piney woods pathfinder

InsideRunning Wild in O-Town

Lake Livingston State ParkBulkhead Birding

AnnualAzalea Trail

PathfinderPathfinderPiney Woods Piney Woods

Of Lake LivingstonOf Lake Livingston

Monthly Guide Serving Lake Livingston and the Surrounding AreaMonthly Guide Serving Lake Livingston and the Surrounding Area

February, 2014Volume 3 Issue 12

Complimentary Copy

February, 2014Volume 3 Issue 12

Complimentary Copy

, Piney Woods Pathfinder, February, 2014 www.PineyWoodsPathfinder.com

The Piney Woods Pathfinder is published monthly by M&R Publishing and is owned by Ryan and Michael Downhour. Our goal is to furnish readers information regarding businesses and upcoming recreational events in Lake Livingston and the surrounding area. Any comments or suggestions are welcomed. Direct any correspondence to Piney Woods Pathfinder, PO Box 115, Coldspring, Texas, 77331. Phone 936-523-0033, e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.PineyWoodsPathfinder.com

All rights of publication are reserved by the publisher.Articles and editorials are welcome but cannot be returned

unless accompanied by a self-address, stamped envelope. Nothing appearing in Piney Woods Pathfinder can be reprinted in part or in whole without prior written consent. Information concerning any event of interest to our readers should be sent to us by the publication deadlines posted in the paper each month.

Opinions and editorials printed in Piney Woods Pathfinder are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.

PathfinderPiney Woods Piney Woods

Of Lake LivingstonOf Lake Livingston“Helping you see the forest through the trees”

Table of ContentsPage 1, Cover Page 11, Lake Livingston State ParkPage 2, Page 12, Azalea TrailPage 3, Sydney Brown Murphy Page 13, Timber TheftPage 4, Running Wild in O-Town Page 14, Bulkhead BirdingPage 5, Spring Luncheon Style Show Page 15, Ernie McClendonPage 6, Shelly Bush Sitton Page 16, Page 7, American Heart MonthPage 8, Tax Law ChangesPage 9, Piney Woods Fine ArtsPage 10, Economy Port Building

Table of Contents

Mike’s Saw and SupplyPage 17, Texas Master NaturalistPage 18, Black IcePage 19, Monthly MeetingsPage 20, Patsy Boone

Piney Woods Pathfinderis only possible with thehelp of the Community.

Please send any informationabout upcoming events [email protected]

Piney Woods Pathfinder, February, 2014,

As Executive Director of the Livingston is one of the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of accomplishments I am most proud to Commerce since 2008, I know what it be associated with. takes to do business in Polk County.

When children don’t get a good As County Judge, I would education, it directly impacts our

aggressively promote Polk County at community through low wages, poor the State and Federal level to secure training, and job performance. funding for infrastructure, education, Truancy issues should be managed by and tourism. I would focus on the school district and precinct where partnership opportunities with the they occur to avoid lost school time Deep East Texas Council of and low performance. Governments, the City and Port of

Imagine if individuals from Polk Houston.

County that specialized in different The safety and welfare of our areas of business worked with the

community is a priority. We need to Economic Development program to implement a countywide reverse 911 help businesses considering locating system similar to what is currently here? Hospital Foundation. I am a founding balanced approach, accountability, used in the City of Livingston. member of the local Boys and Girls fairness and diplomacy. I currently serve on the Board of

Club, the Community Resources As a mother, teacher and business Escapees CARE, and am active in Learn more at Coordinating Group, and Piney Wood woman, I understand the importance Rotary and Livingston Art League. I www.sydneymurphyforpolk.com or Lakes Master Naturalist Chapter. of education. The creation of the new have served on SAAFE House, Child Sydney Brown Murphy for County

Commerce/College Center in Welfare Board, School Board and the I believe in governing with a Judge on Facebook.

Sydney Brown Murphy for County JudgeThe voice of reason

Political ad paid by candidate. Eric Wiggins Treasurer, PO Box 1971, Livingston, Texas 77351

On Saturday, March 1st at 8:00 am day. Race day registrations are not Onalaska Wildcats Baseball and guaranteed a t-shirt. Softball Teams will be sponsoring the School groups, community groups, 1st Annual Wildcat ‘Color’ Fun Run. businesses, etc...get your team-mates The start/finish will be at Onalaska together and run as a 'team' for some High School. There will be at least one friendly competition. 'color' station along the run too for

If interested in sponsoring a portion some added fun.of this race or making a donation,

Register now on-line for discounted please contact a Booster Club Officer registration fee. Paper registration for information on our sponsorship forms are also available at the program. Sponsor/business names will concession stand during any home be on back of race t-shirts.basketball game but must be turned in or mailed promptly to be registered.

Link to registration: https://thedriven.net/driven.race_reg/eid/877014789?

Come out and support our athletes in this fundraising event and have a blast doing it. This year's funds raised will be donated to help build a covered batting cages and storage facility.

T-Shirt is included with all entrants or volunteers registered ahead of race


Running Wild In O-TownFirst Annual Wildcat ‘Color’ Fun Run

The Polk County Republican Club our State candidates as well. Our Fundraiser Slated for February 13 featured speaker will be Rafael Cruz,

father of Senator Ted Cruz. You The Polk County Republican Club know that the tickets are $10.00 each will be hosting a fundraiser on for a delicious barbecue plate and we February 13, 2014 at the Polk County will have an auction as well. The Commerce Center from 5:30 until tickets will be available at the door or 7:30 P.M. We will have most of our I have tickets at my office here at local candidates visiting and some of Economy Portable Buildings, LLC. You can also purchase tickets from any member of the Polk County Republican Club.

