TJMag June 2015

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Setting

NEW STANDARDS IN CATARACT CARE

Robert Lehmann, M.D.

Timothy Young, M.D.

LEHMANN EYE CENTER...KEEPING EAST TEXAS FOCUSED There’s a reason why more men and women across East Texas look to Lehmann Eye Center to preserve and protect their vision: EXPERIENCE. They know that for more than three decades, the doctors and eye care professionals of Lehmann Eye Center have helped set the standard in cataract care throughout East Texas and across the United States. From the latest breakthroughs in cataract lens implant design - to our exciting LenSx laser cataract procedure - look to Lehmann Eye Center for your eye care.

Seeing is Believing LehmannEyeCenter.com /LehmannEyeCenter 4 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

800-753-3846 936-569-8278 5300 North Street Nacogdoches, TX 75965

6 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

W

hat I love about this town is there are heroes all around.

From the grocery store, to the school, to work, to lunch, to the bank, after school activities, to our own homes. They are all around wherever we go. No matter who you ask, a service man or woman is hands down a hero in everyone's book. It's because of them the rest of us can enjoy our daily lives and routines.That is where the rest of us encounter everyday heroes. president:

Stephanie Oliver general manager:

Kim Iribarren kim@tjmag.com managing editor:

Beth Johnson editor@tjmag.com event photography:

Lisa Crow layout and design:

Macy Haffey ad design:

Samantha Miller contributors:

Melissa & Tiffani Jessica Tinsley Bridges Claire Brody Blake Hamilton Majal Minguez

Angie Nichols Melissa Radke Joel Redus

The current state of our country is disheartening.

It is disheartening to see the men and women who serve our communities constantly under attack. Sure, we all make mistakes and not all service men and women are perfect, but, they see and deal with a lot more on a daily basis than the rest of us hope to never have to deal with in our lifetime. Regardless of you point of view on who and what a hero is, this issue is to remind us all of the heroes all around us. There is good in people all around. The sun comes up every day to remind us of God's goodness.

"Everyday may not be good, but there is something good in every day. " -Alice Morse Earle STEPHANIE OLIVER

PRESIDENT

COMMUNITY HEROES 2015

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12 Life & Design 14 Burlap & Besties 18 {DIY} 22 Homegrown

26 Where Are They Now? 28 Newsworthy 30 Mission Statement 34 Courtroom 36 Hometown Heroes

40 Fashion 42 Something Abundant 44 Stretch Marks

48 School Report 50 Look at Me 52 Pretty Babies

54 In the Know 56 Service 62 Chamber News

66 Nature's Eye 68 Legacy 70 Leadership

HOME

COMMUNITY

LIFE

CHILD

BUSINESS

EAST

Toby Stanaland began his law enforcement career with Nacogdoches Sheriffs Department in 1996. He joined the Lufkin Police Department in 1998. Stanaland has served the community for 17 years. We are thankful for his years of service and dedication to our community.

CONTACT US: Mailing:

PO Box 150537 | Lufkin, Texas 75915 Physical:

On our cover: Lufkin Police Officer Toby Stanaland and Baylor Oliver salute the U.S. flag.

115 E. Shepherd | Lufkin, Texas 75901 936-634-7188 | advertise@tjmag.com facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast tjmag.com • 9

10 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

HOME 12 LIFE & DESIGN | 14 BURLAP & BESTIES | 18 {DIY} | 22 HOMEGROWN

focal floral arrangement

T

here’s so much to love about summer: colors become vibrant, grilling is the nightly occurrence, and leisurely days turn into long nights spent with close family and friends. Entertaining with loved ones is one of the best ways to make memories. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbeque, a movie night under the stars, or a weekend brunch, there’s one item that is the perfect touch to any party.

A f loral arrangement is an elegant detail and sets the mood for any gathering. Fresh f lowers show guests that you are a thoughtful host and that you went above and beyond…

or so they think!

tjmag.com • 11

LIFE & DESIGN 12 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

Focal Floral Arrangement /// Continued

by Claire Brody

I have a life hack that will make you appear as the hostess with the mostess, even if the party is a last minute happening! When I see fresh flowers at an event, I always stop to appreciate their beauty as well as the effort that went into getting them there.

However, it’s not always practical to have a lush, $100+ arrangement made for every party that you host. I was recently in a similar situation as the hostess and came up with a real/faux flower arrangement. I paired some inexpensive, reusable faux flowers with a handful of real flowers and greenery. It’s a brilliant solution for always having lush, yet affordable flower arrangements for all events you host.

SUPPLIES:

STEPS:

• Faux flower wreath

1. Cut the chicken wire to fit inside the serving bowl. This is what will hold the stems in place. The wire does not need to be the exact shape/size of the bowl. It is a good idea to cut the wire in a square and then bend the sides to fit inside of the bowl.

• 3-4 faux flower stems • Serving bowl

2. Place the wreath on the rim of the bowl. The wreath will serve as the base of the arrangement. Its diameter should be the same as the bowl’s diameter so that the wreath can sit on the rim of the bowl.

• ½ dozen real flowers • 1 bunch of greenery

3. Cut the stems of the faux f lowers to fit inside the bowl. Place the f lowers sporadically.

• Chicken wire • Wire cutters

4. Cut the stems of the real flowers to fit inside the bowl, and place them sporadically. This arrangement uses ½ dozen white roses, which were purchased from a local grocery store.

5. Add bunches of the real greenery to fill the holes. Remember to add water to your arrangement so the real f lowers and greenery can survive!

6.

Play with the flower placement until you are satisfied.

Hello. I’m Claire, an interior stylist living in Austin, TX 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.

BURLAP & BESTIES

A Personal Tribute to YOUR Heroes

W

e all have special heroes in our lives that we want to remember and honor.

We take great pride in including heirlooms and other memorable pieces given to us in our everyday décor, because they have such a rich history and they help us remember those amazing people. We love sharing their stories with our guests! We found a few other ways to honor our heroes and hope you can find a special way to do the same in your home.

SHADOW BOX

Supplies: • Shadow Box • Pictures • Scrapbook paper for backing pictures • Fish net and rope.

• Trinkets – shotgun shells, fishing lures, etc.

• Hot glue gun • Other tape, etc as needed 1. Pick a size shadow box that will give you enough space for your pictures and other memorabilia/trinkets.

You don’t want lots of extra space, but you don’t want it to be too cluttered either. I had more trinkets that I had to weed out because my box was filled up.

2. Open your shadow box and place your fishnet or other fabric to cover the back of your box and hot glue it in place. If you are using fabric, you might bring it around to the back and use staples. I cut my fishnet just bigger than the back of the shadow box. When I attached it, I left my fishnet and rope loose around the edges so when I put the box back together they f illed in toward the glass giving it more dimension so it wouldn’t be all f lat on the back.

3. Back your pictures in scrapbook paper and then arrange your pictures in the shadowbox. Attach them using a small dot of hot glue or other tape in the corners. Fish net was not easy to attach my pictures to, but I finally got them secure. I recommend putting your glue on the fishnet or backing first and letting it sit and cool before putting your picture on it. Be generous with your tape and glue as you don’t want your things moving around.

4. Attach any items you need to attach to the inside bottom of the shadow box. The shotgun shells in my box were glued to the box, not the back.

5. Double check everything is secure and place the back of the box back together with the glass.

by Melissa & Tiffani

DRINK SLEEVE Supplies: • Drink koozie • Scissors 1. Cut off the bottom of your koozie (we found ours at the Dollar Spot at Target!).

2. Slide it around your water bottle or travel cup and show your pride!!

HONOR FRAME Supplies: • Extra Large Picture Frame • Thin piece of Plywood (cut to fit in your extra large frame) • Fabric • Heavy Duty Stapler • Picture Frames for your Hero Photos

Party Tip

• Screws and Drill 1. Use your fabric to cover the thin plywood and attach it with your stapler.

2. Place your plywood into the extra large frame and use your stapler (if needed) to secure it in place.

Use a star shaped cookie cutter on your fruit to give your food table a patriotic feel!

This would be a fun way for the kiddos to help out in the kitchen!

Melissa is a housewife who loves her husband and son, Ben and Ty, more than anything else on earth. In a previous life, she was a CPA. Her passion for serving Jesus took her and Ben to Africa for two years where, among other things, she learned she can never pack too many crafting supplies. If you want to see a happy girl, give Melissa an old piece of furniture and a paintbrush then stand back and watch the magic happen.

3. Arrange your frames how you want them and then use your screws and drill to hang them on your plywood.

Make sure to cut a small hole in your fabric for your screw so that you don’t pull your fabric!

Place your screws in the wall and hang up your extra large frame to honor your heroes.

Tiffani Brantner is a part-time nurse and student, a constant crafter, party-thrower, "idea-comer-upper", and a richly rewarded wife and mother to Jeff and Cullen. Call her to come and get your old junk, she LOVES it! She'll turn it into something beautiful, create a theme, throw a party around it, and invite you as the guest of honor. You can reach Tiffani day or night at tifandmel@gmail.com. tjmag.com • 15

Pick some goodness at

Berry Patch the

Located in our Produce Department

Strawberries • Blueberries Raspberries • Blackberries

Take Your Pick!

16 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

What Is a Hero?

By definition, it is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. But a hero isn’t always Superman saving the day. A heroic person can come into your life in many different ways.

Y

ou could say that an entire company is heroic. “I’ve always been able to do what I do because Brookshire Brothers cares for the community and allows time for employees to give back.”

That’s what Doug Barnett, a member of the Marketing and Procurement team, said regarding his volunteerism. For the past 30 years, Barnett has had a burden on his heart to mentor kids. He said that kids have been and still are his passion.

