The Journey Magazine July 2009

July 2009

Inspiring Young Woman Hanna Sowards inspiring woman Eva Dickens Homestead Tips for Sellers in a Buyer’s Market

Women’s Health 8 Simple Stressbusters for Moms giving back Heritage Festival

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2 / The Journey - July 2009

Contents

July 2009

Your Home At Home: backyard bbq and entertainment 10 Landmarks: the met 12 Homestead: tips for sellers in a buyer’s market 13 In the Kitchen 14 Landscaping: kinder garden 16 Your community business spotlight: the blueberry place 18 Business Connections: meeting sarah o’brien 19 lufkin County Chamber of Commerce 20 Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce 22 Calendar 24 Places and Faces 26 Giving Back: nacogdoches historical foundation 30 Inspiring young woman: Hanna sowards 32 inspiring woman: eva dickens 34 Your Life Hall of Fame Hubbies 38 Pretty Babies 39 Girls Group: pinewinds art gallery 50 your wallet: back to school clothes you can get free or buy cheap 41 weddings 42 Relationships: god doesn’t take a vacation 44 education: Should we or should we not 45 Your Body Fitness 101: grab some weights 48 Women’s Health: eight simple stressbusters for moms 49 Fashion: tops 50 Beauty: what’s your sun iq 51 Review 52 market ads 53 parting advice 54

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Welcome

We are off to an exciting summer! June was a busy and very HOT month for us. We celebrated our four year anniversary, which included a few celebrations! You will see pictures from all our events in the magazine.

As always, we have great articles, recipes, and tips for you to enjoy. This is a great time of year to be in East Texas. If you forget about all the fun things to do, just click online to see the June issue. There is still a lot to do and keep us busy for very little money. I hope this July is fun-filled and jam-packed with summer fun! Thank you for always reading The Journey. It is because of you we get our great ideas and our stories. Most of all, advertisers love Journey readers!

Pack a picnic, load the car, and get out and explore East Texas!

Happy July!

Stephanie oliver president & editor

4 / The Journey - July 2009

News

UP DATE

June was a busy and exciting month for The Journey. We had several celebrations in honor of our four year anniversary! Thanks to the Lufkin Chamber and Nacogdoches Chamber

for

hosting

ribbon

cuttings. We also had a fun-filled event at Lufkin Mall which included a car seat safety check. Having a car seat check is quite the undertaking, but thanks to all the people who pitched in, it a great success! Everyone who came left feeling their kids riding in their vehicle. First, a huge thanks to our presenting sponsor, Memorial Health System, and our other sponsors: Jay Jackson State Farm, Commercial Bank of Texas, and Carrington’s Children’s Boutique. Thanks also go to all those who pitched in to make the day a success: Anna Lee, Robin Dawley, Officer Alberto Ibarra, our car seat technicians, Applebees, Chick-Fil-A (mall location), Great American Cookie, Holly Bridwell (Southern Living), Bare Minerals, Planet Beach, Lufkin Mall, Texas Shaved Ice, Angelina Beautiful Clean, SunnyandBrook Designs, Merle Norman, Emily Goodwin (Arbonne), and Abeldt’s Pharmacy. Thank you!

H A P PY B IRT HDAY Wow! Time Flies. Carrington’s Children’s Boutiqueiscelebratingtheironeyearanniversary this month! Congratulations, Christi!

P R OJ E C T B OX This month’s project we are partnering with The Junior League of Lufkin.

Every year they work on collecting as many backpacks as possible. They donate over $15,000 a year to purchase schools supplies for Angelina County Schools. The Junior League would like to purchase or collect at least 500 backpacks for Angelina County. The backpacks can be new or gently used. Let’s help every child in Angelina County go to school with a backpack! You can drop off your backpack to Lufkin Mall at the Customer Service Desk or Abeldt’s Pharmacy or email projectbox@tjmag.com

Stephanie Oliver P r e s i d e n t a n d E d i to r Michelle Briley d i r e c to r o f s a l e s Courtney conerly l ayo u t a n d d e s i g n Kristie Huddleston graphic designer Greg Patterson Sharon Ford w w w. g r e g pat t e r s o n . c o m C o v e r p h oto g r a p h e r Lisa crow e v e n t p h oto g r a p h e r woodie hicks e v e n t p h oto g r a p h e r allyson langston c o p y e d i to r Susan childers web designer Paula Metzinger s ta f f w r i t e r Contributors

Samie Montes Rivers Carr Alexandra Vrught K at h ry n G r e e n e E m i ly Pa r k s Co n n i e R e e v e s S u s i e Co rt r i g h t A my J o R o l a n d C h a r l a Spa r k s

Photography Credits Va l e n a Sp r a d l e y B r u c e Pa rta i n Jim Denman

Distrubution

Ja n e t G lov e r lu f k i n l i sa H a n n a h n aco g d o c h e s K r i st i e l av i o l e t t e l i v i n g sto n Cade mcdonald Crockett m o l i n da s m i t h s a n au g u st i n e Helen Williams Pineland Kari Spurgeon Wo d e n a n d E to i l e

RECRUI TI N G The Journey is looking for a few good recruits! We are growing and are looking for a full-time graphic designer, staff writer, photographer, account executives, and administrative assistant. Send your resume to positions@tjmag.com

follow us on Twitter!

Advertisment Information The journey PO Box 150537 Lufkin, Tx 75915

936-635-7369 advertise@tjmag.com

twitter.com/journeymag

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Director’s Chair I am so excited about this issue of The Journey! Our

This Ad”. Others say “Present This Ad”. My suggestion

advertisers are offering some wonderful specials and discounts

would be to keep your Journey handy as you visit the stores

available this month especially for Journey readers! Get ready-

so you will be prepared. And don’t forget, Back to School is

the ads in this issue are packed with all sorts of money-saving

just around the corner. You could use the discounts offered

opportunities just for you.

this month as a great way to start getting ready.

I have never been one to pass up a good deal. I mean, it just seems wrong to miss out on a sale. In fact, my husband will

Let’s go shopping! (Sorry, honey! I meant-) Let’s go save

often tease me by saying, “How much money did you have to

some money!

spend in order to save so much?” Over the years I have learned not to even answer that “loaded” question. I have just not had a lot of luck convincing him of my theory- “it’s not how much you spend- It’s how much you SAVE!” When I first approached the advertisers about making the July issue a “Summer Special” issue, I was a little unsure of the reaction I might receive. All I can say is, “Wow!” I was completely overwhelmed when everyone was just as excited about the idea as me. The advertisers featured in the magazine are truly amazing! Many expressed how economically tough times have been for people lately. They knew they might not be able to do something monumental, but they all wanted to be a part of bringing a little joy into the lives of the people in our community.

As you read The Journey this month, please take time to check out all the great deals offered in the ads. Maybe you have always wanted to go to a place you have seen advertised, but have just never made time to go. Have you been putting off a purchase because you wanted to wait until it went on sale?

Well, now’s the time! These local businesses are the backbone

Have Fun,

of our communities, so let’s show them our support and save money at the same time. It can’t get any better than that!

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a Journey shopping day? You could map out a few businesses featured in the magazine and go on a Journey road trip by yourself or with a group of friends. Please note that some of the ads indicate that you should “Mention

6 / The Journey - July 2009

michelle briley director of sales

Your Home

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At home

backyard bbq and entertaining | by samie montes

Have you started enjoying summer yet? If you are like me, the heat is almost too much. But, with these awesome ideas, you won’t care about the heat! This July is devoted to the art of back yard entertaining. I want to thank Morrison Supply for letting me use their AWESOME backyard. They have so many amazing things to make your next BBQ the absolute BEST!

Green Egg!

This is the ultimate grill/ smoker/baker, and more!

Green Egg prices begin at $299. Prices will vary according to the size of the cooker and which accessories

you

want.

There is even a mini Green Egg called the Tailgater.

The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Enjoy cooking outdoors with this phenomenal kitchen.

Who wouldn’t like a huge grill area, dual dishwashers, a wine chiller, a Kegerator, dual warming drawers, and a refrigerator from DCS by Fisher Paykel? It is all topped off with a huge flat screen television.

Here are some of the benefits of the Big Green Egg:

Beautiful Tables

• Fast lighting--ready to cook in 10 minutes with no lighter

backyard BBQ with fun

Set

fluid

in

there are no grease flare-ups

These great linens downtown

Lufkin.

The beautiful flowers are

• Withstands temperature extremes from below 0° to

from our local Brookshire

1800°F

8 / The Journey - July 2009

Try

are from A1 Party Rentals

• Constant tending not required; with enclosed cooking,

• Weatherproof ceramics won’t rust

bright linens and a beautiful

red.

while cooking; unburned charcoal can be reused

metal grills

your

instead of plain white or

• Fuel efficient--so there is no need to add more charcoal

• Surface stays cooler and is safer around children than

of

using bright blue and yellow

control and no hot spots

and rain

tone

floral arrangement.

• Ceramic walls retain heat with accurate temperature

• Can be used year round, even in freezing temperatures

the

Brothers #25. They can do anything from a wedding to simple greenery. Be creative and have fun!

Extra for this month!!

Not Yo Momma’s Banana Pudding paula deen

I know I am not the recipe person for the magazine. But, I did want to include a staple for my backyard BBQs. It is the best Banana Pudding recipe EVER!!

12 servings Super Easy Ingredients: 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies 6 to 8 bananas, sliced 2 cups milk 1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese , softened 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream Directions: Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve. tjmag.com / 9

/ Yo u r Hom e

landmarks

the met | Words byPaula Metzinger The Museum of East Texas could have been called the Phoenix of East Texas…for it rose out of the ashes of the building of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and from the dreams of a group of dedicated citizens. J.P. McDonald, director of the MET, can recount the history and story of the museum like a mother would talk about her children.