Our monthly meetings are at My Place Restaurant each first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 P.M. We have a social time at 6:15 P.M. if you want to purchase a meal for the low price of $10.00. Our next meeting will be April 1, 2014.

The Polk CountyRepublican ClubFundraiser Slated for February 13


This year’s SJC Women’s League $20.00 (available after February 15).Spring Luncheon and Style Show is scheduled to be held on March 13, 2014, at the Coldspring United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. This annual event includes a luncheon catered by the Church Ladies and served by the League Board, a silent auction featuring items donated by businesses and merchants as well as League members, and a style show of spring styles and fashions provided by Sue’s Boutique on the Lake in Onalaska.

The 2013 Spring Style Show and Luncheon was extremely successful. One hundred forty tickets were sold and $3600.00 was raised to support local high school scholarships and the Coldspring Library. Monies raised by this and other SJC Women’s League fundraisers are used for scholarships and donations to civic and service entities in our community.

For more information contact Katy Smith at 653-5556.This event will begin at 11:30; lunch

will be served at noon. Tickets will be

SJC Women’s League 2014

Spring Luncheonand Style Show

League member Joan Sikkelee models a party outfit at the 2013 Annual Spring Style Show and

Luncheon.

Women’s League President Arnette Daugherty welcomes

guests to the 2013 Annual Spring Style Show and Luncheon.

To Summit yourMonthly Meeting to

Piney Woods Pathfinderplease email

[email protected].

This is a free service that is provided to the community.

February is American Heart Month, diet, exercising, quitting smoking, and age — there are some key heart disease rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and unfortunately, most of us know maintaining a healthy body weight. prevention steps you can take. and low-fat dairy products, which can someone who has had heart disease or help protect your heart. Beans, other Still, there are many misconceptions Here are five heart disease prevention stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the low-fat sources of protein and certain about heart disease, with the biggest tips to get you started:leading cause of death in the United types of fish also can reduce your risk of misconception being that heart disease * Don’t Smoke or Breathe Second-States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease. Avoid red meat and choose only affects the elderly. In fact, Hand Smoke: Smoking or using tobacco heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 lean chicken breasts or turkey instead.according to the American Heart is one of the most significant risk factors deaths per day. These conditions are also Association, almost 150,000 Americans * Maintain a Healthy Weight: As you for developing heart disease. Chemicals leading causes of disability preventing killed by cardiovascular disease each put on weight in adulthood, your weight in tobacco can damage your heart and people from working and enjoying year are under the age of 65. And one out gain is mostly fat rather than muscle. blood vessels, leading to narrowing of family activities. Cardiovascular disease of every 20 people below the age of 40 This excess weight can lead to the arteries (atherosclerosis). is also very expensive—together heart has heart disease. conditions that increase your chances of Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a disease and stroke hospitalizations in heart disease — high blood pressure, And it all comes back to two things: heart attack. When it comes to heart 2010 cost the nation more than $444 high cholesterol and diabetes. Talk to Diet and exercise. With more and more disease prevention, no amount of billion in health care expenses and lost your doctor and decide a healthy weigh young adults depending on fast food to smoking is safe. The good news, though, productivity. and body mass index to make for your get them through the day, they are is that when you quit smoking, your risk

To put those numbers on a local weight loss goal.developing heart disease at an earlier of heart disease drops dramatically perspective consider this: the Texas age. And with longer work days and within just one year. And no matter how * Get Regular Health Screening: Department of State Health Services has additional stress, young adults don’t take long or how much you smoked, you'll High blood pressure and high cholesterol labeled East Texas as a danger zone for the time they need to relax and exercise. start reaping rewards as soon as you quit. can damage your heart and blood heart disease. In 2009 – 29% of deaths They have also become sedentary in vessels. But without testing for them, * Exercise for at Least 30 Minutes a reported in Angelina County were due to their jobs by sitting at a desk all day. you probably won't know whether you Day: Getting some regular, daily preventable chronic diseases such as have these conditions. Regular screening There has also been an alarming rise exercise can reduce your risk of fatal high cholesterol, high blood pressure and can tell you what your numbers are and in childhood heart disease. Scientists heart disease. And when you combine diabetes. These chronic diseases are the whether you need to take action.now say that what a child eats in his physical activity with other lifestyle number one contributing factor to heart

youth will largely predict their chances measures, such as maintaining a healthy The information in this article was disease.for heart disease in the future. weight, the payoff is even greater. A provided by the Transforming Texas

But the good news is that measures simple, relaxing walk after dinner is all department of the Angelina County & Heart disease may be a leading cause can be taken to prevent heart disease. you need to start toward a healthy heart. Cities Health District. For more of death, but that doesn't mean you have Studies show that nearly everyone can information go to: to accept it as your fate. Although you * Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: This become more heart healthy by following http://acchd.us/Transforming-Texas.htmllack the power to change some risk means eating foods that are low in fat, a few key steps, such as eating a healthy factors — such as family history, sex or cholesterol and salt. Eat food that are


February is American Heart Month


St., Lufkin, TX. Registration is $70 and includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments.

