Editor’s Note: Every Saturday in November we will introduce a Bearded Beauty, a man with a full beard or mustache, to raise awareness for men’s health, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Not only will we raise awareness, but we will also shares tips of the tricks of those who have mastered a beard and mustache.
A photo of Bearded Beauty Aaron Thompson.
Meet 35-year-old Aaron Thompson, Nacogdoches resident, network support specialist for Stephen F. Austin State University, and bearded beauty. We sat down with Aaron who told us the reason he grew out his beard and how he styles it every morning. Keep reading for more from Aaron!
TFCL: Why did you decide to grow your beard out? Aaron: I didn’t really have a choice. The hair on my head migrated to my face.
TFCL: How long have you been growing out your beard? Aaron: I almost always have a short beard, but my son asked me about a month ago to grow a “Lumberjack beard,” so this is about a month of growth on top of my normal beard.
TFCL: Do you have any advice for beginners on growing out facial hair? Aaron: Be patient. Hair grows in cycles and the fullness of the beard can take a while.
Aaron Thompson said conditioner is a must for beard grooming.
TFCL: How do you style your beard every morning? Aaron: My morning routine is conditioner in the shower, then tea tree oil and argan oil brushed in later.
TFCL: Do you have any tricks of the trade or any products you use while growing your facial hair out? Aaron: Conditioner is a must. Don’t just slap some on and then wash it off. I leave mine in for a solid 10 minutes.
TFCL: The beard brings awareness to men’s health in November, why do you think it’s important to bring awareness? Aaron: Men’s health awareness is important because most young men think they’re invincible. Healthy habits started early will help prevent problems when you realize that you’re not actually invincible.
Indie Rock concerts are really fun, you can really express yourself through your clothes. Concerts are a way to have fun, meet people, and enjoy the music!
For an indie rock outfit, I chose ripped jeans, a flannel, black combat boots folded over, and a classic concert tee.
With an indie rock outfit you can really put your own twist on what you wear. I chose ripped jeans, a flannel, black combat boots folded over, and a classic concert tee. You can add some fun lipstick (black, red, blue, anything color you want) and do your hair in the new trend of space buns, wear it half up half down, or big curls.
⁃ You could wear a bigger concert tee with leggings and boots, or converses.
⁃ A skater or swing dress with your favorite shoes.
⁃ A fun skirt with a concert tee and comfy booties.
⁃ Have fun, add accessories, and let the music move you!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and are experiencing a safe Black Friday with lots of great deals!
Check back next Friday for more fashion tips on Fashion Friday!
Kathy Conn is the office manager for MSGPR in Lufkin. She is also a Nana to three grandchildren and has opened her heart to a young girl called “M,” a five-year-old who is in the process of being adopted by Conn’s daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Kalon Reynolds.
Jennifer Reynolds, left, stands with “M.”
Kalon is a 7th grade history teacher and coaches football, basketball, and track at Henderson Middle School, and Jennifer is a Kindergarten teacher at Full Armor Christian School in Henderson. The Reynolds sought adoption in early 2015. With one failed adoption in May of that year and another in early 2016, Conn said it was difficult “watching my daughter and Kalon because there are some tough times and letdowns, especially the first time. They had everything set up for the baby.”
“Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn’t,” Conn said. “As a mom and a nana, you want to make everything nice and easy and good, and sometimes it’s not. Obviously that first baby was not what God had for Kalon and Jennifer. At the time, it was hard to realize that.”
The Reynolds sought out to foster-to-adopt through Child Protective Services. They began the paperwork and attended the necessary P.R.I.D.E. classes in April of 2016. By the end of July, they had completed their part of the process. They are currently waiting to be licensed to foster.
In the meantime, an unique opportunity opened up for the couple.
A friend and teacher at HMS attends the same church as the Reynolds, and she is the current foster mom for “M.”
When “M” came into care with their friend, she brought her to church. On Wednesday nights before Bible study, the Reynolds family, week after week, would eat with “M” and her foster mom. This small tradition would soon begin a relationship that will last a lifetime.
