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Three Roadrunners Sign to Play at Next Level Norman, Janacek, Jackson Moving Up

By
Gary Stallard
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Three members of the Angelina College Roadrunner basketball teams signed their letters of intent on Monday. Kevin Norman (left) signed with Jacksonville University, Hunter Janacek (center) signed with Houston Baptist University and Lufkin native Kenan Jackson signed to play at Jarvis Christian College. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)

Angelina College first-year head men’s basketball coach Nick Wade and assistant coach Zac Kircher led the Roadrunners to a surprising – for some – inaugural year, with AC finishing with an 18-14 record and a No. 2 seed in the Region XIV conference tournament’s East Zone. The team did so despite returning just one starting sophomore from the previous season.

On Monday, the coaching staff saw some of the fruits of its labor, with three players signing letters of intent to play collegiately at the next level.

Kevin Norman signed with Jacksonville University in Florida, Hunter Janacek signed with Houston Baptist University and Kenan Jackson of Lufkin signed with Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas.

For Janacek, the decision to play for HBU came about while he was still in high school, as the Huskies expressed an interest in him then.

“My family will get to see me play nearly every game, and that was important to me,” Janacek said. “The same staff is in place there, and they’ve been recruiting me since I was a sophomore in high school.”

Janacek, who shot 35.3 percent (65 of 184) from three-point range in 2018-2019, said playing for Wade and Kircher helped add another important element to his overall game.

“These guys really pushed me to get better defensively, and that was something I needed to improve,” Janacek said. “I feel they helped make me a better all-around player.”

Jackson, from Lufkin, also felt the draw of playing close to home when choosing Jarvis.

“It’s close to home, and I wanted my mom to get to see me play my last two years,” Jackson said. “I know Jarvis has a fast-paced program, and I like that style of play.”

Jackson credited the AC staff for pushing him to improve in both athletics and academics.

“They stayed on me about taking care of my class work, and to get better in every part of my life,” Jackson said. “That’s why I came to AC, to get better at everything.”

Norman, the team’s leading scorer and a 1st Team All-Region selection, will take his versatility to a Jacksonville University Dolphins team coming off a 12-20 season.

Wade said the three players embodied what the program is trying to instill with every member.

“First and foremost, those are great individuals and human beings,” Wade said. “They’ve been raised right and come from great families, so I don’t worry about them. Sometimes coming to a junior college program is just about being tough and figuring things out about yourself you may not know. It’s not for everybody, and those guys definitely withstood the test of time.

“They’ve been coached hard, and they know how to compete. They’ll play to the best of their abilities, and they’ll be great teammates and students. That’s all we can ask of them.”

The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Roadrunners Rout Paris in Home Finale AC Awaits Final Seeding for Upcoming Conference Tournament

By
Gary Stallard
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Trent Brown: Angelina College shortstop Trent Brown (5) goes low for a pickoff throw during Monday’s game with Paris College. The Roadrunners closed out the regular season with a 15-0 win in five innings at Roadrunner Field. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)

Regular-season finale and final home game of the year – and the Angelina College Roadrunners closed the park in style.

AC scored five runs in the first and eight in the second in cruising to a 15-0 win over Paris College in five innings.

Rylan Meek’s two-run homer was part of that eight-run second inning, but the ‘Runners did most of their damage via small ball: All five runs in the first came from two-out singles.

Wes Gafford pitched three scoreless innings to earn the win, and Drew Shiflett and Dalton Roblin each retired all three batters they faced in relief.

With the win, the Roadrunners (31-19, 16-14) clinch the third seed for the Region XIV’s East Zone. The conference tournament is scheduled to open Saturday at Lamar University in Beaumont. Final pairings and schedules will be announced later.

