2013-2014 Junior League of Lufkin
Provisional Class
Front Row: Susan Robertson, Jill West, Stacey Youngblood, Belinda Gomez Second Row: Alyssa Massingill, Brook Johnson, Robyn Devore, Christina Montgomery, Natalie Fitzgerald, LaDonna Garza Third Row: Carmen Roberts, Crystal Capps, Rebekah Koch, Holly Weems, Charlotte Huffstetler, Rebecca Henderson Back Row: Benita Bennett, Carrie Hawkins, Kim Ogden, Lauren Marshall, Erika Neill, Susan Neighbors, Kasye Sinclair, Aubree Tamaz, Tonya LaForge Not Pictured: Shellie Davis, Jaclyn Hults, Jennifer Lipscomb, Brandi Reynolds, Karah Stracener, and Chasity Gauthier- Provisional Trainer.
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T h e M ag a z ine o f t h e W o m e n o f t h e J u n io r L e agu e o f L u f k i n, Inc.
Fall 2013 V o l. XV I , N o 141
ii Fall 2013
Vol. XVI No. 141
Fall 2013
■ ■ ■ M e e t i n G R e m i n d e r !
General Meeting September 10, 2013 Social at 6:30 p.m. Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.
Table of Contents Bulletin Board............................................................... 2 Leadership Lines........................................................... 3 Meeting Wrap-ups......................................................... 4 Council Chat.................................................................. 5 Back to School Bonanza Wrap Up...........................6-7 Camp Get Fit Wrap Up................................................ 8 Helping Hands.............................................................. 9 Vision Screening Preview............................................ 10 Provisionals............................................................. 11-13 Motivational Minute................................................... 14 Words of Gratitude..................................................... 15 Sustainer News............................................................ 16 Events & Birthday Calendar....................................... 17
The Board of Directors
Communications Council VP Communications Sharon Kruk Our View Editor Kim Herman Internal Public Relations/Website Frankie Racine External Public Relations Becky Cota Photographer/Archivist Gina Green Our View Sustainer Contributor Anita Carraway
■ ■ ■ The Junior League of Lufkin P.O. Box 151812 Lufkin, Texas 75915-1812
■ ■ ■
JUNIOR LEAGUE w w w OF . j u nLUFKIN i o r l e a gINC. ueoflufkin.org Women building better communities R
President............................................................ Emily Parks President-Elect................................................. Susan Belasco Secretary..........................................................Susan Harris Treasurer........................................................ Mary Ridings VP Finance................................................. Jennifer Webster VP Communications........................................ Sharon Kruk VP Membership............................................ Michelle Briley VP Community Projects.................................. Tracy Nichols Strategic Development Chair............... Tara Watson Watkins Sustainer Advisor.........................................Bobbi Robinson Parliamentarian............................................... Marcy Weibe Helping Hands Annual Chair.......................Melissa Roberts
Vision Statement The Junior League of Lufkin welcomes all women who are committed to volunteerism. The League educates and challenges its members to be effective community leaders, advocates, and individuals. Trained volunteers and collaborators will address and respond to community needs with positive solutions. The League focus is to educate and empower individuals, primarily children, by providing the resources and tools that will address all aspects of their well being.
Fall 2013 1
Bulletin Board ents:
Ev Community
istro Annual B fkin’s 4th u L : 5 ala r e Octob Baron’s G ds Cattle o o w y e in 9: P lyn Kind October 1 sents Ros Pines Pre e h T : ur 3 2 Home To October hristmas C A S A C : r5 er Run Decembe al Reinde 3rd Annu : 4 1 r e b Decem rse Bingo signer Pu e D : 6 1 r Decembe
Please update your Dire ctory for:
Melinda Moore’s tem porary address for the next 6 months is P.O. 15 3808, Lufkin, TX 75 915 Amanda Morales’ ne w email is amandasuemorales@ gmail.com Heather Robertson’s new address is 912 Dogwood Rid ge, Dr Diboll 75941 Diana Hineman’s ne w email is Diana@1dreamhom e.com
Le ag ue Ba bysitters
Sheridan Adair (18) 936-632-9313 Lexi Frankens (14) 936-240-6627 Hannah Harris (15) 936-639-5838
Reese Roberts (16) 936-671-9195 Kayla Tierney (18) 936-212-2734
Please contact Fran
kie Racine at frances0718@gmail.co m or 318-426-4779 with an y updates to our website or any Seat Sh eet information.
Please contact Susan Harris at ssbh1970@gmail.com for a change of
address, email address, or phone number.
