Texas Forestry Association today announced that Ron Hufford, Executive Director, will retire by the end of the year.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have spent 33 years doing what I love with people I admire and respect,” Hufford said. “We have faced many challenges in our industry and have survived all of them. We have created an effective means for the public and the industry to work together and to communicate with legislators for and against issues in forestry. We have continued and deepened our partnership with Texas Forest Service and many other state agencies to keep forestry a viable and valuable resource. With our long-term vision and the five year plan in place, I am confident the growth and partnerships will continue in the future.”
Texas Forestry Association today announced that Ron Hufford, Executive Director, will retire by the end of the year.
Hufford has been the association’s executive director since January, 1984. During his tenure at TFA, Hufford established Project Learning Tree and the Teacher Conservation Institute, and developed several councils under TFA’s umbrella to bring together the diversity of the forest industry.
“It is humbling to see the support and encouragement from staff and friends alike as I retire,” Hufford said. “While I am stepping away from the desk and closing the door on this chapter, I am not leaving the forest. The woods and its many benefits have been a long-time passion for me. I’ll be out there among the trees, spending time with my wife and my children and sharing that passion with my grandchildren.”
Before joining TFA, Hufford worked with Southern Forest Products Association based in New Orleans, Louisiana as Mid-Western Field Representative before being elevated to director of Field Services, and later named the Vice President of SFPA’s Forest Resources and Environmental Division.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Southern Illinois University. Following his college education, Hufford served as an officer and pilot in the U. S. Air Force.
Hufford is the Past Chair of the Texas Agricultural Council, Advisory Board Member to the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program, Past Chairman of the Texas Society of American Foresters, Member of the Society of American Foresters, Past Chair of the Texas A&M Forest Science Advisory Council, Past President and member of the Lufkin Rotary Club, Past Board Chair and member of First Christian Church- Lufkin.
“Ron has served the landowners and industries directly and indirectly involved in forestry with the same conviction,” Board of Directors President Dr. Jerry Marcontel said. “He has spent a large portion of his career in Austin protecting Texas forests as well as the individual landowner, the corporations and the service professionals. For that, and all that he has done for Texas Forestry Association, we are forever grateful.”
Hufford is a Fellow in the Society of American Foresters and a Life Member in the Texas Forestry Association. He has received the Distinguished Service to Forestry Award from the Texas Society of American Foresters and is a recipient of the Build East Texas Bill Clements Memorial Award for Outstanding Leadership in Agriculture. He is an Eagle Scout and has received the District Award of Merit, Scoutmaster Award of Merit, and Silver Beaver from the Boy Scouts of America.
“All of us at TFA are very proud of Ron and his accomplishments with Texas Forestry Association,” said Susan Stutts, Assistant Director of TFA. “While we are deeply saddened to see him go, we know that he will enjoy this next step. Ron’s dedication to open communication and strong partnerships have benefited everyone involved in TFA and forestry in Texas.”
TFA will begin accepting applications beginning Feb. 1, 2017. Resumes should be emailed to tfa@texasforestry.org.
Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) and State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) have once again filed legislation aimed at addressing the arbitrary small school adjustment formula in our state’s school finance system. Senate Bill 678 and House Bill 1390 will help create a level playing field for small districts that are expected to provide the same quality education as their larger counterparts.
“It is my mission to help provide a quality education for every student in this state, no matter the size of the school district,” Ashby said. “I believe a change to the small school adjustment formula would represent a step in the right direction and address some of the current inequities in the system.”
Currently, the law states that districts covering under 300 square miles receive fewer state funds than districts with an equal number of students, spanning more than 300 square miles. This arbitrary mileage designation in the school finance system puts hundreds of school districts at a financial disadvantage and this bill would help remedy the issue.
“I believe it is unfair for a small school to be penalized and funded differently based on the size of their school district,” said Nichols. “Creating an equal multiplier in the formula across the board will provide many schools with additional funding, which will go a long way in helping to improve the education of our students.”
The small school adjustment was originally intended to encourage school districts to consolidate. However, as a school is often the heart of a community and a vital part of the economy, many districts have chosen not to consolidate. This legislation would allow communities the option of maintaining local governance of their school board without having to work around a punitive formula.