The original church was built on the corner of Paul and Second Street in Lufkin in 1905. An early morning fire in October of 1969 destroyed much of the building. The organ, pews, and altar were completely destroyed in the blaze, along with much of the structure. The congregation opted to relocate and the City of Lufkin acquired the property, McDonald explained. Enter the Lufkin Historical and Creative Arts Center, a division of the Lufkin Service League (now the Junior League of Lufkin.)

Desiring a community outlet for art that would afford the

The MET is currently in the midst of their annual summer art

citizens of Lufkin, and especially the children, the exposure

camp, which run for 11 weeks. Last year, they had an enrollment

to art and culture their counter parts in urban areas enjoyed,

of 453. This year, a number of the class are already filled, but

the group set their sites on the burned building which the city

some spaces are still available. Everything is done through

leased to the organization. The dream of the Museum became

the tireless efforts of the members of the Museum Guild, the

a bicentennial project, and after extensive dedication and

Junior League of Lufkin, the Museum docents, and supporting

work, it was opened to the public in January 1976. “We are still

individuals and businesses that give and keep giving so the

grateful to the city for that lease,” J.P. said.

community can have this exposure to art, McDonald said.

Originally, the familiar sanctuary with its high pitched roof

This fall the Museum will host what is perhaps one of its

and pointed arched windows was used for the art exhibits

more prestigious undertakings when it opens an exhibit of the

hosted by the Museum. It was known as “The Museum” for the

works of John James Audubon, including prints, paintings,

first several years of its existence, and in 1985, it became the

and personal artifacts. Coupled with that exhibit will be one

Museum of East Texas with a broader emphasis to bring art and

of East Texas birds by members of the Angelina Photography

culture to people beyond Lufkin city limits.

Association and the pen and ink works of East Texas artist Mimi

The Museum has undergone several renovations, expansions,

Hoppe Wolfe.

and improvements through the years, and today its more than 7,500

The Museum is here today because of the dedication, hard

square feet includes five galleries, the E.W. Leach performance hall,

work, and belief of a group of people who had a vision to being

offices, a classroom, and storage. The permanent collections of

the arts to East Texas. McDonald said that she is very grateful

the Museum include photo collections, works of American, Latin

to them for their work and is blessed to be surrounded by such

American, and European masters, and East Texas artists. The

remarkable people. And true to the original desire to bring art

Museum’s photo collection, which came to the Museum through

to everyone, there is no admission fee to the Museum or its

the generosity of many, contains more than 100,000 prints and

exhibits.

negatives that were meticulously catalogued by the last Nancy

The Museum is open to the public Tuesday-Friday from 10

Croom Wilson. The collection includes pictures of people, places,

a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

and events from the late 1800s to today, which are a wealth of

For more information about the Museum of East Texas, you can

information for scholars, historians, and genealogists.

view their website at www.metlufkin.org

10 / The Journey - July 2009

Homestead

tips for sellers in a buyer’s market In today’s “buyer’s market,” sellers need

a realtor bonus, but if you do your

every advantage they can get. Because the

homework of updating the home and

buyer has the upper hand, they can pretty

having it ready to show, and the price is

much hand pick their ideal house and

right--the competitive commission is the

name their price. In order for a house to

icing on the cake. This will get your home

stand out above the rest and get top dollar,

more showings and exposure.

there is a lot of preparation to do before the For Sale sign goes up.

Courtney Gould, Most Referred Multi

Courtney Gould has a more lot of tricks up her sleeves for all of her clients. Here are a few simple ones to consider.

Million Dollar Producer with American Real

• Listing your home more than over

Estate, gives sellers a few tips. “I think the

market value discourages buyers.

most crucial step for any seller to take before

• “A home that sparkles gets top dollar.”

putting a home on the market is to have an

Move in condition sells a home.

agent or an interior design consultant visit

• Curb Appeal. The outside of the home

their home to offer suggestions on what

makes a lasting first impression.

would help it show better and be more

• Unclutter. Take out of season clothing

marketable. Showmanship is everything.

out of the closets to make closets look

Very simple and inexpensive changes can

larger. Clear out the garage. Storage

help a seller get thousands more for their

appeals to buyers!

home,” Gould says.

• Financing. Consider paying closing

When you are the one going in and out

costs or discount points.

of your own space day in and day out, you

• Seasons. Make the most of the season

get immune to possible ways to spruce

you are selling your home. Pot plants

your home up.

and flowers. Use the season’s smells and

There are some cosmetic changes that would be good for showing your home.

colors. A warm fire or fresh baked bread can make a positive difference.

Then there are the must dos. Courtney Gould says, “When the decor of a home dates the home, then it is very likely that improvements will be necessary to sell it and or to get a market value price for it. I always tell my clients that if you have not made any decor changes to your home in the last ten years, then it would be a great investment to get outside advice on updating. Decorating trends change so

Courtney Gould is a Most Referred

rapidly that every home owner should do

Multi

minor updates every three to four years.”

American Real Estate. You can contact her

Another idea would be a competitive commission. Many sellers try to offer

Million

Dollar

Producer

for

for more information at 936. 414-5322 or visit www.mylufkinhome.com

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/ Yo u r Hom e

In the Kitchen

Ranch spiniach pasta salad

by anna lee

california chicken

Ingredients: 1 box Betty Crocker Suddely Salad classic pasta salad mix 1/2 cup ranch dressing 1tablespoon fresh lemon juice Ingredients:

2 cups baby spinach leaves or small broccoli florets

4 small, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)

3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved

3 cup frozen mixed vegetables

1/2 cup sliced cucumber, halved

1/4 cup pesto sauce

1/2 cup julienned carrots

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1/2 cup shredded reduced fat mozzarella cheese Directions: Directions:

1. Empty contents of pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full

1. Cook chicken in a skillet on medium-high heat about 5

of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring

minutes on each side until brown.

occasionally.

2. Add vegetables, pesto, and water. Bring to a boil, 6-8 min-

2. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.

utes, until chicken is cooked through.

3. In a medium bowl, stir contents of seasoning mix (from

3. Sprinkle cheese and cover. Let stand 5 minutes.

Suddenly Salad box), the dressing and lemon juice until well blended. Stir in pasta and remaining ingredients.

Makes 4 servings.

4. Eat immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information: Calories 42, Fat 18.4g, Carbohydrates 19.9g, Sugar 5.4, Protein 42.1g, Fiber 6.5g, Cholesterol 114mg, Sodium 355mg

12 / The Journey - July 2009

Makes 6 servings.

turkey, bacon and guacamole wraps

Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and mashed 1 tbsp taco sauce 1/4 tsp. garlic salt 4 flour tortillas 8 oz. thinly sliced cooked turkey 8 slices bacon 4 leaves of lettuce 1/4 cup drained roasted red bell peppers Directions: 1. In a small bowl, mix avocado, taco sauce and garlic salt.

Spread about 1 tablespoon on each tortilla.

2. Top tortillas with turkey; spread with any remaining avocado mixture. Top with bacon, lettuce and bell peppers.

3. Fold in sides of each tortilla; roll up. Cut each in half. Serve immediately, or wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving or up to 24 hours. **You can switch up the ingredients to change up the flavor like changing the turkey to chicken or pork bacon to turkey bacon.

Makes 4 wraps.

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/ You r Hom e

Landscaping

kinder garden| Words by Rivers Carr If you want your child to love gardening, the best thing you can do is show them how much you love gardening. Show them there is magic in the dirt. Surround them with great garden experiences. Make sure your child has a space in the garden that they can call their own.

Great projects to try: • Bean Tepees: Five or more poles bound at the top and under planted w/pole beans.

You can make anything--from a wigwam to a dome--with willow or plastic tubing and then plant it with vines. Try bamboo, angling the poles like interlocking fingers. Instead of beans, grow gourds, miniature pumpkins, or morning glories.

• Sunflower houses – plant sunflowers in a square to form a “room”. Sunflowers are easy to grow and make great bird feeders at the end of the summer. Help your child identify which birds are coming to snack.

• Create a fairy garden – Think miniature. Choose plenty of low-growing, tiny leafed plants and those with hanging bells and cup-like flowers like lily of the valley or sweet peas (after all, that’s where the fairies hide). Carpet their dance floor with thymes and mosses. Plant lamb’s ear for a soft fairy bed. Foxglove is a popular background plant for fairy gardens. With a little imagination, the possibilities are endless.

back to school spirit

• Alphabet Garden - If you have room for 26 plants, let your child choose from asters to zinnias, and let them help make signs for each plant.

Whether you are an accomplished gardener or just getting started, gardening with your child is your chance to partner with Mother Nature to make magic. Don’t worry about achieving perfection. Just dig in and grow something beautiful or yummy to eat. The memories will last you longer than a season. If your child’s first experience with

1pm – 3pm Saturday, August 8 Free gift to first 100 students Free food and beverage samples

gardening is fun and successful, chances are good that they will develop a green thumb that will stay with them a lifetime.

July Gardening Tip: All azaleas need

Fashion show

to be fertilized and pruned before the month of August. If they are pruned after that, they will not bloom.

When you When you want want to to taste, taste, touch, hug and and hold…experience hold...experience touch,

Mall gift certificates available!

14 / The Journey - July 2009 4600 South Medford Drive, Lufkin

GK DEVELOPMENT,

INC.