SAVE THE DATES! October 1: 2nd installment of dues will be deposited October 8: General Meeting 7pm with social at 6:30pm November 12: General Meeting 7pm with social at 6:30pm November 20: Sustainer Holiday Tea December 10: Christmas Social March 1, 2014: Sprint Into Spring Fun Run
Reach any of our bankers at (936) 829-4721 | fbtet.com
2 Fall 2013
Leadership Lines
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By Emily Parks, President
hat comes to mind when you hear the word REFLECTION? Most of you, probably like me, think of a mirror. As I thought about the word, I pictured myself standing in front of a mirror with my reflection staring back at me. What do I think when I see what I see? “Does this outfit make my behind look big?” “Time for a haircut.” “Which shoe looks better?” And then there are times when I lean in close to my bathroom mirror (I refuse to get one of those magnifying mirrors YIKES) and study my eyebrows, wrinkles, and other things that I will not admit. Then I came to the revolution that reflection is much more than just skin deep. I reflect on my past…memories made, lessons learned, college days, my wedding day, the birth of my children, spending time with my grandparents, trips taken. I reflect on the present….my children, my husband, my parents, my jobs, memories being made. I reflect on my future….the boys going to college, retirement, traveling, planning for memories to be made. It seems like our lives are getting busier and busier. Each day goes by faster, each season comes more quickly, and each year is here with a blink of an eye. I find myself just glancing in the mirror before running out the door to the next activity, meeting, or event. I certainly do not take much time looking deeper at my reflection. As we embark on the 2013-2014 JLL journey, my hope is that we take time to look at our reflection as individuals and as a group. This is a multi-faceted task to say the least. I plan to encourage you throughout the year to reflect on your role as a member in the league-in the past, present, and future-and facilitate reflection on JLL’s past, present, and future. In order to accomplish these reflections, I am happy to announce that the structure of our meetings is going to change a bit. Our mission statement says, “The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” In doing some of my own reflecting on JLL, I believe we are pros at promoting voluntarism and action but are lacking in the leadership and training aspects. Because of this reflection I have re-structured the meetings to be ½
business and ½ leadership training (no, the meetings are not going to last twice as long). Please don’t cringe at the word training or plan to slip out after the business part. I promise it is going to be exciting, worthwhile, and fulfilling…. a time to reflect!
Emily Parks
“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” James Levin
Flowers, Gifts & Balloons (936) 632-8400 1-800-944-0835
www.theflowerpottexas.com
303 E. Denman Ave. Suite F Lufkin, Texas 75901
Fall 2013 3
Meeting Wrap-Ups
The Junior League of Lufkin is proud to support the following projects and organizations for the 2013-2014 year: Community Projects Lufkin Community Partners Women’s Shelter (Family Crisis Center of East Texas) Pregnancy Help Center Volunteer Services Council Concerned Black Men of Lufkin Lufkin Adult Learning Center In League Projects Back to School Bonanza Career Conference Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen Middle School Volunteer Program Parent Academy Vision Screening Sprint Into Spring Fun Run President’s Charity Member Leadership Training Simply Done Rainbow Room Sustainer’s Charity
Scholarship Recipients 2013
Back Row: Cassidy Braswell & Jessica Skipper Front Row: AnnaPhan, Nohema Mendoza, Jessica Cordero 4 Fall 2013
Council Chat By Ashli Baldridge, Hospitality Chair
I
t’s an honor to serve this year as the Hospitality Chair. What an exciting placement to plan our meetings, food sponsors, Christmas Party, and the End of the Year Celebration! We have some great new food sponsors and some returning sponsors that were so gracious to help us again. I hope you will look forward to eating some yummy food from the following sponsors: Milagros, Papa Johns, and Posadas. Other sponsors are in the works for our Spring meetings. Also the Flower Pot will be donating our beautiful table decorations. Be sure to thank all of these wonderful sponsors who have donated their talent and time to support the League! For our October meeting, the JLL Actives will be welcoming our new Provisionals with a Salad Supper. Actives please bring the following items based on your LAST NAME: A: 1 gallon of sweet tea and 1 gallon of unsweetened tea B-C: Assorted cookie, cupcakes, or a dessert on a serving tray D-G: Assorted chips and dips on serving tray/ bowl H-J: Small green salad and dressing in a serving bowl with serving utensils K: O ne 2-Liter each of Diet Coke, Coke, Dr. Pepper, and Sprite L: Bread sticks or dinner rolls in serving bowl M-N: Crackers and assorted cheese and /or meat or nugget tray on serving tray O-S: Fruit or vegetables on serving tray or a fruit salad in a serving bowl T-Z: P asta salad of any kind in a serving bowl with serving utensils Also be on the lookout for more information about our Christmas Party. It is sure to be a fun and festive celebration!! I would like to also thank Todd and the crew at Main Event. They have so graciously agreed to donate decorations, linens, and other needs for our Christmas Party and End of the year celebration. If you see them out and about be sure to let them know
how much we appreciate them because they always go above and beyond to help support the league. Finally, please thank the incredible Museum of East Texas for sponsoring our September meeting. They are always so kind to accommodate the league and to host this meeting and it is always a lovely event. Again I feel very privileged to serve as your hospitality chair. If you need anything special for meetings, please feel free to call me the week prior to the meeting at 936-465-6701. I will do my best to accommodate your needs.
Ashli Baldridge
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936-639-6470 Fall 2013 5
Back to School Bonanza Wrap Up
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By Hilary Haglund Walker, Chair ur 3rd Annual Back to School Bonanza was held Saturday, August 3rd at First United Methodist Church, and it was a HUGE success! This year we had 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies ready to give away to Angelina County students who qualified for our services. By the end of the day Saturday, we had given away all but 35 of those backpacks!