Barnett, and a half-dozen of his Brookshire Brothers colleagues, reads to children at Trout Elementary school once a month.

Barnett, a fitness buff, also plays basketball four days a week at First Methodist Church with several young men in the community.

For the past 15 years, he has continued to live out his calling by leading the youth group at Trinity Baptist Church with his wife, Desiree. Barnett has had many conversations with and interactions with kids, teenagers, and young men over the years, but some scenarios make even the heroic, soft at heart. “I had a kid tell me once that he knew I was a nonjudgmental person and I could help him through anything.” Those moments are the reason Barnett continues

to mentor young adults whether through reading or shooting hoops. “I just want to be a presence for these young men in their lives and I want to give them a better atmosphere to spend time in,” Barnett said about his time playing basketball.

Being intentional in the way you spend your time volunteering is a commitment to changing someone’s life. As Barnett would say to any of his mentees, “Start today, and move forward.”

Sometimes the transition from a good Samaritan to hero comes in the form of public service. Delivery driver, Jason Thacker, does this 24/7/365 for the Central Volunteer Fire Department. Even after five years, Thacker still doesn’t consider himself a hero. “I just want to help people in need.” Growing up, Thacker always enjoyed helping people, but didn’t dream of becoming a firefighter.

His calling came later in life as he passed several first responders and felt drawn to it. “Most people in a crisis run away from it, but we run to it.” Not only does Thacker serve as a volunteer, he has served as lieutenant and is the current captain for the CVFD. When asked if Thacker would ever retire, he responded by saying this is his lifetime duty. “You either want to do it

or you don’t.” Most heroes don’t see the courageous efforts made daily, but Thacker is an exception. He sees how men and women with many differences can put everything aside and fight for the community as well as each other.

Sororities are known to be philanthropic, but there are times that it becomes more than just volunteering hours. Mallery Griffin is a Senior Accountant and a sister in the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Griffin finds her joy when she takes part in the Brandon Elementary HOSTS program. HOSTS, also known as Help One Student To Succeed, is a mentoring program that is nationally recognized for pairing students with mentors who make a difference in children’s lives. As a mentor, Griffin spends 30 minutes a week with a student reading, reviewing vocabulary, and working on standardized testing strategies and best practices. In her office at Brookshire Brothers, it is evident that the children are her passion. Their photos and artwork are displayed everywhere. Mentoring with HOSTS has allowed Griffin to create bonds with students that last even after the mentoring ends. “I had a little girl come up to me just to say hi.” A small interaction can speak volumes when it comes to the life of a child. “I’m not a person who wants to be in the limelight,” Griffin said. “I want to be behind the scenes helping others.”

So, maybe we should change the definition of a hero. Our Brookshire Brothers heroes are loving, courageous and selfless individuals who want to better everyone around them while taking none of the credit.

Who are your heroes? tjmag.com • 17

{DIY} DO-IT-YOURSELF

DIY

BATH SOAP I

’ve always wanted to make my own home made bath soaps, but every time I would research soap making from scratch, or watch a “how-to video,” my brain would just freeze as I read these soap making precautions: “Understand the dangers of lye … it will burn your skin upon contact,” or “Be sure to wear protective clothing like goggles and extremely thick clothing to avoid contact with harmful substances.”

Oh, and here’s more, “Don’t cut yourself, don’t burn yourself with hot soap, and eliminate all distractions… this includes children, pets and even spouses.” Uh huh, uh huh!!! Warnings like these put me in a fright-and-freeze stress reaction.

SCARED!!!

So you can imagine how excited I was when I learned about MELT A ND POUR soap making, so easy and perfect for beginners like me! Sure, it’s a ‘cheat’s’ way of making soap, but after making my f irst batch of Melt and Pour bath soap, I was convinced that this is one of the most enjoyable (and a little addictive) DIY projects I have made. The f irst batch I made turned out great and was very well received by my family! What an awesome feeling it is to nourish your skin with every bath and not worry about poisoning your family with the hidden toxic ingredients lurking in most soaps.

So, it is with great pleasure that I share this recipe with you.

DIY MELT & POUR BATH SOAP You will need: • 2 silicone soap molds with 6 cavities (available at Amazon) • Double-Boiler (or you can improvise with 2 pots) • 3 lbs Melt and Pour soap base (I use Organic Goats Milk Glycerin Melt and Pour soap base by Liquid Gold available at Amazon) • 30 drops Young Living’s Thieves therapeutic-grade essential oil (you can also use Lavender essential oil) • 15 drops Young Living’s Lemon therapeutic- grade essential oil Procedure: 1. Cut the Melt and Pour soap base into 1 inch chunks and melt in a double-boiler (low-medium heat) until soap is fully melted.

2. Let the melted soap base cool for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add Thieves and Lemon essential oils and gently stir to mix well.

4. Place the silicone molds in a f lat surface and slowly pour the soap into the molds.

5. Wait for the soap to completely cool and harden.

6. Pop the soap bars out of the mold.

7. Store in a glass container.

18 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

by Majal Minguez

ESSENTIAL OIL WORKSHOPS: MAKE, TAKE AND LEARN July 7, 14 & 21, 2015 @ 5:30 pm (Tuesday) Join our dynamic and fast-growing group of oil users. This fun and educational workshop will discuss the basics of essential oils and the many uses of the 10 most commonly used oils.

Each participant will Make and Take an 8 oz household cleaner, 8 oz foaming hand soap and a 4 oz air freshener spray.

Call Majal at 936.634.4282 to reserve your spot.

TIPS:

MAKE AND TAKE WORKSHOPS:

• Experiment with your favorite essential oils. German Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Palmarosa, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, Orange and Tea Tree essential oils are great oils for the skin.

JULY 10, 2015 - Detoxify your House

• Silicone molds are the best ones to use because it makes it so easy to pop the soap out of the mold once it’s ready.

JULY 31, 2015 - Ladies Night Out

• You can purchase fun-shaped silicone molds if you are making soaps to give as gifts.

Learn how to make laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, shampoo and deodorant (all supplies provided)

Unleash your inner beauty by learning a very simple process of “Releasing negative emotional blocks” using essential oils. Each participant will take home 3 roll on bottles and 3 dram bottles of emotional oil blends.

• Use therapeutic-grade essential oils only. These oils have strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

• This is a fun and safe activity to do with your kids.

• There are dyes and colorants available in craft stores to add color to your soap … but I would advise you to steer clear from those because most of those dyes are toxic and can irritate your skin.

• In choosing your Melt and Pour soap base, check the ingredient list and choose the soap bases without toxic harmful chemicals. I would highly recommend the organic goat’s milk soap base I mentioned above.

Majal Minguez and her family live in Lufkin. Her youngest son in on the Autism Spectrum. In their journey to recover him from Autism, the family has learned that detoxifying his body and their house are major pieces of the puzzle to Autism Recover.

For more information, please follow me on Facebook at “WhollyMerry Majal Minguez” or email me at whollymerry@yahoo.com. tjmag.com • 19

PLACES & FACES

photographed by Lisa Crow

Burke Dedication

Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!

tjmag.com • 21

HOMEGROWN

Preserving the Harvest

A

s folks begin to harvest excess fruit, berries, and vegetables that summer brings, the Extension Off ice starts getting questions about food preservation - especially canning. East Texans have a long tradition of canning their backyard bounty to provide wholesome, nutritious foods throughout the year. Due to today’s increased food availability and the ever expanding global market, we no longer need to can to ensure survival. Rather, most modern day canners do it for the enjoyment, sense of pride, quality time with loved ones, and, of course, the delicious end product!

No matter one’s reasons for preserving food, it is important to follow standard, tested procedures to ensure safety and quality. Unfortunately, there is much misinformation that can lead to improper canning and ultimately food waste, illness, or worse.

No doubt there are plenty of people that use techniques that are not endorsed by a reliable source. They may say that they have always done it that way and no one ever got sick. If that is the case, they have truly been lucky. The Extension Off ice recommends only research-based information for food preservation to prevent food-borne illness. Botulism is no joke, and mold and other pathogens in your canned goods are no fun either!

Joel Redus is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and County Extension Agent for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Angelina County. He enjoys experimenting with growing and cooking food and exploring the outdoors with his wife, Michelle. Contact: 936-634-6414 x101 or joel.redus@ag.tamu.edu.

by Joel Redus

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR SAFE CANNING AT HOME: • Start with a clean preparation area and the freshest foods possible. Check jars for nicks and cracks. Make sure your equipment is clean and in good working order.

• Always use a pressure canner when canning low-acid foods. This includes most vegetables (except many tomato products), seafood, poultry, and meat.

• If using a pressure canner with a dial gauge, have it tested each year.

• Always use tested recipes that have up-to-date, researched processing (canning) times.

Reliable sources include the National Center for Home Food Preservation http://nchfp.uga.edu/ or your local Extension Off ice.

• Do not alter ingredients in tested recipes, which can make that recipe unsafe for home food preservation.

• When f illing jars, always use the correct headspace. Having too little or too much headspace can affect how the lid seals and the quality of the f inal product.

• Avoid unsafe techniques, such as open kettle, steam, or oven canning.

Open Kettle Canning

Oven Canning

Open kettle canning involves heating the food to boiling, pouring it into the jars, applying lids, and allowing the heat of the jar to cause the lid to seal. The reason open kettle canning is no longer recommended is that the food is not heated adequately to destroy the spoilage organisms, molds and yeasts that can enter the jar while you are f illing the jar, and it does not produce a strong seal on the jar. This method is not safe! Processing jars in a boiling water bath or in a pressure canner drives air out of the jar and produces a strong vacuum seal.