GK Development, Inc. Properties

www.lufkinmall.com 936-639-1249 www.lufkinmall.com

photo by lisa crow

Your community

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/ Yo u r Co m m u nity

Business Spotlight the blueberry place | Words by paula metzinger

Roger and Sherrie Randall moved to East Texas from

taller, people can’t reach the berries,” she said. This is yet

Littleton, Colorado to retire and they settled on a ten-acre farm

another way they keep the farm picker friendly. The Randalls

outside Nacogdoches with land enough for his woodworking

also refrain from using any pesticides or herbicides on their

hobby and her gardening passion. The 1100 blueberry plants

plants and keep the weeds at bay the old fashioned way…by

on two acres were on the land, and they didn’t plan on doing

regularly hacking them down.

much with them. That all changed their first morning on the

The Randalls consider themselves more like caretakers of

farm, Sherrie said. “We woke up and there were people all in

the blueberries rather than owners. “It belongs to the people

the blueberry field picking the berries,” she said.

more than us,” she said. Neither one of the Randalls had even

The previous owners, who had been there for seven years,

eaten blueberries until they moved to East Texas; now Sherrie

had operated a pick your own blueberry farm and local people were accustomed to coming to the Blueberry Place for their blueberries. “We moved in on June 1st and they had already opened the patch--we just didn’t know it,” she said.

For the past nine years, the Randalls have followed suit and the farm has been opened in May and June for blueberry picking. They have tried to make The Blueberry Place very “picker friendly” and visitors are on the honor system to pay the $1.25 per pound price for the berries. “The patch is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week when the berries are ripe. We have a ‘picker’s porch’ with buckets, bags, harnesses to hold the buckets, a scale to weigh the berries and a basket for the money,” she said. “You don’t need to bring anything to come

is constantly trying out new recipes with the crop. “They are

pick the berries.”

especially good in gingerbread,” she said. She experiments

When the picking season is over, the Randalls will top the

with new recipes and often will take a recipe that calls for

bushes and rake all the cuttings up for burning. “We don’t

cranberries and substitute the blueberries, adding a little

let the bushes get taller than 6 feet because if they are much

lemon juice. Her cookbook, “The Blueberry Place Recipe Book” can be purchased at “The Blueberry Place” or on line.

“In seven years of vacations we couldn’t agree on any place to retire,” she said. “Someone suggested we look at East Texas and we really liked it. The area is a lot like Colorado without the snow. The first day we were here the people were so friendly. They were warm and welcoming. It’s very different from other places--here the people smile and they like to talk to you.” And they like the blueberries, too!

(If you go: The early berries are gone and the midseason berries are just coming on. Call the Blueberry Place to be sure there are berries to be picked. The farm is located at 451 County Road 2052 in Carrizo Creek Estates. For directions and more information, check out their website at theblueberryplace.net or call: 936-559-9157.)

16 / The Journey - July 2009

Business Connections by paula metzinger

Nacogdoches seems to be a magnet for Sarah O’Brien, Main Street Manager for the city. “I’ve tried to move away twice and I just keep coming back,” she said.Originally from Dallas, Sarah came to Nacogdoches to attend SFA where she earned her degree in hospitality administration. After graduation, she left Nacogdoches and SFA, then returned after a while to work with the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau.

She moved away and then came back last April as the city’s Main Street manager. “I really enjoy tourism and here it ties in with the historic flavor of the city. Now I just have a specific area to target, working to bring economic development and tourism downtown,” she said. “The best part of the job is working with the people. I love to meet new people and we have a great group of merchants downtown,” she said. “We have a good mix of antique stores and unique specialty gift shops. We have several long-standing businesses that have been here thirty years or more.”

Nacogdoches has been a part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Main Street Program for eleven years. Main Street is a revitalization program for historic downtowns using what is known as the Four Point approach – organization, design, promotion, and economic restructuring, all within the context of historic preservation, according to the City’s webpage.

Working with Sarah is the Main Street advisory board, made up of 10 people appointed by the City Commission. “The board is crucial to my success,” she said.

“They are a very active and working board and are great to work with.” The board is a “good mixture,” Sarah said, of downtown businesses owners and those from outside the Main Street district that includes property owners, business owners, and representatives from the media, financial institutions, hotels, the Convention and Tourism Bureau, and the Historical Foundation. Sarah is very excited about a $20,000 donation the Main Street program recently received for planters and downtown beautification.

One of the challenges of the job, Sarah said, is working with the property owners of vacant buildings to get them rented or repaired so they do not detract from the overall picture of the downtown area. Sarah loves her job so much you could say she never leaves it since she lives in a loft apartment with windows overlooking the downtown area. “I can see people walking around and sometimes, if there’s something going on that Main Street is not involved in, I can just look out my window and watch the fun,” she said. tjmag.com / 17

Lufkin County Chamber of Commerce Thank you for Making the 12th Annual Neches River Rendezvous a Success!

Thank you to our countless sponsors, volunteers and participants who helped make the Neches River Rendezvous that was held Saturday, June 6th at Temple-Inland’s North Boggy Slough a great success. This scenic 10-mile canoe trip had something for everyone. This natural tourism event is designed to promote outdoor wilderness adventure in East Texas by framing a day of paddling with the panoramic Neches River and surrounding forests. Be sure to join us next year!

Senator Robert Nichols to Speak at the July First Friday Luncheon The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that our July First Friday Speaker will be Senator Robert Nichols. The luncheon will take place Friday, July 10th at Crown Colony Country Club. The program will begin at noon. At that time, the 2009 Jack O. (Butch) McMullen Silver Spike Award will also be presented.

Tickets to the luncheon are $15 each and may be reserved by calling 936-634-6644 or emailing cblack@lufkintexas.org. RSVP by 5 p.m. Thursday, July 9th and enter to win the $100 On-Time Drawing that is guaranteed to be awarded.

New Member Showcase to be held August 7th Join us on Friday, August 7th at the Pitser Garrison Civic Center for the Chamber’s New Member Showcase. The showcase will be held in conjunction with our August First Friday Luncheon. The showcase will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will pause at noon for the luncheon.

Stop by and see what our members have to offer. Browse their booths, do some shopping, and see what they have available to you!

If you are a Chamber Member that joined between January 1, 2008, and July 31, 2009, please call Lyndee Matthews at 634-6644 to see about setting up a booth at the New Member Showcase.

The New Member Showcase is sponsored by Alexander and Spencer, P.C. & Haglund Law Firm. The First Friday Luncheon’s Presenting Sponsor is Lufkin Coca-Cola and the sponsors for August are Cellular One of East Texas & Mike Love and Associates.

Admittance to the showcase is free and tickets to lunch are $15 and can be reserved by calling 634-6644 or emailing cblack@lufkintexas.org.

18 / The Journey - July 2009

Yo ur Co m m un i ty /

lufkin County Chamber of Commerce Young Eagles Aircraft Hanger Ribbon Cutting A Ribbon Cutting was held Saturday, June 13th at the Angelina County Airport in dedication of the newly constructed Young Eagles Aircraft Hanger. The funds for the hanger were a gift from Beth and Joe Denman. Pictured left to right is Tom Paxson (EAA 1219 Chapter President), Al Lown, Dr. Royce Read, Jim Odem, Rick Hendry (Young Eagles Committee CoChair), Jim Rogers, Joe Denman, Tracy Golden, Al Anderson, Linda Hendry (Young Eagles Committee Co-Chair), Tony Bishop, Frank Foreman, Patrick Matthews, Steve Kullback, Farrel Davis, Robert Dickens and John McConnell.

Westwood Bend Subdivision Ribbon Cutting On Tuesday, June 16th, Westwood Bend Subdivision celebrated the beginning of development with a Ribbon Cutting. Managed by Timber Country Real Estate, this subdivision is located in Hudson off of Hwy 94 just past FM 2497. Developers for this project are Trey Henderson and Joe McCleskey. Lot range in size up to 15.95 acres. For more information, call Timber Country Real Estate at 875-2905.

Pictured is: Trey Henderson, Joe McCleskey, Michael Sessions and family, Timber Country Real Estate staff, and members of the Lufkin/ Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team The Journey Magazine celebrated their Fourth Anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, June 11th. It was held at the Lufkin Chamber building at 1615 S. Chestnut Drive. Pictured is Stephanie Oliver, President

and

Editor;

Michelle

Briley, Director of Sales; and several Journey advertisers and contributors.

Also pictured are members of the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats team.

tjmag.com / 19

NACOGDOCHES County Chamber of Commerce Pick Nacogdoches Looking for sweet, fresh produce grown locally? Each farm offer a variety of good things. Some pick for you, and some allow you to come out and pick your own. Contact the Nacogodches Chamber of Commerce for a list of Nacogdoches County Growers that are open to the public.

Fourth Friday Luncheon Stand up and be counted Partnership Specialist Gina Moers, U.S. Census Bureau, will present Census 2010 at the Fourth Friday Luncheon on July 24 at Hotel Fredonia. “Raising awareness for the upcoming censuses is important,” said Moers. “I will address how the census directly affects the community, all individuals living within the community and especially businesses.”

Luncheon registration forms may be found at www.Nacogdoches.org.

Texas Blueberry Festival gets sweeter Contests, sweet treats, fresh blueberries, live entertainment including The Cowboy Max Show, and more all played a part in making the 20th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival, presented by Brookshire Brothers, held June 13 in downtown Nacogdoches, a huge blue success.

Markets fluctuate.

Relationships shouldn’t.

• A record number of attendees - 17,600 (up 10 percent from 2008’s 16,000 • A record number of blueberries sold 17,000 pounds (up 30 percent from 2008’s 12,000) A preliminary survey showed that more than 40 percent of the festival-goers traveled

Wendy Wyatt Buchanan, AAMS

more than 100 miles to attend the event.

