Angelina College Visual Arts students next week will celebrate their semester of artworks with an exhibition and reception taking place in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery on the AC campus.
The exhibition opens Tuesday, April 9 and will run through April 24. An artists’ reception takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 in the ACA foyer.
Students from Le’Anne Alexander’s Intro to Design and Intro to Drawing courses will participate.
Drawing students at AC study still life, landscape, portraiture and expression using traditional techniques in charcoal, graphite, Conté crayon and mixed media. Drawing students focus on gaining an understanding of the foundational elements of art and principles of design while creating artworks in wet media, such as acrylic and gouache.
Following is the list of artists (and listed hometowns) by course:
Intro to Design students: Robin Assuncao (Livingston), Alessandro Colindres (Pollock), Zoey Galloway (Lufkin), Liz Godwin (Lufkin), Makenna Hankins (Lufkin), William Lawes (Lufkin), Yajaira Mendoza (Lufkin), Eva Menz (Lufkin), Pablo Morones (Nacogdoches), Grace Pivonka (Lufkin), Cass Sullivan (Nacogdoches), Marshal Thomas (Lufkin) and Dawn Williams (Lufkin).
Intro to Drawing students: Kevin Avilez (Lufkin), Aaron Evans (Lufkin), Seth Hamilton (Lufkin), Sydney Holder (Huntington), Jazavion Humphrey (Lufkin), Demi’Treanna Johnson (Lufkin), Febe Martinez (Lufkin), Melissa Mendoza (Lufkin), Alexander Oliveros (Nacogdoches), Robert Ramirez (Diboll), Issac Resendis (Lufkin), Alejandra Rodriguez (Lufkin), Ximena Ruiz-Duron (Lufkin), Dawn Williams (Lufkin) and Parker Winthrop (Lufkin).
Both the reception and the gallery are open to the public, and admission is free.
This acrylic on paper work from Angelina College art student Yajaira Mendoza is one of the works scheduled for display in the upcoming Angelina College Visual Arts Student Gallery scheduled to run April 9-24 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery. (Contributed image)This acrylic on paper work from Angelina College art student Yajaira Mendoza is one of the works scheduled for display in the upcoming Angelina College Visual Arts Student Gallery scheduled to run April 9-24 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery. (Contributed image)This acrylic on paper work from Angelina College art student Yajaira Mendoza is one of the works scheduled for display in the upcoming Angelina College Visual Arts Student Gallery scheduled to run April 9-24 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery. (Contributed image)
Ken Brown is a regional solo musician entertaining with his unique style of traditional country music– A crossover music artist from an array of genres. His integration of a variety of elements into the country genre has earned him his popularity with the mainstream audience.
You can hear Ken perform LIVE on stage at Ransom’s Steakhouse and Saloon off 105 in Montgomery for a night of traditional country music…KB Country presents a Tribute to the Troubadours!
“I can’t wait to see you there! Get to know my songs before the show!” Ken
An Angelina College coaching legend has stepped down, and the Roadrunner baseball and Lady Roadrunner softball teams took on some tough conference competition in another busy week at AC Athletics.
Here’s a recap of the week, along with a list of upcoming events.
Coleman Steps Down
Angelina College’s Byron Coleman, shown here during a 2024 game, on Thursday announced he’s stepping down from his position as head coach of the Lady Roadrunner basketball team. Coleman finishes his 19-year career with 326 wins. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Citing a desire to spend more time with family, long-time Lady Roadrunner head basketball coach Byron Coleman this past week announced he’s stepping down from the coaching ranks to become a full-time faculty member at AC.
Coleman leaves as the winningest coach in the women’s program history, compiling 326 wins in his 19 years as the head guy. Under his guidance, Lady Roadrunners teams never missed out on qualifying for the conference tournament.
Coleman was responsible for several “firsts” in program history. In 2019, his Lady ‘Runner team qualified for the national tournament, the first-ever AC women’s program to do so.
Coleman earned Coach of the Year honors following that year in which the team shattered the program record for wins in a season with 29.
To commemorate this milestone, AC is hosting a special celebration from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024, in our Technology and Workforce building, room 139.
