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Volunteers Make Major Contributions to CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial

By
Ezra McMullen
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Pictured from left to right: Cheryl Ellisor, PT, DPT, Practice Manager; Jean Mizell, Volunteer; Gloria Gregory, Volunteer; Charlotte Huffstetler, PTA; and Lauren Hable, PTA.
Pictured from left to right: Kathy Roodzant-Beck, PT; Gloria Gregory, Volunteer; Charlotte Huffstetler, PTA; Lauren Hable, PTA; Paige Mundt, SPTA; Jean Mizell, Volunteer; Neemisha Rowjee, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT; Sandy Kraemer, OT; and Cheryl Ellisor, PT, DPT, Practice Manager.

The CHI St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Volunteer Auxiliary in Lufkin recently donated more than $22,000 in equipment to the Memorial Outpatient Therapy Center and Women’s Center.

More than $11,000 in equipment was purchased for the Memorial Outpatient Therapy Center, including a treatment table, a treadmill and a total and upper body exerciser.

Cheryl Ellisor, PT, Practice Manager for Outpatient Therapy, said the treatment table will allow her staff to accommodate more patients comfortably in the therapy gym, reduce wait times, and increase efficiency for the staff. The center’s treadmill was more than 20 years old and the upper body exerciser was nearly at the point of disrepair.

Over the past year, the Volunteer Auxiliary has provided more than $15,000 in equipment to the Outpatient Therapy Center.

Pictured from left to right: Kathy Roodzant-Beck, PT; Gloria Gregory, Volunteer; Charlotte Huffstetler, PTA; Lauren Hable, PTA; Paige Mundt, SPTA; Jean Mizell, Volunteer; Neemisha Rowjee, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT; Sandy Kraemer, OT; and Cheryl Ellisor, PT, DPT, Practice Manager.

My Five Cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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Don’t forget the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming November election is October 9th. Early voting will be from October 22nd through November 6th. If you have not registered to vote or have questions about your registration, Please visit www.votetexas.gov or call 1.800.252.VOTE (8683).

Here are five things happening around your state this month:

1. Teacher Retirement System

In August, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees considered raising the premiums by $50 a month for TRS-Care, which is the health insurance program provided to retired teachers in the state. This was proposed, due to a projection in August that TRS would have a $410 million shortfall in their budget in fiscal year 2021 if premiums were not raised.

While TRS has put into place cost containment measures to lower this shortfall, measures must be taken to ensure it is made whole. With the premiums not being raised, the Legislature must come back during the upcoming legislative session, as they have in previous sessions, and find ways to adequately funds TRS-Care and cover the shortfall. I will be working very closely with other members of the Legislature to ensure we are providing the benefits these teachers have earned.

2. Border Security

At the end of August, the Texas Veterans Affairs and Border Security Committee met to hear testimony on interim charges related to border security. These included studying opportunities to create public safety partnerships, and how a partnership between state, local and federal governments to enforce federal immigration laws can be implemented. They also reviewed cross training programs offered in other states which allow U.S. Border Patrol agents to be certified as state peace officers, and how Texas could implement this program.

One thing that is often not thought of when discussing border security, is invasive species such as Carrizo cane. This plant, which as been compared to bamboo but thicker, can grow along the

riverbanks and get so high it can serve as a natural shelter for those who may be smuggling arms, or human trafficking. The committee looked at ways to eradicate these invasive species.

3. Superintendent Tour

As I mentioned in my last column, I have begun meeting with the superintendents from the 101 school districts within Senate District 3. These meetings provide me an opportunity to hear their concerns and ideas, and helps me to know where my focus should be in the upcoming legislative session. Things I have heard so far include ensuring Career and Tech courses, which are appropriate for rural areas, are recognized and count towards a school districts funding and accountability. We also discussed teachers health insurance and retirement, adequate and equitable funding for schools, school safety measures, and the recruitment and retention of teachers.

I am grateful to all who have attended for taking the time to meet with me, and I will continue to work to ensure we are providing our students with an education that will help them succeed in their future careers and lives.

4. Exploring Dual Credit

The Texas Senate Higher Education and Education Committees met towards the beginning of September to discuss dual credit opportunities across the state. They looked at the impact of House Bill 505, which was passed in the 84th Legislative Session and took away the limit of how many dual credit courses a student may take and in what grade they must be in. The committee also discussed how to improve advising for students in dual credit programs to ensure students are taking the right courses, and that they will be able to transfer to the higher education institutions of their choice. These findings will be used to put together legislation in the upcoming 86th Session, which begins in January.

