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5 Financial Tips for Newlyweds

By
Statepoint
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Spring is in the air and with it, ushers in wedding season. If you’re about to get married or just walked down the aisle, here are five things to do to ensure your financial health.

  1. Determine how you will handle finances. They say money can’t buy love and happiness, but talking about it in a marriage, or even beforehand, goes a long way. You’ll want to discuss whether you’ll have a joint bank account and credit cards, separate accounts, or a combination of the two. It’s a personal decision, so consider the pros and cons. It’s also a good idea to know the roles you will play. For example, will you or your partner pay the day-to-day bills? The other person may want to manage the monthly mortgage and auto expenses, or even the long-term investments and retirement funds. If you need help coming up with a plan, you may want to seek the advice of a financial counselor.
  2. Get life insurance. When you get married is a perfect time to take steps to protect your loved ones if something unfortunate should happen. “If you have people who depend on you – including your new spouse – chances are you need life insurance,” said Lou Colaizzo, senior vice president, of Erie Family Life. “While it’s hard to think about the possibility of not being there for a loved one, it’s so important to plan for,” Colaizzo added that some people may hesitate to seek out life insurance because they don’t want to go through the trouble of getting a medical exam, but that’s not always necessary. For example, Erie Insurance has a policy called ERIExpress Life, which may be able to provide protection with a simple application process and no physical medical exam. Colaizzo recommends people consult with their insurance agent to determine the life insurance that’s best for them.
  3. Protect your bling. Chances are you spent a lot of time and money picking out rings you’ll love and wear every day. Unfortunately, burglaries are more common than you may think. According to the FBI, there were more than 1.1 million burglaries in 2019. Protect your wedding jewelry, and any other expensive jewelry, by adding these items to your homeowners or renters’ policy. It is advisable to have photos and documentation of the value of the ring and other valuable jewelry in the event of a theft or a loss.
  4. Update your car insurance. Notify your agent to make sure you’re both covered to drive each other’s cars. You may also be eligible for savings, such as a multi-car discount or bundling your car insurance with homeowners and/or life insurance. Additionally, some insurance companies offer a lower rate for married couples.
  5. Make updates to your records if you change your last name. It’s a big decision and takes a lot of work if one of you decides to change your name after marriage. It’s important to be patient and diligent as the entire process may take several months. Remember to update all the appropriate forms, including a new Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, and credit cards, among other considerations. Additionally, notify your employer for payroll and health insurance coverage updates.

Getting married is an exciting, big life event. While you and your partner start your new life together, have an open conversation about financial considerations and double-check to make sure you’re covered to protect the life you’re building.

 Free Concert

By
Lee Allen Miller
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🎶 We love musicals! ❤️🎶 Please join us for an exciting evening celebrating well-known Broadway tunes on April 25 at 6:30 pm in the Temple Theater. Special guests include the East Texas Praise Symphony, Chorale alumni, and local children’s ensembles.

[ID] Marquee lights on a red back ground read “AC Chorale & Friends offer a Broadway Revue! 6:30 pm, April 25, 2023, Special Guests: East Texas Praise Symphony, Chorale Alumni, Coston Elementary Choir, Brandon Elementary Choir, Angelina Center for the Arts, Temple Theater, Directed by Beckie Compton.”

Mayfest Celebrates Older Americans Month

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Senior Adult Friendship Togetherness Banner Placard Copy Space Concept

Lufkin, TX – Mayfestis a celebration of Older Americans Month held at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin. This year it is scheduled for Thursday, May 18th. The celebration will include a Senior Health Fair, bingo, a box lunch, and entertainment by Glenn Lenderman. The Area Agency on Aging, Texas 2-1-1, and Aging & Disabled Resource Center – agencies of Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) – sponsor the event. Senior Citizens are invited to come and share in this fun-filled day!

Each year, more and more older adults are making a positive impact in and around Deep East Texas. As volunteers, employees, employers, educators, mentors, and advocates they offer insight and experience that benefit the entire community. For 57 years Older Americans Month has recognized the contributions of the growing Older American population.

We are inviting you to come and share this fun-filled day with Seniors from the DETCOG 11-County region. We encourage you to come to participate; there will be information on public benefits, Medicare, and community and health programs at the health fair. 

Communities that support and recognize older adults are stronger! Join us in strengthening our community.

Mayfest 2023

Thursday, May 18, 2023

9:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Pitser Garrison Lufkin Convention Center

601 N. 2nd Street

Lufkin, Texas

For information Call Deep East Texas Area Agency on Aging @ 409-384-7614 or 936-634-2247.

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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Anyone loving walk-off wins would have loved this past week with Angelina College softball and baseball.

