Alive After Five hosted by NMC Health Network
Beverages sponsored by: R&K Distributors
Food catered by: NMC onsite dietary services.
Enter to win door prizes and make new contacts. Bring guests and business cards!
Date/Time Information:
Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 5:30 PM
Location:
4920 NE Stallings Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-1254, United States
To purchase tickets online, visit https://forms.gle/4apeZX249xaNrSco6
Date/Time Information:
Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 5 PM
Location:
Maroon Ridge Event Venue
The first of what I hope to be many small shop pop ups! Stop by and shop goods from six different small businesses in one place just in time for Valentine’s Day!
You’ll find an array of specialty baked goods from Bake It Happen, colorful gifts for the kids from Krazy Kool Krayons, the most scent-sational freshies from Lanie’s Fresh Designs, beautiful floral arrangements from Taly Blossoms, custom tees from Love, Alivia Paige and handmade jewelry from The M+Em Collection.
Every business here is owned and operated by either a student or mother. Stop by, say hi and buy something handmade for you
Date/Time Information:
Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 10 PM
Location:
815 Richardson Drive Jasper Texas
(Basketball photos by Mary Kahraman and Camilla Bedin)
Here we go: That time of year when sports collide at Angelina College. Our basketball teams are going full-speed in conference play on their way to the upcoming Region XIV Conference Tournament in Tyler (March 12-16), and our baseball and softball teams are ready to roll.
(FYI, rosters and schedules for both baseball and softball are now available on the AC Athletics web site at www.angelinaathletics.com). However, I’m attaching those rosters for you just for the heck of it.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball
Opened the week Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium with a convincing 72-57 win over perennial rival Tyler Junior College, then ended the week by blowing out Paris College 76-58 Saturday in Paris.
Amyria Walker led AC in scoring against Tyler, posting a 24-point game. India McMahon drilled four three-pointers on her way to a 16-point night, and Jade Fry added 11 points in the win.
Saturday against Paris College, McMahon nailed six treys to lead AC in scoring with 20 points. Walker and Marie Kenembeni added 17 points each.
With those wins, the Lady ‘Runners can expect a possible entry into the nation’s Top 25 when Monday’s polls are released. At 13-7, 5-1 AC’s ladies are tied with No. 24 Blinn College for the lead in the Region XIV conference standings.
The Lady Roadrunners play at Jacksonville College on Wednesday, with game time sent for 4 p.m. On Saturday, AC’s ladies host Panola College as part of a women’s/men’s doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium. The Lady ‘Runners tip off that game at 2 p.m.
Roadrunner Basketball
Following last Saturday’s impressive 70-53 manhandling of No. 9 Lee College in Baytown, the Roadrunners had an open date on Wednesday.
While a rest certainly can be beneficial, the bye week may have played a role in interrupting the ‘Runners’ rhythm.
On Saturday, AC appeared rusty in the game’s opening minutes, but still managed to hold off a stubborn Jacksonville College squad for a 63-58 win at Shands Gymnasium. The win gives the ‘Runners a three-game winning streak in conference play and boosts the team’s season record to 14-6, 5-4, leaving AC tied for second place (with Blinn College) in Region XIV’s South Zone.
In Saturday’s win, Xavier Owens posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Kyle Morgan and Cade Holzman teamed up for six three pointers to finish with 11 points each.
The ‘Runners travel on Wednesday to face Lamar State College-Port Arthur starting at 7 p.m., then follow on Saturday at home with a home matchup against Blinn College starting at 4 p.m.
Roadrunner Baseball
Yes, baseball season is here. Despite last week’s torrential rains, the grounds crew (head coach Jeff Livin and assistant coach Dylan Murphy, along with the players) managed to get the field in pristine condition in celebration of the season’s first day. The Roadrunners were able to open their 2024 campaign with a Sunday doubleheader against Galveston College.
Typically in baseball, it takes a few games for the offensive to find its groove. But in Sunday’s Game 1, the Roadrunners exploded for six runs, batting around the order and sending 10 hitters to the plate on the way to a 10-4 win over the Whitecaps.
AC starting pitcher Gabe LeBlanc earned the win after tossing a four-inning gem, allowing just one hit and no earned runs while striking out three Galveston hitters. At the plate, Sean Bazmore drove in three runs with a pair of hits, and Mason Lampe and Mark Henderson drove in two runs each. Spencer Alexander, Sam Hardcastle, Michael Herndon added an RBI each.
Game 2 saw Galveston jump out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning, only to have a Hardcastle two-run triple even the score. AC eventually held off the ‘Caps in a 7-6 win to earn the day’s sweep.
