Natural Texan Magazine - July/August 2016

Natural

TEXA LIFE IN THE PINES OF SHELBY COUNTY

JULY/AUGUST

2016

Sweet Treats at Brown’s Orchard!

FIND INSIDE SNAKES! DIY Beauty with Essential Oils

Outdoor Kitchens

School Directory Inside! naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 1

2 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

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Hauling, Grinding & Chicken House Cleanout Services +

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We haul chicken litter, shaving, mulch, crushed concrete, rock, and ground asphalt.

Grinding

We take trees, shrub debris and other small products for landscaping and other needs.

We have several large grinders and can come to your location.

Cleaning

We specialize in chicken house cleanout and with the use of 18-wheelers, bobcats and conveyor belts we come to your location and remove the litter in a timely and safe manner.

FROM GABBY

G

GABRIELLE CARTER WEST EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Looking back, a year never seemed to move so fast!

I never thought a year ago I would have had the courage to step out on a leap of faith and start a publication as I had always dreamed. Late night talks with God, months of planning, and sleepless nights have brought me where we are today. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that a year has passed and how AMAZING this road has been! Sometimes it can be crazy and chaotic but what in life doesn’t give you ups and downs?

When I started the Natural Texan, I wanted to share stories about what makes my home, East Texas, so great. I have met some amazing people along the way and have been blessed that they have allowed me to tell their stories with you. Sometimes you never know what the Lord has ahead for your life. Just recently, we have had the good fortune to welcome onto our team a special person. Brittney Ford, our new creative design director, not only has a heart of gold but a talent for the art as well. You will get to know her on the turning pages of each and every issue ahead. I am beyond blessed to have her with me!

Summer brings lots to celebrate: one year anniversary, lake days, vacations, pool time, grilling, and ICE CREAM! So until next time, sit back enjoy the summer and relax; it will be gone before we know it!

naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 5

DEPARTMENTS

16 08 14 20

ON THE COVER

Peaches, peaches, peaches!

Cool off this summer at Brown’s Orchard!

SNAKES!

Venomous or nonvenomous? Learn all about East Texas snakes from local Game Warden, Anthony King.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Complete your summertime glow with this diy lip balm and sugar scrub.

OFF THE APRON

Visit the local farmer’s market and make these peach specialities!

22

GUY DIY

24

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

26

HOMESCHOOLING

28 30

Outdoor Kitchens the whole family will enjoy!

All the contact information you need to get the kiddos back to school.

Is homeschooling for you and your family?

Resources you can use to make that decision.

FARMER’S MARKET

From farm to your kitchen! Visit your local Farmer’s Market.

LOCAL MARKET

Find just what you’re looking for at the Shelby County Local Market. You can advertise in the market too! Just call us!

6 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

To me, every season of the year is glorious in her personal array. Summer is no different. In the mist of winter, summer seems a warm, glorious covet. In the dog days of heat, she seems vicious and exhausting.

Right now, she’s mighty vicious! Even so, I am excited to offer the issue we have this month. Looking into the articles, we have given an array of beneficial information. From outdoor kitchens to recipes and made by hand personal hygiene products, we hope to provide informative

Natural

TEXA

and fun articles. While reading, be sure to check into the snake safety article. Shelby County Game Warden Anthony King has given us some valuable information in connection to snakes.

Also, local farmers work hard all year to bring their very best to us

Publisher | Editor-in-Chief GABRIELLE WEST

for a short season. We have given a good resource list for the market shoppers. Shopping local not only helps us find better nutrition but also helps keep money in the county. Hopefully, we all can get as many veggies into our diets as we can to tide us over until the next crop!

I don’t think I could face another summer if I knew I would have to

Layout & Design BRITTNEY FORD

live without vine-ripened tomatoes. I would just completely give up the ghost! Life without the fresh scent of pepper sauce, squash from the vine or mouth-watering peaches just is not worth living. Oh, yes, and watermelons. . . I think my family has enjoyed about six already this year but, there is still time to enjoy more!

Editor/Staff Writer REBECCA MOTT

Finally, looking forward to the inevitability of school in the fall, we have a comprehensive listing of local schools as well as food for thought if you just happen to be considering home schooling.