Many thanks to our partners: First United Methodist Church, Buckner Children & Family Services, and The Children’s Clinic/ Angelina Pediatrics. Without their generous gifts of time and resources before and during the event, it would not have been possible to pull off such a large endeavor. In addition to our sponsors, we received volunteer assistance from the Angelina College nursing program, the SFA audiology lab, the Academy of Hair Design, the Mosaic Center, many local hair stylists and bilingual translators, as well as our evercheerful JLL Sustainers. Thank you to all who volunteered their time for our event! This year we also had a new sponsor in the Colgate’s Bright Smiles Bright Futures program. Colgate, who is a sponsor of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), agreed to partner with JLL to provide a mobile dental van equipped with dental stations and staff to assist with our event. Local dentists and orthodontists, Dr. Art Jordan, Dr. Valerie Sperry, and Dr. Ryan Hinckley, volunteered their time and expertise in the Colgate van. Jordan Family Dentistry also donated toothbrushes and toothpastes that were included in the FUMC health kits this year. Kool Smiles dentists Dr. Soo Uh and Dr. Karen Wu saw students at our indoor dental facility and also gave out dental kits to kids. Always Affordable Dental provided dental assistants for the event and donated toothpaste as well. 2012-2013 Platinum Helping Hands Sponsor, Brookshire Brothers, played a very important role in this year’s event. Not only did they assist us by ordering and delivering school supplies, they also agreed to sponsor the new Back to School Bonanza Passports given to all of the kids as they entered the event. This sponsorship included a donation of five $100 Brookshire Brothers gas/grocery gift cards given out to lucky students who completed every station at the event. These stations include head check, dental screening, hearing screening (new to this year’s event!), immunization, vision screening and haircut. We are grateful for our partnership with Brookshire Brothers and look forward to that partnership growing with future Bonanzas!
I want to thank my committee for all of their hard work and dedication to this project. This event continues to grow and it takes the entire team to make sure things run smoothly – and this year’s event ran about as smoothly as you can expect when you have over 2,000 members of the community attending. I credit the success of this year’s event to the organization, preparation and smiling faces of our B2SB 2013 committee.
The biggest asset to B2SB 2013 was event co-chair, Tonja Childers. Thanks to Tonja’s leadership we were able to receive a generous donation of lice kits from Insight Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a company which manufactures and markets lice kits. This donation will provide kits to local children and their families for many Bonanzas to come. Tonja also oversaw and implemented the wonderful plan to order much of our school supplies in pre-packaged form this year. This brilliant move allowed our team of volunteers to completely stuff
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2,000 backpacks in less than 7 hours, where it once took us several days. Finally, when it came time for someone to climb into the Colgate bunny suit to greet kids at the dental van, she was the first to sign up. You heard right – the cochair of the entire event spent much of the day dressed in a giant bunny costume in the 100 degree heat! She was heard saying it was her favorite part of the day because she got to see the joy on the faces of so many children. Tonja has a true servant’s heart and we are incredibly lucky to have her leadership. I am honored to have served alongside her this year.
The motto of our Back to School Bonanza has been “Together, we will make a difference in the lives of the children in Angelina County!” I’m confident we did just that on Saturday, August 3, 2013. This is a blessed project and I’m so proud to belong to a League that has made this event a focus of our time, efforts and resources. This is an event for which we can all be proud!
Hilary Haglund Walker
Back to School Bonanza Wrap Up
Fall 2013 7
Camp Get Fit Wrap Up By Heather Slaton, 2013 CGF/KIK Chair
Camp Get Fit/ Kids in the Kitchen 2013
T
his year’s annual Camp Get Fit/Kids in the Kitchen was held at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, July 22nd through July 26th. Over 40 campers, entering grades 3-5, attended three sessions each day focusing on cooking, exercise and health awareness. As in years past, this project ran smoothly with the help of our wonderful group of Junior League members and community volunteers. There are no words to express my gratitude and gratefulness to those who were willing to donate their services and time. It is a true testament to the spirit of our community and I feel privileged to be a part of it! Our campers were educated in the classroom about making healthy choices, taking care of their bodies, portion control and more. A big thank you to the following presenters: TABC Officers Lt. Taylor and Agent Davidson from the Angelina County Sherriff’s Office, Sabrina Lillard from Memorial Hospital, dental assistant Amanda Johnson from Dr. Tom Croley’s practice, and Stephanie Crager from The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center. Each day our campers were sent home with some new information on ways to stay healthy. During the cooking sessions campers learned how to read food labels and how to prepare healthy snacks. The menu this year included banana sammies, homemade granola bars, chicken salad, mini pizzas, and smoothies. Campers also created their very own cookbooks with the week’s recipes, and felt empowered when they were able to make their own alternatives to some of their favorite snacks. Campers worked up a sweat in our gym/exercise sessions and had a great time doing it! Their activities included scooter kickball, mini bootcamp, roller skating, kids zumba, learning about their muscles and more. Tammi Jo Willmon was gracious enough to volunteer her time in our gym and our campers really looked forward to each new gym session.
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The committee members this year for CGF/KIK were some of the hardest working ladies I have been around. Each one devoted their time and made scheduling easy for me. Thank you does not even come close to showing the appreciation I have for all their help this year. Camp was a success because of you…Alison Horsley, Becky Cota, Lori Bennett, Emily Parks, Misty Zeleskey, Emily May, Brooke Vann and Monica Gunter. Also, a special thanks to my co-chair Becky Butler who not only helped with all aspects of camp preparation, but was our kitchen leader this year, responsible for our snack menu, presentation and cookbooks. She truly cares for the children of this community and without her help CGF/KIK would have not been near the success that it was! In addition to those already mentioned many other provisional and first year league members as well as one sustainer stopped by to lend an extra pair of helping hands. Plus we had many junior volunteers that were too old to be campers this year so they participated by helping our leaders in multiple sessions. Lastly, I would like to recognize our local sponsors and businesses that provided our campers with a goodie bag full of coupons and fun treats. Our bags were donated by our local Brookshire Brothers, so thank you Sally Alvis for all your help and support! The coupons and treats came from: Walgreens, Chick-fil-A, Marines & Navy Recruiting Office, Smoothie King, Lufkin Lanes bowling, the Skate Ranch, CiCi’s, Applebee’s, Bullritos, and Bancorp South. I couldn’t have asked for a better event to chair and it is all because of our amazing community and volunteers. The services that not only JLL provides but our community as a whole has again revealed how much we care about the women and children of Angelina County. I am in awe your spirit and commitment!
