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Great Online Content Can Let You ‘Visit’ a Museum This Summer

By
Statepoint
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If you are looking for new things to this summer do while staying home or social distancing, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has you covered.

The museum has lots of free content available for both adults and kids, including digital learning tools for students of all ages and online versions of many of its most popular exhibitions. Access to this content is through the museum’s website: AmericanIndian.si.edu.

For Students

Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) is the museum’s national education initiative to inspire and promote improvement of teaching and learning about American Indians. NK360° provides educational materials and teacher training that incorporate Native narratives, more comprehensive histories and accurate information to enlighten and inform teaching and learning about Native America. The initiative’s website has digital lessons for K-12 students, teacher guides, videos and websites. Several lessons are also available in Spanish.

Online Exhibitions

Many of the museum’s most popular exhibitions are available to explore online. “Americans“ shows how American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began. Visitors can click on some familiar images and learn why images of American Indians are everywhere in our country.

The bilingual exhibition “The Great Inka Road: Engineering an Empire” examines why the Inka Road was built more than 500 years ago, and how its construction—without the use of metal or iron, the wheel or stock animals to pull heavy loads—stands as one of the greatest engineering feats.

The exhibition “Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian,” which features some 700 works of Native art from throughout North, Central and South America, demonstrates the breadth of the museum’s collection and highlights the historic importance of many of these iconic objects.

“Developing Stories: Native Photographers in the Field“ is the museum’s newest exhibition. It features the work of two Native photojournalists who are using photography to break down stereotypes and portray stories that show the diversity and complexity of their contemporary lives.

Explore the Collections

Through its online search, visitors to the museum’s website can learn more about the history of the museum’s holdings, which have their foundation in the collection largely assembled by George Gustav Heye, beginning in 1897. The collection currently contains more than 800,000 items from across the entire Western Hemisphere. And for more from the collections, visit the museum’s new Google Arts & Culture website.

Blog

For in-depth stories about objects in the museum’s collection, insights into new exhibitions, or news from Indian Country, visit the museum’s page on the Smithsonian Voices blog.

Shop

The museum’s online store offers an array of books for adults and kids, cards, CDs and DVDs. The best part? Your purchase helps to continue the museum’s important work.

You can also get more content from the museum by following it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks to great online exhibitions, educational materials, and yes, even shopping, you can spend this summer “visiting” an amazing museum from wherever you are.

DRUNK DRIVING VICTIMS SHARE HEARTBREAKING STORIES IN EFFORT TO STOP DRINKING AND DRIVING

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Sean Carter’s ability to speak was taken from him more than 15 years ago, when he was a college junior and went out drinking with friends. He knew he was in no condition to drive home – but neither was the buddy who gave him a ride. Without a plan for a sober ride, the drunk driver crashed the truck, leaving Sean with a traumatic brain injury and unable to walk or talk.

Today, despite his inability to speak on his own, Sean’s voice via his story is saving lives. Sean has traveled the country sharing his experience through an iPad that speaks the words he types. In the current environment of social distancing, he’s still working to share the message virtually. Since his crash, he’s shared the story with more than 375,000 people of how a drunk driver forever changed his life.

“I made the bad decision to drink without planning for a safe ride home,” Sean shared. “That fateful decision to get into a truck with a drunk driver made every goal I ever set for myself impossible. My hope is that drivers understand the consequences of drinking and driving, and make a different decision — to plan for a sober ride before going out.”

Sean and his mom, Jenny, are sharing his journey through the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Plan While You Can” campaign, which works to save lives and decrease impaired driving crashes by encouraging drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride before drinking alcohol.

“The crash is something Sean still deals with every day of his life,” Jenny said. “As his caretaker, I deal with the consequences of that bad decision, too. Families and individuals need to know that choosing to drink and drive can have lasting, life-altering effects that go beyond just the people directly involved in the crash.”

Last year, there were 24,666 DUI-alcohol related crashes in Texas, resulting in 900 fatalities and 2,152 serious injuries. DUI-alcohol related crash fatalities represented 25% of all crash fatalities in Texas in 2019.

