The Journey

Pineywoods Community Academy

THE

602 S RAGUET | WWW.PCACHARTER.NET | 936-634-5515 APRIL 2018

magazine an original since 2005

I have had the privilege of working at Pineywoods Community Academy for the past 11 years. During that time, I have watched our school grow into truly one of the best places for students. I have grown as an educator with the amazing leadership exemplified by our administrators. I am blessed to work with some of the most gifted teachers in the education field. I believe in what this school stands for as a teacher, community member, and most importantly as a parent. I am honored to be a Pineywoods Community Academy Timberwolf, and I am eager to see what the future holds for PCA. - WHITNEY LINDSAY Reading Teacher Pineywoods Community Academy High School Dr. Terry Robbins Middle School

Pineywoods Community Academy has given me the best academic opportunities that a school could provide. The teachers and faculty work diligently to make sure everyone can achieve the best education possible. Our partnership with Angelina College provides us with more opportunities and experiences than you get in most schools. PCA has made me and all who attend great, well rounded students and has prepared us for future success.

- MEHRIEL GATUS 10th Grade Student

I have been a student at PCA for eight years and have had the honor of seeing it grow and manifest into what it is today. I never thought it could be possible for a school to have such helpful and encouraging qualities. I am so appreciative for being able to call myself a Pineywoods Community Academy student.

I know my future will be so much brighter because of attending PCA. - BETHANY NERREN 10th Grade Student

B I K E R S

A G A I N S T

AG G I E

O W N E D

C H I L D

A N D

A B U S E

O PER AT E D

Less pain. More life.

If joint pain is keeping you from enjoying life the way you used to, turn to the Orthopedic Center at Woodland Heights. We have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hip and Knee Replacement, demonstrating our commitment to the highest level of care for our patients. And our patient satisfaction rate reflects that commitment, with 96% of patients reporting they are pleased with every aspect of their care.* So let our three-step program help you get back to the life you love.

To learn more, call 936-304-0826 or visit WoodlandJointCare.com.

WoodlandJointCare.com *Provided by patient satisfaction survey through January 2017. • Woodland Heights Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.

Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.

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EASTER SUNDAY Easter Sunday is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide.

It commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, as written in the Christian Bible.

LUFKIN LANDSCAPE TASK FORCE'S GARDEN TOUR

TAX DAY

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The Lufkin Landscape Task Force will have its annual Garden Tour on May 5th, from 8am – 1pm. Four beautifully landscaped homes will be featured as well as one local business. All proceeds from this event benefit the completion of Gaslight Blvd landscaping and the bronze statue for the Thundering 13. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (936) 632 – 5423.

ANNUAL LUFKIN CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce and its programs. Lunch will be served on the course.

Beer, soda and water as well as snacks are available on the course throughout the day. The day concludes with hors d’oeuvres, golfer awards and door prize drawings.

Please note that because we are having a full scramble format, team scoring will apply.

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Be sure to file your tax return. This year, taxes aren't due until Tuesday, April 17. That's the deadline for submitting individual tax returns to the federal government for tax year 2017.

ANGELINA COUNTY FAIR The Angelina County Fair offers family entertainment to Lufkin and the surrounding cities. This event supports the youth of Angelina County by supporting their projects. Students of the county raise, build or bake projects to showcase at the Fair in hopes of winning that prized position in the auction on Saturday. Please come out and join us to see the amazing projects these kids have worked so hard to create.

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ANGELINA COUNTY BENEFIT RODEO

Held the last full weekend in April, this is one of the finest rodeos in Texas. This rodeo is an official stop on the PRCA circuit and attracts more than 20,000 people each year.

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WOMEN IN RED Come join us for the 2018 Women in Red Luncheon hosted by Woodland Heights Medical Center at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin at 11:30 am to 1 pm. Donna Hartley, an international inspirational speaker, will be sharing matters of the heart and will present seven heart-healthy strategies from her own journey. Tickets are $25 each or $300 for a reserved table of ten.

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a l e t te r fro m th e

OW N E R Life Through the Eyes of My Seven Year Old •What does happiness mean to you?

Happiness means playing with Stewart and Margo, my two dogs. Going to the hunting lease with my daddy. Spending time with my parents and our big family. Playing with my friends.

I also enjoy parts of school! Oh, and Target. Target makes me happy!

•What is your favorite part about sunny days?

Playing outside and riding my 4-wheeler. Well, and shooting my .22. I really like to do that.

•Who is funnier, Mommy or Daddy?

Uh, probably Daddy. He told me he could lift a car and throw it into space. I don’t believe him, but it’s funny.

•What do you want to be when you grow up?

A f ighter pilot and a race car driver. I want to be a f ighter pilot to be like my daddy. But I want to be a race car driver so I can win trophies.

•What family rule would you change if you could?

Do we even have rules? (#MomFail)

•If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

I’d try and get close to a deer. I’d really like to pet one. I’d also scare mommy with lizards.

•If you could give one gift to every child in the world, what would it be?

A home. I really wish every kid had a safe one.

•What age makes someone an adult?

57.

•What is something that makes our family special?

That our family always has fun together. I really love that!

•What five words do you think most describe you?

Fast. Cool. Tall. Smart. Loved.

This simple exercise with my son cemented for me that idea that there is simply nothing better than looking at the world from a child’s perspective. His responses brought such a smile to my face and really touched me. It really is the little things that matter most to him. Our children offer us their awareness, innocence and optimism. Correct me if I am wrong, but couldn’t all of us use a little bit more of this in our life this day and age?

Hugs – KO and Carter

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CON T E N T S features

home

community

4 0 SPOTLIGHT

10 HOME TOUR

32 20 QUESTIONS

6 4 BOSS LADY

20 LOCAL CHEF

34 LOCAL TALENT

71 PLACES & FACES

24 TIPS & TRICKS

6 8 FACES OF HEART DISEASE

28 LET'S CELEBRATE

6 | APRIL 2018

Joining with our friends and neighbors to CELEBRATE

The 71st Annual Angelina County Benefit Rodeo!

Vince Treadwell, CFP®, AAMS® Financial Advisor CEA-9901-A

.

321 South First Lufkin, TX 75901 936-634-6116

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

ta ble of | C O N T E N T S

sports & outdoors

family

50 GANDY NOTES

91 NATURE'S EYE

56 LEADERSHIP LUFKIN 58 EVERYTHING ELSE 6 0 COACH ASHLEY

TEXAS OUTDOOR EVENTS NWTF NEWS RELEASE

reader showcase

86 YOUR CHALLENGE 87 YOUR JOURNEY

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT TASTE OF THE OUTDOORS AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

THE

magazine an original since 2005

OW N E R & D I R E C TO R :

Kim Ogden

kogden@lufkinjourneymagazine.com M A NAG I N G E D I TO R :

Beth Johnson beth@lufkinjourneymagazine.com C OV E R A N D F E AT U R E S P H O T O G R A P H Y:

Lisa Crow

L AY O U T D E S I G N & A D V E RT I S I N G D E S I G N :

Kelly Hudman

CONTRIBUTORS:

Kris Ball Ashley Berry Tiffani Brantner Claire Brody Emily Courtney/Nature's Eye Angela Gandy Justin Kezar Susan Robertson

C O N TA C T U S : Mailing:

P.O. Box 150351 Lufkin, Texas 75915

Physical:

1302 East Lufkin Avenue Lufkin, Texas 75901 (936) 303-0100

Online:

facebook.com/thejourneymagazine instagram.com/thejourneymagazine www.lufkinjourneymagazine.com

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E DI T O R

Every time our team sits down to plan the next issue of The Journey, we do our best to create a layout that will not only be enjoyed by our readers, but that inspires them in their personal lives, as well. I’ve never been displeased with an issue, but there are def initely months that stand out among the rest. This issue is one of those.

I don’t think we realized it at f irst, but the content from this month has taken on its own shape and form to be one of our most inspiring issues yet. The story of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) will make you want to stand up and f ight for those who cannot do so for themselves. When you meet Jack Clark, you will be in awe of what he has done for the hurting in our community, the nation, and our armed forces. You’ll see some familiar faces, too. We are honored to share each of these stories with you.

As we were making f inal preparations for this issue, I noticed a common theme rising in each one of the stories. Stand up! Be an advocate for others. Put others before yourselves, no matter how much it costs you.

Use what you have to be a blessing to others. These are all lessons that we can and should put into practice in our own lives.

May we be a community known for its kindness to the hurting and its outcry for injustice. There is nothing more honorable than standing up for the most vulnerable.

All the way home,

H OM E T O U R | L O C A L C H E F | T I P S & T R I C K S | L E T ' S C E L E B R AT E

wel co m e | H O M E

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the

S T R A C E N E R FA M I LY welco mes us ho me

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photo credit | LISA CROW 13 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

home | H O M E

T O U R

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When we purchased the house, all of the trim in the master bedroom was painted a dark shade of blue. For new colors, we decided on a clean and restful feel for the room, but we wanted to save the carpet which was light blue in color, so we had to f ind a way to anchor the carpet color in the room. The mantle became that anchor. After all the painting was done, we pulled up the drop cloth that was protecting the carpet and we decided we didn’t like the carpet anymore!

We replaced the carpet, but we love the blue mantle!!

We have brought more blue into the space with furniture and accents.

Hanging in our breakfast room is an enlarged print of the hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” The text of this wonderful hymn is a reminder of God’s faithfulness each time we sit down at the breakfast table. Below the hymn is a pew rack holding a hymnal and pew Bible. The pew rack is from the chapel of First Baptist Church, which was torn down in 2016 to make way for new facilities. Todd grew up at First Baptist and was happy to bring this piece of history into our home.