Occasionally people ask about processing jars in the oven. They claim a friend or neighbor promotes it as a simple method of canning. What they fail to understand is that oven heat is not the same as heat from a boiling water bath or from steam in a pressure canner.

First of all, jars are not designed to withstand oven temperatures and can break or even explode causing injury from broken glass.

Secondly, dry heat is not comparable to the moist heat of a boiling water bath. Processing in an oven will not heat the contents in the coldest part of the jar in the same way as boiling water.

Thirdly, oven heat will not increase the temperature inside the jar above boiling to be adequate to destroy botulism spores in low acid foods. Only in the enclosed conditions of a sealed pressure canner will you be able to increase the internal temperature to 240°F. Oven canning is not recommended!

I am pleased to announce that the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Angelina County will be hosting food preservation events this summer to provide reliable, evidence-based information for safely preserving foods at home.

The July 20th Food Preservation Basics seminar, part of the monthly Homegrown to Homemade series, will cover canning, drying, and freezing. To participate or for more info, visit our events page at http://angelina.agrilife.org/events/ or call 936-634-6414.

tjmag.com • 23

PLACES & FACES

photographed by Lisa Crow

Vince Gill Angelina Arts Alliance

Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!

COMMUNITY 26 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? | 28 NEWSWORTHY | 30 MISSION STATEMENT | 34 COURTROOM | 36 HOMETOWN HEROES

SITTING AT

Patricia’s

P

Table

atricia Tamminga grew up in Lufkin, Texas developing a love of cooking in her family kitchen. She studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and decided to use her love of cooking to teach children.

tjmag.com • 25

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Sitting at Patricia's Table /// Continued At first, she taught cooking classes to children out of her home. During this time, she discovered that kids were much more willing to test their taste buds with new and interesting things if they were the ones cooking!

This discovery led Patricia to open Patricia’s Table in Austin, TX in 2014.

The mission statement of Patricia’s Table is, “Empower kids to expand their minds and taste buds while whipping up batches of fun in the kitchen.” With the many classes, kid-friendly kitchen, and dedicated staff Patricia’s Table offers, they are really achieving this goal. From birthday parties to school outings, kids are offered hands-on opportunities to expand their minds through cooking.

In addition, Patricia’s Table shows dedication to the community by using locally sourced ingredients when possible. They promote healthy eating through quality ingredients and even grow some of their own vegetables and herbs. Patricia’s Table also supports local chefs and artists by inviting them as guest chefs and instructors on site. In doing so, kids get to learn many different cooking genres and cultural f lavors.

Though Patricia’s Table offers a wide variety of learning opportunities to children, they also encourage adults to join in on the cooking fun!

Private events and recreational cooking classes are offered for adults in Patricia’s beautiful kitchen.

You can lear n more about Patricia’s Table or register for cooking classes by v isiting patriciastable.com . Don’t miss out on this awesome oppor tunit y to teach your pick y eaters to be adventurous or just to have a blast in Patricia’s kitchen.

Patricia Tamminga | founder of Patricia's Table 26 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

tjmag.com • 27

NEWSWORTHY

T

CITIZEN'S POLICE ACADEMY

he Citizen’s Police Academy is a seven week course offered to the community to provide insider information about the daily workings of law enforcement. The Academy meets one night per week during the course for two to three hours to discuss various topics and departments. Students of the Academy get to tour the jail, observe the night patrol, learn how dispatch assigns police calls, and other exciting activities. Throughout the course, several important leaders in law enforcement give presentations in their field. For example, the District Attorney explains the process of warrant issuance to arrest and the court cases that might follow.

In addition to being a fun experience, the Citizen’s Police Academy provides a very useful service to the community. According to Officer Donald Carroll, “There are things we [police officers] have to do, or can’t do. We have to follow the law, too, and sometimes people don’t understand.” The Citizen’s Police Academy bridges this gap by allowing citizens to have a better understanding of the duties of law enforcement agencies and officers.

Donnie Kee, a previous graduate of the Citizen’s Police Academy, shared some of his memories of the Academy and the benefits he gained from the course.

“When it was first mentioned to me, I wasn’t too interested, but it made me appreciate what they [police officers] have to do. You think they are just handed a gun, but they really have to learn a lot. I really wasn’t aware about how that worked. It was very enlightening, and it wasn’t all business; they made it fun!”

The Citizen’s Police Academy occurs every spring. You can find out more about it on the Angelina County App or by contacting Officer Donald Carroll. The best part of the course – it’s free!

Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to learn more about law enforcement in your community in spring 2016.

Pictured above: Graduating class and swat photograph after swat demonstrations

Mental illness is [Even when you can’t see it.]

Mental illness is real, and it’s all around us. Depression. Anxiety. Bi-polar disorder. Eating disorders. One in four of us will face a mental illness in any given year. Yet, too many people are afraid to get the help they need or even talk about it with their friends or family. We need your help.

Visit myburke.org/REAL to get the facts, learn how to help those in need, and read stories of people right here in East Texas that are taking control of their mental health.

To make an appointment with a mental health care professional, call 936-634-5010.

IF YOU’RE HAVING A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY, CALL BURKE’S 24-HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE AT 1-800-392-8343.

tjmag.com • 29

MISSION STATEMENT

I

Finding God ’m sitting across the table at a coffee shop from a brighteyed girl with a big smile. She has a tattoo of a tribal arrow with the Latin word Progressum below it. When I ask her about it she tells me the background of the tattoo:

“I got diagnosed with depression, I guess, the beginning of sophomore year [of college]. Progressum means to keep moving forward, and so I got it to say ‘Yes, I was diagnosed with depression, but I am going to keep moving forward from this…as a decision and a promise.’”

However, the woman I’m interviewing looks far from depressed.

The joy of the Lord shines all over her! So how does a woman dealing with depression just a year ago undergo this transformation? The answer: The World Race, also lovingly called “the pressure cooker.”

Shelby Havard, a native of Luf kin, Texas, recently returned from a nine month mission trip called The World Race. She travelled to Guatemala, Thailand, and Zambia, spending three months in each country. Almost serendipitously, or fashioned by our heavenly Father, Shelby came across an article written by a blogger that had participated in The World Race.

“They have this quiz, Do you have what it takes to be a World Racer?

And I was like ‘I don’t know, do I?’ And so I took it. At the time, I was on Facebook because I was looking to switch colleges… that’s when I came across that [the quiz], and I applied for it that day.”

Shelby described this encounter as if God had literally placed The Race in her path. She had no previous knowledge of the organization; in fact, she claimed that missions was not even “on the radar” for her at the time. With the desire to follow God’s will and draw closer to his heart, she took a step of faith and began to raise money for the trip.

In every country Shelby and her team visited, they taught in different schools, though each place had unique challenges. In Guatemala they taught in a preschool for a while, but felt lost when their base leader left unexpectedly. Frustrated and looking for a place to feel useful, the Racers became involved in a hospital where they met three wealthy Guatemalan girls also volunteering there.

“We met them, I think, three weeks before we left [Guatemala]…

We would have worship every Wednesday night at our house, and they started coming with us. Then we ended up just hanging out with them every single day, and built a very strong friendship with them. They were all at our house one night, and [two of them] accepted the Lord. At the end the Lord was like, ‘This is why I brought you here.’”

30 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

in The World Race

tjmag.com • 31

Finding God in the World Race /// Continued In Thailand they taught in a new school every week and worked with the Tamar Center, helping prostitutes learn English to find a new job and better life. One woman quickly knew that she wanted to go to the Tamar Center with Shelby and her group, but her abusive and strict boyfriend was watching her every move.

“He was sitting on a bench maybe 10 yards away watching her, and he would time her when she was with customers.

He wouldn’t leave. So we told him we were going to take her out for dinner, and we were praying so hard. We walked, and kept walking…He didn’t follow us, and we got to our Songtau [a covered truck] and drove away. We paid for her to stay the night in a hotel. The next day our contact came to pick her up. That night, we stayed with her a few hours in the hotel, and she was the first person I got to lead to the Lord.

That was probably the coolest experience in Thailand.”

Next, Shelby’s group travelled to Zambia.

At first Shelby really struggled in Zambia; the weather was hot and the conditions frustrating. As they worked in the schools, they began to understand that the teachers and students did not have the tools or training to develop a strong education. However, there was one child, Jenny, who became very drawn to Shelby and asked Shelby to teach her how to read.

“I said something to my mom about how I hoped that I could afford the books to teach her, and somehow that turned into a school supplies drive.

Literally, Luf kin, Texas raised three huge boxes of school supplies and sent it to Zambia. Through Jenny asking me to teach her to read, we got all those supplies! I got to spend every day with her, and she was just my favorite part of Zambia all together.”

Though these stories Shelby shared with me are amazing, heartbreaking, and beautiful, even more captivating is the 32 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

way Shelby speaks about her spiritual journey throughout The Race. As she encountered each beautiful place and new culture, God was working on her heart. Shelby talks about the progression of her trip in terms of how God was transforming her heart throughout the journey.

In the long-term future, Shelby envisions herself teaching abroad in Africa or maybe India, but for now, she is focusing on getting a degree to teach elementary education at Stephen F. Austin State University. She is moving on to the next phase of life, joy-filled and truly transformed by God.

“Guatemala was a lot of breaking down walls that I had put up…and then Thailand was a lot of [God] speaking life into me and telling me who I am. There was this song we sang, “Seek my face and I will give you gifts.” While seeking the Lord’s face…I felt like He was saying, ‘This is what it’s like to be fully alive in Me.’”