So, wherever you find yourself enjoying the summer, love every minute of it. Soon, it will run and hide in the beckoning winds of fall. The

Contributors: ANTHONY KING

Shelby County Game Warden

holidays will rattle our window panes and summer will be nothing more than anticipation for the year to come. Don’t let it happen to you without first pressing as many wonderful moments of laughter, swimming, sweating, carnivals, traveling, shopping and taking it easy on the couch because it’s just too hot to walk outside that you can!

Until next issue, grab a fan and a nice slice of watermelon! You’re gonna enjoy both!

Want to see YOUR BUSINESS in The Natural Texan?

Please call: 936-332-8144 Please email: info@naturaltexan.net

R

REBECCA MOTT EDITOR

Want to see YOUR STORY in The Natural Texan?

Please mail to: 1494 CR 1168 | Center, TX 75935 Please email: info@naturaltexan.net

As a native of San Augustine, the East Texas area is a place I am proud to call home and honored to have the opportunity to join the Natural Texan team! East Texas bursts at the seams with beautiful sights from deep within the Pineywoods, unique shops, charming restaurants, loads of hometown school spirit, an abundance of natural resources and our greatest asset – its people!

No doubt about it, East Texas is home to the friendliest and finest folks you’ll find. The opportunity to share all of East Texas’ glory is my kind of gig!

A little about me...

In 2009 I graduated with a degree in Corporate Communications from the University of Texas in Austin (Hook ‘Em Horns!) and later moved to San Antonio where I spent the next 2 years working. In 2011, I took a leap of faith and returned home to San Augustine.

Moving back home turned out to be an opportunity definitely worth taking! In 2013 I began work at what would soon become my dream job and would bring me to meeting my husband and three wonderful children. In September of

Know

SNA

Anthony King

Shelby County Game Warden

2015 we were married AND will be welcoming a baby boy to our perfect chaos at the end of August!

I look forward to designing many more Natural Texan issues and sharing in this adventure with you all!

B

BRITTNEY FORD

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

8 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

your local

AKES Texas is home to over 105 species and subspecies of snakes. Only a few of those are potentially dangerous to humans.

The ones most common to East Texas are the ones we will focus on for this article.

naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 9

PIT VIPERS Pit vipers are VENOMOUS SNAKES that exhibit an opening on each side of its head between the eye and the nostril. In east Texas, we have 3 groups of these snakes: Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and Rattlesnakes.

Copperheads

(Agkistrodon contortrix) Copperheads have chestnut or reddish-brown crossbands on a lighter colored body. They are found in rocky areas and wooded bottomlands and are rare in dry areas. In the spring they can be found along streams and rivers, as well as in weed-covered vacant lots. There are three subspecies of Copperheads in Texas: Southern copperhead (A.c. contortrix), 20-30 inches long and found in the eastern one-third of the state; Broadbanded copperhead (A.c. laticinctus), about two feet long, widely scattered in central and western Texas; and the Trans-Pecos copperhead (A.c. pictigaster), 20-30 inches in length and found near springs in the southern part of the Trans-Pecos.

Cottonmouths

(Agkistrodon piscivorous)

The Latin name piscivorous means ‘fish eating,’ indicating its dietary characteristics. Also known as ‘water moccasins’, only one recognized subspecies is found in Texas; Western cottonmouth (A.p. leucostoma). Cottonmouths can be dark brown, olive-brown, olive green or almost solid black. They are marked with wide, dark bands, which are more distinguishable in some than in others. Juvenile snakes are more brilliantly marked. It gets its name from the white tissue inside its mouth, which it displays when threatened. This heavy-bodied snake, which averages about 3-1/2 feet in length, is found over the eastern half of the state in swamps, sluggish waterways, coastal marshes, rivers, ponds and streams.

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

also known as Canebreak rattlesnake, is a large heavy-bodied snake averaging 4-1/2 feet. Its color is brown or tan with wide, dark cross bands and its tail is entirely black. It is found in the eastern third of the state in wooded areas in wet bottomlands.in wooded areas in wet bottomlands.

Coral Snake

(Micrurus fulvius tener)

The brightly colored Texas coral snake is the state’s only member of the Elapidae family, which includes the cobras of Asia and Africa. The coral snake is slender with a small indistinctive head and round pupils and is usually is 2-1/2 feet or shorter. Its distinctive pattern is a broad black ring, a narrow yellow ring and a broad red ring, with the red rings always bordered by the yellow rings.