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The wall color in the dining room was inspired by the dining room at the Vice President’s residence on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. The color is appropriately named Naval by Sherwin Williams! The starburst mirror was given to us as a gift and has been used in other rooms in our previous homes, but it has never popped like it does now on the navy wall.

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Burning candles in my home is something I do almost every day, even if I am the only one there.

It makes me happy and content, and I feel better just smelling those fabulous scents.

Todd and I have always loved the historic homes along Jefferson Avenue and this one in particular. For years, we would pass through the area and admire the classic look of the house. It just has an all-American appearance like something from the movie, Father of the Bride. We never imagined that one day we would actually live in it!

I have lots of windows and light coming into my home, and I love the use of shutters everywhere.

This home is comfortable; it's warm and inviting. I have no drapes in my home at all.

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T O U R

The prints hanging on the study bookcases are Picasso inspired sketches. We enjoy them for the simplistic yet dramatic effect they give to the space.

The study is our place for quiet time, reading a book or working on the computer.

Todd and I love both the architecture and the history of our house.

It is a Colonial style home designed by Wilbur Kent and was constructed in 1940. Asserting a wealth of history and heritage, it is located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Luf kin. Originally built for the C.B. Edwards family, the home was later occupied by the Richard W. Wortham family and f inally, the family of Dr. Walter Jamar Reid, who lived in the home for the longest period of time. Many people remember gatherings that were hosted in this residence throughout the years. You can look at the original blueprints today and still recognize every part of the house.

Pictured at home are Todd and Karah, and their precious daughters Bankston (2) and Mary Kathryn (6).

home | L O C A L

C H E F

Rosemary Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing/Sauce

2 sprigs of fresh rosemary 1 pint of fresh blueberries ¼ of medium red onion, chopped 1 tsp of chopped garlic 1½ cups of olive oil ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar

For Dressing : Blend in blender or food processor until all ingredients are mixed and pureed well.

Dressing keeps refrigerated for about 7 days.

For a great sauce that goes great on chicken, pork or beef, bring the above blended ingredients, except the oil, to a boil over medium heat stirring often then reduce heat and let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until mixture thickens into a thin sauce. Stir occasionally throughout process.

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OUR PURPOSE & MISSION

“ Scrumptious Confections To Celebrate Life “ Grandough Baking Company offers delectable cakes and a large variety of baked goods in Luf kin that are made with the freshest ingredients and a keen eye for detail. Our goal is to present you with the highest quality products with careful attention to detail and, of course, customer satisfaction. You’re important to us, and we always strive to surpass your expectations. See your vision come to life by choosing us for your bakery product needs. We believe cake and many other confections can be a special part of any occasion, and we make a dazzling display of cakes and treats everyday from scratch. Our trained staff will bring your dream wedding or themed cake to life. At Grandough, we aren't just cakes.

We specialize in making most any other baked good that you can dream of become something spectacular. If it's the best you've ever had, it's probably Grandough Baking Company.

JUSTIN KEZAR, OWNER Justin, a certif ied baker, has a degree from the American Institute of Baking in Baking Science & Technology. As a certif ied baker, he has expertise in the chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics needed to manage the function of ingredients, to control the baking processes, and to formulate products. Justin has the Serve Safe Food Protection Manager Certif ication by theNational Restaurant Association. He is also knowledgeable in the methods of troubleshooting and quality control. Justin specializes in custom recipe development and is the head baker at Grandough, as well as a cake designer. Justin started Grandough in 2010 but has been around the baking industry his whole life and has been baking from scratch since he was 5 years old. Justin grew up in Texas and has lived with his family in the Luf kin area for the better part of 22 years with the exception of living in Michigan for a short time. Upon f inishing his degree in Baking Science, he went to Michigan where he worked as a lead bakery trainer for Panera Bread. Michigan is where he was introduced to his beautiful wife Jennifer, who is also a baker at Grandough. Justin and Jennifer have made Luf kin their home with their beautiful daughters Savannah, Bailey, and son Jeremiah.

TERESA KEZAR, SUGAR ARTIST Teresa is a self taught cake designer and sugar artist. She specializes in wedding cake and event cake design. She creatively incorporates her client's style, dreams, themes, and logos into her designs at Grandough. All sugar f lowers and decorations are handmade by Teresa at Grandough.

Teresa began decorating cakes at the age of 14 after seeing a 4-H cake decorating demonstration. She found cake decorating to be an outlet for her creativity as well as her love of baking. While in college, she met her husband Mark who is also an accomplished baker and cake decorator.

They raised their children, Justin and Joy, in Texas and settled in Luf kin 22 years ago. All through the years, Teresa decorated cakes for her children, family, and friends. After her children were grown, she had more time to expand her decorating.

Teresa made the f irst fondant cake in Luf kin complete with handmade roses and stephanotis; this cake was documented in Joe Murray's newspaper column. She also made a cake for the Space Shuttle Memorial that included a sugarpaste space shuttle model; a NASA astronaut took the model to Houston where it was on display with other Columbia memorial items.

home | L O C A L

C H E F

Apple Nut Coffeecake

½ cup butter – softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 cups f lour 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 – 8oz. package of sour cream 2 large apples f inely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar together in mixer on medium speed. Then add vanilla and eggs and beat again until blended. In a separate bowl sift together f lour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon and set aside. Add sour cream to butter mixture and blend. Scrape down mixing bowl then add dry ingredients. Mix on low speed for two minutes, scraping down bowl occasionally then remove from mixer. Stir in chopped apples and spread into a greased 9x13 pan.

Combine topping and sprinkle over top of apple batter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Topping: ½ cup of chopped nuts ½ cup of brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 Tbs. butter - melted

Peach & Blueberry Oatmeal Crisp

1 – 10 to 12 oz. package of frozen peaches –or about 6 medium fresh peaches

2 cups of frozen blueberries – or 1 pint of washed fresh blueberries ½ cup of sugar or Splenda ½ to ¾ cup of f lour

Stir together all ingredients and pour into a greased 8x8 pan. 9x13 pan may be used. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Topping:

2 cups of quick cook oatmeal 1 cup of brown sugar 1 tsp of cinnamon 2 sticks of melted butter

Stir together all of the topping ingredients. Then sprinkle over the top of the fruit evenly. Bake until warm and bubbly all the way through, 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your oven.

Frozen Peanut Butter Pie

8 oz package of cream cheese - softened

½ cup of powdered sugar 1 – 16oz package of whipped topping 1 cup of creamy or chunky peanut butter 1 – chocolate graham cracker crust 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips 1/2 cup of mini Reese’s Pieces candy or mini chocolate chips

Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Scrape bowl, then add half of whipped topping and mix completely. Spread into crust then chill for 1 hour to set. After f illing is set, spread the other half of whipped topping to cover and then sprinkle the peanut butter chips and mini choclate chips on top. Freeze pie for at least an hour before serving.

GET THE LOOK:

OUTDOOR PAT I O R E F RES H Spring is here, and that means more time spent outdoors. Give your outdoor patio a refresh with a fresh coat of paint, new patio furniture and accessories and lively plants.

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home | T I P S

&

T R I C K S

GET THE LOOK: FURNITURE SET: https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/beachcrest-homelakeside-4-piece-sofa-set-with-cushions-seho4865.html INDOOR/OUTDOOR RUG: https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/lark-manor-orris-sandindooroutdoor-area-rug-lrkm1235.html?piid=21167965 BAR TILE: https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/ moroccan-mosaic-amlo-8 -x-8 -handmade-cement-tile-inwhite-and-black-mmth1034.html BUTCHER BLOCK BAR TOP: https://www.wayfair.com/storage-organization/pdp/nexelbutcher-block-workbench-top-nxel1307.html BARSTOOLS: https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/hospitality-rattancarmen-30-swivel-bar-stool-hos1605.html GARDEN STOOLS: https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/larry-rattan-wickergarden-stool-alda1022.html SCONCES: https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/birch-lane-windhamoutdoor-barn-light-bl11966.html

Hello, I'm Claire, an interior stylist living in Austin, Texas with my husband, Parker. I'm the blogger and business owner behind Claire Brody Designs. I specialize in providing unique and one of a kind spaces on an affordable budget.

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home | L E T ' S

C E L E B R A T E

ST

pring ablescape

Let’s be honest here, we all want to throw an amazing party or event that people will love.

Pinterest has us convinced that our parties need to be over the top to be worthy, and it gets overwhelming and can easily steal the joy that comes from hosting friends and family. I’m here to tell you that your party can be great without all the things, so go ahead and invite your people over and celebrate Spring with these easy tips!

S implicity

As you begin to plan Spring events, let simplicity be your main focus. Your guest don’t need 25 different food options, give them two. You don’t need to buy everything at the party store that’s in your theme, just pick one or two things you love. Your party will still be great, and you will be far less stressed with planning, hosting and cleaning up.

N eutrals

Spring sparks the feeling of fresh beginnings. Use neutral colors to give your party that same fresh feeling. Start with a neutral base and use it for your table lines and serving ware. Whites, greys, and golds are all great classic neutrals, but also mix in marble, bare wood and/or cement accents for variety in texture.

Greenery

Fake succulents are my go to for giving a touch of green to any tablescape.

