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Governor Abbott Announces Film-Friendly Texas Designation For Jasper

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the City of Jasper, having completed the multi-step training and certification process, has been designated as a Film Friendly Texas Community by the Texas Film Commission.

“Congratulations to the City of Jasper on earning the Film Friendly Texas designation and joining more than 175 other Texas communities that have received this recognition,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is brimming with promise, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of our communities to ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed to succeed. Through the Film Friendly Texas training and certification process, communities large and small are prepared to help match local businesses with production-related needs, creating jobs for Texas-based crew members and local residents, as well as spurring on-site spending at local businesses. I thank the Texas Film Commission for helping communities like Jasper market their unique appeal and support local job creation through media production.”

“On behalf of the City of Jasper and Jasper/Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce, we are very proud to receive this honor from the Texas Film Commission and the Office of the Governor,” said Mayor Anderson Land, Jr. “Our area has some of the most historic and scenic locations in the great state of Texas, and potential filmmakers will be enthralled with the venue choices in our community!”

The City of Jasper joins more than 175 Film Friendly Texas Communities from across the state that receive ongoing training and guidance from the Texas Film Commission on media industry standards, best practices, and how to effectively accommodate on-location filming activity in their community.

For more than 50 years, the Texas Film Commission has helped grow local jobs and economies by promoting Texas as the premier destination for film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects, video game, and extended reality production. The Texas Film Commission in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism has attracted more than $2 billion in local spending and created more than 183,000 production jobs across the state from 2007 to 2023.

To explore all that Film Friendly Texas Communities offer, visit: gov.texas.gov/film/page/fftx_overview

For cast, crew, and digital media job opportunities in Texas, visit: gov.texas.gov/film/hotline

Kurth Animal Shelter Advocates Annual Night Howls Fundraiser (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Kurth Animal Shelter Advocates, a (501c3) volunteer organization, is hosting our annual NIGHT HOWLS fundraiser on Saturday, October 14th, 2023. The event will be held from 12 pm to 8 pm at Kurth Memorial Animal Services & Adoption Center, 1901 Hill Street, Lufkin, TX. We invite you to come and enjoy the K.A.S.A. famous BBQ chipped beef sandwich plates at $12.00 with beverages available for purchase at $1.00 (until sold out). Plus, there will be raffle drawings and a silent auction! The funds raised enable us to continue our mission by providing veterinary care for some of the sick or injured animals at Kurth, purchasing supplies, as well as helping to assist with the costs of transport to rescue organizations. ALL adoption fees for dogs and kitties will be $20.00! If you can’t adopt now, please ask us how you can help in finding homes for the county’s homeless or abandoned animals.

Date and Time
Saturday, Oct 14, 2023
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
Location
Kurth Memorial Animal Services & Adoption Center, 1901 Hill Street, Lufkin, TX 75904
1901 Hill Street Lufkin Texas 75904
Fees/Admission
No admission fee
Website
https://www.facebook.com/groups/668233323652334/
Contact Information
Kurth Animal Shelter Advocates
Send Email

October is A Deadly Month for Texas Pedestrians

By
Rhonda Oaks
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AUSTIN – Fall and winter months bring shorter days and less light, making it harder for drivers to see—and safely avoid—pedestrians. October saw the highest number of pedestrian crashes in 2022. That’s why TxDOT is using National Pedestrian Safety Month to continue its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and remind Texans that pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users.

When he was 6 years old, Misael Rico was walking to school with his mother when a distracted driver crashed into them, dragging him underneath the car. That night, doctors told his parents he might never walk or talk again. After countless surgeries and years of physical therapy, Rico started college this year and joined TxDOT to urge drivers to pay attention and watch for people walking.

Only 1% of crashes in Texas involve pedestrians, yet they make up 19% of all traffic deaths. In the last five years, pedestrian traffic fatalities in Texas increased 29.6%, reflecting nationwide trends. In 2022, 5,764 traffic crashes involving pedestrians occurred in Texas, resulting in 829 deaths and 1,526 serious injuries.