The workshop is designed for forest important. Landowners will be up-to- landowners, consulting foresters, public date on federal timber tax laws, which accountants, loggers, attorneys, and often change,” said Omkar Joshi, anyone who deals with timber taxes. Forest Economist for Texas A&M Participating in this workshop also LUFKIN, Texas – With tax season Workshop scheduled for next month in Forest Service. qualifies for continuing education around the corner, it is important that East Texas will provide information on

This annual workshop hosted by credits.forest landowners stay informed on the special timber tax laws and rules, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas latest updates to tax laws regarding helping attendees understand recent For more information or to register, Forestry Association, is an all-day their timberland properties. changes before filing taxes. to go event that gives hundreds of foresters, http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/timbThe 2014 Texas Timber Tax “That’s why this workshop is landowners and other professionals the ertaxworkshop. Or contact Dawn training and education needed for Spencer at 979-458-6630 or applying new tax rules, which could [email protected] as an advantage in forest

###management planning.

Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts“Tax laws aren’t simple and timber taxation rules can be even more Omkar Joshi, Forest Economistcomplex,” said Joshi. “We want

979-458-6630, [email protected] to be fully aware of the many favorable tax provisions and help them to determine appropriate basis of their property.”

The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center, 601 North Second

Annual Workshop to HighlightTax Law Changes

Crockett, TX— Piney Woods Fine You Can Dance”, “American Idol” Arts is announcing its Spring Gala and “Dancing With The Stars” 2014!! Save the date for April 26, together on stage for Ballroom With 2014…this gala event will be held at A Twist!The Barn at Hickory Creek and will Mar. 22- Country music benefit Arts in Education. Please queens Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan mark your calendars to attend. together with Grits & Glamour

PWFAA has some great shows Apr. 26- PWFAA Spring Gala remaining in the season and tickets benefiting Arts in Education at The are still available! Barn at Hickory Creek

Feb. 14- a classical music For tickets or more information concert with the world-renowned St. visit www.pwfaa.org or call the Petersburg String Quartet PWFAA office Monday-Friday from

Feb. 21- the stars and finalists of 9:00-1:00 at (936) 544-4276.the hits TV shows “So You Think


By: Pamela C. Grant, MSOE, Ÿ Talks With FriendsŸ Creating Safety SolutionsLife Coach and Career CounselorŸ Art

In today’s erratic world, we all Ÿ Gardening

need extra safety and nurturing. What Ÿ Uplifting Movies

are you doing for yourself and your Ÿ Weekend Road Tripsfamily to create safety and nurturing? Ÿ Emailing Beautiful Pictures

Ÿ Sending Cards With talks of War all around us Ÿ Private moments to connect – where do you find your own

with yourself.strength, and peace of mind? How do you get your own sense of power back about your own life? I submit it Be conscientious as to the input of comes from within – not the outside your spirit. Stay away from negative elements. It’s imperative to keep your input and choose the positive input. spirit alive and safe in this tumultuous Take a few moments and create your time. own list. Sit with your family and

come up with some items. It’s crucial Some examples:to create the safety from within when

Ÿ Get Support! Therapy, the world doesn’t provide it from Coaching, Church etc. without.

Ÿ MeditatingMay you find peace, safety, and Ÿ Prayer

nurturing everyday of your life.Ÿ Family DinnersŸ Soothing Music Blessings,Ÿ Bubble Baths

Pamela GrantŸ Long Walks

Life CallingsWhat is your Strategy for Safety?

Piney Woods Fine ArtsSave-The-Date!

Economy Portable Buildings, LLC We keep selections here on display so a good selection of boxes and moving believe East Texas is a wonderful place is a family-owned business that has you can see the quality workmanship and supplies to help with your packing and to live and raise a family. They are both been serving Polk and surrounding beauty that is available for you. You can moving needs. committed to serving the needs of the counties since 1982. We enjoy making select a floor plan that best suits your people in this area.Jennie Kley Beasley and Mickey new friends through our business and unique style and needs. Kley Stephens are the owners of For more information please call 936-community involvement. Carports are today’s answer for Economy Portable Buildings LLC. Both 967-4034 or stop by 4091 Hwy. 190 west

At Economy Portable Buildings, protecting your cars, trucks, boats, are lifetime residents of Polk County who in Livingston.LLC there is a large inventory of equipment, travel trailers or R.V.’s. portable buildings for every purpose. Economy Portable Buildings, LLC works We have something to suit almost every with Carolina Carports to insure you need -garages, barns, storage, receive the best cover for the best price. workshops, offices…you name it. The We build enclosed barns and garages up various sizes, colors, styles, and options to 40’ wide.are sure to fit every need and every We are your local neighborhood U-budget. Haul Rental location. If you need trucks

If we don’t have what you need we or trailers to transport your household will be happy to customize to your items, or to tow your vehicles then we exact specifications. are the place to come. You will also find

We offer In-House Financing, Rent- To- Own, Cash, or 90 days same as cash and we also take Master Card, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Most of our buildings are ready for quick delivery and we have free delivery and set-up within 60 miles.

If a new ‘Home Sweet Home’ is in your future check out our Finished Cabins.


Trades of the Trail

Economy Portable Building, LLC


stroller accessible. geocaches, then will go on a hunt to put our Geocaching skills to the

Discovery Walk, Oak Flats test! Reservations are requested for

Nature Trailthis activity due to limited amounts

Join a Park Ranger to learn about of equipment and can be made by the plants and wildlife of Lake calling Park Ranger Beth at 936-

Lake Livingston State Park will PMLivingston State Park. This walk is 365-2201 x302. This activity is

be offering the following guided 3/1/14: Star Stories, 7:30 PM conducted on the Oak Flats Nature recommended for families and

activities during on Saturdays in Trail. This short, 3/10 mile trail is adventurers ages 8 and up.

