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Drug-Free All Stars to Kick Off Project Sticker Shock

By
Larry Waldorp
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The Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars, alongside The Coalition’s Board of Directors and staff, will kick off Project Sticker Shock on Tuesday, March 7th, with a press conference at Brookshire Brothers Gaslight, 1807 W. Frank St., in Lufkin beginning at 10:00 am. The guest speakers will be Hannah Spikes, Drug-Free All Star and Lufkin High School student; Melissa Crager, Public Relations Coordinator for Brookshire Brothers; and Kelly Morris, Lufkin District Engineer from Texas Department of Transportation.

Project Sticker Shock is a community awareness campaign that aims to make adults aware of the dangers of underage drinking and the consequences of providing alcohol to minors. The participating stores are Brookshire Brothers, Tobacco Barn, La Michoacana Meat Market, Big’s convenience stores, Hernandez Grocery, Walgreens on Frank, and Coleman’s convenience store in Zavalla. The Drug-Free All Stars hold this event annually before the Spring Break holiday. Spring Break is one of the deadliest times for alcohol-related accidents involving minors.

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. For more information about the Drug-Free All Stars, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Spring Cleaning: Don’t Toss That ‘Junk,’ It May Be Valuable!

By
Statepoint
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It’s time to hit the garage, basement, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning! Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you may be surprised to learn they might be valuable — especially if you have sports cards and memorabilia gathering dust.

With prices of sports cards rising in recent years, take time to determine if yours are valuable and how to best sell them.

“Older sports cards and memorabilia aren’t just highly collectible; they can be worth lots of money. Recent sales of scarce vintage cards have topped anywhere from thousands of dollars to tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands. And really rare cards can go higher,” says Al Crisafulli, Auction Director at Love of the Game Auctions, an internet sports auction house that helps families identify and sell valuable items.

Crisafulli has assisted people in selling such keepsakes as a grandparent’s autograph collection and an uncle’s childhood baseball cards, for tens of thousands of dollars. In one life-changing event, he helped a family determine that a baseball bat that spent decades protecting their home was used by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig — and Love of the Game Auctions sold it for almost half a million dollars. Today, that bat could bring more than a million dollars.

The key is understanding what makes old sports collectibles valuable. To help, Crisafulli is sharing some tips:

Older is Usually Pricier

Cards from the 1960s and earlier are collectible, and those from before the 1940s can be worth a lot of money, especially those depicting stars. Do you have cards of Hall of Famers, such as Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner or Ty Cobb? Even non-stars from the early days of a sport can be worth big bucks, especially if the cards have no creases and retain sharp corners and original gloss.

If you have very old cards from the 1880s through the 1930s, look for tobacco, gum and candy brands, such as Old Judge, Piedmont, Sweet Caporal, Goudey or American Caramel.

If you want to sell sports items for the most money, consider a specialty auction, such as Love of the Game, which has the expertise to properly research sports ephemera and maintains bidder lists of collectors specializing in sports. More information is available at loveofthegameauctions.com.

Postcards and Photographs

We all have keepsakes of vacation destinations, but most aren’t valuable. However, photographs and postcards depicting sports stars and ballparks can be significant. Look for early “real photo” postcards from the 1900s through the 1940s, which are photographs printed on postcard backs.

As with sports cards, star power matters, so preserve those Babe Ruths as opposed to images of your great grandma’s baby cousin once-removed. And when it comes to photos, look for old markings on the back, such as photographer, publication and date stamps.

Memorabilia

Set aside old advertising posters depicting sports stars and food, tobacco or sporting goods brands. Ads from magazines aren’t valuable, but those used as store displays and for other marketing purposes can be pricey. Tin signs from the 1960 and earlier can be highly prized, but reproductions aren’t.

Your family’s sporting goods, such as balls, gloves and bats, can be valuable. Pre-1950s uniforms and catcher’s masks, helmets and other equipment are highly collected, especially when endorsed by star players. Top condition brings the highest prices, but even used equipment can be valuable.