“She began going to football games with Jennifer and loved it,” Conn said. “She would always ask if she would be able to go to the football games the following week.”
“M” began to stay Friday and Saturday nights with Kalon and Jennifer.
“She loves going to the games, staying all weekend, and going to church with ‘mommy’ and ‘daddy,'” Conn said.
A photo of Kalon Reynolds, right, and “M.”
“M” has been told that the Reynolds will be adopting her, and is excited to take this next step. However, she is too young to understand the legal process that currently prevents that.
The family is currently at a standstill waiting to see what the outcome of their court case will be.
With tears in her eyes, Conn related how she and her husband (whom “M” already calls Granddaddy) try their best to love and support Jennifer and Kalon even without any experience with adoption.
“My husband and I have just been there with support for them, trying to give them any advice we can,” Conn said. “I can be their prayer partner. When I can’t do anything else, I can pray.
“It has just been a very up-and-down emotional roller coaster but also very exciting,” she continued. “We’ve already attached her to our family. She’s already there in our hearts. She’s just not there physically.”
After the court proceedings are complete, and “M” will potentially move in with the Reynolds, they will foster her for 180 days. After the 180 days is over, they will be eligible to legally adopt “M.”
“I think that every child is important whether adopted or biological,” Conn said. “It is an opportunity to share God’s love. I know I’ll love her just the same.”
When “M” is cleared for adoption, the family will throw a “Gotcha Party” to celebrate the day “M” will legally forever be a part of their family.
Adoption through the Generations
Hudson resident Nicole Torrez and her older sister were adopted in 1991 in Minnesota. They were in foster care for about seven years prior to that, sometimes together, sometimes separate.
“It was a little bit harder on her than it was on me,” Torrez said. “She felt a lot of responsibility to take care of me since our mom was not around.”
When Torrez was about five, she and her sister were featured on a Dave Thomas advertisement special dedicated to showing kids who needed forever families. That’s how her adoptive parents found her, and they both were adopted together in 1991.
“Basically, my adoptive parents saved our lives,” Torrez said. “If it wasn’t for them we could have potentially stayed in foster care for years. It’s a lot easier to place a cute five year old than it is to place a 14 year old. Not a lot of people want teenagers because they come with a lot of problems.”
A photo of the Torrez family.
She met her husband Daniel in Korea when they were in the army. Torrez had the desire to adopt, but her husband was reticent to the idea at first. After the couple had two biological children, Isabel, 11, and Noe, 7, Daniel got on board with the idea of adoption.
They started the process in San Antonio with completing paperwork and then training. They were contacted about a six and four-year-old brother and sister who needed a family two weeks after being approved to foster and adopt.
The children lived with them for about 18 months before the mother’s rights were ultimately terminated. CPS tried to place them with other family members until it was determined that none were suitable for the kids to live with. The Torrez’s finalized the adoption in July of 2016, and now Elijah, 8, and Lexi, 6, are a part of their family.
“It has really just been a blessing, hopefully as much for them as it is for us,” Torrez said. “We were able to grow our family and help some kids who potentially could really have turned into something negative.”
Torrez said she would adopt all of the children if she could, and she encourages anyone to foster and adopt even if they are worried about the struggle of the training and classes.
“Really, it’s not about you,” Torrez said. “It’s about the kids and what you can do for them and what impact you can make on their lives, even if it’s temporary.”
The Torrez’s were placed with another foster care child four weeks ago. He came from a boy’s home in Beaumont and Torrez said the older boys there were a really negative influence on him. He was placed with the Torrez’s in Hudson to be near his brother.
“We’re in that phase of our life,” Torrez said. “We’re raising kids. Our house is set up for young kids. We’re running around with young kids. So, adding another one to the mix really wasn’t that big of a deal.”
Torrez said she will always encourage people who can’t foster or adopt to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
When a child who has been abused or neglected goes to court, he or she is appointed a CASA who has gone through at least 30 hours of training, a background check, and an interview process to advocate in court for the child’s best interests. CASA members volunteer and are local citizens.