February: Regular park admission fees of great for younger children. Walks

$5 per adult ages 13 and up apply, Make and Take Crafts2/1/14: Discovery Walk, Piney begin from the Headquarters parking

no additional charge for any Woods Boardwalk Nature Trail, 3:00 lot, are low intensity, and can be Create your own all-natural bird

programs. For more details on each PM completed in less than 30 minutes. feeder using pine cones, peanut

activity, visit butter or honey, and bird seed.

2/1/14: Star Stories, 7:30 PM http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state- Fishing with a RangerParticipants may also create a fish-

parks/lake-livingston/park_events. 2/8/14: Discovery Walk, Oak Join park rangers for an print, a piece of colorful art using

All activities are also available by-Flats Nature Trail, 12:00 PM afternoon of fishing! Rangers will be washable paints or create a pressed-

reservation for groups and can be on hand at the Marina to help bait leaf window hanging. Rangers will

2/8/14: Introduction to tailored to the group’s interests. For hooks, rig tackle, and teach the be stationed by the marina for this

Geocaching, 4:00 PM availability and additional basics of fishing. Bait and tackle is walkup activity.

information, contact Ranger Beth 2/15/14: Discovery Walk, Piney provided, and limited quantities of

Tragus at 936-365-2201 x302. Star StoriesWoods Boardwalk Nature Trail, loaner fishing poles will be 11:00 AM Program Descriptions: available. Take a tour of the night sky to

learn about the stars. Rangers will 2/15/14: Make and Take Crafts, Discovery Walk, Piney Woods Introduction to Geocaching

show you some of the most popular 1:00-2:30 PM Boardwalk Nature Trail

Learn all about the growing constellations and tell the stories 2/22/14: Discovery Walk, Oak Join a Park Ranger to learn about outdoor challenge called geocaching: behind them. There may be an

Flats Nature Trail, 11:00 AM the plants and wildlife of Lake modern day treasure hunting! This opportunity to view any visible Livingston State Park. This walk is program meets at the Amphitheatre planets or nebulae through a

2/22/14: Fishing with a Ranger, conducted on the Piney Woods below the Activity Center to cover telescope. Star Stores will take

2:00 PM – 4:00 PMBoardwalk Nature Trail and can be all the basics on how to get set up to place on the peninsula below the

3/1/14: Discovery Walk, Piney completed in 45 minutes to 1 hour. play, the gear you need, the rules, Activity Center. Woods Boardwalk Nature Trail, 3:00 The boardwalk is wheelchair and and tips and tricks to start finding

Lake Livingston State ParkFishing, Hiking, Crafts and More

, Piney Woods Pathfinder, February, 2014 www.PineyWoodsPathfinder.comVEE-DUB Chapter of the Vintage VW 564-7351 or [email protected]. Club of America. Contact [email protected] with

questions.Nacogdoches Farmer's Market Spring Fling Saturday:March 22, 2014:8 a.m. - SFA Garden Gala Day and Plant Sale: 12 p.m., Nacogdoches Farmer's Market. April 05, 2014: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., SFA Kick off spring in Texas' Oldest Town Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 with live entertainment, children's Raguet St. A wide variety of hard-to-find, activities, vendors galore and so much "Texas tough" plants will be available, more. For more information, please call including new introductions, Texas Spring 2014-Winter 2015 Little Princess Garden Party936-559-2507. natives, heirlooms, perennials and Guided Tours of the Ruby M. Mize March 22, 2014: 10:00 a.m. & 12:30

exclusive SFA introductions. Plants are Nacogdoches Azalea Trail Azalea Garden: March 1, 8, 15, 22 & p.m.; Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden at extensively trailed in the gardens before Symposium: “Heat-Tolerant Maples for 29: Free guided tours of the garden are SFA. Introduce your favorite little girl to being offered to the public. Benefits the the South” March 22, 2014: 9 a.m.-2 offered every Saturday in March 1-4 the beauty and joy of the garden at this SFA Gardens and its educational p.m., Ina Brundrett Conservation p.m. For group tours of the garden or special party. Enjoy refreshments, party programs, which reach more than 15,000 Building, SFA Pineywoods Native Plant the Azalea Trail, please contact the favors, and entertainment planned to students of all ages each year. The public Center, 2900 Raguet St. Maples, Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors delight you and spark her imagination. is encouraged to arrive early and bring a especially Japanese maples, are Bureau at 936-564-7351 or 1-888- Bring your camera to capture this day. wagon. For more information, call (936) wonderful ornamental trees to OLDEST-TOWN. Dress: Let her wear her favorite princess, 468-4404, or visit complement your azalea gardens. This fairy or garden party costume. Very Nacogdoches Azalea Trail http://arboretum.sfasu.edu and click on year, Matt and Tim Nichols, of Nichols limited seating. Tickets are $25 each, Photography Show: March 18, 2014: "upcoming events."Nursery in North Carolina and adults and children.Tues-Sun 12:30 p.m.- 5 p.m., Location:

MrMaple.com, will dig into their Read more by visiting Cole Art Center, 329 E. Main. A juried 2nd Annual Tour of Home Gardens: extensive experience with propagating www.nacogdochesazaleas.comphotography exhibition from local March 22, 2014: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Various and growing more than 1,000 kinds of photographers displaying Nacogdoches locations. The Second Annual Tour of Japanese maples. With more than 35 County Azaleas. Exhibition is Home Gardens offers a rare opportunity years of experience, they will inspire us scheduled March 18 -29. to view some of Nacogdoches’ finest to plant more maples in our gardens, private residential gardens. Tickets are Main Street Shop and Stroll: March sharing maples that can take our Southern $15 and available for purchase February 22, 2014:11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Downtown. climate, demonstrate how maples are 1st at the Visitor Center, 200 E. Main.Stroll the red brick streets of downtown grafted. Lunch is provided, followed by a

and see what fabulous wares our unique A Bloomin' Good Volkswagen Show: guided tour, assisted by Barbara Stump,

merchants have to offer, including March 22, 2014: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., Festival of more than 200 maple varieties in the

specials, sales and door prizes. Be sure Plaza. See up to 100 vintage SFA Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden.Fee

to play Main Street Bingo to win a Volkswagens- from mild to wild. $35 for SFA Gardens members; $40 for

prize. For more information, please call Admission is free; donations are non-members. To register, contact 936-

936-559-2507. welcome. Sponsored by the East Texas

Annual Azalea TrailSchedule of Events


Timber theft is on the rise in Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Law help determine volumes, current prices 800-364-3470 or contact Texas A&M Enforcement Officer. “In a few instances and potential bidders. Forest Service at (936) 639-8100.COLLEGE STATION, Texas - thieves also claimed to be affiliated with Over the past four month, more than For detailed information visit Contact:certain reputable organizations to gain 20 timber theft cases have been http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/ Les Rogers, Chief Law Enforcement the trust of unsuspecting landowners.”reported in East Texas from Newton to download/get/file/1102418437760- Officer

Bowie Counties. Landowners are advised to demand 421/Timber+theft+is+a+crime.pdf.979-458-7353,

a bill of sale as Texas law requires that Approximately one-third of the To report suspected timber theft [email protected] is obtained from the seller. The bill more than 200,000 family forest activity call the Timber Theft Hotline 1-of sale must include information such as landowners in East Texas are absentee the name of the landowner, seller and forest landowners. This, plus the rising purchaser. It should also include a price of timber makes property description or survey of the land and vulnerable and easily accessible to trees, and a warranty and signature from timber thieves.the seller.

Timber theft is a crime and it To help property owners avoid affects everyone. Timber owners suffer

timber theft tactics, the Texas monetary loss, but everyone stands to A&M Forest Service advises:lose as the natural resource is taken

without reforestation methods in place * Have someone you know and trust to ensure a new forest for the future. report any cutting on your land

immediately.In Texas, many timber theft cases involve absentee landowners who are * Never sign a contract without susceptible because they aren’t around checking several references of the buyer.to protect their property. In these cases, * For the best price insist on getting the thief is often long gone by the time bids for your timber.the crime is discovered.

* Mark all property lines to assure “We are discovering that in more cutting on adjacent property does not

cases than not, the thieves are encroach on yours.promising higher than market timber

* If the landowner does not know trend prices,” said Les Rogers, Texas

the timber business, find someone to

Timber theft is on the rise in Texas

Lake Livingston has amazing bird span of 8-9 feet they are one of the activity in the winter from December largest birds in North America! They through March. Grab a pair of are snowy white with jet black wing binoculars, a camera and find a good edges, orange bills, and they are spot on the bulkhead. Winter birding simply gorgeous! In winter the is full of surprises. white pelicans majestically paddle up

and down Lake Livingston alongside Most people only see a few cormorants and gulls, all cooperating individual water birds in the summer to catch fish. When they are hungry, from their jet skis or from their boats they drop their long necks down, dip as they cruise by. However, in the their heads underwater, open their winter the birds that migrate in, and beaks and wait for fish to swim in! their wonderful behaviors, are a They don’t dive and don’t swim under delight to watch. Since there are fewer water, but can hold up to 3 gallons of human lake activities to disturb them water in their enormous expandable but still lots of fish to eat, these birds beaks and throat pouches. At times it revel in the large inland sea that is seems like they should be drowning Lake Livingston. makes it possible for the terns to they can rapidly clean out a stock pond because they can hold their heads

survive dive-bombing into the water. or small lake. In China the lake “Birds of a feather flock together”. underwater for such a long time! By Terns spend a great deal of time over fishermen use domesticated That is how the saying goes, but this is early evening you can often see the the water and diving into the water, but Cormorants to fish for them! They tie not always the case in winter. One of down below the damn, roosting for the rarely float, swim or roost on the loose nooses around their necks, and the finest spectacles on the lake is a night, snug and out of the cold lake water. This is one of the best ways to push them off their small boats to fetch giant flotilla of different kinds of birds, wind.tell a tern from a gull. fish! The birds pop back up to the hundreds to thousands swimming

