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Virtual Q&A with United States Citizenship & Immigration Services

By
Madi Stephens
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The Nacogdoches Public Library will offer a virtual question and answer session on January 19th at 5:30pm about the process for becoming a U.S. citizen.

Rosa Ramirez, United States Citizenship & Immigration Services Community Relations Officer, will answer general questions and offer tips for preparing for the exam and interview.


The library offers a free citizenship study group on Wednesdays at 5:30pm for adults 18+ years. The group will resume meetings on January 12th.

For more information about the program, please contact library staff at (936) 559-2970.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Workshop at the Nacogdoches Public Library

By
Madi Stephens
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0

The Nacogdoches Public Library staff will host a free workshop on completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on Tuesday, January 11th at 6:30pm for high school juniors and seniors and their parents.

Participants should come prepared with their 2020 W-2s and 2020 IRS tax returns and personally identifiable information, such as date-of-birth and social security numbers. Each student and a parent will need to create an FSA username and password on studentaid.gov prior to the event.

“The priority deadline for most Texas colleges or universities is January 15th. Financial aid is not just for colleges or universities, but can also be used at some vocational and career schools,” said Mercedes Franks, library manager.

Information will be presented in English and Spanish and a limited number of laptops will be available so that students may begin their application. Register online at www.nactx.us/library or by calling (936) 559-2970.

Keller Honored in Native American Heritage Celebration at Kansas

By
Luis Ruperto
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On December 18th, Head Coach Kyle Keller was honored at the Native American Heritage Celebration before the matchup with the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. Past and current Native American Jayhawks were recognized, as Keller was an assistant coach under Bill Self for three seasons (2008-2011). 
 
“Being able to know your heritage and lineage is always extremely special,” said Keller. “To hear stories when I was growing up from my family as to what it was like being a true Native American made me appreciate how things were then and today.”
 
Keller was presented with a beaded medallion from the Native American Society.
 
“I was very proud and honored to be presented with an award from the Native American Society,” Keller added. “I am very proud to represent my tribe and culture. Awareness in our time today is so important.”

Volunteering as a Family

By
Statepoint
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American families have a special opportunity right now to make an impact. Now more than ever, as we experience a global pandemic, and have a renewed focus on social justice and environmental challenges, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and advance causes your family cares about.

Here are a few of the extraordinary things that happen when families choose to volunteer together:

  1. Children learn your family’s values. It’s always important to talk to children about what values your family holds. But one of the best ways to reinforce these conversations is to demonstrate your values in action. Volunteering shows your kids that you’re dedicated, as a family, to promoting, supporting or furthering a certain issue — and that you’re willing to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
  2. You spend quality time together. Volunteering is a way to bring together family members of all ages — parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and more — around a common mission.
  3. It builds empathy. Learning emotional intelligence is a crucial part of child development, and civic engagement can accelerate this process. When volunteering, you’ll interact with those who share commonalities, like passion about an issue, and those who may be different from you, like people from communities outside your own. Understanding where people are coming from and hearing about their lived experiences helps children flex their empathy muscles now and later in life.
  4. You become lifelong learners. If kids always associate learning with school, they may see their educational journey come to an end when they graduate. Instead, show them that the world is full of learning opportunities. Through volunteering, they’ll interact with new people from various walks of life, adopt new skills needed for the task at hand and discover how they can make an impact through their time, talent and efforts.
  5. You develop important skills. Everyone can gain valuable skills through volunteering. There are the hard skills often needed for volunteer roles, like carpentry, computer programming, translation and other services, and the soft skills that come with volunteer positions, like social and communication skills.

Getting Inspired

The need for civic engagement is greater than ever before. And though volunteering may look different right now, there are many ways to be civically engaged. Take time out with your family to help others and make a positive mark on the world.

(Statepoint)

SFA School of Theatre’s presentation of ‘Bootycandy’ to be showcased at festival

By
Luis Ruperto
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Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre’s production of “Bootycandy” has been selected by the Region 6 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for inclusion at its upcoming festival to be held virtually Feb. 24 through 27.

SFA’s presentation of Robert O’Hara’s play “Bootycandy” is one of only six plays selected from throughout a five-state area to be presented at the festival.

While performances by the School of Theatre have been nominated or considered for festival inclusion numerous times, this is first time an SFA play has been selected, according to Cleo House Jr., director of the School of Theatre and of the play.