“…for the JOY of the Lord is your strength.” Neh. 8:10 (emphasis added)

Through Shelby’s seeking, the Lord began to develop gifts in her. In Thailand, she learned to play the guitar, she began watercolor painting and writing poetry, delighting in the Lord as He delighted in her. Furthermore, Shelby’s passion for teaching deepened throughout the Race, especially in Zambia.

“Zambia was about my future. In every country, we taught, but in Zambia we worked for a school for the first two months. There were 85 kids in our class and one teacher, and she [the teacher] didn’t know how to read or write. In order to break the cycle of poverty, these kids need a good education. It’s just cyclical!

That was hard to see that, but then the Lord gave me a vision of starting a nonprofit organization that would partner with schools like the one I was in.”

Shelby’s vision for a non-profit would involve a partnership to give free education to the teachers in these schools and then raise up more teachers. Because teachers in schools like these are uneducated, drastically underpaid, and vastly outnumbered by their student body, it is difficult to recruit more people into this career path. By offering free education to adults, Shelby feels more people could be drawn into the academic world, helping to educate children and break the cycle of poverty.

photographed by Lisa Crow

PLACES & FACES

Mars Rover Opportunity Replica Dedication at Naranjo Museum

Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!

COURTROOM

Judge April Earley

J

udge April Earley is the Presiding Judge for the City of Lufkin’s Municipal Court. She was raised in the Lufkin area and graduated from Lufkin High School.

Upon graduating from the Thurgood Marshall Law School, she returned to Lufkin to practice law.

Four years ago, the City Council appointed her as the Municipal Court Judge. Since becoming Judge, she has set certain goals and would like Lufkin’s Municipal Court to make a lasting positive impression for all the citizens of Lufkin and Angelina County, especially our children. She believes that our children are our future, but sometimes they need extra guidance and a little push to help keep them on the right track.

In her words: “My main goal is to inform the public about traffic safety and prevention. It starts here in my court. Each month I showcase various traffic safety slogans. This is done throughout the year to bring awareness to the dangers that we are faced with when we are out on our roadways. Other topics such as bullying, assault, and alcohol awareness will also be covered. We also have several wonderful programs scheduled throughout the year.

A couple of these programs are: ‘Choices or Consequences’ and ‘Drunk Driving- Victim Impact Panel’.”

Choices or Consequences was the first attendance program held on April 23. This program was used to kick start the year.

The program speakers presented the various temptations our youth are faced with and the decisions they must make every day. Some of these temptations are truancy, theft, traffic violations and minor in possession to name a few. Their decisions of today will affect their future of tomorrow. If they make the wrong decisions, they could end up having a criminal record that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Teenagers of today need to understand what lies ahead with their life’s journey if they choose to continue on with what they are doing today. They hold the power to change their destiny. Going from a teenager to adulthood is scary enough without these records following you for the rest of your life.

Another program that is forthcoming is Drunk DrivingVictim Impact Panel. This program introduces us to things such drinking, driving, and of course bad decisions. It includes personal stories from guest speakers.

These programs are wonderful and are open to the community free of charge. Judge Earley is encouraging all citizens to attend.

For more information to learn the dates and times, please contact Lufkin Municipal Court at 936-633-0315.

Channel 15 is currently broadcasting the monthly topics that the Lufkin Municipal Court wants the Public to be aware of and become involved in. The first Public Service Announcement

on Channel 15 was aired during the month of April as part of the Municipal Court’s monthly traffic safety initiatives. For the month of April, they began with Distracted Driving, knowing that many citizens have been affected by a distracted driver.

Judge Earley was also honored to have been asked to be a guest speaker for the TXDOT – Click It or Ticket safety campaign for the month of May. “It was important to me that our Court participate in such a significant safety campaign. I see many cases that involve seatbelt violations and the consequences of not properly wearing one, so I felt a sense of obligation to make everyone in our community aware of the importance of following the laws that are created to protect us.”

Children of today will themselves become pillars of the community in the future. As part of community service and/or consequences, juveniles are ordered to create items such as display boards, essays, and personal pledges. These items are displayed in our courthouse.

These are a part of giving back to the community for making them more aware of their actions. Each display board deals with a particular topic. The kids have worked very hard to produce their display boards. Should you wish to see the actual display boards, feel free to visit the Luf kin Municipal Court’s lobby where they are on display.

Judge Earley hopes that through some of the programs that have been implemented, she and Lufkin Municipal Court will help to shape young drivers of today into tomorrow’s defensive drivers.

Perhaps, through their actions, they can teach others how to be more aware of the driving privileges afforded all of us as we travel from one location to another.

Through her own actions, Judge Earley incites our community into action: “This is Our City but it is also My City, so let us all work together- young and old to make this a wonderful place to live.”

tjmag.com • 35

HOMETOWN HEROES

J

udy Kocar says she doesn’t feel like she and husband Jerry volunteer a lot, but other people seem to think so. In the Kocar’s case, ‘other people’ appear to be correct. This active couple, both in their 80’s, regularly donates more than 12 hours per week in volunteer work, with extra hours thrown in for special events and committee service.

“You can’t just sit at home and do nothing when you can be helping someone,” says Judy.

The couple caught the volunteer fever years ago when they traveled the country full time. They spent eight years overnighting in RV camps and began volunteering at the community breakfasts organized by fellow RV travelers.

When they settled down at PineCrest Retirement Community in 2006, they quickly found ways to help out in the Luf kin community.

Both began volunteering at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Hospital, a practice each has continued to this day. Judy volunteers in the gift shop on Tuesday mornings and has proven more than willing to come in on extra days when needed.

“I cannot say enough good things about Judy,” says Sharon Kelley, the hospital’s volunteer coordinator and gift shop manager. “She’s positive and optimistic and exemplifies the best of what it means to be a volunteer. She stays committed

JUDY & JERRY KOCAR to making a difference in the hospital and the community.”

Judy says her time in the gift shop provides opportunities to help people who may be facing difficult circumstances.

“When I go to the gift shop, I know I’m going to see people who may be having a hard day. I’m going to give them a smile, sometimes a sympathetic ear. It helps, and it’s rewarding.”

In the hospital’s Outpatient Therapy Center, Jerry’s contributions are considered vital.

He makes sure linens and supplies stay well stocked, and he sterilizes all the waiting room toys to meet strict hospital infection control standards.

“When Jerry comes in, he has a lot to do,” says Elisa Harris, clinical manager for the Rehabilitation Services Department. “He works the whole four hours he’s here. It’s not your typical volunteer job. He’s busy 95 percent of the time.”

The outpatient staff appreciates Jerry so much that after he missed a few weeks due to an illness, he walked in to find the staff had declared it “Honor Jerry Day” in celebration of his return.

However busy they are at the hospital, Jerry and Judy don’t allow their volunteer spirits to rest back home in their retirement community. When they first moved to PineCrest, Jerry started volunteering in the community’s George Henderson Memory Support Unit, where he still visits once a week.

“When I leave the unit, I always tell the staff I wish I could have done more for the residents today,” says Jerry.

Charge Nurse Cindy Foust thinks Jerry underestimates his impact on the residents.

“Jerry is awesome. He has their undivided attention and does a great job getting them to speak and engage with him in games and activities. He’s always doing something different, and he keeps up to date on the well being of each person. He makes the staff smile, too. Jerry just keeps going, even though he’s close in age to many of the residents in the unit.”

Judy also helps out at PineCrest by volunteering in the community’s ice cream shop once a week. Both Judy and Jerry also volunteer once a month to call Bingo games for the residents.

At church, Judy serves on the Prime Time Committee where she helps plan events and activities for the senior members. She also volunteers for senior-focused events at the athletic club where she is a member.

Upon ref lection, Judy sums up what motivates the couple to volunteer in so many ways.

“Jerry and I feel very blessed, health wise, to be able to do volunteer work. The point of it all is to help people who need help.”

PLACES & FACES

photographed by Bruce R. Partain & George Nagata courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

26th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival

38 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

LIFE 40 FASHION | 42 SOMETHING ABUNDANT | 44 STRETCH MARKS

tjmag.com • 39

FASHION

by Jessica Tinsley Bridges, Creator of jesslea.com

Y

SPLURGE

OR

STEAL

ou don’t have to have an enormous bank account to have great style. If you are a fashion lover like me, then you probably enjoy looking at fashion magazines, blogs and instagram for the latest trends and outfit ideas. So I came up with some alternative items to a few popular pieces you see all the time on fashion blogs and in magazines. Let’s face it… who can really afford to splurge on every item? I completely understand the idea behind buying that one special piece here and there, but that is why we call it a splurge. So I’ve found some awesome look-alikes on some really popular pieces, and I think you will love the prices.