Heather Slaton
Helping Hands
2013-2014 Helping Hands Campaign Partners Corporate Sponsors SilverHands-$2,500
Memorial Health System of East Texas
Blue Hands-$1,500 Abeldt’s Gaslight Pharmacy First Bank and Trust Lufkin Industries Inc.
In-Kind/Media Sponsors Texas State Bank Main Event The Flower Pot Milagros Tea House Papa John’s Pizza Posados Café
Yellow Hands- $250 Brigettee & Trey Henderson Community Title Cross Medical Ellis Chiropractic Studer Hinckley Orthodontics Whataburger Zeleskey Law Firm
Orange Hands- $100 Chance Law Office Security & Guaranty Wes Combs
Purple Hands- Advertising Beard Fine Jewelers Merle Norman Cosmetics Morgan Insurance
The 2013-2014 Helping Hands Campaign is underway! Please consider partnering with the Junior League of Lufkin as we work to improve our community and enrich the lives of women and children in Angelina County.
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Vision Screening By Melissa Whitaker, Vision Screening Chair
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ell, it’s that time of year again! Busy, busy, busy, yet exciting! The upcoming year is going to be a great fulfilling year. I am so looking forward to working with such a wonderful group of ladies this year! It seems every year that I have worked with Vision Screening, in which it has been three years in a row now (minus the broken ankle), I love it more and more every year. This is the most exciting placement to me. I have had the honor of working with a lot of beautiful and intelligent ladies whom seem to be so generous in the giving of their time. Hats off to Crystal Thomas and Michelle Combs for doing such a wonderful job with B2SB Vision Screening and all of the lovely ladies who helped! This year, not only are we going to conquer the schools we typically screen, we are proud to add Diboll and Huntington Elementary. The nurses at these two schools, Mrs. LaDonna, a wonderful provisional we have as the Diboll nurse and Mrs. Tammy of Huntington, were both so excited to hear they were getting help this year. As we all know, the year is going to be very busy. Amy Jo Looney
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Most of the days we will be screening will be Tuesday through Thursday with an occasional Monday or Friday. The hours are typically 8:00am-2:00pm, although we are often finished screening before noon. This is perfect for anyone who would like to give some time while the kiddos are in school. I know what you’re thinking, “Why in the world would I want to volunteer when I can relax while the kids are in school?” The only thing I can say is, I feel so fulfilled inside knowing I helped make a difference in a child’s life! They remember you. They run up to hug you. And they are happy to see you. Everyone has their own reasons. I personally love the children and get to spend time with some Junior League ladies whom I may or may not know. If you or I don’t know them, you will see how truly beautiful these ladies are by the end of the day and keep coming back for more! That’s what happened to me, Nikki Ashby, Tracy Nichols, Whitney Garza, and many others! So join us for the fulfilling days of Vision Screening. Contact Melissa Whitaker, Vision Screening Chair at 936-676-5694 or Crystal Thomas, Vision Screening Co-Chair at 936-366-7339.
Melissa Whitatker
Provisionals By Frances Racine, Internal Public Relations
Tonya LaForge
I am married to Kevin and we have 2 children; Kendall (14) and Karley (9). I am the Program Director for Surgical Technology for Angelina College. I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with my CNOR (Certified Nurse of Operating Room) and CST (Certified Surgical Technologist). My dream career is to be a Forensic Pathologist. I love hunting, fishing, camping, riding ATVs, and pretty much anything outdoors. My favorite volunteer activity is anything that is community service oriented. Some of my favorite things are: crafting or shopping with my daughters; Nicholas Sparks is my favorite author – which would make The Notebook my favorite movie. My favorite vacation spot is Colorado and most people don’t know that I love to play 42!
Benita Bennett
I am married to Clarence and we have 3 children; Clarence Jr. (26), Malcolm (22), and Valencia (20). I work as an AtRisk-Coordinator and my dream career is working as a Human Resources Coordinator. I love to read. My favorite volunteer activity is visiting Nursing Homes, and working in the garden. My favorite way to spend a day is with my family. My favorite authors are Maya Angelou, Terri McMillian, W.E.B. Bois, and Toni Morrison. My favorite movie is the Lion King. My favorite vacation spot is Virginia Beach. Most people don’t know that I hate to shop.
Crystal Capps
I am Crystal Capps. I have a dog named Nate. I work as a marketing representative for Express Employment Professionals. Some of my hobbies are shopping, being funny, watching karaoke without participating, crafting, and singing in the car. My favorite volunteer activity is Cattle Baron’s and the Blueberry Festival Golf Tournament. My favorite way to spend a day is laughing. I love Mark Twain and my favorite movie is Blades of Glory and Dirty Dancing. My favorite vacation spot is Hawaii. Most people don’t know that I LOVE the history channel.
Shellie Davis
I am married to Scott and we have 2 children; Michael (4), and Ryan (1). I am a homemaker and my dream career is to be a photographer (babies and families). Some of my hobbies are reading, shopping, and cooking. My favorite volunteer activity is working with children. I love to spend my day with my family. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks and my favorite movie is Sleepless in Seattle. My favorite vacation spot is the beach. Something most people don’t know about is I went to school in California.