“It’s a long process [to become a CASA],” said Susan Faver, program director at Angelina County’s CASA of the Pines. “There’s a lot of involvement, but you can usually do it in a few months. People from all walks of life become a volunteer – men, women, younger and older, across the board. Most volunteers even have full time jobs. As long as you have a little flexibility, you can do it.”
Torrez recommends that everyone do their part in some way. People can adopt, foster, become a CASA, or donate money, shoes, clothes, and more to places like the Buckner Family Home in Lufkin, she said.
She also recommends people should not be afraid to adopt or foster because they might become attached and have to say goodbye to the child.
“[People] don’t want to have to say goodbye to a kid they won’t get to keep,” Torrez said. “And I felt that way, too. My husband felt that way. But really, it is all about the impact you can make at the time that you can make it. You have no idea what kind of impact you can make on a child, even short term.”
Torrez said she can remember some of the foster homes she has had, the good ones and the bad ones, and she and her family want to be that good home for the kids.
“It’s worth it,” she said. “All the stuff you have to go through, the paperwork, the training, is just really trivial when you think about adding another person to your life. I really wish more people would do it.”
Find out more information about both the private and public adoption process, foster care system, CASA program, and donating locally by visiting the websites for CASA of the Pines, Child Protection Services, Buckner Family Place, Bear Foundation, and Grace Manor.
The Texas State Railroad made an early visit to Palestine, Texas, last week delivering the gift of a Golden Ticket to The United Way of East/Central Texas gifting 100 tickets this season for The Polar Express™ Train Ride. The Polar Express™ Train Ride begins November 18 and runs through December 23. The magical story comes to life when the train departs Palestine, T.X. for a one-hour round trip journey to “The North Pole.”
Contributed photo | Pictured from left to right: Richard Jones (Executive Director of The United Way), Laura Gooding (Board Member), Joshua Shellenbarger (Board Member), Matthew Timmons (President of the Board of Directors) and Greg Udolph (General Manager for Texas State Railroad).
“We are thrilled to partner with The Polar Express and have families of our partner charities enjoy the train during the holiday season,” shares Richard Jones, executive director of The United Way of East/Central Texas. “This truly gets everyone in the spirit of this time of year.”
“The visit from our loveable conductor expresses the commitment we have to the local community and spreading holiday cheer during this season of giving,” shares Angela Lane, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Rail Collection.” We look forward to our upcoming season and offering lasting holiday memories on the journey to the North Pole.”
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on The Polar Express™ Train Ride. Once on-board, cheerful, dancing chefs serve passengers hot chocolate and cookies while they read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Palestine.
The journey begins Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 23 on select dates, with departure times at 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Exact dates, fares and excursion times are available by visiting this website. Ticket prices range from $20 to $109 depending on class of service and date of travel. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride.
The holiday shopping festivities are about to begin. Known as the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday is among us.
While finding the perfect gift for someone special is an important part to many during the holiday season, it’s also important to keep in mind your budget. It’s easy to find deal after deal, however, those deals wrack up and your checkout total looks bigger and bigger.
To help you prevent a shopping catastrophe, here are a few tips on how to keep from overspending from Steve Siebold, author of “How Rich People Think.”
Ignore the hype: Don’t fall for marketing campaigns that make you feel as if you’re getting a great deal when you’re really not (i.e. buy it today – pay for it tomorrow). Retailers love to make it sound like the greatest deals of the year. Sometimes that’s true, but other times it’s not really as great as it sounds.
Don’t get caught up in the moment: If your shopping cart is overflowing, step back, regroup and make sure you can really afford everything you plan to purchase.
Keep gift giving to a minimum: There’s no shame in telling people that this year will be a lean holiday season when it comes to exchanging gifts. For close friends and family, one to two gifts is fine. You don’t need to purchase everything in the store.
Let logic be your guide: There are good deals to be had on Black Friday, but be mentally tough to know when enough is enough. Leave your emotions at home and let reason be your guide.
