East aug2013

live in the moment

Life goes by fast – the little moments go by even faster. Build a family legacy that allows you to relax and savor life's most precious moments.

Find your sanctuary in prime Forestar timberland, recreational or investment-grade property. You'll build security for tomorrow, while cherishing the moments of today. Your family. Your foundation. Their future. Forestar.

To start investing in your future, visit www.landforsale.forestargroup.com or call 936.639.0660.

CONTENTS ///AUGUST2013 4

THE SPORTSMAN John Outlaw

6

NATIONAL RECOGNITION David Fenley

8

On the Cover

SPOTLIGHT The Boxwood Trio

10

NEWSWORTHY St. Cyprian’s Archery

12

EAST TEXAS LIVING Jasper Arboretum

14

AGRICULTURE Garrett Greene

15

COMMUNITY LEADERS The Texas Police Games

17

THE GREAT OUTDOORS JAKES

Stephanie Oliver | President

CONTACT US:

Beth Johnson | editor@tjmag.com | Managing Editor

MAILING: P O B ox 1 5 0 5 37 L u f k i n , Texa s 759 1 5

Angie Nichols | Staff Writer Kim Iribarren | kim@tjmag.com | Director of Sales Macy Haffey | Layout and Design Lisa Crow | lisacrowphotography@gmail.com | Event Photographer DISTRIBUTORS Lisa Crow | Janet Glover | Jared Thompson

P H YS I CA L : 1 1 5 E . S h e p h e rd L u f k i n , Texa s 759 0 1 936-634-7188 editor@eastmensmagazine.com facebook.com/tjmag twitter.com/tjmeast

Bailey Watson is the daughter of Van and Karen Watson. She graduated from Lufkin High School in May 2013; #4 out of 503 in her class. She is headed to University of Texas at Austin, to major in Electrical Engineering. Watson’s dream has come true as she was selected as a new member of the U.T. Spirit Program’s Orange Squad co-ed cheer team. You can see Bailey’s squad cheer at all football games and all home men’s basketball games. They are also goodwill ambassadors for many other University of Texas events and city of Austin events.

Hunter Cook is the son of Kevin and Stephanie Cook and grandson of Michele and Dean McMullen of Huntington and Loyd and Nelda Cook of Lufkin. He is a 2010 graduate of Huntington High School. Hunter’s younger brother, Hudson, will also be joining him at TAMU this fall as he begins his freshman year.

Hunter is a Construction Science major and a member of the Class of 2014. Since beginning his journey at TAMU, he has had the opportunity to experience Aggieland from a multitude of different organizations.

As a member of the Corps of Cadets Company D1 (Spider D), Hunter played basketball for the Corps of Cadets his freshman year, served as Guidon Bearer his sophomore year and was elected to the position of Yell Leader his Junior and Senior years. As a sophomore, Hunter served as a Fish Camp Counselor as well. As a senior, Hunter has been selected to serve with a newly formed group, The Association of Future Former Students. eastmensmagazine.com /// 3

THE SPORTSMAN

JOH N OU T L AW The Man, The Film, The Legend for football was matched by the consideration he showed his players and coaches. It wasn’t just about winning to Coach, people mattered and they knew it. His legacy goes far beyond the field.”

Matt Skinner befriended “Coach”, as many knew him, six years ago while working on a project in Lufkin. He remembers Coach as someone who would walk up to you and put his arm around you and tell you a story about one of his multiple pupils whose pictures adorned the walls of the locker room. He invested in the life of the people around him.

Skinner says, “I made sure to stay in touch. I called Coach often, emailed him, sent a postcard, and, a few years ago, I visited him with my girlfriend, now wife. He was always there, always took a call, and I just wanted to be near him.”

O

ne cannot intelligently claim a knowledge of Lufkin High School football without mentioning the name, John Outlaw. For that matter, one cannot intelligently claim a knowledge of Friday night lights without including the Outlaw name and legacy. For seventeen years, Coach John Outlaw led the Panther Nation to a record of 162 wins and a State Championship in 2001. His overall career boasts an impressive 303-87-3 record and three State Championships.

The community of Lufkin reeled with shock and grief upon the news of Coach Outlaw’s sudden and untimely death in December of 2011.

However, Lufkin ISD Superintendent, Roy Knight said, “The last thing John Outlaw wants to be remembered as is a football coach. What he always wanted to be remembered as is a person who cared about kids.”

After the 2010 season, Skinner asked Coach Outlaw if he could document his life. Outlaw gave Skinner his permission and good graces. Soon after, Skinner’s career opportunities changed and caused a delay to the project documenting Outlaw’s life and career. Coach Outlaw continued to encourage Skinner to step-up into his personal goals, proving Coach’s ultimate desire to see others succeed.