Representative Ashby is beginning his third term as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. Currently, Ashby serves as the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for public and higher education funding, the Vice-Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, which deals with water issues across Texas, and as a member of House
Administration Committee. Trent lives in Lufkin with his family and is the Angelina County Chairman of Citizens National Bank.
Senator Nichols is beginning his sixth session as a member of the Texas Senate. He currently serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee, and serves as a member of the Finance, Business and Commerce, and Administration Committees. The Senator lives in Jacksonville with his wife.
Gary Blackston of Angelina College leads the Roadrunners against Blinn College as part of Wednesday’s doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium. The Lady Roadrunners face Panola College at 5:30 p.m., and the Roadrunners take on Blinn College at 7:30 p.m. (AC Press photo/Marcy Flores)
AC Basketball at Home Wednesday against Panola, Blinn
Angelina College’s Kennethah Harden leads the Lady Roadrunners in Wednesday’s home game against Panola College. The doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium will also feature the Roadrunners against Blinn College. (AC Press photo/Marcy Flores)
Both Angelina College basketball teams picked up road wins on Saturday, meaning they’ll carry plenty of momentum into Wednesday’s doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium.
The Lady Roadrunners won their second straight game by winning 59-51 at Paris College. The win kept the Lady ‘Runners in the race for the fifth place in the conference standings, just a game behind Wednesday’s opponent, the Panola College Fillies.
The Roadrunners won a heart-stopper at Lee College on Saturday. Gary Blackston grabbed a defensive rebound off a missed free throw with six seconds to play, then drove coast-to-coast to hit a contested layup at the buzzer and lift AC to an 80-79 win over the Rebels. The win also kept the ‘Runners in second place in the South Zone at 15-6, 7-3 for the season.
AC’s men will face Blinn College (12-7, 3-6) in Wednesday’s nightcap.
Teams to Recognize Trout, Brookhollow Elementary Schools
Angelina College’s Victor Bell enters the floor through a tunnel consisting of area elementary school students. The Roadrunners will recognize Trout and Brookhollow Elementary Schools during Wednesday’s home game against Blinn College. (AC Press photo/Marcy Flores)
In addition to a pair of key conference games, Wednesday will feature a night set aside for students, families and faculty members of Trout and Brookhollow Elementary Schools. At the half, teachers from both schools will compete in a 10-minute basketball game. There will be prizes awarded to students throughout the game; and students will be able to line the court prior to tipoff to greet the Roadrunners as they enter the floor. Following the game, students, parents and faculty can gather at the tunnel for photo ops and autographs from the Roadrunner players.
The Lady Roadrunners and Panola College tip off at 5:30 p.m. The Roadrunners face Blinn College at 7:30 p.m. Both games will be live streamed by visiting the Angelina College web site (www.angelina.edu) and clicking on the Athletics link.
Want to update and improve yourself? A few top-to-bottom tweaks can help you look and feel your best.
Update Staples
To combine style with precision, consider the A168WG-9VT from the Casio Vintage Collection, which has a sleek gold colored band and a digital display.
Staples and basics don’t need to change with the seasons, however it’s important to update these elements when they’re worn out, no longer fit, or are simply outdated. Evaluate your shoes, bags, jackets with these criteria in mind and replace any items as needed.
If there are items that you love that are in disrepair but you can’t imagine parting with, take this opportunity to re-sole and shine those shoes and replace that lost button. You’ll improve these items’ usefulness and breathe new life into them. You’ll also look more put together once these items are refurbished.
Look Back
Refreshing your look doesn’t necessarily mean going ultra-modern. Sometimes a vintage look can make a bigger statement. Accessorize with a timepiece that is elegant, classic and will never go out of style. It will serve as a nice complement to any outfit, whether you’re headed to work or going to a party. To combine style with precision, consider the A168WG-9VT from the Casio Vintage Collection, which has a sleek gold colored band and a digital display.
