Greak Treasurer........................................................... Michelle Haney VP Finance................................................................ Cindy Neal VP Communications..............................................Mendi Brent VP Membership........................................................Gina Green VP Community Projects........................................ Emily Parks Strategic Development Chair..............................Susan Belasco Parliamentarian..............................................Allyson Langston Sustainer Advisor.............................................Barbara Peterson Helping Hands Annual Chair...........................Michelle Briley

Vision Statement The Junior League of Lufkin welcomes all women who are committed to volunteerism. The League educates and challenges its members to be effective community leaders, advocates, and individuals. Trained volunteers and collaborators will address and respond to community needs with positive solutions. The League focus is to educate and empower individuals, primarily children, by providing the resources and tools that will address all aspects of their well being.

October 2011 1

Bulletin Board Le ag ue Ba bysitters

639-5838 Hannah Harris -15 632-9313 16 Sheridan Adair 212-2734 16 ney Tier la Kay 212-1507 Macy Rawls - 16 903-930-9868 18 dell Cor y Hale 671-9195 14 Reese Roberts 645-8395 (only boys) 16 erts Rob ce Bry 675-0318 15 Haley Morgan 414-6437 17 y Gra ta Krys 404-9655 or 676-0414 13 Sara Kate Harris

SALAD SUPPER BREAKDOWN

JLL Actives, please provide the following according to your last name: A-C Green Salad & dressing of any kind in a Serving Bowl with Serving Utensils D-G Pasta Salad of any kind in a Serving Bowl with Serving Utensils H-J Crackers and assorted Cheese and or Meat on Serving Tray K 1 Gallon of Sweet Tea and 1 Gallon of Unsweet Tea L 1 2 Liter of each: Diet Coke, Coke and Sprite M-N Assorted Cookies or Cupcakes on Serving Tray O-S Assorted Chips & Dips on Serving Tray T-Z Fruit or Vegetable Salad in Serving Bowl

Want to submit an article, suggest an idea, or have something to add to the Bulletin Board for the next issue of Our View? Please email Sharon Kruk (srkruk@yahoo.com) before the 15th of the month. We welcome your ideas, suggestions and feedback!

Please contact All ison James (mustangallie@ro cketmail.com or 936.414.2249) for an y League events that need a Photog rapher.

Please update your Directory with the following changes: The cell number for Elisabeth Grimes is 936-462-0743 (NOT 936-462-0734) Tracy Jerke has a new address: 708 Maxwell Street, Lufkin, TX, 75901 Please contact Julianne Greak (jcgreak@yahoo.com) for a change of address, email address, or phone number.

SponsorSpecial Thanks To Our Helping Hands Meeting A Compassionate Care Home Health Services

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Since 1902

2 October 2011

Leadership Lines

Effective Communication O

By Emily Parks, Vice President Community Projects

uch, ouch, ouch! This topic doesn’t just step on my toes, it STOMPS on them! I did not choose this focus because I am an expert on how to effectively communicate with others. Just ask my husband! In fact, it has been on my mind a lot lately because of an instance where I was not a good communicator. So I began doing a little research on this dreaded word.

Communication, as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, is: “1. an act or instance of transmitting 2a : information transmitted or conveyed; b : a verbal or written message 3a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior <the function of pheromones in insect communication>; also : exchange of information.”

Excuse me Mr. or Mrs. Merriam-Webster, but I have an issue with pushing the obvious HUMAN interaction down to #3. With the fear of sounding just like my mother, “Wow! Times have changed!” In fact, the Webster’s dictionary I used in high school (yes, that sits collecting dust on a bookshelf) defines communication as: “1. to make understood to others 2. to exchange messages.”

So, waayyy back then (haha), my only options to communicate were face-to-face, nonverbal expressions, telephone, letter, or note (but never, ever in class). Let me list all the ways that I can think of that people can communicate today: face-to-face, nonverbal expressions, telephone, letter, answering machine, cell/smart phone, email, IM, Skype, FaceTime, text, voicemail, symbols, acronyms, emoticons, Social Networking Sites, blogging, and online forums.

I am sure there are ways that I don’t even know about yet! You would think with all this great technology, communicating would be a nonissue. WRONG-O! I mean I pick up my cell phone hardly ever to call someone but to text them. After 5 paragraphs of thumb typing and then hitting send, I often wonder why I didn’t pick up the phone and say what I needed to say; it would have saved me a lot of

Billie Jean Johnson, LVN Administrator/Owner

time!

When was the last time you got a phone call from someone (other than your mother) who just wanted to visit? I received a phone call from a friend about a month ago. I was like, “Hey! How are you?” She said, “I’m great! You have been on my mind lately so I just wanted to call and say hello and to see how everything was going!” She heard silence for a second and then I said, “Oh, I thought you were calling because something was wrong!” Like my son said something or did something he shouldn’t have or (she is also in JLL) that she had an issue with something with the League!

When was the last time you called someone just to say hello?

When was the last time you received a note in the mail? I remember when I was little, running out to the mailbox to meet the postman to see if there was anything for me. Now all we get is junk mail, bills, and every now and then an invitation that has not been sent as an evite. When was the last time you sent a note through the mail to someone?

I digress…I was taking a walk down memory lane. Let’s get back on track and talk about what this has to do with JLL. To be an effective volunteer and for us to be an effective volunteer organization, we must also be effective communicators….especially with each other. Most of the time misunderstandings are because of a lack of communication. So, here are things I need to work on: 1. If you don’t know, then ask.