Budget in advance: Allocate a certain amount of money for each person you plan on buying gifts for and don’t overspend by even a dollar. People think that a few dollars over budget is no big deal, but a few dollars here and a few dollars there quickly adds up.
Don’t pull out the plastic: Don’t even think of using a credit card unless you are 100 percent sure you can comfortably pay it off at the end of the month.
Think of the future: Ask yourself if you would rather have the short-term satisfaction of expensive material possessions, or the long-term results of financial freedom and abundance.
Learn from the past: Did you overspend last Black Friday or some other year? Remember how it set you back financially? Really revisit that pain and how miserable you felt before you head to the mall this year.
Limit charitable giving. While that might seem like it goes against the spirit of the season, until you’re financially comfortable yourself, you can’t give what you don’t have. A little leftover change is one thing, but those who try and support every cause known to man but can’t afford to are doing more harm than good.
Kids learn by example: The little ones are always watching. Even parents who have failed to reach their financial dreams can still teach their kids important lessons about money during the holiday season.
Grab your sneakers and join in the fun at the 20th annual Jingle Bell Run, one of the highlights of the Nine Flags Christmas Festival. The certified 5K run will start at 8 a.m. Saturday, December 3rd, in downtown Nacogdoches and will feature chip timing.
The relatively flat course winds through the historic streets of Texas’ oldest town and past some of Nacogdoches’ attractions.
The awards presentation will be held at approximately 9 a.m. The Jingle Bell Run is one of the most popular running events in Nacogdoches. It offers something for everyone from the avid runner to the casual stroller, and every year participant’s rave about how much they enjoy the 5K.
Registration is online at this website. Day of registration will be done through 7:30 a.m. the morning of the race. Registration packets will be available at the CVB on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Awards presented to the top male & female finisher and the top three finishing in each group. (No two awards will be given to the same person)The 5k run will be chip timed.
All proceeds will be distributed to the Nacogdoches Main Street Program for beautification of the Historic District.
With all the moves Isaiah Bailey possesses – ranging from spinning, fading and driving in the lane – the Compton, Calif. sophomore on Monday night did his best work standing still.
Corinthian Ramsey (0) of Angelina College fights for a shot over an Arkansas Baptist defender during Monday’s game. The Roadrunners held off the Buffaloes in a 92-89 thriller at Shands Gymnasium. (AC Press photo/Marcella Flores)
Bailey’s 12-of-14 effort from the free-throw line – including eight of those makes in the game’s final three minutes – boosted Angelina College’s Roadrunners to a 92-89 win over Arkansas Baptist in a thriller at Shands Gymnasium.
Bailey gave the ‘Runners their final lead at 90-89 with a free throw, then scored AC’s next six points from the line. When the Buffaloes wouldn’t fade away late, Bailey converted two more freebies, and teammates Corinthian Ramsey and Kyndall Powell sealed the win with four free throws in the final 30 seconds.
Bailey finished with a team-high 18 points; Ramsey added 17, Gary Blackston 15, and Powell and Robert Lewis contributed 12 points each. Vic Bell helped rouse the crowd with a pair of highlight-reel, put-back dunks, finishing with seven rebounds off the bench.
Deontae Woodbridge led the Buffs with 23 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Harold Cardwell and Anthony Black with 15 points each.
Angelina College defenders Robert Lewis (33) and Corinthian Ramsey (0) swarm Arkansas Baptist’s Charles Shaw during Monday’s game. The Roadrunners held off the Buffaloes in a 92-89 thriller at Shands Gymnasium. (AC Press photo/Marcella Flores)
The Roadrunners had to overcome a hot-shooting Buffalo team, with AC falling behind by as many as 10 points late in the first half. Arkansas Baptist extended its lead to 12 points early in the second, but the ‘Runners put together a 12-4 run to close the gap. A Blackston trey at 4:06 tied the score at 77-77, and Quenton Bush gave AC its first lead with a baby hook at the 3:42 mark. Bailey, Ramsey and Powell then closed out the home win with their work at the line.