“In December 2011, I called Coach to have a monumental conversation about life. He, of course, encouraged me with just the right words for the situation and time. I could talk to him about anything and am so grateful for our last conversation, which greatly impacted me then and still does to this day,” shares Skinner.

It looks like Coach Outlaw’s desire for his life and legacy will soon be realized as filmmaker and director, Matt Skinner completes a documentary exploring the life and influence of Coach John Outlaw. In the film, Skinner tells the story through those who will never forget what Outlaw meant to them. Viewers will gain an insight into why, under the lights on Friday nights in Texas, the high school football field is hallowed ground.

After Coach went to be with the Lord a few days later, it became very clear to Skinner that his responsibility was to finish what he started when he first asked Coach for permission to document his extraordinary life. Work started on the film in the summer of 2012. Filming took place all over Texas and Arkansas. Skinner and his team interviewed Outlaw’s former high school coaches, his college roommates, former players who are now in the NFL, a Division I athletic director, and the children whom he coached last.

The film’s website describes the film, “Outlaw” as the story of high school football coaching legend John Outlaw. “From humble beginnings, he rose to become synonymous with high school football in America. But he was much more than a coach. John Outlaw’s passion

Skinner says he believes the relevance of the story of Coach Outlaw is as strong today as it will always be.

“We love the underdog story. America was an underdog at one time, as was John Outlaw, and so many of the children he influenced.”

4 | EAST -August 2013

The significance of the film is to show that Coach Outlaw infused a successful attitude in people that live all over the world today. “Outlaw” is the story of a man who rose from adversity to accomplish great feats. “Coach Outlaw consistently helped children believe in themselves using the game of football as a vehicle. Dez Bryant, a former Lufkin Panther and wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, said Coach believed in him before he believed in himself. That speaks volumes,” Skinner adds.

He also says, “Lufkin is its own character in the film. It is a town with great pride, filled with hard-working Texans that have an almost unquenchable thirst for Friday night football.

It is like a steam engine that keeps the lights on in East Texas.

There is no place like Lufkin, no place like it in America.”

While the project isn’t finished yet, Skinner says that with prayer and hard work, the sky is the limit for the film. “We still have work to do. We will be back in Lufkin, Sherman, Arkadelphia, and Ozark for another round of shooting. Post Production is starting this fall. The film will not be ready until late 2014 or early 2015,” he reports. Ideally, Skinner wants the first public showing to be in Lufkin. There has also been an interest for it to be shown on television to a wide audience. Another one of the film maker’s goals is for the documentary to be seen at film festivals across the country. He believes these goals are where hard work and prayer meet--a sentiment Coach Outlaw would agree with.

Skinner says he wants to thank Athletic Director and current Lufkin Head Coach, Todd Quick for his help in the project.

“Lufkin is extremely lucky to have a leader like this man.

You don’t have to worry about your back with him. He could have shut down the film before it was started, but instead, he looked at me and said, ‘come on, we need it.’ It takes courage to have a camera in your face.” Skinner adds that he also is very thankful to all the coaches and players. He says they are the pillars of the community, especially August through December.

“I think that if a child, two decades from now, takes a digital copy from the school library and watches it and is transformed

by Coach Outlaw’s story, then I have done my job,” says Skinner.

And John Outlaw will, yet again, have lived up to the legacy he strived to attain, as well.

Visit www.coachoutlaw.com to learn more about the film. You can also like the film on facebook “Outlaw - The movie about Coach John Outlaw” and follow it on twitter. eastmensmagazine.com /// 5

NATIONAL RECOGNITION photograph by Bill Records/NBC

DAVI DF E N L EY “America’s Got Talent,” NBC’s top-rated summer series from producer Simon Cowell returns this summer with performers from across the country ready to compete in the show’s eighth season. The talent search is open to acts of all ages and brings the variety format back to the forefront of American culture and features an array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists. Contestants perform on stage hoping to win America’s hearts, the approval of the judges, and the $1 million prize.

The live shows originate from New York. Former Spice Girl Mel B. joins supermodel, designer, and producer Heidi Klum as the newest judges. They take their seats alongside comedian, TV host and producer Howie Mandel and outspoken radio personality Howard Stern. Actor, producer and comedian Nick Cannon is the show’s host.

Deep rooted in religion, family values and, of course, music, East Texas is bound to produce much talent. Lufkin’s own Dave Fenley, born and raised here, is among the show’s top finalists. At age three, he was recorded singing a number of children’s songs as well as “Honky Tonk Man” by Johnny Horton. EAST Magazine had the opportunity to contact David and ask him about his most recent success and appearance on America’s Got Talent (AGT).