2. Don’t assume.

3. Use the phone. It is more personable. The person you are talking to can hear your emotions. It really is faster than going back and forth in a text or email.

4. Send a note through “snail” mail to someone. It will cheer them up.

5. Call someone just to say hi. It will catch them off guard and brighten their day!

Practicing effective communication is like practicing the piano or basketball; it doesn’t make you perfect but it does make you better.

If you have any questions, concerns, and/or ideas about JLL, Community Projects, or your placement do not hesitate to give me a call! If I don’t know the answer, I will find out and call you back!

Emily Parks

Billie Jean Johnson, LVN Administrator/Owner

0 S. Medford, Suite 17E | Lufkin, Texas 75901 S. Medford, Suite 17E | Lufkin, Texas 75901 | Toll Free: one: 936.639.0011 4000 877.392.2273 4000 S. Medford, Suite 17E 14340 US Hwy. 190 W | Cell: Fax: 936.639.0012 936.414.2077 Phone: 936.639.0011 | Toll Free: 877.392.2273 Lufkin, Texas 75901 | Onalaska, TX 77360 Email: bjohnson@acompassionatecare.com Fax: 936.639.0012 Cell: 936.414.2077

Phone: 936.639.0011 Phone: 936.646.5623 Fax: 936.639.0012 Fax: 936.646.5643 Toll Free: 877.392.2273 www.acompassionatecare.com www.acompassionatecare.com

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October 2011 3

September Meeting

JLL is WILD about Courtney Shumway!

We are praying for her full recovery!

Volunteer of the Month

Shelli Ellis

Pat on the Back

Tracy Nichols

Tracy Nichols has worked tirelessly this year with vision screening. She went above and beyond her placement, screening additional schools like Crimson Academy and First Christian Pre-school.

We appreciate you, Tracy Nichols, and you deserve a “Pat on the Back”!

Shelli Ellis is an extremely dedicated volunteer that has been a member of the League for six years and can be found lending a hand and offering suggestions in our community in various different ways, and she still puts God and her family first and foremost in her life. She is happily married, and is a mother of three children…all of which keep her very busy and involved. This summer, she became the bull behind the horns of the Back to School Bonanza and pulled everything together to create an amazing event benefitting the students of Angelina County. Congratulations, Shelli Ellis, Volunteer of the Month.

Thank you to the Museum of East Texas Board for the wonderful reception at our September meeting.

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Welcome to our new actives!

4 October 2011

Council Chat

By Samie Montes, Hospitality

T

his year will be an exciting year for Hospitality! We have a few new fabulous food sponsors and some returning sponsors that were so gracious to help us again.

Please join me in welcoming the following as our food sponsors for our upcoming meetings: Milagros - Mona Hill El Chico - Jared Wilkerson Popeye’s - Beth Jones Nancy Winston Catering - Nancy Winston Be sure to thank all of these wonderful sponsors who have donated their talent and time to support the League! And, Roderick of Texas has graciously said he would do the flowers for our meetings again this year. We are very lucky that he is such a fabulous supporter of the JLL. For our October meeting, the JLL Actives will be welcoming our new Provisionals with a Salad Supper.

Actives, please bring the following items based on your last name: A-C D-G H-J K L M-N O-S T-Z

Green Salad & dressing of any kind in a Serving Bowl with Serving Utensils Pasta Salad of any kind in a Serving Bowl with Serving Utensils Crackers and assorted Cheese and or Meat on Serving Tray 1 Gallon of Sweet Tea and 1 Gallon of Unsweet Tea 1 2 Liter of each Diet Coke, Coke and Sprite Assorted Cookies or Cupcakes on Serving Tray Assorted Chips & Dips on Serving Tray Fruit or Vegetable Salad in Serving Bowl

Please keep an eye out for more information about our Christmas Party in the next issue....it is sure to be a fabulous time!! Finally, please thank the incredible Museum of East Texas for sponsoring our September meeting. They are always so kind to host this meeting and it always is so lovely! If you need anything special for meetings, please feel free to call me the week prior to the meeting.... 936-366-2590.

Samie Montes

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October 2011 5

New Year’s Eve Ball

By Lora Huerta, Charity Ball Chair

R

eveal! Finally! The committee has been working towards this day, and of course the BIG NIGHT, since June.

So much has come together in the past month – a huge thank you to everyone on the committee and other league members who have volunteered their time & talents!

We are so lucky to have such amazing sponsors – thank you again to Urgent Doc for being our Exclusive Band Sponsor and to Beard’s Fine Jewelers for being our Grand Raffle Sponsor! We cannot thank you enough. Please support these local businesses!!

A few notes: • We will be passing out raffle tickets & signing up for decoration shifts at the general meeting this month – please see Paula Scherry and Kathryn Williams at the NYE table!

• T-shirts will also be available. We are selling them at our cost because we would love to see our t-shirts around town! This is a great advertisement for our event!

• If you would like to donate a party or item to the silent auction, contact Vanessa Durham at vanessa@jayjacksoninsurance.com or 414-5060. Vanessa and her team are working to make this the most awesome auction ever!

We hope you enjoy the reveal at the October meeting and that you are as excited about the New Year’s Eve Ball as we are – it is going to be fantastic!