VS

VS

$175, Rebecca Minkoff ‘Avery’ Crossbody Bag, Nordstrom’s vs $18.99, Del Mano Get Organized Crossbody, Belk’s

$150, Ray-Ban Classic Clubmaster Sunglasses, Belk’s vs $14.99, Women’s Clubmaster Sunglasses, Target

VS

$99, Michael Kors Demitra Wedge Sandal, Belk’s or MichaelKors.com vs $29.99, Merona Meredith Zipper Wedge Sandal, Target

VS $59, Renegade Cluster Bracelet in Gold, Stella & Dot vs $25, Spiked Stretch Bracelet, AccessoryConcierge.com

VS

$139.95, Michael Kors ‘Posey’ Espadrille Wedge Sandal, Nordstrom’s or MichaelKors.com vs $19.99, Whimsy Espadrille Wedge, Payless

VS $155, Ray-Ban Jackie O Sunglasses, Belk’s vs $24.99, Franco Sarto Oval Side Crystal Sunglasses, Beall’s

VS $395, Tory Burch ‘Perry’ Leather Tote, Nordstrom’s or ToryBurch.com vs $39.99, Reversible Tote Handbag, Target

VS $250, Michael Kors Women’s Chronograph Bradshaw Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch 43mm, Belk’s vs $19.99, Women’s Mossimo Analog Watch, Target

VS

$185, Tory Burch Lucia Lace Espadrilles, ToryBurch.com vs $24.99, Rita Espadrille Flats, Target

Jessica (Jess) is a 28-year old brunette born and raised in Lufkin. She is in love with fashion and wearing high heels, even though she’s 5’10’’. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin with a Fashion Merchandising degree. She and her husband live in Houston with their 2 dogs, Bella and Bentley. She is an assistant buyer for a department store in Houston, Texas. She has her own fashion blog, Jess Lea where she shares her love for fashion on a budget. photo by The Silhouette Studio

tjmag.com • 41

SOMETHING ABUNDANT

THE HERO OF HEAVEN

I

f you are a child of the ‘80s like I am, you’ve probably found yourself scream-singing Bonny Tyler’s “I Need A Hero” (made famous by the original Footloose movie) a time or two hundred. No? Just me?

Don’t act like you don’t know it.

“Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?

There is a hero on a white horse called Faithful and True.

Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need.

With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

I need a hero. I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight.

And now you’re singing the chorus again. It will be in your head for the rest of the day. You can thank me later because it’s a totally rad song, right?!

A romantic power ballad with a racing beat about an epic battle and the need for a larger than life hero, it encompasses a woman’s desire--not to be rescued. Oh, no.

Where’s the adventure in that? Her desire is to be known and swept off her feet by a street-wise Hercules to fight the rising odds together. In her wildest fantasy, a heroine can feel her hero’s approach like a fire in her blood.

Nothing can cause us to toss and turn like an unfulfilled dream of what we need. As a child of the 80’s turned grown-up of the millennium, perhaps you feel tempted to turn your heroine cape into an apron and

42 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

give up on your chance for the epic love story that won’t disappoint, fall apart, or fall asleep. It was all a fantasy, a too-goodto-be-true fairytale swallowed up by mortgage payments, parent teacher conferences, and wrinkle cream hype. Well, allow me to be the messenger of some really great news for you, modern day mom, wife, woman.

king of kings and lord of lords.

A child of the 80’s might believe that description was written by Bonny Tyler herself, but she’d be mistaken. That holy heart throb description is holy Scripture. Revelation 19:11-16 to be exact, and the words describe Jesus Christ Himself.

Perhaps like many children of the 80’s, you’ve traded your church learning in for a more exciting, more relevant version of modern life. Heroes are for movies; meanwhile children are dying, the poor are forgotten, and ain’t nobody got time to even care. Reasoning that since we only get one go around on this

by Angie Nichols

planet Earth, we strive to create for ourselves a pseudo-wild ride with as much cheap fun and sugary adventure as possible while staying in the shallow end of real truth. Jesus sure can’t be invited to that party.

We dance across the blurred lines of monogamy, f lirt with chemical or carnal addictions, get drunk on pride, money, fame, or success, spin with the excitement of noble accolades, checking boxes on our to-do lists. We get a temporary rise in our pulse and a counterfeit rush. All the while, our enemy in the eternal war waged over souls tucks us to bed with a lullaby that Jesus is weak, boring, and out-dated.

Go to sleep, little bride.

It just is what it is. There is no hero, no power, no changing things at all.

You are fine. It doesn’t matter. Step out on faith and you will only fall.

Maybe today is the day for a new old song. The kind that comes on a morning breeze of new mercy; the still small voice of a long off lover, refusing to stop His pursuit of your heart.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good...”

Psalm 34:8 Yes, He is gentle, but don’t make the mistake of believing Him weak. He is hard. Moreover, He will ask you to do some hard things too. Like lay down your very life. He will command you to let go of every f lighty “god” you’ve carved out of the present moment.

He may lead you through your worst

nightmare in the wakeful hours of a season. He might allow you to break yourself on the rock solid boundaries of His ways. He will repeat the same instructions until you want to crumple and tear the words from the dusty, old Bible.

He is Truth. He is righteous. He is strong. He is to be feared. The merest breath from His mouth can melt a heart.

His glorious presence will kill a man (or woman) where he stands (2 Samuel 6: 7, Genesis 19:26, Acts 5:1-11). He will judge, make war, crush and destroy by His just will.

taste of His kiss. He is good and He wants nothing more than to take you on the epic thrill of fighting side by side through your worst nightmare. There is no greater rush than to know the Hero of Heaven and be known by Him. In any decade or generation--from Eve in Eden, to your East Texas today, Jesus is Him. If the Hero of heaven has your heart, His offer of eternal life means-real LIFE--yesterday, today, tomorrow, ever after.

No, He isn’t safe. But where is the adventure in safe, O eternal heroine?

He is divinely wild, but the Word of His merciful song says He is good. And He loves you. As a young man marries a young woman, your God rejoices over you (Isaiah 62:5). Only taste and see.

But what makes a woman bold enough to come near, taste, kiss a holy Hero King? How does a soul dare to take up the invitation to test His promises for a life that is truly heart-pounding LIFE? Only because of a cross.

Just through the work of His death and resurrection.

Nothing but the covering of His precious blood can transform her to wedding day white. His grace alone turns a worn out wannabe into a royal bride, led to Him on The Way Himself (See Psalm 45 and John 14:6).

Sleeping beauty, dreaming of what you need, you do need a hero. Wake to the

Want to learn more about this Love story? Get the awardwinning book and Bible study

by Angie Nichols. Available on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com in paperback or e-reader formats.

Angie Nichols is the founder of Something Abundant Ministries, serving women through worship, ministry, and Biblical teaching and the author of Something Abundant: growing from a child of God to the bride of Christ. Her passion is for women to know the beauty of an abundant life knowing Christ as Bridegroom. She is married to Chris and they have one daughter, Mycah. For more information, to read Angie’s blog, or book speaking events visit: somethingabundantministries.org. tjmag.com • 43

STRETCH MARKS

by Melissa Radke

I Spell Hero Like This:

T-E-A-C-H-E-R

I

do not care if my daughter knows who John Hancock is.

I know I should, but I just don’t. And this is me being brave and honest and just putting it out there. I never plan on testing her John Hancock knowledge. Not ever.

In fact, it wasn’t until this year when I spent an entire evening at the round table in my dining room making a poster about him did I even know half of those things. “Who was elected to the Continental Congress in 1824” is not something they’ve ever asked on The Voice, so I was clueless.

And I’m gonna be frank enough to say: I’ve done pretty well. I mean, I’m no Secretary of State, but I can handle myself pretty well, make great cream gravy and I’m a lot of fun to hang out with.

But you, School Teacher, you do know who John Hancock is. You want my daughter to know who he is. And not only that, you had to sit and listen as 21 different students told you about his life and you had to pretend to care and be interested.

And that’s why you’re my Home Town Hero.

Last week my daughter walked out of the house with a rope. A rope. She had found it in a ditch. It had no magical powers and she could not perform any tricks with it. I asked her why she was taking a silly old

rope to Show-and-Tell. She said, “Why not? Last week Andrew brought pictures of his mom’s wrecked car that they turned in to their insurance man.”

But you, School Teacher. You open up the f loor of your classroom every week so second graders can tell you about ropes. Or how loud their daddy burps. You’ve had to endure endless parades of the most boring and monotonous toys known to man kind. Not to mention pictures from when Layla’s parents went to Fresno or Andrew’s mom wrecked her Subaru.

You pretend to care and be interested.

You are my hero!

I think Field Day must just be the worst day ever invented. It’s essentially 400 children in wet clothes who can’t find their other shoe. It’s a cesspool of bouncy houses and streptococcus.

I’ve seen teachers break up fights, take wet clothes off to put dry clothes on to take wet clothes off to put dry clothes back on - the same kid - five times, keep one hand on a bloody nose while shooting hysterical kids with a water gun in the other, and venture through a bouncy maze because Jerod lost his retainer.

And yet, School Teacher, you do it.

Why?

Is it because the pay is awesome?

Is it because the benefits & insurance are just that amazing?

Is it because of STAAR testing?

Is it because your kids performance on one standardized test will make or break your future?

Are you just a glutton for punishment?

Or do you really just care about my kid that much? Because I’ve been up there during class parties and field trips. I’ve seen you take four to the bathroom at one time. I’ve seen you dry watery tears and I’ve seen you share your lunch. I’ve seen you give A’s when you should’ve given C’s and hugs when you should’ve given big swift kicks in the...

And that’s why, School Teacher, you’re my hero. Because you do what I cannot / would not / will not ever do.....and that is, teach my daughter that John Hancock matters and so do all of the creative things you can do with a rope. You teach them that one test does not make a life-time learner. You are better at this than I could ever be. And I thank you.

Why do you keep coming back year after year?

Melissa Radke is married to the best looking man in town, whom she affectionately refers to as The Attorney General. They have two children, Remi and Rocco; you have probably seen their picture in the Most Wanted list at your local schools. She loves movie popcorn, telling her friends what to do with their hair and being the center of attention. You can find her anytime at melissa@luf kin.org or Chik-fil-A. You are encouraged to ask for her autograph. In fact, she insists.