On Wednesday, the red-hot Lady Roadrunners extended their win streak to eight straight games, hammering Blinn College in a doubleheader sweep (the Lady ‘Runners’ fourth consecutive series sweep). On the same day, the Roadrunner baseball team got a thrilling walk-off win in the nightcap to split with Tyler Junior College.

Following is a recap of the week, along with this week’s schedules.

Lady Roadrunner Softball:

AC’s ladies have vaulted into the third-place spot in the Region XIV South Zone Division standings after Wednesday’s impressive drubbing of Blinn College.

AC pitcher Morgan Louviere held the high-powered Lady Bucs to just one earned run in the opener, and Kaetlyn Dunbar provided the walk-off heroics with a long double in the bottom of the fifth inning to lift the Lady ‘Runners to a 10-2 win. Dunbar, Madi Baker, Skyler Martin and Emma Kovasovic each drove in two runs in the win.

Kovasovic padded her stats in the nightcap, driving in six runs on a pair of homers – including a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning of AC’s 13-4 win. Dunbar and Bailey Frenzel added two RBI each, and pitcher Mia Gilmore allowed just one earned run over her six innings of work.

The Lady ‘Runners originally were scheduled to host Coastal Bend Community College on Saturday, but those games were canceled. The team will travel to Galveston on Wednesday for a doubleheader against the No. 13-ranked Whitecaps. Game time for the opener is 1 p.m.

On Saturday, the Lady Roadrunners will host San Jacinto College, and AC’s ladies will celebrate Sophomore Day at Lady Roadrunner Field. Game time for the opener is 4 p.m.

Roadrunner Baseball:

The Roadrunners dropped Wednesday’s opener against Tyler Junior College by a 12-4 score, but bounced back with a thrilling, 3-2 win in 12 innings in the nightcap.

AC’s Slade Foreman launched a two-out solo homer over the left-field wall to set off an infield celebration in the late game.

On Saturday, the ‘Runners fell 5-2 and 4-1 at Panola College in Carthage.

AC’s guys will close out the season and celebrate Sophomore Day on Wednesday in a doubleheader scheduled to start at 1 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.

AC Athletes in the Community:

AC athletes were busy with this week’s Field Day at Burley Elementary. Student/athletes from the Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner basketball teams, along with players from the Lady ‘Runner softball team, assisted with all the activities while recruiting some new young fans.

Are You in a Weight Loss Plateau? 5 Reasons Why the Scale is Stuck

By
Statepoint
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So, you took the leap and signed up for a weight loss program. But once you got started, it was a whole different story. While you may feel like you’re doing everything to a T, the scale is stuck and you can’t figure out why. Plateaus are a normal part of any weight loss journey, but there are many reasons for them. Check out these six reasons why the scale may be stuck:

  1. Overeating. Weight loss is dependent on “calories in” being lower than “calories out.” Eating too much for your current activity level and weight could be a reason why the scale is stuck. “Meal delivery programs can help eliminate any guesswork,” says nutrition expert Chris Mohr, PhD, RD. “Plans like Nutrisystem are perfectly portioned to provide the right balance of nutrients at every meal. The program boasts SmartAdapt science, which provides personalized plans that adapt to your unique metabolism and weight loss goals and help minimize plateaus.”
  2. Not Keeping Track. Overeating, skipping meals and portion control can all be eased if you get more diligent with food tracking.

Take it from the experts: According to research published in the journal “Obesity,” self-monitoring your diet is the number one predictor of weight loss success, and it takes less than 15 minutes each day.

Try tracking your diet at least 80% of the time or at least five to six days of the week. Be sure to include all eating occasions (even nibbling), portion sizes and ingredients. This way, when the scale is stuck, you can evaluate where you may be overdoing it. The NuMi app by Nutrisystem is a useful tool to keep your meal plan organized.

  1. Skimping on Protein and Fiber. Try maximizing protein and fiber in your diet. “Protein helps preserve lean muscle mass while losing weight to help maintain metabolic rate. Also, protein and fiber keep you feeling full longer. What’s more, protein is more thermogenic than carbohydrates and fats — meaning you’ll burn more calories digesting and absorbing high-protein foods. Fiber isn’t fully digested, so the calorie contribution from fiber is less than other carb sources,” adds Mohr.
  2. Increasing Muscle. If you’ve been hitting the gym and putting on muscle, you might also experience a stall on the scale. Find other measures of success in the meantime. For example, your jeans may be fitting better or you may have more energy. These non-scale victories are just as valuable as a number on the scale.
  3. Other Lifestyle Factors. Lack of sleep can disrupt weight loss. The National Sleep Foundation recommends sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Limit caffeine and screen-time in the hours before bed. The light emitted by screens on electronic devices reduce your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep and wake cycle, according to Harvard Health. You can also try a before bed exercise routine.