Lora Huerta NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL COMMITTEE Chair: Lora Huerta Co-Chair: Tara Watkins

Fundraising/Auction: Vanessa Durham Auction Booklet/Invitations: April Brewer Decorations: Kathryn Williams Publicity: Courtney Gould Reservations: Stephanie Rasmussen Raffle: Paula Scherry NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL SUB-COMMITTEES This is in addition to the 2 hour decoration shift AND your placement.

Thank you for your help on our fundraiser!

Auction Claudia DeArmond Brooke Vann Decorations Susan Childers Natalie Thornton Rachelle Frankens Anna Wyatt Raffle Elisabeth Grimes Mallory Grubb Stephanie Love Reservations Natalie Thornton Thank You Notes Jeanie McCusker Tracy Jerke

6 October 2011

NIGHT OF BALL JOBS Auction Close-Out Lindsey Goforth Cashier Rose Johnson Melissa Radke Runners for Auction/Fundraising Renee’ Robertson Whitney Garza Photo Assistant Amy Jo Roland Emily Grimes

By Paula Scherry, Raffle

T

his year’s changes in our Charity Ball have most of us excited about spending New Year’s Eve in The City! The Charity Ball has always been a fun night, but more importantly, it has been our top fundraiser, allowing us to accomplish our mission of improving lives in our community. In our 58 year history in Lufkin, the Junior League has supported many important projects, both in volunteer hours and monetary contributions, giving nearly two million dollars to the Lufkin community, and positively impacting countless lives.

Charity Ball’s Grand Raffle has been a fantastic fundraiser for many years, allowing us to raise enough funds to meet our goals. “The Junior League of Annually, we have raised between Lufkin is an organization $10,000 and $15,000 in raffle sales of women committed to alone. Dollar for dollar, these tickets promoting volunteerism represent pure profit. Every raffle and to improving the ticket sale represents money that is placed back into our community, community through and into league-funded and/or the effective action and leadership of trained league-owned projects.

Once again, we are fortunate volunteers. Its purpose is to have the support of Beard’s, exclusively educational Lufkin State Bank, The Center for and charitable.”

Sight, and Brookshire Brothers for - JLL Mission Statement fabulous prizes!!! Please thank these businesses for their support.

For those of us on the Charity Ball committee that are required to sell raffle tickets, I will include 30 tickets in your raffle ticket packet, equivalent to $100 in raffle sales. You are only required to sell $50, but I challenge each of you to sell $100 worth. If you are not on the Charity Ball committee, but would like to sell tickets, just let me know!

For every $350 in raffle tickets sold, you will earn a free entry to our Ball. Last year, many members earned free Charity Ball tickets….and some members even earned two free tickets to the Ball!

Remember that our own President, Jennifer Webster (who has sold the most tickets for a number of years), has issued you a personal challenge! “The person that outsells me by the most raffle tickets (as if!), I will babysit your kids and pay for you and your significant other on a dinner and movie date night…okay, fine, drinks too!”

Help make this year a huge success! And, earn a night (or two) out In the City!

Paula Scherry

Vision Screening 2011

W

By Tracy Nichols, Vision Screening Chair OW! We are off to a great start! The Vision Screening Committee had their annual vision screening training on Wednesday, August 24, at the Museum of East Texas. We would like to graciously thank Claudine and the MET for their generosity and help. We would also like to thank Edee Crosman from the Texas Department of State Health Services for her wealth of knowledge. Ms. Crosman spent the day educating many volunteers, as well as LISD nurses on the importance of how and why to vision screen the children of Angelina County. She did an amazing job and we all felt a little smarter after the training, especially when everyone passed their tests! We had 26 volunteers and 3 LISD nurses attend the training. We were honored to have local nurses attend as another way to show how the League helps our local community.

We have been blessed this year with a wonderful committee and numerous actives, sustainers, and provisionals, who have offered to go above and beyond to help with this most rewarding placement in the League. It is amazing to see our work first-hand when we are directly interacting with the wonderful children of Angelina County.

The Vision Screening Committee has its work cut out this year. We have added additional private schools and preschools, as well as the entire Hudson School District to our already large load. We are so excited to help where we are desperately needed. So far we have 33 full days of screening planned from September to December. Last year we screened over 4,500 children, which added up to over 460 man hours.

We foresee the possibility of well over 5,000 children this year.

So as the League can see, we can use all the help we can get!

Thanks again to all of you who give so much to the community with your kindness and time. It truly is a rewarding experience to see the precious children who benefit from our help. If you have any questions or if you would like to help in anyway (you do not have to be trained to help) and have not been in contact with us, feel free to do so at tracysn76@aol.com or 936-6765749.

See you in the schools!

Tracy Nichols M-F: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

936-639-2346 200 Gaslight Blvd.

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October 2011 7

Helping Hands

2011-2012 Helping Hands Campaign Partners Corporate Partners Platinum Hands - $10,000 Brookshire Brothers

Extra Hands Urgent Doc Larry Cain

Silver Hands - $2,500 Performance Auto Sales

Sustainer Partners Thank you Sustainers for your monetary contribution to our Annual Campaign:

Blue Hands - $1,500 Johnson Pools & Spas A Compassionate Care Home Health Systems Rebecca C. Brightwell Lufkin Industries DP Solutions Woodland Heights Medical Center Red Hands - $1,000 Bettye & Murphy George Foundation Green Hands - $500 Abeldt’s Pharmacy Zeleskey Law Firm Yellow Hands - $250 Whataburger Angelina Hardwood Sales Bartlett, Baggett & Shands Insurance The Advanced Financial Group Chance Law Firm Cross Medical Purple Hands - Advertisers Merle Norman Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry Alexander, Lankford & Heirs, Inc Abeldt’s Pharmacy Morgan Insurance Agency Beard’s Fine Jewelry Dr. Brian Humphreys Roderick of Texas Floral El Chico Popeye’s Milagros Tea Room The Very Thing!