To read the full story on Coleman’s announcement and his remarkable career, click the following link on the Angelina College Athletics website:
Baseball Falls to First-Place Navarro College in Three-Game Series
The Roadrunners lost a walk-off heartbreaker to first-place Navarro College Wednesday in Corsicana. AC battled back to tie the game with a two-out rally in the ninth, only to see the Bulldogs take the 9-8 win on an RBI, game-winning single in the bottom of the frame.
Christian Letendre finished with a homer and a pair of RBI; Hayden Hupe and Mark Henderson each drove in two runs in the loss.
Navarro then swept the Roadrunners 18-8 and 15-4 Friday at Poland Field.
AC (13-22, 4-11) will play Panola College in a three-game series this week. Game 1 takes place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Poland Field, and the series wraps up with a doubleheader Saturday starting at 1 p.m. in Carthage.
Softball Splits Conference Games
AC’s ladies swept Coastal Bend Community College on the road on Wednesday, taking wins of 6-4 and 9-0 (five innings) in Beeville. Crazy stat: The Lady Roadrunners logged 64 official at-bats in the doubleheader and struck out just twice in the two games.
In the opener against CBCC, Avery Pemberton drove in three runs, followed by Brianna Collazo with two RBI and Riley Davila with one run driven in. Pitchers Paige Castillo and Sandra Quiroz-Catalan teamed up for the win in the circle, with each allowing three hits and a pair of earned runs.
In the 9-0 in the nightcap, Lorelei Graham drove in two runs and Makenzi Johnson one as the Lady ‘Runners used Quiroz-Catalan’s shutout pitching to earn the win.
On Friday, AC fell 5-2 and 6-5 to league-leading San Jacinto.
AC will host Galveston College starting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday before traveling to San Jacinto College for a Friday doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
The Lady Roadrunners (13-29, 3-5) will host Galveston College in a Wednesday doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start. AC then will travel to Houston on Friday for a twin bill against San Jacinto starting at 1 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE:
Roadrunner Basketball Tryout Session:
The Roadrunner men’s basketball team will host a tryout session starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Shands Gymnasium.
Softball National Champions 10-Year Reunion: Yes, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Angelina College’s only national title: The Lady Roadrunner Softball team’s 2014 national championship. Current plans include hosting a reunion ceremony tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 20, when the Lady Roadrunner softball team will host Blinn College in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. We’ll issue more information once we’ve solidified all the plans.
This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball subject to change with pending inclement weather):
Roadrunner Baseball:
Wednesday, April 3: AC vs. Panola College, single 9-inning game starting at 3 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.
Saturday, April 6: AC at Panola College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Carthage.
Lady Roadrunner Softball:
Wed., April 3: AC vs. Galveston College, DH starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field on the AC campus.
Fri., April 5: AC at San Jacinto College, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Houston.
For up-to-date information on any potential schedule changes, AC fans can visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on social media (@ACAthletics on X/Twitter, or Angelina College Athletics Facebook page.)
As we celebrate the Easter Holiday, we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who endured unimaginable agony and suffered death on the cross so that we might be saved. As we remember that darkest of days, we find hope in knowing His sacrifice would be the beginning of an ever-lasting light that would shine upon the Earth as a pathway to eternal salvation. He has risen!
“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.’” – Matthew 28:5-6
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
As many of you may know, President Biden recently issued an executive order effectively pausing permit approval for new exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This unilateral decision has drawn widespread criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike because of its potential to disrupt the global energy supply chain while also hurting the US economy. The United States is the world’s largest exporter of LNG. This decision is particularly damaging to the State of Texas, which leads the country in LNG production.
In response to President Biden’s decree, the Texas House moved quickly to establish the Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports to conduct a comprehensive review of the impact the Biden Administration’s executive action would have on the state. More specifically, the Committee will assess the potential economic impact of the decision and identify strategies to mitigate all adverse effects on the LNG industry, Texas’s energy sector, and the state’s economy as a whole. The Committee will formulate recommendations for legislative, legal, or other remedial actions to address the challenges posed by the federal suspension of LNG export permits.
As an ardent supporter of our state’s energy independence, I’m proud of the decisive action taken by the Texas House to push back against the Biden Administration’s latest attempt to undermine our state’s interests. I look forward to monitoring the progress made by the Select Committee on Protecting Texas LNG Exports and supporting their recommendations to protect and promote our state’s energy sector.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
Almost a week ago at the George H Henderson Expo Center, hundreds of youth and volunteers wrapped up the Angelina County Fair. You’ve read about the top winners in each division, the “Reach for The Stars Show” for kids with special needs, and the generous support of the buyers at the auction in addition to the groups that have awarded scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors.