Did you know that chronic stress can halt weight loss? Address your stress with self-care. Try meditation, daily exercise and breathing techniques. You should also seek out a support system and engage in your community. Feeling overly stressed? Be sure to speak with your doctor.

  1. Illness or Injury. A recent illness or injury can cause increased inflammation that results in water retention. Additionally, injury or illness can decrease daily activity and overall calories burned. Some medications may also stall weight loss. Keep in mind that your overall health should always take precedence over the number on the scale. Consult your doctor. It may mean modifying your weight loss program temporarily. This setback is not the end of your journey though. Once you’ve recovered, you should be able to start where you left off, pending your doctor’s approval.

“Ultimately, your goals should be realistic. Don’t expect the pounds to fall off instantly. Have patience and give yourself some grace. If you’re doing the work, that’s all that matters,” says Mohr.

Come Join the First Annual Spring Sprint Marathon in East Texas

By
Rozalin Martin
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Looking for a challenge this spring? Look no further than the first ever local Spring Sprint Trilathon! Lace up your running shoes and get ready to join the hundreds of participants who will be hitting the streets to test their endurance and push their limits. Whether you’re an experienced runner or a first-timer, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. Get ready to run, sweat, and cross the finish line in style at the local spring marathon.

The race will start at the Lufkin Boys and Girls Club at the swimming pool. The race starts out with a 400 yard swim, followed by a 15 mile bike rise in the pines of east Texas, and lastly, a 3.1 mile run downtown Lufkin Texas. All funds raised for this race will benefit the Field House. This awesome race is on Saturday, April 22nd at 7AM, we hope to see you there!

for more information, click here.

My Five Cents

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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April 21 is San Jacinto Day in Texas, which celebrates the final battle of the Texas Revolution in 1836 when Texas won its independence from Mexico. The battle was fought in present-day La Porte, Texas and lasted just 18 minutes before General Sam Houston defeated General Santa Anna’s Mexican army.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Beaumont, Orange County award General Land Office grants

Last week the General Land Office announced awards in the Beaumont and Orange County areas for the Affordable Rental Program rehabilitation projects and Infrastructure awards. These awards form from $300 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds for long-term disaster recovery from flooding during Tropical Storm Imelda and other significant flooding in South Texas. In Beaumont, there was a total award of almost $10 million in rehabilitation for affordable rental complexes and almost $5 million in a variety of infrastructure projects. In Orange County, there was a total award of $11 million for infrastructure projects.

2. Bill moving Stephen F. Austin State University to the University of Texas System passes Senate

This week, Senate Bill 1055 was voted unanimously out of the Senate. I authored this bill with the help of Representative Travis Clardy and our partners at SFA and the University of Texas System. The bill now goes to the House where Representative Clardy’s identical legislation has already received a House hearing. There is overwhelming support in both chambers for these bills. We both look forward to working together to ensure there is a seamless transition for SFA into the UT-System. This will be an exciting new era in SFA’s 100 year history.

3. School Safety bill passes Senate

This week my bill, Senate Bill 11, passed the Senate unanimously. This bill increases school districts’ school safety allotment and changes the formula to reflect a per campus funding basis. It includes $230 million in increased funding for school safety, in addition to the $600 million in the supplemental appropriations act for school safety and security grants. The bill also creates regional school safety review teams that will provide technical assistance to school districts in their region and perform intruder detection audits of each campus in their region on an annual basis. In addition, the newly created Office of School Safety and Security at TEA will conduct in-depth vulnerability audits on campuses once every four years to ensure that all facility access controls, emergency operations procedures, and other school safety requirements are being followed. The office will also serve as a resource for districts relating to school safety and host a registry of approved school safety vendors. That office will be led by the Director of School Safety and Security who will be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. This bill creates a layered approach to school safety while maintaining local control for districts to assess their needs and choose their school safety solutions. I’m proud to have worked on this bill and I’d like to thank the Lt. Governor and the other members of the Senate for their input and support.

4. Law enforcement accreditation bill passes Senate

This week the Senate passed Senate Bill 267, by Senator Phil King, which would create a grant program to provide financial assistance to law enforcement agencies to achieve accreditation. The bill would also require law enforcement agencies employing at least 20 peace officers to become and maintain accreditation. Investing in law enforcement agencies through a grant program will help professionalize the industry, create an environment that fosters better communication between local governments and law enforcement agencies, and ensure the highest standards of excellence in law enforcement. The bill would offer $18 million in grants of up to $30,000 through the Comptroller’s Office. Agencies could be accredited through the Texas Police Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Accreditation Program, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, or another association identified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

5. Sales tax holiday

This weekend April 22-24 is the emergency preparation supplies sales tax holiday. Those supplies include portable generators, emergency ladders, hurricane shutters, axes, batteries, nonelectric can openers, carbon monoxide detectors, nonelectric coolers and ice chests, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and more. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase, and you do not need to give an exemption certificate to claim the exemption.

