The Journey

APRIL 2019

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HOM E T OU R | I N T H E K I T C H E N | RODEO QU E E N | H E RO | W I SD OM F ROM T H E WOR D AG G I E

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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.

TAX DAY

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Be sure to file your tax return. This year, taxes aren't due until Tuesday, April 15. That's the deadline for submitting individual tax returns to the federal government for tax year 2018.

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.

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.

RIO BRAVO AT PINES THEATER On April 26, 2019 at 7:00 pm the Pines Theater will feature Rio Bravo. When the gunslinger Joe Burdette kills a man in a saloon, Sheriff John T. Chance, played by John Wayne, arrests him with the aid of the town drunk, Dude.

Before long, Burdette's brother comes around, indicating that he's prepared to bust his brother out of jail if necessary.

Chance decides to make a stand until reinforcements arrive, enlisting Dude, an old cripple named Stumpy and baby-faced cowboy Colorado Ryan to help.

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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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When you finish heating it up in the arena...

Come cool off with

936-639-5259 • FERRARASHVAC.COM 1810 W. FRANK • LUFKIN TACLA26820C

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a l e t te r fro m th e

E DI T OR

Memaw (Ann Boles) with her grandkids God has blessed my life in so many ways; my needs

Her work in God’s kingdom, as well as the labor of

are met in abundance, and I enjoy deep relationship

her hands at her earthly jobs, was matched by no

with family and friends. One of my greatest earthly

other. She outworked many young people when she

treasures is my Memaw. I know that I am in the

and my Papaw owned Boles Grocery stores, and she

minority of people my age who are able to enjoy

continued her dedication working with my mom at

a close relationship with their grandmother for so

MarTeres Tea Room.

many years. aAnd it has been a joy to watch my

Memaw was obedient to what God asked her to

girls develop that same relationship with their greatgrandmother.

do, no matter what it was or how much it cost. Her obedience to be exactly what God called her to be

On January 23, my Memaw suffered a massive

changed the trajectory of so many lives, including

stroke, and on February 12 Jesus called her home to

mine. My brother, Ben Stokes, summed up her life

heaven. I think I’m still in shock over this great loss;

so well.

I keep looking for her to walk through the door or be

God is her treasure.

at my parents’ house when I come visit. I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around the truth that she really isn’t here.

Family was her joy.

People were her mission.

My Memaw.

In the past several months, I feel that I could

My hero.

write a book about her life and journey home. As

I will live each day remembering the woman she was

a family, we’ve had numerous conversations about the monumental impact her quiet life had on so many people. She was small in stature and quiet in tone, but she was one of the strongest people I know.

and doing my best to live and love like her. She is truly my hero.

All the Way Home,

Beth

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CONT food & design

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HOME TOUR

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IN THE KITCHEN

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KIDS' CORNER

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REAL LIFE

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The Journey Magazine is available free of charge each month per reader. Mail service of The Journey Magazine may be purchased for $15 for 12 issues. Mail check to: The Journey Magazine, P.O. Box 150351, Luf kin, TX, 75915, or contact kogden@luf kinjourneymagazine.com.

OWNER & DIRECTOR: Kim Ogden kogden@lufkinjourneymagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR: Beth Johnson beth@lufkinjourneymagazine.com L AY O U T & A DV E RT I S I N G D E S I G N : Kelly Hudman kkhudman@yahoo.com F E A T U R E S P H O T O G R A P H Y: Lisa Crow CONTRIBUTORS: Kris Ball Emily Courtney/Nature's Eye Erin Cuccio Dr. Jacob Fitzgerald Angela Gandy Jason Gates Eric Griffith Javier Horta C O N TAC T U S : Mailing: P.O. Box 150351 Physical: 106 E. Lufkin Avenue Lufkin, Texas 75901 936-366-5463 Online: facebook.com/thejourneymagazine instagram.com/thejourneymagazine www.lufkinjourneymagazine.com

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a l e t te r fro m th e

OW N E R I’ve heard the following line more than once, “There’s nothing to do in Luf kin” - (insert a huge eye-roll from me right here).

Allow me to set the record straight once and for all… if you think there’s nothing to do here then I’m pretty sure you live under a rock. At any given moment there are no less than 5 community events a week, coupled with trails to hike, lakes to kayak, a trampoline park, 3 golf courses, multiple skeet shoots, Angelina Arts Alliance shows, 2 movie theaters, 2 large rodeos, Business After 5’s, a downtown to peruse, Junior League of Luf kin’s FREE Touch-a-Truck event, Angelina College basketball games, baseball games, soccer games, etc., 16 City of Luf kin parks for kids to play, 2 community centers, a zoo, f ishing on Ellen Trout Lake, the Museum of East Texas, the Naranjo Dinosaur Museum… shall I go on or are you getting the point?

It’s so important to realize just how lucky we are to live here in Angelina County and to make sure we open our eyes to the variety of activities there are for everyone here in the community. Don’t believe me? Check out our BEST OF APRIL section, look in the back at our OUTDOOR EVENTS feature, or go out to almost any restaurant in town and look for the table tents provided by the Luf kin Chamber of Commerce that highlight multiple upcoming activities for our community to partake in. Still not convinced, check out Luf kin Chamber of Commerce events calendar or visit Luf kin Parks and Rec website.

My point is, open your eyes to this fantastic community you live in. Get out, volunteer, cook for a neighbor, smile at a stranger, take the kids outside… LIVE YOUR LIFE. Stop saying, “there’s nothing to do” and start saying, “there’s so many options”.

Life is too short to be bored by it.

Hugs-

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

F O O D & D E S I G N

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DR. A LA N & JENNIFER

BASSIN welcome us home 14 | A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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P hoto C r ed it - LISA CROW April2019.indd 15

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T O U R

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We have lived in our home for 6 years and have spent 3 of those years remodeling the space to f it our family. The end result is a beautiful farmhouse meets New Orleans style home. I ( Jennifer) am from New Orleans, and I wanted to make sure our home ref lected that feel.

Unforseen complications and inclement weather often delayed the project, but we are pleased with the f inal outcome.

Mark Hicks and Todd Stracener played a huge part in making it all come together.

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T O U R

The most used room in our home is the kitchen. Because my husband takes call and works so much, we really make the most of the time we have by cooking and hanging out here with kids and friends around the table and pets under our feet.

The layout of the home makes the large space cozy. The multi-level concept makes us feel like we are all together.

The furniture for the renovation project is an eclectic mix of Restoration Hardware, Arhaus, Pottery Barn, Furniture Fettish, and Sweet Ethel May.

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T O U R

We always have lots of kids here, whether they are school and cheer friends, long-time family friends, or camp friends...we love having all of them here! It can be chaotic, but we love laughing and giggling with the kids; we always have a good time.

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When we f irst saw this house, we didn't know why anyone in the world would ever want to buy it. However, we absolutely loved the location and how close it is to our kids' schools and everything in town. It met the criteria of what we needed, but we knew it would take a lot of work. Now, it's our 7-acre escape in the heart of Luf kin.

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home | I N

T H E

K I T C H E N

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Citrus, Citrus, Citrus..

Strawberry L emonade 3 c. cold water 1 qt. fresh strawberries 3/4 c. sugar 3/4 c. lemon juice 2 c. cold club soda Place water, strawberries and sugar in blender. Cover and blend

until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and add soda. Serve immediately.

Garnish with lemon. Makes 2 quarts.

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home | I N

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Slow Cooked Orange Chicken Serves 4 8 bones, skinless chicken thighs 3 T. flour 1/3 cup orange marmalade 1/3 cup barbecue sauce 2 T. soy sauce 1 T. ground ginger 1/4 t. garlic powder Toss chicken with flour and place in the bottom

of a slow cooker. Stir together remaining

ingredients in a bowl and pour over chicken.

Cook on low 6 to 8 hours.

L emon Dressing 1/2 c. lemon juice

1/2 c. vegetable oil 1 t. salt

1 t. paprika

2 T. sugar or honey Combine ingredients as they are listed in a

jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well before serving.

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L emon Bread 1 c. butter

Topping

2 c. sugar

Juice of 3 lemons

4 eggs

1 c. sugar

1/2 t. salt 1/2. t. baking soda 3 c. flour 1 c. buttermilk grated lemon rind Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg. Sift the salt, baking soda and flour together. Alternately

add buttermilk and flour into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

Fold in grated lemon rind. Pour into 2 large, greased loaf pans. Bake

on 350 degrees for 1 hour. While bread is baking, stir lemon juice and sugar together. Pour sauce over warm bread.Â

Key L ime Tart 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (3 to 4 limes) 4 teaspoons grated lime zest 4 egg yolks 1, 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 8, 3 inch tart shells  Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Remove zest from whole limes.

