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SFA’s Scott to perform new compositions for trombone

By
Luis Ruperto
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Dr. Deb Scott, professor of trombone at Stephen F. Austin State University, will present a recital featuring new compositions for the trombone at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

The selections on the program are connected to Scott’s position as the director of the International Trombone Festival’s Composers Workshop. Joining her in the performance will be SFA’s Dr. Thomas Nixon and Dr. JD Salas, tuba.

The featured composition is a new sonata called “Golden” by Amy Riebs Mills, who was also a clinician at the 2021 Composers Workshop. “It is a strikingly beautiful composition that takes the listener on an emotional  journey from ‘trouble and worry’ through fields of birds to a triumphant end,” Scott said.

“Punched Out” is by Steven Verhelst, who Scott described as “currently one of the trombone’s most important composers. His music is unique and creative with jazz influences,” she said. Verhelst was the featured composer of the Composers Workshop. Scott was also part of a consortium that commissioned “Punched Out,” so it is currently only available to be performed by the consortium participants. Salas, associate professor of tuba, will join Scott in the “lively and fun” performance. 

“Bop” by Emma Donkin was one of the winning compositions for the 2021 International Trombone Festival’s Composers Workshop. “It is a really fun piece to play and to listen to,” Scott said. “It includes a swing feel and stomping as well as a slammed keyboard lid. It involves a surprise costume change as well. I promise the evening will be unforgettable.”

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. To purchase tickets, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit finearts.sfasu.edu. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.

Bill Bell Tabbed as Lumberjacks OL Coach

By
Luis Ruperto
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SFA Head Football Coach Colby Carthel added Bill Bleil to the coaching staff this week, as Bleil will serve as the Assistant Offensive Line Coach ahead of the upcoming 2022 season. Bleil joins the staff after making recent stops at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, the reigning NCAA Division III National Champions, along with a five-year stint as head coach at Western Carolina. He has coached three all-Region selections and three All-America selections during his 28 years of coaching experience.

“We’re fired up to have Bill and Laurel Bleil join our SFA Football family,” said Head Coach Colby Carthel. “Bill brings a wealth of great experience, coaching at the highest levels of college football. He is also coming off a National Championship run this past season, which aligns with the direction of our football program.”

Prior to UMHB, Bleil spent two seasons as the offensive line coach at Lamar, where the offensive line unit ranked 13th in the nation in rushing offense in 2018 and notched the program’s first Southland Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2019. At Western Carolina, Bleil was named Southland Conference Coach of the Year following the 2000 season.

Bleil and his wife, Laurel, have two wons, Kevin and Tom, both on the Lumberjack football coaching staff.

‘Respire’ exhibition to show at Cole Art Center starting Jan. 25

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art will host the exhibition “Respire” Jan. 25 through March 20 at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, SFA’s historic art gallery located in downtown Nacogdoches.

“Respire” features 16 artists working in a variety of different media. Each artist was invited by a member of the faculty of the SFA School of Art. “Faculty invited contemporary artists whose work they find inspiring and interesting,” explained Erik Ordaz, exhibition coordinator for The Cole Art Center. The result, he said, is an exciting, diverse exhibition of emerging and established artists representing many artistic fields and ideas.

“When reflecting on the past two years and how isolated we have become, the word ‘Respire’ came to mind, as an idea … to regain our spirits and keep on moving,” Ordaz said. “During complicated times we tend to rely on the people closest to us, so we as faculty in the School of Art reached out to some of our favorite artists to be part of this group exhibition.”

Exhibiting artists include: Jorge Alegria, Dornith Doherty, Michael Donahue, Timothy Harding, Katy Heinlein, Benito Huerta, Sarah Lasley, Eric McMaster, Brian Molanphy, Mike Morris, Matthew Rangel, Libby Rowe, Terri Sanders, Seylon Stills, Scottland Stout and Nicole Woodard.

“We are excited to use this exhibition as a means of creating exchanges and relationships with artists for future opportunities,” Ordaz said, “and to bring a broad art experience to our students with a selection of two- and three-dimensional artworks, video and installation.”

A reception is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the art center.