Robyn Devore
I am married to Chris and have 2 children; Jake (12) and Halle (6). I work as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Angelina Pediatrics. My dream career is to be a worldrenowned expert in my field. Some of my hobbies are reading, listening to music and traveling. My favorite volunteer activity is assisting children in need. My favorite way to spend a day is being with my family and watching my children experience life. My favorite author is Francine Rivers and my favorite movie is Shakespeare in Love. My favorite vacation spot is the beach.
Natalie Fitzgerald
I am Natalie Fitzgerald. I teach 5th grade (Two-Way Dual Language) Math at Slack Elementary in Lufkin. What is my Dream Career? Call me crazy but I’m fulfilling my dream. I’m doing what I love...teaching! I love watching sports (Go Rangers! Go Cowboys!) and spending time with my family, reading & learning! I love to cook, bake and be crafty around the house. Last but certainly not least...girl has to shop, so of course shopping! My favorite volunteer activity is anything with children...love those kids! My favorite way to spend a day is either by the pool or at a baseball game, with the company of good friends! My favorite author is Kristin Hannah and my favorite movie is Pitch Perfect (a-ca-awesome!). I didn’t vacation a lot growing up, but I’d love to visit Belize! Most people don’t know that I’m left handed in everything I do except writing!
LaDonna Garza
I am married to David. We have 2 children; Arianna (14) and Alyssa (10). I work as an Elementary School Nurse. My dream career? I am already doing it! Nursing. Whether it is direct care, patient teaching or simple comforting I absolutely enjoy helping patients and their family through all scary, unknown and happy times. Some of my hobbies are riding ATV’s with family, reading suspense novels, and sewing. My favorite volunteer activity is anything involved kids. I love spending my days with my family having fun. My favorite movie is Sweet Home Alabama & Soul Surfer. My favorite vacation spot is Creede, Colorado. Most people don’t know that I am terrified of water.
Belinda Gomez
I am married to Robert and we have 3 children; Melany (12), Maegan (7) and Morgan (2). I am a Receptionist at Lufkin Middle School. My dream career is owning my own restaurant/bakery. My hobbies are cooking, baking and shopping. My favorite volunteer activity is anything that will help someone in need. Spending time with my husband and girls is my favorite way to spend the day. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks and my favorite movie is My Best Friend’s Wedding. My favorite vacation spot is Disney World. Most people don’t know that one day I want to open my own restaurant.
Carrie Hawkins
I am married to RJ and we have 2 children; Brody (2 1/2) and Briley (9 months). I work as an Assistant Controller/ CPA. My dream career is being a Marine Biologist. Some of my hobbies are spending time with my family, running and playing soccer. My favorite volunteer activity is coaching youth soccer. Playing outside with my kids is my favorite way to spend a day. Since I don’t have time to read...I don’t have a favorite author. My favorite movie is Hope Floats. My favorite vacation spot is the Caribbean. Something most people don’t know about me is when I was pregnant with my son; I acquired a smell for skunk that has unfortunately never gone away....
Fall 2013 11
Provisionals Rebecca Henderson
I am married to Hall and we have one child, George who is 6 months old. I work as a part-time teacher and a stay at home mom. My dream career is to be the best mom to my sweet George. Some of my hobbies are spending time with my son, shopping, exercising, Aggie football, and Pinterest projects! My favorite volunteer activity is anything related to the Kilgore College Rangerettes - an organization that is very close to my heart! Baking in my kitchen…just because is my favorite way to spend the day. Who is my favorite author? Hmmm…I don’t read novels (and I hope none of my former teachers are reading this!) BUT if it’s a magazine, I can devour it in a heartbeat. My Bible is also an important part of my daily life! My favorite movie is Ocean’s Eleven. My favorite vacation spot is the beach…any beach! Most people don’t know I love watching sports! My TV stays on ESPN the majority of the time!
Jaclyn Hults
I am married to Garry and we have 2 children; Anthony (16) and Alexis (5). I am the new owner of The Very Thing. My dream career is to be a missionary and do ministry work. Some of my hobbies are sports and going to the lake. My favorite volunteer activity is being a church camp counselor. Spending the day with my family is my perfect day. My favorite author is Fern Michaels and my favorite movie is Sweet Home Alabama. My favorite vacation spot is the West Coast. Most people don’t know that I love puzzles.
Rebekah Koch
I am married to Joey and we have one child with one on the way; Lydia is 14 months. I am a physician and a Psychiatrist. My dream career is to be a Country singer. My favorite way to spend a day is with family and friends, then a date with my husband. I have lots of favorite authors; I’m currently reading Jen Hatmaker. I have a long list of favorite movies ranging from Troop Beverly Hills to Inglorious Basterds. My favorite vacation spot is going to a resort in Mexico.
Jenn Lipscomb
I am married to Jamie and we have 2 girls; Ellie (12) and Olivia (9). I am an 8th grade science teacher at LMS. My dream careers are architect, author, or interior decorator - all involve creativity! My hobbies are biking, swimming, tennis, gardening, reading and traveling. My favorite volunteer activity is for any activity involving people! I love to entertain, so hosting a party would be a perfect day. My favorite author would be Eudora Welty; she is a MS magnolia who can tell a great story, but I read a variety of books. I love a good story- real or fiction. My favorite movie is Steel Magnolias. My favorite vacation spot is anywhere there is a beach- although I love Rosemary Beach, FL! Most people don’t know that I think best and find my most creative moments wearing pj’s. Being an author is the only dream job I could possibly pursue in the future while wearing my pj’s!