The Roadrunners (6-2) host the Guy Davis Thanksgiving Classic beginning on Friday. Panola College and Odessa College tip off at 5 p.m., with AC taking on Southwestern Christian College at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the tournament concludes with Panola and SWCC at 2 p.m., with the Roadrunners and Odessa College playing at 4 p.m.
Mayor Bob Brown kicks off Red Kettle Kickoff 2016 this morning at Louis Bronaugh Park.
Tinkling bells are a familiar sound at the holidays. Maybe its a reminder of what makes a wonderful life. Maybe its bells on reindeer as a jolly old man delivers gifts to boys and girls of all ages.
For Captains Jason and Michelle Moore, it means Red Kettle season has begun.
Mayor Bob Brown joined Salvation Army Captains Jason and Michelle Moore in proclaiming Nov. 22 as the official kickoff day for the area Red Kettle Campaign at Bronaugh Park in downtown Lufkin.
Mayor Bob Brown, left, donates to the Salvation Army while Captain Jason Moore watches. Board members in attendance included: Pete Smart, Robert Flourney, and Lee Miller.
“This a vital part of giving in Angelina County and we are very, very pleased to be included in the program,” Brown said.
The ceremony included the reading of a proclamation, prayer by area pastor Eddie Music and live music by Lea and Josh Medders.
“I just want to say thank you to all of you here,” Capt. Jason Moore said. “We’re just so happy. I’m filled with joy right now because I feel that God is really good to us. If there is anything that we could ever do for you, I hope that you know that the Salvation Army has arms wide open for any person that needs a helping a hand, that needs to feel the love of God.”
The short ceremony means a lot to the leaders of the local Salvation Army chapter, Capts. Jason and Michelle Moore.
“When we talk about the Sal Army we are all part of it,” said Capt. Michelle Moore. “When one gives, it’s like we all give. When one family is helped, it’s like we were all helped. Its many lives that are touched.”
This year, they hope to raise $75,000 to help area residents.
“[The funds go] to everything that the army does,” Capt. Michelle said. “It stays local, whether its providing three meals a day and a bed at the shelter, the adult day center, it helps families facing disasters, or providing a hot meal in the soup kitchen.”
It also benefits programs like the Angel Tree which can be found at area retailers, which allows businesses and individuals an opportunity to adopt a child or an elderly person to help provide what they need and want during the holiday season.
To make a donation in a red kettle, stop by area retailers Brookshire Brothers, Kmart, Hobby Lobby and Belks. Other locations will be added beginning on Black Friday.
Opportunities to volunteer for ringing the bells or for making a donation are available by contacting the Lufkin office at (936) 634-5132 or by visiting the office at 412 S. 3rd Street.
To donate online to the Texas Forest Country Living’s kettle for the Salvation Army, click here.
My job has changed; not my job in fitness but my main job, my job as mother.
Last August, our middle child and only daughter, headed off to college and joined her older brother at Baylor. While we were thrilled for her, it’s been a huge adjustment for her mama.
My daughter has been the only one of my children who wants to go with me when I run errands.
I struggled when our oldest left for college. It was hard to let him go, and then, just as I’ve adjusted well with his absence, the next one leaves. This go around has been especially tough since she is a girl. I grew up in a family of three girls. I need girl time to function as a happy human. Having a daughter in the house has kept me sane in our boy-heavy home. Do not get me wrong. I love having sons. They are awesome, but just when I don’t think I can handle yet another conversation about sports or cars, my daughter will walk in and the balance in my universe is restored.
Her leaving has changed a lot of things for us. For the first time in 19 years, we only have one child at home. This is weird. It’s weird cooking for three. The reduction in laundry is weird. Oh, and I’m back to talking about sports and cars. All. The. Time. I guarantee you I know more about the NBA than most 47-year-old women.
It’s been a little lonely, too. My daughter has been the only one of my children who wants to go with me when I run errands. My weekend errands were actually fun because we would often get Starbucks and a pedicure while in the middle of my mundane errands. She’s the only one who will watch “The Bachelor” with me (don’t judge us), and she’s the only member of the family who acts as my personal stylist. My style confidence has taken quite a hit now that my consultant is out of the house.