The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

AC Baseball, Softball Teams Closing out Regular Season at Home No. 14 Lady ‘Runners Playing at Hudson High School, ‘Runners Celebrating Sophomore Day

By
Gary Stallard
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Baseball sophomores: The Angelina College Roadrunners will host a Sophomore Day ceremony prior to Sunday’s doubleheader with Paris College. The ‘Runners close out the regular season with the three-game series scheduled to conclude on Monday. (Gary Stallard photo)

The season’s long grind is winding down for both the Angelina College baseball and softball teams, with both groups wrapping up the regular season this weekend.

Thankfully for both, the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners already have qualified for the post-season.

The No. 14 Lady Roadrunners, with a season record of 36-8, 21-5 have locked down the second seed in the Region XIV East Zone. AC’s ladies will host third-place Bossier Parish Community College on Sunday, with rains forcing the doubleheader to take place at Hudson High School in Lufkin.

The Region XIV conference tournament will kick off on Friday, May 11 at Angelina College. The tourney will run through Monday, May 13, with two teams playing for the chance to enter the national tournament taking place starting May 22 in St. George, Utah starting.

The Roadrunner baseball squad (29-18, 14-13) also has clinched a spot in the upcoming conference tournament, but the team’s seeding still remains up in the air. AC will host Paris College in a three-game series starting on Sunday. A doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. will take place at Hudson High School; the teams will wrap up the series on Monday with a single game tentatively scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

Having locked in a post-season berth, the ‘Runners are hoping to improve their position with wins over Paris. AC currently is tied for third in the East Zone with Bossier Parish, three games behind second-place Panola College; depending on the series’ outcome, the Roadrunners could finish as either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed in the conference tournament taking place next weekend at Lamar University in Beaumont. With Panola facing BPCC Sunday and Monday, the possibility exists of a three-way tie record-wise for that second seed.

Prior to Sunday’s first game, the Roadrunner baseball team will honor its sophomores in a Sophomore Day ceremony.

Georgia-Pacific Helping Students to Excel in the Classroom with Power Hour Contribution

By
Joshua Blackwell
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Georgia-Pacific Diboll Lumber Plant Manager Danny Wright listens to Boys and Girls Club member Kade Rivera read a book during the Club’s Power Hour program. For the second consecutive year GP is making a $5000 investment in the non-profit’s after school program.

Georgia-Pacific is teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club of Diboll to help students succeed in the classroom. For the second consecutive year, the local forest products company is contributing $5000 to support the Club’s “Power Hour,” a program that pairs students with academic mentors in an after-school study hall.

“Whether it is helping a child read, work a math problem or sharpen writing skills, Power Hour is designed to help students master core subjects and ultimately be successful in school,” said Steve Davidson, Boys and Girls Club of Deep East Texas Executive Director. “Without caring mentors and coaches to help club members with their homework, we would have kids at a greater risk of falling behind in their studies,” said Davidson. “Georgia-Pacific is contributing the financial resources we need for supplies, equipment and personnel for this program”

According to Georgia-Pacific Diboll Lumber Plant Manager Danny Wright, the Boys and Girls Club’s mission to enhance the lives of area youth through leadership and education is a key focus area for the Georgia-Pacific Foundation. “It is important that we invest in our future leaders and give them the resources that will provide a foundation to build upon,” said Wright. “We are proud to be a Boys and Girls Club partner and we applaud the incredible work provided by their staff and mentors.”

In addition to the Boys and Girls Club Diboll investment, Georgia-Pacific also offers support to the organization’s Polk County club.

Established in 1958, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation sets aside resources to improve life in the communities where the company operates. GP 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.

The Boys and Girls Club is located on First Street in Diboll and is open to all school-aged children. For more information about enrollment and how your child can get involved contact 936-829-5711.

AC Teams Earn Sunday Splits No. 14 Lady ‘Runners, Roadrunners Win Openers

By
Gary Stallard
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Dillon Nesbit Celebration: Teammates swarm Dillon Nesbit (12) after his walk-off single gave Angelina College a 1-0 win over Paris College in Sunday’s opener. The Roadrunners fell 10-7 in the nightcap. (Gary Stallard photo)

Both the Angelina College softball and baseball teams earned splits on Sunday, with the No. 14 Lady Roadrunners winning 3-2 before falling 14-10 to Bossier Parish Community College, and the Roadrunners winning a 1-0 thrilling over Paris College before dropping a 10-7 decision in the late game.