David first talked about his east Texas roots. “I was born in Memorial Hospital in 1978 to my amazing parents, Elton and Theta Fenley. I lived in Englewood growing up and started elementary at Kurth, but transferred to Brandon. Then I went to Dunbar and Junior High at East. My father was then transferred to Canada through Lufkin

Industries. After high school I came back to the East Texas area to attend Stephen F. Austin University.”

Fenley adds, “I grew up singing in church at Calvary Baptist in the children’s choir. I recall my first solo singing, ‘Jesus, Name above all names’. It was then that I shook the natural anxiety most children have about performing live. I had a really great music teacher at Brandon named Mrs. Jones. But the teacher that really helped me grow and find my voice was Glenn Miller at Jr. High East. He was able to give me direction, but somehow seemed to allow me to do what came natural, even if that meant deviating from what was written. I guess he knew that I was gonna do what I wanted either way. I was a little stubborn sometimes, but I will never forget the lessons I received from him. I still use the same warm-up techniques that we did back then.

Thank you, Sir.” David spent the next years honing his craft and learning every kind of music. When asked how he came to try-out for AGT, David said, “I have tried out for similar reality shows before but was either ill prepared or unable to sing well during the auditions, usually because they were happening before 9 am and a couple of coffees. AGT was sort of my last effort for that medium of opportunity. But I thought I would give it a shot and they seemed to really think I had something to offer the show.”

Dave currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife, Eden, where he works as a songwriter. He says, “Although I haven’t performed extensively in the East Texas music scene, I am still extremely proud of where I came from and my upbringing. I have lived in lots of places

Lufkin’s own Dave Fenley, born & raised here, is among the show’s top finalists. and I can truly say that there is something special in the piney woods of home. If or when my wife and I start a family, Lufkin is a place I could call home again.”

David says that he is proud of his hometown. It gave him many of the lessons he needs to make it out in the real world.

He has great memories of school, classmates, and baseball. “I carry those memories with me and plan to stay humble and honest no matter what level of success I might reach,” he adds.

On his experience as a contestant on AGT, David says he is proud to represent his East Texas home. Naturally, he says he’d hope to win, but says the competition is stiff and he will not walk away with the win without earning it. “There are some amazing people and well-deserving folks on the show this year. I know that I am not gonna be everyone’s favorite, but I am gonna do my level best to be.”

He also says the judges are not only hilarious, but they are also really supportive. “I know there has to be a lot of editing, but they are really tremendous people and have had nothing bad to say--regarding myself, at least,” David states.

With all of his experience in the music business--some positive and some not, one might think it is easy to become jaded. But David lives by a simple motto. He says it is easy to adopt. “I’m amazed it’s not in a handbook somewhere....maybe that’s what I will do next,” David jokes.

It is: “SPREAD LOVE LIKE PEANUT BUTTER!” David says it is his only true message he can share with complete conviction. “Just be loving to everyone and it’s amazing what doors open for you. It’s been truly magical to watch it work.

We all know it’s God’s desire for us to live that way. I hope anyone who reads this will give it a shot...it’s worth it.”

To follow David’s performances or to learn more, visit his website: davefenley.com or ‘like’ his facebook page: ‘dave fenley loves you’ and twitter @Thedavefenley. The latest news, results, and schedule of AGT can be seen at www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent. AGT airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8pm on NBC. With the eyes of the country upon America’s top talent this summer East Texas will have her eye on the hometown son.

David Fenley is set to make us proud.

photograph by Virginia Sherwood/NBC

SPOTLIGHT

T H E B OX WO O D T R I O

I

n a world full of noise and manufactured success, it can be a challenge to find genuine heart and talent, especially among pop society and social and mainstream media entertainment.

However, right here in Lufkin, there are three young men defying the pressures of the day to follow a call to a simple love for God, music, and friendship. In a culture-counterintuitive twist, they are encountering a life that is truly life in that call.

when the boys were in middle school. They played a variety of music including Christian, rock, and pop. The current band, The Boxwood Trio, formed out of this band about five months ago. While each of the guys came into the band with many talents that were already developed, they have truly grown as musicians in their time together. The Boxwood Trio’s style is very distinctive and diverse, a combination of both bluegrass and folk styles. They cover bands like Mumford and Sons, The Fray, Coldplay, and Simon and Garfunkel.

Nathan Pittman, Hayden Havard, and Brandon Walker are the members of the band named, The Boxwood Trio. And while they are a cover band, a band that “covers” or performs songs by other bands or artists, they have a unique style, as well as, another characteristic that sets them apart. None of the band members is limited to one instrument. They each play many different instruments and may switch several times between instruments during a show.

Hayden, Nathan and Brandon, as Rise Above and now The Boxwood Trio, have played in many different venues since 2009, including three years on the main stage at the Forest Festival, The Standpipe Coffee House several times, Manhattan’s downtown, and Crown Colony Pool. Each time, they have played to a packed house at The Standpipe, once doing a show that included only ukuleles.