Yet as the barns are now empty, and the ribbons, buckles, and banners have been put on display at home, we would be remiss not to say a special thank you to all the volunteers who make each year’s show a success.
Volunteers are truly the heroes behind the scenes who make our Angelina County Fair successful.
The first contests of the Fair started on Monday. Those were forestry, archery, shotgun, public speaking, shotgun, and ag mechanics. The public speaking event was led by Jennifer Reynolds and Bo David Williford. Kevin Martin is the superintendent of the Ag Mechanics show. A local businessman, he finds judges to evaluate the wood and metal construction and refurbishing efforts done by teams of students.
New this year were two shooting sports competitions: archery and shotgun. Heather McCall chaired the shotgun competition that was held at the Pines Sporting Clays. The archery competition was moved to the Pines gun club and was led by Christi Grandgeorge and Ryan Merrel.
The Home Economics Division is such a large effort that Janna Brazil and Joel Redus are needed to lead this event. Additionally, there were over 30 judges required for all the organization and judging. Yes, the judges do get to partake in some of the best cakes, pies, cheesecakes, breads, and cookies around, but they also must test and quiz the students about the ingredients, preparation, and nutritional value.
A new competition to the county fair this year was a floral design competition. Ashlyn Childress, an ag-science instructor at Hudson High led this successful event in its inaugural year. Carrie Shockley is the Arts and Crafts superintendent and oversees the numerous volunteers and judges that help check in and evaluate the projects.
Superintendents for the livestock show divisions include – Delbert Reynolds (Beef Heifers), Andy Gardner (broilers), Anna Lamb (commercial heifers and the foal futurity), Mike Whiteman (meat goats), Stephen Shockley (market lambs), BoDavid Williford (market steers), Melanie Murry (rabbits), and George Wing (market hogs). Each of these men and women also have several folks who help with validation, check-in, opening gates and several other tasks for each show.
Of special note is that George Wing retired this year as they hog show superintendent. Over the years, Wing has been superintendent of the broiler show for three years, the foal futurity for two years and then the market hog show for an incredible 13 years!
There are “open events” where you don’t have to be a 4-H or FFA member in Angelina County to participate. These include the ‘Buckle-Bash’ heifer show, a BBQ cook-off, the washer tournament, and the ‘Reach for the Stars’ special needs show. For those competitions, the respective superintendents are BoDavid Williford, Charlie Gumbles, Melissa Wheeler, and Karen Stafford.
Anita Carraway oversees the Youth Ambassador program. If you watched any part of the Fair, you saw youth in blue vests helping. This youth volunteer program strives to provide high school aged youth fair participants the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills and become an advocate for their county fair division. Applications are due in mid-September and those selected are responsible for workshops leading up the Fair, helping during their assigned division, as well as generally helping whenever they may be needed.
The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce has numerous volunteers that give of their time for the Fair. The County Fair Board consists of Steve Milligan, Codie Jenkins, Justin Risner, Scott Slusher, Stephen Corley, Chad Murray, Chris Carraway, Anita Carraway, Greg Modisette, Scott Slusher, Ashlyn Cole, Pat Penn, and Preston Loggins. The Fair Board chairman is Todd Kassaw.
Kody Jenkins is the Executive Director for our Fair. She does a phenomenal job year-round to ensure a successful event for exhibitors and families alike.
Finally, donors to the auction help reward the youth on Saturday evening. Brookshire Brothers is our presenting sponsor for the Fair. There are numerous, fantastic businesses and families that support the auction, and I also want to personally thank those of you who donated any amount to one of the buyer pools.
If you want to join the auction virtually, donate to the auction, or check out pictures of this year’s winners, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.
Angelina College’s Byron Coleman, shown here during a 2024 game, on Thursday announced he’s stepping down from his position as head coach of the Lady Roadrunner basketball team. Coleman finishes his 19-year career with 326 wins. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Angelina College’s Coleman Steps Down from Head Coaching Role
Citing a desire to spend more time with his family, Angelina College head women’s basketball coach on Thursday announced his plan to step down from the position and assume a role as a full-time faculty member at AC.