All four games took place at Hudson High School.

In the Roadrunners’ opener, starting pitcher Sean Bergeron followed his first junior-college no-hitter (notched last week) with a two-hit, complete-game gem over the Dragons. However, Paris pitching frustrated the ‘Runners all game long, with AC managing just three hits over the first six innings. The teams were locked in a scoreless tie heading into the final inning.

But in the ‘Runners’ last at-bat, JoJo Munoz drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on Trent Brown’s sacrifice bunt. The Dragons brought in a lefty from the bullpen, and AC head coach Jeff Livin responded with right-handed pitcher Dillon Nesbit. Nesbit drove the second pitch he saw to deep left center to score Munoz for the walk-off win on Sophomore Day.

Paris took the 10-7 win in the nightcap despite homers from Roadrunners Taylor Meaux and Sawyre Thornhill.

Just across the parking lot of Hudson High School, the 14th-ranked Lady Roadrunners faced BPCC’s Lady Cavaliers. Trailing 2-0 heading into the fifth inning, the Lady ‘Runners got a three-run homer from Nikki Whitehead – her first of two in the doubleheader – to take a 3-2 win. Whitehead also homered in the nightcap to finish the two games having gone 4-for-7 at the plate.

The Roadrunners (30-19, 15-14) will close out their regular season on Monday with a single, nine-inning game against Paris. The team will announce the game location on Monday: The teams will either play at Roadrunner Field or again at Hudson High School.

The Lady Roadrunners (37-9, 22-6) wrapped up their regular season on Sunday and will enter the upcoming conference tournament as the No. 2 seed in the East Zone.

The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

2019-2020 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES BRINGS THE WORLD TO LUFKIN

By
Joshua Blackwell
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The Angelina Arts Alliance announced its upcoming 2019-2020 Temple Theater Performing Arts Series to the public today at 12 noon at the Lufkin/Angelina county Chamber of Commerce First Friday luncheon at Crown Colony Country Club.

The Angelina Arts Alliance is celebrating its 19th year of presenting world-renowned performing arts in Lufkin. In conjunction with the 2019-2020 season announcement, the Arts Alliance will begin accepting requests for season ticket subscriptions. Becoming a season ticket holder means having the same seat – guaranteed – for all eight performances within the Temple Theater Performing Arts Series, and never having to wait in line hoping to get tickets only to discover the show is sold out.

Each new season the Angelina Arts Alliance seems to raise the bar in terms of exceptional programming, and the 2019-2020 Season does just that. The new season line-up will literally bring the best performing arts from around the world right here in Lufkin, Texas. The new season represents a diverse array of performing arts genres and represents the community where we live.

“We are incredibly proud to present another amazing season full of high-quality, diverse performing arts from around the world. There is something for everyone in the 2019-2020 Season and we expect to sell-out every show. Get your tickets as soon as possible,” said Jennifer Allen, Angelina Arts Alliance Executive Director.

THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND – Saturday, September 7, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

From his Dove Award-winning gospel albums to his genre-defining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor to young artists and still a road warrior at age 80, Charlie has parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children and others in need.

With more than 20 million albums sold, Charlie Daniels is a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry, Musicians Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame. Charlie Daniels is best known for his many top ten hits, including “Long Haired Country Boy,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” “In America,” “The Legend of Wooley Swamp,” and, of course, his signature song , “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1979.

TAJ EXPRESS: A BOLLYWOOD MUSICAL REVUE – Saturday, October 19, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Taj Express explodes with the sounds of India and Bollywood, capturing the vibrant, expressive spirit of the world of Bollywood movies that have been entertaining billions of people in India for generations. Through a fusion of film, dance, and music, this dazzling international sensation takes audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society. The production is a high energy celebration of new India’s pop music, Bollywood culture, and deep traditions featuring colorful costumes, joyful dance, and thrilling live music.