Several harmless snakes are similarly marked, but never with the red and yellow touching. ‘Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack,’ is a handy way to remember the highly venomous coral snake from nonvenomous ringed species. Coral snakes are found in the southeastern half of Texas in woodlands, canyons and coastal plains.alands, canyons and coastal plains.

10 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

NON-VENOMOUS SNAKES Pictured below you will find the most common nonvenomous snake species known to the area.

Rat/Chicken Snake

Water Snake

King Snake

Ribbon Snake

Coachwhip Snake

HOW TO AVOID SNAKES Learn to recognize the snake species that are likely to be in the area. Please do not kill a snake - even a venomous one. Snakes serve a valuable function in the environment. The majority of bites result from people taking unnecessary or foolish risks with venomous snakes. Understanding what snakes look for in suitable habitat can help you know when to be wary. Understanding their behavior will help you know what to do if you encounter one. Snakes like tall grass. Snakes do not prey on humans and they will not chase you. In face, they usually retreat or escape if given the opportunity. The danger comes when they are either surprised or cornered. Do not play around with a dead snake; they have been known to bite and envenomate. Get a good field guide and keep it handy especially in the field.

• Keep the lawn around your home trimmed low.

• Remove any brush, wood, rock or debris piles from around the residence - they make great hiding places for snakes and their prey - rodents.

• Always wear shoes while outside and never put your hands where you cannot see them.

• Be careful when stepping over fallen logs and rock outcroppings.

• Take care along creek banks and underbrush.

naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 11

WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN •

Assume envenomation has occurred, especially if initialsymptoms are present. Initial symptoms of pit viper bites include: fang puncture marks, immediate burning pain at the bite site, immediate and usually progressive local swelling within five minutes and local discoloration of the skin. Initial symptoms of coral snake bites include tremors, slurred speech, blurred or double vision, drowsiness or euphoria and a marked increase in salivation within four hours. However, life-threatening effects from coral snake envenomation may not be evident for 24 hours or longer.

•

Identify the species of venomous snake that inflicted the bite, if possible, taking care to avoid another person being bitten. Identification is not necessary, but may be helpful.

•

Keep the victim as calm as possible. This helps reduce the spread of venom and the onset of shock.

•

Keep yourself and any other members of the group calm.

This will help reassure the victim and ensure the appropriate first-aid measures are followed. It will also help prevent anyone else from becoming injured.

•

Know and be alert for the symptoms of shock, and institute the proper treatment should it ensue. Difficulty in breathing and/or kidney failure are frequent symptoms of envenomation.

•

Wash the bite area with a disinfectant if available.

•

Remove jewelry such as rings and watches, as well as tight-fitting clothes, before the onset of swelling.

•

Reduce or prevent movement of a bitten extremity, using a splint if possible; this helps decrease the spread of venom.

For the same reason, position the extremity below the level of the heart.

•

•

Do not use a tourniquet or other constricting ban except in extreme cases of envenomation, and then only if properly trained in the technique. Such devices are of no value if applied more than thirty minutes after the bite, and if improperly used they can restrict blood vital blood flow to the traumatized tissue and possibly result in the amputation of an extremity. Unbearable pain can also result and the improper loosening of such devices can allow sudden systemic absorption of venom.

•

Do not use cryotherapy (including cold compresses, ice, dry ice, chemical ice packs, spray refrigerants, and freezing) for the same reasons that the tourniquets should be avoided. It can also increase the area necrosis.

•

Do not use electroshock therapy, a method popularized following publication of a letter from a missionary in South America reporting its effectiveness in treating bites from snakes of uncertain identity. Several controlled clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any positive result. The potential negative results from the uncontrolled use of an electric charge are obvious.

•

Do not drink alcohol. It dilates blood vessels and increases absorption from the circulatory system, thus helping spread venom faster.

•

Do not use aspirin or related medications to relieve pain.

They act as blood thinners and increase bleeding. A pain reliever not containing aspirin, however, may be used.

•

Do not use the pressure/immobilization technique, which consists of firmly wrapping the entire limb with an elastic bandage and then splinting, especially for pit viper bites.

The theory behind this treatment is to confine the venom to the area of the bite until reaching a medical facility, but studies have shown the technique to be ineffective or worse with venoms which produce local swelling and tissue damage.

•

Do not administer antivenom in the field unless properly trained in the procedure, unless evacuation to a medical facility will take many hours or days, or unless envenomation has been extreme. Intramuscular or subcutaneous application of antivenom has proven to be much less effective (in some cases ineffective) than intravenous administration.