AC’s School of Visual & Performing Arts Holds Signing Day

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s School of Visual and Performing Arts on Wednesday held its annual Scholarship Signing Day inside the Angelina Center for the Arts building, with 23 students present to sign their scholarships for either Visual Arts, Graphic Arts, Theater, Choir or Music programs. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service)

Angelina College’s School of Visual and Performing Arts on Wednesday held its annual Scholarship Signing Day inside the Angelina Center for the Arts building, with 23 incoming students from throughout East Texas on-hand to sign their scholarship letters to join one of the school’s four major arts divisions: Visual and Graphic Arts, Theater, Choir and Music.

Director Beckie Compton said there are other students who weren’t able to attend Wednesday’s event, and that the school is still in the process of recruiting, so the numbers will continue to grow.

“I want our community to see that we’re still rebuilding and growing our programs (after the pandemic), and that live events such as theater, music and art exhibits are still very important to people in our community,” Compton said.

Compton noted how the event is a “first impression” of sorts for those incoming students who will be meeting – and working with – new faces when they arrive in the fall.  

“This kind of day is special for the students in that it’s an opportunity for them to feel welcome,” Compton said. “For some incoming freshmen, this may be their first time visiting our campus, and we want them to know they’re now part of a family.

 “It’s also a big deal to get to meet the instructors ahead of time, so on that first day of class, there’ll be a recognition factor there for them, and they’ll feel more comfortable. This day is also a way for us to get the students excited about being here.”

AC’s arts programs have a history of developing student talents for both personal growth and professional opportunities.

Following is the list of students (with hometowns, if offered), their chosen programs and the corresponding instructors:

Visual Arts (Le’Anne Alexander, instructor): Meghan Spivey Shieres, Jordan Tarver (Lufkin) and Sarah Godwin (Lufkin).

Graphic Arts (Reg Reynolds, instructor): Miguel Corral, Thoren Flowers (Diboll), Ryleigh Swann (Nacogdoches), Clint Lively (Lufkin) and Avery Sullivan.

 Theater (Kary Raine, instructor): Madeline Gipson (Lufkin), Devyn Hines (Lovelady), Victoria Steptoe (Lufkin) and Phoebey Clark (Lufkin).

Choir (Beckie Compton, instructor): Valerie Bonilla, Mir Raciv Tyaman (Philippines), Ruby Hammond (Hudson) and Destiny Williams (Central).

Band (Paul Berler, instructor): Jacob Hall (Hudson), Adrianna Martinez (Diboll), Shaun Monroe (Huntington), Angel Brown (Hudson), Joseph Flores (Lufkin), Clarissa Garcia (Lufkin) and Angel Rodriguez Ibarra (Hudson).

 For further information on AC’s Visual and Performing arts programs, contact Beckie Compton at bcompton@angelina.edu. For any other information regarding Angelina College, contact Krista Brown at kbrown@angelina.edu.

Unleashing Your Inner Beauty: A Spotlight on Renewed Hair Salon

By
Rozalin Martin
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0

If you’re looking for a place where your locks can go from drab to fab, you’ve come to the right place. Renewed is the friendliest and comfortable hair salon that i’ve ever been to, and it will always be one of my favorites. I get my hair done on the regular here, and my hair looks amazing every time. Here is a great example on how the hairdressers at Renewed can do magic on their clients.

The atmosphere in Renewed is a very comforting and chill vibe. The beautiful staff at this shop are a blast to be around, and you’ll never be bored around them. So, while you get your hair done, you can talk to the hairdressers like they’re your best friends.

Reviving Ecosystems With TCA

By
Rozalin Martin
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We are excited to invite you to our upcoming event, where we will Join TCA and the students of Pineywoods Community Academy on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22nd, to restore pollinator habitat at Grace Dunne Richardson Park and help our fluttery friends. Volunteers will help plant native perennials and annuals in the new pollinator garden near the entrance to the Azalea Trail.

Native plants require less water and no artificial fertilizers to thrive. They also provide vital food and shelter for butterflies, bees, and birds, and are essential to their survival. So come on out and join us for a meaningful morning outdoors as we beautify our parks while restoring habitat for pollinators and other wildlife!

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