44 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

TJMAG&CO | an original since 2005 tjmag.com • 45

PLACES & FACES

photographed by Lisa Crow

Friends of the Ellen Trout Zoo - Zoo Brew

Interested in purchasing a photo you see? Visit lisacrowphotography.smugmug.com!

CHILD 48 SCHOOL REPORT | 50 LOOK AT ME | 52 PRETTY BABIES

tjmag.com • 47

SCHOOL REPORT

B

ST. CYPRIAN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL IS GROWING eginning with the 2015-2016 school year, St. Cyprian’s will be offering middle school-sixth through eighth grades.

community have been requesting the addition of middle school for quite some time, and with the completion last year of the additional classrooms and the Dyslexia wing, we know now is the time.”

“This is a tremendous step for our school and our community.” Dr. Sherry Durham, head of School, said “It has been with a lot of careful consideration that we make this move.”

This year, St. Cyprian’s celebrates 60 years of educating children in a Christian environment. The school was chartered in 1955 to give a religious foundation for learning and to provide personal attention in small classes.

“Our parents as well as others within the

Today, St. Cyprian’s team of certified teachers continues to provide an active, challenging and positive learning environment.

I f t he past school year was any ind icat ion, the upcoming school year, w ith all of its changes, w ill be tremendous, Durham said.

60 years and growing.

ough 8th grades.

Now offering 6th thr

The 2015-2016 school year changes include: • Addition of Bambi Shofner as the school’s Gifted and Talented coordinator and 5th grade teacher • Addition of Environmental Science as a specialty class • Addition of more extracurricular activities: golf, theater, jazz band, percussion ensemble and Jr. Cotillion

With the addition of the specialty music and theater classes, St. Cyprian’s is enhancing STEM to a STEAM education “We must teach students how to think using creativity to deal with abstract issues as well as identifying and plugging in the facts. The jobs needed for the future are beyond our comprehension.

Skills and technologies have yet to be invented to address problems yet to be identified, Individuals taught well with Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) integration will be prepared for success regardless of the unknowns in their futures,” she said.

“At St. Cyprian’s assuring students are given learning opportunities in core content areas with access to music, theater and art with equal emphasis allows students to be powered by the STEAM concept, and we send them into the next phase of their lives full speed ahead for accomplishing great things with the ability to flourish in the future using facts and creativity.”

The school also will continue to enhance environmental programs it started last year, including work in the Outdoor Learning Center with wetlands, wildflower meadow, sustainable garden and gazebo with workstations.

Differentiated Instruction for Gifted Learners | Small Classes | Certified Classroom Teachers with Continuous Neuhaus Education Center Training | John Caskey Dyslexia Center | Religious Study with Daily Chapel Services | Extracurricular Activities & Specialty Classes for All Students | Outdoor Learning Center | Accredited by Southwestern Assocation of Episcopal Schools, AdvanceEd, SACS/CASI, Designated Green School

Welcome Bambi Shofner

Gifted & Talented Coordinator/5th grade teacher She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementar y Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Her experience and education includes: • Training in Gifted & Talented programs annually since 1985 • Gifted & Talented Teacher and Coordinator for K-8th grades, 1993-2009

Now accepting applications for 2015-2016 school year Pre-K3 to 8th grade.

CALL (936) 632-1720 FOR A PRIVATE TOUR TODAY

• Developing and conducting robotics lab for middle school students and a space lab for elementar y students • Introduced Destination Imagination to Angelina County schools. She has ser ved on the DI Board of Directors and coached teams that reached the Global competition several times.

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF LEARNING. KEEP THE WONDER OF CHILDHOOD. ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

1115 S. John Redditt Dr. • Lufkin, TX saintcyprians.org

tjmag.com • 49

LOOK AT ME

LOOK AT ME! brought to you by

Smoothie King of Lufkin

4505 S Medford Dr. • (936) 632-5464

Like us on

Congratulations on your Kindergarten Graduation Allie Gwynn Wright. We love you- mommy and daddy.

Ms. Kim & Taylor Day Kindergarten Graduation

Ryleigh Evans had a great week at NCA cheer camp. She was nominated for All-American and her team won the superior rating along with many other awards.

Hudson 8U All Stars. Coaches: Robert Ramsey, Eric Warren, Clay Oliver, & Shane Howatt. Roland Ramirez, Cash Ramsey, Carter Warren, David Enfinger, Landon Greer, Jake Slaton, Cason Kieser, Brycen Skinner, Brodie Oliver, Zeth Dugat, & Channing Howatt.

Not pictured: Brody Fisher.

Diboll Primary PreK-4 students in Mrs. Hernandez class are observing and writing at one of the science stations set up in the hallway!

Looking at ladybugs, caterpillars, worms and plants growing makes learning so much fun!

(L-R): Adalyna Sandoval, Carter Williams, Adan Castillo, Miguel Chavez, Eli Mijares, & Tristan Kilgore.

Coaches: Steve Cloyd, Gary Rowe, & Jimmy Cloonan. Casen Rowe, Miguel Flores, Ryder Powers, Trip Sanders, Jackson Weibe, Peyton Herrinton, Caden Rowe, Grant Stafford, Landon Cloonan, Jackson May, & Luke Cloyd.

OUTSTANDING ACADEMICS • PCA is a comprehensive free public charter school serving students in grades PreK-12th grade.

• PARAMUS Early College High School students grades 9-12 take Dual Credit courses at Angelina College and can earn up to 60 college hours or an Associate’s Degree.

• PARAMUS is the only ECHS designated by the Texas Education Agency in the greater Angelina County area.

PINEYWOODS COMMUNITY ACADEMY

College Preparatory Charter School Accredited Through Texas Education Agency

OUTSTANDING ACTIVITIES • UIL District 23 1A sports at the Junior High, Junior Varsity and Varsity levels including boys and girls basketball, track, cross country, golf, and tennis.

• UIL Academics, Destination Imagination, and Robotics activities elementary through high school.

• Award winning choral music and theater program.

OUTSTANDING ADVANTAGES • Class sizes of 20 students or less provide individualized instruction and a student-centered approach.

• Students can arrive as early as 6:30 a.m. and stay as late as 6:00 p.m. to accommodate working parents.

602 S. Raguet • Lufkin • 936-634-5515 • www.pineywoodsacademy.org tjmag.com • 51

1 PRETTY BABIES

1. Landry Claire Knight.

1/7/15. Proud Parents: Brandie & Matt Knight.

Proud Grandparents: Kyle & Linda Belschner / Roy & Janet Knight. Photo by Photo by Kylie Tyer White (Oh Sugar).

2. Cody Allen Anderson.

5/12/15. Proud Parents: Mark & Amanda Anderson.

4

3. Allison Claire Pigg.

9/24/14. Proud Parents: Alexis & Jared Pigg.

Proud Grandparents: Jackey & Charlene Pigg / Kevin & Pam Hudson.

4. Mary Caroline Henson.

12/25/14. Proud Parents: Nancy & Kent Henson. Proud Grandparents: Randy & Callie Winston / Paulette Walker.

2

3

5. Elise Kay Lowery.

9/16/14. Proud Parents: John Mark & Whitney Lowery. Proud Grandparents: Randy & Leah Duke / Mark & Brenda Lowery.

5

Joy.

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BUSINESS 54 IN THE KNOW | 56 SERVICE | 62 CHAMBER NEWS

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IN THE KNOW

LOCA L NEWS & ANOTHER SESSION IN THE BOOKS The Texas House adjourned in early June, and the dust is beginning to settle around the Capitol.

Things have slowed down dramatically after the scramble to finish up business before the legislative deadlines.

LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS This session was a major success on many fronts, and there were accomplishments that all Texans can be proud of. We were able to pass a balanced budget that meets the needs for our rapidly growing state while also giving hard working Texans nearly $4 billion in tax relief.

The budget also included roughly $3.8 billion new dollars for public education and over $800 million for border security. Legislation also passed which will direct over $3 billion each year in the future for construction of new roads-- without any of this money being used to support toll roads. In addition to that, the Legislature passed legislation that expands our Second Amendment rights, protects life, and improves our public education system.

BILLS BY THE NUMBERS During the 84th Legislative Session, the members of the Texas House and Senate filed 6,476 bills and joint resolutions to change, add, or repeal various state laws or constitutional provisions.

Only 1,332, or just over 20 percent, of these bills ultimately passed. The governor now has until June 21 to sign bills into law, veto them, or allow them to become law without his signature.

Of these bills, I was the primary author of five, joint-author of nine, and co-author of 22 that passed through both chambers and have been sent on to Governor to be signed into law.

WHAT’S NEXT? Completing two years of work in just 140 days is a daunting task, but I thank you all for this opportunity to represent our district. With a part-time Legislature in Texas, each of us heads back to our districts for our normal day jobs to live under the laws we passed. Over the coming months, campaigns will begin kicking off across the state and nation leading up to the Texas primary election date next March.

REMINDERS For the convenience of constituents not wanting to travel far from home, the mobile office will continue its regular Wednesday travel schedule throughout the District even now that session has concluded.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at (936) 634-2762 or (512) 463-0508 if we can ever be of assistance, and remember that our door is always open.

TRENT ASHBY TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE

LEGISLATI V E UPDATES TRAVIS CLARDY

J

une 1st, 2015, was “Sine Die” for the 84th Legislative Session. The Latin phrase meaning, “Without assigning a day for a further meeting or hearing,” is the traditional term used for the 140th meeting day in Austin. Over the course of the last five months, my colleagues and I have passed a balanced state budget, cut taxes, established educational priorities and pushed forward Second Amendment rights for all Texans.

