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Playtime: It’s Not Just for Kids, Say Experts

By
Kennadi Thompson
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While most of us associate playtime with childhood, adults are increasingly acknowledging the importance of play and leisure time for themselves.

A new survey commissioned by The Genius of Play and conducted by OnePoll finds that 89% of adults have learned to appreciate the importance of play and leisure time over the past year. What’s more, 84% say taking time to play helps them be more productive at work.

“You’re never too young or too old to play,” says Anna Yudina, senior director of marketing initiatives at The Toy Association, which spearheads The Genius of Play. “In fact, research links play with a number of wellness benefits in adults, such as reducing stress, boosting life satisfaction, and empowering people to be creative, flexible thinkers.”

To incorporate play into your life, consider these tips from The Genius of Play:

• Take on a Hobby: Seventy percent of adults picked up a new hobby or leisure activity over the past year — and with good reason. Hobbies can be a source of positive emotions, get you outdoors, encourage physical activity and social interactions, and spark creativity. From roller skating to dancing to crafting to playing an instrument, consider taking on a new, playful hobby or revisiting one you enjoyed during childhood.

• Plan a Game Night: While play often occurs spur-of-the-moment, life is hectic and schedules are jam-packed. Consider scheduling time for fun to ensure it happens. For example, make one evening each week a totally screen-free, stress-free experience. Order pizza (or your household’s cuisine of choice) and break out games and puzzles. You might even consider planning themed trivia nights delving into your favorite subjects.

• Hop in the Car: Whether you choose a destination that allows you to simply relax, or you take on a more active adventure, a trip can broaden your horizons and rejuvenate you when you’re feeling down or just trapped in the daily routine. Consider taking a just-for-fun trip on your own, with a friend or partner, or pack up the car and bring the kids.

• Bring out Your Inner Child: Parents, grandparents and other adults with a kid in their life can spend more time playing with the little ones. Not only is play the perfect way to bond, research highlights a number of associated health benefits. Those who play with children burn 20% more calories per week, and researchers link playfulness to creativity, spontaneity and positive attitudes. Intergenerational play can help adults maintain cognitive skills as they age and even extend their life. A study published in the journal “Evolution and Human Behavior” found that grandparents who help out with grandchildren live longer.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, visit thegeniusofplay.org for tons of fun, free games and downloadable activities.

“While our primary mission is educating parents and caregivers about play’s vital role in child development, adults need time to play too,” says Yudina. “We hope to motivate people of all ages to play more — whether it’s by embracing personal hobbies or by spending more time playing with their kids.”

OLD LUFKIN ROAD SCHEDULED FOR REOPENING

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Placing new bridge elements in a major construction project at BU 59 and SL 224 continues to confine traffic to a single northbound and southbound lane on US 59 in Nacogdoches, but work is near completion on one road that has been closed since March.

Old Lufkin Road is scheduled to be reopened August 6, weather permitting. The closure was first set to install water line as part of the $86.1 million construction project that includes construction of new US 59 main lanes that will directly connect to SL 224 just south of SH 7 and is being built to interstate standards. The project also includes the construction of overpasses at Spradley Street, existing US 59 and Old Lufkin Road, and the construction of frontage roads for SL 224 between SH 7 and BU 59.

“We have had a few factors that necessitated Old Lufkin Road being closed longer than we first anticipated,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “The biggest being the weather. The contractor has also combined other work items that included the placement of drilled shafts for proposed bridges which was planned at a later time, and the completion of the storm sewer. Completing these things now will help lessen any future closures.”

Concrete barriers are also set in the US 59 median near the SL 224 intersection. The bridge work in the median will eventually connect the east and west sides of the newly constructed main lanes of US 59. Motorists can expect this traffic configuration to continue for about three months.

Motorists are urged to reduce speed and stay alert through the project area from SH 7 west on SL 224 to 1.2 miles south of Spradley Street on US 59. Longview Bridge and Road, Longview TX, is serving as contractor for the project that is on schedule to be completed in spring 2023.

Is Your Roof Strong Enough to Endure Wicked Summer Weather?