Get Groomed
A new haircut can do wonders. Even if you’re growing your hair long, a trim can make you look polished and groomed. Not only that, it eliminates split ends and keeps hair healthy. For extra edge, men may want to consider indulging in a professional shave while they are at the barber.
Take a cue from the color experts and add a few items to your wardrobe with Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017, “Greenery.” A yellow-green hue evocative of spring, this color can add a bright element to your look and is totally on-trend.
By looking back and looking ahead, you can get inspired to update your look.
Angelina College third baseman Jesse Cravey makes a tough catch on a twisting popup during Monday’s opener against McLennan College. The high-powered, No. 16 Highlanders left Roadrunner Field with an 18-4, 12-1 sweep. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
Angelina College pitcher Jarod Sprinkle pushes off the mound during the nightcap of Monday’s doubleheader with McLennan College. The high-powered, No. 16 Highlanders left Roadrunner Field with an 18-4, 12-1 sweep. (AC Press photo/Gary Stallard)
Head coach Jeff Livin typically uses early-season games to give his younger pitchers an opportunity to see what they’ll be facing throughout the season at the junior-college level.
On Monday, the McLennan Highlanders, ranked 16th in the nation, surely got those pitchers’ attention.
The Highlanders blasted seven homers in two games, powering McLennan to 18-4 and 12-1 wins in AC’s home opener at Roadrunner Field.
McLennan’s Brock Morrison homered twice in the nightcap, driving in two runs; teammates Skyler Cox and Jackson Nichols also homered.
The Roadrunners got a solo homer from Jacob Finke for AC’s lone run.
The Highlanders in the opener exploded for nine runs in the first inning, cruising to the 18-4 win in five innings. AC’s Alex Paz roped a two-run shot in that game, and the Roadrunners scored two more runs on Jesse Cravey’s fielder’s choice and a Highlander throwing error.
The Roadrunners (0-4) will travel to Alvin College on Saturday for a doubleheader scheduled to start at noon.
Motorists traveling US 59 near SL 224 in Nacogdoches will experience delays Wednesday, Feb. 1 when work is scheduled at the US 259 southbound exit ramp that will require a lane closure.
Ditch work is scheduled at the US 259 exit ramp and US 59 south that will require all southbound traffic to be detoured to FM 343 before being returned onto US 59. Motorists are urged to use caution and expect delays.
Several of the nine counties in the Lufkin District will continue to see progress on construction and maintenance projects next week, weather permitting. Lane closures could be scheduled throughout work areas.
Motorists are urged to stay alert and obey all traffic control devices, flaggers or pilot cars that might be in place. Reduce speed and prepare for delays. All work schedules are subject to change in inclement weather. Visit drivetexas.org for a complete list of closures throughout the state.
Work scheduled for the week of Jan 30 through Feb. 3 includes:
ANGELINA COUNTY
US 59 North: Work is scheduled to continue for the installation of new metal beam guard fence and non-mow strips near the Angelina River. Intermittent lane closures will be required through the area as workers remove and replace bridge railings.
US 69 South: Work is scheduled to continue clearing the right of way for a future project from the city of Huntington to FM 844. This work should not impact the traveling public but motorists are urged to stay alert.
NACOGDOCHES COUNTY
US 59: Sidewalks and driveways are being constructed as well as repairs and replacements to curb and gutter throughout the project from SL 224 to 1.3 miles south of SL 224. Center median work also continues. Cement treatment is scheduled in northbound lanes just south of SL 224.
FM 95: Approach work at the newly constructed Dog Creek Bridge is planned.
FM 1638: Work is scheduled to continue safety treating fixed objects, repairing and replacing metal beam guard fence from FM 698 to FM 2609.
FM 1275 (University Drive): Crews are scheduled to work on curb and gutter in various locations. Motorists could experience intermittent lane closures through the work areas.
SHELBY COUNTY
US 84: Work is scheduled to continue on the new bridge railings and intersections at the Sabine River at the Texas/Louisiana borders. The bridge decking is complete and crews will continue intersection island work in Louisiana on LA 5. Crews will begin milling operations next week, weather permitting.