Another adjustment has been the loss of varsity sports. We have had a child in varsity sports since 2007 when our oldest son was a freshman in high school. We’ve gotten to watch our children compete at State in cross country (two times), track (two times), and basketball. What a ride! Let me just tell you, it’s a big change going from varsity sports back to middle school sports. A big change. Of course, we realize in a few short years, our youngest will be playing varsity sports, but for now, it’s weird.
Life is different. My role of mom is changing. When the main job you’ve had for 22 years begins to change, life feels a little unstable. You begin to ask questions and wonder what your future will look like.
What does any of this have to do with fitness? Not a lot but a little. Like other times of change in my life, fitness has been my companion and friend through the changes and adjustments. Exercise has helped to keep me upbeat, emotionally level, and sane. Well, Jesus and exercise. Well, OK, Jesus, exercise, my husband, family and great girlfriends. But exercise has been crucial. It always clears my head and makes me feel better.
Our lives change. Our roles change. Our bodies change. Change will happen. It’s hard to prepare yourself for it. When it hits and you’re feeling a little blue, call a friend, pray, and head out for a run or go to a fitness class. You’ll be glad you did and you’ll feel better able to face these changes, and for me, better able to handle yet another conversation about the NBA.
The year was 2013, and I was visiting my sister and my five nieces and nephews in Clarksville, Tennessee, for Thanksgiving. Her husband was deployed for the fourth time, and my mom and I decided to spend our holiday with them.
From left to right, my niece Brianna, nephew Daymon, and I. Photo by Kristen Melody
My mom and sister have some relatively serious health issues that make them allergic to many foods with serious side effects. On the day of Thanksgiving, Mom was in bed, sick, unfortunately, she was the only one who knew how to cook a turkey.
So, that day my sister and I tried to cook a delicious turkey and ham dinner with five kids helping out. It was a mad house of trial and error, eventually ending up with a turkey that was slightly burnt on the outside, slightly raw on the inside, and a whole lot of laughs.
I won’t tell you that Thanksgiving was easy. Beyond the lack of kitchen knowledge, there were times of sorrow and struggle with sickness, family issues, and missing our loved one, but my sister and I had a moment where we looked into each others’ eyes and decided we could do this. It was a time of intense thankfulness for the love and support we could give each other.
[pullquote]”I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” G.K. Chesterton[/pullquote]
This holiday season, there may seem to be an overwhelming tide of misfortune, especially with large gatherings of family members, but I would encourage a remembrance and closeness to the things that are dear.
Take the precious time to count blessings this year. Make the effort to forego the commercialization our society likes to associate with holidays, turn off the TV and laugh with loved ones.
At the same time, do not be afraid to be let down or to try something new. For example, Black Friday may sound like an over commercialized zoo of people who could be at home with their families, but some families go out together and have a great time. If you live alone, don’t be afraid to simply enjoy the holidays in blissful single rest or throw a “Friendsgiving” with a few of your closest friends.
Recognizing what we’re grateful for.
Dr. Emmons says that gratitude puts situations into perspective. Little fights that seemed huge because of built up tension are shown for what they truly are, inconsequential, when gratitude is recognized.
Acknowledging it.
Gratitude, Emmons says, helps us to realize what we have. Knowing what we have makes us much more unlikely to want more or complain.
Appreciating it.
Dr. Emmons says that gratitude makes us happier. I believe this to be true. Gratitude makes us less likely to complain which makes us more likable and effective in our relationships. Gratitude also reduces stress levels. Often, things we thought were problems become trivial and meaningless when we realize all we have.
[pullquote]”As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy[/pullquote]
I will always remember that eventful Thanksgiving and that burnt turkey because it drew me and my sister much closer together, and my nieces and nephews and I had so many laughs. Hopefully, this next Thanksgiving will provide me even more chances to show the people I love just how much I appreciate them.
So, whatever your family or single tradition might be, enjoy this holiday for the love and thankfulness you can show.
According to Dr. Robert Emmons, author of “