“As we shift to fewer hours of daylight, it’s up to drivers and pedestrians to adapt and help keep our roads safe,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Motorists need to stay alert and look for people walking, and pedestrians can take measures to be seen by drivers who may be inattentive behind the wheel.”

TxDOT’s campaign includes TV and radio spots, billboards, and digital advertising. TxDOT will also bring more than 30 walking billboards—street teams wearing sandwich boards—to towns that saw the highest numbers of fatalities from pedestrian-related traffic crashes. The street teams will be deployed to put pedestrian safety messages front and center in places where vehicles and pedestrians share the road.

TxDOT encourages everyone to follow these safety tips to prevent a deadly encounter:

For drivers:

  • Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
  • Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
  • Pay attention and put your phone away so you’re prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
  • Follow the posted speed limit and drive to the conditions.

For people walking:

  • Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
  • Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals.
  • When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
  • Stay visible. Wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” pedestrian safety campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@TxDOT.gov or (512) 463-8700.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of July 26, 2023. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset: The Journey of the Acorn

By
Lee Allen Miller
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As an East Texas tree farmer, I’m intimately familiar with the cultivation process – from planting tiny seeds to nurturing mighty oaks and pines. This hands-on experience has taught me that the journey of nurturing new life mirrors the entrepreneurial process. Much like tending to saplings on my farm, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset requires patience, resilience, and care. It starts small but holds incredible potential.

The notion of an entrepreneur evokes images of bold risk-takers who disrupt the status quo with innovative ideas. Yet, at its core, developing an entrepreneurial mindset is about cultivating the ability to see possibilities and nurture them to fruition. This process of mindset cultivation is not an instant spark of brilliance but a continuous journey – much like the humble acorn that transforms into a bountiful oak tree.

The Seed of Possibility

Every grand oak tree begins its life as a tiny acorn. Though unimpressive in the present, it holds within it the blueprint of something greater. The acorn epitomizes potential – given the right conditions, it can become something far more significant.

Similarly, entrepreneurial ideas often start small. They are seeds of possibility, waiting to be nurtured. The entrepreneur’s role is to identify opportunities, plant the seeds, and foster growth.

The Soil of Belief

Once planted, the acorn needs rich soil and water to germinate. Its outward environment must provide the nutrients for it to activate its inner potential.

Likewise, entrepreneurs must cultivate a soil of belief and positivity to nurture ideas. Self-limiting mindsets of doubt and cynicism lead to stagnation. Developing an empowering mindset creates an environment for concepts to blossom.

The Sprout of Trial and Error

As the acorn sprouts, its roots expand by trial and error, adapting to the terrain. Obstacles are circumnavigated or penetrated until the sapling can stand firmly.

Entrepreneurs too must accept experimentation, failure, and adjustment as part of the growth process. An entrepreneurial mindset recognizes missteps as learning opportunities, not defeats. Each iteration leads to critical insights to inform progress.

The Trunk of Resilience

In due course, the sapling morphs into a mighty oak with a solid trunk. Through storms and seasons, it withstands challenges that would uproot less resilient plants.

Similarly, entrepreneurship demands mental resilience. Tenacity and adaptability are required to overcome inevitable setbacks and unknowns. Maintaining momentum is key – like the oak tree, stand firm in the face of adversity.

The Branches of Reward

With time, the oak produces branches that provide sustenance and shade to its surroundings, reaping the rewards of resilience and longevity.

While entrepreneurship demands grit and sacrifice, it also yields abundant fruit. By remaining steadfast through the incubation, sprouting, and stabilizing of an idea, entrepreneurs can reap economic, personal, and social rewards.

Cultivating the Mindset for Growth

In the end, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset mirrors the oak tree’s journey – identifying potential, nurturing belief, accepting iteration, building resilience, and ultimately sowing rewards. Each phase requires care and attention. But when the entrepreneurial mindset is carefully cultivated, the seeds of possibility can transform into flourishing new ventures.

The acorns of ideas are everywhere. Are you prepared to nurture them?