By
Kennadi Thompson
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The summer months are often accompanied by rough weather that can do a number on a roof if it’s not designed to withstand the elements. Experts say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

“Having a roof that exceeds code and is made from strong, high-quality products can make all the difference when a big summer storm blows through,” says Scott Lowe, sales manager. “You are always better off taking preemptive steps to protect your home and family than making repairs and upgrades in the aftermath of a storm.”

Here are a few key things to look out for in a roof:

• Weather Performance: Your roof should meet or exceed third-party testing so you never have to worry about the next bad storm. This includes defense against wind uplift and a barrier system to protect against hail and sheeting rain.

• Durability: The right roof will retain its structural integrity and appearance for years to come with little maintenance. To that end, be sure your new roof offers UV protection against chalking and weathering, as well as resistance to corrosion, mildew, algae and black streaks.

• Cost Benefits: While a new roof might seem like a big investment, the right choice can actually help you save money over the long run, with some models offering substantial energy savings and reduced insurance premiums.

• Beauty: A roof makes up 50-60 percent of a home’s appearance, so while performance is essential, don’t compromise on aesthetics. Updating a roof can add instant and dramatic curb appeal.

• Resale Potential: If you intend to relocate at any point, think about how your roof may factor into a home sale. A beautiful, well-manufactured roof with a transferrable lifetime warranty can be a major selling point.

• Materials: While traditional materials like asphalt, wood shakes and slate can present various issues like shorter life spans, damage concerns, maintenance issues and disposal problems, metal roofing can overcome these obstacles and provide significant advantages.

The decision to reroof your home is a big one. For easier maintenance and long-term performance through summer storms and all other kinds of extreme weather, be sure you understand all the aspects of the investment.

How to Have an Affordable and Easy Back-to-School Season

By
Kennadi Thompson
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As your family gets ready for a new academic year, you may be wondering how to spend less on back-to-school season essentials.

The team at Dollar General is sharing some tips and savings opportunities to easily and affordably help get everyone prepared.

Check School Supplies

Consider checking school supplies off your list in the weeks ahead to help avoid any last-minute stress. Whether starting fresh or filling in the gaps from the previous school year’s supply, you can find binders, folders, pens, pencils, paper, crayons, scissors and other items at affordable prices at more than 17,000 Dollar General stores across the country. With convenient locations and buy-online-pickup-in-store options through the DG smartphone app, it can be easy to make a quick trip and stock up. Digital coupons offer additional ways to save on everyday low prices. Through September 6, 2021, special offers this year include a 30% off teacher appreciation coupon, which is available for qualifying customers and can be used up to four times, as well as a one-time $2 off $10 qualifying school supply purchases.

Further Savings

Switching to private brands can allow you to shop the items you need at lower prices, helping you save money to go toward the items you want. From snack items for the lunch box to essential school supplies, private brands can be found in a wide variety of categories and often come with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. During your next shopping trip, consider ways to switch to private brands and save.

Quick Weekday Meals

The new school year also brings the start of nightly homework and extracurricular activities, which can make juggling schedules feel like a balancing act. When it comes to meal planning, be prepared to make nutritious, tasty and simple meals. The DG Easy Meals site is a good place for inspiration. Its “Better for You” recipes created in partnership with a nutritionist showcase healthier breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner ideas.

Preparing your family for a new routine can be both exciting and stressful. However, with a few tips and tricks, your family can save time and money on essentials this back-to-school season.

DPS Ramping Up Move Over/Slow Down Enforcement

By
Kennadi Thompson
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The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding motorists the department is continuing its enforcement efforts across Texas focusing specifically on violations of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law.  These periodic enforcement operations by DPS Troopers are planned throughout the year at various locations in Texas, with several operations planned in July. One of those operations will take place in the Southeast Texas Region throughout the day on Wednesday, July 21.

The law, originally passed in 2003, requires motorists to move over or slow down when certain vehicles – including police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks – are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. As a result of the 86th Legislative Session, highway maintenance or construction vehicles under contract with TxDOT, utility service vehicles, and stationary solid waste or recycling vehicles were added to the list of vehicles that require motorists to move over or slow down.