The “Plan While You Can” campaign features the Faces of Drunk Driving as a way for victims to share their personal stories through TV public service announcements, social media, digital ads and media interviews.The Faces of Drunk Driving website features Sean’s story, as well as other stories from drunk driving crash victims in Texas.

Driving under the influence of alcohol not only risks death or serious injuries, but it can also be costly. Drivers can face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license. Instead of getting behind the wheel if drinking, here are some alternative options:

  • Designate a sober driver.
  • Contact a cab or ride-share service.
  • Use mass transit.
  • Spend the night.

Leading up to the July Fourth holiday, even with more people staying home and some businesses being closed due to COVID-19, TxDOT feels this is an important message to share for those who will choose to go out and celebrate.  For those who do choose to go out, do not drink and drive and please exercise proper safety practices in public, including wearing a face covering, limiting social gatherings to no more than 10 people and social distancing.

“Plan While You Can” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.  Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

Lee Greenwood’s New Version of “God Bless the USA”

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Check out Lee Greenwood’s new version of “God Bless the USA” with Home Free and The Singing Sergeants.

FM 2609/AUSTIN STREET IN NACOGDOCHES SET FOR REOPENING

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Plans are scheduled next week in Nacogdoches County to activate a new traffic signal and reopen the roadway after the completion of a construction project.

The widening construction project on FM 2609/Austin Street in Nacogdoches is near completion this week as final striping and signage are being placed. Plans to activate the newly installed traffic signal at Raguet Street and fully open the roadway to traffic are set for Tuesday, July 7, weather permitting.

The construction project included widening existing pavement with two 11-foot travel lanes and two 14-foot shared use lanes to accommodate both vehicles and bicyclists. Six-foot sidewalks were constructed on both sides of the roadway that include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps. Construction also included the addition of a traffic signal at the intersection of Austin and Raguet streets and new signage.

TxDOT held an Open House in August 2014 and a public hearing in 2015 to gain input on the proposed project as it was being designed. The $2.9 million construction project began in 2019 and the roadway has been closed to through traffic during the construction. The project was designed to enhance safety, increase mobility and alleviate traffic congestion through the area.

“We are proud to announce the reopening of Austin Street. Weather issues slowed us down a bit throughout construction, but we were able to meet this challenge and continue through to completion in as timely a manner as possible,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “We urge motorists to stay alert to the new traffic signal and signage through the area.”

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

How Caregivers Can Adapt to the New Normal

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life for the 44 million caregivers in the U.S. and the people they care for, with social distancing creating new routines, concerns and challenges.

To help caregivers adapt to the new normal, Judith Ursitti, who is raising a son with autism, shares these tips and insights:

• Social distancing presents new challenges: The requirements around social distancing may have eliminated access to some of the activities your loved one enjoys in the community, and in some cases, getting your loved one to accept this can be difficult. However, it’s important to maintain patience and empathy by preparing for this challenge.

“Not seeing the familiar faces of friends, teachers and therapists has dramatically increased Jack’s level of anxiety. That leads to additional anxiety for the rest of the family. It’s hard,” says Ursitti.

From art projects to puzzles to bird watching, try introducing alternative activities that your loved one may enjoy and can participate in safely.

• New tools can help: While it may have been a while since anyone in your family has gotten a barbershop haircut, it’s important to stay on top of regular hygiene, even if you aren’t leaving the house. Be sure that showers, shaving and toothbrushing don’t fall by the wayside. Not only do these routines provide a sense of familiarity, they are important for your loved one’s overall wellness, and innovative tools are making such tasks easier for caregivers.

“A quick, efficient way for me to help Jack shave is with the Gillette TREO, which is conveniently designed for caregiver use,” says Ursitti.

There have been over 4,000 razors designed for shaving oneself. As the first razor designed to shave someone else, Gillette TREO was created specifically for caregivers and their loved ones. Its award-winning, inclusive design helps protect gentle skin, offers better control and removes the need for water, so caregivers can confidently and safely shave their loved ones anywhere, even away from the sink. To learn more, visit Gillette.com/TREO.