“It’s been a blessing to wake up and do something you love and have a passion for,” Coleman wrote in a social media post. “So for me, I’ve been blessed. (It’s) time to spend more time with the family.”
Coleman leaves as the winningest coach in the women’s program history, compiling 326 wins in his 19 years as the head guy. Under his guidance, Lady Roadrunners teams never missed out on qualifying for the conference tournament.
Coleman was responsible for several “firsts” in program history. In 2019, his Lady ‘Runner team qualified for the national tournament, the first-ever AC women’s program to do so. Coleman earned Coach of the Year honors following that year in which the team shattered the program record for wins in a season with 29.
Two years later, Coleman watched one of his former players, Natasha Mack, earn a call during the WNBA draft – the only Lady ‘Runner player to experience the honor.
This past season, Coleman guided his program to its first-ever regular-season conference championship, earning him yet another Coach of the Year award.
Angelina College’s Byron Coleman, shown here celebration his 300th win in 2023, on Thursday announced he’s stepping down from his position as head coach of the Lady Roadrunner basketball team. Coleman finishes his 19-year career with 326 wins. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Over his career, Coleman has coached numerous All-Americans, Region XIV All-Region/All-Conference selectees, and Freshmen of the Year honorees. Numerous players have moved on to the upper levels of collegiate basketball, with several of those eventually playing professionally.
Before assuming head coaching duties, Coleman spent seven years as the assistant coach for the Lady Roadrunners under legendary former head coach Dwan Coleman.
Coleman graduated from Angelina College in 2000 with an associate’s degree in general studies; from there, he earned a degree in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin University and a master’s degree in Human Sports and Performance from New Mexico Highlands University. He was a three-sport athlete at Diboll High School, competing in football, basketball, and track. In October of 2023, Diboll High School inducted Coleman into its Wall of Honor.
Angelina College’s Byron Coleman, shown here during a 2024 game, on Thursday announced he’s stepping down from his position as head coach of the Lady Roadrunner basketball team. Coleman finishes his 19-year career with 326 wins. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Angelina College is expected to announce the new head women’s coach in the coming weeks.
For the first time since 1878, Texans will see their first total solar eclipse next month. Total solar eclipses are rare because the sun, the moon, and the Earth must align such that the moon moves in between the sun and the Earth. Only people who are within the path of totality will be able to see the full effects of the eclipse. The path of totality encompasses a large swath of Texas including the DFW metroplex, Tyler, Austin and the Hill Country, and Del Rio. The eclipse will happen on April 8.
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. Maternal Medicaid coverage extended to 12 months
Starting this month, Texas is extending coverage for postpartum care to 12 months for eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which administers the programs, announced that anyone who is enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP who is pregnant or becomes pregnant is eligible for the extended coverage. Services covered by the programs include regular medical checkups, prescription drugs and vaccines, hospital care and services, X-rays and lab tests, vision and hearing care, specialty care, mental health care, and treatment for pre-existing conditions and special health needs. The agency projects approximately 137,000 women will benefit from 12-month postpartum coverage over the next year. Supporting women in the critical months after giving birth is essential to ensuring they can care for the families and themselves.
2. Texas Department of State Health Services announces grants for health centers
The Texas DSHS is offering an additional $40 million for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Texas that are offering expanded services to underserved and uninsured Texans. Last year, almost $20 million in grants were awarded to FQHCs and similar, eligible heath centers. The grants were used to build new clinics, renovate existing facilities, purchase equipment, and hire staff and health care providers. Grants ranged from $500,000 to $1 million and were awarded to 35 entities. These projects have served more than an estimated 200,000 patients. The continued funding and increase in funding for FQHCs expands access to heath care for communities that are underserved. I was happy to work with the Chair of Senate Finance Joan Huffman to ensure funding for these clinics was included in the budget.
3. SFA new president announced
Last month, University of Texas System regents named Dr. Neal Weaver as the sole finalist for president of Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Weaver is currently the president of Georgia Southwestern State University, a member of the University of Georgia System. He has held that position for seven years. Before that, Dr. Weaver has held various positions across four public university systems over the span of his 33-year career in higher education. Dr. Weaver’s candidacy was recommended by a presidential search advisory committee chaired by UT System Chancellor James Milliken. Representatives from the SFA faculty, students, alumni, and community leaders were also on the search committee. Dr. Weaver earned a doctoral degree in organizational leadership from The University of Oklahoma, a Master of Business Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He is originally from Oklahoma City. Welcome to the SFA community, Dr. Weaver!