Specifically, Texas law states that a driver must either:

·       Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or

·       Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph)

Drivers should only move over if they can do so safely and legally; otherwise, they should slow down.

Violations of the law can result in a fine of up to $200; the fine increases to $500 if there is property damage.  If violators cause bodily injury, they can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Data collected from January 2021 shows that DPS Troopers issued more than 7,500 warnings and citations to motorists violating the Move Over/Slow Down law.

How and When to Water Your Lawn

By
Cary Sims
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On the surface, it seems like a silly question to ask: when should I water my lawn? As East Texas is coming out of an incredibly wet spring and early summer, and landscapes start to dry up, the question is a good one.

Don’t water it at all and you’ll end up with a thinning or dying lawn. Water it too much, or at the wrong time of day, and you will be full of fungal diseases that can also kill your lawn.

Automatic irrigation sprinklers can be of great help and a wonderful tool, if you know how you should use it. Rather than watering on the same schedule each week, adjust your watering schedule according to the weather. And when you decide to irrigate, irrigate deeply. Then wait until the grass begins to show signs of drought stress before watering again.

Symptoms of drought stress include grass leaves turning a dull bluish color, leaf blades rolling or folding, and footprints that remain in the grass after walking across the lawn. To time watering properly, look for the area of the lawn that shows water stress first. Water the entire lawn when that area begins to show symptoms.

A lawn that is watered deeply should generally be able to go a week between waterings. Established lawns with deep, extensive root systems sometimes can be watered even less often. However, if the soil is less than 5 inches deep, irrigation may need to be more frequent.

Early morning is by far the best time to water. Wind and temperatures are usually the lowest of the day, and water pressure is generally good. That allows water to be applied evenly and with little loss from evaporation. Furthermore, watering when the grass is already wet with dew reduces the chance for fungal problems to take hold of vegetation that remains wet far too long.

Watering late in the evening or at night causes leaves to remain wet for an extended period of time, which increases the chance for disease. In fact, if you ever wanted to “cause a fungal disease problem”, just water lightly every afternoon in addition to giving it too much fertilizer!

But when you do irrigate properly, thoroughly wet the soil to a depth of 6 inches with each watering. Shallow watering produces weak, shallow-rooted grass that is more susceptible to drought stress.

So how does a homeowner determine how to wet their soil to a depth of 6 inches? Soil type, sprinkler style, and water pressure determine how much water is needed to wet the soil to that proper depth and how long a sprinkler must run.

Use the following steps to determine how long to run your sprinkler or irrigation system.

First, set five to six open-top cans randomly on the lawn (cans with short sides such as tuna or cat food cans work best). Then turn the sprinkler on for 30 minutes.

Next, measure and record the depth of water caught in each individual can. Then calculate the average depth of water from all the cans. Let us say, as an example, the average for a half hour was half an inch of water.

Now get your shovel, a garden spade, or some soil probe to determine how deeply the soil was wet during the 30-minute time period. The probe will easily push through wet soil but less easily into dry areas.

From the amount of water that was applied in the 30-minute cycle and the depth that it wet the soil, you can then determine how long the sprinkler must run to wet the soil to a depth of 6 inches.

If you have heavy clay, it will be difficult to irrigate 6 inches deep as it may end up running off. Never apply water to the point of run-off. Water that runs off finds its way to storm drains or running down a ditch. This not only wastes a precious resource but spends your money needlessly. If a sprinkler applies water faster than the soil can absorb it, stop irrigating until the surface dries and then resume watering.

Let us not get trapped into thinking one irrigation system is the best. There are many different irrigation systems available. Whether you choose an above ground or underground system, it is important that it is working properly. A routine check should be made to ensure that water is being applied where it is needed, in the amount that it is needed, and in a uniform manner. Use the can method, mentioned earlier, to check the distribution and amount of water being applied, and then make any needed adjustments.

One last pro-tip. Get the longest screwdriver that you can find in your toolbox and use that as your soil probe. Grasping the handle, you can quickly determine how much moisture is in the soil by pushing the head of the screwdriver down into the ground. Moist soil will allow the screwdriver pass readily. Dry soil will be much harder to push through. When neighbors ask what you are doing, reply that you are “fine-tuning” your watering schedule for a healthier lawn!