SH 7: Workers will continue to install metal beam guard fence, culverts and cross drainage structures through the project from 4.4 miles east of FM 2913 to US 96.
FM 415: The bridge detour is being constructed at Bear Bayou.
CR 4256: Crews will continue to work on bridge approaches at the tributary of Flat Fork Creek. The bridge decking has been completed.
CR 4564: Work is scheduled to complete the box culvert at the Hilliard Creek Bridge and construction of the drill shafts is scheduled for Spinney Creek and Shoat Creek bridges.
HOUSTON COUNTY
SH 7: Hot mix asphalt is scheduled to be applied throughout the project from just east of FM 232 to Kennard that will complete reconstruction of the pavement and addition of passing lanes and shoulders. Motorists should expect lane closures and delays. Flaggers and a pilot car will be used to direct traffic.
SH 7: Crews will apply spot seal for 8 miles west from Loop 304 in Crockett.
SH 7 East: Crews will mill and texturize pavement and level edges near the Houston County Airport.
SH 21: Work is planned to mill the eastbound lanes and repair detour pavement near Crockett. In Austonio, workers will also continue to place metal beam guard fence and dress ditches on the project from FM 1280 to 2.32 miles east of FM 2967.
FM 227: Work is scheduled to pour concrete for the bridge deck at Hickory Creek that will result in the replacement of the bridge and approaches.
FM 2022: Work is scheduled to level up edges at various locations from FM 2423 to FM 2663.
FM 3313: Spot sealing is scheduled from FM 2022 to the end of pavement.
FM 2110: Base work, sealing and level up is scheduled in various locations.
Mission Tejas State Park: Construction will continue on a new entrance and parking lot.
Loop 304/Crockett: Level up work is scheduled from SH 19 South to US 287 North. Workers will also apply spot seal on Loop 304 from US 287 North to SH 7 West. Motorists should prepare for lane closures through the work areas.
TRINITY COUNTY
US 287: Handrails are being installed on sidewalks and work continues on curbs through the project in the city of Groveton. Motorists could experience a lane closure through the work area.
US 287: Work crews will continue to safety treat fixed objects throughout the project from the Houston County line to SH 94, adding new safety ends to driveways, streets and cross structures.
Various locations: Workers will repair edges and patch potholes and signs.
POLK COUNTY
US 190: Work is scheduled to continue placing metal beam guard fence and installing culverts throughout the project that will add passing lanes and widen the roadway from Onalaska to FM 2457.
FM 62: Hot mix is scheduled to be placed in the project area at Draw Creek.
Livingston State Park: Yaupon and Red Oak camp loops remain closed as crews continue to rehabilitate roads, parking lots and campsites within the Piney Shore, Red Oak and Yaupon camping areas.
Dick Skinner Road: Crews are preparing rights-of-way to replace the bridge and approaches that cross a tributary of the Neches River.
East Clamon Road: Work is scheduled to continue removing the old bridge. Bridge replacements on Jack Pate Road and Upper Leggett Road are complete.
SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY
US 96: Crews are scheduled to safety treat fixed objects and replacing metal beam guard fence from FM 83 to the Jasper County line.
SH 21: Workers are scheduled to continue safety treating fixed objects and replacing metal beam guard fence from SH 147 to FM 1.
FM 1175: Work is scheduled to safety treat fixed objects and replace metal beam guard fence from the end of pavement to FM 83.
SAN JACINTO COUNTY
US 59: Sweeping pavement and bridges in various locations is scheduled throughout the week. Motorists should prepare for delays and intermittent lane closures.
US 59: Crews are scheduled to place seal coat underseal and install signs in the project area that will add frontage roads from 1 mile north of FM 2914 to 1 mile south of FM 2914. Motorists should be aware of trucks entering and exiting the roadway.
US 59: Crews will continue to replace and upgrade metal beam guard fence from just south of FM 2914 to the Liberty County line.
SH 150: Work is scheduled to address drainage issues in various locations.
FM 223: Crews will be cleaning, straightening and replacing delineators, signs and mailboxes in various locations.
FM 946: Crews will repair pavement edges in various locations. Motorists should be alert to trucks entering the roadway and intermittent lane closures.