Acute allergic reactions to antivenin can occur. Contemplated field administration of antivenom should include provision for a sufficient supply of epinephrine (adrenalin) to counteract any such potential effects.

Get the victim to a medical facility as soon as possible and begin treatment there with intravenous antivenom, crystalloid solutions and antibiotics. Antivenom treatment is generally most effective within the first four hours of envenomation, and is ineffective after 8-10 hours.

WHAT NOT TO DO IF BITTEN •

A suction device, such as the Sawyer Extractor TM, may be used without making any incisions. This device may remove significant quantities of venom, although its efficacy has yet to be conclusively determined.

Do not make incisions over the bite marks. This can result in significant damage to already traumatized tissue, can damage intact structures such as nerves and blood vessels, enhance bleeding caused by anticoagulant components of venom and increase the rapid spread of venom throughout the body if the circulatory system is compromised.

12 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

Anthony King, Shelby County Game Warden

1595 Tenaha Street, Center | 936-598-2907 | M/F 7-5, Sat 8-1

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NATURAL BEAUTY

YOU WILL NEED: • 1 tablespoon grated beeswax or beeswax pastilles • 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil • A drop or two of organic raw honey • 2 vitamin e capsules or a dropper of liquid e • several drops of essential oil (optional)

g n i l a e h

m l a B p i L e d a m e Hom DIRECTIONS • In a double boiler, melt the beeswax, adding in the coconut oil and honey when about half of the beeswax is no longer solid.

• After it’s all melted and blended together, stir in the vitamin E capsules.

• Pour into container or a tube and let cool. Apply as needed.

14 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

l u f r e wond

b u r c S r a Sug

DIRECTIONS:

• Combine the coconut oil and one cup of the sugar in a bowl and mix until creamy.

• Add the essential oil while continuing to stir.

• Add the remaining sugar until the formula reaches the desired consistency.

YOU WILL NEED:

• Scrub away and love your super soft skin! Store the remaining scrub in a tightly sealed container for later use.

• ¼ to 1 cup coconut oil • 2 cups sugar • 10-15 drops essential oil (optional) I like Eucalyptus or Peppermint for the summer.

Essential Oil Benefits rose/rose hip oil lavender eucalyptus peppermint lemon yang yang

= = = = = =

regenerates skin calms opens your sinuses cools detoxifies relaxes

naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 15

ON THE COVER

t a e m i t r e m m u S Sweet

16 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

Brown’s Orchard About a mile south of Center on 7, you can find an ice cream stand where peach and blackberry ice cream is served. From Mid May to Mid August,

Kristie and Malcolm Brown are here to make the summer days not so hot.

It’s been that way for four years, now.

I met Malcolm and Kristie about nine years ago.

Someone told me they had you-pick strawberries and I made it a point to go pick. That year, I made wonderful strawberry butter, a recipe of mine that had evolved from apple butter. Every little jar (I later discovered) had been claimed with “Anna’s” written across the label with the inscription only a 6-yr old would use.

She loved every single jar.

While making their acquaintance, I learned at that time, the Browns had chicken houses. In addition, Malcolm kept honey bees, sold the honey, had dairy goats, farmed strawberries and black berries and was beginning to venture off in peaches. While he dealt with the boredom of farming, Kristie had the exciting career of teaching. They shared two sons, Dillon and Colton.

They were my kind of people.

Today, Kristie still teaches. In the fall, she can be found at Shelbyville High, teaching Spanish as she has for eighteen years. When school dismisses for the summer, she switches hats and becomes the ice cream lady.

They no longer have strawberries, goats or honey bees. The science of perfecting peaches has become a full time job for Malcolm. What? Science? Absolutely. There is quite a bit more to growing peaches than just sticking trees in the dirt, standing back admiring your back-breaking effort and waiting for peaches to pop out on the limbs, begging for a pluck. Over the last 9 years, he has attempted to perfect the strategy of naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 17

peak production. What type of peach produces at exactly which weeks of the year? How much rain, heat and sunshine each type needs to maximize production, when to protect the blooms from frost, freeze and the fruit from pests. If you don’t have a passion for optimizing a skill, you could get lost here. Even after all the effort he puts into the harvest from fall to early summer, the slightest imbalance in temperature, rain fall or heat could upset everything.