“A rare and prestigious honor, this is the first time that SFA School of Theatre has been honored as an outstanding production at the regional festival,” he said. Region 6 is made up of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana. The goal of the regional selection committee is to select/rank the productions that represent “the best of what our region offers,” according to House.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the leadership, faculty and students from the School of Theatre who contributed to this incredible production,” said Gary Wurtz, interim dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts. “It was one of those rare situations that honestly challenged the students, the faculty, Director House, our community of theatre-goers, and me. Cleo had a vision in programming this play, and from where I stand that vision was on point. To see that rewarded through a first-ever selection to be included in the KCACT Festival is truly outstanding.”

“Our main reason for participating in KCACTF is for the numerous opportunities, from networking to professional development, our students can receive,” House said. “For our students and faculty to be recognized in this way means their work will be viewed by students, educators and professionals from across our five-state region and beyond. That is great exposure not only for them but also for SFA and the School of Theatre.”

The School of Theatre presented “Bootycandy” for its first Mainstage production in October. The play is a satiric portrait of American life told through the lens of Sutter, a gay Black man on an outrageous odyssey through his childhood home, his church, dive bars, motel rooms and even nursing homes. O’Hara weaves together scenes, sermons, sketches and daring meta-theatrics to create a kaleidoscopic portrayal of growing up gay and Black.

“While the School of Theatre has participated in KCACTF before my time as director, we had not as a department routinely participated in the regional festival as attendees and definitely not with an invited production,” he added. “Our participation gives us visibility and lets students who are looking for a place to train know that we are a viable option for them when it comes to their theatre training.

“What is even more rewarding is this show was a big risk for us to put on because it is unlike anything we’ve ever done,” House said, “but it paid off. During the run, audience attendance grew every night due to word of mouth, and our final night of performance was the most attended. ‘Bootycandy’ is such a great example of the School of Theatre’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, not only in production but also in curriculum. We are committed to a well-rounded offering of plays for our Mainstage; the selections this year provide a good example, from bold newer and contemporary works to the tried-and-true that we’re bringing in the spring with Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” and William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”

KCACTF is a national organization affiliated with the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The organization celebrates and encourages excellence in college and university theatre.

For more information about the School of Theatre, call (936) 468-4003 or visit theatre.sfasu.edu.

SFA Gardens to host gardening basics workshop

By
Luis Ruperto
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0

Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host a Gardening 101 workshop to explore the basic steps to successful landscapes in East Texas. 

The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 12 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building, Room 101, at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. 

Duke Pittman, garden manager for SFA Gardens, and his wife Dr. Jodi Pittman, owner of Pittman Labs, will lead the workshop. Topics will include soil testing and amending, mulching and fertilizing techniques, and how to properly plant and prune landscape plants. 

Cost for the seminar is $30 for SFA Garden members and $40 for nonmembers. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. 

To register for the seminar or for more information, call (936) 468-4129 or email romigad@sfasu.edu.

SFA’s Faculty Art Exhibit: Greg Edmondson

By
Madi Stephens
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If you’re looking to start your new year off with a good dose of creativity, head to SFA’s Faculty Art Exhibit at the Cole Art Center. The Cole Art Center is hosting SFA visiting professor, Greg Edmondson’s collection: works on paper. Edmondson says in his artist statement, “I’ve come to view these works as a kind of “bashful modernism” – formal and abstract, but without certainty or ostentation. In much the way we ourselves are, these works have all been shaped by the unexpected.” 

You can view Edmondson’s collection for free at the Cole Art Center Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. 

For more information visit: https://www.sfasu.edu/about-sfa/newsroom/2021/edmondsons-works-paper-show-cole-art-center

 

A Healthy Homemade Soup to Jumpstart the New Year

By
Statepoint
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0

When sweater weather arrives, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a pot of something savory and delicious simmering on the stove.

As you turn to hearty soups this winter, having the right seasonal staples means you’ll be well on your way to having piping hot meals on the table, quickly and hassle-free.

Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with essential ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, and stock, along with a collection of earthy, zesty spices and versatile, all-purpose seasonings. Simmered all day with chicken, vegetables, herbs, and spices, deeply flavored stock can bring a burst of savory warmth to countless dishes.