Senior Vice President-Investments

2610 North University Dr. Nacogdoches, TX 75965 936.560.3930 800.456.3930 Investment20 and/ The Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Journey - ► July 2009 Insured ► NO Bank Guarantee ► MAY Lose Value

Local restaurants and stores located miles Joe Knobloch, right, and grandson Ben Bedwell enjoy blueberry pancakes at the 20th annual Texas Blue-berry Festival.

(Photo by Bruce R. Partain)

from the Festival reported significant boosts to their Saturday business.

Go to www.Nacogdoches.org to find the link to view photos from the event.

NACOGDOCHES County Chamber of Commerce Recent Ribbon Cuttings:

Voyagers Dream 123 E. Main St. (936) 569-2311

Deer Creek Recovery Center 3305 North St. (936) 559-9422 deercreekrecoverycenter.com

Willowbrook 227 Russell Blvd.

(936) 564-4596

The Journey PO Box 150537 (936) 635-7369 www.tjmag.com

Visit Us on the web The Nacogdoches County Chamber Web site is also a great place to find a community event online calendar (submit your events, too), links to the Shop Nac First and NacBlog sites and more!

Visit: www.nacogdoches.org

Nirvaana Medispa 3500 North St. Ste. 2 (936) 559-9100 www.nirvaana.com

tjmag.com / 21

July 2009 Calendar of Events 1- August 21 Art Camp Museum of East Texas, 936-639-4434, lhudgins@metlufkin.org.

Registration materials are available online at www.metlufkin.org.

Classes for age 3 through adults.

Scholarships available.

3 First Friday Cruise Nights Veteran’s Appreciation Night 5 - 8 p.m.

Downtown Nacogdoches Join us on the red brick streets of downtown! Patriotic music on the Plaza Stage, free drinks, and dessert inside the Visitor’s Center, classic and muscle cars on the square.

559-2573 4 Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market 8 a.m.

107 Pearl Street 559-2573 1st Saturday Sidewalk Sale 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Downtown Nacogdoches 936-559-2573 El Camino Real Heritage Education Project and “Now and Then” 2:30 p.m.

For info call: Stone Fort Museum Cole Art Center, 329 E Main St FREE Jeffrey Williams, landscape geographer and GIS systems administrator for SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture presents “Now and Then”, the project of 2008 students’ work which blended historic photographs of downtown Nacogdoches with recent images.

This has led to a trail-wide project documenting communities.

Freedom Fest Festival Plaza 888-OLDEST-TOWN

22 / The Journey - July 2009

6 Timber Tots Texas Forestry Museum Children ages 3 through Kindergarten gather at the Texas Forestry Museum each day, from 10 a.m. to noon, for a morning full of forestry and nature related activities. Fees are $25.00 per child.

Registration is limited. Please call the Museum for more information.

936-632-9535 8 Storytime with Cow Children eight and under are invited to attend in the Lufkin Mall party rooms.

Cow will dance, read and assist with cool summer crafts.

Children must be accompanied by adult. 10:30 a.m.

9 Senior Circle Day trip to Old Town Spring.

To register or for more information, call 936-637-8687.

10 Live Music at Hotel Fredonia 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

200 N Fredonia 564-1234 Lamp-Lite Theatre presents “Oliver” 7:30 p.m.

Loop 224 and Old Tyler Rosd 564-8300 Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Luncheon Silver Spike Award at Crown Colony Country Club 12 p.m.

11 Fajita Fly-In Angelina County Airport 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 donation pilot@Consolidated.net (936)225-0422

Earl Thomas Conley Concert Doors open at 6 p.m.

Banita Creek Hall 401 W Main 462-8000 Lamp-Lite Theatre presents “Oliver” 7:30 p.m.

Loop 224 and Old Tyler Road 564-8300 Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market 8 a.m.

For info call: 559-2573 107 Pearl Street 11-12 Millard’s Flea Market Hwy 59 north 12 Brunch at Hotel Fredonia 11:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

200 N Fredonia 564-1234 Lamp-Lite Theatre presents “Oliver” 2 p.m.

Loop 224 and Old Tyler Road 564-8300 Open Mic Night at Hotel Fredonia 7 – 11 p.m.

200 N Fredonia 564-1234 15 Storytime with Cow Children eight and under are invited to attend in the Lufkin Mall party rooms.

Cow will dance, read and assist with cool summer crafts.

Children must be accompanied by adult.

10:30 a.m.

17 Live Music at Hotel Fredonia 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

200 N Fredonia 564-1234 Lamp-Lite Theatre presents “Oliver” 7:30 p.m.

Loop 224 and Old Tyler Road 564-8300

Calendar of Events Continued

18 Third Saturday Cruise Night 5 – 9 p.m.

For info call: Doug James Lowe’s Parking Lot, Loop 224, NW Stallings Dr Classic Cars - Trucks, Street Rods and Muscle Cars.

Lamp-Lite Theatre presents “Oliver” 7:30 p.m.

Loop 224 and Old Tyler Road 564-8300 20 Summer Sylvans Texas Forestry Museum Children entering 1st through 4th grades in the fall meet at the Texas Forestry Museum each day from 9 a.m. to noon for a week filled with forestry related activities, games and crafts. 936-632-9535 22 Storytime with Cow Children eight and under are invited to attend in the Lufkin Mall party rooms.

Cow will dance, read and assist with cool summer crafts.

Children must be accompanied by adult. 10:30 a.m.

25-26 KTRE / EXPO Trade Days George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center 29 Healthy Woman / Senior Circle Health Fair.

7am-1pm. Free admission. Woodland Heights Affinity Center.

For more information call 936-6378688 or 936-637-8687.

29 Storytime with Cow Children eight and under are invited to attend in the Lufkin Mall party rooms.

Cow will dance, read and assist with cool summer crafts.

Children must be accompanied by adult. 10:30 a.m.

August 1 Hospice in the Pines Car Show Petsmart Parking Lot Lufkin 8 Back to School Bash Lufkin Mall 1-3 pm For more information: 632-1249 Fajita Fly-In Angelina County Airport 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 donation pilot@Consolidated.net (936)225-0422 20 Ribeye Round Up Prevent Blindness Red Barn 6:30 p.m.

For More Information: 632-0897 22-23 Pineywoods Youth Rodeo George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center 27 Back to School Texas Forestry Museum 4:30-6:30 p.m.

For more information: 936-632-9535 30 Art Camp Reception Museum of East Texas 2 – 4 p.m.

For more information: 936-639-4434 31 Jordon Production Circus George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center

Send us your events.

Calendar@tjmag.com Submission deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication. (June 15th for the June issue) In order for your event to be included please list all ofthe following: Date, Event Name, Brief Description, Event Location, Time, and Contact.

tjmag.com / 23

Yo u r Co m m u n i ty /

places and faces Lufkin high school baseball June 13, 2009

State Tournament Dell Diamond Round Rock

dog days of summer May 23, 2009

Private Dinner benefiting Humane Society Home of Julie and Will May

chamber night out May 28, 2009

Lufkin Chamber of Commerce Consolidated Communications

24 / The Journey - July 2009

Lufkin landscape garden tour May 23, 2009 Lufkin, Texas

The Journey carseat safetycheck June 20, 2009 Lufkin Mall Lufkin, Texas

gourmet kids Cooking Camp June 22, 2009

Agriculture Extension Office Lufkin, Texas

tjmag.com / 25

alive after five June 5, 2009

Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce Downtown Nacogdoches

Heritage Festival

May 22, 2009 Nacogdoches Historical Foundation Hotel Fredonia

passionate Persuit May 7, 2009

Shades of Grace Ministries Nacogdoches, Texas

26 / The Journey - July 2009

/ Your Commu ni ty

fourth friday Luncheon June 13, 2009

Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce Hotel Fredonia

blueberry festival June 13, 2009 Downtown Nacogdoches

tjmag.com / 27

Giving Back

nacogdoches historical foundation | By Paula Metzinger

The Nacogdoches Historical Foundation works tirelessly at preserving the past for the future. It is a task they take seriously. Betty Shinn, former chairman of the foundation, has been involved in the organization almost since its inception. The Heritage Festival is 28 years old and the Foundation is 25, Shinn said.

Festival when

“The was the

Heritage started Chamber

purchased the Blount Home on North Street for the Chamber’s office.

The Festival was started to retire the debt on the house. Three or five years later the Chamber moved out of the Blount Home. The Historical Foundation was formed and took over the Heritage Festival.” The foundation is a 501-c3 organization and all money raised through the Foundation is used in the restoration and preservation of historical buildings in Nacogdoches.

There are fifteen members of the Historical Foundation board, which is chaired this year by Mike Bay. The group is a wide cross section of the community with bankers, a marketing director, retired educators, architects, and physicians. They all have one thing in common: they are people interested in the restoration and preservation of the historic buildings in Nacogdoches County. “There is so much historical property in the county and we want to preserve that history,” Shinn explained.

One important fundraiser of the organization is the Heritage Festival, which includes a series of events including the Taste of Nacogdoches and the Hall of Fame Breakfast. The Festival concludes with the coronation and the crowning of the Heritage Queen. Juniors attending any high school in Nacogdoches

County

may

submit an application to be a princess, from which the new queen, princess in waiting, and lady in waiting are selected.

Duchesses for the festival are from out of town.

The Heritage Festival is a wonderful event for young girls. They have to attend a series of meetings where they 28 / The Journey - July 2009

learn how to dress, proper etiquette, and the history of our area.

About 200 volunteers are involved in putting on the Heritage Festival. Part of that number is the Heritage Heralds, a support organization for the Historical Foundation. The Heralds are responsible for the Heritage Coronation. The Festival is held the first weekend in June and work will begin soon in planning next year’s events. Shinn said, “We never rest!”