Cut limes in half and squeeze out juice. Whisk egg yolks and

lime zest together in a bowl until tinted light green. Beat in milk and juice. Set aside at room temperature until it thickens. Pour

mixture into tart crusts and bake 5 minutes or until the center is

set but still wiggles when shaken. Remove tarts from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least three

hours until chilled. Serve with whipped cream topping and garnish with lime wedge.

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home | L E T ' S

C E L E B R A T E

'I must have flowers, always and always.'

Claude Monet

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O

rchids

CELEBRATING SPRING WITH FLOWERS

Spring is here, and I love celebrating the season with flowers. I don't know about you, but I always find myself at the local garden shop looking and searching down those aisles for signs of spring. Recently, I met a sweet lady in the garden section who told me some secrets to keeping orchids alive. Of course I had to bring an orchid plant home and try the tips out myself. Here are some words of wisdom from the lady on the flower aisle and a few tips I have learned along the way to help get us celebrating the spring season.

• Wait until the orchids go on sale to buy.

• Take the plant home and rinse away the dirt and moss. Their roots like to breathe and do not live as well in soil.

• Take a glass vase and place your orchid gently inside.

• Add enough water to touch some of the roots, but do not cover them all.

They do not like to be over-watered.

• Orchids are tropical plants, so humidity is key. Place the plant in a bathroom or kitchen area where it will get the most moisture.

• Add support sticks to the center of the vase and use small clips to attach the stems to the sticks. I like to use the tiny clips you get in the hair and beauty aisle.

I would love to know how well your orchids are growing, so please send me pictures of your flowers, and I will be happy to put them in our 'Your Journey' section.

Send to kkhudman@yahoo.com.

HAPPY GARDENING!

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&

T R I C K S

R E T U P M C O FOR M O S RAN ER HORTA I V A J : y Written B

Javier is a loving husband, an optimistic father and a grateful son of God and his parents.

He has been accused of having too much energy, smiling entirely too much and being too passionate of his Fighting Texas Aggies – Class of 2000.

He spends his time helping people troubleshoot computers, copiers and printers as the owner of Innovative Office Systems.

Feel free to reach him at jhorta@ioslufkin.com or 936-633-6550.

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I

In the last few articles, we’ve discussed tips and tricks on keeping your computer, phones, etc., safe from “phishing” tactics, scams and more.

Having your personal information compromised is never fun and can be an incredibly difficult situation.

Unfortunately, there’s an even larger and more dangerous issue to deal with when surfing the Internet than phishing and spam scams. For years

now we have been aware of and protected ourselves from computer viruses, thanks to different types of virus software. The software works but tends to pop-up constant reminders that can bother us or slow down our computer.

Try not to get too frustrated … those reminders and pop-ups are worth the hassle, especially when dealing with protecting your information.

So, what is the bigger threat to you besides phishing and viruses (gosh,

how can there be more, right!)? Well hold on to your belt buckles because RANSOMWARE just walked in. This is not as common as the phishing

emails and texts, but it does catch people off-guard. Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system – your computer system to be more exact - until a sum of money is paid. Most versions of ransomware encrypt the files on your computer, making them inaccessible, and demand a ransom payment to restore access.

How does my computer get infected with ransomware you ask? It can be downloaded onto your machine when a malicious or compromised website

is visited and can also be delivered as attachments from spammed email.

What does it do? Ransomware threatens to publish the victim's data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid.

Once infected with this nasty software, you will have a full screen image

informing you that your machine has been “confiscated” and you will have limited access to files or your computer. The message will give you

instructions on how to pay for the ransom and re-gain access to your computer.

First step, don’t panic.

Second step, don’t follow the instructions. Quickly disconnect your computer from the Internet and contact someone you trust with computers

to help you solve this issue. Following the instructions given to you will only open you up to other issues. Ransom prices vary depending on the ransomware. Recent ransomware attacks have also listed alternative payment options such as iTunes and Amazon gift cards. Paying the ransom does not guarantee you to regain access to the infected computer or files.

Again, just ignore the instructions and take your computer to someone you trust!

Be aware, removing the ransomware is not an easy process. There may even be the need to go through the process several times to get your computer working correctly. Worst-case scenario, you may have to start over with a new machine – (hint, hint) – so always make sure to backup important information and files.

Please be careful while on the internet. It should be a fun, safe place but there are some potential danger zones that make life difficult for

us. Take note of the guidelines I have mentioned and the information I’ve given in the past to help keep your computer safe and running properly. And don’t forget to back up your computer to secure your documents and personal information!

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G A N D Y N O T E S | E V E RY T H I N G E L S E | K I D S ' C O R N E R | R E A L L I F E

FA M I LY

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f a m i ly | G A N D Y

N O T E S

SOCIAL

MEDIA MOVEMENT Written by -

ANGELA GANDY

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Social media is a wonderful thing. It really is. I can share my moment(s) of despair, and then I can immediately be encouraged. I can let others know that I had a great day and share memories that I’ll treasure later on Timehop. I enjoy the feeling of community that so openly gives advice for skin problems or fashion do's and don’ts. I can read scriptures for enlightenment and biblical growth. But, to what degree do we share everything that comes to mind?

I hope that this article doesn’t cause too much controversy. Although the irony in that statement is that I just thought more about what ramifications may be caused after reading this than some do when they post to their Facebook. Bear with me as I go through the ins and outs of the immediate gratification-seeking world we live in and try to put God’s filter on our social media lives.

Why must we engage and fuel fires that we see? I’ll give you an example. I have several friends who are anti-vaxxers.

They feel, and I agree, that it is their right to share their opinions and views on this topic. However, what benefit is there to start a fight with them by using defamatory words about how I disagree?

Can we have an educational debate or disagreement? I leave my 7th grade classroom at 4:00pm everyday, only to go home and see arguments play out over 25 comments back and forth that seem like I never even left the middle school. Jesus didn’t argue publicly with those who disagreed with him. Instead, he loved them and showed empathy - a trait I am working toward having more of.

I hope you noticed that I purposefully used the words “we” consistently throughout this article. I can only share all of these concerns openly because I’ve done it before. I know the pain it’s brought fighting with someone publicly. I’ve experienced the regret of quickly turning to social media to put “AND IT IS MY PRAYER THAT someone’s errors on “blast”. I wish my kids wouldn’t have ever had to say to YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND me, “Momma, are you listening to me?”

MORE AND MORE, WITH KNOWLEDGE AND ALL DISCERNMENT, SO THAT YOU MAY APPROVE WHAT IS EXCELLENT, AND SO BE PURE AND BLAMELESS FOR THE DAY OF CHRIST, FILLED WITH THE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT COMES THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, TO THE GLORY AND PRAISE OF GOD.” Phil. 1:9-11

Why must we air out our dirty laundry on social media? I’d like to peacefully read my newsfeed on Instagram or Facebook without having my stomach turn from wives calling out their husbands’ behavior or parents blaming teachers for their child’s outbursts. I wish I could poll a group of 100 people and ask them if posting to social media during a moment of anger made the situation better. I would venture to say that it didn’t. How would God view our public shaming of loved ones?

Why must we ignore the people who are in the room with us just to give attention to those who aren’t? We are quickly losing the face-to-face communication medium. If you walk through a restaurant with teenagers on dates, young families running through grabbing a quick meal, or elderly couples on their 50th anniversary, it’s going to be difficult to find a table without a cell phone on it. I’m hopeful that the phone is just out

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for emergencies, but what is more likely is that the people surrounding the table are doing more texting than talking. Jesus traveled thousands of miles to spread the gospel to as many people as he could - face to face!

If we’re his hands and feet, shouldn’t we be called to speak face to face to people rather than phone to phone?

I want to create a social media movement. One of moving toward more love. I want my newsfeed flooded with scriptures, heartfelt memories or photos, and encouraging stories of everyday victories. I not only WANT it, but I NEED it. If you’re anything like me, you’re consumed with the evil of this world. Whether it’s at school or work, in the gym or in the grocery store. I pray that our social medias would be a safe haven where we can retreat when we’re feeling down, and that through our online network and community, we could be uplifted. I pray that we can make a change.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Phil. 1:9-11 Xoxo,

Angela

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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DON'T RUSH IT. JUST ENJOY IT. Written by - KRIS

BALL

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Here we are, one month closer to summer. We can see the checkered flag on the horizon. Another month is in the books and the rain just keeps on coming. We wrapped up little league basketball at the end of February and jumped right into baseball. I had the pleasure of coaching Brett’s 7-8 year old basketball team, the Rockets. We finished 9 – 0 and got a first place trophy. Go Rockets!! It really was a great experience.