FM 946: Crews will repair ruts and base failures in various locations. Tree trimming crews will also be trimming and removing debris from trees and the right of way in various locations throughout the week.
SABINE COUNTY
FM 1: Work is scheduled to continue safety treating fixed objects from SH 184 to SS 1.
The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved construction contracts for the state that totaled $431.3 million and additional maintenance contracts, with the Lufkin District was approved for five new construction projects that totaled $6.9 million and one maintenance project for $1.2 million.
Construction and maintenance projects were approved for Houston, San Jacinto, Shelby, Nacogdoches and Polk counties that include:
Houston County: A $2.9 million construction project was approved and set to safety treat fixed objects on SH 21 from just south of SL 304 to the Cherokee County line. The work will include upgrading and replacing metal beam guard fence and culverts to design standards. L.C. Jordan & Son will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline has been determined.
San Jacinto County: A $1.5 million construction project was approved for safety treating fixed objects on FM 1127 to the end of pavement, and on FM 2666 from FM 2025 to SH 150. The work will include updating and replacing metal beam guard fence and culverts to design standards. L.C. Jordan & Son will serve as contractor for the project. No timeline has been determined.
Shelby County: A $1.2 million construction project was approved for US 84 from the Rusk County line to US 59, from the end of pavement to FM 699 on US 59, at Waller Creek on US 59, at Rusk Branch in Nacogdoches County, and on US 259 from the Rusk County line to US 59 in Nacogdoches County. The work will include safety treating fixed objects that will consist of improving and replacing metal beam guard fence to design standards, updating and replacing culverts and replacing bridge and approach railings. Stateline Construction, LLC will serve as contractor. A timeline has not been determined.
Polk County: A $1.2 million maintenance project was approved that includes mill and inlay work on US 190 from the city of Livingston to the Tyler County line. The contract also includes a section of US 59 in Shelby County for mill and inlay work from the Nacogdoches County line to the city of Timpson in Shelby County. Moore Brothers Construction will serve as contractor. A timeline has not been determined.
A $796,806 construction project was approved on US 59 that is designed to replace bridge and approach railings at Bear Creek, Piney Creek, also includes safety treating fixed objects from the Angelina County line to US 287 in Polk County. CDM Holdings, LLC will serve as contractor. A timeline has not been determined.
Nacogdoches County: A $272,731 construction project was approved on FM 1275 (University Drive) at FM 2609 (Austin Street) and Martinsville Road and FM 2609 that is designed to improve the traffic signals at those locations. Striping Technology, L.P. will serve as contractor. A timeline has not been determined.
Looking through my workout wardrobe, I have a wide array of brands that I buy: Nike, Under Armour, Lululemon, Athleta, Gap, Champion (from Target), Impact Fitness, Adidas, Zumbawear, Old Navy, Marika, BCG (Academy brand), Avia, etc.
I know, I know. It’s a lot, but it’s part of the job. Truth is, I love workout clothes. I would rather shop for workout clothes than anything. When my 19-year-old daughter and I go shopping, usually around the halfway point of our shopping trip, I have to make a vow to her that I won’t shop for anymore workout wear.
In each store we enter, I feel the strong gravitational pull of the workout section. I’m powerless to it.
Some of my workout clothes are pricey and some are downright cheap, but, like dear children, I love them all. A couple of my “children” stand out as exceptional, so I thought I would pass along my favorite expensive and non-expensive pieces that I currently wear.
Oh my, how I love this sports bra. I’m a jumper. I love plyo and any move that is big and requires lots of power, but there are certain things that I want to stay put while I do these awesome power moves, you know? This bra is fantastic for that. It also gives a nice shape without the dreaded “uniboob” look. I have several colors and love them all!
These fun tights are cute, comfy and launder well. No matter if I’m teaching my body sculpting or Zumba classes or running or doing yoga, I am comfortable and don’t have to worry about them riding up or down. Also, they look and feel much more expensive than they are. Such a win!