Admission to the exhibition and reception, which is sponsored in part by William Arscott, the Friends of the Visual Arts and The Flower Shop, is free. Art center hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call (936) 468-5500.

6 Service Members Who Went Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

By
Statepoint
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Each year, the United Service Organizations (USO) honors the heroism of junior enlisted service members with the Service Member of the Year Awards. Service members from each branch of the military are nominated by their command leadership for performing acts of valor that go above and beyond the call of duty.

“These men and women have brought honor to their branch of service and to the country. They exemplified bravery in the face of danger and placed service above self,” says USO president and CEO, J.D. Crouch II.

Here are the stories behind 2021’s honorees:

  1. Soldier of the Year: Sergeant Breanna Jessop of Myton, Utah serves with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. While in charge of the Karzai Airport Chapel, she ensured 4,000 military personnel and coalition forces had access to basic hygiene items. Her efforts safeguarded over 400 displaced children throughout noncombatant evacuation operations and enemy attacks, and left an indelible mark on the evacuation mission of American citizens and designated Afghans.
  2. Marine of the Year: As squad leader in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, Sergeant Seth A. Dewey of Hesperia, Mich. led a team responsible for securing the U.S. Embassy compound perimeter in Baghdad. While subject to multiple attacks, his calm leadership and superior communication enabled vulnerable aircraft to depart the embassy helicopter pad unharmed. His actions helped shape the rules of engagement, benefiting future units and security personnel.
  3. Sailor of the Year: Hospital Corpsman Second Class Petty Officer (FMF/SW) Johnnharley S. Delacruz of Fountain Valley, Calif. serves with the U.S. Navy’s Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, MEF Camp Pendleton. M2 Delacruz delivered immediate lifesaving intervention after an Amphibious Assault Vehicle sank to the bottom of the ocean during training operations.

M2 Delacruz also executed an in-flight casualty evacuation independently, protecting the patient’s airway, monitoring vital signs, obtaining intravenous access and using his own body heat to impede hypothermia while in-flight. His actions enabled his patient to survive and recover.

  1. Airman of the Year: Staff Sergeant Ryan T. Daggett of Greeley Colo. currently serves with the U.S. Air Force’s 8th Security Forces Squadron in South Korea. When stationed in Portugal, he witnessed a collision involving three vehicles and nine local nationals. Without hesitation, he established priorities of care and identified a nonresponsive victim trapped inside a vehicle. He pried open the disabled door, extricated the passenger and rendered critical treatment. These immediate actions preserved a life. On a separate occasion, Staff Sergeant Daggett saved a fellow paratrooper’s life by freeing him after becoming entangled within his parachute.
  2. Coast Guardsman of the Year: Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Gerrod J. Britton of Plattsmouth, Neb. serves with the U.S. Coast Guard at Station Morro Bay. While off-duty, he witnessed a car crash and jumped into immediate action, contacting emergency response and extracting two of the men trapped inside the vehicle. The third passenger, severely injured, was trapped underneath the vehicle when it began to catch fire. He and another bystander lifted the vehicle on its side. This allowed BM3 Britton to rescue the unconscious passenger through a broken window seconds before the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. He performed CPR and attempted to control bleeding from multiple severe injuries.
  3. National Guardsman of the Year: Sergeant Francisco Javier Luna of Springfield, Mass. serves with the Massachusetts National Guard’s 972nd Military Policy Company. While performing his civilian occupation duties as a law enforcement officer, he and fellow officers received a 911 dispatcher call that a young child had stopped breathing. Sergeant Luna performed infant CPR while waiting on emergency medical services. His calm demeanor and steadfast leadership were critical in saving the baby.

To learn more, visit uso.org/stories.

(Statepoint)

A.A.R.P. Offers Free Tax Preparation at the Nacogdoches Public Library

By
Madi Stephens
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Free tax preparation will be offered by AARP Tax-Aide volunteers at the Nacogdoches Public Library on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning February 7th through April 13th by appointment only.

AARP can help individuals and families file most tax returns. There are no age or income restrictions to receive this service, however, participants must come prepared with their photo I.D., social security card for everyone on the tax return, all W-2s, 1099s, other tax receipts, voided check or deposit slip and last year’s tax return.