The Historical Foundation’s current project is the restoration of Zion Hill Baptist Church on Lanana Street in Nacogdoches.

The historical church is believed to be the oldest black church still standing in Texas. The exterior work on the church has been completed with a new roof, restored windows, and paint. All that remains is the interior. “The only thing holding us back is money,” Betty said. “Once the project is finished, the church will be used as a museum and will be available for special events.” The church, with its clover-leaf windows and classic steeple, has stood on Nacogdoches soil since 1878 and in the current building since 1914. Through the tireless efforts of the Nacogdoches Historical Foundation, the church will remain in community for future generations.

To find out more on the Heritage Festival or the Nacogdoches County Historical Foundation visit www.nachistorical.org

tjmag.com / 29

Inspiring Young Woman 30 / The Journey - July 2009

/ F e at ur e s

Hanna Sowards Inspiring Young Woman words by paula metzinger

Hanna Sowards remembers watching the beautiful princesses of the Nacogdoches Heritage Festival; she just never dreamed she would ever be one of those girls, and certainly not the Queen. “Every girl wants to up there on the stage in that

“I want to be someone every girl can look up to”

gorgeous dress!” she said.

Hanna, who will be a senior at Nacogdoches High School when school starts in the fall, was crowned Heritage Festival

although they knew each other at the beginning, by the end of the process they became really close.

Queen at the annual coronation in June. The Heritage Festival is

Hanna has always been active in her church, First Christian

a major fund-raiser for the Nacogdoches Historical Foundation

Church; in school, where she is a varsity cheerleader; and in

and all proceeds go to their on-going projects. Currently, the

the community, where she volunteers at GODTEL once a week

group is working on the restoration of Zion Hill Baptist Church,

serving meals and attending part of the worship service. This

the oldest remaining Black

coming school year she

church in Texas, and Hanna

will also be co-chairman

said she is excited about

of the school’s Fellowship

being a part of that project.

of

Not for the faint of heart,

Christian

Athletes,

vice president of the NHS

the application and selection

Crimestoppers,

and

she

process begins in September

recently became involved in

with the initial application

Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful.

and the process continues

In between all those events,

with classes, interviews, and

she goes to class, maintains

parties until announcement

an A/B grade average, and

of the queen and her court

is a member of the National

at

the

Coronation.

The

Photography by Clay Bostian

application includes basic

Honor Society.

As Heritage Festival Queen,

questions about your involvement in school and community

she will also be required to participate in several events in

and just some general questions to get to know the candidates,

the community such as the SFA Homecoming Parade, Lighted

Hanna said.

Christmas Parade, Scare on the Square, and the Tour of Homes.

Once selected as a princess, the girls, who are all in their

“I’m going to have to be very organized this year,” she said.

junior year at a Nacogdoches County high school, are required

After graduation, Hanna is leaning toward attending Texas

to attend classes held twice a month. “I enjoyed every single

A&M with a major in criminal justice or social work or perhaps

one of them,” Hanna said. “Different people talked to us about

something with children. The experiences and lessons she has

many things. One of my favorites was the one on Texas women.

learned and is still learning from the Heritage Festival will help

I also learned how to speak in front of people.”

her whatever path she chooses.

In March, the activities really pick up with interviews

Hanna said because of what she had gained from the

with the Festival Heralds (the group actually over the queen

application process and then from the experience of going

selection) and a number parties and events, both public and

through the classes and interviews as a princess, she would

private, leading up to the coronation. During the six-month

encourage anyone to apply to be a Heritage Festival Princess.

process from application to coronation, the girls bond together.

“I want to be someone every girl can look up to,” she said.

This year there were eighteen princesses in the group and

tjmag.com / 31

Inspiring Woman

32 / The Journey - July 2009

/ Fe at ur e s

Eva Dickens Inspiring Woman by paula metzinger

Customers at A-1 Party Rentals in Lufkin are often greeted

she killed all the plants.

by the infectious smile of Eva Dickens. Always upbeat, always

In 1998, the oil company sold and Clyde retired from that

ready to help, the sparkle in her eyes matches the sparkle of

business. But, as Clyde often says, “the word retire is not in the

bling from her rings, watch, necklace, and earrings. What most

Bible.” So the couple started looking for a new challenge. They

people don’t know is that the sparkle of joy that draws you into

found that challenge in Lufkin when their bought the Party

the store could just have easily been a sneer of bitterness and

Rental store. The business was actually two stores--a party

anger that repels.

rental store and a tool rental business. “Clyde said he wasn’t

Eva made her way to Texas from Brookhaven, Mississippi,

keeping anything that required him to change spark plugs, so

by way of Louisiana and the Gulf States. “Daddy worked for

we auctioned off the tool inventory and concentrated on the

Atlantic Refinery and we were what

party rental,” she said.

were known as doodlebugs,” she

She now enjoys working every

said. “Daddy handled the dynamite

day with her husband and best

for oil exploration and doodlebug

friend. “He worked off shore for

was the term for the seismic

twenty years and was gone seven

equipment. We moved every three

days and home seven days,” she

to six months.” So, “home” at

explains. “Now we’re together 24/7.

one time or another has been in

We celebrated our 44th wedding

Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama,

anniversary this past May, so we’ve

Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New

found a way to make it work.”

Mexico, and Florida. She crossed paths with Clyde Dickens in a little town outside of Deridder.

“We

were high school sweethearts,” she said. The couple married in 1965, and after a stint in the Air Force, they settled in Springhill, Louisiana, and Clyde went to work for Bealls.

In 1985, Clyde went to work for an oil company and the family moved to Carthage.

Clyde and Eva had spent a restless night waiting for their daughter to return home Today, life is good, but it was while living in Springhill that

For ten years, Eva worked for the Texas Forest Service in

the Dickens faced the biggest challenge of their lives. “We have

Carthage. She then bought the Garden Center on the square in

two living children and one daughter who was killed when she

Carthage. “I had never worked so hard in my entire life,” she

was 15,” Eva said. The words seem to come easily today, but the

said of her time at the Garden Center. “On the weekend we

pain never leaves. Yvette was 15, a freshman, when she and her

would leave the plants out front. People would drive through on

prom date were killed in a one-vehicle accident the morning

the weekend, see something they liked and slip the money (for

after the prom. A breakfast had been planned for the kids, but

their purchase) under the door. I would come in on Monday

something happened and the kids had not gotten the message

morning and there would be all this money on the floor. It

that it was canceled. As a result, at about two in the morning,

restored my faith in the goodness of man.” Eva kept the plant

after the prom, the students headed to the breakfast. One by

shop for a year and then jokingly said she had to sell it before

one, the cars turned around as they realized no one was home. tjmag.com / 33

While turning around, Brent’s car left the road and Yvette, was thrown from the car and killed instantly. At home, Clyde and Eva had spent a restless night waiting for their daughter to return home. At 5 a.m., Clyde was pacing the floor and Eva had finally dozed off when the doorbell rang.“I remember thinking

“This is where faith kicks in and the grace of God gets you through,”

‘She’s finally home.

I’ll get to hear all about her evening and what fun she had,’”

me through the toughest times in life. Sometimes others

Eva said.But instead of their daughter, a police officer stood

never know the heartache inside,” she said. “One thing you

at the door asking if they had a daughter named Yvette. He

learn when you lose someone, there are so many things in life

told Clyde their daughter had been killed in an accident and

that aren’t really important. You have to take care of what is

he would need to come to the hospital to identify the body. “I

important and let the other things go.” She also believes God

collapsed in a chair,” she said. “Then you cry until you think

has directed their lives sometimes in ways they weren’t even

you can’t cry anymore.”

aware of.

Eva at first said she would go with her husband to the

Eva has one brother, seven years younger than her, who is

hospital, but he convinced her she needed to stay with their

mentally challenged. From early on, she said she understood

other children, Greg and Cheryl, then 12 and 7. “I called our

that one day when her parents were gone, she would be

Sunday School teacher and our pastor,” she said. “Our high

responsible for her brother. “This area is a wonderful place for

school coach somehow heard and went with Clyde to the

the mentally challenged,” she said. “One of the first people

hospital.” Almost immediately, the family was surrounded

we met when we came to Lufkin was Larry Heaton, former

by their family and friends. “This is where faith kicks in and

director of the Lufkin Opportunity Workshop. He helped us

the grace of God gets you through,” she said of those days

through the process and helped us find a home for my brother.”

immediately following Yvette’s death. “You just have to deal

“Through all our life, I have seen God’s provision,” she said.

with it. We had two funerals to plan.” And there were people

“We absolutely feel we belong in Lufkin.”

everywhere, bringing food, helping, and caring.