4. Lamar State College Orange breaks ground on new student success center
Last month, LSCO held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Student Success Center. The new center will be in the historic former First Baptist Church of Orange, which will be renovated extensively to support a streamlined enrollment process and other student services. However, elements of the original structure will be preserved, like the stained-glass windows and the building’s exterior. Staff from departments such as student services, financial aid, admissions, recruiting and advising will all have offices in the new center. LSCO is hoping to complete the project by the end of this year.
5. Comptroller announces grants to combat opioid overdoses
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced $25 million in grant funding is now available to distribute medication to reverse opioid overdoses through the Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC). Governmental entities, nonprofits, and business entities are eligible to apply for this funding. Last year, a first-round of payments totaling almost $50 million were awarded to political subdivisions from the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund. Naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, has been lifesaving in communities hit by the opioid crisis. With the ongoing flow of fentanyl across our southern border, Naloxone is a game changer for first responders and other community members.
Join us for an insightful luncheon hosted by the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce on April 9th, 2024, at the Coldspring Community Center! We’re thrilled to announce our esteemed guest speakers: Emmitt Eldridge from the Office of Emergency Management and Randy Vivian from the Texas Department of Emergency Management. They will be sharing invaluable insights on disaster planning, preparedness, and the importance of volunteering in our community.
This is a must-attend event for all community members interested in safeguarding our town and making a positive impact. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from the experts and connect with fellow residents.
Early bird tickets are available for $10 if purchased in advance, or $15 at the door. Secure your spot today and be part of this crucial conversation!
Date: April 9th, 2024
Time: 12:00PM-1:00PM
Location: Coldspring Community Center
Cost: $10 (Advance) | $15 (At the Door)
RSVP now and let’s work together towards a safer, more resilient Coldspring!
CHAMPions will support new mothers in underserved areas with the help of key partners
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M University School of Nursing and partners are developing a community-based health promotion program to address maternal health disparities in southeast Texas through a five-year, $2.28 million grant from U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS).
HHS awarded the grant under a Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) program for maternal and child health.
The nurse-led program aims to mitigate maternal, child and family health risks by sending nurses, social workers and community health workers (CHWs) into underserved mothers’ homes during pregnancy and their first year postpartum. These maternal-child navigators will be specially trained to offer support through health education and advice as they “champion” improved outcomes. The navigators will also engage in outreach to help community members better understand maternal health risks. The interdisciplinary CHAMPions team is creating a unique public and community health curriculum for navigators to use in their home and community visits.
Robin Page, PhD, APRN, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, an associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Nursing, serves as principal investigator for CHAMPions. The project team also includes Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., MCHES, associate dean for research at the Texas A&M School of Nursing; Nancy Downing, an associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Nursing; Gang Han, PhD, professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health; and Christina Murphey, PhD, a professor at the Texas A&M Corpus Christi College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Maternal mortality rates in Texas are among the highest in the United States. In 2021, Texas reported 43.9 deaths per 1,000 births compared to the national average of 33 deaths per 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Maternal mortality rates are high across the country and especially here in Texas, making this work a priority for agencies like HHS, HRSA, and Texas A&M and our partners,” Page said. “We are proud to be one of just 16 universities across the country selected under this award program. The collaboration among our partners underscores the critical importance of better understanding and addressing the root causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. This hub-and-spoke model is attracting a lot of attention on a federal level and across the country for its progressive, collaborative methodology.”
CHAMPions will be co-managed from Bryan-College Station and Corpus Christi. The project’s university partners will also evaluate the effectiveness of the program curriculum, while Driscoll Children’s Hospital and Driscoll Health Plan will help implement the program through their network of clinics and health insurance programs in South Texas.
As the lead organization for the CHAMPions project, the Texas A&M School of Nursing will operate the project within its Program of Excellence for Mothers, Children and Families (POEMCF), which develops and manages projects that improve the health and well-being of families and communities across Texas. CHAMPions is one of several POEMCF efforts designed to improve outcomes for vulnerable mothers and their families.
About Texas A&M School of Nursing The Texas A&M University School of Nursing is committed to preparing the next generation of nurses through exceptional education programs, progressive research, strategic partnerships and innovative outreach initiatives. Visit nursing.tamu.edu for more information.