Coaching my two boys’ sports teams is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. My brother-in- law and I were talking about that last month, how we want to “soak it all up.” Luke, my five-year-old is starting his second year of t-ball. Brett is in his first year of coach pitch. I was telling my brother-in-law about the burden of having to be a part of two teams and how scheduling practices and games could be a nightmare. His response? “Don’t rush it. Just enjoy it.”

He’s exactly right.

It’s silly that I was wanting to complain about something that I enjoy and love so much. But that’s just human nature. We tend to focus on the burdens rather than the blessings. That’s something that I really have to watch this time of year. When the winter and the rain just seem to sit right on top of my house for six months, I can start wanting to complain a little.

I know what you’re thinking. Why on Earth would someone complain about the weather? Well, because that’s what we do in Lufkin. We complain when it’s wet; we complain when it’s hot.

We complain when we are busy, and we complain when business is slow. I complain when we have too many baseball obligations throughout the week, then I complain in the winter because there’s nothing to do. It’s just our nature to want to be dissatisfied with our circumstances.

There was a solid week in February when the sun didn’t shine at all.

There were several weeks probably, but one sticks out in particular.

We were busy that week. Work seemed to be busy. We were busy at the house. We had basketball practice during the week and games on Saturday. Then Sunday school and church on Sunday.

The yard needed to be mowed at the house but was way too wet to even get to the mower. I was in a funk.

I found myself for a few days in a row, sitting in my truck in the parking lot at work, just praying for the strength to get out and try to be positive. I looked up at the clouds through my front windshield and saw a buzzard circling overhead. I thought, “What a dreary day.” I pulled it together and went inside. This continued for a couple of days in a row. Me, just sitting in my truck, praying for God’s guidance and strength to remain positive throughout the day. I saw what looked like the same buzzard for a few days.

I figured there must be something dead along the highway or maybe in the woods beside my office.

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Friday finally rolled around, and the rain stopped. I dropped Brett off at Dunbar and drove to work. I was excited about our basketball game the next day. I was excited that it wasn’t raining. I was excited that it was Friday. I parked at work and turned my radio off.

There I sat. Me and God. I bowed my head and thanked God for the opportunity to come to work. I thanked God for the little basketball team he let me be a part of. I asked for God’s will to be done in my life. Then I opened my eyes and looked out the front windshield.

I noticed that buzzard sitting in a tree beside our office. Only this time, it wasn’t a buzzard.

His bright white head was unmistakable as he sat perched in a large oak tree with no leaves. It was less than 75 yards from me. It was a bald eagle. He sat for a minute or two, then took off and circled the office before he flew across the highway and out of sight. All week long, as I sat in my truck, wanting to complain and have selfpity, there was an eagle circling my office, not a buzzard. I haven’t seen the eagle since that Friday, but God showed me something that day. God taught me that the “prize” of life is right in front of my eyes. The prize is coming to work. The prize is coaching basketball on Saturdays. The prize is going to church on Sundays. The prize is just living life. It’s about enjoying the rain and being grateful that Lufkin doesn’t flood. It’s about enjoying the slow times and not being in a hurry for your kids to grow up.

That’s the truth right there. Don’t miss the eagle in your life because you’re too busy complaining. Soak it up. Soak up life because our days on this planet are numbered. I have to remember to be grateful all the time. Every day is a gift from above. God had a buzzard circling my truck for three days before I realized it was a bald eagle. I wonder if God ever giggles at me. Don’t miss your eagle. It’s right in front of you. Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Kris Ball grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Texas but has called Lufkin his home for the past 20 years. He is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University. He briefly 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 13 years. They have two boys, Brett who is 7 and Luke who is 5. In his spare time, he enjoys farming, hunting and coaching t-ball.

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- FEATU RI NG -

COOL CATS There are so many fabulous kids doing amazing things!

Do you know a Cool Cat who needs to be recognized?

Email the details to kogden@lufkinjourneymagazine.com and you just might see them featured here.

LET'SLOL

WORD FI N D AN D MORE !

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EASTER WORD FIND

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ds you and congratulations on all the awar A huge shout-out to Lufkin JV Drill n paid off catio dedi and work hard Your tion! brought home from Drill Competi Great job, JV Drill! and our community is so proud!

g n i R E W O P em

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EASTER EGG NESTS INGREDIENTS4 cups Chow Mein Noodles 12 oz White Chocolate Chips 1 cup Peanut Butter 1 package jelly beans (you can use any small candy eggs)

INSTRUCTIONSSpray a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Pour white chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl.

Microwave on high at 30 second intervals, stirring after each one.

Continue until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Add peanut butter to melted white chocolate, and stir until smooth and well combined.

Fold in chow mein noodles to completely coat every noodle.

Spoon coated noodles into muffin pan.

Use your finger to press the noodles up the sides slightly forming a well for the eggs.

Allow to sit for 1 hour to harden. (To speed the process, you can place them in the refrigerator) When set, use a butter knife to gently pry the nests from the muffin pan.

Place 3 jelly beans into each nest.

LET'S

4.

L O L!

3.

2.

1.

HOW DO BUNNIES STAY HEALTHY?

WHERE DOES THE EASTER BUNNY EAT BREAKFAST?

WHAT DAY DOES AN EASTER EGG HATE THE MOST?

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE LADY WHOSE HOUSE WAS INFESTED WITH EASTER EGGS?

1 . Eggercise. 2 . At Ihop. 3 . Fry-days. 4 . She had to call an eggs-terminator!

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!

R E E T N VOLU

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK IS THE THIRD WEEK IN APRIL. WHAT BETTER TIME TO TEACH YOUR CHILD THAT IT IS INDEED BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE? HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO GET YOUR CHILD ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT VOLUNTEERING:

Make it personal. Find a charity that involves something your child loves or is interested in, like animals or construction. Give them two or three choices on where and how to serve and let them choose.

Make it fun. Smiles, laughter, and a positive attitude make all the difference and will not only ensure your child has fun volunteering, but also will positively affect those you are helping.

Make it memorable. In the days after your volunteerism, talk to your child about the most impactful parts of your experience, and have them describe to you what they learned and how they grew from the experience.

Make it sustainable. Set a good example by performing random acts of kindness. Ask your child to invite their friends on your next volunteer adventure. Let your children take the lead and give them the support and guidance they need to make volunteerism and good deeds a part of their daily life.

Get

MOVIN G

Bringing Back Fun Outside Games To Get Kids Moving!

SPUD

Every player gets a number and crowds around the person who is "it" for that round. "It" then tosses the ball straight up and the other players run away. As the ball reaches the top of its toss, "it" calls out the number of one of the other players and then runs away also. The player whose number was called must run back and catch the ball (or chase after it if it is bouncing around). Once that person has the ball, they yell, "Spud!" Then everyone else must freeze.

The person with the ball must try to hit one of the players with the ball. If they do, that new person gets a letter (first S, then P, then U, then D) and is now "it." If they miss, the person who threw the ball is "it" for the next round.

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SHADOW TAG

Tag each other's shadow with your feet. Thus, it must be played on a sunny day. The closer to noon, the greater the difficulty.

REDLIGHT, GREEN LIGHT

One person is the traffic light at one end, and the other players are at the other end. When the traffic light faces the group, he or she says, "Red light!" and everyone must freeze. The traffic light then turns his or her back and says, "Green light!" while the group tries to get as close to the traffic light as possible. The traffic light turns around quickly, again saying, "Red

light!", and if anyone is spotted moving, they have to go back to the starting place. The first person to tag the traffic light wins and gets to be the next traffic light.

CAPTURE THE FLAG

Split a large group into two teams. Each team has a flag at their team's base. The object of the game is to run into the other team's territory, capture their flag and make it safely back to your own territory. You can tag "enemy" players in your territory, sending them to your jail. They can be sprung from jail by a member of their own team running into your territory, tagging them and running back, with one freed person allowed per jail break.

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f a m i ly | R E A L L I F E

The Band-Aid Belief Written by ERIN CUCCIO

42 | A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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I

It was one of those picturesque, gorgeous days. A welcome reprieve after the mess of rain and mist that we’d previously seen. The sun was shining brightly through the trees, and the only real sound was the wind gently rustling the leaves.