• Take care of yourself: It can be easy to forget that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Try to remind yourself, especially when the anxiety is high or the situation is challenging, that it too shall pass,” says Ursitti. “Take a deep breath and encourage your loved one to do the same. And when all else fails, eat some ice cream.”

Reaching out to friends and family is especially important right now in combatting feelings of isolation and for support. Thanks to video chatting tools, it’s easier than ever to stay connected.

Caregiving is never easy and these unusual times can make things even more difficult; however, new tools can offer you additional support.

Tips to Spend Less Money on Cooling Your Home This Summer

By
Statepoint
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Keeping your home cool and comfortable on hot summer days doesn’t need to cost a fortune. These tips can ensure your heating and cooling equipment lasts a long time and operates at maximum efficiency:

• Clean and change filters: Dirty air filters can cause a system to suffer from pressure drop, which can lead to reduced air flow or “blow-out,” which can result in no air infiltration at all. When this occurs, your HVAC equipment is working harder, which means increased energy bills and ultimately, more wear and tear. To avoid costly repairs and replacements and enjoy lower utility bills, clean your air filters monthly.

As far as replacing air filters is concerned, one general guideline to follow is to change them every three months. However, the truth is that optimal frequency for this maintenance task depends on a variety of factors, including the type of filter in your HVAC unit, the size of your home, if anyone in your family has allergies and whether or not you have pets. No matter how often you change air filters, be sure they are properly-sized for your system.

The importance of cleaning and replacing air filters can’t be overstated. Dirty air filters won’t just cost you more money, they can compromise your home’s indoor air quality and aggravate allergies and respiratory issues.

• Get annual service: Your HVAC or furnace technician should service your unit annually in order to check that all its various components are in working order. A service check may actually detect a problem before you notice it, and catching it in time could extend your unit’s life. Be sure to schedule this service before it’s an emergency (i.e. don’t wait until it’s the hottest day of the year and your unit is in disrepair.)

• Replace older units: Consider whether it’s time to replace your unit, factoring in its age and regularity of service. Newer units, especially those with ENERGY STAR labels, operate more efficiently. Indeed, a properly sized and installed ENERGY STAR air conditioner uses up to 20 percent less electricity than older models. So, even if your heating or cooling system is properly maintained, you may be spending more money than is necessary each month.

• Do it right: For ultimate savings, it’s best to ensure your HVACR equipment is installed and serviced properly. The best way to ensure fast, efficient service done right the first time is by hiring a technician certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE) for all installations, repairs and maintenance. NATE-certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated heating and cooling systems by passing a nationally recognized test developed and supported by all segments of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning industry. To find a NATE-certified technician in your area, visit Natex.org.

If reducing cooling costs, increasing home comfort and helping protect the environment are all important to you, there’s good news, with proper HVACR installation and maintenance, these don’t need to be competing priorities.

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $9 Million for Nursing Facility Infection Control Projects to Prevent COVID-19

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today announced $9 million in federal funding for nursing facilities to implement infection control projects to protect residents and staff from the spread of COVID-19. Starting July 1, nursing facility providers in Texas are encouraged to submit applications to HHSC to receive this federal funding.

“We know that older Texans are more susceptible to COVID-19, and Texas is committed to ensuring that nursing facilities have the tools they need to keep their residents and staff safe,” said Governor Abbott. “The resources available through this federal funding will help maintain infection control within these facilities. We must continue to protect our most vulnerable populations, mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Texas, and protect public health.”

“Nursing facilities have this opportunity to apply for funding to enhance health and safety protections for the people they serve,” said David Kostroun, deputy executive commissioner for HHSC’s Regulatory Services Division. “During this unprecedented time, we are directing providers to pursue every avenue to mitigate the spread of this virus.”