“We are very appreciative of the AARP volunteers. They undergo vigorous
training and give their time freely to assist others. Their work is invaluable for many
people who cannot afford a paid tax service,” said Mercedes Franks, library manager.
The tax help is free, however, customers must complete an intake form prior to
their session. To request an appointment, please call (936) 559-2970.

Lufkin District Preparing for Possible Winter Weather

By
Rhonda Oaks
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The Lufkin District will pre-treat roadways, bridges and elevated surfaces throughout the district’s nine counties beginning Thursday morning ahead of a possible wintry mix predicted for Thursday night and Friday morning.

Crews will begin pre-treating with a brine solution in problematic areas and elevated surfaces Thursday in Polk, Trinity, San Jacinto, Angelina, Nacogdoches, Houston, Shelby, San Augustine and Sabine counties. Maintenance sections have prepared equipment and trucks to apply the brine as soon as expected rainfall tonight subsides.

“We want motorists to be prepared for any slick surfaces that could impact driving throughout this weather event,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “TxDOT is also prepared and we urge drivers to reduce speed and give the brine trucks room to work. This is a moving work zone, so stay alert if you see them along the roadways.”

Winter weather creates unpredictable and dangerous driving conditions. TxDOT strongly advises you to stay off the roads, should winter precipitation occur. If you must drive, please use extreme caution and follow these safety tips:

  • Slow down. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
  • Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice.
  • Watch carefully for work crews and stay at least 200 feet behind moving equipment.
  • Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.
  • If your vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction. Then straighten your vehicle. In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Visit drivetexas.org to determine driving conditions and closures statewide. For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

The Coalition Assists with Minor Sting Operations

By
Madi Stephens
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In an effort to decrease the dangers and consequences of alcohol purchased by minors in our county, The Coalition, Inc. has partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct alcohol stings. Under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, juveniles under the legal age to drink/purchase alcohol are used as decoys to enter businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and then attempt to purchase alcohol.

“The ultimate goal is to protect the youth of Angelina County from underage drinking, which is proven to increase the risk of sexual assault and impaired driving,” said Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition, Inc. “We are grateful for the local retailers who train their employees on responsible beverage service and correct alcohol sales. It’s up to all of us to work together to protect our youth from the consequences of underage drinking.”

During the December and January minor sting operations, there were 22 bussinesses who did not sell to minors and 8 businesses who did. We commend those stores who did not sell alcohol to minors in our community and recognize them for helping to combat underage drinking:

· Walgreens, 102 North Timberland Drive;

· Timberland Chevron, 804 North Timberland Drive

· Brookshire Brothers, 816 North Timberland Drive;

· Family Dollar Store, 419 North Timberland Drive;

· Gas N Go, 401 North Timberland Drive;

· HEB, 111 North Timberland Drive;

· Herraduras Mexican Fire & Grill, 3049 South John Reditt Drive;

· Big’s, 3019 South John Redditt Drive;

· Kwick Korner Food Mart, 203 South Timberland Drive;

· Brookshire Brothers, 301 South Chestnut;

· On the Road, 1001 East Denman Avenue;

· Big’s, 1203 South Chestnut Drive;

· JR Food Mart, 1114 East Denman Avenue;

· Uday, 612 West Frank Street;

· Guacomole’s Mexican Grill & Cantina, 2660 Ted Trout Drive;

· Family Dollar Store, 5104 Ted Trout Drive;

· Brookshire Brothers, 5750 Ted Trout Drive;

· Brookshire Brothers, 6564 Ted Trout Drive;

· Adeel’s, 125 South FM 1194;

· Lucky’s, 3385 Ted Trout Drive;

· Dollar General, 2205 Old Union Road;

· Brookshire Brothers, 1807 West Frank Street.

Eight businesses did sell to minors and administrative action was taken against the individuals who sold the alcohol:

· Big’s, 1910 North Timberland Drive;

· Big’s, 612 South Timberland Drive;

· Walgreens, 1000 West Frank Street;

· Big’s, 1902 West Frank Street;

· Lucky’s, 1707 North John Redditt Drive;

· Big’s, 103 North John Redditt Drive;

· West Loop Chevron, 904 South John Redditt Drive;

· Big’s, 1004 South John Redditt Drive.