He was insistent that we were not going to treat the problem but instead cover it up. He knew (with all of his three-year-old wisdom) that if we just covered it up, the pain would go away. But Momma knew better…

And then through the quiet came a piercing scream.

Teamwork makes the dreamwork, and while I wrestled to keep him still, my sweet husband gently worked to get the splinter out of his finger. Almost immediately, he quit crying. He looked up at me with amazement that addressing the issue made it feel better almost instantly.

You know the kind. A mother’s worst nightmare. The kind that stops you dead in your tracks and sends you running in its direction.

The trouble with living in the middle of the woods is that sound is tricky, and everything echoes in deceit. I ran around each side of the house chasing the noise and trying to find where the shrill cry was coming from, and I quickly found my littlest.

He was standing on the back steps screaming in such a way that caused me to frantically look for blood. From the degree of his scream, there had to be blood. He couldn’t talk because his panic overcame his ability to tell me what the problem was. I was inspecting every square inch. Nothing seemed to be the problem.

Finally, I realized the culprit.

There appeared to be a blood-less scrape on his finger, and while I am sure it hurt, and it certainly needed to be attended to, we were not in dire straits as I thought just a moment before. He finally composed himself enough to change his cry to, “I need a bandaid!!” But the inconsolable wailing made any sort of triage of his minor wound difficult.

Imagine if I had simply let his way fly. Imagine the pain, the potential infection, the continued discomfort he might have had if he had been allowed to merely cover the problem and hope for the best.

Boy, doesn’t that hit home?

Far too many of us walk around wanting only to put a band-aid over the issues we are facing. Whether it is our own vices of failure or disappointment or ways that we have been hurt and wounded. Deal with it? No way! Not when I can just cover it up!

What we don’t realize is that addressing the problem, removing the splinter that is causing the continued pain, and bringing it into the light can sometimes lead to almost immediate improvement.

Instant healing? No. But relief? Yes.

He had also been playing outside for the better part of the afternoon and was covered in dirt from head to toe. I scooped him up as he kicked and screamed and struggled to break free. He refused to let me look or help in anyway, and he just kept insisting that he only needed a band-aid. I told him that the first thing we needed to do was to bathe him so I could even see what was going on. (Have you seen little boys who have spent their first sunny day in several playing in the dirt?)

Maybe that’s where you are today. Maybe you have found yourself searching every avenue for that metaphorical band-aid to cover the pain and hope for the best. Friend, I want to let you know that it’s okay to bring that wound into the light. Sometimes, when we step out of the shadows and see our pain for what it’s worth, it is just a little less scary.

He flipped and flopped and shrieked his way through a bath. I finally got him clean and semi-calm enough to see that he had a large splinter in his finger. The demand for a band-aid continued.

But when we simply open our hands to let our Father see the problem, to let Him gently work to remove the pain, there is always relief waiting on the other side.

Will we find instant healing? No.

Erin Cuccio is a wife, momma to three wild and handsome boys, and a writer and speaker. After nearly a decade as an educator, she retired to her true passion - Chief Operating Officer of the Cuccio Household. Today, she spends her time traveling to speak, doing administrative work from home, getting her cardio in by wrangling her boys, and supporting her husband in his entrepreneurial adventures while embracing the grand adventure. Her hidden talent is bringing order to any kind of chaos, and she is most satisfied with a good cup of coffee and a quiet afternoon. Erin is a published columnist, contributing writer for several online sites, and author of her personal blog (www.erincuccio.com)

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f a m i ly | T O P 1 0 W I T H G R I F F

10

Top

DISAGREEMENTS BET W EEN

with

MEN &

WOMEN

Griff

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Let’s face it. Couples can’t agree on everything. It’s just not possible. Before I go any further, I want you know I’m not talking about what college your kids should attend, what color the hardwood floors should be, or which side of the family will see you during the holidays. Those are simple compared to the topics I want to discuss. I’m talking about the life altering, soul stressing, mind boggling relationship killers. So, fasten your seatbelts and hang on…. it’s about to get real.

10.

8.

The Best Christmas Movie Ever: Many of you would easily say Home Alone, A Christmas Story and perhaps even Christmas Vacation …and you’d have a valid argument. But if you’re one of those poor souls who doesn’t think what John McClane accomplished at Nakatomi Plaza in 1988 was anything short of a Christmas miracle, your argument is void and your decisionmaking skills will be brought into question.

Are Those Your Shoes/Clothes on the Floor: “No! Someone broke into our home, got the floors dirty, put the twist tie on the bread incorrectly, didn’t take out the trash, left a towel in the bathroom and then vanished”. For the record, this response is deemed “Unacceptable”.

9.

7.

Should I Wear This to That Party? Men and women differ here…drastically. Men want to know who will be there and what is being served. Women apparently have an ongoing competition with one another regarding wardrobe, jewelry, makeup and hair. Might I add, it is a competition with no clear winner, no timeline, and no rules.

How Much Trash Fits in a Trash Can: I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard, “Why is this trash bag still in the trash can? It’s obviously full." Is it? Perhaps I have always aspired to be a Tetris master and you’re simply stifling my creativity with your limits and thereby not allowing me to grow and blossom. Conclusion? Some of us aren’t lazy…we’re just trying to maximize creativity.

6.

Acceptable Thermostat Settings: Why is the thermostat set to “Meat Locker” in this house? We only have 2 seasons in this part of Texas. They are :”Saharan hot” and “Arctic cold”. For the record, the same indoor temperature is not acceptable for both seasons. But to avoid this argument, I just sleep in a wind shirt with one leg out from under the covers while wearing a single sock. I call that move “Compromise”.

Where Exactly is My Side of the Bed: I should be thankful that “my side of the bed” is so far over that I must squeeze the glutes like a workout video to avoid falling to the floor. It’s always amazed me that someone half my size can take up twice as much room as I do.

4.

5.

The Best Route to a Destination: “GPS says to go straight for another 13 miles." And this, my wonderful people, is where the relationship unravels. There’s nothing like sitting at a 3-way stop sign and sarcastically stating. “In order to go straight another 13 miles, we’ll have to drive through that house. Do you and Google have any other suggestions?” Might I also add, this comment will result in a very quiet and tension filled drive.

Doing the Dishes: I must admit, this is a favorite of mine. Once upon a time, a minor argument erupted about me not doing the dishes. So, I replied, “If you want me to do the dishes just tell me.” I felt that to be a fair statement that would lead to a resolution…. and I’ve never been more wrong. What I heard next has stuck with me for almost 2 decades. She lovingly looked at me and said, “It’s not that I want you to do the dishes. I want you to want to do the dishes.” That’s when I knew I had a keeper.

2.

3.

Where/What to Eat: This topic is very close to #1 on my personal list and was only bumped by a very narrow margin. Men struggle with this one, for sure. Most of us aren’t picky. We’ll eat almost anything from a taco truck to a 7-course meal. So, when we start naming restaurants in geographical order it’s because that’s how we think…plus, we’re hoping we get lucky and guess the answer to what you would like. I once said, “I think the last couple that didn’t argue about what they were having for dinner might have been Adam and Eve”.

“Fine” and/or “Nothing”: Ladies: When a man uses either of these words, he’s attempting to use them in the context equivalent to their respective meanings as found in the dictionary. There’s no hidden meaning and no further line of questioning is necessary.

Men: When a woman uses either of these terms to describe her feelings, you’re now in hostile territory. You have just stepped on an emotional land mine. There is a slim chance you’ll make it out of this unharmed. You may not feel responsible for this situation, but I can guarantee you’re already being held accountable for it.

1.

Eric Griffith is a husband, a father, and a nurse who tries to find humor anywhere and everywhere.

He states, "If you go through life without laughter, you're missing the point."

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Spring

The EYES of

D

Do itchy, burning eyes have you seeing red? You’re not alone! Around 20% of the population suffers from eye allergies, especially in the spring and fall. In fact, Texas tops the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2018 list of the top 10 most challenging places to live with spring allergies.

It goes without saying that we would have a bigger problem with allergies in Texas….EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas!

Ocular allergies are actually called “allergic conjunctivitis.”

You may be thinking, “Conjunctivitis?!?! But wait, I thought conjunctivitis was the same thing as “pink eye?” You’re right! Allergic conjunctivitis is somewhat different, though, because it’s not contagious and can’t be spread from person to person. Whew!

So how does all of this work, you might ask? When allergens come in contact with the eye many people experience redness, itching, swelling and watering due to a release of histamine. So, what’s the solution? You could stay indoors to help reduce symptoms from seasonal allergies but then you may be exposed to indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust and mold. And, since most of us can’t put our lives on hold for allergies, we need better options.