As the summer moves forward, I expect Governor Greg Abbott to sign 21 pieces of legislation that I authored in the House of Representatives. Within that list, you will find help for local businesses in House District 11, sound higher education policy geared toward improving completion rates as well as cutting down on the cost of college and bills which help law enforcement crack down on dangerous synthetic drugs which continue to harm Texans across the state. Some of the legislative accomplishments of which I am most proud are: HOUSE BILL 1964 - A bill which will allow a portion of the Hotel Occupancy Tax collected in Nacogdoches to be used for the renovation and reopening of the Historic Hotel Fredonia and Convention Center; SENATE BILLS 172 & 173 - Two bills, which I authored alongside Senator Joan Huffman, that create criminal prosecution procedures for the massive list of chemical compounds which are used for making extremely dangerous, and sometimes fatal, synthetic drugs; HOUSE BILL 3337 - An ethics reform bill that creates guidelines for state agencies when they want to reimburse college education for employees; HOUSE BILL 1583 - A priority higher education item for Governor Greg Abbott which will provide scheduling predictability for students at public junior colleges;

TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE BILL 3348 - A higher education piece for Tyler Junior College, allowing them to provide a four-year degree in dental hygiene, identified as the highest unmet healthcare need in East Texas.

Both chambers agreed on and approved a strong conservative state budget which prioritizes education, transportation, transparency, and border security, while staying under the constitutional spending limit. I am most proud to officially announce that a part of that budget provides funding for House Bill 100, which I was a JointAuthor and member of the conference committee with the Senate. The bill allocates funding for Stephen F. Austin State University to construct a much needed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics building.

I want to thank all of the people who helped respond to the devastating storms that hit Cherokee and Rusk Counties. Not only did our f irst responders do an incredible job of helping get our communities back on their feet, but the entire population has rallied in this incredible time of need. It’s a true testament to the spirit of East Texas.

Finally, I want to recognize the Martinsville I.S.D. One Act Play Company who placed sixth in the UIL State Competition! The group visited their Capitol on Tuesday afternoon, shortly before performing “Picnic on the Battlef ield” by Fernando Arrabal. In addition to the team being awarded sixth place, Halie Morris and Alli Beck received All-Star and Honorable Mention All-Star Cast Awards, respectively.

I encourage all residents of House District 11 to contact my Capitol (512-463-0592) or District office (936-560-3982) if you have any questions, want to voice your opinion on legislation or need assistance with a state-related matter. You may also send an email to District11.Clardy@house.state.tx.us. If you happen to be in Austin, I invite you to drop by the office at your Capitol (Rm. E2.314). tjmag.com • 55

SERVICE

Celebrating Jerry Huffman’s Service in the

A

fter 43 years as a Chamber Executive, 32 of which were served in the Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Huffman has off icially retired from his position as President. He held this position for 21 years, and he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and East Texas tradition that the community of Luf kin will always cherish.

Huffman began his years of service back in 1974 when he moved to Luf kin to serve as the Chamber’s Executive Vice President. After a period of serving at the Galveston Chamber, Huffman returned to Lufkin to take on the role of Chamber of Commerce President in 1986. He temporarily left the Chamber profession to be District Director for U.S. Congressman Jim Turner in 1997, though he maintained his membership status throughout that time. In 2004, Huffman returned to the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber and again took on the role of President.

During these many years, Jerry Huffman made it his mission to grow and develop the areas of Luf kin and Angelina County. For example, Huffman played a huge role in reviving the Texas State Forest Festival. After ending its run from 1938-1953, Huffman took the steps to restart the Festival in 1984. Now the Texas State Forest Festival has been known to host as many at 30,000 in attendance, bringing in substantial profits for the community of East Texas. Other events that were born out of Huffman’s ideas include the East Texas Cheerleading Competition, the Pineywoods Purgatory cycling event, the Annual Neches River Rendezvous, and the Tee It Up for Teachers Golf Tournament hosted at the Crown Colony Country Club. Among many other accomplishments, he was also instrumental in the creation of Crime Stoppers and the building of a new Chamber facility in 1988.

All of these events would not be possible without trained staff and committed volunteers. With Jerry Huffman’s passion for the community and strong leadership qualities, he earned the admiration of many peers, employees, volunteers, and chamber members. He took an active role in every event, working alongside staff, teaching, mentoring, and serving, rather than issuing orders. Melissa Wheeler, Program & Operations Manager of the Chamber of Commerce, described some of what made Jerry Huffman a great leader.

“Jerry allowed his staff to grow in the Chamber by giving them freedom to handle their programs and make changes as needed. It was truly a learning experience to work closely with him. He has a great way of seeing the ‘big

56 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

Chamber of Commerce picture’ of things and not getting lost in the details.”

In addition, Melissa and the Chamber staff witnessed his dedication to the Chamber in playful and fun ways.

“Over the years, many community members and staffers have tried to beat Jerry to the Chamber office with no avail. His vehicle has graced the parking lot by 6:30 am every morning during his career.”

Trey Henderson, a Chamber member, also described Jerry Huffman’s ‘hands-on’ leadership style: “Jerry is a people person and that’s what you have to be to be an effective Chamber President. His leadership skills, combined with his ability to motivate volunteers, are second to none. So many of the programs that are currently under the Chamber umbrella were started under Jerry’s leadership, and thanks to his ability to communicate to the membership the need for these programs they have been tremendously successful. The Hushpuppy Olympics, the Texas Forest Festival and the Exposition Center are just a few of the projects still in existence that started out under Jerry’s and The Chamber’s direction.”

However, Henderson also noted that Huffman “was one to always point to others for the success of anything.” Though he played a huge role in the initial dream, deployment, and success of an event, he recognized and appreciated the other people involved, and their contribution to the Chamber and community, as well.

Executives as the second person in Texas history to be a member and to serve in a Chamber career for 40 years. He led one of less than 500 accredited Chambers in the nation.

In 1993 he was designated Certified Chamber of Commerce Executive by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

He was Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year in East Texas in 1989. For his achievements and dedication during his service, Huffman received the Marvin Hurley Award from the Chamber of Commerce Executives…and these are only a few of his many accolades!

What stands out even beyond all of his achievements is Jerry Huffman’s commitment to upholding the traditions, values and heritage of East Texas throughout his service. Though he implemented new ideas and spurred new projects and events, Huffman knew the heart of his community. He maintained the perfect balance of growth to ensure the future and respect for the past. The community of Luf kin and Angelina County and the Chamber are so appreciative of the hard work Huffman has poured into our area. After these many years of service, he truly leaves behind a legacy to be celebrated and remembered.

Throughout his time serving as a respected leader in the com- Special Thanks to Melissa Wheeler and Susie Cardwell of the munity, Huffman has received several awards and recognitions. Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce for their In 2011, he was recognized by the Texas Chamber of Commerce contribution of information for this article.

SERVICE & Community Online

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58 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

photographed by Clay Bostian

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CHAMBER NEWS

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for The Lily Farm, 10056 S.H. 7 W., Center, (936) 572-1962.

Owners Jill and Mark Carpenter and team member Jose Morales welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Smoothie King of Luf kin, 4505 S Medford Dr, Suite 209, (936) 632-5464.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Manhattan Fine Dining Restaurant, 107 W Luf kin Ave, (936) 639-8400, www.manhattanfinedininginluf kin.com.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Sam’s Club, 407 N Brentwood, (936) 639-1700.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Joe’s Italian Grill & Pasta, 1903 South First St, (936) 899-7055, www.joesitaliangrillandpasta.com.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce gives a red carpet salute to Outback Steakhouse, 2206 S First St, (936) 634-4616.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for K & B Pools, 304 E Denman Ave, (936) 632-7665, http://luf kinpools.net.

Luf kin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for 855 Bugs.com, (936) 666-8068.

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east 66 NATURE'S EYE | 68 LEGACY | 70 LEADERSHIP

Unlock Your Property’s Full Potential

If you’ve taken the time to begin reading this article, we have something in common.

Folks like us are wired to have a passion for land conservation and wildlife management.

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NATURE'S EYE

Unlock Your Property's Full Potential /// Continued

T

houghts of intense property management can lead to countless hours of no sleep and daydreaming at the workplace. The truth is that we all seem to find a form of therapy in recreational land management, especially when it’s your own property or lease. I’m sure you have countless ideas for ways to transform your property into the dream property that you’ve always envisioned. Turning those ideas into reality can sometimes seem to be a stumbling block. However, getting started is not as complicated as it may seem. All of the ideas you may have can be overwhelming and disorganized to the point where you ask yourself, “I know what I want, but how do unlock my property’s full potential?”

Remember that your special piece of ground is yours and how it’s managed should reflect your vision for it. There are several ways to approach the launch of your property enhancements and management techniques. The single most important component to getting started is defining you goals and objectives. These will set the foundation for the all the details throughout the future of your management regime. It’s important to spend some time thinking about your short and long-term goals. Some questions to ask yourself are: What species of wildlife am I most interested in?

Spend some time thinking about the species that interest you and your family the most. Common species that are typically managed for are game species such as dove, deer, waterfowl, turkey, and quail. My advice is to stay open minded. Having nongame species on your property increases overall diversity and adds aesthetic value. For example, incorporating wildflowers on your property can not only improve aesthetics, but also provide areas rich in bugs (invertebrates) and seeds on which songbirds and turkeys depend. There are also government cost/share programs for pollinator habitat. A lot of wildlife species can benefit from the management practices of other species.

Stay open-minded and explore your options.

What is my estimated timing for beginning and completion?

