Issue 86 May 28, 2015

April 2015

At approximately 9:30pm on Sunday, May 10th an

EF 3 tornado touched down in Van, Texas with

sustained winds in excess of 140 mph leaving a

wake of destruction unparalleled in this area. The

tornado was 700 yards wide and swept through

the community of 2,600 leveling houses,

businesses and destroying the elementary and

intermediate school along the way. Van is located

24 miles northeast of Tyler Pipe and we have 5 of

our Team Members that call Van home. Within

minutes of the tornado passing the residents of

Van began to move from house to house

evacuating people from the broken structures.

Thankfully, while none of our Team Members

were hurt they sustained substantial damage and

as AGM Greg Simmons always says, “If the team

hurts, then we all hurt”.

Greg was determined to help. The Red Cross,

Salvation Army, numerous churches and hundreds

of volunteers rushed aide to Van and Tyler Pipe

wanted to help! Tyler Pipe wrote a check for

$5,000 to the City of Van to assist in the recovery

efforts. The check was presented by Scott

McCarty, the Maintenance Superintendent, to the Mayor of Van, Dean Stone. Scott and his family are longtime residents

of Van and it was only befitting that he present the check.

Two of the three schools in Van were irreparably damaged; the Van ISD Administrative building as well as the

transportation facility were in shambles. So

Tyler Pipe wrote a second check for $5,000 to

Van ISD to assist in rebuilding the school

system. Scott’s wife, Kathy is a school teacher

in Van so this hits close to home.

Both gentlemen were extremely appreciative of

the financial gift from Tyler Pipe as well as the

help that has been pouring in from surrounding

areas. It’s nice to know that when your chips

are down, you are a part of a team that will help. Mayor Dean Stone with

Scott & Kathy McCarty

Van ISD Superintendent

Don Dunn with Scott McCarty

Issue 86 May 28,2015

On Saturday, May 9th, two dozen Tyler Pipe Team Members and their families arrived downtown at the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza in Tyler to participate in the 17th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. They were not alone as over 4,000 people came to participate, washing downtown in a sea of pink. The previous 16 races had been held at Bergfield Park and our participants this year really liked the change in venue.

The annual race is the largest fundraiser for the Komen Tyler affiliate. The proceeds are used to fund breast cancer screenings, education, medical and other services. This years event brought over 100 volunteers, 300 survivors, 500 spectators and over 4,000 participants. This was the first time Tyler Pipe participated in the Susan G Komen, however I don’t think it will be the last. Even though this race did not have any Tyler Pipe team member place first, it did provide an opportunity for our largest group yet to volunteer their time in one of the largest fundraiser in the Smith County area.

All in all it was an amazing way to stay in shape while we show our support for the community.

Teacher appreciation week in the Tyler ISD was celebrated during the week of May 4th, however it was extra special this year for Orr Elementary School. Why you

ask? Well it’s because not only did I participate in helping the Tyler Chamber of Commence deliver pens, pads and cups to schools in the Tyler ISD ,but I also had the privilege of delivering “Nothing Bundt Cakes” as the desert for a catered lunch for the entire staff of Orr Elementary compliments of Greg Simmons. Yes, not just the teachers but the ENTIRE staff was treated with lunch that consisted of assorted croissants sandwiches, salads, chicken wraps and drinks. It was an extremely nice and over the top gesture provided by Greg. A gesture that was well appreciated as was indicated on the Orr Elementary webpage pictured to the right. It was so rewarding to be a part of something that expressed our appreciation for those who play a strong part in our kids future.

Faye Pettigrew

Issue 86 May 28, 2015

Sarai Avila

Robert E. Lee High School

Daughter of

Raul Avila-Fernandez

Courtney Tuck

Everman High School

Granddaughter of

Mitchell Tuck

Ariel Nicole Cordova

Robert E. Lee High School

Daughter of

Eduardo Cordova

Ra Jala Buckner

John Tyler High School

Daughter of

Gregory Buckner

Crystal Lopez

Robert E. Lee High School

Daughter of

Jeremias Lopez

James Riley Burrus

Canton High School

Son of

Rod Burrus

Hollie Elise Burrus

Baylor University

Daughter of

Rod Burrus

Jada Harper

Mineola High School

Granddaughter of

Mitchell Tuck

Audrey Sweetman

UT Tyler

Daughter of

Ted Sweetman

Breonna Chimney

Lindale High School

Daughter of

Tracy Chimney

Breana Wright

Brownsboro High School

Daughter of

James Wright

De’Havion McFarland

Robert E. Lee

Grandson of

Harvey Pinkney

Marcellus Deaun Minnick

Lufkin High School

Grandson of

Charles Minnick

Jeremy L. Wilson

John Tyler High School

Grandson of

Charles Ross, Sr.