A couple of easy solutions you can try at home include cool compresses and artificial tears. A cold, wet washcloth placed over the eyes can reduce swelling and itching while artificial tears can temporarily decrease symptoms by flushing the allergens out of the eye. Unfortunately, these are short term remedies and the effects aren’t longlasting. You can try limiting your exposure to allergens such as pollen by wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses when outdoors and keeping your windows closed. There are also over-the-counter allergy drops that may give temporary relief but many of these contain vasoconstrictors (think the active ingredient in Visine). Vasoconstrictors can make the eyes appear less red initially but can increase the amount of rebound redness over time which causes you to become more dependent on these drops to keep your eyes white.

Try to limit the use of vasoconstrictors to 3 days or less. Oral antihistamines may also decrease symptoms but can lead to other problems by drying out your eyes.

The best solution for long-lasting relief is to see your eye care provider for evaluation and prescription treatment.

There are several prescription eye drops available that can provide relief for up to an entire day with a single dose!

Contact lens wearers can also switch to daily contact lenses so they can discard the contaminated contact lens every day. Now…get outside and enjoy spring!

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PRESENTED BY -

C

2 0 QU E S T ION S | S P O T LIGH T | H E RO | W I S D OM F ROM T H E WOR D

COM M U N I T Y

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co m mu ni ty | 20 QUESTIONS

TWENTY QUESTIONS -with-

HALL HENDERSON President of Security & Guaranty 50 | A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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1

W H AT I S Y O U R FAV O R I T E MIDNIGHT SNACK?

Two Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Cream Pies and a glass of orange juice.

IF YOU COULD HIRE ANY ACTOR TO PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

VINCE VAUGHN

What is your motto in life?

3

I’M A COLLEGE FOOTBALL GUY What’s your dream car?

“It is what it is.”

15

What would you tell your 18 year-old self?

YES, THAT REALLY IS THE GIRL YOU’RE GOING TO MARRY!

18

WHAT IS THE LAST THING

6

What song always makes you happy when you hear it?

NOBLE MEN OF KYLE – FIGHTIN’ TEXAS AGGIE BAND

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

9

FUN-LOVING YO U R T RU C K I S ON FIRE A N D YO U C A N O N LY S AV E O N E T H I N G. W H AT WO U L D I T BE?

Who would you have narrate your life?

ROGER CREAGER

1978 JEEP RENEGADE

SAMANTHA PONDER

MORE THAN I CAN COUNT. THAT’S MY HIDDEN TALENT. ESPECIALLY HIP HOP SONGS.

Rams or Saints?

7

Who is your celebrity crush?

4

What song have you completely memorized?

12

WHAT’S THE MOST ANNOYING HABIT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE?

SM ACKING THEIR FOOD

George’s basketball – unless the boys are in the truck, and I’d grab them.

14

FAVORITE WORDS OF WISDOM?

You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.

– Abe Lincoln (and my dad)

16

13

What is your go-to guy movie?

TOP GUN

17

If you could have dinner with three people (dead or alive), who would it be?

ZAC COOK, MY BIG DADDY AND MY NANNY (AND WE’D ASK HER TO COOK).

What job would you be terrible at?

PEDICURIST. – I’M NOT TOUCHING YOUR FEET.

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

20

I GIVE YOU A HERMIT CRAB AS A GIFT. WHAT DO YOU NAME HIM?

YOU BOUGHT ONLINE?

THEATER TICKETS April2019.indd 51

SHARK BAIT

A PANTHER 3/8/19 11:00 AM

RODEO QU E E N THE

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2019

3/8/19 11:00 AM

T AY L O R B R A Z I L Taylor Brazil has been

practicing being the rodeo queen ever since she was a small little girl. She

remembers, “One of the best memories I have of

the rodeo is being a little girl wearing my pink cowboy hat while watching the grand entrance of the Angelina County Benefit rodeo.” She would wave to the sponsor child

and the rodeo queen not realizing that she herself would be representing the Lufkin Host Lions Club as the Angelina Benefit Rodeo Queen for 2019.

The rodeo is very special to the entire Brazil family. Taylor’s parents, Travis and Jana Brazil, met at the rodeo in 1991 and have been married for 25 years. It’s a story that is retold among family each year they attend the rodeo.

The mission of the Lufkin Host Lions Club to raise funds for local charities and organizations is close to Taylor’s heart, especially their support of the Lufkin State

Supported Living Center. Through the Hudson school district, Taylor has volunteered with Special Olympics, and through 4-H she has participated in service projects at the

Lufkin State Supported Living Center. She says, “I am passionate about supporting

the residents of the center, and as the 2019 Rodeo Queen, I look forward to sharing in this work.”

Taylor is the daughter of Travis

and Jana Brazil and was chosen as the 2019 Angelina County Benefit Rodeo Queen. She is a senior at Hudson High School where she serves as the President of the Student Council, Team Captain of the Hudson Tennis Team, and Historian of Make-A-Change Club. Taylor is also a member of the National Honor Society as well as the National High School Society of Scholars. Her hobbies include Blue Ribbon 4-H, Angelina County 4-H Rifle Team, and

“During the rodeo season, my duties as Rodeo Queen will vary as I work to promote

the rodeo in any way that I am needed. I am lucky enough in this role to attend promotional events, speak to students at local elementary schools on the benefits

of having good character, setting goals and the importance of being involved in this community, as well as represent the Angelina County Benefit Rodeo at various organizations around the community. I have been an Angelina County Fair

Ambassador for three years, and I know the experience I obtained in promoting the fair will benefit me in helping spread the word about the rodeo.”

The Angelina County Benefit Rodeo is an important tradition for many families in our community. Supporting local charities, particularly the State Supported Living

Center, makes our rodeo an event that is so much bigger and more important than just the actual rodeo itself. “This makes the Benefit Rodeo uniquely special, and

I absolutely love being a part of it. Serving as this year’s Angelina Benefit Rodeo Queen will be an unforgettable experience, and I am truly honored to be chosen.”

Angelina County Fair Ambassador & Participant. Taylor placed 1st in District Varsity Tennis and was a Regional Qualifier two years in a row, as well as being a Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Award recipient. She is also an active member of Timberland Drive Church of Christ. She will attend Texas A&M University in the fall of 2019, pursuing a degree in Child Professional Services with plans to become an Occupational Therapist for special needs children.

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c o m m u n i t y | S P O T L I GH T

STYLED BY MATTISON MIRANDA, OWNER OF DOGWOOD DAUGHTERS, LUFKIN, TEXAS PHOTO CREDIT - LISA CROW

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RODEO H E RO 2019

THE

56 | A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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M E L I N D A RU S S E L L Melinda has resided at the

Lufkin State Supported Living Center for 21 years since

moving to Lufkin in 1997.

The facility is part of Texas

Health and Human Services and provides campus-based direct services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Melinda’s mom, caregivers and

friends describe her as being compassionate, loving and having a heart for someone who is hurting or sad. Melinda’s mom tells that several years ago a staff member let her know that Melinda had personally encouraged her to stop smoking successfully. Melinda loves making cards and finds much joy in giving them to her mom, brothers and sister.

Melinda Russell grew up

in Pineland, Texas and her mom describes her a bit of a tomboy who loved playing outdoors with

her siblings and friends.

Melinda has a deep-rooted love for the Dallas Cowboys, and she enjoys her recliner and

She was born October

wearing something to show her team spirit throughout the year. She loves collecting

be 57 next time it’s my

the world know she’s a Dallas Cowboy fan! She got to tour the stadium a few years ago

school at West Sabine and

a fleece blanket while cheering them to victory. She is the biggest fan and is always

16, 1962 and says, “I will

Dallas Cowboy hats, sunglasses, socks, jewelry, shirts and just about anything that lets

birthday.” She attended

with friends and that meant a great deal to her.

is a member of Pineland

Her mother and Sunday School class from Pineland First Baptist Church have hosted many parties over the years for Melinda and her friends. They even dedicated a Saturday to paint Melinda’s room blue and decorate it in the beloved Dallas Cowboy theme.

Melinda sorts and cleans clothes hangers at Employment and Day Services, and she loves

payday. She is good at saving her money and spending it a little at a time throughout

the week. Her favorite TV times include Dallas Cowboy Games, San Antonio Spurs, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud. Her favorite movie is “Bad News Bears”. Melinda

and friends enjoy going out to eat, getting their nails painted and attending local events and museums. She has plans to go to Tyler State Park and hopes to visit Heritage Village

soon. Her favorite meal includes fried shrimp and a large Dr. Pepper, which she enjoys at many local restaurants.