GEORGIA ON MY MIND: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES – Thursday, November 21, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Ray Charles, a Georgia native son, was an American treasure. He transcended racism, cultural upheavals, and spread his music based on Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Country around the world… he was a genius! Boasting iconic tunes from the catalogue of the genius himself, the artists make each song a winning part of the tapestry that is Ray Charles’ music. Ray won every major award, from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Walk of Fame… from the Kennedy Honors to a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This show celebrates Ray’s music with an all-star cast of award-winning performers including:

• Emmy Award Winner and Grammy Nominee – Clint Holmes

• 10-time Grammy Award Winner, 10-time Dove Award Winner, Soul Train Award Winner, 2-time NAACP Image Award nominated, & Gospel Music Hall of Fame – Take 6

• 6-time Grammy nominated vocalist – Nnenna Freelon

• Grammy Award Winner and recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for his musical excellence, including three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and winner of two Stellar Awards, Gospel music’s highest honor – Kirk Whalum

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL – Friday, December 13, 2019, 7:00 p.m.

(Season Option – Add On Performance) Standard Version with Credits: The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Script adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain.

THE FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, FEATURING LUFKIN NATIVE HANNAH ROBERTS HOLIDAY CONCERT – Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is deeply committed to uniting its community through performance,education and outreach, reaching an audience of more than 200,000 annually. Since its beginnings in 1912, the FWSO has been an essential thread in the city’s cultural fabric and the very foundation of Fort Worth’s performing arts. Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya, now in his 19th season at the artistic helm of the FWSO, has led the orchestra into the 21st century to new levels of excellence. Under his leadership, the FWSO has performed at Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As the principal resident company of the acoustically superb Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, the Orchestra performs a full season of concerts featuring internationally-acclaimed guest artists and works by living composers. The FWSO keeps exceptional musical experiences at the heart of its community. After all—life is better with music!

Lufkin native Hannah Roberts is thrilled to return to the Angelina Arts Alliance. A graduate of Carnegie MellonUniversity and the Eastman School of Music, Hannah resides in Houston, where she has performed with the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ballet, the Houston-based chamber choir Cantare, and Christ Church Cathedral. She received the Encouragement Award at the Houston-district Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was a finalist in the Jessie Kneisel Lieder Competition. Hannah last appeared for the Angelina Arts Alliance in 2016 with the Mercury Chamber Orchestra, performing two Mozart concert arias. She is thrilled to return to sing with the world-class Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Hannah is the daughter of Dr. Sid Roberts of Lufkin.

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO – Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

For over 50 years, South Africa’s four-time Grammy Award winner, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with their uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves, and charming onstage banter. With a deep respect for both their cultural and personal history, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is ever-evolving with an eye toward their long musical legacy. Since the world discovered their powerful a cappella vocals from Paul Simon’s Graceland album, the original members have welcomed a younger generation in their mission, passing along the tradition of storytelling and spreading a message of peace, love, and harmony to millions of people the world over. The younger members, led by the four sons of group founder Joseph Shabalala, who joined the group almost twenty-five years ago, have infused the group with a youthful energy and the promise of a bright future. It was Nelson Mandela who anointed the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,” a designation the members carry with them with the highest honor.

THE CHOIR OF MAN – Saturday, February 8, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

The runaway hit of numerous international music festivals is hitting the road for its first U.S. tour! Known across the globe as “the ultimate-feel good show,” THE CHOIR OF MAN offers up 90 minutes of indisputable joy! It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s a pint-filled good time set in a working pub (free beer anyone?!?) that combines hair-raising harmonies, high-energy dance, and live percussion with foot-stomping choreography. The multi-talented cast of nine handsome blokes sings everything – pub tunes, folk, Broadway, classic rock – all to roof-raising heights. It’s the best singing, dancing, stomping, pub crawl of a concert you’ll ever attend!