18 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

Did I forget to mention, Malcolm also grows nectarines and May haws? Don’t jump the gun, though! He usually has all the May haws he can produce sold before they ever begin to ripen. The nectarines are fair game, though.

Their sons Dillon and Colton both attend A&M, studying horticulture. Annually, they grow and sell their own crops. This year there are watermelons, squash and tomatoes in their fields.

This year, the weather has been detrimental to the peach industry. Temperatures and rainfall have worked against production and the Browns peach crop has been drastically crippled. The ice cream stand is silent. There are just not enough peaches. What small harvest they do have is not enough to crank the machines. Work, instead, has been focused on planting more trees, adapting to the potential of such another year in the future and cutting their losses. The Brown men can still be seen at Shelby County Farmers’ Market daily on the Center Square. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, they are at Nacogdoches Farmers’ Market as well. And, we’re all praying things are better for them next year.

naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 19

OFF THE APRON

PEACH LEATHER Ingredients • • • • •

Fresh peaches Water Lemon juice Sweetener, if needed. I use stevia Spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg (optional)

Directions 1. Rinse the fruit. Peel and pit the peaches. Taste the fruit before proceeding. If very sweet, you will not need to add sweetener.

2. In a large sauce pan, add half cup water for every 4 c of chopped fruit. Bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes or until fruit is cooked thoroughly. Puree fruit in blender.

Taste and add sweetener, if needed. At this time, add lemon juice and spices to taste as well. When adding flavorings and spices, add little bit at a time until desired taste is achieved.

3. Return to pan and simmer until puree has thickened.

4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with sturdy plastic wrap (the kind that is microwave safe). Pour out the purée into the lined baking sheet to about an 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness.

5. Heat the oven to a low 140°F. If you have a convection setting, use it. It will speed up the process and help dry out the purée. Let dry in the oven like this for as long as it takes for the purée to dry out and form fruit leather. We usually keep it in the oven overnight, so about 8-12 hours. The fruit leather is ready when it is no longer sticky, but has a smooth surface.

6. When the fruit leather is ready, you can easily peel it up from the plastic wrap. To store it, roll it in its plastic wrap, put it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

20 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

PEACH SALSA This salsa works great as an appetizer or along side a main dish. It’s best eaten within a day of making it, or the peaches break down too much.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

3 ripe peaches 1 roma tomato, roughly chopped ½ jalapeno, seeds removed and roughly chopped ½ small purple onion, roughly chopped ¼ cup cilantro roughly chopped 1 lime, juiced ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Garnish: additional cilantro

Directions 1. Carefully cut peaches into ¼ inch cubes 2. Put all the other ingredients in a chopper or food processor for a rough chop. Don’t pulverize, but get the pieces pretty small.

3. Mix the peaches and salsa mix together.

4. Garnish and serve!

Note: For more spice keep the seeds in the jalapeño or add more jalapeño.

PEACH CARROT SMOOTHIE

• • • • • •

1 cup Baby carrots 1 Banana, frozen 2 cups Peach 2 tbsp Greek yogurt 1 cup Coconut water or water (optional) one scoop Collagen powder and/or protein powder

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend. Enjoy! naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 21

GUY DIY

Planning Your

Outdoor Kitchen Having an outdoor kitchen can be anything from a grill and sink to an elaborate setup of smoker/oven/grill combination, wet bar complete with sink and refrigerator and what ever else fits your style.

22 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

There are a few things to consider when talking outdoor kitchens. covering/roof: - covered or uncovered - grill - stove top - smoker - oven

appliances:

choose your energy:

- fire - electric - gas

know your space: - what sq ft area are you working with - make sure your space can comfortably house your appliances plan your flooring: - concrete - stone - pavers - wooden deck

191 US Hwy 96 North

106 North El Camino Crossing

Center || 800.293.2907

San Augustine || 936.275.2925

Visit us for all your outdoor grill needs: Twok Grills Crawfish Cookers Dutch Ovens Stainless Steel Fryers Fish Cookers and much more!

Pay Your Bills Online or Order gas at

mcadamspropane.com naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 23

SHELBY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

SCHOOL

CENTER I.S.D

SHELBYVILLE I.S.D.