Vince Treadwell- Edward Jones Zeleskey Law Firm

8 October 2011

Sustaining Hands - $1,000 Lisa Griffin Mary K. Grum Serving Hands - $251-$500 Mary Martha Henderson Llewellyn Frazier Daphene H. Clarke Kathi Johnson Lorelle Coleman Dot Brookshire Rebecca Chance Nancy Moore Supporting Hands - $250 & below Kelley Moore Dianne Croom Jetta Westerholm Theresa McKewen Carol Bradley Janice Ann Rowe Jennifer Cumbie Hilda Mitchell Susan Morgan Jean Dillahunty Anita Caraway Brigettee Henderson

Words of Gratitude

October 2011 9

Provisional Class Update

Provisional Class

By Donna Ross, Provisional Trainer

D

onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the October meeting

because this will be your first real chance to meet and get

to know our fabulous new

Provisionals, and let me just say - they are go getters! They have created their own Junior

League Provisional Facebook page, created and ordered Provisional t-shirts to wear to the ROPES course, showed up to the Back To School Bonanza to volunteer (just because they wanted to), and have completed the ROPES course. Basically, they have knocked me down and walked right over me to volunteer; they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to do great things for our community. I am pleased to introduce your new Junior League Provisionals for 2011-2012.

Read about them and memorize their pictures because they are going to rule the Junior League. See you at the October meeting!

Cheers,

Donna Ross

Roderick of Texas

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10 October 2011

2011 - 2012 Provisionals Leslie Ainsworth

Spouse: Trey Children/Ages: Laurel Holly - 9 Occupation: 1st Grade Teacher - St. Cyprians Dream Career: being a personal assistant for New Kids on the Block Hobbies: travel & scrapbooking Favorite Volunteer activity: Church activities and St. Cyprian’s PTO Favorite way to spend a day: 1 word... pedicure Favorite author: Nicholas Sparks Favorite movie: “Annie” Favorite vacation spot: DisneyWorld Most people don’t know that: I’m a die-hard New Kids on the Block fan!

Jessica Alverson

Spouse: n/a Children/Ages: n/a Occupation: Co-Owner of Blithe Boutique Dream Career: I already have my dream career!

Hobbies: Running, shoe shopping, and eating fabulous food Favorite Volunteer activity: Working with the children at Carpenter’s Way! Favorite way to spend a day: Sitting out on the porch in nice weather enjoying family and friends Favorite movie: “Steel Magnolias” Favorite vacation spot: Laguna Beach, CA Most people don’t know that: I’ve traveled to Africa twice to do mission work

Carolina Armstrong

Spouse: Single Children/Ages: One spoiled lab mix named Cooper and over 200 children of all ages between all the great kids of the St. Cyprian’s community.

Occupation: Director of Youth Programs and Chaplain at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and School Dream Career: Working with Episcopal Schools Hobbies: Antiquing, music festivals, and road trip adventures Favorite volunteer activity: Humane Society of Angelina County Favorite way to spend a day: Outside Favorite author: Nicole Krauss Favorite movie: “The Sound of Music” Favorite vacation spot: Telluride, Colorado Most people don’t know that: I’m a native Texan

Missy Berry

Spouse: Brad Berry Children/Ages: Claire, age 6 Occupation: Drill Team Instructor/Health Teacher @ Hudson High School Dream Career: to be a Rockette performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York!

Hobbies: reading, dancing, shopping :) Favorite Volunteer activity: Habitat for Humanity Favorite way to spend a day: relaxing or spending time with my family Favorite author: (that’s a hard one!) Ted Dekker Favorite movie: “Steel Magnolias” Favorite vacation spot: the beach!

Most people don’t know that: my hair is naturally this curly

Jessica Brown

Spouse: Kevin Brown Children/Ages: Lauren (9), Austin (4), Allie (3) Occupation: Vice President of Accounting – Brookshire Brothers Dream Career: Teacher Hobbies: Swimming, Shopping, Scrapbooking Favorite Volunteer activity: Working with kids Favorite way to spend a day: With my family Favorite author: No time to read Favorite movie: The Proposal Favorite vacation spot: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Most people don’t know that: I hugged George Bush’s neck

Becky Butler

Spouse: James Butler Children/Ages: Mallory (7) and Patrick (4) Occupation: Teacher Dream Career: Personal shopper for a designer/label Hobbies: Catching up on sleep! But I do enjoy reading.

Favorite Volunteer activity: Being a Mommy!

Favorite way to spend a day: Outside with my husband and kids.