CHEERS!

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS – Saturday, March 7, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

ROMANCE! ADVENTURE! GERSHWIN! WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE! In post-war Paris, romance is in the air and youthful optimism reigns. Gershwin’s soaring melodies are matched by gravity-defying dance as the world rediscovers the power of love in this breathtaking production. Hoping to start a new life, World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan chooses newly-liberated Paris as the place to make a name for himself as a painter. But Jerry’s life becomes complicated when he meets Lise, a young Parisian shop girl with her own secret -and realizes he is not her only suitor. Winner of four Tony Awards and inspired by the Academy Award-winning film, this exquisite production features your favorite Gershwin songs including “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “’S Wonderful,” “But Not for Me,” and “Stairway to Paradise.” Don’t miss this touring Broadway musical!

MOMIX – VIVA MOMIX – Saturday, April 4, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Combining illusion, beauty, magic, fun and inventiveness, VIVA MOMIX features everything MOMIX is known for. Recognized internationally for presenting work of exceptional innovation and physical artistry, MOMIX is a company of dancer-illusionists under the direction of Moses Pendleton. VIVA MOMIX includes a collection of the most iconic pieces from the company’s illustrious repertoire. Surreal, wondrous and massively creative, there’s nothing like MOMIX!

The Angelina Arts Alliance continues its commitment to fun and educational family programming for all ages with its 2019-2020 DISCOVERY SERIES. The new season brings four (4) outstanding performance. Tickets for most performances are $5 for youth and $10 for adults, with the exception of American Girl Live!

DINO-LIGHT – Sunday, September 22, 2019, 2 p.m.

DINO-LIGHT, formerly known as Darwin the Dinosaur, was the recipient of the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant and first feature-length theatrical production created and performed by creators Ian Carney and Corbin Popp.

In this original storyline, a famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away from home, he discovers a wonderful world full of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love.

This glow-in-the-dark adventure is visually amazing and has been praised for its cutting edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance by audiences all over the world.

JUNGLE BOOK – Sunday, November 24, 2019, 2 p.m.

From the creators of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea comes a new theatrical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, re-imagining the classic stories through modern eyes to transport audiences to the world’s jungles. Using a rich sound-scape and immersive multimedia, Jungle Book will feature your favorite characters like you’ve never seen before, and will delve deep into the original themes of the story, and our relationship to the animal kingdom.

POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER – Sunday, January 5, 2020, 2 p.m.

Voted Best Family Show in Vegas! The most beloved family show in the world, featuring European-style circus extravaganza including physical comedy, juggling, acrobats from the Moscow Circus, highly intelligent dogs and even house cats! All our pets are trained using positive reinforcement techniques and enhancing their natural abilities.

Popovich, a fifth generation circus performer who learned early on how to develop strong bonds with animals, has rescued a majority of his performers from shelters all over the country, and has transformed them into Las Vegas stars. He is a gold medal winner in Paris France and a special award winner in Monte Carlo. Gregory and his pets were finalists on “America’s Got Talent”, were guests on TV shows with Jay Leno, David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, was a feature on Animal Planet and many many more. Do not miss this opportunity to see this unique family-friendly show featuring this legendary circus entertainer and his furry friends.

AMERICAN GIRL – LIVE! – Sunday, March 8, 2020, 4 p.m.

Tickets: $20/adults and $10/youth. VIP Tickets are $30/Adults and $20/youth

Experience American Girl® in an all-new musical, coming to a city near you! American Girl Live is a premiere stage production, featuring all-original songs and unforgettable experiences. During an exciting summer away at sleepover camp, bold tales of bravery and friendship come to life for some new friends, iconic American Girl characters lend a hand through story and song. American Girl Live features iconic American Girl characters and brand-new original camper characters as they follow their hearts, share their dreams, and learn the power of friendship.