Approved providers will be eligible to receive funds for infection control resources, including:

  • Thermometers and temperature scanning equipment for staff and residents
  • Decontamination and disinfecting systems
  • Plexiglass barriers or portable walls to ensure social distancing and droplet protection
  • N95 fit-test equipment
  • Microbe-resistant flooring and wall coverings

For more details on how to apply, visit the Texas HHS website. The deadline for applications is August 30.

HHSC is continuing to accept applications for communication technology in nursing facilities, which are eligible to receive up to $3,000 per facility to purchase devices (e.g. iPads, tablets, webcams) and accessories (e.g. headphones, protective covers).

HHSC is allocating Civil Money Penalty (CMP) funds for this project as well as the infection control projects. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) imposes CMPs against Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities found out of compliance with federal requirements. CMP funds can be used for projects and activities that benefit nursing facility residents by improving their quality of care or quality of life. Currently, HHSC is only accepting and reviewing applications for projects related to addressing COVID-19, such as infection control practices and communication technology.

Governor Abbott Issues Proclamation To Expand Hospital Capacity In Four Additional Texas Counties

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation suspending elective surgeries at hospitals in Cameron, Hidalgo, Nueces, and Webb counties to help ensure hospital bed availability for COVID-19 patients in these communities. This proclamation amends the Governor’s previous Executive Order to include these four counties in addition to Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties.

“As these counties experience a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are committed to working alongside hospitals to help ensure that every COVID-19 patient who needs a bed will have access to one,” said Governor Abbott. “We are constantly monitoring the data at the local level and will continue to take precautionary action where it is necessary. I want to remind all Texans that each of us have a responsibility to help slow the spread of this virus, and I urge everyone to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly, practice social distancing, and stay home if possible.”

Under the Executive Order, the Governor directs all hospitals in these counties to postpone surgeries and procedures that are not immediately, medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician. Through proclamation, the Governor can add or subtract from the list of counties included in the Executive Order to address surges in hospitalizations that may arise in other parts of the state.

View the Governor’s proclamation.

SFA’s student chapter of The Wildlife Society receives national recognition

By
Aaron Ferguson
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The Wildlife Society, an international professional organization of leaders in wildlife science, named the Stephen F. Austin State University student chapter of the Wildlife Society as it’s national 2020 Student Chapter of the Year. The annual award recognizes exceptional achievements by student chapters in the promotion of professional standards, outreach and education, as well as advocacy for conservation policy decisions. Pictured is the SFA student chapter at the statewide Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society meeting held earlier this year in Corpus Christi. The SFA student chapter also was named Student Chapter of the Year by the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

The Wildlife Society, an international professional organization of leaders in wildlife science, named the Stephen F. Austin State University student chapter as its national 2020 Student Chapter of the Year.

The annual award recognizes exceptional achievements by student chapters in the promotion of professional standards, outreach and education, as well as advocacy for conservation policy decisions.

“To be recognized across the nation is a huge compliment to our officers and students,” said Jake Hill, forest wildlife management major and president of the SFA student chapter of The Wildlife Society. “It’s a testament to the quality of our college, our forest wildlife program and the university itself.”

Earlier this year the chapter received statewide recognition when it was named Student Chapter of the Year by the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Hill said during the past year the student chapter focused on developing its student membership as active wildlife professionals.

One of the chapter’s most public initiatives was the development of a policy program to advocate for the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which would make supplemental funds available to states for the management of wildlife most in need of conservation. These efforts included writing letters and conducting education campaigns, communicating with state representatives and partnering with other conservation organizations to advance the bill.

In addition, the chapter amplified partnerships with other conservation organizations, such as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the National Wild Turkey Federation and other smaller nongovernmental organizations.

This spring, the chapter completed a wetland restoration project with Conservation Equity Partners, a local SFA alumni-owned environmental consulting firm. Through this partnership, the chapter planted more than 5,000 trees and gave away approximately 10,000 trees to the public.

“The students involved with the SFA student chapter of The Wildlife Society are outstanding ambassadors for SFA and are well known for their willingness to serve the profession and the community,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

The SFA chapter also donated a portion of its annual fundraising proceeds to assist a newly formed student chapter of The Wildlife Society at another Texas university.