Use a vase or bowl of your choosing, place any type of white beans in the bottom of the vase and stick in your succulent. Greenery doesn’t just have to be in a vase, consider making a f loral swag with eucalyptus and lay it on your table or hang it.

F lowers

Ultra Violet is the pantone color of the year, and it is beautiful rich shade of purple. Work it into your palette with f lowers. Get a small bouquet and mix it with neutral greenery in several vases. Eucalyptus would work well, but use whatever greenery f its your budget. Don’t want to buy f lowers? We have lots of pretties growing along the sides of our roads in Luf kin and our surrounding areas! Be on the look out for Queen Anne’s lace and other pretty wild f lowers and/or greenery that you can easily pick and use.

Geometric Shapes

Have a little fun and think outside the box to include some geometric shapes for a trendier look to your party. You could use hexagon paper plates for your guest to eat on or a succulent would look great in a gold and glass geometric bowl. You could even use an old jewelry box for your succulent. Your greenery would really pop in a gold geometric vase or you could simply sit a gold geometric decor item on your table as an accent piece.

Tiffani Brantner is a constant crafter, party-thrower, and “ideacomer-upper”. She f inds joy in making someone feel special with a thoughtful gift or well-planned special event. During the day you can f ind Tiffani at Central ISD where she works as the school nurse; her evenings are spent either home with her three little ones or at a game cheering on her husband’s sports team during the big match. During the summers, well, just don’t look for her during the summer. Summers are for traveling. Working for a school does have its perks, after all!

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The 30-Minutes-Or-Less E.R. Service Pledge – only at Woodland Heights Medical Center.

WoodlandHeights.net

PRESENTED BY 2 0 Q U E S T I O N S | L O CA L TA L E N T | S P O T LIGH T | B O S S L A DY

*Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

Woodland Heights Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

a l o ving | C O M M U N I T Y

96873_WHMC_ERpldg_8_375x10_875c.indd 1

4/5/17 10:09 AM

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c o m m u n i ty | 2 0 QU E S T ION S

twenty questions

-WITH-

MIKE MATHIS

The Voice of the Angelina County Benefit Rodeo

Along with his horse, FROG.

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1

BULL RIDING OR BRONC RIDING?

What nickname does your wife have for you?

Could not print it, however, like most men I think it should be "Mr. Wonderful".

3 BRONC RIDING Where’s the furthest place you’ve traveled?

7

"Lonesome Dove" and "Braveheart".

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Favorite words of wisdon?

The harder I work the luckier I get.

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What advice would you give to your younger self?

Wyatt Earp

SAM ELLIOTT (he would have to shave

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If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be?

A SADDLE BRONC HORSE.

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What

is your favorite midnight snack?

NACHOS

FLY!

BOB SEGER'S "TURN THE PAGE".

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W H AT ’ S YO U R FAV O R I T E R O D E O S TO P O N T H E TO U R ?

KEITH ISLEY'S TRICK RIDING ACT If you could hire any actor to play you in a movie, who would it be?

6

What super-power would you like to have?

Choose one song as your life’s theme song.

You’re a rodeo clown for a day.

What is your act?

his mustache)

IT'S TOO DIFFICULT TO PUT A NUMBER ON THIS, I'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR OVER 30 YEARS. SO, LET'S JUST SAY THOUSANDS.

Doc Holiday?

What is your go-to, guy movie?

Brazil How many rodeos have you “voiced” over the years?

4

Wyatt Earp or

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What is Frog's favorite snack on the road?

He loves Purina apple oatmeal treats and fresh fruit.

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Do you have a fear of any creature, and if so, which one?

YES, SNAKES!

Choose 3 people (alive or dead) to have dinner with.

THEY ARE ALL TOO DIVERSE TO NAME JUST ONE, BUT WE LOVE UTAH. INCLUDING SALT LAKE AND NEPHI. EACH RODEO REPRESENTS A UNIQUE PART OF THE COUNTRY AND I'VE MADE GREAT AND LIFELONG FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY AT ALL OF THEM.

14

Clint Eastwood or John Wayne?

JOHN WAYNE

I give you a Brahman Bull as a pet.

What do you name him?

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Tornado, because that is the name of one of my heroes. CHamption bull rider Freckles Brown rode

Do not smoke!

SUSAN MATHIS, PEYTON MATHIS AND RONALD REAGAN

Tornado at the National Finals in 1968. He had never been ridden before.

c o m m u n i t y | L O CA L TA L E N T

WHEREVER IT FLOWS story by - KIM OGDEN

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photo credit | LISA CROW

“HELL IS EMPTY. AND THE DEVILS ARE ALL HERE.” WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

c o m m u n i t y | L O CA L TA L E N T

S

itting across the table from

Jack Clark at Standpipe early one February morning, I had no idea that the interview I had planned with him was about to veer off sharply from the course I had prepared.

I previously had the pleasure of meeting Jack in late 2017 when he and his band, the Jack Clark/Brian Landry Project, performed at a local, afterhours business party. Their musical talent was undeniable. It was as if Ozzy Osborne and Chris Stapleton had a love child.

Sitting next to his beaming wife, Lyndsi, I began f inding out more about Jack. A husband, father of two,

and most recently, degreed as a nurse. Mind blown.

Here was this long-haired, tattooed, guitar-ripping, gravel-voice, bearded dude owning the stage like it was his job… and his day job was comforting and healing people in our community. I had to know more. Fast-forward to Standpipe.

Before walking into the interview, I had heard rumblings about Jack’s past. Words like, ex-military, Army Ranger, Department of Defense, and Private Security Contractor – had been mentioned. As the interview began, we discussed both his musical background and his dream of being in the f ield of medicine.

“Growing up, I wanted to be in the medical f ield,” Jack told me. “There was also a huge military inf luence from my family, one being my dad having retired from the Army after 21 years. That foundation grounded me and helped put a good head on my shoulders.”

“I joined the service in 1999 and became an Army Ranger.

Clark pictured here at The Monastery of St. Catherine on the northern foot of Mount Sinai.

The deployments took me to amazing places such as Thailand, Australia, Egypt and Bosnia. The experiences I had with the Army were incredible. I swam in the Red Sea, hiked Mount Horeb to get to Mount Sinai, visited the Great Pyramids, rode camels, and played my guitar for crowds in Baghdad. To me, it was always important to soak up the culture of the place I was visiting.”

“Once I left the military, I used the contacts I had made in the Army to land the position of a Security Contractor working for the Department of Defense. As you can imagine, there wasn’t much dull about that job. We were sent all over the world to assist with high threat security operations as well as peace keeping missions.”

As I sat and listened more and more to Jack’s stories, I began to get the feeling I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

“Following the DOD, I went to work private security with Blackwater,” he continued.

“Wait, wait, wait…. Blackwater?”, I asked in disbelief. “As in, ‘I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you,’ kind of Blackwater?” That was the one.

For those of you unfamiliar with Blackwater, it’s an American private military company founded by a former Navy SEAL off icer in 1997. Imagine shadows in the night, men that don’t exist on paper, operations that the government endorses behind closed doors. Ghosts.

These men are sent into Hell to retrieve, protect, and provide services to our armed forces and others on the ground in

Clark, aka White Devil, playing slaps with local kids in Baghdad.

high-threat places like Mosul, Bosnia and Baghdad. They are highly disciplined both physically and mentally and trained prof iciently in the areas of combat.

“Over the course of three years, I was in 64 f iref ights. I’ve witnessed men being shot, friends dying, acts of valor beyond what I could even describe. I was baptized by f ire, and God delivered me through that f ire. In situations like the ones my team and I went through, there wasn’t really a whole lot

c o m m u n i t y | L O CA L TA L E N T

of time to react. It’s not like the movies where f iref ights last and last. In my experience, a whole lot of death and destruction can occur in 30 seconds or less.”

“I have one memory of being able to actually FEEL the

Left to right: Viking, Madman, Land Shark and White Devil after a highthreat security mission in Iraq.

vibration of bullets that were whizzing past me,” Jack continued. “Not hear it, feel it. In f iref ights, your adrenaline skyrockets, alertness and your trained ref lexes peak. It can be so loud. Men yelling, machine guns thundering away, RPGs rocketing over your vehicles, explosions, your ears ringing. It’s surreal.”

Featured in the national publication of Soldier of Fortune Magazine in October of 2005, Jack, aka “White Devil”, described the makeup of his team, the brotherhood they felt, and the bond that formed with the lifestyle they led. “If we completed the mission without injury or death to team members, that mission was considered a success. We truly were our brothers’ keepers, and I personally thank God every day for my safe return. You can’t live through what we lived through and not believe in a higher power. I’m here today because God wrapped his hands around me more times that I can count. Between He and my wife, my life was saved.”

Today, Jack leads a quieter life, one very distant from the chaos of war. “My family is everything to me. My wife and kids brought me peace like nothing else has. It takes a strong woman to stand beside a man like me, and I’m thankful

Clark after his f irst f iref ight, kneeling at the rear of his truck in front of bullet holes.

everyday Lyndsi chose me. My focus now is helping people heal, helping put them back together. Nursing gives me that opportunity and my music, that’s the calm in the storm for me. It’s my therapy and my release.”

“I’ve lived a good life,” Jack said as he glanced out of Standpipe’s window. I watched him sit still for a minute, his mind wandering. This entire conversation had seen him hyper-vigilant, aware of every person around us, every car that passed. Now, he seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

Relaxed.

“Hey,” I said, bringing him back into the moment. “Thanks for telling me your story.”

“Anytime,” he said with a wide smile. “Anytime.”