American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc., a creations company that inspires the wonder of childhood. Headquartered in Middleton, WI, American Girl offers an inspiring world of dolls, content, and experiences that nourish a girl’s spirit and help develop her strength of character. Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty Baby™, WellieWishers™, and American Girl’s classic historical characters. The company sells products through its award-winning catalogue, on americangirl.com, in its proprietary U.S. experiential retail stores, as well as at specialty retailers nationwide. By inspiring girls to be their best, American Girl has earned the loyalty of millions and the praise and trust of parents and educators.

Season subscriptions will be available beginning in June at the Temple Theater box office weekdays, 11 am – 5 pm, or call 936-633-5454 for more information. Remaining single tickets for every show will go on sale August 5, 2019 at 11 am. For more information, about the upcoming 2019-2020 Temple Theater Performing Arts Series visit the Angelina Arts Alliance website at www.angelinaarts.org and follow us on Facebook for up to the minute news and ticket giveaways.

The Angelina Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve the community by presenting a diverse array of performing arts and educational opportunities.

Cantaloupe issues

By
Cary Sims
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Cantaloupe are one of those fruits for which I really do have a fondness. I guess I like them so much because my parents worked so hard to grow them in their own garden when I was growing up.

To be honest, they had a hard time growing them. First was the timing. Cantaloupes take about 80 to 90 days from seed to harvest, making them a longer wait than some other items in the garden. This time frame was one of my folks first challenges.

It seemed that every spring, they inadvertently planted the cantaloupes just at the time when they would be ready as we took our annual family vacation to Colorado. Yep, we were out of state when they were coming ripe.

Now on those years when we did get the timing right, when they waited to plant them so they would be ready upon their return. Of course, there was the issue of watering, or rather having too much water. Our neighbor across the road offered to come and water the garden during the hot, dry summer weeks that we were away.

That was certainly wonderfully generous. But if you know a thing or two about any kind of melons, you know that too much water at the end of the growing period can reduce soluble solids (the sugar content). That is, too much water just before harvest can reduce the wonderful sweet taste.

Needless to say, our neighbor was very, very diligent with the water hose and, alas, we had some poor tasting cantaloupes. Too much water right at the end of the melon’s maturation will certainly lower the quality.

In my garden today, I still have one row left that has not been planted. On one side is peppers and on the other is my seedling winter squash.

I’ve got my timing down, but there’s really not enough room for sprawling vines common to any melon-type plant. My solution? I’m going vertical with them.

I’ve read about vertical gardening for small spaces and have just not had the need to try it my current layout. But I didn’t plan this out and I’m pressed for space. And I really want my own fresh cantaloupe. I have an old welded-wire cattle panel and some T-posts that ought to work.

As the vines grow, I’ll have to weave them up thru the support structure, quite possibly tying them up with sturdy string if they won’t stay. As the cantaloupe fruit starts to develop, gardeners need to provide “hammocks” for them so that they won’t fall off. Indeed, the perfect time to harvest cantaloupes is at “full- slip” when the fruit easily separates from the vine. And since you can’t be there to ascertain the exact date, we support them with netting or old t-shirts cut up.

And for what it’s worth, if you do much research about cantaloupes, you’ll see an awful lot about Muskmelons. Apparently, there is a world of confusion between the two. Simply put, all cantaloupes are muskmelons, but not all muskmelons are cantaloupes.

I wonder if it is more of a regional name. The only places I read about muskmelons are certainly out of state and probably up in the north.

These modern-day melons have come to us as far away as Persia or modern-day Iran. They can smell great and that alone is a great indicator as to when to harvest them. If there is no good smell from the stem scar, then there will be no wonderful tasting fruit.

So, looking ahead 80 – 90 days, I sure hope I’m not on vacation.

An Update from Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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As heavy showers and severe weather continue to stir around the East Texas area, I want to encourage you and your family to take the proper precautions to ensure your safety. If you haven’t already, have a discussion about where to seek shelter in the event of a tornado, and make sure you have plenty of supplies like bottled water and batteries should your water or electricity be affected by inclement weather. Simple precautionary steps such as these can make a real difference in the midst and aftermath of severe weather.