Another bird that summer birders surface with fish, but the noose together in a tight flock. This can be Finally, we have our Double-will miss is the Ring-Billed Gull prevents them from swallowing. The seen in our wide southern portion of Crested Cormorants flocking by the which is found over and around the birds hop onto perches the fishermen the lake almost every winter day when hundreds to thousands in winter! They fringes of these large wintering bird hold out for them and are brought back the weather is calm. The flotilla is migrate too, but many stay for herds. Their habitats are bodies of into the boats where they are coaxed to made up mostly of Double-Crested summer. They are large, fierce and fresh water, and Lake Livingston is give up their catch. Then the Cormorants, elegant large American ungainly with brown to black coloring, perfect for them. They migrate into cormorants are sent back into the lake White Pelicans, Ring-Billed Gulls and floppy black paddle feet and a hooked Texas in the fall, but most leave in the to do it all over again and again. The occasionally a few Forster’s Terns. bill. Sometimes loved and sometimes spring to nest in other regions. Ring- fishing baskets fill up very fast! No These tightly clustered flocks work hated, the cormorant is also known Billed Gulls are white with gray poles. No lines. No hooks. Just together as one to herd fish for a meal, locally as a “Water Turkey”, possibly wings, dark tail markings, and a strong Cormorants and savvy fisherman! and together they get the job done! because it pumps its head back and black stripe on their bills. These birds They find the subtle widespread forth while swimming. They tend to All the different bird species have are the noise makers - squawking , ripples on the water that indicate fly low and flap hard. To catch fish slightly different fishing techniques, crying and warbling! They swim and where the fish balls are swarming. the Cormorants sit on the water, then but in winter these birds sometimes fly and squawk around the flotilla of Larger fish below put pressure on do delightful surface dives, arching come together and cooperate to get birds, hoping to distract, steal and smaller fish which forces them toward their long necks and curving into the meals. It is a joy to watch! Like scavenge bits of fish that the other the surface. Then the bird round-up water. They stay down generally people, they pull together when it is birds catch. After the fishing is done starts and the feast begins! The fish about 10-15 seconds, darting beneficial. Like people, they have and the evening comes, the gulls balls are constantly moving and the underwater, actively chasing their different talents they bring to the table. usually settle down into the open water bird flotilla zigs and zags with them. prey. In the summer at Lake Like people, there are more active to roost. They are all paddling one way one Livingston we don’t see them in these groups and more passive groups. Like

moment, then all turning and paddling From time to time there are a few enormous flocks because many people, there are tricksters and the other way the next in a cooperative Forster’s terns that join in the fishing migrate from the area. Some stay for squawkers.effort to trap and catch fish. events as well. Common in winter and summer and we spot them as If you have not seen our winter

summer, their coloring is very similar individuals swimming low in the lake Unfortunately, summer bird lake birds, come to Lake Livingston on to a gull - white, gray and black around the docks, or sometime we see watchers on Lake Livingston almost a calm day for some wonderful bird accents. To catch fish these terns a few up Indian Creek sitting on the never get the chance to see our watching opportunities!smash into the water so hard it seems branches of drowned tree to roost at magnificent flocks of American White like their wings will break off! This is To contact Bronwyn with night or with wings spread out to dry Pelicans. White pelicans are known as plunge-diving. They have comments or questions please email in the daytime. In any case they are migratory, and they fly down from the very hollow bones and many air sacs [email protected] very best of fishing birds, and north around December but leave our which allow for compression. This msome fishermen hate them because area by the end of April. With a wing

www.PineyWoodsPathfinder.com, Piney Woods Pathfinder, February, 2014

Bulkhead BirdingWinter Birds on Lake Livingston Bulkhead Birding Series by Bronwyn Clear

Birds of many feathers flock together.Photo by Bronwyn Clear


The people of our District deserve judges that conduct themselves according to the Code of Judicial Conduct while maintaining professional competence and acting promptly, which I will do Because Justice Demands The Highest Level of Standards.

To The Voters of Polk, San Jacinto Attorney, I tried many cases involving Above Self” and the Rotary campaign Thank you for your support and and Trinity Counties, criminal and juvenile law. Since that “Don’t Meth with Me”, which educates please vote for me in the March 4th 2014

time, I have been in private practice 5th graders on the harmful effects of As a longtime resident of Polk Republican Primary Election.serving the Counties of Polk, San Jacinto drugs. I have also been involved in County, I am proud to announce my Early Voting is February 18th - and Trinity, as well as other surrounding many other activities throughout the Candidacy for District Judge of the February 28th .areas; practicing family law, real estate community, including Livingston Youth 258th Judicial District serving Polk, San

Very Respectfully,law, probate, estate planning, and wills Baseball, Livingston Softball, Little Jacinto and Trinity Counties. My wife and trusts. I also owned and managed Dribblers Basketball, The Youth Soccer E.L. “Ernie” McClendon, Jr. and I feel this is a great opportunity to Polk County Title Company for 21 years. Association, The Boys and Girls Club of serve our community. Candidate for District Judge of the I have been on both sides of the Livingston, Boy Scouts of East Texas, 258th Judicial DistrictPolk County has been my home courtroom and have the legal and life the Trinity Neches Livestock Show and

since 1971. Pol adv. Paid by Ernie McClendon experiences to serve you fairly, Rodeo, CASA, mentorship programs Campaign, Treasurer Ruth McClendon Prior to moving to Polk County, I efficiently and with compassion. with Livingston Independent School 913 N. Washington, Livingston, TX attended school in Odessa, Texas. After District and many other organizations.My wife, Ruth and I have five 77351graduation, I attended Baylor University,

children: Mary is a school teacher in In my leisure time, I enjoy spending receiving a Juris Doctorate Degree from

Lewisville; Marc is a mortgage broker in time with my family, playing golf and Baylor Law School in 1967. In October

Dallas; Tish is a nurse for Memorial following collegiate sports.of the same year, I volunteered to serve

Medical Center in Livingston; Roman is Given the opportunity to serve you in the United States Navy. I attended employed by Sam Houston Electric as the 258th District Judge, I will bring Officer Candidate School and was a Line Cooperative; and Lauren, the youngest, the fairness, respect, honor and Officer for four years. I was honorably is a student at Big Sandy. We have also impartiality to this office that our district discharged as a Lieutenant. While in the been blessed with 9 wonderful deserves. As District Judge I will strive Navy I was deployed to both Vietnam grandchildren. to bring dignity, patience and courtesy to and the Mediterranean.

