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How Your Family Can Adopt Healthier Digital Habits in 2021

By
Statepoint
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As we head into 2021, adults and kids alike may still be enjoying the excitement of digital devices received as gifts over the holidays. However, the new year is always a great time for a reset, so alongside those new devices, consider adopting some new digital habits.

Here are some great ideas for helping your family build healthier relationships with their digital devices:

• Get healthy: Not all screen time is wasted time. You can use your device in positive, productive ways that help your family work toward improved physical health. For example, a steps counter might encourage your family to move more or even take up running, while a yoga app can help guide your family through quick routines you can practice from the comfort of home.

• Get smart: Likewise, the members of your family can use their devices to exercise their minds. Encourage everyone to let their smartphones and tablets double function as e-readers, and to download apps that teach new skills and build knowledge. You can even try setting a goal as a family, such as learning a new language using the same app.

• Schedule digital downtime: Too much screen time is associated with poor quality sleep, increased anxiety and a range of other physical and mental health concerns, so be sure each day includes digital downtime. This is especially important if your family is working and learning from home right now. Make the most of these screen-free blocks by engaging in active play, moving, getting fresh air or spending quality time together.

• Get assistance: Making sure every member of the family is using their device only in safe and healthy ways is easier said than done, however, a parental guidance app can help. Using OurPact for example, the most comprehensive parental control app, you can remotely establish automated schedules for when internet, apps and the device itself are unavailable. Features include URL whitelisting and blacklisting, daily screen time allowances and iMessage/SMS blocking, helping ensure device usage passes your approval. Available at the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, parents can also sign up for an account at www.ourpact.com.

For better overall health and wellness, make 2021 the year your family adopts great digital habits.

Need Mortgage Relief Due to COVID-19? Here’s What to Know

By
Statepoint
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As the pandemic continues to affect Americans across the country, many are facing financial hardship.

For homeowners with a Freddie Mac loan, COVID-19 mortgage assistance is available in the form of “forbearance,” which temporarily suspends or reduces your mortgage payment without penalty so you can get back on your feet.

Here is how forbearance works and what happens when it ends:

How do I request forbearance? To request forbearance, you must contact your loan servicer (the company listed on your mortgage statement) who will help you understand your options. Forbearance is available for up to a year, though servicers will typically start you on a shorter forbearance plan and reassess to see if your financial situation has changed.

What happens when forbearance ends? It’s important to remember mortgage forbearance is not the same as mortgage forgiveness and you will have to repay your missed payments. About 30 days before the forbearance plan is scheduled to end, you and your servicer will determine next steps. This could include additional forbearance or a workout option to make up the missed payments. Just remember, you are never required to pay back missed payments in a lump sum if your loan is owned by Freddie Mac.

How does repayment work? Even though you must pay back payments that were missed during forbearance, you have several options for doing so. Additionally, you won’t accrue additional fees, penalties or interest beyond the amounts already scheduled or calculated based on the terms of your mortgage. For example, let’s say you enter into a forbearance agreement of three months. If your monthly mortgage payment is $1,000, you will owe about $3,000 in missed mortgage payments at the end of your forbearance term. Your servicer can help you determine the workout option that works best for you, including:

• Full repayment, where you pay back the missed payments all at once.

• Repayment plans, which allow you to catch up gradually while you are paying your regular monthly payment.

• Payment deferral, which allows you to resume making your normal monthly payment. Your servicer can work with you to leverage alternative ways for you to pay back the missed payments from your forbearance period at a later date and in a manner that is affordable.

• Modification of the loan, which changes the terms of your loan, usually to reduce your original monthly payment amount. Your servicer can help with a modification that might suit your new circumstances.

Additional Information: To stay on track with paying down your loan balance and less interest over the life of the loan, it’s important that you resume your payments as soon as you’re financially able. Keep in mind that while you’re not charged “extra” interest, you won’t be paying down your principal, and the interest will continue to accrue on your unpaid mortgage balance.

For information on forbearance and how to get help with your mortgage, visit My Home by Freddie Mac at myhome.freddiemac.com.

Remember, contacting your servicer is the first step in getting help with your mortgage payments if you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 or for other reasons. They can explore available options with you and determine what works best for your circumstances.

Champions for Children Welcomes New Executive Director & Development Director

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Board of Directors at Champions for Children recently announced that Andria Horton of Tyler will be the new Executive Director of the organization. In addition, Tara Winter, also of Tyler, has accepted the position of Development Director.