Melinda Russell loves people and being involved with the community. She is proud of

her new Cowboy hat, boots and belt and very honored to serve as the 2019 Rodeo Hero.

First Baptist Church. She loves her mother and

siblings and speaks fondly of her childhood dog,

Tiger. Melinda fondly

remembers playing with

her sister, Melissa, in their white play house as a

child. She loved keeping

that play house clean and remembers that Tiger

liked hanging out there

when he wasn’t sleeping in the house.

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c o m m u n i t y | R O D E O H E RO

PHOTO CREDIT - LISA CROW

58 | A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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c o m m u n i t y | W I S D OM F ROM T H E WO R D

Turbulence Written by DR. JACOB FITZGERALD

Dr. Jacob Fitzgerald is crazy about baseball and all things sports related. He

and his beautiful wife, Micaela, have been married for 12 years and have two

wonderful boys, Samuel and Grant. Dr. Fitzgerald has been a preacher for

18 years and now serves as the Pastor of Denman Avenue Baptist Church in

Lufkin. When he's not preaching, you can find him coaching his boys' baseball

teams, enjoying the outdoors or raising chickens!

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B

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

hope, then walk with Jesus.

born again to a living hope through the resurrection

Second, Christians have an everlasting hope! God

imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for

perseverance will be rewarded by an eternal inheritance.

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be

of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is

you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” – 1 Peter 1:3-5

“The warranty doesn’t cover that defect, sir. And, the

terms of your guarantee have expired.” You can imagine

There is no fine print to the everlasting promise of

Christ. In Him, our reservation in heaven is written in His blood. It is guaranteed by the creator of the universe and comes with eternal satisfaction. In heaven there are no disappointments.

the disgust as I processed those words in my mind. I was

Third, Christians have a secure hope! The Christian life

customer satisfaction guarantee, provided me undeniable

catastrophic illness, and even death. Nobody can

certain that the extended warranty, sold with a 100%

protection. I was wrong. The fine print was overlooked,

the receipt was worthless, and the pain of disappointment deep. What good is a guarantee if it isn’t guaranteed?

Perhaps, there is some credence to the cliché – the only

things guaranteed in life are death and taxes. I would add

is not easy. We endure the pain of broken relationships, adequately explain suffering and persecution. We can, however, know that we are protected by the power of God; He is in control. He who began a good work in

us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

to the list: tears, disappointment, illness, and allergies

Recently, on a flight from Nashville to Houston, I was

incredible happiness peppered throughout life, but let’s

altitude of 30,000 feet, the pilot announced over the

(if you live in East Texas). There are, of course, times of

be honest, life is tough! We need hope -not wishful hope or hope based upon human probability- one that is sure, steadfast, and certain. Where can we find this hope?

The book of 1 Peter was written to Christians scattered across modern-day Turkey during a time of intense

persecution and suffering. Beleaguered, battered, and in danger of abandoning the faith, the believers were

encouraged by Peter to have hope amid hardship. His

words offer a reminder to us today to cling to hope found in Jesus, which brings joy, purpose, and peace despite

reminded of what it means to trust God. Cruising at an intercom for all passengers to secure themselves in their seats because we were approaching severe turbulence.

The voice spoke with confidence and composure, carefully selecting comforting words to prepare the passengers.

Moments later, our peaceful flight was interrupted with terror and dread. As the plane navigated turbulent air, the cabin reminded me of a terrible carnival ride. It

was uncomfortable. It was frightening. But…it was

momentary. The pilot landed the plane. It was really good to be home!

difficult circumstances.

Like trusting a pilot on a flight during turbulent air, we

First, Christians have a living hope! It isn’t a lifeless hope.

difficult circumstances. Life will deal us a generous share

Peter declares it is a living hope underwritten by the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, granted by the mercy of God to all who have faith in Jesus. It is a hope that holds our today, instills security for tomorrow, and

eliminates fear of eternity. If you want to experience this

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promises followers of Jesus that one day our suffering and

can trust the Savior to secure our spiritual destiny despite of turbulence, but we have a Savior in Jesus who has

already walked our journey and He won! He is alive today.

One day He will return to take us to a new home. A place

with no tears. No suffering. No hardship. A place where faith becomes sight. This is His hope, guaranteed.

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On February 15, 2019, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School celebrated the 20th year of Bayou Bash, a coming together with school families and community friends for an evening of dining and fundraising to assist in closing the gap of funding for the school. This event helps to keep tuition rates reasonable and affordable for families seeking a Christian education with a high standard of academic offerings and a focus on developing character. Funds raised on this night also assist to make scholarships available if there is a need.

As a nonprofit organization, the school depends on fundraising, gifts and endowments to close the financial gap. St. Cyprian’s tuition generates about 65% of the cost to educate a child in the state of Texas according to the National Education Association.

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | B AYO U B A S H 2 0 1 9

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | J U N IO R AC H I E V E M E N T

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JA works around our community to help students realize the importance of entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy – and also to help improve behavior and critical thinking. JA bridges the gap between school and the real world. It brings life to the things kids learn in school and makes school relevant to what they are going to do after school is over. This motivates them to learn and become better prepared for the world or work. Volunteering for JA is fun, flexible and rewarding. JA programs are easy to teach, require a modest time investment, and provide immediate feedback and personal satisfaction. Please consider becoming a JA volunteer today! You can contact us at 936-632-0490 for more information.

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | H U D S O N Y O U T H B A S K E T B A L L A L L S TA R S

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Hudson Youth Basketball Allstars competing in the allstar tournament in March against teams around the local area.

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | H U D S O N Y O U T H B A S K E T B A L L A L L S TA R S

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p l a c e s & f a c e s | J L L T O U C H - A - T RU C K

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Touch a Truck is a FREE event put on by the Junior League of Lufkin. This event provides a unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of all types including public service, emergency, utility, construction, landscaping, transportation, delivery, and just plain cool – all in one place! Children are allowed to touch their favorite vehicles, get behind the wheel, and meet the people who help to build, protect, and serve our community. Games, activities and food trucks were also a part of the day’s entertainment.

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

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

If you haven't had the Nitro Brew from Curbside Café you are missing out! Brandon Bozeman and Shelly Bozeman, we are so happy for you and your thriving business and even more thrilled that you are a part of the Lufkin Chamber. Curbside Café offers a variety of your favorite coffees as well as breakfast and lunch items. They are a coffee truck and are happy to come to your office building.

You can even book them for events. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for times and locations.

Leadership Lufkin 2018-2019 along with many leaders in our community had the opportunity in mid-February to meet with key leaders at the State Capital, listen to a presentation inside the Texas Supreme Court given

by Justice Jeffrey Boyd and host a reception for key leaders in Texas including Senator Robert Nichols, State Representative Trent Ashby and a multitude of other State Representatives.

Congratulations Leatherneck Outdoor Services LLC for joining the Chamber! Nathan May served our country as a United States Marine, serving 2 tours overseas. He is now back home working hard to keep Lufkin beautiful with the services he offers including pressure washing, landscaping, debris removal, and more. You can contact him at 936-404-3406 for a free quote.

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your | C H A L L E N G E

May Your Heart

BE BRAVE,

YOUR MIND FIERCE and

YOUR SPIRIT

Free!

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ARE YOU A PRO OR JUST A HOBBYIST? SHARE YOUR BEST PHOTOGR APHY WITH US A ND GIVE YOUR JOURNEY SOME EXPOSURE. SELECTED PHOTOGR APHS WILL APPEAR IN THE JOURNEY MAGAZINE. PLEASE SEND YOUR HIGH RESOLUTION (300 DPI) IMAGES TO kkhudman@yahoo.com INCLUDE YOUR NAME, CONTACT INFORMATION AND ANY TITLE YOU WISH TO GIVE YOUR PHOTO. WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR JOURNEY IN THE BEST MAGAZINE!