Sale to a minor is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both. Persons 21 or older (other than a parent or guardian) can be held liable for damages caused by intoxication of a minor under 18 if the adult knowingly provided alcoholic beverages to a minor or knowingly allowed the minor to be served or provided alcohol beverages on the premises owned by or leased by the adult.

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 on how to help prevent underage drinking, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Dominant Fourth Quarter Gives Ladyjacks Edge at Lamar

By
Luis Ruperto
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The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks move to 5-0 in Western Athletic Conference stapled by a strong fourth quarter to seal the deal in Beaumont over the Lamar Cardinals, 65-53. The ‘Jacks improve to 14-3 overall, currently on a six-game win streak.

Stephanie Visscher led all scorers with 19 points and nine rebounds, adding two assists, two steals and one block. Zya Nugent contributed 18 points of her own, in addition to five rebounds, two assists and four steals. 

Lamar took a 27-21 lead at the break, but the Ladyjacks came out of the half to outscore the Cardinals 44-26. The ‘Jacks notched eight of the final 10 points scored in the third quarter to take a two-point lead after three quarters, but a layup from Visscher at 4:42 on the clock in the fourth followed by a bucket from Nugent plus a pair of free throws gave the ‘Jacks a 55-45 advantage at the 2:54 mark. Tyler McCliment-Call’s jumper with just over two minutes to play lifted the SFA lead back up to 13, as Nugent closed the game out with a pair of free throws. SFA ended the game on a 15-8 run, able to get crucial stops in the final moments of the ballgame. 

The Ladyjacks dominated in the paint-points category on the evening scoring 28 to Lamar’s 12, as the ‘Jacks converted on 13 fast breakpoints to LU’s two. 

SFA will continue conference play on Thursday, January 20th at Grand Canyon at 6:30 p.m.

For results, updates and a complete schedule for all SFA Athletics, visit sfajacks.com.

Ted Nelson Invitational Weekend Wrap-Up

By
Luis Ruperto
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The men’s and women’s track teams competed at the Ted Nelson Invitational hosted by Texas A&M on Saturday, coming back to Nacogdoches with several Top 5 finishes across multiple events for both programs. The weekend was highlighted by three individual first place finishes with Branson Ellis (Pole Vault), Erica Ellis (Pole Vault) and Jeremiah Curry (400m) claiming the top spot in their events, respectively. 

“From a national standpoint, I feel we are making great improvements,” said Head Coach Phil Olson. “To see Nissi Kabongo clear a school record bar, to watch Branson Ellis and Erica Ellis train and compete at a high level, it’s fun to watch them creep up the national list or maintain their positions. Asani Hylton and Jeremiah Curry were really good, putting forth workmanlike efforts.”

MEN’S TOP 5 FINISHERS
1 Mile – Lewis Mills – 4:15.04 – 2nd place

Shot Put – Kevin Steward – 16.20m, 53-1 3/4 – 2nd place

4x400m Relay – 3:14.46 – 2nd place

400m – Jeremiah Curry – 47.81 – 1st place

Men’s Pole Vault – Branson Ellis – 5.47m, 17-11 1/4 – 1st place

Men’s Pole Vault – Gabe Gilfillan – 5.07m, 16-7 1/2 – 5th place


WOMEN’S TOP 5 FINISHERS
800m – Brianna Nolen – 2:15.16 – 5th place

Women’s 1 Mile – Rachel Taylor – 5:02.62 – 3rd place

Women’s 60m Hurdles – Morgan Taylor – 8.77 – 4th place 

Women’s 60m Hurdles – Mathilde Guillaume – 8.83 – 5th place

Women’s 4x400m Relay – 3:50.77 – 2nd place

Women’s High Jump – Nissi Kabongo – 1.85m, 6-3/4 – 2nd place

Women’s Pole Vault – Erica Ellis – 4.27m, 14-0 – 1st place

Women’s Shot Put – Riley Cross – 13.16, 43-2 1/4 – 5th

Women Weight – Jayla Hooper – 16.88m, 55-4 3/4 – 3rd place

From an overall team standpoint, all we have asked is that they give a championship effort every single meet, and I think we saw that,” Head Coach Phil Olson added. “The DMR’s were excellent and so was Max Murphy in the 5K to start our the meet.”