“The golden rule is the older the sports card or item, the more valuable it usually is. Pre-1975 pieces start to get interesting and are worth researching,” says Crisafulli.

Don’t just clean out your “junk” this spring, examine it closely to potentially maximize its value.

Come And Celebrate The Annual Boots, Best Buddies, & BBQ Fundraiser

By
Rozalin Martin
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Kurth Animal Shelter Advocates invites all animal lovers to attend the annual “Boots, Best Buddies, & BBQ” on March 4, 2023, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin, Texas from 6:30 – 10:00.

This event will help raise money for the vetting fund to help animals at the shelter to survive and to be adopted into a loving home.

Molly James is the planner for this event, and is an animal lover herself. She has volunteered at Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter for 10 years and has grown in love toward the shelter. James’ says, “This event is not only for having a good time, but helping out the needy animals.”

The Glenn Lenderman band will be joining this event, so be prepared to dance to some amazing live music! There will also be fun activities such as raffles, silent auctions, and more! Delicious barbecue sandwiches will be available along with soft drinks.

Tickets are $25 and are available at the door or at Grizzlys. Call (936)-634-7090 for reservations or more information.

DETCOG Submits Challenges to Texas Broadband Map

By
Larry Waldorp
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The Deep East Texas Council of Governments has filed the required evidence with the Texas Broadband Development Office to challenge the accuracy of the new State Broadband Map. The challenge asserts that 46 census blocks in the 11-county DETCOG Region have significantly slower internet speeds than reported on the initial Texas Broadband Development Map. The state map will be used in determining how state and federal Broadband Internet Funds will be distributed around the state.

The challenge process did not allow for individual challenges, but provided that governmental entities and internet providers could provide evidence to contest the map. DETCOG’s challenge is based on evidence gathered from over 3,000 households and businesses in Angelina, Houston, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler Counties. These households and businesses responded to DETCOG’s requests to complete an online broadband survey and speed test.

DETCOG staff and contractors analyzed the surveys, grouping them by census blocks and identifying the ones where a minimum of 20 percent of the households in a census block were inaccurately represented on the state map. That analysis found 46 reportable census blocks where the data significantly differed from the state’s map.

“We had just gone through a similar process to challenge parts of the new Federal Communications Commission National Broadband Map, said DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt. “So, when the new Texas Broadband Map was released, we immediately recognized it over-represented the availability and speeds of internet service in our region. Left unchallenged, the use of both maps looked like our region would be short-changed when state and federal funds are distributed.”

DETCOG continues to leave up the challenge survey webpage where residents can submit their home information. It may be needed if further map changes are considered and to collect data for future grant applications. The survey and speed test may be completed at:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7218052/Deep-East-Texas-Internet-Speed-Test

Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at the Stone Fort Museum

By
Rozalin Martin
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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music by El Camino Real de Nacogdoches Band at the Stone Fort Museum. Enjoy traditional music from Ireland and music that celebrates the rich history of Texas while relaxing under a big tent with a plate of traditional Irish treats! The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact museum staff at (936) 468-2408 or stonefort@sfasu.edu.

Ubank Good For Country Concert (Angelina County)

By
Rachel Lauren
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UBank is bringing Scotty McCreery, Travis Denning, and Jackson Pigg to the Lufkin Expo Center on March 4th for our 4th annual Good For Country concert – tickets are only $10, and all proceeds are donated to the East Texas Food Bank! This is a family-friendly night of country music that you won’t want to miss… Tickets on sale now!
Talent Lineup:
Headliner – Scotty McCreery
Opener – Travis Denning
Local Guest – Jackson Pigg
Doors open at 6:45, show starts at 7:30.

Junior Achievement Hosts Stock Market Challenge

By
Larry Waldorp
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Junior Achievement of Angelina County will be hosting its 5th annual Stock Market Challenge on Friday, March 2nd, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin, Texas.

where one can experience the thrill of the Wall Street trading floor!

There will be a daytime Stock Market Challenge event for junior and senior students, plus an evening event – A Night on Wall Street – for corporate teams.