CONGRATULATIONS TO KESTONYA WALKER, NURSE TECH IN THE EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FOR BEING NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY - BY WOODLAND HEIGHTS MEDICAL CENTER

ENJOYING SOME MARKET TO MARKET SHOPPING WITH FRIENDS! - BY LINDSAY SEALS

BABY BOOMERS HAVING FUN IN ST. LUCIA! - BY PAULA BOTSFORD

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE JOY YOU’VE BROUGHT TO US. WE COULDN’T BE MORE PROUD OF YOU! - BY HER PARENTS, ROBIN AND JAMES FLOURNOY

EVERYONE, MEET REBA!! - BY ABBY MCCARTY

WHAT MAKES A 3:30 AM WAKE UP CALL, 5:30 AM DEPARTURE, AND 75 KNOT HEADWINDS WORTH IT? THIS OFFICE VIEW. - BY DEANNA WALLACE

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FUN AT THE FEBRUARY POWER NETWORKING BREAKFAST HOSTED BY THE HEART INSTITUTE OF EAST TEXAS - BY THE LUFKIN CHAMBER

LOVE SPENDING TIME WITH THIS CUTIE! CHEER COMPETITION IN VEGAS! - BY KATHRYN HENSLEY

HAPPY RETIREMENT TO MY HUSBAND WHO DECIDED EACH & EVERY DAY TO USE THE GIFT OF HIS LIFE TO HELP OTHERS. ALWAYS. - BY PAT TODD

WE OFFICIALLY HAVE A TEXAS A&M CLASS OF 2023 AGGIE! CONGRATS TO OUR MADISON!!

- BY CRAIG, MARIAN, AND MAYA CORLEY

HAVING FUN AT THE 4K CIRCUS! - ST. CYPRIAN'S

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WHEN YOU GOTTA SQUINT BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT SURE WHAT YOU’RE SEEING OUTSIDE. #ITSTHESUN - BY ASHLEY COLE BYRD

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U LT R A E X P E D I T I O N S | B A C K YA R D B A S I C S | O U T D O O R E V E N T S | E AT O U T D O O R S

J

JOU R N EY OUT D O ORS

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Written by - J A S O N G AT E S

THE TEXAS TRAIL RUNNING ECO SERIES: E x p l o r e t h e Wo r l d ’s E c o l o g i c a l R e g i o n s Wi t h i n O n e S t a t e' s B o r d e r s The sport of trail running and ultramarathoning are unique in that they focus on exploring the world’s natural wonders.

Individuals who enter into these sports will be challenged both physically and mentally, while learning self-reliance.

The reward for such efforts comes in the form of having the ability to explore the world under your own power. There is something primal and pure about crossing rivers, traversing mountains, and roaming plains. However, to fully understand

and be changed, such a journey must be personally experienced. Those that choose to journey down this path are rewarded with life experiences that last long after they rejoin the modern world.

Unknown by many, Texas is home to some of the most diverse eco regions on earth. Inside its borders, every global topographical region is represented. This vast landmass covers 280,000 square miles, 10 eco regions, 91 mountain peaks,

expansive deserts, oceans, wet lands, prairies, canyons and much more. Its impressive topography covers the largest amount of land in the U.S., second only to Alaska. This led us to create the Texas Trail Running Eco Series, a unique opportunity to showcase the extreme diversity of the world right within the Texas borders

Currently, we have 7 trail races within the series that traverse different eco regions all over the state.

Desert – The Border to Badlands Ultra Come run in a prehistoric area dating back some 10,000 years where Indigenous people left cave art as evidence of their presence tucked into the weather beaten Chihuahuan Desert, the second largest desert in North America! Experience the uniqueness of the desert wildlife and flora, be awe inspired by the incredible views of Seminole Canyon meeting the Rio Grande River.

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Mountains – The Southwest 100 At over a mile high, the historic Davis Mountains play host to this race that starts on the legendary San Antonio-El Paso Road in the

heart of Fort Davis National Historic Site. This remote outpost in the 1800s was set up by the U.S. Army as a refuge for travelers making the 600 mile journey by horse or wagon train through hostile Indian country. It was also home to the famous Buffalo Soldiers.

Canyons – The Wild Canyon Ultra There's no other race in Texas like this (and not many in the US for that matter). You'll experience red rock canyons and buffalo herds that roam wild. You'll run through prairie dog towns on a course that's beautiful yet tough and rugged; down to the canyons bottom and up to cliff tops with a 100 mile view. This is your chance to run with Bison as the park is home to the official Texas State Bison Herd and is the state’s largest herd.

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Prairie – The Oktoberfest Trail Run Festival The race traverses the converted Chaparral Trail. The trail was used as the railroad right-of-way and now has been converted to a

multi-use trail. The race begins at the historic Onion Shed, a restored building from the 1930s that was once used a loading dock for the onion industry. Once fully complete it will become the longest trail in Texas and the 4th longest in the U.S. covering 135 miles.

Ocean – The Barrier Island Ultra Just adjacent to the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, Mustang Island gets its name from the wild horses that

roamed the island for hundreds of years. This chain of barrier islands protect miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life. They are also a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and a haven for over 380 bird species.

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Hill Country – The Hidden Hills Ultra This is the newest state park in the state of Texas. Not open to the public yet, this is your only chance to experience the Palo Pinto

Mountains. This unique park hosts lakes, mountains, cedar and oak forests, and rocky terrain. Be sure to reward yourself at the end with the Best Chicken Fried Steak in Texas at Mary's Cafe before leaving.

Forest – The Piney Woods Ultra Run through deep East Texas pine forests on a scenic course underneath towering pines. This diverse, single track course, almost

entirely underneath a canopy of 100-foot tall pine timber, will keep you captivated as you navigate rolling hills through rooty and pine needle conditioned trail. Enjoy a post-race refreshing swim in the 64-acre spring-fed lake while you rest and recover.

If you are looking for a unique and challenging experience second to none, then join us for this rare series as we run the world within the borders of Texas. Learn more at https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/run.

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o u t d o o rs | C O N S E R V A T I O N

F O C U S

EARTHDAY

For many, the month of April has come to be synonymous with increased environmental awareness and activism. This of course

began with Earth Day and Arbor Day both being celebrated during the month, and eventually some overly enthusiastic folks decided to stretch the festivities out a bit. We often think of Earth Day and Arbor Day as occasions to plant a tree. While that is certainly appropriate, there are many other ways to get involved!

• CLEAN UP

Many community organizations coordinate clean up projects during the month or on Earth Day itself. Particular targets are often waterways,

parks, or other green spaces. Find a clean up crew to join and help remove some of the waste from these areas!

• REDUCE WASTE

Take the month to be mindful of your own use of disposable paper and plastics, and try to reduce the amount you use and throw away.

• REDUCE WATER USE

Try to be mindful throughout the month of how much water you use, and think of ways to use less.

• THINK SUSTAINABLY

Think about how these Earth Month activities can become habits that persist long-term in your daily life.

For those of us who work in the conservation field, the Earth Day mindset is business as usual. We work every day to foster sustainability within ecosystems. Whether we are installing wood duck boxes for nesting habitat, planting wildflowers for pollinators, or educating a homeowner on a backyard garden, everything we do is about sustainable conservation. If you feel compelled to get involved on this level, here are a few ways to invest in celebrating Earth Day long-term.

• PLANT A BUTTERFLY GARDEN

This Earth Day, commit to starting a butterfly garden. Texas is one of the best places to do this, as it’s on the Monarch butterfly migration route. A butterfly or pollinator garden is one of the best things you can do for nature! Pollinators are critical players in the web of life, and the importance of providing habitat for them cannot be understated. Plant your garden this Earth Day, and you will have the results to look forward to next year!

• INSTALL BLUEBIRD BOXES

Providing nesting habitat for these beloved songbirds is a long-honored tradition of conservationists and animal lovers. The goal of course is helping to ensure the sustainability of their populations, but a great added bonus is increased viewing opportunities!

• PLANT A FRUIT TREE ORCHARD

This can be as few as 3-5 trees, or as many as your space and resources allow. Of course planting any tree is a wonderful investment in the earth, and many take the opportunity on Earth Day, but a fruit tree orchard will yield it’s own special return! Planting something that produces food for you and your family is its own kind of sustainability, and will leave a legacy for generations to come.