Nathan Pittman is 15 years old and the son of Andy and Shauna Pittman of Lufkin. Nathan attends Lufkin High School and plays acoustic guitar, ukulele, mandolin and banjo. He is also a vocalist for the group. Hayden Havard is also 15 years old. His parents are Kip and Paula Havard of Lufkin, and he attends Lufkin High School. He is the lead vocalist for the group but also plays acoustic guitar, ukulele, and piano. Brandon Walker is the 16 year-old son of Clay and Kelley Walker. He attends Hudson High School, and is the band’s percussionist, playing bass drum, djembe and other percussion instruments.

“The most rewarding part of being in a band is discovering new music and building up friendships,” says Hayden. Brandon adds, “Our band’s purpose is not only to entertain ourselves, but to entertain others as well.” The group finds it rewarding to see people really loving and appreciating their music. They also enjoy the process of learning new music and deciding what instruments will sound best on each song.

“Music is a huge part of my life, and I’m glad I’ve gotten to grow musically though the band and have great people there with me while I do,” shares Nathan.

Nathan and Hayden have been singing and playing music together since the age of twelve. The band started as “Rise Above” in 2009

As one might imagine, the boys have made their mothers wildly proud, but their excitement for the boys goes beyond just motherly

favoritism. Paula Havard, Hayden’s mom, says, “It is an absolute joy to witness your child take a God-given talent and use it as an avenue for fun fellowship with friends, the entertainment of others, and a way to express his creativity. My hope is that as they continue to improve and learn new skill sets, they will always give God the glory and honor.” Shauna Pittman (Nathan’s mom) is a musician herself and says, “It has been so amazing to watch them develop over the years as instrumentalists, as well as, vocalists. Nathan, Hayden and Brandon are truly gifted musicians who are dedicated to producing great music. And they do this because it is in their hearts, a part of who they are. They truly love it!” Kelley Walker, Brandon’s mother adds, that people of all ages can relate to their song choices.

The Boxwood Trio will be performing downtown at The Standpipe Coffee House on Saturday, August 24th at 8:00pm. The group has also been invited to play in the near future at The Pour House Grill and Garden in Lufkin. Be sure to “like” their facebook page, “Boxwood Trio,” to see specific dates and times of future shows.

The boys plan to continue to play together throughout high school, and some of them even plan to pursue a college degree in music. This year, they hope to have the opportunity to play in some new venues and begin to write original music. They also may learn to play a new instrument...or two. With God-given talent, the young men of The Boxwood Trio are learning that in a world where music is often just noise, making a joyful noise unto the Lord is strikingly rare, and a way to stand out among the clamor.

2nd Annual 3-D Archery Tournament

September 7th, 2013 General Admission: $5 Youth Shooter: $25 • Adult Shooter: $30 All shooter fees include

Barbq Brisk Sandwich & a T-Shirt

Live Music

Kevin Weldon • www.kevinblakeweldon.com/

Registration Day of the Event Pines Gun Club 311 Spring Lake Dr • Lufkin Tim Walker 936-676-9280 Brandon Mosley 361-816-8753 All proceeds benefit the

eastmensmagazine.com /// 9

ST. CYPRIAN’S ARCHERY STUDENTS

S

tudents from nearly 600 schools across the United States recently traveled to the largest archery tournament in the world. The participating 4th-12th grade student archers traveled to Louisville, Kentucky from 37 states including Alaska. Of the more than 9,000 qualified archers, three were from right here in Lufkin, Texas. Representing Saint Cyprian’s Episcopal School, Russell Reid, Garrett Thomas, and Ashton Johniken secured their places in the National tournament by qualifying at the local and state levels as part of The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

NASP promotes international-style target archery as part of the in-school curriculum to improve educational performance and participation in the shooting sports among students. The 2013 NASP National Tournament was held May 9 - 11 at Louisville, Kentucky’s Exposition Center. The indoor archery range is the world’s largest at 1,350 feet because it has to accommodate the world’s largest gathering of archers in the world.

Each archer released 5 practice arrows and 3 rounds of 5 10 | EAST -August 2013

scoring arrows from 10 and 15 meters for a total of 40 arrows launched per archer. No matter the archer’s grade, gender, or skill level, each used the same Mathews Genesis bow, Easton aluminum arrows and shot at the same Morrell targets at identical distances. Because every NASP archer utilizes identical equipment, technique and form are the keys to performance.

The tournament format is exactly the same as taught to 2.3 million student archers in nearly 12,000 NASP schools during the current school year.