Center High School 658 Roughrider Drive, Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 598-6173 Fax: (936) 598-1527

343 FM 417 W., Shelbyville, TX 75973

Center Intermediate School 624 Malone Drive, Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 598-6148 Fax: (936) 598-1555

Shelbyville Middle School PH: (936) 598-5146 Fax: (936) 598-3830

Center Middle School 302 Kennedy St Center, TX 75935 PH: (936)-598-5619 Center Elementary School 621 Roughrider Drive, Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 598-3625 Fax: (936) 598-1507 F. L. Moffett Primary School 294 Stadium Drive, Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 598-6266 Fax: (936) 598-1545

EXCELSIOR I.S.D. 11270 State Hwy. 7W Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 598-5866

JOAQUIN I.S.D. 11109 Hwy. 845, Joaquin, TX 75954 PH: (936) 269-3127 Fax: (936) 269-3615 Superintendent Office: (936) 269-3128 24 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

Shelbyville Elementary School PH: (936) 598-7363 Fax: (936) 598-6843

Shelbyville High School PH: (936) 598-7323 Fax: (936) 598-3868

TENAHA I.S.D. 138 College Street, Tenaha, TX 75974 PH: (936) 248-5000

TIMPSON I.S.D. P. O. Box 370 836 Bear Drive, Timpson, TX 75975 Timpson Elementary School PH: (936) 254-2462; Option 4, 0 or (936) 558-4400 Fax: (936) 254-3261 Timpson Middle School PH: (936) 254-2078; Option 3, 0 or (936) 558-4300 Fax: (936) 254-2355 Timpson High School PH: (936) 254-3125; Option 2, 0 or (936) 558-4200 Fax: (936) 254-3263

DIRECTORY Timpson Special Services PH: (936) 558-4109 Fax: (936) 558-4198 Dana Evans, Director of Special Services Timpson Athletics PH: (936) 558-4112 Fax: (936) 254-3878

CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

Shelby College Loop 500, Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 598-9543 Cosmetology Center PH: (936) 598-6135 Nursing Center PH: (936) 598-2715 Carthage Campus PH: (903) 693-2000

Center Christian Academy P.O. Box 427 2398 State Hwy. 87 N., Center, TX 75935 (New Location)

Phone/Fax: (936) 598-7156 Central Baptist Academy 302 Cora St Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 598-3642

COLLEGES & INDUSTRIAL, TECHNICAL & TRADE SCHOOLS Panola College Center Campus - Main Office 678 Roughrider Drive, Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 598-6134 Shelby Regional Training Center of Panola College 678 Roughrider Drive, Center, TX 75935 PH: (936) 591-9075

naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 25

HOMESCHOOLING? In the past fifteen years, I have seen a steady exit from public schools for educating our children. For the individual who doesn’t homeschool they often imagine the reason for doing so is that parents just don’t want their children around other kids or the environment in public schools. However, depending on your family/student and the needs directly at hand, anyone can benefit from homeschooling. So, really, why would anyone do it?

Homeschooling is a science, an addiction, a vacuum and an adventure all wrapped it one. Let’s take a brief look at some reasons to homeschool: special needs child, medical needs, loving every minute of being a parent, traveling, having more fun at home than in a traditional classroom and the one-on-one attention that greatly benefits every student that gets it. Remember, the reasons why to homeschool is as unique as every single family that does it but both parents and children must agree on the process.

26 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

Determining exactly what subjects will be taught (within the regulations of your state’s guidelines) is first. It is helpful if you are familiar with your child’s learning personality.

Learn about different homeschooling methods. One method will be better for your family’s needs than another. You can find more information on that at the following link: http:// www.irhsa.net/secrets.html Then, find the right curriculum(s) for the student. This is part of the adventure. Allowing the student to venture into different curriculums, finding what peeks his/her interest, learning his/her personality and setting standards high enough to challenge yet low enough to achieve is all a part of what makes homeschooling special.

Even though Bob Jones Press, Abeka, Alpha Omega and Saxon are excellent stand-bys, there are so many to choose from that it’s impossible to name one that is perfect for you unless you do the research for yourself. Decisions made Simple is a good resource to help make the choice for your needs. You can find it at www.myjoyfilledlife.com/2015/06/15/ homeschool-curriculum-guide-top-picks-2015. Also, www.homeschool.com is a wonderful starting place for beginners. Here, you can enjoy loads of directive information as well as free stuff!

When I first began my homeschool experience in the ‘90’s, I was overwhelmed at the vastness of the subculture. Support groups, endless information, innumerable publishers and learning supplie(r)s. Once I got past the initial feeling of being overwhelmed, and began to get my footing, I really enjoyed the experience. I hope the information and web links provided prompt beneficial discoveries for you and your family.