Andria Horton began working for Champions in September of 2019 as the development director and was soon named director of operations and development. Originally from the Longview area, she has been working in Tyler since 2001 in various community outreach positions. After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Biblical Studies and Sociology, Andria spent 17 years working for Green Acres Baptist Church where she developed a local multi-housing ministry, served in a variety of community outreach efforts, and helped plan and coordinate both local and international missions. During this time, Andria also completed a masters degree Ministry-based Evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Over the past year, Andria has also completed a Certificate in Non-Profit Management. Andria is passionate about preparing the next generation to be strong leaders and making Smith County a safe and nurturing community for children to grow and learn.   

Tara Winter brings more than 25 years’ experience in fundraising and development to Champions. She has a business degree from Arizona State University and is a graduate of Boston University School of Fundraising. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive through CFRE International. Her recent accomplishments include finishing a 25 million dollar capital campaign and securing four million in federal and state grant funding for early childhood education. She and her husband recently moved to Tyler from Illinois.

Champions for Children provides education, mentoring, tools, and support to caregivers, teachers, and parents so all children can reach their full potential. The organization serves families and childcare centers from all over East Texas. For more information, visit championsforchildren.org.

4 Ways to Celebrate National Cut Your Energy Cost Day

By
Joshua Blackwell
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National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, celebrated on January 10, 2021, is a day to observe and look at how you can start reducing your energy bill in the year ahead. It’s not only about heating, but also cooling, because let’s face it, here in East Texas, we use our AC more than the heater.

Bryan Compton and Lee Miller, energy broker partners at Amerigy Energy bring us a few tips and tricks from a couple of experts on some ways we can reduce our energy bill, and not worry about that monthly bill we all dread. 

“The number one way that many can reduce their energy bills, especially electricity is to shop for better rates,” according to Miller. “Unfortunately, that can be a minefield in itself. Just read the latest social media post about who to use and it becomes obvious that most people have no clue how to find the best rate and company. And, watch out for the “powertochoose” websites. The low cost plans many times are promotional hooks.”

Miller continues to point out that you need to study the Energy Facts Label (EFL) required on every plan. Be sure and check out the EFL when shopping.

Compton adds, “Watch out for the “gimmick” plans such as “free nights & weekends” or “tiered plans” that require you to hit a target each month. Index plans can look like a savings but will make you cry in the hot summer months!”

Like me, you may now be wondering what a full-service energy broker is. 

“Although you don’t have to use a broker, our advantage is that we keep track of the best companies that are out there and how they can service our customers best.” Compton says, “We guide our customers to these companies that have great proven low cost plans.” 

Amerigy Energy is a full-service energy broker firm that helps everyday people (aka consumers) understand their energy needs and to help them find affordable solutions. They get daily pricing from over 90 customers.

Here are four ways we can do just that.

4 Ways to help reduce your usage.

Unplug

It’s no secret that we constantly need to be plugged in, from our phones and laptops to our tablets and smartwatches. All of the things that need to be plugged in at night to have us ready to go for the next day. One way to do this is to use a power strip, and when you are finished charging up, just simply flip the power switch off.

Turn Off the Lights

We all know this one. While we’re working on our New Year resolutions, how about making it a habit of turning off lights as you leave a room is another great way to reduce costs monthly?

Pay Attention to Appliances

The appliances we use on a daily basis gobble up our electricity. When looking for new appliances be sure to look at energy-efficient models as another way to save monthly.

Heating and Cooling

Being comfortable at home is a must. There are so many ways you can save when it comes to the thermostat in your house. A programmable thermostat is a great option, allowing you to have one setting while you are away, and a setting for while you sleep.

There are so many things we can do to save on our electric bill each month, and each household is different. Finding what works for you and your family is a great way to start. 

Compton reminds us, “again, getting a better plan on average saves our customers 25%. If your bill on a 1,200 kilowatts, let’s say is over 90, 91, 92 dollars, you really need to go to amerigyenergy.com/residental and shop for a new plan.”

Diboll Sports Complex Scores Big with Recent Contribution from Georgia-Pacific

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The city of Diboll just completed the installation of 5 new scoreboards in the Old Orchard Park Sports Complex, a project made possible by the Georgia-Pacific Foundation. Georgia Pacific Public Affairs Manager Yana Ogletree, Trey Wilkerson, Diboll Mayor; and Gerry Boren, Diboll City Manager, show off one of the new scoreboards located on the baseball and softball fields.