Hardcastle ended the game with two RBI, and Taz Pate and Dalton Mullins each drove in a run.
AC will travel to Galveston on Tuesday to take on the same Whitecaps in a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start, and on Saturday, the team will be in Marshall to take on East Texas Baptist University in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner Softball
In a testament to the Angelina College softball program’s popularity, Sunday saw a large number of future Lady Roadrunner hopefuls on-hand for AC’s prospect evaluation session. Head coach Brette Kohring and assistant Sandy Lopez led the session, which took place on the soccer field’s turf because of the recent bouts of rain, and area high schoolers showed up to show off their skills.
This week’s schedule:
Wednesday, Jan. 31:
Lady Roadrunner basketball at Jacksonville College, 4 p.m.
Roadrunner basketball at Coastal Bend Community College, 5:30 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner softball at Tyler Junior College (season opener), doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 2:
Lady Roadrunner softball at the Mardi Gras Invitational in Youngsville, LA. AC plays Southwest Mississippi Community College at 2 p.m. and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 3:
Lady Roadrunner softball, Day 2 of the Mardi Gras Invitational in Youngsville, LA. Saturday’s schedule has AC facing Hinds College at 9 a.m. and Pearl River Community College at 11:30 a.m.
Roadrunner baseball at East Texas Baptist University, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Marshall, TX.
Lady Roadrunner basketball vs. Panola College, 2 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium
Roadrunner basketball vs. Blinn College, 4 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium
Sunday, Feb. 4:
Lady Roadrunner softball vs. Kilgore College (AC’s home opener), doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field
TSBN Sports: As mentioned earlier, AC Athletics now partners with TSBN Sports for our live streaming of home games. Because TSBN is connected throughout our conference, viewers may also find some of our road games available for live streaming. Search for TSBN Sports on the internet, and there’s a link for seeing upcoming games. TSBN’s live streams are free.
As always, to keep up with schedules (and possible schedule changes), check the Angelina College Athletics web site (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on X (formerly Twitter) at @ACAthletics and Facebook (Angelina College Athletics)
If there’s anything else I can do for you, please let me know.
I’ll see you at the games.
Gary Stallard
Join us this Friday, February 2, for an engaging First Friday Luncheon, where Mayor Mark Hicks with the City of Lufkin, will provide insights into the State of the City. The luncheon will be held at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center and we encourage you to arrive early.
This luncheon usually sells out, so secure your spot today: bit.ly/Feb-FFL-24
Register by this Wednesday and be entered to win $100 in our On-Time Drawing, presented by Servpro of Lufkin & Nacogdoches
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Company
State of the City Presenting Sponsors
Lufkin Economic Development Corporation
Woodland Heights Medical Center
State of the City Gold Sponsor
Oncor
State of the City Silver Sponsors
Hospice in the Pines
Lee Trans
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with our community and stay informed about the happenings in the City of Lufkin. See you there!
If you are interested please contact Suzanne at wooldrdgirl@yahoo.com or call the Art Center at 409-384-2404.
Date/Time Information:
Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Location:
364 N Austin St, Jasper TX
In the heart of the Texas Forest Country, a unique sanctuary called Two Creeks Crossing Resort offers a tranquil escape from the ordinary. Located at 1581 Triple Creek Loop, Livingston Texas, this exquisite resort, meticulously crafted by John Payne, is a testament to a dream that transformed 82 acres of natural beauty into a haven of relaxation and adventure.
A Dream Takes Root John Payne, a custom builder with a vision, embarked on this journey with a passion for preserving the essence of nature. Unlike traditional RV parks, Two Creeks Crossing was conceptualized to embrace the land’s innate beauty, ensuring that each tree, each creek, and each serene view was integrated into the resort’s design. The result is a breathtaking retreat where guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Texas Forest Country while enjoying modern comforts and amenities.
The Heartbeat of the Resort: Unparalleled Amenities Two Creeks Crossing Resort is more than a destination; it’s an experience. Each amenity is thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse array of interests and preferences:
A Canvas of Memories: Customer Experiences At Two Creeks Crossing, each guest’s story is unique. The resort prides itself on its high-ranking Google reviews, reflecting its commitment to excellence. The resort’s ambiance is a delicate balance between tranquility and vibrancy, creating a sense of community among the guests. From the excitement of live music and games to the peaceful moments of relaxation by the water, the resort is a canvas where memories are painted and friendships are forged.