The remains of Clark's truck immediately following an attack on his team by insurgents.

B ikers Against C hild Abuse

photo credit | LISA CROW

c o m m u n i ty | S P O T LIGH T

C

olossal motorcycles. Tattoos. Black leather. Cold stares. These are usually the images that come to mind

for many when they hear the word "bikers”.

Bikers under the f lag of B.A.C.A are precisely the same, with the exception of one thing: they don’t make ordinary individuals fear them, just the individuals who abuse kids.

Bikers Against Child Abuse, or B.A.C.A, is an international, 501c3 non-prof it organization of motorcycle riders that works to create a safer environment for abused kids. Their mission is to empower children to be unafraid of the world in which they live.

“These children have been abused; they’ve been violated. And usually by someone they know and trust,” explains Lil’ Owl, Court Liaison for the Luf kin Chapter of B.A.C.A. “What our presence can do for them is make them feel safe again. Once they feel safe, they can begin to heal.”

“These children know without a doubt that we have their back,” says Cherokee, the Luf kin Chapter’s Child Liaison. “That kind of knowledge gives them their power back. It allows that child to say to the perpetrator, if only in their mind, ‘No, you will not hurt me again. No, I will not be afraid of you.’”

The story of B.A.C.A begins in 1995, with Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist/ Supervisor John Lilly. He was assigned the case of an 8-year-old boy who was too afraid to leave his house, all because his abuser would stand outside the house at night. Lilly remembered that he himself had been in a similar position, having been abused as a child. However, the young Lilly was befriended by a gang of bikers who vowed to protect him. Wondering if this might be of help to the young boy in his case, Lilly approached a group

41 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

c o m m u n i ty | S P O T LIGH T

of bikers in the area and asked them to help out. The result? The boy was greeted one day by a gang of 40 bikers and was soon playing outside with his friends.

“Intimidation is not our goal,” says Coot, SAA of Luf kin’s Chapter.

“But if it happens, it’s not a bad thing. Sometimes 10 bikes can roll up and other times 200 plus might be there. When we are on the scene, our entire objective and focus is 100% on the child. We are there for them at their house, at church, in the courtroom… wherever they want us to be. They’re the priority for us.”

Unfortunately, there’s no shortage of kids to help. In 2016 alone, there were over 47,000 cases of child abuse or neglect in the state of Texas. As local B.A.C.A. Treasurer Lil’ Miss puts it, “One is too many.”

The leather-clad guardian angels provide friendship, as well as moral and physical support for the children, whether that

There is nothing more honorable than standing up for the most vulnerable. I love this organization...what they stand for, what they do. Great job, BACA! 42 | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

is parking their bikes outside their homes in the days leading up to a trial or escorting them and their families to and from the courthouse to testify.

B.A.C.A.’s presence gives the kids a boost when they are in the very diff icult situation of having to answer questions in a courtroom about their abuse, especially when their abuser is sitting in front of them while they testify.

“Having B.A.C.A. with these kids makes a big difference,” says Doc, Luf kin B.A.C.A. President. “The children know that we are there for them on their side, f ighting for them. Just the physical presence alone of a group of tattooed, leathered up bikers standing guard gives that child a sense of strength and empowerment. They know that nothing and no one is getting through us to get to them.”

“What we’ve seen over and over again,” says Lil Owl, “is a scared child sitting up on the stand, suddenly turning into a biker. The change is incredible.”

c o m m u n i ty | S P O T LIGH T

“Absolutely,” seconds Cherokee. “The child knows they can do anything and that we have their back. The power is handed back to them. They are the real heroes of their own story.”

It’s a bond that doesn’t stop at the walls of the courtroom. As far as B.A.C.A. is concerned - once a B.A.C.A. kid, always a B.A.C.A. kid. “These kids know that they can call us at any time, day or night, and we will be right there for them. If it means sitting out for days on end in front of their house until they feel safe again, then that’s what we do. We are there for our kids 24/7 – no matter what,” says Cherokee. “Until no more tear drops fall, B.A.C.A. will be standing guard, protecting those who need it most.”

For more information on Luf kin’s Chapter of B.A.C.A., please email them at luf kinbaca@ureach.com or call (877) 763 – 8660.

“Until no more tear drops fall, B.A.C.A. will be standing guard, protecting those who need it most.�

45 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

co m mu ni ty | B O S S

L A D Y

DR. MEL ANIE VARDEMAN Returning to her hometown of Nacogdoches to begin her career was a no-brainer for Dr. Melanie Vardeman. Having graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 and from the University of Houston in 1999 with her Doctorate of Optometry, Dr. Vardeman knew coming home was the best way to serve the community she loved.

“When I returned, I was splitting my time working between Texas State Optical (TSO) and Lehmann Eye Center. The experience I gained and the knowledge I was exposed to helped mold and shape me into who I am now as an eye doctor,” she explains. “I was with TSO for 18 years. That kind of tenure and commitment lends itself to the possibility of other doors opening up.”

Knowing that she wanted more out of her career, Dr. Vardeman began exploring the possibility of opening her own clinic. “I had no idea (at least on the business end) where to begin,” she says. “I knew I wanted to go into business for myself. I knew my passion for the work and for my patients was in me, but I didn’t know how to start the process of either buying a preexisting business or opening up a new one. This was foreign territory to me.”

She began researching businesses and eventually met with Dr. Don Rudasill of 20/20 Eye Care in Nacogdoches. It was during these meetings that Dr. Vardeman realized 20/20 was the business for her.

“I felt at home at 20/20. Dr. Rudasill had been in business over 32 years and was so passionate about his work,” she says.

“His was an amazing practice, and when the opportunity to

purchase it came along, I jumped at it.”

“Again, not knowing where to start, I reached out to Larry Cain with the Small Business Development Center located on the campus of Angelina College in Luf kin. He made the entire process seamless for me. It took one phone call, an exchange of information, and the next day Mr. Cain met me and my small business loan off icer (Chris Sidnell with Citizens 1st Bank, Nacogdoches) at the bank.

Mr. Cain brought an extremely thorough ‘Business Performa’ that he created using my business plan and numbers. This packet was full of information I would need to carefully consider my next move with 20/20 Eye Care.”

“Within its pages, the Business Performa contained a projected Prof it & Loss statement, startup expenditures, inventory I would need, a projected 5-year payroll summary and a breakeven analysis. Literally, everything I needed to make an educated decision to purchase this company was now in my hands,” says Dr. Vardeman. “And the best part of it all? The Small Business Development Center provided their services for FREE. Absolutely free.”

“Not only were they able to forecast sales, salaries, prof it & loss, etc., but the SBDC allowed me to make my purchase of 20/20 Eye Care with absolute conf idence.”

“Not learning business in school could’ve been a real hindrance for me, but the SBCD helped me every single step of the way.

Owning my own business was going to provide both myself and my family with a great quality of life, and the SBCD helped that dream become a reality. It absolutely changed my life, and I know I could not have done any of this without them.”

For more information on the services provided by the Small Business Development Center, please contact Director Larry Cain at 936-633-5400 or by email at lcain@angelina.edu. * The Angelina College SBDC is a service provider of the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network, a business advising and training program

serving 32 counties in Southeast Texas. The UH Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network is a program of the UH Bauer College of Business and a resource partner of the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration.

G A N D Y N O T E S | L E A D E R S H I P LU F K I N | E V E RY T H I N G E L S E | C O A C H A S H L E Y

tim e | F A M I L Y

49 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

f a m i ly | G A N D Y

N O T E S

MY MOMENT Written by - ANGELA GANDY

Angela is a multi-tasking wife and mother of two boys who keep her on her toes. She loves a good story and enjoys writing. You can contact her at angelagandy@gmail.com.

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f a m i ly | G A N D Y

N O T E S

Have you ever had a moment that made everything

got a little nugget of cheer from this student, I

you met your husband or wife, maybe when you

That my moment of teaching 90 students day in

else in your life make sense? Maybe it was when

knew it was God telling me that I obeyed Him.

had your first child, or maybe when you made a

and day out was His calling on my life. Ten years

me, that's exactly what my moment was. When

teacher. But just as I told my principals in my

life-changing decision to switch your career. For I decided to become a middle school English teacher, it was the moment that changed my life forever.

ago, I never would have thought I would be a

interview, life takes you places to prepare you

for your future. I know God waited until now to tell me to teach.

Many people think a moment is just that,

I want to publicly thank everyone at Lufkin

moment can be a very long time. Let me put it

year. You are each so special to me, and I'll

just a blip in eternity. So, my whole first year

stressful worries every day. I am so fortunate

a moment or a second. But for me, I think a

like this - we are on God’s timeline. Our life is of teaching has been one huge moment for me.

As I near the end of this 2017-2018 school year, I can reflect on several people who have given

me the encouragement I need. One of those

Middle School who has helped me this school never be able to repay you for listening to my

that I have been blessed with a great group of educators who have surrounded me with advice,

counsel, and wisdom. I am so happy to be a part of Lufkin ISD!

people is actually a student of mine. After a

I also want to encourage new and/or aspiring

up activity), she stopped me and told me, “Mrs.

When you may be like me, and drowning in self-

regular morning of reviewing a bell ringer (warm Gandy, when I work on this, I really try to

imagine what you would say. It helps me so much.” To some, that doesn't seem life-changing.

And really, it's not. But it was so reassuring.