Establishing a timeline of activities is important for organization, record keeping, and cash flow in your property management. Timing is critical in all forestry and wildlife management practices. The timeline can also be adjusted over the years to help your management practices become more efficient. Consider developing an annual, bi-annual, and overall timeline of your activities. Intense property management may also require a monthly timeline schedule.

Methods on your timeline could include, but are not be limited to, food plot implementation and maintenance, supplemental feeding practices, herbicide applications,

66 • THE JOURNEY • COMMUNITYHEROES2015

waterfowl impoundment management, fertilization, bush hogging, disking, prescribed burn schedules, and equipment maintenance.

What are my constraints?

Identifying your constraints will help save money, time, and trial and error. Constraints are any factors that may directly or indirectly affect your goals and objectives.

Some constraints to evaluate are: acreage, budget, equipment, adjoining property, and time. Analyze each one of the constraints and develop strategies to work with them.

For example, if your piece of property is small in acreage and is surrounded by landowners that aren’t on the same management program as you are, you’ll want to concentrate your food sources at the core of your property to “draw” your wildlife from the property lines. Also, evaluate limiting factors in the area such as soft mast (fruit trees), hard mast (oak trees), mineral stations, food plots, etc. Implement and enhance these limiting factors onto your property to make the most out of it. These strategies can help you overcome your property’s constraints.

Do I need my property to generate a sustainable source of revenue?

Let your property work for you. There are numerous government cost/share programs that are targeted for forestry and wildlife management practices. Some of these programs can even help implement wildlife openings.

Other popular programs include planting native grasses, installing avian boxes, tree planting, and prescribed burning.

Timber production can be another way of generating revenue from your investment. It’s important to establish a timber management plan that includes a harvesting schedule.

Strategic harvest scheduling can allow you to have different age classes and timber stock on your property, which improves your sustainable yield. Another source of revenue to consider is leasing open areas to local farmers for agriculture or hay production. These methods not only utilize open areas, but also improve your wildlife habitat.

The three essential components of wildlife habitat are food, cover, and water. All of these components are important to evaluate and later develop a prescription to enhance. However, there are several components to property management that must first be addressed. The following three components are a vital key to property management and should be utilized on every property, regardless of location and/or size.

1. Boundaries- Clearly define and mark your property lines. This will not only help you know your boundaries, but can help keep your neighbors honest. When guests visit your property, these lines, along with a map, can help them keep their bearings. This method will also help save

by Blake Hamilton

money in the future, as they can be used for logging purposes and other forestry practices. These lines should be well marked with paint on trees, fencing, flagging, and/or posted signage. These clear markings will leave no room for confusion.

2. Maps- The second component is mapping. Maps can show features of the property, which can help carve out various strategies to meet your goals. Spend time gathering different styles of maps that reveal details of your property.

Maps that are extremely beneficial are ones that reveal features such as soil types, topography, streams, and vegetation types. Older maps of the property can allow you to see how features have changed over the years and may give you clues to how they can best be utilized. Some examples of these older features are: roads, logging decks, fire lanes, and food plots. All of these features can help you map out where to implement all of your management practices.

These will also serve as great tools for hunting strategies.

Consider working with a professional consulting firm that understands the importance of listening to your goals and objectives in order to develop a master management plan.

Wildlife is a bi-product of habitat, so the habitat should always be your focus. A clear management plan can serve as a map or compass to help you reach your destination for your property. Keep in mind that every square foot of your property has the potential to be beneficial. It’s your property and your dream. Unlock its full potential!

3. Access- The third component is access. Access throughout your property will pave the way for maintenance and efficiency. Both primary and secondary road access is extremely important. Primary access refers to main roads that run through your property and are typically wider than your secondary roads. Secondary roads can be defined as roads leading to food plots, deer stands, waterfowl impoundments, fire lanes, and connection points between primary roads. Roads should be well maintained and have proper drainage to prevent erosion. It’s also important to have roads around the perimeter of your property. Perimeter roads not only serve as access, but also help mark property lines and can serve as fire lanes.

Developing a 3-5 year management plan will combine all of these pieces together to complete the puzzle. Utilize methods that will work with the size and location of your property to address your goals and objectives. Depending on your location, some of the methods that should be assessed when forming your management plan are: roads, food plots, timber stand improvements, water sources, herbicide applications, aesthetics, fruit orchard sites, strategic habitat improvements for wildlife species, government cost/share programs, nesting/bedding cover evaluation, native grasses, visual barriers, reducing operating cost, supplemental feeding, mineral sites, herbaceous plant enhancement, and creating a sustainable yield to generate revenue. Gathering enough proper field data to analyze these methods is essential. A well-constructed plan should divide these methods into a timeline of phases in order to create overall diversity and reduce initial establishment cost. A quality management plan is tailored toward your property and your vision and will serve as documentation of your investment to improve your recreational value.

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LEGACY

carterwillmon

C

arter Willmon, born and raised in Hudson, Texas, is a 3rd generation police officer in Lufkin. Both his grandfather and father preceded him in joining the force, and he is following in their footsteps.

he enjoyed it. That’s probably a lot of why I ended up in law enforcement.”

And, of course, with the legacy of his father in the Lufkin Police Department and his grandfather in the Angelina County Sheriff’s office, Willmon felt right at home. Willmon never got the chance to meet his grandfather, because he was killed in the line of duty in 1979. However, working in a place where so many people remember his grandfather, Willmon has been able to learn more about his grandfather’s life and service as a police officer.

“I meet people on the street who recognize my last name and knew my grandfather. They tell me stories of how well he treated them and what a good police officer he was.”

Willmon’s father served about 10+ years on the force before he passed away from cancer in April 2012. While he was on the force, he mostly served in patrol, and when he was diagnosed with cancer, he still remained dedicated to his job as an officer.

Before he decided on becoming a police officer, Willmon went to SFA to get a business degree, but he soon learned that he needed to follow a different path.

“They had him in investigation and background checks during his chemo treatments because he wanted to stay working. Now I drive one of the patrol cars he drove, and I have the same badge number that he had. I came to work the first day of training, and the Lieutenant made a call to the chief to get my dad’s number, #244, out of retirement. They gave it to me.”

“I didn’t really enjoy my business classes and realized I was called to be a Police Officer. My dad would come home from work and tell me about jobs in the field, and I could tell how much

Wearing his dad’s badge number, Willmon feels a sense of honor and deep responsibility to uphold the same level of excellence that his grandfather and father practiced before him.

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“I try to hold myself to a higher standard wearing my dad’s uniform; I want to honor that legacy that he and his dad started here. I give myself a lot more responsibility to make the right decisions in the field. Growing up seeing my dad as a police officer, seeing how he loved his family, and hearing stories about his service, I definitely feel like I need to serve the community as best as I can. I want to fill that role my dad left behind to the best of my ability.”

Though his dad rarely brought work home with him, striving to focus on his family during that time, Willmon does remember one moment of seeing his dad in action.

“One time, my mom, sister and I met him for dinner in Lufkin. I was 10 or 11 at the time, and he was on duty with his patrol car. A call came in about a pursuit during dinner, and we saw police cars speed past the restaurant outside. My dad sprinted out to his car and got in pursuit. That seemed really cool at the time to me as a young child.”

The admiration of a young child seeing his father in action has now created another generation of police officers in the Willmon family. Carter Willmon graduated from the Police Academy in March 2014 and began training in July 2014. Though he never got to serve with his dad and grandfather before him, Willmon says he “still feels a sense of them” while he’s working at the Lufkin Police Department. Because they walked the same halls and served with many of the same people, Willmon feels like he is serving alongside them and contributing to their legacy.

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LEADERSHIP

L AW E N FO R C E M E N T GREG SANCHES:

Angelina County Sheriff, Serving in law enforcement for 33 years “Our number one priority is protecting the citizens. If they feel they’re in danger or have a question, we want to be there. We’re here to serve and protect. If you have any questions, feel free to call. We hope the community has confidence that we will protect their identity and take their concerns seriously. We’re taking action to protect our law enforcement officers by making sure they get the proper training and that they are informed of any potential dangers.

The community can help us by supporting law enforcement and being our eyes and ears.

If you know information that can help us or the community, make us aware so that we can investigate it.”

JIM SEVEY:

Nacogdoches Police Chief, Serving in law enforcement for 35 years “I think that law enforcement has changed over the years in that we have developed a sense of being problem-solvers. Once upon a time your reaction to any call was ‘make an arrest, write a citation, and give an order.’ Now our officers go out, they look at a situation and try to solve a problem; they’re looking at what caused the situation. For that reason, we protect our officers through communication and de-escalation training. People are always under some level of stress when police officers are present. We try to reduce that as much as possible. We also stress the importance of quality relationships between police officers and the community.

We want citizens to be able to approach us easily and confidently, and officers are encouraged to become part of the community by going out to meet and talk to people. When this happens, the relationships tend to be more positive, and we can get things done!”

DAVID THOMAS:

Lufkin Assistant Chief of Police, Serving in law enforcement for 25 years “Across the country we are hearing about law enforcement agencies that are becoming reactive due to lack of community and departmental support, but that is not the case at Lufkin PD. Our officers all have a determination to serve their community by being proactive with the knowledge that the department and the community support their efforts. LPD has a long established culture of respecting life and liberty and protecting both…Our officers are trained to the national standard of police tactics and are constantly undergoing training not only to physically survive, but to emotionally survive in a time where police officers have become the targets of criminals and the mainstream media.

I would like for the community to know that the Lufkin Police Department employs professional men and women who just want to serve their community. We are just human beings that deal with a small percentage of the population that makes up the criminal element. The officers ask for the continuing support of the community and their continued prayers for our safety.”

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