5. NASA Aerospace Scholars

NASA’s Johnson Space Center has announced they are currently accepting applications for Texas High School Aerospace Scholars. Those selected will utilize their mathematics, science, technology and engineering skills by participating in interactive lessons on NASA activities related to space exploration, earth science, and aeronautics. Students who are successful in the program will have the opportunity for an onsite summer experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to take part in briefings by NASA engineers and scientists, and a hands-on design challenge to plan a mission to Mars.

High school juniors who are U.S. citizens and Texas residents must submit their applications by the deadline of October 22, 2018. More information and applications for this exciting program are available at http://HAS.aerospacescholars.org.

How Parents Can Achieve Work-Life Balance

By
Statepoint
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In the pursuit of having more time to spend with their families, an increasing number of working parents are requesting flexible working options from their employers, suggests new research.

Often referred to as “co-working,” a flexible workspace offers individuals and employees a productive and collaborative environment to work. Co-working has risen in popularity over the past decade and new research from flexible workspace provider, Regus, found that 85 percent of working parents would forfeit other benefits to take up flexible working, with 81 percent surveyed believing the top benefit is a better work-life balance.

The growth of flexible workspace means that people increasingly have access to these locations no matter where they are, offering users the potential to skip a long commute and work closer to home. So, what would parents do with that extra time? According to the Regus survey, the number one activity parents would spend their time on, instead of commuting, is being with family (71 percent), followed by having “me-time,” like taking a long bath or meeting friends (38 percent).

Employers should take note, as flexible working options are a top priority for employed parents. Ninety-six percent of working parents say that they would work for an employer that provides flexible working as part of a benefits package and 74 percent say they are willing to take on a different job if it offered a range of working locations.

Looking to make the switch? Regus is sharing top tips to incorporate flexible working into your current employment situation:

• Negotiate: If this option is not yet offered by your employer, negotiate. See if you can swap one benefit you may not use. For example, 85 percent of working parents reported that they are willing to work through their lunchbreak, and 85 percent would forfeit other benefits, like a company gym membership, to take up flexible working.

• Think creatively about location: Commuting isn’t only about the time spent traveling from your front door to the office. It may be better for you to be near your child’s school or daycare, or near a client, rather than your main office. Flexible working can make this shift possible.

• Banish the 9 to 5: For many parents, a 9 to 5 schedule doesn’t match that of their child. To get the most of flexible working, see if you can adapt your schedule with a late start and late finish, or early start and early finish. Or, throw the schedule out the window and focus on delivering results.

• Flex your flexible working: If you can’t make the switch to full-time flexible working, see if you can have this option available in emergencies, such as a gap in childcare or a tight schedule.

“Parents especially struggle to ensure their careers and personal lives exist in harmony,” says Michael Berretta, vice president of Network Development for IWG, the parent company of Regus. “Using flexible workspace can allow for a schedule that better fits around personal commitments, and employers can expect more working parents to ask for this option.”

To learn more visit, www.regus.com.

Working parents have a lot to juggle and finding the right balance can be a challenge, but there are more opportunities than ever to add flexibility to their schedules.

-Statepoint

Texas Forestry Museum’s Canning Lecture

By
Ezra McMullen
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The Texas Forestry Museum will hold an adult lecture on Monday, October 8th at 6 pm. Don Flournoy will talk about his upcoming book about growing up in Shawnee Prairie and Manning, Texas. At the end of the discussion, you will be able to ask Mr. Flournoy any questions that you have about the topic. This event is free to the public. If you would like to attend please RSVP at 936-632-9535 by Friday, October 5th. Photos will be taken at the event for promotional materials.

The Texas Forestry Museum, a private non-profit organization, is located at 1905 Atkinson Dr. in Lufkin. We are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except major holidays. For more information on the Texas Forestry Museum and its scheduled events, please call 936-632-9535 or visit our website at www.treetexas.com.

New Projects Beginning In Angelina County

By
Joshua Blackwell
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LUFKIN – Pre-construction meetings were held last week in the Lufkin Area Office signaling the beginning of two new construction projects designed to enhance safety in the Lufkin District.
Work on US 59 South from SL 287 in Lufkin to the Polk County line, and on US 69 North, from SH 103 to the Cherokee County line will begin this week. The project will include improving and upgrading guardrails to design standards. B&E Construction, Hallsville, TX, will serve as contractor for the $1.6 million project. Project completion is set for 11 months, weather permitting.
A construction project is also scheduled to begin next week on FM 324 in Angelina County. The work will include improving guardrails to design standards and safety treating fixed objects from Pershing Avenue in Lufkin to US 59 South. AR Brothers, San Augustine, TX, will serve as contractor for the $533,772 construction project. Work is expected to conclude in nine months, weather permitting.
As these projects begin, motorists should stay alert to workers and moving equipment, and expect delays and lane closures as work progresses. Reduce speed and obey all traffic control devices. Work schedules are subject to change in inclement weather.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

Angelina College Bands in Concert Oct. 2

By
Joshua Blackwell
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LUFKIN, TEXAS,  The Angelina College Swingin’ Road Runner Jazz Combo will team up with the AC Chamber Winds for a concert Oct. 2 at 7:30 in Hudgins Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors, students and children.