When teachers and students make it to the

spring semester, I have learned that everyone is exhausted and ready for STAAR. So, when I

teachers. Be open to hear God’s calming voice. doubt, God’s voice may be disguised in a student ’s compliment. Pray for your students. Pray for your school. Pray for your administrators. It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes

teachers to raise the next generation. Have

confidence in your decision to dive into public

education. May the ride be fun, exhausting, and

always rewarding!

"BE OPEN TO HEAR GOD'S CALMING VOICE."

53 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

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WRITTEN BY: SUSAN ROBERTSON When beginning research on the potential Leadership Luf kin Class 36 project the, goal was to f ind a project that would be the greatest benef it for Angelina County residents. Public transportation is a vital asset of Luf kin, Texas. It benef its a large population who utilize it on a daily basis. Despite the numerous bus routes and bus stops, Leadership Luf kin Class 36 noticed there was something missing that could make public transportation in Luf kin even better, covered bus stops! These covered bus stops will help the quality of life of Angelina County citizens by providing shelter from the environmental elements of rain and hot East Texas summers. The bus stops will also include two benches for citizens to utilize while waiting for the bus to arrive.

Much research went into deciding the best location to construct the covered bus stops including speaking with Brazos Transit District to determine the highest volume bus pickup locations, Pilgrim’s Pride and Angelina College. Once the locations were predetermined, meetings were held with Pilgrims’ Pride and Dr. Michael Simon from Angelina College. To take it one step further, the Leadership Luf kin Class reached out to Impact Luf kin and Luf kin City Councilman Robert Shankle to present the proposed plans for the bus stop. The goal is to complete the project and have them be a model for more needed covered bus stops in Luf kin.

The covered bus stops will be complete and operational by April 1st for citizens to enjoy. One bus stop will be located at Pilgrim’s Pride on the corner of Frank Street and Webber Street. The second bus stop will be located at the Angelina College exit on Hwy 59 South. Each bus stop will be maintained by the location and improvements can be made by Pilgrim’s Pride and Angelina College.

A project of this capacity takes many great businesses, organizations and individuals' support. The sponsors for the project include Angelina Beautiful Clean, Angelina Excavating, American eChem, Inc, Alzheimer's Association, Axley & Rode, CPA's, Brookshire Brothers, Contractor's Supplies, Inc., Dean Construction, Luf kin Industries/GE a Baker Hughes Company, Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County, Inc., Hospice in the Pines, Huntington State Bank, J & M Chevrolet, Lee Transervices, McWilliams and Son Heating and Air Conditioning, Robert Grimes with American Real Estate, Rojo Concrete , and SERVPRO of Luf kin/S. Nacogdoches County. We are grateful that we live in a community that believes in supporting projects that will benef it the citizens. Thank you to all of our sponsors!

The Leadership Luf kin Class 36 consists of the following members: Erin Aikens, American eChem, Inc. Jennifer Allen, Angelina Arts Alliance B.J. Brookshire, Merrill Lynch Crystal Capps, Alzheimer's Association Chris Clark, Langston Construction Dr. Martha Lopez Coleman, St. Patrick Catholic School Craig Corley, Axley & Rode LLP Donna Grimes, Angelina County & Cities Health District Steffan Guest, Lockheed Martin Kim Hennigan, First Bank & Trust East Texas Will Horn, Bartlett Baggett & Shands Insurance Agency Jennifer La Corte, Angelina Beautiful/Clean Austin Larson, Luf kin Industries/GE Donna Mulholland, Huntington State Bank Susan Robertson, Habitat for Humanity of Angelina County, Inc. Kate Rudasill, Brookshire Brothers Shea Smith, McWilliams & Son Heating and Air Conditioning Candice Stott, SERVPRO of Luf kin/S. Nacogdoches County Dan Watson, CHI St. Luke's Health Memorial J.J. Weibe, JM Chevrolet Sandra Wilson, Hospice in the Pines

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f a m i ly | E V E R Y T H I N G

E L S E

58 58 | JA NPUA | A R IRY L 2 20 01 18 8

CHALLENGES WRIT TEN BY

KRIS BALL

One of the many challenges that face young parents these days seems to be f inding positive activities for your kids. At least that’s a challenge at my house. It’s super easy to get home from work and let our two boys pile up on the couch and watch their iPads while we prepare dinner. But is that the best that I can do as a father?

I remember not long ago, iPads and tablets, even smart phones, didn’t exist. Back in the 80’s and 90’s, if we weren’t able to go outside, we were miserable and bored. We have truckloads of toys at our house, but none hold their attention for very long. Nothing compares to that television or iPad. As parents, we are always looking for ways to get our kids outside. The couch is great after bath, right before bed. But that couch will suck you in and not let you out if you aren’t careful.

Both of our boys love being outside, Brett more than Luke, but they both enjoy it. They love going on walks in the woods, exploring creek bottoms and trying to skip rocks. You can’t imagine what these two talk about while we are walking in the woods. There is lots of talk about Bigfoot and where he may live. We talk about how old we think trees are and all the animal tracks we see. I really enjoy these walks and talks with my two sons and they always end too soon.

One afternoon in late January, as we were walking in the woods to our “secret spot” as they call it, Brett made a comment about wishing he had a dog. I asked, “What kind of dog?” He said, “A little one that hunts squirrels and stuff.” I didn’t pay much attention to it, but mentioned it to Leslie that evening. Her reply? “We have two dogs already.” She was right. We do have two dogs. We have two golden retrievers, Sadie and Heidi. One is 10 and the other is 13, and in the kids and my defense, they don’t do much these days. They are in their “Golden Years” and don’t do a whole lot of playing with the kids.

After that conversation, the wheels started turning in my little head. I started to think that I may like a little dog to run through the woods and hunt squirrels and stuff. Brett might have been onto something here. I did a little research on different types of squirrel dogs and what we could expect from the different breeds. I started to make some phone calls and came across a kennel in Tennessee that sales puppies and trained dogs.

If you’ve ever done any research on squirrel dogs, or any type of dog for that matter, then you know you can spend quite a bit of money depending on what you’re wanting this particular dog to do. So, I’m talking to the owner of this kennel in Tennessee, an older gentleman, who has been breeding, training and selling squirrel dogs for 50 years. I’m voicing all my concerns and expectations that are involved with spending a large sum of money on a dog. I’m telling him about how I would like for it to be social and love my two little boys. I told him that it may get the opportunity to sleep in the bed with us at the deer lease. I told him that it had to get along with other animals, especially chickens, and that’s when he stopped me. He said, “Son, it sounds like your boys need a pet, not a hunting dog!” I asked, “Can’t I have both?”

He gave me some advice that rings true in several aspects of my life. He said, “Find you a little puppy there in Texas, a little terrier, or a small puppy from a hunting family, then just teach it what you want it to do.” I explained, “I’m no dog trainer; you’re the expert, and I don’t know where to begin!” Then he said, “Just keep the puppy real close to you, all the time. If you and the boys are playing in the yard, keep her right there with you. If you are riding to your deer lease, keep her with you. When you and your boys go for a walk in the woods, keep her close, talk to her about the trees, and point out the squirrels that you see. If it’s meant to be, the dog will take it from there.”

So that’s where it started. We found a little black Mountain Feist in Rusk, Texas and named her Maggie. Every afternoon when we would get home, we would race down to the barn to let her out. She would chase and bite at the boys and grab their toys and run playfully through the yard with them. Just a puppy in love with two little boys. When we walk in the woods, she follows close behind, not wandering too far from any of us, always returning when we call her. We feed her together, clean out her bedding, and make sure her heat lamp is working when it’s cold at night. We were “keeping her close to us.”

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f a m i ly | E V E R Y T H I N G

E L S E . . .

This little routine carried on for a couple of weeks and I noticed some changes in my boys. They’ve always liked to follow their Daddy around and do whatever I’m doing, but now they were doing things without me having to ask them. Brett was feeding the chickens on his own. Luke was trying to give the rabbit clean water and carrots. They would tuck the dogs in and make sure that Maggie had plenty of love before we shut her kennel door. Then I heard that old timer’s voice in my head. “Keep them close to you.” You see, by simply spending a couple of weeks with this puppy and my two sons, all of our attitudes had changed towards each other. We were closer, we got along better, and were more synchronized in doing things.

That’s when I understood what was happening. God was teaching me something. Look at the things that we hold dear to our hearts, the things that we keep “close to us.” We keep our wallets, our purses, our keys, that beloved iPhone so we can stay on Facebook. We keep our belongings, money and pride very close. How close do we keep our children? How close does God want to keep us?

The puppy becomes a better dog just by spending time with it. My two little boys became more active and eager to please just by spending an hour outside with me every day for two weeks. Just like a garden that needs pruning and fertilizer, our relationships with living things need to be pruned and groomed, as well. A father sees and realizes that. Bad behavior is corrected and good behavior encouraged and rewarded. That’s done consistently whether or not you are raising a garden, a squirrel dog, or two little boys.

When you keep things close to you, they emulate you. That’s how our relationship with God works. He wants to keep you close, but God has given us free will. Free will to make decisions on how we spend our time or what we choose to let into our minds. If we want to keep God close to us and grow to be more like his Son, then we have to spend time with him. We have to keep him close. He likes that.

John 15:2-6 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”

"EVERY BRANCH IN ME THAT DOES NOT BEAR FRUIT, HE TAKES AWAY; AND EVERY BRANCH THAT BEARS FRUIT, HE PRUNES IT SO THAT IT MAY BEAR MORE FRUIT.�

JOHN 15:2-6

Kris Ball grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Texas but has called Luf kin his home for the past 20 years. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University. He brief ly toured as the Ringmaster for the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey circus. He was disbarred from the circus community after supporting the efforts to continue with live elephant performances. Kris has been married to his lovely wife, Leslie for 12 years. They have two boys, Brett who is 6 and Luke who is 4. In his spare time, he enjoys farming, hunting and coaching t-ball.