Work Beginning In Center Requiring Lane Closures

By
Rhonda Oaks
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 Work will begin on Wednesday in Shelby County to mill and inlay a section of roadway that will require lane closures for up to a week, weather permitting.

Two locations in Center will be impacted as crews begin Wednesday morning to mill and inlay the roadway at the intersection of Loop 500 and SH 7. The second location of work is scheduled on SH 87 (Shelbyville Street) beginning at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. (BNSF) railroad crossing and moving south toward Loop 500.

Work at these locations is expected to be completed in about five days. Motorists can expect alternating lane closures at both locations and traffic delays near the work zones. Motorists are urged to stay alert, obey all traffic control devices set in place and be prepared for delays. Moving equipment and workers will be near the lanes of traffic.

Texas Prepaid Tuition Program Newborn Enrollment Deadline Approaches

By
Kennadi Thompson
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Texas families have through July 31 to enroll their newborns in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund® and pay this academic year’s rates for all or some future tuition and schoolwide required fees at Texas public colleges and universities, excluding medical and dental institutions. Newborns are children younger than 1 year of age at the time of enrollment.

“For parents of newborns, saving for college may not always be top of mind,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “That’s why we’re reminding new parents to take advantage of the opportunity to lock in this year’s rates before next year’s rates go into effect on Sept. 1.”

Under the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, the state’s prepaid college tuition program, participants can purchase tuition units and lock in the costs of undergraduate resident tuition and schoolwide required fees at Texas public colleges and universities based on today’s prices.

For additional flexibility, the plan also can be used at Texas medical and dental institutions, private Texas colleges and universities, out-of-state colleges and universities and career schools or eligible apprenticeship programs, where tuition is not locked in and the benefits and payouts would be based on the Transfer Value.

Enrollment at 2020-21 prices closed on Feb. 28 for children 1 year of age and older. The next annual enrollment period begins on Sept. 1, with new contract prices based on Texas public college costs for the 2021-22 school year.

Complete plan information, including the plan description and agreement, current sales prices, enrollment forms and more, is available at TuitionPromise.org or by calling 800-445-GRAD (4723), Option 5.

The program’s outreach team also offers free webinars to provide an overview of the plan and discuss the different tuition unit types and payment options, as well as provide information about Texas Match the Promise Foundation℠ matching scholarship opportunities. Go to the Texas Tuition Promise Fund website for information about how to register to attend upcoming webinars.

Participation in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund does not guarantee admission to or graduation from any college or university. Only the named purchaser may direct redemptions, withdrawals, changes in the designated beneficiary or other contract changes.

Non-residents of Texas should consider whether their home state, or the beneficiary’s home state, offers its residents any state tax or other state benefits, such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for participants in that state’s 529 plan.

A contract, including the amount contributed, and any amount applied as a benefit or paid as a refund, is not guaranteed, insured or treated as a deposit or other obligation by the state of Texas, the FDIC, the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board, any other state or federal governmental agency or Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc. or its affiliates. The contracts have not been registered with or approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or with any state.

Purchasers should carefully consider the risks, administrative fees, service and other charges and expenses associated with the contracts, including Plan termination and decreased transfer or refund value. Transfer Value applies to tuition redemption at Texas private colleges and universities, out-of-state colleges and universities, medical and dental schools, eligible apprenticeships and career schools. Match the Promise Foundation scholarships can only be used at Texas public colleges and universities, and Transfer Value cannot be utilized. Transfer Value is limited to the lesser of (1) the costs the Tuition Unit would cover at a public college or university or (2) the original purchase price of the Tuition Unit plus or minus the Plan’s net investment earnings or losses on that amount. Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc., serves as plan manager of the Plan. The Plan Description and Master Agreement contains this and other information about the Plan and may be obtained on the website or by calling the number provided above. Purchasers should read these documents carefully before purchasing a contract.

Tips to Embrace the Healthy Habit of Bicycling

By
Statepoint
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Whether rediscovering the joy of riding a bike or taking a ride for the first time, cycling saw a boom during the pandemic, and many believe this trend is here to stay.