Favorite author: Oh my, I have so many.... Paulo Coelho, Francine Rivers, Ken Follett Favorite movie: “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Sandlot” Favorite vacation spot: 5th Street in NYC Most people don’t know that: I hate driving

Erica Callaham

Spouse: Art Callaham Children/Ages: Hannah, 15 months Occupation: Full-time Mommy & Professional Volunteer Dream Career: Living It Hobbies: Reading, Knitting Favorite Volunteer activity: Mosaic Center ESL Program Favorite way to spend a day: With my husband and daughter Favorite author: Jane Austen Favorite movie: “The Illusionist” Favorite vacation spot: Willamette Valley, Oregon Most people don’t know that: I lived in France for two years

Mandy Camp

Spouse: Adam Children/Ages: Chloe, 6 and Jace, 4 Occupation: Registered Dental Hygienist Dream Career: Race Car Driver Hobbies: My children and reading when I have time Favorite Volunteer activity: Special Olympics Favorite way to spend a day: with my family and friends Favorite author: Sophie Kinsella Favorite movie: anything funny; current faves: “Bridesmaids” and “Horrible Bosses” Favorite vacation spot: Vegas, baby!

Most people don’t know that: I wanted to be a cop just so I could “legally” drive fast!

Tonja Childers

Spouse: Zeb Childers Children/Ages: Ashton Childers 10 Occupation: Operations Assistant @ Southwest Securities, Inc. Dream Career: Own a bakery Hobbies: Baking, Gardening, Hunting & Fishing Favorite Volunteer activity: Anything with children Favorite way to spend a day: Relaxing with my family Favorite author: Do not read many books, but LOVE magazines Favorite movie: “Steel Magnolias” Favorite vacation spot: The Beach Most people don’t know that: That I use to cook/bake at my grandparent’s restaurant (Pete’s Place).

October 2011 11

2011 - 2012 Provisionals Melissa Hannah

Spouse: Matthew D. Benton Children/Ages: None Occupation: Attorney Dream Career: Vegas Show Girl Hobbies: n/a Favorite Volunteer activity: anything with children Favorite way to spend a day: Outdoors Favorite author: Vernon Favorite movie: “Lonesome Dove” Favorite vacation spot: Las Vegas Most people don’t know that: That I can operate various pieces of logging equipment and that I can completely service an 18 wheeler

Katie Henry

Spouse: Kevin Henry Children/Ages: n/a Occupation: Manager at Sweets and Eats Dream Career: I would love to one day own my own bakery or do something in politics Hobbies: Cooking, Running and Reading Favorite Volunteer activity: I love working with crisis pregnancy centers to help women and their children get back on their feet Favorite way to spend a day: My favorite way to spend a day is cooking delicious food and getting to share it with great friends Favorite movie: “Love Actually” Favorite vacation spot: Scotland Most people don’t know that: I am originally from New Mexico and am fairly new to Lufkin

Cara Hewitt

Children/Ages: Haley - 13, Hannah - 10 Occupation: Accountant Dream Career: Wildlife biologist Hobbies: snow skiing, fishing, hunting Favorite way to spend a day: at the lake Favorite author: John Grisham Favorite vacation spot: Italy

Diane Hineman

Spouse: Mike Hineman Children/Ages: Matthew 9, Nicholas 7 Occupation: Library Media Specialist- Lufkin Middle School Dream Career: I would love to be an author Hobbies: Reading, spending time with my family & friends and being outdoors Favorite Volunteer activity: Any activity that involves helping others, no matter what age they are Favorite way to spend a day: I love lazy days with my family Favorite author: Francine Rivers Favorite movie: “Marley & Me” Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii Most people don’t know that: I have a Master’s Degree

Allison Horsley

Spouse: N/A Children/Ages: Anneka (18), Caleb (15), and Seth (12) Horsley Occupation: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Director of the Burke Center’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Dream Career: New York City Rockette Hobbies: cycling, swimming, gardening, camping, photography, & scrapbooking Favorite Volunteer activity: educating/mentoring Favorite way to spend a day: being outdoors Favorite author: Maya Angelou Favorite movie: “Funny Farm” (with Chevy Chase) Favorite vacation spot: the Florida Keys Most people don’t know that: I’m a closet disco fan

12 October 2011

Melissa Huggins

Spouse: Adam Huggins Children/Ages: No children yet Occupation: RN Case Manager, Lufkin State Supported Living Center Dream Career: Family Nurse Practitioner Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family; anything outdoors including hunting and fishing Favorite Volunteer activity: Looking forward to volunteering with JLL and serving my community Favorite way to spend a day: Relaxing with my husband Favorite author: Charlaine Harris Favorite movie: “Lonesome Dove” Favorite vacation spot: Any beach in the Caribbean Most people don’t know that: I’m a sports fanatic, and I Love the Dallas Mavericks and the Cowboys! I also love to cook.

Leslie Jinkins

Spouse: Jamie Children/Ages: Carter, age 6 and Brooklyn, age 2 Occupation: Legal Assistant Dream Career: Computer Graphic Designer Hobbies: Shopping, watching baseball, camping and fishing Favorite Volunteer activity: Back to School Bonanza Favorite way to spend a day: Hanging out with family and friends Favorite author: Nicholas Sparks Favorite movie: “Steel Magnolias” Favorite vacation spot: Destin, Florida Most people don’t know that: I have a real estate license

Emily May

Spouse: Tommy Children/Ages: Jackson, 4 - Walker, 1 Occupation: critical care educator, ICU RN, wife, and mother Dream Career: I am doing it!!