Serving my community has always the litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers In 1971, after my time in The United

given me great satisfaction. As a and all others who enter the courtroom. I States Navy, I moved to Livingston and

member of The Rotary Club, I am proud will conduct the duties of District Judge served as County Attorney for Polk

of our Rotary Standard of “Service without bias or prejudice. County, for 12 years. As County

Ernie McClendon for District Judge,258th Judicial District


Texas Master Naturalists not only get their feet wet and their hands dirty, but while doing so they spend much outdoor time learning about a variety of nature-related topics including different plant, insect, and animal species; wetland, aquatic and forest ecologies and maybe even find something new. They assist scientists in gathering data for current field studies or research as well as educate the public on relevant natural resource related topics such as the importance of native TX bees and the approach of non-native Zebra Mussel and Raspberry Crazy ant.

forty hours of training, mostly The Texas Master Naturalists classroom instruction with some program has existed for fifteen year, outdoor field trips. Trainees are then and was the first such program in the required to volunteer for a minimum of nation. The program’s mission is “to forty hours of service projects that are train volunteers to assist partnering offered in group settings as well as agencies and community organizations individual projects. The chapter to provide education, outreach and partners to assist personnel within the service dedicated to the beneficial local natural resource related management of natural resources and organizations such as Texas Forestry natural areas within the communities of Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and Texas.” To date Texas Master Naturalist Natural Resources Conservation chapters exists in over 70% of the Service. Texas counties. The local Piney Wood

Spring classes will be offered Lakes Master Naturalist Chapter minimum of twice monthly, February formed in 2010 and serves the to June on some Thursday afternoons communities within Polk, San Jacinto, but mostly on Saturdays. Interested Trinity and Tyler Counties. The TMN persons please contact Susan Tullos to program is sponsored by the Texas attain copies of the Registration and A&M AgriLife Extension agency and background check forms and pay a fee Texas Parks & Wildlife.of $150, of which $30 will be Persons interested in becoming a reimbursed upon successful completion certified Master Naturalist are welcome of training. Her number is 936-933-to join the Spring 2014 Basic Training 0013 or [email protected] classes to meet the required minimum

Piney Wood Lakes Chapter offering Spring 2014 Basic Training forTexas Master Naturalist program

Q: You often hear the term "black thin layer of ice, but black ice can last ice." What is it? longer on roads that are protected by

shade. One study in Sweden a few A: It's not really black, but it is ice years ago showed that there are five that is extremely dangerous, says Brent times more accidents on roads that have McRoberts of Texas A&M University. black ice than on dry roads and twice as Black ice is ice that appears to be very many accidents as on roads that had dark or even black because it is packed snow. That's why sanding crews transparent – it is reflecting the color of are always important when an ice storm the asphalt on the road. "Black ice is a is about to hit."thin layer of ice on the road and it often

looks wet, not especially icy. So it can be hard to notice from a distance, and for this reason it is dangerous to drive or walk on," McRoberts explains.

Q: Is it more dangerous than regular ice?

A: It is almost always more dangerous, McRoberts reports. "Black ice often forms at night and early in the morning, when temperatures are low but traffic is high," he adds. "Sunlight can often melt it because it is such a


Weather Whys:Black Ice

Polk County SPCA - Meets the first affected by stroke.Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at our new location, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 802 S. Houston (Hwy 146). Use the Mary Livingston Chapter - Meets Thursday Street entrance. 936-327-7722 evening at Livingston Memorial Hospital

San Jacinto County Chamber of lunch room. Weigh in starts at 4:30 pm. Commerce - Meets first Thursday of the Meeting starts at 5:30 pm. For more month at 8 a.m. in at the Chamber's information call Alice at 936-967-8811 or Office. Teresa at 936-328-4170.

Shepard Chamber of Commerce – TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) American Association of University Habitat for Humanity of Polk Meets the fourth Monday of every month Onalaska Chapter - meets Thursday Women (AAUW) Polk County Branch - County Applicant Meeting - Meetings at 6:00 pm at the EDC Building on the morning at Pine Forest Baptist Church on Meets the fourth Monday of each month, are held the last Wednesday of every corner of Rt 150 and McKellar St, in Hwy. 190 W. Weigh-in 9:00A.M. Meeting September thru April except December, at month at First National Bank Westside. Shepherd. Call 936-628-3890. starts 9:30A.M. For more information call the First National Bank, W Hwy 190, Applicants must be residents of Polk

Betty Willis at 936-967-3913 or Doris Livingston, TX, 6:45 pm. For more County. Meeting begins at 1:00 and SJC Women's League - The Women's Daniels at 936-967-8850.information call 936-967-2531 or 936- generally lasts about an hour, depending League of San Jacinto County meets on