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol. . .

Legislative Update

This week the Texas House passed an historic property tax reform bill that seeks to combat out of control property taxes, while increasing transparency in a process that has historically discouraged taxpayers from getting involved in the tax-rate setting process. In addition to empowering taxpayers with additional information and more opportunities to weigh in with local governments, the bill also works in tandem with the school finance bill that passed earlier in the legislative session to provide property tax relief. The Legislature has recognized how hard it can be for every day Texans to live in their own homes, and I’m proud of the solutions we’ve found to address one of the top issues that Texas property owners have asked their legislators to fix. The differences between the House and Senate property tax bills, as well as the differences in each school finance bill, will now be debated by representatives of each chamber in a conference committee. Over the next couple of weeks, I’m hopeful that we will be able to work out these differences to ensure that we deliver on the commitment we’ve made to bring meaningful change to the property tax system in Texas.

I want to take this opportunity to provide some information about how the legislative process will change as we enter the final stretch of this legislative session. As you may remember from previous columns, every piece of legislation must be voted four times — in a House Committee, on the House Floor, in a Senate Committee, and again on the Senate Floor — before the bill is sent to the Governor’s desk for ultimate approval. After the 60th day of session, legislation is passed from chamber to chamber for consideration. However, after the 122nd day of Session (May 9th for this session), the House must cease consideration of House bills and may only consider Senate bills. Thus, if a House Bill has yet to be voted out of the House by May 9th, the bill will effectively be dead. While this process was put in place to ensure greater cooperation between the two chambers, Legislators will soon find themselves in a sprint towards the finish line of the 140-day marathon, which ends May 27th.

Reminders

The mobile office is on the road this month and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: May 15th from 9am – 11:00am at the Houston County Courthouse in Crockett or from 1:30pm – 3:30pm at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton. You can also come see us on May 22nd from 9am – 11am at the San Augustine Courthouse in San Augustine.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508.

Operation Clean Sweep

By
Joshua Blackwell
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(Front Row l to r) Nathan Pruitt, Reagan Brown, Andy Parish, and David Thelen (Back row l to r) Lee Tamez and Bruce Thompson.

Georgia-Pacific Diboll Particleboard employees recently put their carpentry skills to the test and participated in the Diboll Civic Club’s Operation Clean Sweep project. This annual event assists elderly and disabled homeowners in need with home repairs and yard work.

The Georgia-Pacific team removed aging front entryways on two homes and replaced them with more substantial covered porches. “This is our fifteenth year to participate in Operation Clean Sweep,” said Nathan Pruitt, Georgia-Pacific Diboll Particleboard Human Resource Manager. “We feel it is vital to give back to the community of Diboll, especially to those residents in need.”

Participating in this year’s project are (Front Row l to r) Nathan Pruitt, Reagan Brown, Andy Parish, and David Thelen (Back row l to r) Lee Tamez and Bruce Thompson.

CLOSURE ON FM 2497 IN ANGELINA COUNTY TO CONTINUE AHEAD OF REPAIRS

By
Rhonda Oaks
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FM 2497 in south Angelina County will continue to be closed ahead of predicted heavy rainfall due to flooding issues until repairs can be made.

Crews have placed barricades at Cedar Creek on FM 2497 ahead of the last two storm events as officials work to get plans in place for contractors to begin repairs where flood waters have scoured the bridge columns.

“In a recent routine bridge inspection, it was discovered that the underside of the bridge has some minor damage caused by rising flood waters,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “The decision was made to close the bridge as a precaution whenever heavy rain is predicted. TxDOT will continue setting barricades until those repairs can be made.”

Motorists are urged to take alternate routes when barricades are in place. It is against the law to move or drive around a TxDOT barricade. Stay alert and reduce speed in and near this work zone once work begins. Motorists could experience daily delays or closures as work progresses.

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

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