Amanda Gentry is the physical education teacher at Saint Cyprian’s Episcopal School in Lufkin and is the archery coach, as well. Gentry works with the archery students from February through May to prepare for the national tournament. They put in an hour of practice every day at school.

Russell Reid is the son of Jeff and Lisa Reid of Lufkin. He has been involved in archery for two years at St. Cyprian’s. This is his second year to attend the national tournament. Russell qualified by winning first place in the state tournament as a second grader. However, since there was not a second grade

NEWSWORTHY

ATTEND NATIONAL TOURNAMENT age division, he competed against fourth graders at the national tournament. Reid also loves to play baseball, and archery has given him an edge with his pitching.

Ashton Johniken is the daughter of Ashley Johniken and a fourth grade student at Saint Cyprian’s. Her grandfather, Craig Johniken encouraged and worked with Ashton, helping her to develop her skills. This year was Ashton’s third year to be involved in archery, but was her first time to go to nationals and the only female to go from St. Cyprian’s. She scored 228th out of approximately 1000 archers in her division. “I love archery and I really, really want to go to nationals again. Seeing Kentucky was awesome, and I got to see so many things I’ve never seen before,” Ashton says of her experience.

Garrett Thomas is the son of David and Crystal Thomas and a fourth grader at Saint Cyprian’s. He had the best score among the team at nationals. Garrett finished 79th out of 460 boys in the fourth grade division. He had a score of 257 out of a possible 300 points.

“All three of these students worked very hard to attend the National Tournament. As their coach, I am pleased with the maturity that these students showed at Nationals, both as ambassadors for our school and as archers in the NASP program,” said Coach Gentry.

Gentry teaches archery to the kindergarten through fifth grade students at St. Cyprian’s for six weeks each year. Interested students can also elect to join the afterschool archery club.

There were 45 students involved this year. Gentry also offers a four day summer youth archery camp. Students completing the first grade through the fifth grade are eligible to attend. This program is open to the public and the equipment is provided.

This year’s camp is August 12-15.

“Archery is a neat sport because anybody and everybody can participate, regardless of their physical ability in other sports,” Gentry says. Saint Cyprian’s school boasts the motto: On Purpose. With a Purpose. For a Purpose. With that purpose in sight, like archers aiming at a mark, it is likely to be obtained.

eastmensmagazine.com /// 11

EAST TEXAS LIVING

JASPER ARBORETUM

A

bout an hour’s drive from Lufkin or an hour and a half from Nacogdoches, the small community of Jasper boasts a treasure for those wishing to experience something uniquely beautiful in their own East Texas piney woods backyard. Veiled among the evergreen branches, the Jasper Arboretum and Outdoor Learning Center is host to wildlife and the agricultural crown jewels of the Jasper Master Gardeners.

Located at 225 Water Street in Jasper, Texas, the Arboretum is one block south of the city’s courthouse, and makes a perfect destination for a day trip or field trip for families, home school groups, educators, or anyone eager for a new picturesque memory.

The 14-acre complex features several park areas sponsored by a coalition of organizations and the City of Jasper.

Sandy Creek runs through the center of the park from Hwy 96 to the scenic stonearched Main Street Bridge. The north bank features formal gardens, children’s Kiwanis Park, and Library Gardens and includes a dry garden, rose garden and butterfly garden.

The historic Beaty-Orton House built in 1888 is surrounded by the sunny garden with its color plantings and heritage azaleas. The home itself is filled with period antiques, and is open for tours by appointment only and may be reserved for special events like weddings and quilt shows.

The newest addition to the park is the Master Gardener greenhouse and Outdoor Learning Center. In front of the greenhouse is a pergola with a brick patio and swings, a favorite lunchtime picnic stop. Behind the greenhouse is a potting shed and classroom overlooking Sandy Creek, where otters are sometimes spotted playing.

While there, be sure to leave time to visit the Jasper Library to see their collection of dolls

12 | EAST -August 2013

from around the world and the Jasper County Museum, which houses many early Texas settler items, a large model of the Alamo, and World War I and II memorabilia. Both are located within a short two block walking distance. Also consider planning a visit to the East Texas Art League. They host groups for water color classes by appointment or special event.

On October 5, the second annual Butterfly Fest, in partnership with the Jasper Country Fall Festival, will be held from 9:00am - 4:00pm. A section of the butterfly gardens will be netted as a protected butterfly house where children can get a closer look at the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. The event also includes a butterfly release and other fun and educational lessons and activities. The Jasper County Fall Festival offers food, music, arts, crafts, and other special events, so mark your calendar to make a return trip in the fall.