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f a m i ly | C O A C H A S H L E Y

What if the life you’re wanting to live is already here?

Some of you may already know, but for those that don’t, I am a Life Coach.

I’m a Life Coach because I love being able to assist individuals who are truly ready to see change in their lives. Even if you’re only “kinda ready” for change, but aren’t sure you’re ready for a Life Makeover – I love working with you, as well. I love seeing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual change in the lives of my clients.

Every client that I work with WANTS SOMETHING. Maybe they want a better job or a better marriage.

Sometimes it’s better f inances or a better work life. Sometimes they just want balance in their daily lives or the courage to start the business they’ve always dreamed of. At the end of the day, they all want SOMETHING. Many times, along with the changes, they feel that a COMPLETE overhaul is needed in order to achieve the results they’re seeking. Sometimes that means divorce, a new, higher paying job, a change in location… the list goes on and on.

Ashley Berry|Lover of Jesus|Mother of One|Entrepreneur|Life Coach|Survivor Seeing others come to know Jesus as their Everything and extended naps are her idea of a great day! She’s passionate about coaching others into better days and seeing lives transformed for the better. Her story of overcoming breast cancer is sure to inspire as she proves God's love for each of us even through uncertainty.

She’s certain her future husband is stuck in traff ic... in a random city, if you f ind him before she does... please contact her at: ashley@livingzoe.net

What many don’t realize is this:

You already have everything within you to see the change you are seeking.

YOU ARE THE CHANGE! You don’t need to become someone completely and totally different in order to see change. You don’t have to change jobs to see change in your life. You don’t have to move across the country to transform into the person you believe you want to be. I mean if you go away, you still go away with you.

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Sometimes it’s as simple as walking away from things that USED to work for you, but don’t work anymore.

Consider these changes as things you might need to shed:

People

Not everyone is for you.

Mindsets

Wrong thinking can and will defeat you before you ever get started.

Purpose

Are you doing what you were created to do? Have you ever even thought about what your purpose is?

Time

Are you taking time for yourself OR are you constantly doing for others what you should be doing for yourself?

Also, are you using your time WISELY?

LADIES – You are NOT Superwoman!

GUYS – You are NOT Superman!

We don’t need to be SUPER-HUMAN in order to live happy and fulf illed lives.

64 | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

I mean, have you seen the movies lately? Super Woman is walking towards bullets being shot at her and def lecting each one with her fancy gold bracelets! – Listen- I don’t recommend trying that!! This sweet baby was thrown from a building and she immediately got up. If YOU get thrown from a building, it’s gonna HURT, AND IT’S GOING TO TAKE YOU A LOT LONGER TO GET BACK UP AGAIN…THAT’S IF YOU EVER GET UP AGAIN!!

Guys – Superman vs. Kryptonite. Need I say more? I didn't think so!

Listen, the bottom line is WE ARE ALL HUMAN. Just HUMAN. And because of that, things will affect us at times in our lives, and not all of them will be positive.

The difference in whether we survive or experience defeat lies in how we overcome and overcoming does not have to be MAJOR life change. It’s taking who we are {not who someone else says we are or tells us we are} and living out the very best life we can! Remember that your ‘overcome’ may not look like your friends ‘overcome’, and your ‘life change’ will never look like someone else’s.

We are all so very different! We grow differently. We think differently. Our needs are different. What worked for them may not work for you, and that’s perfectly ok.

At the end of the day, choose what makes you

Happy!

Remember that you are

Enough!

and the change is already there.

It's You!

- COACH ASHLEY

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| R E A D E R ' S S HOWC A S E | C H A L L E N GE | YO U R JO U R N E Y

re a d e r ' s | S H O W C A S E

67 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

PATRICIA WHITE: I feel that the Women in Red Luncheon is so very important because of the awareness of heart disease for women. Women do not have the same symptoms as men, and I am a walking testament to that.

What I experienced and learned from my heart attack is something I will carry with me always. I have a new appreciation for life, and I stand by my favorite scripture and know that the Lord is with me- Psalms 23. "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

I am forever grateful to these ladies who saved my life. Pictured above (left to right): Glenda Walker, Patricia White, LaVada Hughes & Victoria Bowden.

MARY ANN MEWBOURN:

FACES LOWERY BRIDGES:

OF

Diagnosed at only days old, our baby girl started treatment for her heart condition. We were scared, overwhelmed, and helpless, but also determined to make sure Lowery Kathryn’s heart was healthy. There were daily medications, tests and countless doctor visits, but today our two year old is winning the battle against heart disease. This will be Lowery’s f irst year to attend the Women in Red luncheon, and we could not be more proud of her and her journey.

Allison BridgesLowery’s Momma

HEART DISEASE ...

WOMEN

THAT Less waiting for emergency care

WEAR

(and a lot more care, if you need it).

RED

In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Woodland Heights Medical Center,

DARLENE ALLEN: In May of 2013, I had an episode of heart failure.

It began suddenly with no prior symptoms or warning signs. Thankfully, I was able to receive medical treatment at Woodland Heights in time to prevent a fatal outcome.

After about 6 months of limited activity, rest, and prayer, I began to feel like myself again. During this time I regained strength physically and spiritually, realizing what an amazing thing God did in creating the heart, which serves us faithfully throughout a lifetime. I am so thankful for healing and for all that I learned about heart disease during my stay at Woodland Heights.

I started feeling just rotten. I went to my doctor, and before I knew it I was in the Woodland Heights Cath Lab being treated. I almost didn’t even go to the doctor. I put it off expecting it to just go away. Let me tell you the secret- Don’t wait! Don’t put off the discomfort.

Listen to your body and GO. I am so grateful I did. I have not had any issues with my heart since that day. I feel so blessed to be back to my normal self and doing the things that I love.

I have a healthy heart because of the action I took in going to see my doctor. I’m proud to wear my red and encourage other ladies to take a step towards a healthier heart.

you’ll find faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen

by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less. And,MOTHER, with a team of dedicatedDAUGHTER, medical JOIN YOUR {TEACHER, AUNT, FRIEND} AT THE specialists, we can provide a lot more care, if you need it.

14TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN RED LUNCHEON ON THURSDAY, APRIL 26TH. The 30-Minutes-Or-Less E.R. Service Pledge – only at Woodland Heights Medical Center.

WoodlandHeights.net *Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

Woodland Heights Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

Join us for the 14th Annual Women in Red Luncheon.

You are invited to attend the 2018 Women in Red Luncheon, hosted by Woodland Heights Medical Center. This year, Donna Hartley, an international inspirational speaker, shares true matters of the heart and will present seven heart-healthy strategies from her own journey. Donna has survived a DC-10 plane crash, beaten melanoma, and overcome open heart surgery. The amazing fact is that all of these events occurred on the date of March 1.

Join us and learn how to change, heal, empower your life, and stay heart healthy.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! The Lufkin News/Charm magazine • The Journey Magazine • Southside Bank Grandough Baking Co. • Lufkin Coca-Cola • Brookshire Brothers Townsquare Media • Georgia Pacific • Commercial Bank of Texas Alene’s Florist • Kwik Kopy • Ferrara’s Heating & Air Conditioning Pinnacle Senior Living • A-1 Party Rentals

Thursday, April 26, 2018 Pitser Garrison Convention Center, Lufkin 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tickets are $25 each or $300 for a reserved table of ten.

Limited seating.

For ticket information, please call 936-637-8688.

Woodland Heights Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.

Donna Hartley

PLACES

&

FACES A N G E L I N A P E D I AT R I C S , B O O T S , B E S T B U D D I E S & B B Q , C O R K S & F O R K S , LU F K I N I S D I N N O VAT I O N N I G H T A N D S T . C Y PR I A N ' S 4 K C I RC U S

( P L A C E S & FA C E S P H O T O S P R O V I D E D B Y L I S A C R O W )

71 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

p l a c e s & f a c e s | A N G E L I N A P E D I AT R I C S

Cu r r e n t a n d f o r m e r s t a f f f r o m A n g e l i n a Pe d i a t r i c s s u rp r i s e d L i n d a Ma d d e n w i t h a re t i re m e n t p a r t y , c e l e b r a t i n g 4 6 y e a rs a s a p e d i a t r i c n u rs e . Li n d a h a s c a re d fo r t h o u s a n d s o f c h i l d re n f r o m t h e Lu f k i n a re a a l o n g s i d e p e d i a t r i c i a n s G e o rg e T h a n n i s c h MD , G e o rg e Fi d o n e MD , a n d Je f f G l a s s M D , a s w e l l a s n u m e r o u s p e d i a t r i c n u r s e p r a c t i t i o n e r s .

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p l a c e s & fa c e s | B O O T S , BE S T B U DDI E S & BB Q

T h e f o u r t h a n n u a l B o o t s , B e s t B u d d i e s a n d BB Q g a l a / f u n d r a i s e r h e l d a t t h e P i t s e r G a r r i s o n Co n v e n t i o n Ce n t e r , r a i s e d m o n e y f o r K u r t h M e m o r i a l A n i m a l S h e l t e r ’ s “ Ve t t i n g Fu n d ” , w h i c h w a s e s t a b l i s h e d t o p a y f o r e xp e n s e s t o c a r e f o r s i c k a n d i nj u r e d a n i m a l s u n d e r t h e s h e l t e r ’ s c a r e . T h e e v e n t fe a t u re d t h e G l e n n L e n d e r m a n B a n d , a r a f f l e a n d a s i l e n t a u c t i o n .