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Lauren Marshall
I am Lauren. I don’t have a husband or children yet, but I have 2 golden retriever fur babies named Ellie Mae and Bullfrog. I am the Vice President and Branch Manager of Huntington State Bank in Central. My dream career is to be independently wealthy and travel. Is that a career? My hobbies are cooking, reading, playing golf, and fishing. My favorite volunteer activity is participating with Junior Achievement. Spending time at the lake (or any body of water) with my loved ones is a perfect day. It’s too hard to choose a favorite author! I love any kind of murder mystery suspense thriller but I also love classics like Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. One of my favorites movies is Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, but my ultimate favorite movie is Legally Blonde! Shhhh…. Don’t tell anybody! I love to travel and so far my favorite spot has been Paris! I’ll let you know when or if that changes. Most people don’t know that I have a weird pet peeve that I’ve never admitted to…My shampoo and conditioner HAVE to match!
Alyssa Massingill
I am Alyssa and my husband hasn’t found me yet… I am a Spanish teacher at Huntington High School. My dream job is to own an English Learning Center. My hobbies are traveling, being in the kitchen, and anything outdoors. My favorite volunteer activity is anything where I can help translate for Spanish speakers. My favorite way to spend a day is at an outdoor cafe with a book and endless coffee. I am guilty of loving most any British author from the 19th Century...and my favorite movie is You’ve Got Mail. My favorite vacation spot are the secret beaches of Costa Rica. Most people don’t know that I’m a natural blonde.
Christina Montgomery
I am married to Danny and we have 2 sons; Akira (10) and Bruce (4). I am a 4th grade bilingual teacher and my dream career is to be a speech pathologist. My hobbies are reading or playing outsides with my kids. My favorite volunteer activity is being a Sunday School teacher. Spending the day with my family is my favorite way to spend the day. My favorite authors are James Patterson and Jodi Picoult. My favorite movie is The Notebook. My favorite vacation spot is Florida. Most people don’t know that I plan to go back to school.
Susan Neighbors
I am married to Todd and we have 3 children; Cody Key (18), Taylor (15), and Kennedy (11). I work in software sales. My dream career is retirement. My hobbies are playing golf and working out. I don’t have a favorite volunteer activity since I am new to volunteering. I look forward to getting involved in our community. My favorite way to spend a day is golfing with my husband and son or shopping with by best girlfriends. My favorite author is James Patterson and my favorite movies are Sex in the City and Sweet Home Alabama. My favorite vacation spot is the Turks and Caicos. Most people don’t know that I was a baton twirler growing up from ages 6 to 20. I competed in competitions in Oklahoma and Texas and twirled at Oklahoma State University where I attended college.
Erika Neill
I am married to Scott Neill and we have one child, Avery (10 months). I work as an attorney, this is my dream career. My hobbies are family, friends and red wine! My favorite volunteer activity is working with kiddos. My favorite way to spend a day is playing with Avery. My favorite author is C.S. Lewis and my favorite movie is V for Vendetta. My vacation spot is anywhere in Germany. Most people don’t know that I played college basketball.
Provisionals Kim Ogden
I am married to Chad and we have one child, Carter who is 3 years old. I work as the Assistant Director of Marketing at Woodland Heights. My dream career is to be a billionaire beach bum. My hobbies are party planning, Aggie football season (whoop!), riding my motorcycle, being active and being outside with my family. My favorite volunteer activity is pretty much anything where I get to talk and socialize with people! Shyness is not a word in my vocabulary! My favorite way to spend a day is being with my family and friends, taking road trips, and getting a mani/pedi. My favorite author is Patricia Cornwell and my favorite movie is Six Days, Seven Nights. My favorite vacation spot is anywhere that combines sand, water, waves, blue skies, and sunny weather! Most people don’t know that I was a forensic death investigator for a medical examiner as well as a forensic anthropology consultant for the Texas Rangers.
Brandi Reynolds
I am married to Brandon and we one child, Sydney (6). I am the VP & Trust Officer at First Bank & Trust East Texas. My dream career is to be an interior designer. My hobbies are reading, decorating, gardening, and antique shopping. My favorite Volunteer activity is participating in Junior Achievement & Keep Lufkin Beautiful. My favorite way to spend a day is being with my family. My favorite author is Diana Gabaldon and my favorite movie is Hocus Pocus & The Goonies. My favorite vacation spot is Florida. Most people don’t know that I like to go fishing.
Carmon Lampley-Roberts
I am married to Darren and have one child, Case (3). I am an Optometrist. My dream career is to be an optometrist or dentist. My hobbies are swimming, reading, shopping, and camping (RV...NOT tent!). My favorite way to spend a day is camping with family and friends at the beach/lake. I’m a bookworm, so I don’t have a favorite author. There are just too many to count! I don’t really have a favorite movie; I don’t really watch a lot of movies. My favorite vacation spot is on the beach. Most people don’t know that I talk (and walk) in my sleep on a regular basis.
Susan Robertson
I am married to Greg and we have 2 children; Lucas (6) and Jacob (2). I work as a Fund Development Director. My dream career is to be a United States Senator. My hobbies are volunteering and shopping. My favorite volunteer activity is working with Junior Achievement and being the high school students’ advisor for Interact Club. My favorite way to spend a day is with my boys. My favorite part of week is the weekend because it is our family time. No matter if we are grocery shopping or taking a weekend trip to Dallas just being with them makes me happy. My favorite author is Kate Chopin and my favorite movie is Con Air. My favorite vacation spot is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Most people don’t know that I was born and raised in Louisiana. I’m a Texas transplant.