The JA Stock Market Challenge and JA Take Stock in Your Future program introduces high school students to the fundamentals of stocks, the impact of world events on the stocks, long-term investing and how investors make investing decisions and diversify their portfolios. Students then get to put their learning into practice at the Stock Market Challenge, a hands-on and high-tech immersive simulation. This friendly competition is a high-energy, invaluable learning experience.

Both the JA Take Stock in Your Future curriculum and the JA Stock Market Challenge event are offered at no cost to schools.

A Night on Wall Street Corporate Event is a fun competition and an opportunity for companies to support this mission-minded fundraiser. Participation in events like these are critical for Junior Achievement to raise the funds to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. JA bridges the gap between school and the real world. It brings life to the things kids learn in school and makes school relevant to what they are going to do after school is over. This motivates them to learn and become better prepared for the world or work.

For more information, contact Junior Achievement at 936-632-0490 or email to staci@jaangelinacounty.org.

DETCOG To Hold Elderly and Disabled Seminar

By
Larry Waldorp
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A seminar covering topics concerning the elderly and disabled will be held at the Lufkin Convention Center on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Presenters from Deep East Texas Council of Government’s Area Agency on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Center, and Disability Rights Texas will speak on:

  • Housing Rights of People with Disabilities
  • Alternatives to Guardianship
  • Covid-19 and Wellness
  • Overview of Disability Rights Texas.

The seminar is free and a lunch will be provided.  Reservations need to be made by March 10, 2023 by calling either (409) 634-2247 or (409) 384-7614 or by emailing Kcarr@drtx.org.  Those desiring disability accommodations (e.g., sign language interpreters, alternative formats) please contact Kerri Miller Carr at (512) 407-2752 or email Kcarr@drtx.org as soon as possible, no later than March 10, 2023.

This seminar is being sponsored by Disability Rights Texas, Area Agency on Aging of Deep East Texas and the Aging and Disability Resource Center.

3 Ways to Prep Your Home for Bug Season

By
Statepoint
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It can be tempting to think that bugs simply disappear in the cooler months. The truth is that many bug species have evolved to survive all year long, sometimes hiding in the warm nooks and crannies in and around homes. Others go into a hibernation-like state.

“Bugs can be a lot smarter and more resilient than you may realize. Even if you don’t see household pests right now, some may still be waiting in your home for those first warm days to signal them to become active, search for food and find a mate,” says Emma Klingman, senior products research at Zevo, a maker of pest control products with naturally-inspired ingredients you can feel good about.

To prep your home for bug season and outsmart pests, follow these three steps:

  1. Tidy up: Household pests love snacking just as much as people do, but you don’t need to play host to them. After meals, wipe down tables, counters and other kitchen surfaces. Be sure to regularly sweep and vacuum crumbs, as well as mop up to eliminate sticky food residue. Keep a tightly-fitting lid on your garbage bin, and rinse cans and jars before recycling them.
  2. Be ready: Even an immaculate home will face pest problems at some point. That’s why it is important to have tools on hand to catch a problem early, before it becomes a much bigger one. Zevo’s Instant Action sprays target and shut down biological pathways found in insects, not in people or pets. Likewise, the brand’s traps use a UV and blue light system to attract and capture flying insects, and they have a discreet design that can serve as a bouncer at your home’s entry points. It’s also smart to use these traps in potential problem areas, such as near trash cans and fruit bowls and near toilet bowls and drains.
    • Safeguard the yard: Defending your yard from pesky pests will not only improve the comfort of your home’s outdoor spaces, it will help prevent insects from finding their way indoors. Be sure to eliminate standing water by properly tending to your lawn and by periodically clearing downspouts of debris. Any water feature in your garden should use running water. If you have a patio or deck, consider screening it in. If you don’t love the look of screened walls, installing ceiling fans can be an effective alternative. Run the fans whenever you entertain to deter unwanted guests, such as mosquitos, from crashing the party.

    Of course, it’s always a good idea to apply bug repellant when spending time outdoors. Find a formula that will be easy to use, such as the new on-body products from Zevo, which include a pump spray, aerosol and lotion. They offer eight hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks and are lightweight, odorless and not sticky.