Although she loves helping people plan their special event-

No one knows what caused the car to leave the road,

-whether it is a wedding, birthday party or banquet--she has

although there was evidence that a shot from a farmer, out

recently developed another passion…her love for her three-

trying to keep wolves away from his sheep, may have caused

wheeled motorcycle! For years, Clyde had a motorcycle and

the driver to lose control. “Our daughter had been killed, but

they have ridden together, but recently Eva got her very own,

there was nothing we could do,” she said. “I had to decide to

complete with the sparkle and glitter of bling, bling! “That’s how

forgive or to become bitter. I couldn’t change anything. Our

I knew it was for me! The bling, it was just for me. I had to take

daughter was gone. I didn’t let myself hate this man who had

the two-day course and the written exam,” she said. “[For] part

most likely caused the accident. I chose forgiveness. There

of the course I had to put it on two wheels to pass the course.

were days I really had to fight it. I wanted to retaliate.” She

The instructor said I needed to know what it felt like and how

explains, “We had two other children. What would we have

to correct it. I finally did what is called a flying 360--making a

taught them had we become bitter and angry parents? How

complete circle on two wheels. And I knew then I would be fine

would they have turned out?”

on my motorcycle!” In 1981, The Dickens did a sort of “flying

“Yvette had a sign in her room that said: ‘Happiness

360” in life and now she has done it on her motorcycle and yes,

depends on what happens; Joy depends on Jesus Christ.’ I

she will be fine because she knows, “Happiness depends on

found comfort in that phrase and still do,” she said. That is

what happens, joy comes from Jesus Christ.”

why today, Eva considers herself a survivor. “Laughter gets

“Happiness depends on what happens; Joy depends on Jesus Christ ” 34 / The Journey - July 2009

your life

tjmag.com / 35

Hall of fame hubbies

Billy Huddleston Sr. (aka “Pap”) The Hall of Fame would not be complete without Billy Huddleston Sr., who we consider to be the world’s best Husband, Dad, and Pap! He is our very own personal mechanic, plumber, electrician, fishing guide, babysitter, butcher, and chef and we wouldn’t know what to do without him! As anyone who has had lunch at Butcher Boys will know, Billy Huddleston Sr. is “Pap” to his own family as well as many other families in Nacogdoches, where he is always there with a smile and a good joke!

We Love You! Cathy, Billy & Kristie, Lori & Jon, Macy, Caleb, Call, Anna & Trey

Tony Dale Tony has been my thoughtful and kind husband for 11 years! His handsome smile always reminds me of our wedding day. We now have two little boys, Jacob (3) and Caleb (2). He is a very helpful and playful dad! He also gave me the gift of staying home with our children. It is such a blessing! Oh, and did I mention he is a great cook! The boys and I are very blessed to have him.

(Tony Dale, husband of Rachel and dad to Jacob, 3 and Caleb, 2)

Please submit your Hall of Famer to halloffame@tjmag.com. Be sure to include a photo with 75 words telling us about your husband. Do not forget to list your children or grandchildren’s names if you would like to include them.

36 / The Journey - July 2009

/ YOUR LIFE

Pretty Babies 1.

Taylor Brooke Day May 19, 2009 Proud Parents: Patrick and Leslie Day Proud Grandparents: David and Darlene Allen, Mike and Jill Carswell

2.

Jenna Kayleigh Burnett February 4,2004 Proud aunt and uncle: Lauria and Dwayne Greenwood Huntington

3.

Brooke Elise Burnett February4, 2004 Proud aunt and uncle: Lauria and Dwayne Greenwood Huntington

4.

Jaxson Carter Bentley March 12, 2009 Proud Parent: Angela Bentley Lufkin

1.

2.

3.

4.

We cover everything from top to‌you know.

C h o o s e We l l . www.woodlandheights.net 40883_WHMC_8_375x3_625_4C.indd 1

4/27/09 10:33:57 AM

tjmag.com / 37

/ YOUR LIFE

Girls Group

PineWinds art gallery|by Paula Metzinger

They gather every Tuesday evening for support, encouragement, advice, girl talk, and painting.

For more than a decade, Karen LoStracco’s studio, PineWinds Art Gallery, has been tucked into a back room behind the clothes and accessories of “The Fashion Shop” on North Street in Nacogdoches. For years, she and Fashion Shop owner Charla Sparks talked about starting a painting class. Karen has been teaching art for 25 years and was already teaching several classes (along with her own studio work), so the additional class just seemed like a good mix.

Finally, about three years ago, the ladies’ painting group was created and it is as varied and colorful as an artist’s pallet. In addition to Charla, the group includes Vicki Rudisill, co-owner of Denny Oil; Lisa Thomson, an interior designer with East Texas Carpet; Diane McLain, a realtor; Gail Hebert, retired; Gaye Haskins, who works in her husband’s medical practice; GiGi Hebert, an occupational therapist; Cathy Huddleston, retired and owner of Butcher Boys; and Kalin Kendrick, a stayat-home mom.

Through the years, they have created paintings together and have seen each other through the death of spouses, divorce, the birth of babies and grandchildren, becoming empty nesters, and they have also been there to help each other with their children’s weddings. When the canvas, easels, paints, and brushes come out, so does the advice. The girls take on everything from parenting to marriage counseling, career advice to encouragement for tackling new adventures. “And what happens in our group, stays in our group,” Karen said. “You may come (to class) in a bad mood, but you’ll leave in a good mood,” Kalin said. Most of the women “were newbies,” Karen said. They were not painters or artists when they joined the class. “I was kicked out of 8th grade art,” joked Charla.

The fun and art aren’t just confined to the little studio in Nacogdoches.

The group has taken art tours to Europe, Italy, Ireland,

Greece,

and

Portugal. A trip to Spain is in the planning stages for next year. Vicki credits the group with saving her life and helping her get back into living. “My husband had been dead for eight months when I joined. I would still be sitting at home watching soap operas if it weren’t for this group and the ladies.”

38 / The Journey - July 2009

“You may come to class in a bad mood, but you’ll leave in a good mood”

Your Wallet

Back to school clothes you can get free or buy for cheap | Words by alexandra vrugt After the last lap has been swam, and your family has combed the

their selling price; so, if a shirt will sell for $3 in their store, they will

beach for the final time of the season, then you know that it’s time to

pay you $1.50. The great thing about consignment shops is that they

go “back to school”. Along with the regular supplies that families will

are not only a great place to earn money on clothing that your children

need for children returning to school, there is one of the most costly

can no longer wear, but you can also shop them for a significant savings

endeavors of your parental lives….buying back to school clothing.

versus regular retail costs. Also, many consignment shops offer even

From designer jeans and sneakers to the hippest shirts and tights, the

further discounts that include season deals or $1 racks. Because

cost of it all seems practically

consignment shops usually

unbearable and could easily

have a very high expectation

put a huge dent in your family’s

for the clothing that they

budget.

great

buy, with most requiring that

wardrobe for your children to

the clothes are a name brand

wear back to school does not

or no more than 3 years old,

have to be a financial burden

your children can still dress

or nightmare. Try these three

cool with it putting too much

great money saving strategies

strain on your wallet.

Providing

a

for beating the back to school

Work the off-season sales!

clothing crunch:

Buy for summer in the late

Organize a clothing swap.

fall and for winter in the

For teenagers, especially, you

early spring. By following

can create a party dedicated

this simple formula, you

specifically to fun and fashion.

will be able to buy for cheap

Get a large group of parents

any and everything that you

together and secure a large

will need. From shoes to

free space, such as a church basement or community center. Each

sweaters, flip-flops to swimsuits, when you buy off season, you can

parent commits to providing a low cost snack or drink, and make

expect to save upwards of 90% off of the regular retail price. When

sure to have “shopping bags”. Have parents and teens bring their

you find a really good deal, buy in abundance, and have great stuff

clothes that are too small or that they are just ready to let go. The

for the kids as they grow.

key to making the event go over is for everyone to bring clothes in

During this economic crisis, you may need to try new places and

good condition, making sure that they are ironed, laundered, and on

ways to buy those back to school clothes that your kids will need.

hangers. Organize the clothing by size and gender. You could even

Creativity and a little planning could take your dollars a long way!

offer a small bin for clothes that “need help,” which families may be able to use as the base of sewing projects. Then, invite the kids, play some funky music, watch them snack and shop… all for the cost of a little snack! Every family will benefit from the free clothes and the

about the author

event will be a blast for the kids.

As a renowned expert on saving money in daily life, Alexandra

Get the most out of consignment shops. One of the best ways to

Vrugt has written many articles on how to manage on less. You

earn a few extra dollars is to sell your child’s old or outgrown clothing

can receive a free copy of her Ebook ‘15 Top Ways to Save Money’

to a consignment shop. These are stores that will pay you for your

by going to her MakeEndsMeetOnline.com website.

clothing and resell them. Some stores will pay you 50% or more of

tjmag.com / 39

/ YOUR LIFE

Rebecca & Hall june 13, 2009

Since being friends in elementary school, who would have ever guessed this is where they would be today? Rebecca McIlveene and Hall Henderson became husband and wife on June 13, 2009.

They have dated off and on since elementary school.

Rebecca remembers, “We started at Trout together and then separated and went to different schools, then met up again at Lufkin Middle School.” Years went by. They officially started dating their senior year in high school and were together for six years. They got engaged last summer. “It is so fun and shocking to think we are finally at this point. Of course you always look forward

In those six years they went off to college. Both of them

to this when you are young and do not really know if it is going

started off at different schools. Rebecca at Kilgore to join the

to happen. And now we are actually married,” said Rebecca.

Rangerette’s; Hall was off to Baylor to play basketball for the Baylor Bears. Then they both came back home, and finished up at SFA. Hall went on to get his masters from Texas A&M University.

On June 6th, 2008, Hall planned a special day for Rebecca.

“I thought he was making the day special because it was my birthday. He planned a scavenger hunt full of relaxing, girl pampering. I went to get a massage, and then they gave me a clue to the next spot. It went on and on until we went to dinner at his family’s lake house. That is where he proposed.”

After Rebecca accepted the engagement, Hall planned for all their family and friends to be at his parents’ home. The engagement was a surprise to everyone there except both their parents. “Everyone thought it was a birthday surprise for me,” she said.

The wedding was set for June 13, 2009. The ceremony was at First Baptist Church in Lufkin and the reception at the Lufkin Civic Center. “As we were planning the wedding, I took everything with a grain of salt. I had to keep all of it about us and

40 / The Journey - July 2009

“We will go wherever God takes us.” why we were doing all of this. It was so we can finally be husband and wife,” said Rebecca. Hall did his part of the planning. “They made me look at everything: flowers, napkins and candles,” recalls Hall. He did have two very important responsibilities of choosing the band and the honeymoon destination.