Other helpful resources: - Traci Yarbrough with Center Homeschoolers - find her on Facebook and with Center Homeschool Group - Joaquin Homeschool Group on Facebook - East Texas Homeschoolers on Facebook - Ebay has tons of homeschool resources - Pinterest - Visit the Texas Homeschool Coalition at: www.thsc.org - www.irhsa.net/secrets.html

- www.thecurriculumchoice.com/2015/11/childrens-top-picks-homeschool-curriculum naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 27

r u o y t i s i V local CENTER Downton Center Square The venders here have agreed to sell only produce that has been raised in Shelby Co. Nothing is purchased and brought in.

• Shelby Johnson (Johnson Produce) has anything you could want really. peas (Cream, Crowder and Purple Hull), tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash, onions, cucumbers, potatoes and their state-of-the-art canned goods. Their watermelons and cantaloupes are ready

by July 4th.

• Chase Mayfield has peaches from Lyn Russell’s Peach Shed.

• Marcus & Sandra Wilson have cucumbers, squash, peppers, and tomatoes.

• Bobby Barlow has cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers.

• The Browns are here with tomatoes and melons.

28 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

joaquin

Timpson

Hwy 84 W, 3 miles W of Joaquin and 7 miles E of Tenaha

59 S, about 1 mile south of the Quick Stop on the right beside Dollar General

• Darren and Michelle Smith with their family have watermelons, squash, peppers, tomatoes and peas. All home grown and vine ripened at a local farm; nothing shipped in. Also, Michelle’s made-with-passion hot salsa and hot sauce.

• Robert Hutchins and his wife have watermelons, tomatoes, squash, onions, cucumbers, green tomatoes, peppers and peaches.

Perry Kawasaki Your REAL Bottom Dollar Dealer ON THE SQUARE - SAN AUGUSTINE

1-800-874-6413 936-275-3421

naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 29

LOCAL MARKET

MASTERSON

INSURANCE AGENCY

2228 S.E, Loop 59 Carthage Tx 75633

1-888-693-3821

Mary P. Masterson

312 Tenaha St | Center, Texas 75935

P (936) 598-4359 | F (936) 598-4664 | C (936) 488-2940

mastersoninsurance@gmail.com

HOME

AUTO

LIFE

RANCH & COMMERCIAL

ANSLEY’S Disposal Service

Serving the Shelby County Area Since 1982 142 County Road 2095, Shelbyville

(936) 598-8252

see

here? s s e n i r bus o Want t

you

info@naturaltexan.net

30 | J/A 2016 | naturaltexan.net

R & D Distributing, LTD. 936-598-5361 936-598-3511 Fax: 936-598-3346 Robert Griffin 936-590-0537 P.O. Box 1507

David Griffin 936-590-0539 Center, Texas 75935

LOCAL MARKET

Shirley ShirleyMae’s Mae’sCatering Catering Specializing in Appetizers, Desserts, Entrees & SO MUCH MORE! 26739 FM 139 Shelbyville, Texas

(936) 572-1224

Owners: Gary & Angela McDonald

1547 Southview Circle | Center

(936) 598-6070

Triple J FEED 936-598-4087

604 Loop 500, Center gar ymcdonald199@yahoo.com

naturaltexan.net | J/A 2016 | 31

We proudly hold a licence issued by the Louisiana State Licence Board for Contractors for the Specialty of: Oilfield Pit Treatments Pumpdowns Land Reclamation

SERVICES: Location Construction Frac Pond Construction Pit Closure Annular Injection Landfarming Mulching/Grinding Roads Fence Construction

Fence Construction

Frac Pond Construction

Location Construction

We Have the Right Crew for Your Project!

748 State Hwy 7 West Center, Texas 75935

936-591-8333 936-591-9567 Fax

Providing superb service in a professional manner that is timely and efficient.

We specialize in the construction of drill site locations, roads and frac ponds as well as the performance of annular injections, pit reclamation and landfarming.

We provide our services for some of the top oil and gas companies in the industry such

as Anadarko Petroleum, Chesapeake Operating, Inc., EXCO Oil Corporation, Goodrich Petroleum and Noble Energy. K&L proudly maintains an excellent safety record and perpetuates the highest safety standards for our employees.

www.klcontractorsinc.com