The Jasper Master Gardeners work to make the Arboretum and Outdoor Learning Center a place where visitors can learn and relax while enjoying the beauty of the butterflies, wildlife, and copious plants and foliage. With its 60 members, the Master Gardeners are involved in many events and causes throughout the community, such as running the Jasper County Farmers Market, helping with Head Start, and growing food to donate to needy individuals. They also have several bee keepers who help with outreach efforts to educate and assist people getting started in beekeeping, as well as, efforts to protect honey bees.

For more information on the Jasper County Arboretum and Outdoor Learning Center, or the Jasper County Master Gardeners, contact Sharon Kerr, AgriLife Secretary and a member of the Jasper Master Gardeners, at 409-384-3721 or by email at: sharonruthkerr@gmail.com. You can also contact the Chamber of Commerce at 409-384-2762.

Baseball

Softball

Football

Let Your Child be a Super Athlete Space is Limited Call Today for After School Program Day Time Appointments Available by Request M-F 4:00 - 9:00 Sat 10:00 - 9:00 Sun 1:00 - 7:00 LIKE US ON

Larry Hunt | 936.212.2130 hunts.baseballacademy@yahoo.com

ONE MONTH FREE

with an annual commitment

Unlimited Training Special $45/month eastmensmagazine.com /// 13

Garrett Greene Learns Wisdom from Bees AGRICULTURE

Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. -Prov. 24:14

F

or Kristin and Aran Greene of Lufkin, raising their five children has much more to do with imparting God’s timeless wisdom than memorizing names, dates, facts and phonics. The couple chooses to home school their children and works to turn all of their daily activities into learning opportunities.

Their firstborn son, Garrett, is twelve years old and has always shown an interest in building things. “He will construct just about anything with whatever he can find. You should see some of the things he has built out of cardboard and other leftover items.

Garrett is also very methodical and exact in a lot of what he does,” says mom, Aran.

In an attempt to encourage as many of Garrett’s interests as possible, the Greene’s recently added a new pursuit to their growing farm. In addition to the other animals the family utilizes for living and lessons, they now care for and maintain two healthy and thriving bee hives. And while the family is relatively new to beekeeping and honey production, relying on friends for advice and other assistance, Garrett has taken the lead in the endeavor, honing his gifts and talents while learning new skills.

“The bees seem to compliment a good many of Garrett’s personal drives to build and create. The bees are methodical and meticulous.

Working with the bees is something he and I typically do together, and like most things, there is always some question or discussion started that will lead to a spiritual truth or life lesson,” Garrett’s father, Kristin Greene, shares.

compromise or destroy a hive. In fact, other bees can steal honey from a weaker hive.

Garrett checks on his hives on an almost daily basis to create an environment where the bees want to stay and grow. If not, they will swarm, which means the queen bee leaves the hive and takes the colony with her to establish a new hive elsewhere. “That is actually how we got the bees we have now. We caught two swarms,” Garrett explains.

Kristin says they were able to attract the bee swarms to their bee boxes. A swarm is usually the sign of a healthy queen that is ready to establish a hive. Often unwanted, people exterminate a colony invading their home or landscape. However, there are individuals in our community that will come and move them in an effort to preserve the natural benefits of bee colonies. Greene said he attended a class sponsored by the Pineywoods Beekeepers Association to learn how to get started.

The family collects honey from their two hives once, or possibly twice a year in May and July, depending upon the amount of rain and other conditions of the season. Each hive can yield up to ten to fifteen gallons of honey. “They have grown and grown and made some great honey,” Garrett says.

If you are wondering if Garrett has also learned to count the cost of harvesting the delicious honey the family enjoys, the answer is yes. He has been stung a couple of times. “Once I had a bee get into my hat’s veil. I was about to throw my hat off when my dad stopped me. He said, ‘You can get rid of one bee to take a chance of getting stung by 100 bees, or stop and take the chance of getting stung by only one.”

“The bees need to be looked after consistently. There is a lot to learn in order to know how to care for an animal,” says Garrett.

He would know. He also cares for horses, pigs, and chickens as part of his daily chores. But the family says that they love learning about the bees and how to best handle them. For instance, there are a lot of parasites and other insects and diseases that can

Garrett is learning to be wise about caring for his bees, and those lessons translate to learning wisdom for life, too. “I am amazed at how God made bees to all work together. Every day they (the bees) have a job to do, and they have to work together.”

And that is a lesson we can all glean from the wisdom of bees.

THE TEXAS POLICE GAMES

T

he Texas Police Athletic Federation (TPAF) was established to foster physical fitness and comradeship among peace officers in the State of Texas and from other states. The TPAF sponsors the Texas Police Games, conducted annually. The games are open to all sworn peace officers -- local, state and federal--and are organized competitive events that enable commissioned Police Officers the opportunity to compete with fellow Police Officers from the State of Texas, as well as on a nationwide level. This year the Texas Police Games were held June 11 through the 15th in the Clear Lake area of Houston. The games were hosted by the City of Nassau Bay and the greater Houston area.

