WHY I RIDE

Worthy causes inspire Lamar woman to ride

By Ann Leach

Sheila Stevens loves her job as a bus driver for preschoolers with special needs. “It’s the most fabulous job ever,” she said. “Kids are my world, and I have worked in childcare, been a pediatric nurse and have three adult children of my own and a stepson and many grandchildren and great grandkids in the family.” She rides a bike for relaxation and stress management.

And now Stevens is putting her money where her bike pedals are. Well, it’s not just her money but donations from her community of Lamar that are supporting two of Stevens’ passion projects: Stop Soldier Suicide and the Alzheimer’s Association.

“My dad was a Marine veteran from WWII and had many demons that followed him from the war,” Stevens said. “He tried to chase those demons with alcohol, but the alcohol ended up taking his life in a fatal car crash. And my oldest brother also joined the military and returned with demons, too. They both suffered from PTSD without getting any help. I would like to see all soldiers get the help they need to live a life without the nightmares of service to our country constantly haunting them.”

The Stop Soldier Suicide (SSS) group was formed in 2010 by three veterans who decided to help soldiers work through PTSD and mental health issues and manage the move from soldier to civilian.

“I saw an SSS announcement about a biking fundraiser and signed up,” Stevens said. “I learned 22 soldiers a day commit suicide and that was heartbreaking to hear. I did 250 miles of riding in my first week, which was the mile goal of the fundraiser.” Stevens’ granddaughter challenged her to do more and go for 1,000 miles. Stevens did just that.

“Last year, I intended on doing 1,000 miles again but only got to 965, due to getting Covid,” Stevens explained. “But the last day of the ride, I put in 100 miles.” And she’s on track to meet her goal for this year’s ride, too. “I’ve just reached a total of $2,500 in donations from friends and family for all of these rides,” Stevens shared.

And they continue to support her biking efforts. Stevens is going into August with a total of $2,030 to support the Alzheimer’s Association, thanks to her friends.

“I cared for my mother who had this disease for eight years,” Sheila Stevens said. “It was hard but rewarding to care for this person who gave me life and to hold her hand during her last hours here on Earth. Many on my father’s side all passed from Alzheimer’s, too.” Once again, Stevens saddled up and put the pedal to the metal by riding for the Dementia Society and completing 150 miles for their 100-mile ride that brought her almost $200 in donations. She did the ride again this year and logged 400 miles that produced $400 for the cause.

“So, I ride, post my progress and wear my awareness T-shirts to bring hope through donations. I appreciate all the support so much.”

Artistry and real estate sales combine for this art lover

By Ann Leach

As an arts lover, Nichole West graduated high school as a thespian and longed to pick up a musical instrument like her cousins did. Instead, she discovered the power of a paintbrush and began teaching herself watercolor painting. As a realtor by profession, she believes art has made her a better agent as she encourages curb appeal, color schemes, interior design and functionality for sales. She merges the two by networking and sponsoring community art events while other realtors usually focus on local sports teams.

“My art started in 2017 when I realized I needed a hobby to help with my winter blues,” West said. “I always knew spring was my favorite season because of all the colors and animals coming to life. Being a visual person, the months-long void of color starting in November is devastating. I was also beginning to notice I mourn the warmth of the sun on my skin more so than the average person. It was validating and a relief when I started getting treatment and prioritizing selfcare.” West started her watercolor journey with YouTube videos and loved the challenge of controlling the water. And she used water from everywhere, taking a travel kit with her and painting with water from lakes and creeks. “I quickly became obsessed with losing myself in the process,” she said. She has since added acrylics, alcohol inks and oil paints to her creative toolbox and often gives her paintings away to friends and family. Then friends started requesting commissions.

Her first acrylic portrait was a first-year wedding anniversary gift for her brother-in-law that she completed the day before the Lamar Free Fair last year. Not only was her brother-in-law surprised to see the gift in the show, West was surprised to learn she won a blue ribbon and a cash prize for the painting. “I still can’t believe it,” she said. “There were definitely tears of surprise that all that hard work paid off.”

West’s success has continued, and she is actively involved in teaching painting classes at The Vault in Lamar. She is also helping to plan more artists’ showcases on the Lamar square and is pleased with the response. “The Vault hosted An Evening of Art last May and it was a huge success,” West said. “We had a huge community turnout to come and see a few of us local artists, and we had live music from Corey Timmons, and Big Ben’s BBQ food truck sold out in two hours.” West herself conducted two painting classes as there were so many wanting to participate. She hopes it becomes an annual event.

She also participates in the Lamar Art League events and is looking forward to this month’s 56th annual art exhibition during fair week Aug. 25 and 26. The League also meets regularly at the public library to learn new art techniques and share ideas.

The more West learns, the more committed she becomes to furthering her art and finding her niche. She plans to continue offering her step-by-step paint classes and will open her own art studio later this month.

“I’m thrilled to announce this. I hope anyone wanting to teach workshops or learn a new art medium will come and enjoy themselves.”