It’s a score worth bragging about! As area youth athletes gear up for the start of the baseball and softball season, so are the City of Diboll and Georgia-Pacific. Recently, the city installed brand new scoreboards on all five of the baseball and softball fields in the Old Orchard Park Sports Complex. The project was made possible by the Georgia-Pacific Foundation.

“We are excited to get these new scoreboards,” said Gerry Boren, Diboll City Manager. “The previous scoreboards were at least 20 years old, and as with all aging equipment there were challenges maintaining the boards. I know our young athletes and their parents will appreciate having these reliable and beautiful scoreboards.”

Georgia-Pacific Public Affairs Manager, Yana Ogletree, says this is just one of many community projects the Georgia-Pacific Foundation will support this year in East Texas. “We understand that good business isn’t only about growth or creating value for our customers; it’s about the value we can bring to the communities we call home,” said Ogletree. “This year the GP Foundation will again invest in a significant number of local projects that will improve the quality of life in our communities.”

Established in 1958, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation sets aside resources to improve life in the communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. The Foundation has worked with thousands of outstanding community-based programs, service projects and disaster relief efforts, focusing its investment in four areas:: education, environment, enrichment, and entrepreneurship.

Healthy, Safe and Affordable Home Cleaning Tips

By
Statepoint
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When it comes to keeping your home healthy, safe and clean, it’s all about balance. Using the following tips, you can make 2021 the year you perfect your cleaning technique affordably:

Get Prepped

Before getting started, wash your hands. Not only does it help you to avoid spreading germs, it’s also a great way to get into a cleaning mindset.

You can also give yourself a little motivational boost by putting on some great tunes. Check out the Ultimate Cleaning Playlist on Spotify, which features danceable hits spanning decades, or create your own. According to the experts, a bit of preparation can even streamline your efforts.

“Before any cleaning session, I take a few minutes to de-clutter. This makes the process of dusting and wiping down surfaces so much easier,” says Erin Chase, AlEn Cleanfluencer and busy mom of four.

Strike a Balance

Contrary to what you might assume, there’s no need to use a disinfectant cleaner on every surface, even in the age of COVID-19. High-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, remotes and countertops should be disinfected daily. You should also be sure to disinfect after visitors, and continually disinfect surfaces touched by sick household members. However, it’s important use strong cleansers mindfully. The power of bleach is a great way to disinfect properly where and when it’s needed. Be sure to use approved products, such as Cloralen Disinfectant Bleach, and follow the instructions on the label. Don’t use bleach on porous surfaces and never mix cleaning products — in particular don’t mix bleach with ammonia. This can result in dangerous fumes you shouldn’t breathe.

Go Green When You Can

For everyday messes, use naturally-derived cleaning products, such as Art of Green wipes and sprays, which are hardworking and safe for sensitive skin, making them good choices for “over and over” cleaning around kids and pets. Voted a 2020 Product of the Year by more than 40,000 consumers, Art of Green works on many surfaces and comes in two uplifting scents, Lavender Eucalyptus and Citrus and White Flowers. You can also help protect the planet by choosing products from companies committed to building a cleaner, more sustainable world. Many products from AlEn USA are made with sustainable ingredients, and the company recycles more plastic than it uses.

“The good news is that these products also offer great value, making it possible to get an effective eco-friendly clean at an affordable price,” says Chase.

To learn more, visit alenusa.com, artofgreen.com and cloralen.com.

Celebrate a Job Well-Done

“Cleaning is an opportunity to refresh your mindset,” adds Chase, who makes sure to celebrate a job well done with self-care rituals. “After cleaning, I always wash my hands and apply my favorite hand lotion.”

With a few smart cleaning tips, you can create an environment that helps protect the health and safety of your family and your pets.

Home Garden Economics

By
Cary Sims
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Does home gardening make sense financially? I believe so.

Last Sunday at church, a dear friend, Virginia, was telling me how much she and her husband have been enjoying all manner of fresh greens harvested each week from their small garden. Cheap, abundant, healthy greens harvested a couple times each week.

Visiting later with another buddy, Billy Ray, later in the week, he showed me his garden patch of collard greens. “I put some of the chicken litter from my hens and a little triple-13 and I can’t keep up with them.” He gives away most of what he grows as he gets all he wants.