Many law enforcement agencies competed this year including Dallas PD, Houston PD, Texas Department of Public Safety, US Border Patrol, Austin PD Marksmanship Unit, US Marshalls Service and the Department of Homeland Security to name a few. Three Lufkin Police Department Officers and one retired LPD officer, who is now the Captain of the Angelina County Sheriff ’s Department, competed in the 2013 Texas Police Games.

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Local Officers Excel in

Capt. Alton Lenderman with Angelina County Sheriff ’s Office and Lufkin Police Officers Lt. Ronny LaRue, Sgt. David Casper, and Sgt. David Thomas all competed in several shooting competitions over a three day period. The competition tested the officers’ skills on pistols, tactical rifles, sniper rifles and shotguns as they competed against some of the best law enforcement shooters in the state. The Lufkin officers won a total of ten medals this year at the games in individual events, as well as a team event.

ACSO Capt. Alton Lenderman won a Bronze medal in Tactical Handgun and Team 3-Gun. LPD Lt. Ronny LaRue won a Gold medal in 3-Gun and a Bronze medal in Team 3-Gun. LPD Sgt. David Casper won a Gold medal in Sniper Rifle.

LPD Sgt. David Thomas won a Gold medal in Service Rifle, a Gold medal in Tactical Rifle, a Silver Medal in Sniper Rifle, a Gold Medal for Overall High Rifle Shooter, and a Bronze medal in Team 3-Gun. “I participate because it makes me train hard and practice my shooting skills,” says Lufkin Police Department’s Sgt. David Thomas. “To me, the most important aspect of the competition is that the matches are set up to test our tactics and equipment in a practical setting that will help us stay safe at our job.” Sgt. Thomas says that some of the shooting courses of fire are reenactments of real life officer involved shootings.

“We shoot against some of the best law enforcement shooters in the state and the competition allows us to see how we compare to them,” he adds.

Lufkin Police Department officers have competed in the state police games since 1995 and once in the World Police Games, where they have always brought home the gold medal. Although supported by the department, the officers compete on their own time and furnish their own competition equipment. “[The games aren’t] for bragging rights or some personal benefit. We are all firearms instructors, so we need to know if we are teaching the proper techniques to our officers,” states Sgt. Thomas. The officers say that the training and opportunities afforded to them by the games allow them to be competitive and represent the department and city well. eastmensmagazine.com /// 15

• Hydraulic Hose Assemblies Made • Full Line of Metric Fittings • Industrial Hose Assemblies • Pressure Gauges • Hose Reels • Cylinders & Valves • Air & Hydraulic Filters • Air Conditioner & Brake Lines • 24 Hour Emergency Service • In Business Since 1979

1930 Kurth Dr. • Lufkin, TX 75904 936-634-0702 • www.aaxioninc.com

MILLER’S POINT A Southern Gentleman’s Clothing Store

203 E Main St | Nacogdoches, TX

(936) 462-1515

340 Parks Circle Lufkin, TX 75904

16 | EAST -August 2013

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

All boys and girls under age 17 attend. You will have an opportuni in events like: Archery, Target Sh Safety, Hunter Ethics, and m The event will start at 9:00 a.m. and Lunch will be provided. The $10.00 f NWTF JAKES membership. Fill out t mail to the address below if you

A

Sabine National Forest JAKES Dove Hunt Your Pineywoods & April AWOL

NWTF Chapters stations, theseare all Co-Hosting fit our new Forest east of Shelbyville was cleared new twist to the 2013 JAKES event will be the focus to mentor more kids in the prepared and planted in Sunflowers the 2013 Texas State JAKES Event Our new JAKES Take Aim opportunity for youth to shooting sports. Long bow, rod with funds generated through this on September 7th at apply for a slot to Dove and reel casting, and turkey calling partnership. gallery will be featured hunt.at the Sept.8, SabineWinston all collectively to the Land contributed & Cattle Co. National Forest JAKES pool of knowledge delivered to the Many local sponsors made this 7120 US 59 South Dove Hunt. Applications for the 4th JAKES. The Friends of the US Forest special day a reality thanks to those Nacogdoches County annual Sabine N.F.JAKES Dove Hunt Service, Texas Forest Service, and who stepped up: Texas State NWTF will be accepted at the September 7 SFA Society of American Foresters Chapter, Winston Land and Cattle Texas State JAKES Event. Only the will have informative All venues Co., US age Forest Service, boysfrom and girls under 17 are invitedUS to Fish first 20 applications will be accepted teaching about turkeys, to You tracking andan Wildlife Service, SFA’s Alpha attend. will have opportunity to participate unit. like: Archery, for the limited spaces allocated for turkeys with a telemetry GammaTarget Rho, Shooting, Brookshire Brothers, in events Hunter Lufkin Coca Cola, SFA’s this hunt.