Hall says, “Beck reminds me a lot of my mom. She is selfless, caring, and passionate in all she does. I guess we’ve just always had a connection.”

Now, that they are husband and wife, they will make their home in Katy, Texas. Rebecca will be a drill team director for Mayde Creek High School and Hall will take a position with Wood Creek Development.

They are both excited to be on their own, to try things out and to start their lives together. Hall jokes, “I am most excited about not having to go everywhere imaginable looking for wedding stuff! My tires don’t have much tread left.” Rebecca talks about the future saying, “We will go wherever God takes us.”

Photography by Becki Basham with Images by Becki

tjmag.com / 41

/ YOUR LIFE

Relationships

God doesn’t take a vacation | Words by Kathryn greene

“Seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

It is the “good old summertime”! The temperature is rising!

It is time for baseball, vacations, soccer, family reunions, swimming, going to the beach – fun times! There is so much going on. Many families start to say, “I will be glad when school starts back and we can get back in a routine.”

One of the main issues I see with all the activities is that the families lose their perspective of what is important. The problem I see today is that many families have been swept up in a whirlwind of activities rather than choosing to do what is important. I’ve heard families talk about their child being on a “select” team for baseball or soccer and they are gone out of town every weekend playing ball. They have shared how expensive it is not only buying the outfits and equipment needed, but also the expense of motels, gas, and food. Others have shared how every weekend is planned going to the beach or special outings. The cost again adds up with gas, food, and rental expense. They are being stressed out by all the traveling as well as the financial pressure, but it seems like no one can say “No”.

Many parents seem to have the mind set that if you don’t have your kids in a special group function, then you aren’t “cool”. The whole family ends up sacrificing for one child.

Everyone is tired and the parents are stressed out trying to figure out how not to get behind on the bills maybe working a second job to provide the extra money needed. The child is stressed out because they are trying to live up to the parents’ expectation. They feel responsible for the happiness of the entire family since life has become all about them. There is a strong possibility that the child will one day deal with issues of self-centeredness because life has been all about them--they

42 / The Journey - July 2009

don’t want to share the stage with anyone else. They also may have the false belief: I must have the approval of certain others to feel good about myself. From the viewpoint of a counselor, I am concerned that a child raised with the idea that life centers around them will lack the foundational principles to help deal with the realities of life. In real life, no one person is the center of the universe.

God’s principles, the principles that never change, need to be made important.

Worshipping God on Sunday is to be a priority. You may wonder… why is it important to be in worship on Sunday?

Every seven days we need to be reminded that there is a God to be worshipped and it is not us. He clearly tells us in the Bible: “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” “Seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” “Love God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. This is the most important commandment and the second is set alongside it: Love others as well as you love yourself.” The statistics indicate that a family that prays together is 90% more likely to stay together.

I don’t know anyone that doesn’t want that to be true for their family. Ask yourself, “What is really important?”

I encourage you to honor God this summer by not taking a vacation from Him. Aren’t you thankful that He never takes a vacation–He is always on duty! When we do the most important, He will take care of the rest!

Kathryn Greene is a Counselor at Harmony Hill Baptist Church. She is the wife of the Senior Pastor, mother of two sons, and Grama to 9 grandchildren.

Education with emily

Should We or Should We Not | by emily parks

Should We or Should We Not….

That is the question many parents may be asking about starting their child in kindergarten this fall. It is a growing trend to keep kids in Pre-K or at home for one more year before starting their school career. This trend has been termed “redshirting” or “kindergarten graying.” Statistics show that more boys than girls start kindergarten late. However, that doesn’t mean all boys are not ready and all girls are. The decision is a very individual one and needs to be thought about carefully. Frankly, as a teacher and a parent, I like it! In fact, I chose to “redshirt” my oldest son, Jackson. His birthday is May 30th. Although birthday should not be the only factor, it was a big one for me. He was academically and socially ready, but he was little for his age and tended to be more of a follower instead of a leader. I would be lying to you if I told you it was an easy decision. I worried about how he would feel, what Sunday school class he would go to, how I would explain to him that his cousin--three weeks younger than he--would be a grade ahead of him, and more. Ultimately, after much prayer, two things kept coming to the forefront of my mind: 1. As a teacher, many times on the first day I could pick out kids with summer birthdays. The maturity level is different.

2. I would rather my child be a barely 19 year-old going to college than a barely 18 year-old.

I have put together some questions for you to consider if you are thinking about your summer birthday child. I wish I could say the questions will make your decision easier, but I am altjmag.com / 43

/ YOUR r e so u rc e

Education with emily Continued

most sure they won’t. It is a tough decision. What I hope it does is give you a starting point for discussion on what is best for your child. **Disclaimer: I compiled the below list on questions based on my ideas and ideas of some friends who teach kindergarten. They are not scientific based. This decision is not “black and white.” It is a very individual decision. What is best for one child may not be for another.

More precise.

Faster recovery.

Robotic Assisted Hysterectomies.

1. Does your child have a summer birthday?

2. If your child is in Pre-K or daycare, does the teacher say he/she is lacking social skills that others have?

3. Does your child tend to be a follower--doing what others do whether it is something good or bad?

4. Is your child one of the smaller ones in class (height and/or weight)?

5. Does your child have a short attention span (won’t sit through you reading a picture book or a thirty-minute cartoon)?

6. Does your child have difficulty with letter and/or number recognition?

7. Does your child have difficulty following step-by- step directions?

8. Does your child have trouble cooperating or sharing with others?

9. Does your child have trouble working independently?

10. Does your child become cranky or extremely tired around lunchtime?

If you said yes to the majority of the questions, you may want to further explore the advantages and disadvantages of

Available in Lufkin only at Memorial Medical Center Less pain

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postponing kindergarten.

Some of you may be wondering about Jackson. He will start 2nd grade next year. My husband and I sat down with him four years ago and told him the plan. He was just fine with it and never skipped a beat. We are extremely happy about the decision we made! Oh, and he is definitely a leader now . . .at the end of this school year he got the “Best Leadership” award!

Lufkin Livingston Augustine 44 /San The Journey Memorial Specialty Hospital

- July 2009

your BODY tjmag.com / 45

/ YOUR BODY

fitness 101

Grab some weights | by connie reeves

GRAB SOME WEIGHTS! It’s Not Too Late

balance which minimizes falls, as well as helps maintain a good quality of life. Resistance training is also beneficial for cardiac patients. Those who exercise regularly are less likely to experience depression, weight gain, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Even if you’ve never picked up a weight, it’s not too late to

Strength training also helps to prevent osteoporosis. In response

begin. New research shows that Baby Boomers can--and should--

to weight lifting, chemicals are released that make your bones

start building muscle mass during their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s to realize

denser and stronger. Studies prove that those who walk at least a

the benefits in their golden years. In physically inactive women,

mile a day lose bone density more slowly than non-walkers, but

there is a loss of about .5% of lean muscle mass every year between

only weight training increases bone mass—at any age.

age 25 and 60. From age 60 on, the rate of loss of lean muscle mass doubles to about 1%.

Get fit! offers several resistance strength training classes for

It doubles again at age

woman of all ages. The “30 Minute Power Pumps” (9:30, 12:15

70; again at age 80, and

& 5:15 are a blend of resistance strength training, low impact

then again at age 90. As

movement, a little fun kickboxing, along with Pilate and yoga poses

strength goes, so does

to create a unique fusion) and the “Let’s Move It” (10:30 seniors

physical functioning---

class--45 minutes of light resistance strength training, low impact

the ability to do chores,

movement, balancing, stretching and flexibility moves, along with

take

climb

yoga and Pilate poses) are designed to meet everyone’s needs,

stairs, or other daily

regardless of age or size and to make you feel comfortable at your

activities.

own fitness level, whether a beginner or advanced. Classes are

walks,

The good news is that you can increase muscle mass at any

followed by a 20 -Minute Power

age. To increase muscle mass, one needs to make resistance

Walk Cardio, which is included

strength training an essential part of their weekly routine. Experts

but optional. The benefits are

recommend 30-45 minutes, three days a week. Resistance strength

yours for the taking:

training (weight-lifting) works to build muscle by forcing the body

vitality and strength; improve

to heal the damage to muscle cells that occur with use. Studies

balance, flexibility, coordination,

have shown that resistance training increases muscle mass and

posture and agility; build muscle

strength in young adults as well as senior adults.

mass and bone density; decrease

increase

Experts also recommend at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular

the risk of diabetes, cancer,

activity (moderate -paced walking) on most days of the week. Yes,

arthritis; and reduce chronic

aerobic exercise does burn calories and causes fat loss. It also

aches and pains. One of the most

strengthens the heart muscle, which is very good! But aerobics

exciting areas of exercise research is that scientists have learned

has a dirty little secret: in the rest of your body, aerobics can cause

that the brain cells that help you think, move, and perform all

muscle loss! So remember your fitness program should always

bodily functions to keep you alive with your memory all increase

include resistance strength training to protect and increase your

through a regular exercise program.

muscle mass.

Weight lifting is about more than just looking toned–it’s a

It’s all about you! Move it before you lose it!

matter of maintaining muscle mass, strength, and flexibility that

Contact: Connie Reeves,CPT at 936/674-7775 or

will help you stay active and injury-free as you age. Maintaining

reevescla@yahoo.com

muscle size and strength helps to preserve your posture and

46 / The Journey - July 2009

/ YOUR BODY

Women’s Health

Eight Simple Stressbusters for Moms | Words by susie cortright 4. How much of your stress level is the effect of overdramatization? Remind yourself that the level of stress you experience is directly related to the way you internalize it and the importance you place on your own dramatization.