The summer is an excellent time to recognize the many benefits of this healthy habit, as well as outfit yourself with everything you need to embrace your inner adventurer. Huffy Bicycles is offering the following tips and insights to celebrate cycling.

Recognize the Benefits

Bicycling is a heart-healthy cardiovascular exercise that strengthens your lower body, yet is low-impact on joints, making it a terrific workout for adults of all ages, as well as kids and families. It’s also great for the mind, and has been shown in studies to boost mood and improve cognitive function. But the benefits extend beyond the individual. Biking as a substitute for driving a car is good for the planet and your local community, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants and improving traffic congestion.

Find Time to Bike

Changing or creating a single habit can have unexpected and wide-reaching effects. Even with a jam-packed schedule, you can establish the habit of biking by seamlessly incorporating it into your current routine. Here are a few ideas for doing so:

• Pick one to two days a week to commute to work by bike.

• Swap out sedentary activities you do to unwind with your family, such as watching TV, with bike rides.

• Are weekends the time you spend connecting with friends? Suggest your next meet-up start with a bike ride.

• Whether you’re a runner, swimmer or love working out at home, swap at least one workout a week with cycling. Cross training emphasizes different muscle groups and helps build out a more well-rounded fitness routine.

Go Electric

Electric bikes are great alternatives for all adult riders, no matter your level of experience. An e-bike helps you get back on a bike if it’s been a while since your last ride, if you have physical limitations that make riding a standard bike difficult, or if you want to keep up on a ride with more experienced friends. The pedal-powered boost can also provide a less intense alternative to traditional biking, especially for those looking to commute without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s to ease back into biking or you just want a cool bike, the e-bike offers the same joys as a conventional bike ride with a bit of a kick.

Tips to Keep Kids Learning and Having Fun All Summer Long

By
Statepoint
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With the encouragement and support of parents, a love of learning can begin early and last a lifetime. To inspire kids to have fun while learning this summer, consider the following tips:

• Reward Curiosity: Children are naturally curious, and the way you respond to their questions, stories, and observations about the world around them is important. Be sure to reward their curiosity with your authentic attention.

• Build Reading Confidence: Literacy is the foundation of all learning, and you can help improve reading comprehension and fluency, while building spelling, vocabulary and writing skills, using tools that offer instant guidance and feedback. The interactive pages of the LeapReader Learn-to-Read 10-Book Bundle build reading and writing confidence by allowing kids to sound out letters and words, or follow along with the stories as they’re read out loud. Each book includes lively character voices that spark interest, as well as activities that introduce vowel sounds, sight words, word blending, spelling skills and more. The LeapReader also helps kids build writing skills with stroke-by-stroke guidance and instant feedback using mess-free, no-ink paper.

• Get Outdoors: Whether it’s a trip to the backyard or a vacation out of town, a change of scenery gives young minds an opportunity to absorb and process new information, while encouraging them to explore new sights and sounds. Be sure to mix things up whenever possible.

• Introduce Learning Toys: Games, puzzles and creative challenges are all interactive experiences that can enhance learning. Check out learning toys with these features built right in, such as the LeapStart Preschool Success interactive learning system from LeapFrog. It features touch-and-talk pages that help build math, reading, problem-solving skills and more. An expansive library of books, sold separately, cover a variety of preschool through first grade subjects, with more than 30 activities in every book. Many activities have two levels with over 50 key skills per grade level, so kids can play and learn at the right level and move up when they’re ready.

• Expand Horizons: Exploring new places can build knowledge, as well as the natural curiosity that helps inspire kids to keep learning. Using the Magic Adventures Globe, young explorers can travel the world and experience new places, languages, cultures, animals, geography, habitats and more through high-quality BBC videos. Featuring a 2.7-inch integrated video screen, animations and live-action videos fully immerse kids in the curriculum to provide a better understanding of the world through more than five hours of videos. Kids can also play three interactive games called Around the World, Quiz Show and Where in the World to explore the globe, challenge a friend and solve mysteries.

With interactive tools, toys and strategies, it’s always the right time of year to get your child excited to learn!

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