7120 US 59 South Safety, Hunter Ethics, and much more. Society The NWTF has spent $190,000 on of American Foresters, Lufkin event willlast startHost at 9:00 a.m. Club, and endWalker at 2:00Motor p.m.

The US Forest Service, April AWOL habitat work in eastThe Texas in the Lions Lunch will bewith provided. $10.00 fee will of cover your NWTF Chapter of Nacogdoches, 5 years. We have leveraged that Co.,The Square Shooters Lufkin, NWTF JAKES membership.

Fill out the application and Gulf Coast and Pineywoods NWTF our wildlife partners; Texas Parks Academy Sports & Outdoors, Mike & Chapter of Lufkin will host the 16th and Wildlife, US Forest Service, Cindy Evans, Hammer Equipment, mail to theand address below if you are interested. annual Texas State& JAKES US Fish & Wildlife Service into $ 3.7 Angelina County 4H, Nacogdoches Your Pineywoods AprilEvent AWOL September 7, at the Winston Tree million dollars for wildlife. That is an County 4H Shooting Sports, Badders NWTF Chapters are Co-Hostingastonishing 20:1 ratio. This 83 acre Law Firm, and AAA Trophy.

Farm in Nacogdoches County. the 2013 Texas State JAKES Event Dove Field Our on thenew Sabine JAKES National Take Aim shooting The on JAKES that attend the JAKES September 7th at gallery will be featured . . .

Field day Sept .7 will be eligible for Winston Land & Cattle Co. the open slots available for the Sept.

8 Dove hunt US east 59 of Shelbyville 7120 South in Shelby County.

Nacogdoches County

TEXAS STATE JAKES APPLICATION • September

For more information on the hunt or JAKES Event contact: Dale Bounds at dkbounds@suddenlink.net Enclose $10.00 per application: includes T-shirt, JAKES magazine & mem Craig White craigswhite@yahoo.com Please circle Name Age Tiffany Jones tbjones@fs,fed.us 7120 US 59 South Youth Street

City State Zip Code The NWTF youth program, Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and phone number Sportsmanship (JAKES), will feature this release form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. our JAKES Take Aim shooting gallery I release the Pineywoods Chapter of the National Wild Turkey and a new clay target station to the Federation and U.S. Forest Service from liability that may occur during the youngsters at this annual 2013 event.

Small 6-8 Medium 10-12 Large 14-16

September 7, 2013 JAKES event. Liability and photo release: Parent or Legal Guardian Signature We will have the following stations: shotgun still targets, trap shooting and .22 target shooting, air rifle

mail application to: JAKES • 206 Rosedale • Lufkin, Texas 75 936/637-4972 eastmensmagazine.com /// 17

carpet cleaning • tile cleaning • 24 hr water extraction upholstery & drapery • ORIENTAL RUGS • Hand Washed

Our Family Taking Care of Yours!

Andi & John Howell

(936)564-5722 nacrugs@gmail.com www.grogancleancare.com like us on Facebook

REBECCA C. BRIGHTWELL

FAMILY LAW • OIL & GAS • ESTATE & PROBATE Rebecca C. Brightwell, PLLC | Attorney at Law 115 Gaslight Blvd, Ste B | Lufkin, TX 75904 | 936-639-2550 Not Certified by The Texas Board of Legal Specialization | Licensed by The Southern and Eastern District Federal Court 18 | EAST -August 2013

Invest in your future.

1721 Tulane Dr. | Lufkin, TX

936-639-3201

A Bank Firmly Rooted In Your Community

AAA TOWING & RECOVERY • Local & Long Distance • Damage Free Towing • Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Like us on Lufkin, TX • (936) 639-9900 Owned and Operated by: Jeremy Harper

eastmensmagazine.com /// 19

Jamal Jeffery Lufkin High School

• 3 year letterman in football • All District Wide Receiver • # 39 ranked football player in the state of Texas • District Champion in the Triple Jump in track • 4th place finish at the regional track meet in the triple jump • Has committed to play football at Texas A&M University

CMC Recycling Proudly Sup

p o r t s O u r C o mm u n i t y

STRONG AS STEEL features an outstanding high-school athlete in the community that deserves recognition.

Since 1915, Commercial Metals Company has recycled, manufactured, and marketed steel and metal products for customers worldwide.

CMC Recycling buys appliances, iron, aluminum cans, car bodies, copper, and brass. Industrial container services are also available.

Interested in selling your scrap metal?

Visit your local CMC Recycling facility at

4060 Hwy 59 North, Lufkin, Texas | 936.639.3718

20 | EAST -August 2013