I was sharing this topic with my co-worker, Joel. He also agreed that you can be money ahead. He told me that last summer he bought a cherry tomato plant for $2 and got several harvests off of it. Each harvest, he told me, was about the same volume as a $2 basket of cherry tomatoes at the grocery store!

Looking online, none other than the Investopedia website said that growing your own produce can save you money. They cited, from the national Journal of Extension, that the average value of produce from a home garden to be worth $677 with costs totaling only $238. To be honest I was pleasantly surprised.

Now, please do not think that you can go buy a large tiller and all kinds of fancy equipment and tend a small garden the size of a bedroom and make the numbers work out. As with all economic endeavors, you have to watch your input costs.

But with a raised bed and some good soil growing produce 12 months of the year, one could see a small, to modest financial return. I think the biggest hinderance is keeping your garden plot going year-round.

Bear in mind your input costs of seeds or transplants, soil and nutrients, all the tools (and perhaps a few you don’t need), structures such as fences or cages, and the water bill that will certainly peak in the summer. They will add up over time.

If you want to drill down and get serious about saving money on your grocery bill and enjoy the outdoors, consider the following. First, grow only what you like and what you need. Even a flat of six transplants of any certain vegetable can out-produce what most households can consume. See if you can buy fewer transplants or swap with friends.

Second, consider the square-foot gardening method. This gardening system looks at each square foot as a production unit. Forget the three-foot-wide rows with lots of bare ground exposed, and interplant smaller, earlier maturing produce between longer maturing types.

Lastly, for the truly frugal, start everything from seed. From a $3 package of seeds, you will have worlds of seed that you can use in successive crops to spread out the harvest, or to use half in the spring garden and the other half in a fall garden.

So many of you have started a garden last year and I hope that, facing the shut-in that we may again face from Covid-19, you will relish the time outside and the joy of growing your own groceries from a simple garden.

If you are still a little hesitant, try out growing some herbs that you really like on your back porch in a pot. The idea is to make it enjoyable and worth your time outside, in the kitchen, and in the wallet.

ICYMI: Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott Announces GRACE’s Week Of Prayer To End Human Trafficking

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott has announced that the Governor’s Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) initiative will host a statewide interfaith Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking on January 11 through January 17, 2021. The week of prayer coincides with Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the state of Texas and serves as a call to action to the faith-based community to unite in prayer, learn more about human trafficking, and discern opportunities to prevent exploitation and support survivors. 

GRACE will launch the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking through a virtual interfaith event on January 11th at 6pm on Facebook. The event will include remarks from state officials, prayer, and a panel discussion of faith leaders and members of the Office of the Governor’s Child Sex Trafficking Team (CSTT). 

“The Governor’s GRACE Initiative is working closely with communities of faith all across Texas to help prevent human trafficking and bring hope and healing to survivors — and the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking is an important part of our efforts,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “I urge Texans of all faiths across the state to join us in prayer and action so that we can put an end to human trafficking once and for all.”

GRACE is a collaboration between the Office of the Texas First Lady, CSTT, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), and a diverse group of faith leaders across Texas that work together to develop effective strategies to end human trafficking. The initiative launched in December 2019.

Additionally, Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed January 2021 to be Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the state of Texas. The Governor also issued a proclamation recognizing January 11-17, 2021 as the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking. 

Daily Prayer Intentions for the Week of Prayer include:

Texans can use the hashtag #TXPraysToEndHT on social media to share their support for the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking. To coincide with the announcement, the First Lady released a video encouraging Texans to participate in the Week of Prayer: Click Here

My five cents… A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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With the beginning of the 87th legislative session fast approaching, my staff and I are gearing up to do the work of the people at your Texas Capitol. Though this session will certainly look different than past sessions, we are prepared to do this important work on behalf of Senate District 3.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. FCC announces $362 million in funds to expand broadband in rural Texas

The Federal Communications Commission announced last month a $362 million investment in expanding rural broadband in Texas. Of those funds, over $138 million has been allocated to businesses in Senate District 3. Jasper County received the most funds of any county in the state at over $13 million. These funds are intended to support businesses who are expanding broadband access and infrastructure in their communities. The goal is to connect an estimated 670,000 Texans to high-speed internet over the next 10 years.

2. HHSC launches 24/7 mental health support line to help Texans during COVID-19 pandemic

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line specifically designed to support Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Counseling services are absolutely confidential and free of charge to anyone who calls. The support line is being operated by the Harris Center for Mental Health and offers trauma-informed support and psychological first aid. It’s important to recognize the toll the pandemic has taken on Texans mental health and offer support in any way we can. The toll-free number is (833)-986-1919.