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p l a ces & fa ces | COR K S & F OR K S

T h e L u f k i n Co n v e n t i o n a n d Vi s i t o r ’ s B u r e a u ’ s d o w n t o w n t a s t i n g e v e n t w a s a n i g h t t o r e m e m b e r . Sp o n s o r e d b y B r o o k s h i r e B r o t h e r s , L u f k i n ’ s f i n e s t c h e fs a n d c a t e re rs s h o w c a s e d t h e i r t a s t i e s t ap p e t i z e rs a n d d e s s e r t s p a i r e d w i t h g r e a t w i n e , c h a m p a g n e , a n d b e e r . Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n u p c o m i n g e v e n t s w i t h t h e L C VB , p l e a s e c a l l 9 3 6 - 6 3 3 - 0 3 5 9 .

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p l a ces & fa ces | COR K S & F OR K S

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p l a ces & fa ces | S T . C Y PR I A N ' S 4 K C I RC U S

S t . Cy p r i a n ’ s 4 K Ci r c u s i s p r e s e n t e d a n n u a l ly i n m e m o r y o f M a x Wo r t h a m , a l o n g t i m e s c h o o l b o a r d m e m b e r a t S t . Cy p r i a n ’ s S c h o o l . T h e e v e n t d a t e s b a c k t o t h e s i x t i e s a n d i s a l o n g s t a n d i n g a n d m e m o r a b l e t r a d i t i o n fo r t h e s t u d e n t s . W h e n Mr .

Wo r t h a m d i e d i n 1 9 9 0 , a m e m o r i a l f u n d w a s s e t u p b y M a r c e l l e C a n o n t o b e u s e d t o p u r c h a s e c i r c u s b o o k s f o r t h e s c h o o l ’ s l i b r a r y . S t . Cy p r i a n ’ s Ep i s c o p a l S c h o o l n o w h a s a f i n e c o l l e c t i o n o f c i r c u s l i t e r a t u r e t h a n k s t o t h e C a n o n f a m i ly .

81 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

p l a c e s & f a c e s | LU F K I N I S D I N N O VAT I O N N I G H T

T h e L u f k i n ISD L e a r n i n g & In n o v a t i o n S h o w c a s e w a s a f u n - f i l l e d e v e n t w i t h a s t o n i s h i n g , i n n o v a t i v e a c t i v i t i e s d e li v e re d b y s t u d e n ts f ro m e v e ry c a mp u s i n t h e d i s t r i c t . T h e e v e n t c o n v e n i e n t ly f e l l o n t h e 2 0 1 8 D i g i t a l A w a r e n e s s D a y o n T h u r s d a y , Fe b r u a r y 2 2 . T h e s h o w c a s e f e a t u r e d s o m e o f L ISD ’ s m o s t e x c e p t i o n a l l e a r n i n g e xp e r i e n c e s t h r o u g h h a n d s - o n d e m o n s t r a t i o n s i n a n i n t e r a c t i v e f o r m a t .

83 | T H E J O U R N E Y M AG A Z I N E

A new cookbook from the Junior League of Lufkin

25

$

Available at

Hometown Vinyl The Very Thing Wishing Well Antiques & Gifts Or online at JuniorLeagueofLufkin.org

re a d e r ' s | S HOWCA S E

Congratulations to Austin Bank on their new location! To celebrate, they held a ribbon cutting and Business After Five event. Their new location is at 2000 S. John Redditt Dr. across from Timber Creek Church.

Lakey, Inc. is a full-service, certif ied construction & supply company.

They can provide solutions to all your construction needs from earliest planning stages through completion of projects. Lakey, Inc. is located at 108 E Luf kin Ave. in Downtown Luf kin.

• South Loop Crossing • 4605 S Medford Dr • (936) 632-2333

Woodland Heights Medical Center welcomed Dr. Arramraju to their team in March! Dr. Arramraju is an internal medicine physician, treating both acute and chronic conditions for those 18 and older.

Brookshire Brothers Anywhere is now accepting orders! Brookshire Brothers Anywhere allows customers to order items online for curbside pickup or delivery. Visit their website at BrookshireBrothers.com/ Anywhere for more information.

Ferrara's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is proud to announce that the dealership received a 2017 Trane Top Gun Award, one of the highest distinctions for Trane dealers. This honor is presented to Hunton Distribution's top ten dealers in recognition of achieving the highest level of Trane equipment sales, both in retail and residential new construction.

The award was presented to Brannon Ferrara, President and General Manager of Ferrara's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., by Charlie Hunton, President and General Manager and Robert Tyler Vice President of Sales, both with Hunton Destribution.

your | C H A L L E N G E

I am going to try this beginning April 1st.

Having a go-to list to remember how blessed I

T

C e h

le l a h

eg n d u t i t

e

n gra w o a d t g r n a i St ri t re w a , l ou na y r ay u d g o y j r hi n e t v r e one o f he l t u kf gh n u . a o h r t th h t on m w o n he t of d en

86 | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

am will help me on days I'm not feeling 100%.

ME AND MOLLY -BY CHRISTY BEDRICH

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LUFKIN FRESHMAN CHEERLEADERS! - BY LORI POULAN MCDUFFIE

ARE YOU A PRO OR JUST A HOBBYIST? SHARE YOUR BEST PHOTOGRAPHY WITH US AND GIVE YOUR JOURNEY SOME EXPOSURE. SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS WILL APPEAR IN THE JOURNEY MAGAZINE. PLEASE SEND YOUR HIGH RESOLUTION (300 DPI) IMAGES TO

kkhudman@yahoo.com

LADIES… CONTINUE TO EMPOWER, EMBRACE & ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER DAILY - BY DEMETRESS HARRELL

A SWEET TREAT AT THE HOUSTON RODEO - BY ROBBIE KUYKENDALL

IT MUST BE HER LUCKY DAY! - BETH JOHNSON

INCLUDE YOUR NAME, CONTACT INFORMATION AND ANY TITLE YOU WISH TO GIVE YOUR PHOTO. WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR JOURNEY IN THE BEST MAGAZINE!

ENJOYING THE SUN BEING OUT! - BY BRIAN CREWS

WAY TO GO LEXIE. GOAT TYING CHAMPION FOR REGION V JR HIGH - BY KELLEY FOLEY FIRST BLING OF THE SEASON! BY SHELLY SLATON

BLACKOUT POETRY FUN! MY STUDENTS LOVE THIS INTERACTIVE WAY OF WRITING POEMS! - BY ANGELA GANDY, LMS ENGLISH TEACHER

SPOILED ROTTEN FUR-BABY - BY SELENA MITCHELL

T EX AS OUT D O OR EV ENT S | NWTF NEWS RELEASE | TH E BUT T ER FLY EFFECT | TAST E OF TH E OUT D O ORS | A ROU N D TH E CAM PFI R E

Prese n ts :

sp o r t s & | OU T D O OR S

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TEXAS APRIL sp o r t s & o u t d o o r s | T E X A S O U T D O O R E V E N T S

OUTDOOR EVENTS Texas state parks host a wide range of activities throughout the year. We’ve gathered a few here, but be sure to check out the TPWD online calendar for a full list of events across the state. You can also f ind more information on specif ic times, maps/directions, and contact info. Visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar

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HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK

April 6: Texas Outdoor Family Volunteer Recruiting and Training Do you love camping and state parks? Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) needs your help to share that love with new users!

DAINGERFIELD STATE PARK

April 7: Dutch Oven Cooking -

Come Join the Dutch Oven D.O.G.s for great food and fellowship the first Saturday of the month.

CADDO LAKE STATE PARK

April 13: Nighttime Scavenger Hunt (9PM) - We are putting a twist on your average scavenger hunt! Join us to explore Caddo Lake State Park in the dark while using your senses to find the items on our list. From the nightly howl of the coyote to the glowing eyes of a spider, we will see if we can find them all! Prizes will be included for finishing participants.

FANTHORP INN STATE HISTORIC SITE

April 14: Stagecoach Saturday -

Travel back to 1850 aboard a mule-drawn stagecoach!

CADDO LAKE STATE PARK

April 20: Friday Night Frog Chorus (9 PM) Whomp-Whomp! Click-click-click! Join us to learn about our local frogs.

NWTF Texas Pledges $139,257 to SAVE THE HABITAT. SAVE THE HUNT. EDGEFIELD, S.C. — National Wild Turkey Federation chapters in Texas budgeted $139,257 to further the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative within the state for 2018.

“We are excited to provide these 2018 Super Funds in Texas for leveraging with partners to help habitat management, hunting heritage efforts, access, and wild turkey restoration," said Texas State Chapter President Craig White. "This is right on track with our state strategic plan for Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt."

sp o r t s & o u t d o o r s | NWTF NEWS RELEASE

The board of directors for the state chapter approved funding for projects that will control invasive plant species, maintain productive wildlife openings, create healthier forests and help to preserve our hunting heritage.

“The support our Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative receives from our state boards and chapter members is second to none,” said Becky Humphries, NWTF CEO. “This super fund money is critical for us to achieve our mission and the Save the Habitat.

Save the Hunt initiative.”