Hobbies: water skiing, biking, hunting, gardening, watching UT football games Favorite Volunteer activity: working with children, helping to feed the needy Favorite way to spend a day: at the lake with the family, at a football game Favorite author: ???? There are too many to name Favorite movie: “Steel Magnolias”, “Hope Floats” Favorite vacation spot: Maine in the fall - most beautiful peaceful place, perfect weather, and the lobster is amazing!!

Most people don’t know that: I played sports (basketball and softball) all my life; I am a football fanatic and I even manage my own fantasy football team

Monica Peters

Spouse: N/A Children/Ages: Amber Morris/11 Occupation: Higher Education/Administration Dream Career: Expansion of my current career. Higher Education/ Administration/National Consultant Hobbies: Decorating Favorite Volunteer activity: Any activity working with youth Favorite way to spend a day: Due to my hectic schedule, relaxing. I do enjoy “Mommy/Daughter” dates with Amber.

F a v o r i t e author: Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Ernest J. Gaines, Barack Obama Favorite movie: “The Color Purple” Favorite vacation spot: Las Vegas Most people don’t know that: I met Nelson Mandela when he spoke at my Commencement in 2000 and I was the only student awarded a PhD. on that day.

2011 - 2012 Provisionals Tyler Pavlic

Spouse: Clayton Children/Ages: Knox due in December!

Occupation: Co-Owner of Blithe Boutique Dream Career: The one I have!

Hobbies: Reading, Interior Decorating/Design, Cooking Favorite Volunteer activity: anything to do with kids Favorite way to spend a day: outside on a cool, pretty day with a good book!

Favorite author: James Patterson Favorite movie: “Steel Magnolias” F a v o r i t e vacation spot: anywhere tropical with a beach and pretty water Most people don’t know that: I am totally grossed out by chicken

Cori Weeks

Frances (Frankie) Racine

Spouse: John Weeks Children/Ages: stepsons Corbyn 19, Chase 16, sons Tysen 7, Cooper 4, and little princess Lavery Ann 22 months Occupation: Physical therapist Dream Career: owning and operating a pediatric therapy clinic Hobbies: traveling; spending time with family; exercising Favorite Volunteer activity: Camp Counselor for children with cancer or blood disorders Favorite way to spend a day: enjoying the beautiful outdoors with my children Favorite author: not much on casual reading Favorite movie: “The Notebook” Favorite vacation spot: Puerta Villarta Most people don’t know that: Next spring, my husband will have to call me doctor (of physical therapy!)

Mary Ridings

Spouse: William Weeks Children/Ages: Laney Elizabeth (2 weeks old) Occupation: Hudson Middle School ELA teacher Dream Career: Children’s Librarian Hobbies: Reading and Shopping Favorite Volunteer activity: My husband and I are new to Lufkin, so I have not had many opportunities to volunteer in the area. I look forward to participating in volunteer activities through JLL. Favorite way to spend a day: Shopping, watching football, or spending time with my family Favorite author: Patricia Cornwell and Greg Iles Favorite movie: “Dirty Dancing” Favorite vacation spot: Big Cedar Lodge Most people don’t know that: I was raised on a farm in Northeast Louisiana

Spouse: Jed Racine Children/Ages: Brittney – 21; Courtney - 20 Occupation: RN Dream Career: To finish my MSN – FNP and to work in the cosmetic/ aesthetic field Hobbies: Shopping, spending time with my friends and family, decorating and making craft projects Favorite Volunteer activity: Making and delivering Thanksgiving baskets to the community.

Favorite way to spend a day: playing with my sweet precious grandkids Favorite author: Robin Cook & Terri Blackstock Favorite movie: “Twilight” movies, “Titanic”, and “The Notebook” Favorite vacation spot: anywhere there’s a beach and white sand Most people don’t know that: I actually have very curly hair…

Spouse: Josh Children/Ages: Kylie (6), Wyatt (2) Occupation: Account Manager Dream Career: Event Coordinator for March of Dimes Hobbies: Photography, Reading, Baking, Shopping Favorite Volunteer activity: Teaching Sunday School Favorite way to spend a day: Outdoors with my family Favorite author: Nicholas Sparks Favorite movie: “Pretty Woman” Favorite vacation spot: Bahamas Most people don’t know that: I loved playing basketball when I was younger and enjoy refereeing the full court games for Upward Basketball

Lamil Spencer

Occupation: Speech Language Pathologist Hobbies: Interior design, travel, spending time with family, and fashion merchandising Favorite volunteer activity: Volunteering for various events at my local church Favorite way to spend a day: Training children and adults with communication disorders to communicate effectively in social environments Favorite author: Maya Angelou Favorite movie: “The King’s Speech” Favorite vacation spot: San Antonio Most people don’t know that: I majored in fashion merchandising at University of North Texas

Crystal Thomas

Spouse: David Thomas Children/Ages: Garrett Thomas, 8; Garrison Thomas, 2 Occupation: Legal Transcriptionist Dream Career: Professional Organizer Hobbies: Running, Scrapbooking, Playing the Piano Favorite Volunteer activity: Lufkin Community Partners Favorite way to spend a day: Relaxing with my boys at home Favorite author: Frank Peretti Favorite movie: “Major Payne” Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere cold!