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B A S I C S

Birding classic

GREAT TEXAS

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H

Heralded as “The biggest, longest, wildest birdwatching

The goal is to be the team in your category that observes and

Classic will be held April 15 - May 15 2019. This event brings

member’s names engraved on a trophy, to winner’s certificates, to

tournament in the U.S.” the 23rd Annual Great Texas Birding together birders of all ages and skill levels to experience the spring

migration of birds throughout the state of Texas. The tournament is a truly interactive affair for the whole family, and a great way

identifies the most species. Prizes range from having your team

helping choose which conservation grants will receive the funds raised from the event.

to support local conservation efforts. The money raised through

Texas is one of the best places for birding, boasting both the

grants in Texas. Participants gather teams and register in one of

The World Birding Center is comprised of nine unique birding

variety of other lifestyle options. Each category varies in length

bird species found nowhere else in the United States. The Great

could bird for as little as 6 hours or as long as six consecutive

every coastal county in the state. If you happen to live near any

in the state! Participants may choose to participate in more than

gather a team for the tournament! Even if you don’t, there are

take advantage of as much of the month-long classic as possible.

to be one near you. There’s something for everyone in the Great

The gist of the tournament is each team going out and trying to

binoculars, and help raise some funds for bird conservation all

registration fees helps fund bird and bird habitat conservation

World Birding Center and the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

11 different categories based on age, birding experience, or a

locations in the Rio Grande Valley, which is home to many tropical

of time and birding area, providing options for every taste. You

Texas Coastal Birding Trail consists of over 300 sites spread across

days; you could be confined to a 17-foot circle, or travel anywhere

of these sites, you owe it to yourself to jump in on the fun and

one category and/or in the same category for multiple regions, to

tons of other fantastic birding sites around the state, and sure

identify as many birds as they can, and reporting their results.

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Texas Birding Classic, so call up your birding pals, grab your in one fell swoop!

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OU T D O OR EV EN T S A PRIL 2019 E V EN T S C A L ENDA R

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TEXAS

Here in East Texas, we just happen to be living amidst some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the country. This is partly due to our own gorgeous state, but also partly because we happen to be neighbors with states that call themselves “Sportsman’s Paradise” and “The Natural State”. This puts us in prime position for all the outdoor fun anyone could handle. Check out these few places and events we’ve gathered here, and drop by the website of each individual state for a more comprehensive calendar!

Visit tpwd.texas.gov for more info and registration.

STATE PARK EVENTS APRIL 3:

HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM, LAKE DIPPING – MARTIN DIES, JR. STATE PARK

program, and answer questions as visitors browse the exhibits.

Volunteering at the nature center is a great way to gain job-related experience and earn volunteer hours all while helping to make the world a better place.

Registration required.

APRIL 6:

NATURE CUBS CLUB – SHELDON LAKE STATE PARK & ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER Join the monthly meeting of the Nature Cubs Club at Sheldon Lake State Park! This club is for kids and has been created by kids.

Club members will have a chance to meet other nature lovers, learn about a topic, and then explore the park together! Be sure to bring water, bug spray, and closed toe shoes. The Nature Cubs Club meets at our wildscape garden directly across from the park's headquarters.

Join Ranger Amy to discover what lies in the lake. Registration required.

APRIL 20:

APRIL 6:

EARTH DAY PADDLING REGATTA (LITTER PICKUP!) – MARTIN DIES JR. STATE PARK

We're looking for individuals who enjoy sharing their interest in the natural world with others. Come volunteer at the nature center and show park visitors all that the park has to offer. You can use nature props to explain animal behaviors, lead an arts and crafts

Let's celebrate Earth Day by going outside and cleaning up our scenic waterways. This trip includes basic canoe instruction and allows you to discover why our park is a wonderful paddling destination. You are welcome to bring your own canoe or kayak, but if you'd like to reserve a free canoe for this trip please register.

NATURE CENTER VOLUNTEER TRAINING – MARTIN DIES, JR. STATE PARK

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APRIL 27:

STAR PARTY IN THE PARK – LAKE WHITNEY STATE PARK

Join us for a relaxing evening at beautiful Lake Whitney State Park. See the moon and stars through a telescope with Larry Smith, a retired astronomy ranger of the National Park Service.

hour and half drive from Lufkin.

Many other parks host a wide range of activities and events, and there is plenty of outdoor recreation to be found outside the park system as well.

Visit louisianatravel.com for more info on individual events.

APRIL 6:

NATIONAL TARTAN DAY – ROSEDOWN PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE, ST. FRANCISVILLE

OTHER EVENTS

National Tartan Day honors and celebrates Scottish culture and the role it has played in the development of the United States. This day is also to honor Daniel Turnbull, a Scot who built Rosedown Plantation. The public is invited to come to Rosedown dressed in their family tartans to help celebrate National Tartan Day. For more information call 877.376.1867 toll free.

Mile´s Louisiana Legion. Level of difficulty is easy to moderate.

Participants need to wear closedtoe shoes, bring insect repellent, and water for drinking. Hiking distance 1 1/2 miles. For more information call 888.677.3400 toll free.

APRIL 27:

SPRING EDIBLE PLANTS –

LOUISIANA STATE ARBORETUM, VILLE PLATTE

Have you ever wondered what wild plants are good to eat? Join us at the Arboretum to learn about and sample some of the spring wild edible plants found in our area. For more information call 888.677.6100 toll free.

APRIL 19-20:

ANNUAL ANTIQUE TRACTOR & ENGINE SHOW – HENDERSON, TX

Show events include: Small engine displays, corn grinding, horse drawn equipment, tractor games, saw mill demo, rope making, hay baling, antique tools, tractor race, tractor parade and a tractor pull.

ARK ANSAS

APRIL 19-20:

34TH EAST TEXAS GUSHER DAYS – GLADEWATER, TX

Events include: Parade, fishing tournament, luncheon, car show, chili cookoff, street dance and more!

APRIL 7:

LOUISIANA

As part of the Baton Rouge Civil War Round Table Symposium, a Port Hudson SHS ranger will conduct a tour of "The Devil´s Elbow." This portion of the battlefield is privately owned by the Georgia-Pacific Paper Mill. The tour will leave the Port Hudson Visitor Center at 9:45 AM and travel by caravan to the Devil´s Elbow. Devil´s Elbow was defended in 1863 by Boone´s Louisiana Battery and

Part of our border with Louisiana is made up of the expansive and extremely popular Toledo Bend reservoir. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the eastern shore of this beautiful system of lakes, Louisiana maintains two state parks here, North Toledo Bend and South Toledo Bend. They are two of the most scenic and visited parks in the state, and are both an

DEVIL’S ELBOW TOUR – PORT HUDSON STATE HISTORIC SITE, JACKSON

The Arkansas wilderness is famous for it’s natural beauty.

If you’re looking for a little different scenery to explore for a long weekend, you might find it here. There are ample opportunities for all types of outdoor recreation at Arkansas state parks, as well as fun and educational family activities.

Visit arkansasstateparks. com for more information on individual events.

APRIL 5-6:

10TH ANNUAL GRANDVIEW AYSSP TOURNAMENT – COLUMBUS, AR

The Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Conservation Education Center in Columbus invites you to join us Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, for the 10th Annual

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Grandview Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program (AYSSP) Tournament, an informal shoot directed under AYSSP rules. For more information, call 870-9832790 or email caleb.coulter@agfc. ar.gov APRIL 6:

3-D ARCHERY TOURNAMENT – RICK EVANS GRANDVIEW PRAIRIE CONSERVATION EDUCATION CENTER (COLUMBUS, AR) Bring the family and brush up your skills or learn a new sport.

Awards will be given to the first three places in each division. Call Caleb Coulter, 870- 826-8193, to register or for more information.

APRIL 12:

BACKYARD HABITATS – JANET HUCKABEE ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY NATURE CENTER (FORT SMITH, AR) You don’t have to have a large amount of land to make the perfect habitat for wildlife. Learn which plant life, water sources and DIY projects will entice critters into your own backyard. Call 479-452-3993 for more information.

APRIL 16:

KAYAK FISHING 101 – JANET HUCKABEE ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY NATURE CENTER (FORT SMITH, AR) A wide variety of fishing kayaks and gear is available to help anglers reach their ambitions. Tips for beginners and information about local waterways will be provided

by The Woodsman Company.

Registration is not required.

Call the nature center at 479-4523993 for more information.

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o u t d o o rs | E A T

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O U T D O O R S

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WILD MUSHROOM PASTA Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS 1 lb wild mushrooms (morels, oyster) 1 box long noodle pasta of choice 2 tbsp olive oil 6 tbsp butter 1 clove minced garlic ¾ cup chopped fresh basil 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme ¾ cup dry white wine 2 tbsp lemon juice shredded mozzarella salt and black pepper

DIRECTIONS Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta is boiling, heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

Reduce heat, and add the butter, garlic, thyme, and half the basil. Sauté until the garlic is caramelized.

Pour the wine into the skillet slowly and bring to a simmer. Add lemon juice. Stir in the cooked pasta and season with more salt and pepper, to taste.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining basil.

Top with mozzarella to serve.

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SEE YOU AT THE ANGELINA COUNTY BENEFIT RODEO!

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