Projects receiving funding include, but are not limited to: Habitat Enhancements ($58,750) – supporting efforts on Gene Howe, Gus Engeling, James Daughtrey, Muse and Pat Mayse wildlife management areas. Including the 3:1 match ratio by Pittman-Robertson federal aid funds through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, funding total for on-the-ground work on these WMAs is $107,000. Funding also supports the NWTF East Texas biologist position, support for three NWTF land leasing biologists and TPWD's R3 (hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation) plan.

Scholarships ($10,500) - providing 16 local scholarships and one state scholarship.

Outreach ($11,500) - funding JAKES, Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin' Sportsmen and 4-H Shooting Sport events, as well as the National Archery in the Schools Program and the Texas 4-H Outdoor Challenge.

Hunting Heritage ($6,250) - supporting Texas Youth Hunting and the Outdoors Tomorrow programs.

Wild Turkey Restoration ($4,000) - supporting TPWD Eastern wild turkey restoration – shipping costs, disease testing, fuel, etc..

About the National Wild Turkey Federation When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America. After decades of work, that number hit an historic high of almost 7 million turkeys. To succeed, the NWTF stood behind science-based conservation and hunters’ rights. Today, the NWTF is focused on the future of hunting and conservation through its Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative – a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to conserve or enhance more than 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat, recruit at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting. For more information, visit NWTF.org.

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EASTERN WILD TURKEY RELEASE,CHEROKEE COUNTY,TEXAS

WRITTEN by - Emily Courtney

sp o r t s & o u t d o o r s | T H E B U T T E R F LY E F F E C T

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

I’ve always thought it was incredibly interesting that a butterf ly was chosen to illustrate Edward Lorenz’s theory. As fantastic and enthralling as chaos theory is, I find butterf lies fascinating because of a much different phenomenon: that all life on this planet hinges on the work of these creatures that most people rarely give a thought to.

Maybe it’s the irony of it, or the inherent humility, but it’s one of my favorite aspects of the grand design of nature.

Pollination, like many other inner workings of nature, is simultaneously intricately complex and startlingly simple. To consider that a f lower produces these tiny particles of pollen, that are sticky and will adhere to an insect’s legs, then be carried to another f lower, and those particles contain the material necessary to initiate reproduction; it all seems like something that someone could have fabricated out of their imagination for a children’s book.

Butterf lies and bees are the chief characters in this drama, but many other insects play similar roles. Some do so intentionally, some ignorantly, but nonetheless, the deed is accomplished in some way, all over the world, within a multitude of different ecosystems.

Even hummingbirds and f lies can be pollinators. Whoever the carrier, pollinators are the catalyst for the processes that make all other life on earth possible. By pollinating plants, they are ensuring the propagation of food sources for the vast majority of the planet’s population. They are creating a vital link in their ecosystem’s food chain, and all just in their own day’s work.

In Texas, monarch butterf lies are the focus

of much of the conversation surrounding pollinators and their habitat. Monarchs migrate through Texas from their breeding grounds in northern parts of the continent and their overwintering home in Mexico. In recent years, a significant decline in their population has prompted a response of aggressive conservation efforts from federal and state agencies, as well as private and local organizations. In 2016, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department published a “Texas Monarch and Native Pollinator Conservation Plan”, in which the agency designated, along with the monarch, 30 other native pollinators (including bees, butterf lies, and moths) as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). The plan noted that all of these species of pollinators were dependent upon similar habitat types, which are in decline in Texas. Monarch butterf lies rely on milkweeds (Asclepias species) as host plants for egglaying and larval development. Loss of this one particular type of plant is considered one of the main factors contributing to population decline. Flowering plants that serve as food sources for monarchs, as well as other pollinators, are also disappearing. These habitats are in need of restoration throughout Texas and the rest of the monarch’s f lyway.

TPWD’s plan included preserving current habitat, and the perpetuation of further f loral resources and larval host plants on public lands. It also called for engaging private landowners to include monarchs and other pollinators as part of their nongame wildlife species section in management plans and hopefully follow through with implementation of pollinator habitat alongside their other management regimes. Pollinator habitat is a

96 | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

sp o r t s & o u t d o o r s | T H E B U T T E R F LY E F F E C T

qualifying Wildlife Management Use that will qualify a property for a 1-D-1 Agricultural Tax Valuation.

The plan also outlined an extensive education and outreach program, which seems to be in full swing. There is a wealth of information on the TPWD website: pollinator fact sheets, publications on management recommendations, lists of native pollinator plants and identification guides, as well as resources and organizations with which you can get involved to aid in conservation efforts.

If you are serious about becoming a champion for the cause of pollinator conservation, or just think you might be interested in planting a pollinator-friendly garden, tpwd.texas.gov/ monarch is a great place to start. There is much more information than I can concisely summarize here, but I will share a few of the general guidelines.

Implementing pollinator habitat is simple and can easily be done in backyard spaces or on

multiple acres. Pollinators, like all wildlife, need food, water, and shelter. Cultivating a garden or habitat space with certain conditions can increase the numbers and diversity of pollinators that will visit your space and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the pollination they carry out.

• Provide a wide variety of plant species (f lowering plants, herbs, different colors and shapes) • Plan your species so that you will have something blooming throughout the growing season.

• Plant in uneven layers or bunches to mimic natural landscapes and achieve more efficient pollen distribution.

• Provide water, preferably a running water feature to prevent attracting mosquitoes, with an edge or surface where the pollinators can light.

• Provide shelter in the form of downed wood, bee boxes, or clean patches of soil.

• Avoid using any insecticides or pesticides around your home and opt for compost over commercial fertilizer.

Including accommodations for these vital insects around our yards and properties is one of the most beneficial things we can do for wildlife, the environment, and ourselves. It is indeed fascinating to consider the effects these tiny pollinators have on the world. Each species in an ecosystem is connected to and dependent upon each other, and pollinators seem to drive that point home more than any other group or species. There truly seems to be a parallel to Lorenz’s theory, in that the reverberations of what they do can be felt around the globe. Not to mention that, without them, we would be in chaos.

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sp o r t s & o u t d o o r s | T A S T E O F T H E O U T D O O R S

PB & HONEY

COOKIES Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Yields: 24 cookies

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup peanut butter 3/4 cup local honey 1 large egg 1 cup all purpose f lour 1 tsp baking powder

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine peanut butter and honey in a bowl.

Mix in egg.

Add f lour and baking powder.

Add by spoonfuls to parchment lined or greased cookie sheet.

Bake about 10 minutes.

G

O

D & G O OD F R

IE

N

D

S

O

D

O FO

There’s nothing quite like gathering around a campfire to share stories and experiences from our time outdoors. We’d like to invite you to share your stories with us here by submitting photos of you and your loved ones enjoying the outdoors.

Whether they’re snaps from a weekend camping trip, proof of a conquered hike, or a trophy shot of your kid with their first fish, we want to see them!

sp o r t s & o u t d o o r s | A R O U N D T H E C A M P F I R E

We know there’s a great community of outdoors enthusiasts in East Texas, and we’d love to see what you’re up to!

Submit photos on our Facebook page, or post on Instagram using the hashtag #journeyout, and we’ll choose the best to print here every month!

SUBMIT PHOTOS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE, OR POST ON INSTAGRAM USING THE HASHTAG #JOURNEYOUT, AND WE’LL CHOOSE THE BEST TO PRINT HERE EVERY MONTH!

SPRING BREAK FUN - BY PAM MCPHERSON

- BY BEN HONEYWELL 102 | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Less pain. More life.

If joint pain is keeping you from enjoying life the way you used to, turn to the Orthopedic Center at Woodland Heights. We have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hip and Knee Replacement, demonstrating our commitment to the highest level of care for our patients. And our patient satisfaction rate reflects that commitment, with 96% of patients reporting they are pleased with every aspect of their care.* So let our three-step program help you get back to the life you love.

To learn more, call 936-304-0826 or visit WoodlandJointCare.com.

WoodlandJointCare.com *Provided by patient satisfaction survey through January 2017. • Woodland Heights Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.

Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.

Pineywoods Community Academy

THE

602 S RAGUET | WWW.PCACHARTER.NET | 936-634-5515 APRIL 2018

magazine an original since 2005

I have had the privilege of working at Pineywoods Community Academy for the past 11 years. During that time, I have watched our school grow into truly one of the best places for students. I have grown as an educator with the amazing leadership exemplified by our administrators. I am blessed to work with some of the most gifted teachers in the education field. I believe in what this school stands for as a teacher, community member, and most importantly as a parent. I am honored to be a Pineywoods Community Academy Timberwolf, and I am eager to see what the future holds for PCA. - WHITNEY LINDSAY Reading Teacher Pineywoods Community Academy High School Dr. Terry Robbins Middle School

Pineywoods Community Academy has given me the best academic opportunities that a school could provide. The teachers and faculty work diligently to make sure everyone can achieve the best education possible. Our partnership with Angelina College provides us with more opportunities and experiences than you get in most schools. PCA has made me and all who attend great, well rounded students and has prepared us for future success.

- MEHRIEL GATUS 10th Grade Student

I have been a student at PCA for eight years and have had the honor of seeing it grow and manifest into what it is today. I never thought it could be possible for a school to have such helpful and encouraging qualities. I am so appreciative for being able to call myself a Pineywoods Community Academy student.

I know my future will be so much brighter because of attending PCA. - BETHANY NERREN 10th Grade Student

B I K E R S

A G A I N S T

AG G I E

O W N E D

C H I L D

A N D

A B U S E

O PER AT E D