967-5065. on number of applicants in attendance. the second Thursday of each month, United Daughters of the Please call our office at 936-328-8529 or September through May, at the Coldspring Confederacy – Meets the second American Legion Post 629 - Meets in e-mail our office manager at Community Center. The monthly Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Livingston Camilla Texas across from Browder’s [email protected] for more meetings begin at noon and include lunch Heritage House. The genealogical society Marina, we have our regular meeting information. and a program. For more information, call welcomes the public.every 2nd Saturday of each month at

Katy Smith at 936-653-5556.10:00 AM for the legionnaire's. Our Hook 'Needle Charities Club – Veteran’s of Foreign Wars - Meets physical address is 1348 FM 3278 our post Meets the second Wednesday of each Square Dancing - More fun than you the 3rd Monday of the month at the Post phone number is: 936-653-4708 for other month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Memorial can imagine! Great Exercised! Fun, nice Home, located at 3916 US Highway 59 info. Medical Center – Livingston dinning people having fun. No experience North in Livingston (3 miles north of

room. The club crochets, knits and sews necessary, casual dress. Monday evenings Livingston). Covered dish menu at 6:30 Care Share Mission, Inc. of San items for needy individuals. For at 7 pm at the Escapees Clubhouse 6 miles pm and the meeting starts at 7:30 pm. For Jacinto County - is a food pantry open information, call Joan Reeves at 936-327- South of Livingston on 146, turn right on more info 936-327-9119, from 10am until 2pm, weekly Monday and 1989. Providence, left on Escapees Drive. Call www.livingston.net/vfw8568.Thursday. We serve qualifying residents of

Jim & Betsy at 936-327-6410 for more San Jacinto County. We are located at 21 The Livingston Art League - meets Youth Movie Night - 2nd Friday of information.Butler St., Coldspring, Texas. You may on the 4th Monday of the months Sept., each month @ 7pm at Indian Ministries

call for more information during our Oct, Jan., Feb., April, and May, also the Stroke Support Group “The for Jesus, 195 Owl Hoot Trail, Livingston, nd thworking hours at 936-653-5543. 1st Monday of Dec. at St. Luke's Texas in Indian Springs Subdivision. Preventers” – The 2 & 4 Thursday of

Episcopal Church at 836 Jones St., Everyone is invited. Popcorn & the month, 1 pm at Guardian Health Care CASA – Court Appointed Special Livingston, TX 77351. Our time is 9:00am Refreshments served. Pastor Lolo Garza. in Northridge Plaza, next to the hospital Advocates – For information to become a to 12:00 for our paint-in (everyone Please call Kim for directions or more on the Hwy 59 feeder raod, Suite 400. A volunteer donating time for children of welcome to come and paint on whatever info: 936-435-4203 hands – on community forum for Polk County, call Joanis Robertson at 936-you chose) and 12:00 to 3:00pm for our preventing stroke and helping those 523-0519.meeting. We have refreshments and

Coldspring's Area Business and demonstrators who show all mediums. For Merchants - Meets the second Thursday more info. call Celeste Williamson, 936 of the month at 8 a.m. Coldspring Cafe. 967-2161 or email: Call 936-653-2332

Livingston Lion’s Club - Meets every Coldspring / San Jacinto County Wednesday at 12 noon at Camp Cho-Yeh,

Chamber of Commerce - Meets 3rd For more information on meetings or Tuesday, every other month. Dates are joining contact Casey Evans 936-328-5/14, 7/16/, 9/17, 11/19. Meeting are at 4888 or Henry Ager 936-327-0936noon for member luncheon at the

Livingston Rotary Club – Every Coldspring Community Center. Please Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at Cho Yeh, RSVP to [email protected] or call For information , call Ray Gearing at 936-936-653-2184. Board Meeting is the first 327-2752.Thursday of each month at 8 a.m. at the

Chamber office. Piecemakers Quilt Guild – Meets the th second Monday of each month at 9:30 Coldspring's Trade Days – 4

a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 106 Colt Saturday monthly , March – NovemberRd (59 North....in the Hospital area).

Families and Individuals thanking "Bees" are held at various times heroes – Meets the second Thursday of throughout the month. Call Kay Hardy at each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the 936-329-3660 for more information. Livingston Physical Therapy office. For Come expand your quilting experience.information, call Andrea at 936-327-4084.

Piney Wood Lakes Chapter of Texas Friends of Myrphy Memorial Master Naturalist - Meets the first

Library- Friends are active workers in Thursday of each month at the Polk library projects and raise funds for library County Chamber of Commerce located on projects. Meetings are held the third Hwy 59 North of Livingston. Our meeting Wednesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. at time is 2 PM.the library, 601 W. Church Street.

Polk County Republican Club - Friends of the Onalaska Library- Meets every first Tuesday of the month at

Friends of the Onalaska Library support a La Casita Mexican Restaurant on old wide variety of library projects. For Highway 59 (Washington Street) starting details, contact the Onalaska City Hall at 6:00PM for those wanting to eat and between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays and visit. The program begins at 6:30. Saturdays. You may also call librarian Everyone is cordially invited to attend. Jenny Quintin, at 936-646- Book (2665). For more information contact Penny

Uselton at 713-553-0962Future Farmers of America - FFA members learn leadership skills, public Polk County Social Club – Meets speaking and occupational skills. Call every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the VFW Candis Carraway at 936-328-2257 for hall. For more information, call Mary at information about FFA programs. 936-327-9015.

[email protected]


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