Community at its Core Two Creeks Crossing Resort is not just a part of the landscape; it’s a part of the community. As members of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce and the Onalaska Small Business Alliance, the resort actively engages with local businesses, charities, and events. By hosting public events, supporting initiatives like the Alzheimer’s Association and Grace Outreach program, and fostering collaborations, the resort weaves itself into the fabric of the community, enriching both its guests and the local residents.
A Vision Blossoming into Reality As Two Creeks Crossing looks to the future, it sees a horizon filled with possibilities and growth. Plans to add a dog park, beach volleyball, an activity pool, and more lodging options are just the beginning. The resort is dedicated to evolving, ensuring that the guest experience is not just maintained but enhanced with every passing day.
A Personal Reflection Running Two Creeks Crossing Resort has been a journey of learning, growth, and fulfillment for John Payne. The key, he shares, is always to prioritize the customer’s best interest, a principle that has steered the resort towards success and acclaim.
John’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to recognize the potential of the Texas Forest Country, a land ripe with opportunities and growth. He invites everyone to visit Two Creeks Crossing to experience firsthand the magic of a resort that’s not just a getaway but a return to what truly matters – nature, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Please stay connected with Two Creeks Crossing Resort on Facebook, Instagram, and visit their website, www.TwoCreeksCrossingResort.com, to embark on your next adventure where the creeks cross and life flows beautifully.
The questions started a couple of weeks ago. “Is it time to prune my roses?” “Can I limb up my trees down my driveway?”
This mild winter weather certainly beckons me and many others out in the landscape more. I am itching to get a head start on spring’s arrival, and pruning would be a great task for the next few weeks, with a few exceptions.
Let us begin by saying that the dead of winter is the perfect time to do any major pruning on most trees and shrubs. They are in their dormant stage and can take it quite well. Major pruning can be defined as cutting back more than one third of a plant.
Winter pruning of most shrubs such as roses can be done anytime during the winter according to a regionally known horticulturalist, Felder Rushing. In Rushing’s excellent book, “Tough Plants for Southern Gardens”, he says there are really no rules across the board for pruning roses. He says to forget any specific rules you may have heard over the years and simply cut back all the stems of repeat blooming varieties by half!
Regarding landscape trees, let me first share some wisdom that I heard many years ago from renowned Dallas horticulturalist, Neil Sperry, “no plant absolutely has to be pruned.” A plant will grow naturally so long as it has water, sunlight, and nutrients. Nevertheless, we choose to prune back trees and shrubs because a branch is in the way or because we simply desire a certain shape or perhaps more blooms, more fruit, or to preemptively improve its health.
Caretakers of the Stephen F Austin State University’s arboretum taught me that you can typically cut back smaller perennials around the landscape by a third anytime during the growing season so long as you do not do so during time so great duress – such as in the middle of a drought. Many blooming plants will often re-bloom wonderfully with a light topping throughout the summer.
Mid-February is a great time to cut back roses. It is also a time to start pruning pecans and other home fruit trees, expect peaches. Fruit trees certainly will produce larger fruit if pruned later this winter. Fruit bearing trees do have some guidelines that you would do well to follow.
However, let us wait to prune peach trees. Pruning this fruit tree will “wake it up” and may cause it to start blooming early and risk losing a crop to frost. I will never forget the first time a commercial peach producer taught me how he waits as long as possible before pruning a peach tree. He had no qualms about pruning after the peach tree decided on its own, to start blooming.
Do not prune azaleas or other plants that bloom on last year’s growth! We wait to prune azaleas until AFTER the blooms have been enjoyed.
So, what about pruning crepe myrtles?
I written about this multiple times so let me discuss this carefully as this topic can be contentious than religion or politics. Crepe myrtles are beautiful plants that can be categorized as large shrubs or small trees. Many standard varieties can reach 20 feet, 25 feet or even 30 feet tall. If you desire a smaller variety, there are dwarf types that grow only to four feet and even miniatures that stop at one to two feet in height. I would not dare cut back the decades old crepe myrtles on our farm. I do keep the lower limbs trimmed up so we can mow under them. However, the Natchez crepe myrtles that I planted seven years ago do need shaping and kept from rubbing the eaves of our house. I do prune those but with the specific purpose of protecting the house.
In the heart of Texas Forest Country, Alex Morgan’s boutique stood as a beacon of style and innovation. Known for her impeccable taste and entrepreneurial spirit, Alex always had her finger on the pulse of the latest trends. One fine morning, she decided to refresh her boutique’s inventory with products from Amazon’s Movers & Shakers list, ensuring her store remained the go-to destination for the latest and greatest.