Wine culture in the Texas Forest Country Living has been an important part of many people’s lives, and Wanda and “Buzz” Mouton are no exception. In fact, the Moutons are encouraging wine lovers across Texas and beyond with their growing winery, Naca Valley, in Nacogdoches.
How It All Began
“We’ve always been interested in [wine],” Wanda said. “We’ve been members of the Texas Wine and Grape Grower’s Association, which is both a winemakers and grape growers organization. We just joined it because we really wanted to learn more about it. We weren’t interested in starting a winery, at the time. We didn’t think about that for years.”
The Mouton family received their license to operate the new Nacogdoches winery just weeks before the 2016 Nacogdoches Wine Swirl in February. From left are Scott, Buzz, Wanda and Chelsea.
Wanda said Buzz has been making wine since his high school years, and Wanda and Buzz have shared their love of wine together in many ways.
For example, Wanda retired from teaching public relations and journalism at Stephen F. Austin about 20 years ago, and before that Wanda wrote her dissertation for Texas A&M on adult education in the world of wine.
Wanda and Buzz had met at SFA and were married by this time, so they traveled across the country and beyond to conduct research for Wanda’s paper. Together, they went to countless conventions and wineries, learning all they could about the world of wine. From the Napa Valley, California, to Italy – the couple couldn’t get enough of the world of wine.
That was only the beginning of the Mouton’s inspiration for Naca Valley.
Skip ahead several years later, and the Mouton’s son Scott comes home from school in Florida and said to them, “I think we need to do this. Ya’ll have been involved with wine. We’ve talked about it for years. Let’s start this winery.”
So, that started the building blocks to Naca Valley.
Caught Up in the Naca Valley
“It developed over time,” Wanda said. “We started small at first. We started with the grape vineyard. Members of the family came in, and helped us put in the vineyard that day.”
Wanda said it took about three or four years for the vineyard to produce a fruit.
Naca Valley Vineyard is a family-owned and operated business. From left are Wanda and Buzz Mouton, and their son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Chelsea Mouton. Not pictured is Wanda and Buzz’s daughter Amanda, who is currently completing a year of Study Abroad in New Zealand.
“We started the winery a year or two ago,” she said. “It was a building we already had, so we worked with what we had. Buzz has done all the work. Members of the family have helped, but he has done 98 percent of the work. From making the wine, building the winery, designing the winery and everything in it.”
The vineyard, located in north Nacogdoches at 9897 Fm Rd. 1878, is 62 acres. Currently, it is not open to the public, but wine is being produced from it and is on sale in various places in Texas such as The Liberty Bell, Auntie Pasta’s, and Liquor Mart.
“We have been so appreciative with how people have supported us and been so enthusiastic about our business,” Wanda said. “I will tell you KTRE did a feature on us; just a little 60 second clip, and the response was huge. We are not open yet, but people are still so excited and enthusiastic about it.”
The couple is also in the process of opening a small tasting room in downtown Nacogdoches that will be open to the public on weekends.
“People are very excited about it,” Wanda said. “We’ve got lots of calls from people every weekend wondering if we are open. We are also at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 8 to noon.”
The Wines
As for the wine currently available, there are four different kinds.
“We have four varieties or labels of wine currently out for 2016,” Buzz said. “The 2017 vintage has not yet been released. The 2016 release is for the 2015 vintage. We’re always releasing a year after the vintage.
“Because it takes time to make this fine wine,” Wanda added.
NVV photos for publication (2)Brick Street Red is currently the winery’s best selling wine, and the Moutons get repeated calls asking about it. Another of the wine’s from Naca Valley is dolcetto. Dolcetto is Italian for “little sweet one,” even though the wine is not a very sweet wine, Wanda explained.
“For 2016, we have Dolcetto, which is an Italian grape variety,” Buzz said. “It’s our dry red. And then we have Rose, which is a blend mostly of white grape, orange muscat, bernardino, and symphony grapes. We have a sweet red called Brick Street Red, and that is a blend of red grape varieties and a little bit of white varieties just to give it some aromatics. And then we have our Vermentino, and that was our first release. It’s a white grape variety from Italy. It’s been well received. It’s a lot like our Riesling as far as the sweetness of it.”