To help you embrace the colder weather, try a recipe for a hearty classic loaded with tender veggies, chicken, egg noodles and stock. Yep, you guessed it, Savory Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. Nostalgic and nourishing, all you need is 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 cup chopped yellow onion

• 1 cup chopped carrots

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 2 tablespoons Garlic and Herb Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Turmeric

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast

• 2 cartons (32 ounces each) Unsalted Chicken Stock

• 2 cups uncooked medium egg noodles

• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in large saucepan on medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, carrots and celery; cook and stir 3 minutes or until softened. Stir in seasoning and turmeric; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken and stock. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  2. Transfer chicken to medium bowl; shred using two forks. Set aside. Stir noodles into broth; cook 6 minutes or until tender. Return shredded chicken to saucepan. Gently stir in peas. Sprinkle with parsley to serve, if desired.

During the short, dark days of winter, healthy soups like this will feed your body and warm your soul.

-Statepoint

Holiday Tech Gifts S.O.S. at the Public Library

By
Madi Stephens
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0
Reading glasses resting on an e-book reader.

Many people received smartphones, eReaders, or other electronic devices for Christmas, but might need a little help learning how to use them. The Nacogdoches Public Library staff will hold a drop in help clinic on Tuesday, January 4th from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

“After the holidays we often see customers who have received a new tech device, but they don’t have family members nearby to help them learn all its ins and outs. Library staff can provide some assistance and let them know about the free online databases and eBooks that they can access from the library,” said Mercedes Franks, library manager.


The clinic is free and no registration is required. The last hour of the clinic will be devoted to learning to use the library’s Overdrive eBooks collection. For more information, please contact library staff at (936) 559-2970.

Tobacco Minor Sting Operation

By
Madi Stephens
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0

Angelina County

The Coalition, Inc. has partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department in an effort to prevent and reduce the harmful use of tobacco products in rural areas like East Texas, where tobacco-related health problems are more prevalent.

The Angelina County Sheriff’s Department targeted area businesses that sell tobacco. The age limit to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is now 21, per the new guidelines from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Out of the 137 attempts done in June, July and August, 12 citations were issued to the following businesses that sold tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors.

The businesses that sold tobacco products to minors include:

· Dollar General Store #14852 on 1401 Kurth Dr in Lufkin;

· Big’s 3850 on 3019 John Reddit Dr in Lufkin;

· Just Smoke Vape and Smoke Center on 210 N Temple Dr, Ste A in Diboll;

· Just Stop on 605 N Temple Dr in Diboll;

· Dollar General Store #21692 on 6953 US Hwy 69 S in Lufkin;

· Big’s 3817 on 3122 Atkinson Dr in Lufkin;

· Uday #29 on 3008 Atkinson Dr in Lufkin;

· Big’s 3806 on 1902 W Frank Ave in Lufkin;

· Dollar General Store #692 on 522 S Chestnut #C in Lufkin;

· Guru Trading on 2215 E Denman in Lufkin;

· On the Road #101 on 1001 E Denman in Lufkin;

· Brookshire Brothers #5 on 816 N Timberland in Lufkin.

We commend those businesses who did not sell tobacco products to minors in our community. The Coalition and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department thank all of these stores for protecting the youth of Angelina County from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine. For a complete list of those businesses that were under compliance, please visit The Coalition’s Facebook page @thecoalition936 or contact The Coalition at (936) 634-9308 for more information

Polk County

The Coalition, Inc. has partnered with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department in an effort to prevent and reduce the harmful use of tobacco products in rural areas like East Texas, where tobacco-related health problems are more prevalent.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Department targeted area businesses that sell tobacco. The age limit to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is now 21, per the new guidelines from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Out of the 69 attempts done in June and August, 9 citations were issued to the following businesses that sold tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors.

The businesses that sold tobacco products to minors include:

· Veterans Mart on 1809 N Washington Ave in Livingston;

· HEB Food Store #339 on 1509 W Church St in Livingston;

· 7 Eleven Convenience Store #41 on 1605 W Church St in Livingston;

· Dollar General Store #6241 on 1249 W Church St in Livingston;

· La Petite Market on 14506 US Hwy 190 W in Onalaska;

· Old House Liquor on 14140 US Highway 190 W in Onalaska;

· Star Korner 2 on 602 Pan American Dr in Livingston;

· 7 Eleven Convenience Store #41 on 1605 W Church St in Livingston;

· Livingston Food Mart on 1600 W Church St in Livingston.

We commend those businesses who did not sell tobacco products to minors in our community. The Coalition and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department thank all of these stores for protecting the youth of Polk County from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine. For a complete list of those businesses that were under compliance, please visit The Coalition’s Facebook page @thecoalition936 or contact The Coalition at (936) 634-9308 for more information.

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