Brianna Evans

John Tyler High School

Daughter of

Cortess Evans

In our March edition we spotlighted the Tyler Pipe Rope Rescue Team. As a great big Thank You for all of the hours of training and hard work that these 17 fellows contribute, it was only fitting that they receive a great big thank you in the form of a jacket. Each member of the team received a nice Carhardt jacket in Tyler Pipe blue that was inscribed with the Rope Rescue Team insignia as well as their name. Each person has volunteered to participate on the rope rescue team which provides an invaluable service in the event of an emergency. The members of the Team pictured are: (L to R) Charles Bevel, Charles Ridgeway, Lance McHenry, Patrick Tracy, Johnny Neeley, Jeremias Lopez, Lester Kimble, Derrick Folks, Robert Tullis & Travis Edwards. Members not pictured are: Thurman Duncan, Tony Baeza, Michael Caffey, Charles Reynolds, Ampelio Galaviz, Gabriel Borunda & Leonard Lott.

The Tyler Pipe Rope Rescue Team receives a fitting reward! Jackets

Issue 86 May 28,2015

Leonard Smith ~ 1

Michael Bowie ~ 2

Cary Gilliam ~ 2

Brian Kilpatrick ~ 3

Heath Akin ~ 4

Manuel Alfaro ~ 5

Raul Avila-Fernandez ~ 6

Lorenzo Aguirre ~ 6

Rodney Stevenson ~ 10

Jose Vargas ~ 13

Bervin Perkins ~ 14

Lonnie Lollar ~ 16

Fernando Soriano ~ 17

Leslie King ~ 17

Greg Mitchell ~ 17

Steve Stone ~ 20

Carroll Arnall ~ 21

Richard Bell ~ 25

Richard Herrera ~ 25

Celio Tapia ~ 25

Ross Caldwell ~ 25

Terrance Engleman ~ 26

Dexter Foster ~ 27

Stanley Tuck ~ 30

Glenn Ferrell ~ 30

“Did You Know” - A Good Night’s Sleep

A good night’s sleep doesn’t have to be an elusive dream

More than 50 million Americans have chronic sleep disorders or sleep problems,

according to the National Institutes of Health. If you’re one of them, getting a good night’s sleep

can be an elusive dream.

“Without a good night’s sleep, you don’t function well. You can have mood swings,

memory loss, irritability, and eventually develop serious health consequences,” says Kim Hazel, a

registered sleep technologist and expert in sleep medicine at UT Health Northeast. These

consequences include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks.

Common sleep disorders are obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs, insomnia, and

narcolepsy. “Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, gasping, choking, and waking up with

anxiety attacks. During the day, you can be sleepy, feel fatigued, have an irregular heartbeat, and

nod off at inappropriate times,” Hazel says.

Patients with restless leg syndrome describe it as an overall “creepy-crawly” or tingly

sensation in their legs, along with an overwhelming urge to move their legs. Patients with insomnia

have difficulty falling or staying asleep, or they wake up too early and can’t go back to sleep.

If the problem occurs frequently, see your family doctor or a sleep specialist. They can

evaluate your sleep habits and see if you need an overnight sleep test, Hazel says.

In a sleep test, your brain activity, muscle tone, oxygen levels, heart rate, leg activity, and breathing are monitored and recorded. Sleep specialists also observe how you sleep. A doctor

trained in sleep medicine then examines the data and diagnoses any sleep problems.

While at-home sleep tests are available, they don’t provide as much information as in-

house sleep tests, she says. And they aren’t effective for people with other chronic conditions

such as heart or lung disease.

For a better night’s sleep, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, Hazel

says. Don’t exercise or eat large meals for four hours before bedtime. Also, reduce your caffeine

and alcohol intake before bedtime.

This year on June 12th the

United Way Day of Caring will celebrate its 22nd

annual day of caring for over 31 nonprofit agencies within

the community.

Tyler Pipe has been a long time sponsor and supporter of

this event and we look forward to continuing our

partnership in 2015.

Help make the difference on Friday, June 12, 2015! Bring friends and co-workers and join other volunteers to be a part of the annual United Way of Smith County DAY OF CARING! On this day volunteers provide “hands-on” help for nonprofit human service

agencies.

Participation in this event will qualify you to go to the Texas Rangers game in an Executive suite directly behind

home plate in October. Sign up is in the HR Dept.

Do you have a classic or a beater that you are proud of? Tyler Pipe is contemplating holding a Tyler Pipe Car Show this sum-mer. Whether it is a classic or not, if you are proud of it we would like to see it. See Rod in HR to provide your feedback and let me know if you are interested in participating. If we have interest, we will make it happen.

Rod Burrus