Karah Stracener
I am married to Todd and we have one child, Mary Kathryn (2). I am a Registered Nurse. My dream career is to be an interior decorator. My hobbies are reading and shopping. Spending the day playing with my daughter or lounging by the pool is the perfect day. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks and my favorite movie is Dirty Dancing. My favorite vacation spot is anywhere on the beach.
Aubree Tamez
I am married to Joey and we have 2 children; Kai (4) and Paislee (2). I am a Librarian, which is also my dream career. My hobbies are shopping, reading, and spending time with friends and family. My favorite volunteer activity is anything that involves helping children. My favorite way to spend a day is relaxing at the lake. My favorite author is Tess Gerritsen and my favorite movie is any movie with Leonardo DiCaprio. My favorite vacation spot is somewhere tropical. Most people don’t know that my ears aren’t pierced.
Holly Weems
I am Holly and I am a Realtor. My dream career is to be an Alzheimer Activist. My hobbies are running, working out and dancing. My favorite volunteer activity is any activity that helps our community. My favorite way to spend a day is running in the morning and playing with my dog or hanging out with family and friends. My favorite author is John Grisham and my favorite movie is Forest Gump. My favorite vacation spot is Florida. Most people don’t know that I am very passionate about health and fitness.
Jill West
I am married to Scotty and I work for the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. My dream career is to be a veterinarian. My hobbies are cooking and baking. My favorite volunteer activity is anything to do with children and animals. My favorite way to spend a day is shopping or relaxing with family and friends. My favorite book is The Bible. My favorite movie is The Notebook. My favorite vacation spot is the beach. Most people don’t know that I’m from Roswell, NM.
Stacey Youngblood
I am married to Glenn and we have 3 children; Jesse age 16, Alexis age 15 and Dillon age 10. I am an EMT/NCT Family Medical Clinic. My dream career is to be a staff member of the “Make a Wish Foundation” or “Extreme” Home Makeover Team. My Hobbies are running, missionary work and spending quality time with my family. My favorite volunteer activity is participating in Relay For Life. My favorite way to spend a day is at a water park with my family. My favorite author is Beth Moore and my favorite movie is Beaches. My favorite vacation spot is Las Vegas. Most people don’t know that I have never, ever finished a book…EVER.
Kasye Sinclair
I am married to Kevin and we have 2 daughters; Sarah (12) and Allyson (10). I am the owner of Kasye’s Kreations; apparel personalization. My dream career is to be an occupational therapist at Shriners Hospital. My hobbies have turned into my job! Stain glass, embroidery and making t-shirts! My favorite volunteer activity is doing the hearing screenings for Hudson ISD and love interacting with the kids. My favorite way to spend a day is at home relaxing with my family. My favorite movie is Steel Magnolias and my favorite vacation spot is the Smoky mountains.
“For a Full Measure of Quality & Service” (936) 639-2346 abeldtrx@consolidated.net
200 Gaslight Blvd. Lufkin, Texas 75904
Fall 2013 13
Motivational Minute By Kim Herman, Our View Editor “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6)
T
Attention Middle School Parents!
his was the scripture that came up when planning Promote youth volunteerism by signing your child up our church’s Vacation Bible School this past for Middle School Volunteer Program sponsored by month. The theme was “Calling All God’s the Junior League of Lufkin. The MVP informational Children.” I found it suiting to relate this verse with our recent little leaguers meeting will be held Sept. 28th, 9:00 am at Anderson and the MVP program because I know many of you are wondering why they Elementary. For more information on MVP, are listed under Motivational Minute. log on to the Junior League of Lufkin webpage or email Mallory Muhlbach at jllmvp@gmail.com. What does it mean to ‘train up a child?’ As I reflect on the above scripture, I can not help but think of what we do as league members. From our precious newborns to the MVP program, we are role models for the future of tomorrow. We celebrate the births of our precious children who will soon be walking the halls of area middle schools and high schools. Train up a child, yes if we start early not only in a religious setting but in volunteerism, they will grow to know the importance of giving back to those who are less fortunate. They will also learn the value of hard work and dedication. While we congratulate our members who have welcomed new additions to their families, I encourage you as parents of middle school students to get them involved early in volunteering and giving back to the community.
Welcome Little Leaguers!! Isaac Daniel Cota
Presley Rose Gould
Born August 15, 2013 Cong ratu latio ns to Beck y Cota & fam ily!
Born March 12, 2013 Cong ratu latio ns to Courtney Gould and fam ily!
Jackson Everett Looney Born June 14, 2013 Cong ratu latio ns to Amy Looney & fam ily!
Owen Christopher Axelson
13. Bo rn in August 9, 20 to s ion lat Co ng ratu fami ly! Tamm i Axels on an d
Brayden Wayne McDonald
Born June 8, 2013 Cong ratu latio ns to Tany a McDonald and fam ily!
14 Fall 2013
Hollis Alderson Todd Born May 20, 2013 Cong ratu latio ns to Kath erine Todd and fam ily!!
Creed Kartye
was born July 30, 2013 Cong ratu latio ns to Heat her Kart ye and husb and!