5. Do nutrition and exercise contribute to your stress or help you manage it? If you aren’t sure, keep an energy diary to help you determine the hidden factors in your lifestyle that may be robbing you of energy. Make a plan to change or eliminate those influences. Log the times each day when you feel beat or burned out. For me, it’s 3 p.m.-about the time I want to hit the cookie jar. Try to schedule Among our most critical responsibilities as mothers is

your workout (not a great big snack) for the time of day

the responsibility to the self--the responsibility to recharge

when you need an energy boost.

our resources so that we feel balanced, energized, and able

6. How easy is it for you to say “no”? Respect yourself and

to thrive under life’s demands (and to model this healthy approach to stress for our children).

Choose a life of less stress by identifying your stress points. You can start by answering the following eight questions in your personal journal: 1. Whether you’re a working at home mom, a stay at home mom, or a mom who works outside the home, why did you make that lifestyle choice? Write down all the reasons, both personal and professional.

Such a list is an excellent tool for positive affirmation, particularly on those days when the sacrifices you’ve made stare you squarely in the face. If you discover that the choice you’ve made isn’t the right one, outline the changes you need to make.

2. What are your priorities? How important is your

your time enough to delegate tasks and refuse to take on more than you can handle.

7. Are you multi-tasking yourself into more stress? When we try to do too much at once, we are raising, not lowering, our stress level. Multi-task only when you can realistically fulfill all tasks adequately. It’s hard to tune into your kids while you catch up on your own reading, for example, and you can’t take time out for yourself while simultaneously devoting the time to anyone else. Decide which tasks deserve your full attention. Then give it.

8. Do you have the support network you need? Conduct a search at http://groups.yahoo.com or http://www. topica.com for an online group that shares your hobbies, interests, or lifestyle.

spirituality, your family, your professional identity?

Consider this ranking when you’re called to make choices and compromises.

about the author

3. If you had 15 to 30 minutes each day for yourself, how

Susie Michelle Cortright is the founder of Momscape.

would you spend it? Schedule time for yourself. Mark it

com, an online magazine devoted to helping parents

in your day planner or on the family calendar. When have

celebrate life with children. She is also the founder of

you put your identity, your plans, and your self-nurturing

Susies-Coupons.com and Susies-Travel-Coupons.com.

on hold while you took care of someone else?

tjmag.com / 47

/ YOUR BODY

beauty

What’s your Sun iq | by Amy jo roland and merle norman

What’s Your Sun IQ?

The sun might be the same year round, but because we spend more time in it during the summer months, we need to take heed. Here are some questions you can ask to see how to best protect yourself.

Test Your Sun IQ True or False for each question 1. 40% of the sun’s rays penetrate though the clouds.

2. You can’t get sun damage in the winter.

3. Dark skins do not need to wear a daily sunscreen.

4. Before leaving for a sunny vacation destination, you should go to a tanning salon to “get a base”.

5. 80% of all skin damage before the age of 60 is sun related.

6. A tube of SPF 50 sunscreen gives better sun protection than a tube of SPF 15 sunscreen.

7. Broad Spectrum protection means that the product blocks both UVA and UVB Rays.

8. UVA protection means that the product contains antioxidants.

SPF Math The number of minutes it takes to burn (unprotected) multiply(x) the S.P.F. number of product equals (=) the number of minutes you are protected.

Answers: 1. False 80% 2. False 3. False 4. False: Tanning beds have more than 3 times the number of UVA rays 5. True 6. False: The number of SPF tells how long you have SPF protection 7. True: UVA-Ultra Violet Aging UVB-Ultra Violet Burning 8. False

48 / The Journey - July 2009

Yo u r b o dy /

Fashion

tops | by charla sparks

A great t-shirt or sweater is one of the easiest ways to add color to your wardrobe. Most t-shirts are relatively inexpensive and can change the look of a pair of pants from a lazy Saturday morning to a fun night out. T-shirts tend to look worn after a couple of seasons, but a good sweater can last for years. There are many styles, shapes and fabrics of each--the key is to find the right style for you. When shopping, know the different types of fabrics and weaves. A cotton knit will lose its shape a lot sooner than a silk one. Loose weaves will tend to sag. Sometimes a well-made sweater may cost a little bit more, but last for years.

How many of us find that perfect top that we feel great in and have it stretch out after wearing it the second time.

The right neckline can either work for you or against you.

A boatneck gives coverage and can make narrow shoulders look broader. It will also balance wider hips. A scoop neck is flattering to women with narrow shoulders or with a pearshape. A scoop neck can also make a short neck look longer, and a large bust look smaller. A V-neck is flattering to most all women. The V-neck can elongate a short neck and flatter a woman with narrow shoulders or a pear-shaped figure. The best thing about a V-neck is that as we get older and our neck starts to sag, it will draw your eye down and away from your neck. The round crew neck can make your neck look shorter, so if you have a short neck, double-chin, or a large bust you should avoid it. The turtleneck is flattering to most everyone and can make a short person appear taller as well as complement a long face. However, if you have a short neck, you should stay away from turtlenecks so as to avoid looking like a turtle.

Always

remember

when

purchasing a new top to think about your own body. You can balance your figure as well as reveal your assets and conceal your flaws with just a few simple rules.

Charla Sparks has owned The Fashion Shop in Nacogdoches for twenty five years. Her business is helping you look your best. For the latest styles and fashion visit Charla at The Fashion Shop on the corner of North Street and Main Street in Nacogdoches. 102 North Street (936) 564-8384

tjmag.com / 49

The review Perfect Summer Dish If you are a family on the go or always entertaining, here is the bowl for you!

Tupperware makes a unique design that features a versatile bowl with two smaller bowls that can hook on rim of the larger bowl and the lid doubles as a serving tray. This is a very versatile piece to have in your collection- the bowl itself doubles as a punch bowl. To order call Larry Cupit, 936.854.2687 or www. mytupperware.com/lwcupit

Seamless Body Slip Everyone is looking for a way to make all their body blemishes disappear. Here is one more secret for our wardrobe: The seamless body slip. This is perfect for all your summer dresses or a formal occasion. It makes everything a little smoother. Find your seamless body slip at Adair Boutique, 623 North Street, Nacogdoches or call 936. 622.6512

Shoe Fetish Women usually have a foot fetish. With switch flops, you can have a foot fetish and not break the bank.

This flip flop has a changeable strap that you can change with your outfit or to match the mood you are in. It is a great way to make one shoe in your wardrobe go along way. These are available at Laine’s Hallmark in Nacogdoches. 3205 N. University or 936.564.6724

50 / The Journey - July 2009

Journey Market

tjmag.com / 51

Parting Advice: Now that it is summer and the kids are out of school, my four year old daughter loves to spend time playing outside with the six year old little girl who lives next door. My neighbor and I rotate turns watching the girls so that one of us can have a few minutes alone to catch up on a few household chores. My daughter just adores the other little girl and thinks of her as a “bestest” friend. The problem is the other little girl is not very nice to my daughter. She will call her a “baby”, push, take away toys, etc. When I intervene, she throws a huge fit that consists of crying, pouting, and saying that she “didn’t do anything.”

My daughter is beginning to imitate her actions at home. I have tried explaining that we do not act like that at our house, but reasoning with a four year old can almost be impossible. Is it right for me to not allow them to play together any more?

Protective Mommy San Augustine, Texas Dear Protective Mommy,

the dolls is your most favorite and ask her if she would like to

I encourage you to talk to the other mother about the

play with it first. Then add, “that makes friends happy when

situation with her little girl and your daughter. Give her facts

you share.” Then take a doll away that she is playing with and

– don’t use accusatory words. Tell her that you know your own

ask her how that makes her feel. Then add, “it makes friends

daughter isn’t perfect, but that you have noticed her daughter

sad, just like you feel now, when you take things away.” Talk

calling your daughter “baby” and taking toys away. You want

to your daughter about what you could have done instead....

to know how she would like for you to handle the situation

ask first, play with it when she is finished, etc. By doing this

when it arises. Hopefully that will make her aware of the

role-play, it not only teaches your daughter how to treat her

problem. Since you live next door, unless one of you moves,

friends, but will also teach her how she should be treated by

the problem is not going away. It needs to be confronted in a

other friends.

very considerate way.

Emily Parks

Kathryn Greene Dear Protective Mommy,

DearProtective Mommy,

Though it will be a tough conversation to have, I would visit with

It is absolutely alright for you to not allow them to play

the six-year old’s mother about your concern. Start out with

together for a while!

a positive about her daughter and then ask the mother if she

We

notices the behavior when she is watching the girls play. If the

responsible for teaching

behavior continues, then I think it would be very appropriate

our young ones how

to discontinue the playtime together. If your daughter asks

to interact socially.

as

parents

are

It

why she can’t play

makes it a lot harder

with

little

on you to teach your

anymore,

daughter how to behave

girl

the

then

I

would

properly when she is consistently around another child that

say

something

influences her in a negative way. If her mother asks why

like:

“It hurts

you may be avoiding play time, gently tell her what has been

m o m m y ’ s

going on. As hard as it may be for her to hear, she needs to

feelings when she treats you like a baby and doesn’t share toys

know how her daughter is behaving so that she may begin

with you.” Then I would take the time to play a game together,

correcting and teaching her--and maybe you will be able to

have a tea party, or play with dolls. Make it a teachable

continue what sounds like a great thing for both of you!

moment where you show her how to treat her friends nicely.

Amy Grigg

For instance, if you are playing dolls, tell your daughter one of 52 / The Journey - July 2009