Most people don’t know that: I play the piano

Rebecca Weeks

Rebecca West

Spouse: n/a Children/Ages: n/a Occupation: Office Assistant, Goff & Herrington Dream Career: Event planner Hobbies: Planning events, playing games Favorite Volunteer activity: Planning Zoo Brew Favorite way to spend a day: Playing games with the family Favorite author: Nora Roberts Favorite movie: “Dirty Dancing” Favorite vacation spot: Maine and Massachusetts Most people don’t know that: I’m a huge Beatles fan

Ashli Yawn

Spouse: Not married... Yet ; ) Children/Ages: N/A Occupation: 2nd grade Teacher Dream Career: A Reading Specialist. I would love the opportunity to work with struggling readers in a pull out program in order to strengthen their reading abilities Hobbies: Reading and Shopping Favorite Volunteer activity: My favorite activity that I volunteer for is teaching 2nd grade choir at church, even though I am not a great singer Favorite way to spend a day: Relaxing on the beach or shopping with friends Favorite author: Nicholas Sparks Favorite movie: “Twilight” Series Favorite vacation spot: Florida Most people don’t know that: I was the fastest girl on my high school track team!

October 2011 13

Motivational Minute

By Tara Watkins

C

an I tell you how “unmotivated” I am right now? My article for Our View is past due and Sharon has been kind enough to give me an extra few days. By the way, did I tell you that I am currently in a hotel room in San Antonio after being on the road for 13 hours? Oh yeah… call me charming and energetic!

I don’t know about you, but how is it already the beginning of October? By the time you read this it will be well in to October and I’m sure most of you will have your house decorated for Halloween!

I absolutely love this time of year. I love waking up early, sitting on the porch enjoying a cup of hot tea (with milk and sugar) and either reading the paper or glancing over another article in Southern Living.

I love the crisp, beautiful mornings when I can get up and put on my robe, warm house shoes and say “Good Morning, God!” It just makes me happy thinking about fall.

I long for my Ballard Designs and Pottery Barn magazines to be delivered in my mailbox- not necessarily to order anything, but rather to look through their beautiful pages and gather ideas on new ways to decorate our house. I’m always looking for a new way to turn something that I have used for years into something new and exciting. Did I mention that my Pottery Barn catalog came yesterday and I saved it to pile up in bed while traveling? I’m so excited!

So here’s my two cents on motivation. No matter how tired you are or how tired you are of something, find your cozy spot, enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or even a great glass of wine and look for new ways to turn something old and tired into something new and creative. Make it sparkle, make it warm and

14 October 2011

cozy! Go outside and gather beautiful leaves with your children and put them in your grandmother’s milk glass vase or put leaves between two pieces of wax paper and let your kids make stained glass pieces or cut down twigs, put them in a large vase and have your family write their blessings on pieces of paper and tie them onto the tree---make lasting memories that you will treasure forever.

Here’s to fall blessings, sweet friends.

Tara Watkins

Performance Auto Sales

Andy House

936.414.2295 www.FordGt4orSale.com

Focus on the Community

By Shell Lockhart, Community Engagement Coordinator - Goodwill Industries of Central East Texas

Y

outhWorks! Program began as a cooperative agreement with Goodwill Industries of Central East Texas and Lufkin High School’s Special Education department.

In a school year, students learned from the program’s components: Life Skills - exploring jobs, interpersonal skills/goal setting, and getting and keeping a job; Work Experience – putting life skills and work behaviors learned into action by gaining more transferable skills and experiences, working in the Lufkin Goodwill store, with opportunity to rotate and work in different areas; Service-Learning – students investigate a need in the community and complete a “service” project with the assistance of mentors and volunteers. The YouthWorks!

Program chose to team with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 113 to collect and pre-package items for American Troops overseas this year; Youth Leadership Training – students explored issues relevant to them such as advocacy, disability rights, communication and leadership skills, assistive technology, and job/career planning. During YLT, the students spent one day at the Gateway Ropes Challenge Course, allowing them to think outside the box, learn trust and teambuilding skills; Camp – In order to pull all lessons together, review them and celebrate a successful program year, students participate in an annual 3-day, 2-night “Summer Learning Ropes Challenge Camp”. This year’s theme was Life’s Good 2011. Students participated in indoor and outdoor learning activities and low and high Ropes Course elements. They also competed on teams in a “Chili Cook-Off ” Contest and contended for the top spot in cupcake decorating, in addition to having speakers from Texas Forestry Museum and Family Crisis Center.

Goodwill Industries has received support from the Junior League of Lufkin, which has helped these young people train for ‘what comes after high school’ and learn skills to use in their communities in order to be

of service to others. Goodwill is extremely grateful and feels quite blessed for the assistance from the League, which has allowed these students opportunities to grow as individuals and members of the community.

Shell Lockhart

Top, Clockwise: Bradetric Lynch, Javensky Berry, Carina Santes, Julian Luman, Travis Duke, Nita McElrath, Travial Mitchell, Joanna Fullerton, LaBrittany Brown and Sara Bray in class with “Miss Shell” Lockhart planning their service-learning project.

Law Firm PLLC

Additional Offices: Nacogdoches, Texas and Livingston, Texas

The Ropes Course is always a thrill for the students while at camp. Andrea Turner demonstrates how to make it across to the other side of the pole, on one of the high elements.