Words of Gratitude
corner of loop 287 and hwy 59 s. 936-637-2848
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15 Fall 2013 10/10/2012 6:00 PM
Sustainer News By Anita Caraway Summer 2013 is in the books and I don’t know about the rest of you but I am ready for some structure and some cooler temperatures that are surely just around the corner. With the fall also comes the start of a new League year and a new year filled of opportunities for the Junior League of Lufkin Sustainers to help the organization and community that we are all so passionate about. Since May, there have been a few areas where we have already been working. The Sustainer Board, led by President Bobbi Robinson, met in July and plans for the upcoming year were made. In August, we had members help with two League projects and we want to extend a thank you to Tina Turner who worked with Camp Get Fit and Cathy Todd who worked with Back to School Bonanza. Additionally we want to thank those who volunteered at these activities. To say that it could not have been done without you is an understatement. August also brought training for Vision Screening and Ginna Hudgens is our point person for that project. This is another far reaching project in our community and if you attended the training or are still certified, please consider helping in the fall. I am always amazed at the number of people who have worked in Vision Screening over the years. I know that my time being with those students was one of my favorite jobs in the League and that seems to be the answer from most who have worked it. For more information or to schedule a time to work you can contact Ginna at virginiahudgens@yahoo.com or reach her by phone at 632-5865. Another great opportunity this year is the Middle School Volunteer Program. This project was started 10 years ago by some League members who had students at Lufkin Middle School. These moms wanted their kids and other students to learn about the importance of volunteering and wanted to give the students several different opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. The students could work on-campus and even had some off-campus activities to choose from. Over the years the project has evolved to volunteer opportunities and service activities on the LMS campus. Robin Flournoy is the Sustainer working with Middle School Volunteer Program. If you have any ideas about service projects that the students of LMS can help with, or if you are interested in helping some students find their passion about volunteering contact Robin at 422-9953 or by email at robinflournoy@hughes.net. Our Fall Luncheon has been scheduled for Wednesday October 23rd from 11:30 – 1 pm at Crown Colony. The luncheon is being chaired by Susan Morgan and Ginger Bates. This is always a great time to catch up on how everyone is doing so we hope that you will make plans to attend. Among other things we will be getting an update on 16 Fall 2013
the League activities and you will have a chance to sign up to help with projects. The Holiday Tea has also been scheduled and it will be Wednesday, November 20th at the Museum of East Texas. Thalia Tierney and Kathi White are organizing the tea. Please save the date on your calendar and we will pass along the time and any information on a service project once those items are finalized. As a reminder, Barbara Peterson, Sustainer Parliamentarian, will be working on our new remember program for us which was started last year by Bobbi Robinson. If you know of a Sustainer who is ill or who has suffered a loss in her family, please contact Barbara at 6356689. You may call or text. She will then send a card on our behalf. Finally we do have Sustainer shirts that are still available for $15. The shirts have collars and are embroidered. You can contact Bobbi Robinson to make arrangements to pick one up or they will be available at the Fall Luncheon. I am very excited about the 2013-2014 year and honored to be a part of the Our View staff again. This is where my time in the League started in 1997 and it seems that I have come full circle. I would love to hear about your volunteer experiences during the year.
Anita Caraway
Events & Birthday Calendar
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15
Donna Spore Vannita Moore
22Jane Ainsworth
Anne Hardy Tracy Portwood Jennifer Molina
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Keela Morgan Mary Ridings Shelly Morgan
Beth Denman Laura Squiers
Sarah Vier
Lia Frost Becky Butler
10 Leslie Ainsworth Erika Neill
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Mary Jane West Melissa Huggins
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4
Shelli Ellis Jean Hester Vision Screening Training
F r i d ay
5
S a t u r d ay
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Ginna Hudgens
Mary K. Grum Lynda Zimmerman
Janie Slack Virginia Winston
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Susie Freeman Tonya Laforge
Allison James
28
Carol Bradley Amanda Morales
Lynda Langston
F r i d ay
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Sally Hogue Hilda Mitchell Board Meeting
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Marietta Yeates
Jennifer Conway Ann Shands LaDonna Garza
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3 Terri Self Ashli Baldridge
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5 Provisionals Ropes Course
Tempe Lou Durham
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General Meeting
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17
Sheila Skelton Rebecca Davis
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Kimberly Graham Sustainer Fall Meeting
24 Karen Harris Becky Holton
Dana Smithhart Sherry Roper 28 Paula Werner
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Lisa Haglund Judy Perry
Cissy McCarroll
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Joie Henderson Leeann Haglund
Kayse Sinclair Board Meeting
Paula Hughes Samford
12
MIchelle Briley
Andrea Friesen Rose Johnson
Kitty Davis
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Tina Luna
2nd Half of Dues Deposited
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Belinda Gomez
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Dessa Glass
Ann Caskey Joanne Roquemore
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Mary King
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Rebecca West
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2 Jullie Castleberry Carol Zbranek
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Cindy Neal Marcy Weibe
10
Brooke Van
Joan Temple
18
Stephanie Gustafson
24 Joy Scott-Killam
12 Cinda Taylor Cissy Seely T.J. Patterson General Meeting 19
25 Elizabeth Perkins Board Meeting
13
26 Nancy Moore Monica Gunter
14
9 Tammi Axelson
15 Cathey Friesen
Susan Robertson Sustainer Christmas Social
27
Laddie Williams
16
Melinda Moore Crystal Gann
Amber Youngblood
20
Luanna Semlinger
8 Kelley Moore Donna Willis
Cindi Andrews
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17
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30
Nelda Horton Terri Zeleskey
Rona Friesen
28 Misty Croley Callie Winston
Ann Watson
Jean Dillahunty
Fall 2013 17
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
P.O. Box 151812 Lufkin, Texas 75915
Permit No. 45 Lufkin, TX
M i s s i on S tat e m e n t The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
Best Selection, Best People, Best Prices One Convenient Location
www.PeltierChevroletLufkin.com 888-654-8779