“This award recognizes the hard work of the highly motivated and professional students we have in our program,” said Dr. Daniel Scognamillo, associate professor of forest wildlife management and faculty advisor for the SFA student chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Winning chapters receive a plaque, as well as a $1,000 travel grant to attend the annual Wildlife Society Conference. The name of the chapter also will be added to a permanent plaque on display at The Wildlife Society’s headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. The SFA student chapter will be recognized at the national conference held virtually in September.

To learn more about the SFA student chapter of The Wildlife Society, its mission and current initiatives, email sfasuthewildlifesociety@gmail.com.

–Courtesy of the Stephen F. Austin State University News and Media Center.

Summer Mosquitoes

By
Cary Sims
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One result of this current Covid-19 mess is the increased amount of time that I spend on our back porch in the mornings. I also share that back porch with far to many mosquitoes.

Recent rains have promoted (or soon will promote) an increase in mosquito populations. Mosquitoes not only irritate and annoy us, but they also can transmit many diseases.

To control mosquitoes effectively around the home, it helps to know about their lifecycle. Mosquitoes have four distinct stages during their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa and adult. They can complete this life cycle in as little as to 10 days, depending on food availability, weather conditions and the species of mosquito.

Egg stage: Mosquito eggs may be laid individually or in clusters on the surface of water or individually in dry locations that are subject to periodic flooding. Some mosquito eggs can remain dormant in dry conditions for many months.

Larva stage: Mosquito eggs hatch into larvae called wigglers, which are seldom more than 1/2 inch long. Wigglers have a small head, an enlarged thorax (center body section) and a long cylindrical abdomen. Wigglers live in the water. Most of them feed on microscopic plants, animals and organic debris suspended in the water.

Pupal stage: Mosquito pupae do not feed. They spend most of their time at the water surface and tend to move only when disturbed.

Adult stage: Unlike the other stages, adult mosquitoes live on land and are winged. The males feed only on nectar, plant juices and other sources of liquid carbohydrates. Female mosquitoes also feed periodically on nectar, plant sap and other sources of plant carbohydrates for energy.

However, females of most mosquito species require a blood meal as a source of protein before they produce eggs.

Some adult mosquitoes seldom travel more than 200 yards from the breeding sites; other species can travel for more than a mile. This ability to travel long distances can create problems in management.

Homeowners in East Texas do have some means to alleviate mosquito problems around their homes. First, eliminate breeding sites for larvae by reducing standing water that provides breeding sites. Drain water from flower pots, bird baths, rain gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, pet dishes, livestock watering troughs, etc. at least once a week.

Fill holes or depressions in trees or drain them after each rain by drilling holes into the tree.

Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets. Mow tall grass or reduce the amount of brush and other foliage in your area to reduce the resting sites for adult mosquitoes.

For temporary relief in yards or high traffic areas, use fog treatments or surface treatments of insecticides that are labeled for that use and apply them following directions on the product label.

Once you have tried to eliminate breeding sites, use screening in your homes and pet kennels. Keep the screens in good repair and be sure that they seal around the frames of the door or window.

If possible, schedule outdoor activities during times when mosquitoes are not active. Mosquito species that are active at dusk and dawn can often be avoided. Species that bite throughout the day are more difficult to avoid.

Use repellents whenever in a mosquito infested location. Products that contain DEET have been shown to be the most reliable repellents. For short-term relief in outdoor areas such as patios and picnic areas, use a fogger and citronella candles as a deterrent.

In water you simply cannot drain, use mosquito fish or other fish species in permanent bodies of water whenever the water will support them. Mosquito fish can be found in other ponds, pet shops or bait stores. I use the inexpensive goldfish from the local pet stores in our backyard water feature and have had good results.

One natural bacterial control is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) found in products such as Mosquito Dunks treat permanent water bodies to eliminate larvae.

You can use oil treatments on the surface of standing water to kill larvae. Use commercial products according to the instructions on the product label. Be aware that other organisms in the water body may be affected by the treatment.

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