The premier wine produced by vintner Buzz Mouton is the 2015 Vermentino semi-sweet white which pairs beautifully with pasta, seafood and chicken dishes.
Red wines are usually aged, and white varieties are not. The red wine dolcetto, however, is an exception. It does not age well because it is acidic.
The Moutons did not deliberately pick the red or white Italian grapes; they were the grapes available when the winery started up because the Moutons got their license so late last year. Another factor that goes into choosing the grapes grown at Naca Valley is the locale of the vineyard.
Different kinds of grapes grow better in different kinds of environments. The Texas Forest Country Region is very humid and hot, so there is a greater chance of mold than in dryer areas such as California, Buzz explained. This limits vineyards to grapes that are not hindered by mold and moisture. Blunc du Bois, a white grape, and Lenoir, a red grape, are two of the kinds of grapes suited for the region that Naca Valley grows.
“Both of them are really resistant to the mildew and humidity that we get and all the diseases that go along with the high humidity. Both of those grapes do really well in this area, except for ours,” Buzz said, referring to the difficulty the couple has had getting their grapes to grow well in their first few years. Battling wildlife like deer and crows, who Buzz said like the grapes as much as anyone, has been difficult. However, the couple is determined to have a good crop this year.
“[It has been difficult] only because he has had to concentrate so much on the winery and actually making wine, which actually takes up an enormous amount of time,” Wanda said. “It’s very labor intensive. A lot of people think that it’s very glamorous to start a winery. It can be, but we really are farmers at heart, you know. We’re supposed to be out in the middle of June in the 110 degree weather harvesting, mowing cleaning, everything you have to do. You have to get out there at certain times of the year and do the work.”
The Wine Guide
When asked if they had a favorite wine, both Wanda and Buzz said it depended entirely on what food the wine was paired with.
“For me, it’s all about what you’re eating,” Wanda said. “If I’m eating a steak, I’m going to want a dry red. If i’m just sipping the wine, the Brick Street Red is great. The Rose I like; it’s very sweet. A lot of people who just start drinking wine like to start with the sweet to acquire the taste. The Rose is very popular with the new drinkers, but that’s not always the case. Vermentino, the semi-sweet white, is great with chicken, good with pasta, with seafood. For sipping I like the Rose and the Brick Street Red.”
“You have to pair it with the food,” Buzz said. “You wouldn’t want to drink a real sweet wine with, say, a meal of red meat. It just doesn’t go well together at all. We also cook a lot with the same wine. We put the dolcetto in spaghetti sauce and chilli sauce and a lot of your red sauces, and I use a lot of the white whines for the white sauces like with fish.”
The Wine Swirl
The Moutons are going to be a part of the annual Wine Swirl held by Nacogdoches Main Street. This year, the Moutons will be bringing Sangria from Naca Valley made from white wine and other fruits to the event.
The Wine Swirl will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy wine samples from at least 15 Texas wineries and purchase delicious fare from several local and regional food trucks. The event will give also attendees the opportunity to interact with local artisans, enjoy live music, be entertained by various street performers, and sample the hospitality from local Nacogdoches downtown merchants.
Wanda and Buzz said they are passionate about the winery, and they consider it to be their home. The couple said all they have left to do is to put in a road and preparations will be complete to open the winery to the public.
“We want to make it a beautiful experience for everyone who comes,” Wanda said.
For more information on Nava Valley Vineyard, visit their website at nacavalley.com.
The Deep East Texas Council of Governments Board of Directors has recognized Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 as 2-1-1 day in Deep East Texas.
The resolution reads in part: “Pick up your phone and dial 2-1-1, and you get free, accurate, well-organized and easy-to-find information about non-profit local and state health and human services programs.”
The Call Specialist answering 2-1-1 calls in Deep East Texas handled 32,486 inquiries in 2016.
No matter where you live in Deep East Texas, you can dial 2-1-1 and find information about resources in Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler counties; 2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Whether you need help finding food or housing, child care, crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment, one number is all you need to know. As a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG), 2-1-1 Texas is committed to helping Texas Citizens connect with the services they need.