Women’s Networking Luncheon (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Join us Tuesday, October 10, for our Women’s Networking Luncheon, proudly presented by Regions Bank. We are excited to announce that our guest speaker, Whitney Lindsey, will be speaking on “The Power of Vulnerability”.

Save your seat today >>> bit.ly/WNL-1023.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:
East Texas Slab Masters LLC
Texas Size Selfie

Bronze Sponsors:
A-1 Party Rentals of Lufkin
Austin Bank
Ellen Temple
Ferrara’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc
GENCO FCU
Hospice in the Pines
Ray’s Drive-In
Selena Mitchell Farmers Insurance Agency
Servpro of Lufkin & Nacogdoches
Texas Forest Country Living

Date/Time Information:
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT

Location:
Crown Colony Country Club

Local Artist Exhibition at Casa Morales Restaurant (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming art exposé series that aims to celebrate and showcase the incredible artistic talent within our community.  Casa Morales, a renowned establishment in our town, is opening its doors to local artists, providing them with a unique opportunity to display and sell their captivating artwork.

In an effort to create a vibrant space for artist to exhibit their creations, Casa Morales will be hosting a series of exhibitions, featuring a diverse range of paintings from talented individuals right here in our own backyard. This exposé not only serves as a platform for artist to gain exposure but also allows art enthusiasts like yourself to discover and appreciate the remarkable talent that exist within our community.

We look forward to your visit to our restaurant for fine Mexican Food and an unforgettable experience of art, culture, and community.

Date and Time
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
August through December 2023
Location
1001 S First St. Lufkin, Texas 75901
Fees/Admission
no fee
Website
http://www.casamorales1.com
Contact Information
936-404-2347 Joe R Morales MA, LPC
Send Email

First Friday Luncheon (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

Join us next Friday, October 6, for our First Friday Luncheon as State Representative Trent Ashby will give a legislative update and we will also present this year’s Jack O. (Butch) McMullen Silver Spike Award.

Thank you to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor – Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Company
Silver Spike Presenting Sponsor – Southside Bank
Silver Spike Silver Sponsor – The Advanced Financial Group
Media Sponsor – The Lufkin Daily News
On-time Drawing Sponsor – Servpro of Lufkin & Nacogdoches

Please arrive early as this will be a well-attended event.
Register by Wednesday, October 4 to be entered to win $100 >>> bit.ly/OctFFL23

Date/Time Information:
Friday, October 6, 2023
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT

Location:
Crown Colony Country Club

Drug-Free All-Stars Meeting with Lufkin Parks and Recreation

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Front row, from left to right: Alayna Durham, Elizabeth Jacobo, Danica Barrera, Jolie Garcia, Alyssa Luna, and Yolanda Rubio. Second row, from left to right: Kaylie Blaylock, Brylee Barbee, Ti’ara Nieves, Cece Rodgers, Annabelle Liddle, Giselle Jaime, Ava Alaniz-Guerrer, Ava Straughan, and Avery Williams. Third row, from left to right: Martin Aguilar III, Danielle Christian, Natalie Courtney, Zach Rowell, Jaxson Frankens, Adrian Hernandez, Alexander Tiu, Roxana Flores, Dulce Flores, Chloe Napier, and Katy Howard. Back row, left to right: Cooper Hatcher, Kasie Lopez, Hannah Adams, Jake Jennings, De’Andrew Dodd, Rudy Flores, Cailyn Crow, Kiara Rodgers, and Jamia Walker.

The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, recently held their September meeting at Lufkin Parks and Recreation. The Drug-Free All Stars are a group of high school seniors from Angelina County schools that serve as role models for the community by living tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free lives. During their meeting, the Drug-Free All Stars met with Rudy Flores, Deputy Director of Recreation.  Rudy is a previous Drug-Free All-Star and talked to the students about his time as a Drug-Free All-Star and how that has impacted his role in the community and career.  Special thanks to Rudy for taking the time to meet with the All-Stars. To find out more about the Drug-Free All Stars, contact Abby Baker at (936) 634-9308 or by email at abaker@angelinacoalition.org. Visit our website at www.angelinacoalition.org or follow @TheCoalition936 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes, and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community.