Alex’s boutique thrived, each product telling its own story and finding its place in the lives of her discerning customers. With her boutique stocked with Amazon’s latest Movers & Shakers, Alex continued to cement her reputation as the ultimate trendsetter in the Texas Forest Country region.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service awarded 126 recipients grants to conduct prescribed burns this year. For the 2024 fiscal year, the agency has approved more than $705,000 in grant funds to private landowners in Texas with a goal to treat 25,104 acres.
With Texas lands being 95% privately owned, the responsibility of conservation lies with thousands across the state. Through prescribed fire grant programs, Texas A&M Forest Service strengthens the conservation network by providing resources and funding assistance to landowners and land managers to conduct prescribed fires.
Prescribed fire is a strategic land management tool that uses low-intensity fire on a specific area of land to achieve set goals. Prescribed fire is proven to be the most effective and efficient land management tool for decreasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires by reducing hazardous fuels.
“If forests and land are left unmanaged, the buildup of leaves, twigs and underbrush significantly increases the chances of larger, more uncontrollable wildfires in that area,” said Andy McCrady, Texas A&M Forest Service Program Coordinator. “That is why it is a top priority of ours to connect Texas landowners and managers with grant dollars and agency resources. Through our efforts with this program, more Texas land can be safely and effectively treated with prescribed fire.”
While community protection is viewed by many as the most significant benefactor of prescribed fire, other facets of Texas’ ecosystem benefit as well. Prescribed fires help create resilient landscapes; encourage the growth of native species; improve soil health; create open forest conditions that allow wildlife to travel and forage more easily; minimize the spread of pests, insects, invasive species and diseases; and give firefighters a safe place to work when wildfires occur.
“Prior to settlement in Texas, wildfires occurred naturally on the landscape,” said McCrady. “Our ecosystems relied on fires for regulation. We believe in treating our lands with prescribed fire when it is safe and relevant to do so, as we know it will restore the normal, natural and essential process for the land.”
Texas A&M Forest Service offers four grants to landowners to complete prescribed fires on private lands across the state, each with their own unique goals. Residents in the Panhandle and West Texas are eligible for the State Fire Assistance for Mitigation – Plains Prescribed Fire grant. The remaining available grants focus on East and Central Texas and include the Community Protection Program grant, State fire Assistance for Mitigation – Central and East Texas grant and Neches River and Cypress Basin Watershed Restoration Program – Prescribed Fire grant.
These grant programs reimburse landowners up to $30 per acre, for a maximum of 800 acres per recipient.
Applicants apply in the Fall and are notified of their grant award between October and December, depending on the grant. Once contracts are signed the burns are typically conducted from January through June.
“While Texas A&M Forest Service proudly conducts prescribed burns on public lands as part of our conservation education efforts, we do not conduct the burns in these grant programs,” said McCrady. “All the prescribed burns in these four grant programs are conducted by a private or commercial Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manger. The Texas Department of Agriculture oversees that licensing program in the state of Texas, and by having one of those individuals conduct the burn, it provides liability protection for the landowner and ensures best practices are being followed.
McCrady explained that most of the burn managers conducting these prescribed fires are contractors and the grant programs require them to be licensed through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager Program. This certifies that prescribed fires being conducted in tandem with this program are done so safely and take into account all ecosystem factors.
Following the burn, management goals and the ecosystem are monitored by McCrady and his team. According to McCrady, the landscape recovers quickly from prescribed burning.
“Prescribed burning in Texas is most often conducted in the winter or spring during mild weather conditions,” said McCrady. “Within a few weeks, these sites will show green shoots of new growth and by the end of the growing season native grasses, wildflowers and more palatable browse have replaced the overgrown brush and litter, all of which will increase wildlife value and make for the beautiful Texas landscape we all love.”
The Texas Longleaf Conservation Assistance Program, an additional Texas A&M Forest Service forest conservation assistance program for East Texas landowners, is now accepting proposal applications. Prescribed burning is considered a conservation method and is eligible under this grant.
For more information on prescribed burning, burning safety, benefits and more, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/PrescribedBurns/.
For more information on grants provided by Texas A&M Forest Service and partners, visit https://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/fundingconnector/.
Texas Forest Country Living is a digital online magazine featuring the lifestyle and community of the Texas Forest Country region. The Counties include Angelina County, Nacogdoches County, Sabine County, Tyler County, Newton County, San Jacinto County, San Augustine County, Jasper County, Houston County, Shelby County, Trinity County and Polk County
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