    “As we usher in gorgeous spring weather, it can be an especially challenging time of year to keep bugs at bay at home. But with the right tools and strategies, you can help prevent and combat infestations as they arise,” says Klingman.

    BRILLIANCE RECOGNIZED

    By
    Gary Stallard
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    Angelina College Caps Two-Day Event Honoring Dunbar’s Legacy

    In a way, the events could have been classified as class reunions, but for those in attendance, everything felt more like a family reunion.

    As part of its Black History Month celebrations, Angelina College on Friday and Saturday hosted “Honoring Dunbar: Remember Brilliance,” a two-night event at the AC Convention Center highlighting the legacy of Dunbar High School and the entire Dunbar community.

    The two nights featured guest speakers, musical guests and special presentations. However, the focus was on the alumni present: Those former Tigers themselves, along with their families.

    Friday’s banquet featured master of ceremonies Olivia Adams Wilson, a welcome from AC president Dr. Michael Simon, an invocation the Reverend David Avant, a musical performance from Tina Webber and guest speakers Dr. Daniel Spikes and Winifred Ferguson Adams.

    Spikes related how his own success story as a student and educator related directly to the efforts of those educators at Dunbar, who paved the way for excellence despite the challenges of segregation and discrimination.

    Adams, the Dean of Health Careers at AC, shared her experiences as a Dunbar Tiger and how the “standards of excellence” established by those parents, educators and community members helped propel so many from the school into the paths of excellence.

    Saturday’s events began next door to the Convention Center at Shands Gymnasium, with the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners each hosting their home finales. At halftime of the Lady ‘Runner game, AC recognized Johnnie Ross, a community leader and another Dunbar alumnus. The national champion Lufkin Junior Panther Cheer team performed at half time of each game.

    Saturday’s banquet featured master of ceremony and Dunbar alumnus Brenda Anderson Tankersley, the welcome from Dr. Simon, an invocation from Bishop Oscar Dixon, Sr. and a musical performance from Adrianne Collins.

    Speakers included Jonathan Kegler, who spoke of “sticking to the script” when it comes to pursuing excellence.

    “While we must remember the legacy of Dunbar, we must never forget the struggles of Dunbar,” Kegler said. “Every time they got turned away they kept coming back.

    “It’s written in the history books, and all we have to open our eyes and look around us, listen to those who have gone before us. Black History month speaks of yesterday. It’s up to us to start something new today.”

    Sellestine Hunt, a Dunbar alumnus, was the final speaker of the event, offering a presentation titled, “Four Ways Dunbar Created an Environment of Brilliance.” Those ways included Parental Involvement, Teacher Cultural Competency, Student Centered and Reverence for God.

    “The environment our parents and teachers created for us had everything to do with each of us being able to find our own paths in life,” Hunt said. “Everyone – from our school to our

    homes to our church to our community – was invested in our success, and I believe the history shows just how remarkable all those people were in their dreams for us.”

    Also present was Lufkin High School student Lilly Langston, whose recent University Interscholastic League (UIL) project was a video montage of interviews with Dunbar alumni. Langston, along with her teacher Caleb Beames, were on-hand to show the video, titled “Immortal Tigers.”

    “I thought I was just doing something on Dunbar sports, since I’d heard so much about their football and other sports teams,” Langston told the crowd. “But before long I realized there was so much more to the Dunbar story, and I wanted to tell what I could in this project.”

    Finally, Oscar Kennedy (another Dunbar alumnus and former Tiger football player) coaxed some of the former Tiger athletes on stage to perform an impromptu version of “Over My Head I Hear Music” – a song the players performed for the crowd after every Dunbar football game.

    AC’s Randy McKelvey, who dreamed up the event way back in the fall, closed out the ceremony, thanking the AC staff members involved in both the planning and execution of the event.

    “We don’t want this to stop here,” McKelvey said. “We want this to become an annual event reaching all the way through our community.

    “This story has a lot more to tell.

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