The ‘Jacks will be back in action next weekend at the Fastrak Collegiate Challengel at the University of Houston.

For results, updates and a complete schedule for all SFA Athletics, visit sfajacks.com.

 

It’s That Time of Year Again – I’m Too FAT! –

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Lees Weight Bench
Photo by Lee Miller (c)

As I grow older, I find it is even more difficult to manage my weight, and at the new year, everyone is looking to join the health club. However, I found the reasons may be a bit different from my original thinking. A recent study challenges the conventional wisdom I thought about metabolism across the lifespan.

Rather than slowing down in middle age, human metabolism seems to remain stable from 20 to 60. That’s according to a groundbreaking study last year at Duke University.

So, it is not about increasing our metabolism, but actually decreasing the amount of calories we take in – and I’m BAD about eating way too much! I love to eat! And yes, the pandemic has not helped with that at all. What do you do in quarantine? EAT MORE!

OK, so what am I going to do about it.

I’m still a big proponent of a system my sister is big into, and that is Xyngular. I am not writing this as a sales pitch for the system. I’m just saying that you need a plan to stick with and follow, and the Xyngular plan works for me.

Aging affects your body weight. Increases in insulin resistance lead to excess sugar being stored as fat. Hormonal changes play a role too, especially for women after menopause. On top of that, your lifestyle may become more sedentary.

Using these strategies in your plan can help:

1. Choose whole foods. Satisfy your hunger with natural foods rich in nutrients and fiber and low in added sugar and salt. Smart choices include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

2. Drink water. It’s easy to confuse thirst with hunger. Staying hydrated will enhance your digestion and help you feel full.

3. Limit alcohol. Many cocktails contain a lot of empty calories and any alcohol can lower your resistance to junk food. If you drink, practice moderation.

4. Sleep well. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is important for your overall wellbeing. Stick to a regular bedtime that allows you to wake up naturally feeling refreshed. (I use XR2 that has done wonders for my sleep.)

5. Weigh yourself. The average adult gains 1 to 2 pounds each year. Using a scale or tape measure at least once a week gives you a chance to make easy corrections before the doughnuts add up.

6. Move around. This is the one that gets me! How many hours a day do you spend sitting? In addition to regular exercise, take a break to stretch and walk around each half hour anytime you’re at your desk or watching TV.

7. Seek support. Changing your habits is easier when you have your family and friends on your side. Invite your loved ones to join you in preparing nutritious meals at home and sticking to a workout program.

8. See your doctor. If you need more help, talk with your doctor about your personal situation. For example, a thyroid screening can catch issues that cause weight gain, fatigue, and depression in many adults over 35.

Increasing Muscle Mass

While metabolism may remain strong for decades, muscle mass starts decreasing sooner. The average adult loses about 3 to 5% every ten years after they turn 30. While some change is inevitable, slowing the process down can help you stay lean.

Try these tips:

1. Use resistance. The key to building strength is contracting your muscles against external resistance. Experiment with machines, free weights, and body weight exercises to see what works for you.

2. Train heavy. For faster results, make your workouts more intense. Use a weight that allows you to just barely complete your last repetition.

3. Consume adequate protein. Current guidelines recommend getting 10 to 35% of your calories from protein, and many experts prefer the upper range. Some studies suggest that eating a protein-rich meal or snack within 2 hours after working out is especially helpful.

4. Schedule rest days. Your muscles grow while you’re recovering in between workouts. You can take it easy or do easier activities like hiking.

Staying slim after 40 takes a little effort, but the benefits are huge. You lower your risk for many serious health conditions and increase your chances for living a long and active life.

So, back on the wagon for me. I’m going to work smarter. Train harder. And avoid the donuts . . . come on – just one chocolate covered . . .

Click HERE for the book by Duke professor Herman Pontzer

And click HERE if you want to explore the Xyngular System.

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