3. Lt. Governor Patrick announces guidelines for opening day of the 87th legislative session

Following the Governor’s announcement re-opening the Texas State Capitol to the public, the Lt. Governor announced guidelines for the Texas Senate’s opening day ceremonies. Each Senator

will receive a COVID-19 test before entering the Capitol. Guests of each senator will also be tested. No personal data will be collected or kept regarding the results. The testing is free and will yield results in 15 minutes. The day itself will also look different, with a shorter ceremony and less time gathered in the chamber. The senators have agreed to reduce ceremonial events and gatherings this session to decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19. In the Capitol building itself, masks will be required in all public spaces. Fifteen-minute COVID-19 rapid testing will be offered outside of the building. If you’re planning to visit the Capitol during session this year, please call our office ahead of time to let us know you’re coming. Our Capitol office phone number is (512) 463-0103.

4. Judicial Selection Commission releases report, recommendations

Last month the Texas Commission on Judicial Selection released its recommendations on changing the election system for judges in the state. In an 8-7 vote, the commission recommended the state end the current system of selecting judges via partisan elections. I was appointed to serve on the commission by the Lieutenant Governor and was one of the 7 members of the commission who voted against the recommendation to change the current method of electing judges in our state. I firmly believe that Texans should have the right to choose their judges and will protect my constituent’s right to do so. However, I did agree to consider raising qualifications for judges. Currently, Texas Supreme Court justices must be 35 years old, licensed to practice law in Texas, and have at least 10 years of legal experience. District court judges have no age requirement but are required to have been practicing in Texas for at least four years.

5. TEA announces a pause on A-F grading for school districts, campuses

In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Texas Education Agency announced it will pause A-F ratings for the 2020-2021 school year. The pandemic disrupted this school year in major ways, and pausing these ratings is the right thing to do. During my superintendent tour, this was brought up in every school district and with every superintendent I talked with. I’m glad to see TEA has listened to their input. The annual STAAR test will be conducted, however, as it’s an important baseline to determine where our students are and help them grow. For schools that use STAAR testing as part of teacher evaluations, TEA is offering flexibility to allow them to remove that component this year. These decisions will make it easier for teachers, superintendents, and all other support staff to focus on what is most important: educating Texas children.

NICHOLS AND ASHBY TO FILE LEGISLATION EXPANDING BROADBAND SERVICES

By
Joshua Blackwell
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State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) and State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) announced today their intent to file legislation aimed at expanding access to critical broadband services throughout the State of Texas. The forthcoming bill will affirm the state’s commitment to closing the digital divide for Texans who lack either access to internet service or the means to subscribe to the services offered in their community.

“The Coronavirus pandemic has underscored the need for reliable access to the internet, and exposed the breadth of ways in which connectivity impacts daily life,” said Ashby. “It’s my hope that passage of this bill will ensure our state is serious about working to make 21st century investments in favor of economic development, education, healthcare, public safety, and the many other industries which benefit from connectivity.”

Highlights of the upcoming legislation include:

· Creation of a Broadband Development Office within the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts;

· A Broadband Development Program, funded by the newly established Broadband Development Account;

· Establishment of a Broadband Development Map, to be updated regularly and published by the Office; and

· The development, no later than a year after the bill becomes law, of a statewide broadband plan.

“Creation of a state broadband plan will prioritize those corners of the state where access to internet does not currently exist, as well as those individual Texans who lack the knowledge or recourses to gain access to what is now an essential service,” said Nichols. “This proactive measure to develop a long-term plan for critical Texas infrastructure will send a clear message that Texas is serious about broadband expansion.”

Filing of this bill comes on the heels of the letter that Nichols, Ashby, and 86 members of the Legislature sent to the Governor in September requesting the creation of statewide broadband plan. Texas — one of only six states in the nation without a state plan for broadband development — is regularly left at a disadvantage when seeking out precious federal dollars because no such plan has been enacted. Recently, Governor Abbott has indicated his plan to include broadband development as a priority item on his agenda for the upcoming 87th Legislative Session which begins January 12, 2021.

Nichols was first elected to the Texas Senate in 2007 and represents 18 counties across East Texas and part of Montgomery County. Ashby is beginning his fifth term as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, and currently represents Angelina, Houston, Leon, Madison, San Augustine, and Trinity Counties.

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