Passion for Purple Luncheon (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Experience an extraordinary afternoon of hope and solidarity at the Passion for Purple Luncheon, hosted by the Family Crisis Center of East Texas.

Join the agency for this inaugural sit-down luncheon during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to raise awareness and critical funds for survivors.

Experience an engaging keynote speech, enter to win exciting prizes, and enjoy a delectable meal, all while supporting and empowering survivors of domestic violence.

The agency is thrilled to welcome a special guest, Tracy Rector, a survivor and executive producer of the impactful film “No Ordinary Love.” Tracy’s insights and journey are sure to leave a lasting impression. Make sure not to miss the screening of her film at the Pines Theater at 6 PM on the same day.

Date and Time
Wednesday Oct 4, 2023
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM CDT

Wednesday, October 4. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Location
Pitser Garrison Convention Center
Fees/Admission
Sponsorships available. Individual tickets go on sale Sept. 5.
Website
http://familycrisiscenterofeasttexas.com
Contact Information
Melissa Wheeler
Send Email

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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This past week was relatively calm around the campus, with the soccer teams either traveling or experiencing a bye week.

Call it the “calm before the storm” because things are about to heat up.

The No. 9 Roadrunners battled undefeated Coastal Bend to a 2-2 draw in Beeville Friday afternoon, and on Sunday, the college hosted its 4th Annual Dinner at the Diamond fund-raising event.

Here’s a short recap, along with the upcoming events.

No. 9 Roadrunners 2, Coastal Bend Community College 2

AC’s guys took on the undefeated Cougars Friday afternoon in Beeville, coming home with a hard-fought, 2-2 draw – meaning the Roadrunners still haven’t lost a match all season.

The ‘Runners scored two first-half goals – both featuring Filliph Kamfjord with the assists – with Eric Ortiz and Omar Mora finding the back of the net for a 2-0 AC lead.

The Cougars, however, evened the match with two second-half goals and held the Roadrunners scoreless over the final 45 minutes to salvage the tie.

The Roadrunners (4-0-2) will travel to Southmost Community College as part of Tuesday’s women’s/men’s doubleheader in Brownsville, Texas. The Lady Roadrunners kick off at 2 p.m., with the men following at 4:30 p.m.

Both AC teams will host Jacksonville College in Friday’s home doubleheader starting with the women’s match at 5 p.m.

AC Baseball Hosting Friday Game

The Roadrunner baseball team will host Alvin College in a single, nine-inning game starting at 2 p.m. on Friday at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.

Lady Roadrunner Softball

The Lady Roadrunner softball team will play at Stephen F. Austin State University at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6.  

Then, AC’s ladies will host a pair of fall games against Nitro starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Lady Roadrunner Softball Complex.

Dinner at the Diamond Hosts Another Successful Night

In what has become one of the area’s “must-do” events, the Angelina Foundation on Saturday hosted its 4th Annual Dinner at the Diamond.

Yes, it’s one heck of a great time, but everything taking place has behind it a great cause: Raising funds to help ensure student success at Angelina College. There were games, raffles, auctions (both silent and live) and numerous other activities. In addition, the live entertainment came from performer Sundance Head, who won Season 11 of the hit TV show “The Voice.”

To help set up, maintain and break down the entire setup, several AC athletes were on-hand to lend their hands.

(Dinner at the Diamond photos by Teagan Jones and Gary Stallard)

Basketball Schedules:

Both the Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner basketball teams have posted their schedules online, but there were a couple of tweaks this past week. You’ll find the updated versions attached to this email.

Brace yourselves: AC’s men will host a home scrimmage at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Shands Gymnasium.

Yes, hoops season is heading our way that quickly. One can almost hear the shoes squeaking already.

As always, visit the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com) or follow us on Facebook (Angelina College Athletics) or Twitter (@ACAthletics).

I’ll see you at the games.

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