October 2011 15

Sustainer News

By Lisa Haglund

T

his year approximately 5,000 students in area schools will be tested through Lufkin Junior League’s Vision Screening program. Ginna Hudgens, Sustainer Chair for this program, reports that the following sustainers received certification at the recent training session provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services: Doran Gipson, Cathy Todd, Barbara Peterson, Sylvia Ricks, Cindy Taylor, Linda Malnar, Tracy Portwood and Ginna. Others offering to help when screening starts include Kelly Moore, Ginger Bates, Lorelle Coleman, Jane Ainsworth, Dessa Glass, Melanie Sanders, Kathi Johnson, Lisa Griffin, Callie Winston and Debra Moore. Screening begins on September 14 and concludes December 8. Even if you were not able to attend the training session, there is always a need for extra hands with non-certified positions in the program. If you can help, please contact Tracy Nichols at tracysn76@aol.com.

A Texas-size thank you goes out to Carol Bradley, who offered up her expertise and hard work for “Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen” this summer. Carol is a registered dietician and this camp for thirdfifth graders is all about developing a healthy lifestyle. Carol helped them to gain an appreciation for cooking and healthy lifestyle choices.

Speaking of Texas-size, the Cattle Baron’s Gala will be held on Saturday, October 15th. This fundraiser for The American Cancer Society will be held at Meb and Cathy Todd’s ranch, located on Highway 103 West. Terri Thigpen is Raffle Chair this year. The raffle tickets sell for 10.00 each, 3 for $25.00 or 12 for $100.00. If you want to help out a great cause and take a chance on scoring some “bling” for yourself, tickets are available at the American Cancer Society Office, 212 Gene Samford Drive, or from any Cattle Baron’s raffle committee member. If you need more information please email Terri at tthigpen@consolidated.net.

As sustainers, you bring expertise, energy and, yes, wisdom to all that you do. If you are interested, there are many opportunities to help the active League members with wonderful projects. At the Fall Sustainer Meeting, you will find a survey that allows you to express

interest in any areas with which you might enjoy helping. Your completion of the survey will not obligate you to anything. It will simply show if you would like to know more about those project areas. The meeting will be held Wednesday, October 12, 10:00-11:30 at Crown Colony. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you are encouraged to contact Barbara Peterson, bbpeterson@consolidated. net, to access the survey. You are valuable, needed and appreciated!

The Junior League of Lufkin has a great website. If you have not visited it lately (or ever), you might enjoy checking it out. Go to www. juniorleagueoflufkin.org. Spend a few minutes clicking and you will discover a wealth of information.

Steve and Debra Moore’s daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Jack Knox, are now living in Bloomfield, Iowa where he is the senior minister of the First Christian Church. Steve and Debra visited them this summer and yes, there is plenty of corn in Iowa.

Debra and Steve even attended the County Fair in Bloomfield. Their younger daughter, Kimberly, is a physical therapist. She has traveled to several locations with her work. She recently completed 3 months in North Carolina and will now be in Boston for about 4 months.

Emily Watts tells me that Lindsey has just moved to Denver, Colorado. Lindsey graduated from Baylor in August with a degree in Music and Entertainment Marketing. She is working for Fresh Enterprises, an events company in Denver and she is also doing an internship with a booking agent in Boulder. Lindsey sounds like a talented and busy lady.

Thank you for serving others and for sharing the joys in your life.

Keep those stories and articles coming my way. Also, if I omitted your name from an important list above, please let me know so that I can correct that in the next issue!

Enjoy the cooler days! More relief is on the way…hopefully!

Send your news to: haglund@suddenlink.net

Lisa Haglund

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16 October 2011

Events & Birthday Calendar

O S U N D AY

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T H U R S D AY

F R I D AY

S AT U R D AY

1 Ellen Sorrell

2

3 Terri Self Ashli Yawn

9

4

23

Michelle Briley General Meeting: Salad Supper

18

12

13

8

19

24

25 Board Meeting

14

15 Andrea Friesen Rose Johnson

Kitty Davis Lib Oviatt

Sustainer Fall Meeting

20

Family Night at Kurth Elementary

Kimberly Doyle

Becky Holton Karen Harris

30

7 Ann Shands

11

17

Sheila Skelton Rebecca Davis

6

Tempe Lou Durham

10

16

5

Cara Hewitt

21

22

28

29

Dana Smithhart

26

27 Lisa Haglund Judy Perry

Cissy McCarroll

Sherry Roper Paula Werner

Paula Samford

31

Joie Henderson

Rebecca West

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1 7

2

8 Kelley Moore Donna Willis

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14

Emily Watts Amber Youngblood

20 27 Tracie McCleskey

21 28

22 Rona Friesen Carrie Iverson Misty Croley Callie Winston Board Meeting

Ann Watson

Cindi Andrews

12

18

24

19 Luanna Semlinger

25 Joy Scott-Killam

T.J. Patterson Cissy Seely Cinda Taylor

Brooke Van

Joan Temple

Stephanie Gustafson Donna Quarles

30

Misty Zeleskey

5

11

17

Nelda Horton

S AT U R D AY

Cindy Neal Marcy Weibe

Laddie Williams

23

29

F R I D AY

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Carol Zbranek Julie Castleberry

9

Crystal Gann Family Night at Burley Primary

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3

Tammi Axelson Claudi DeArmond General Meeting

15 Cathey Friesen

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W E D N E S D AY

Barbara Cavanaugh 2nd Half of Dues Deposited

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Elizabeth Perkins

26 Nancy Moore Monica Gunter

Jean Dillahunty Holiday Tea

October 2011 17

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 151812 Lufkin, Texas 75915

M i s s i on S tat e m e n t The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

PA I D Permit No. 45 Lufkin, TX