The jazz combo will play selections by Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.

Members of the jazz combo are Daniel Kaiser, of Lufkin, on trombone; Kara Glover, of Huntington, on alto sax; Trevor Curtis, of Hudson, on alto sax; Andrea Leamanm, of Crockett, on trumpet; Morgan Robertson, of Groveton, on trumpet; David Evett, of San Augustine, on drum set; Qurdale Huff, of Clarksville, on bass; and Earl Howell, of Corrigan, on guitar.

The AC Chamber Winds, under the direction of Jimmy Battle, will perform “Fire Dance,” by David Shaffer; “Lord of the Dance,” by Ronan Hardiman and arranged by Johnnie Vinson; “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” both by Goeff Zanelli and arranged by Johnnie Vinson.

Members of the chamber winds are Trevor Curtis, of Hudson, on clarinet; Kara Glover, of Huntington, on alto saxophone; Kylie Briggs, of Lufkin, on trumpet; Andrea Leaman, of Crockett, on trumpet; Breossha Skinner, of Diboll, on baritone;

Morgan Robertson, of Groveton, on trumpet; Rose Wilson, of Diboll, on flute; special guest Bethe Girardi, of Lufkin, on baritone saxophone; and Director Jimmy Battle, of Lufkin, on bass trombone.

For more information about this event or the music program at Angelina College, email lgreer@angelina.edu or call (936) 633-5233.

Guidelines for Placing Political Signage

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – As mid-term elections draw near, candidates and their supporters are once again posting signs of support. The Texas Department of Transportation would like to remind candidates that election law dictates where campaign signs can be placed along Texas roadways.

“We are beginning to see a lot of signs along the right of ways prior to the November election and we want everyone to be aware that we are required to remove signage of any kind when it is placed on the right of way,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District.

Posting signage on public lands is illegal. Anyone posting a sign should remember that it is illegal to place any signs on the right of way. This includes posting signs on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the right of way. TxDOT urges candidates and their supporters to remember:

-Campaign signs along Texas roads can be placed on private property with the owner’s permission.

-Signs must be made of lightweight material and be no larger than 50 square feet.

-Campaign signs may be posted as early as 90 days before an election (no earlier) and must be removed within 10 days after the election.

-Before placing a sign in an incorporated city limits, check city for applicable ordinances.

-If a sign is placed in the right of way or poses a traffic hazard, it will be removed. All costs associated with sign removal will be paid by the sign owner.

For more information, visit the Texas Election Code, section 255.007, or the Texas Transportation Code, chapters 392 and 393.

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

AC Soccer Teams Earn Home Sweep of Jacksonville – Three Players Notch Hat Tricks in Conference Wins

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Othonn Ruy nails a penalty kick for the first of his four goals in Sunday’s match against Jacksonville College. The Roadrunners took an 8-2 win over the Jaguars at Abe Martin Stadium in Lufkin. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Angelina College’s Jerissa Grimes (10) tees off for one of her three goals in Sunday’s win over Jacksonville College. Grimes finished with a hat trick to lead AC to a 10-0 win over the Lady Jaguars at Abe Martin Stadium in Lufkin. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)

Maybe it was a matter of playing on a drier turf, or perhaps it simply was a case of taking out frustrations over losing streaks. Whatever the reasons, both Angelina College soccer teams came out fast and furious in taking a pair of Sunday wins over Jacksonville College.

Playing on the field at Abe Martin Stadium rather than on the sodden grass and mud at Jase Magers Field, both the women and men each exploded offensively, with the Lady Roadrunners taking a 10-0 win and the Roadrunners capturing an 8-2 win in conference play.

Jerissa Grimes scored a hat trick for the ladies, netting all three of her goals in the first half. Italli Suarez added two goals, Jade Dewbre scored her 15th of the season and Gabriel Bradford, Sasha Moreira, Jasmin Keller and Stephany Lopez each added goals in breaking a two-game losing streak – both to nationally ranked teams – for the Lady Roadrunners. AC’s ladies (6-4, 4-3) moved into sole possession of third place in Region XIV behind undefeated Tyler and Navarro.

In the men’s contest, Othonn Ruy sparked a win against his former team – he spent his freshman season in 2017 with the Jaguars – with a sparkling four-goal effort. Teammate Jesus Cerda added the first hat trick of his career, and Josue Salazar added his third goal of the season in the win. Damian Ramirez assisted on two of AC’s goals as the Roadrunners claimed their first conference win of the season.

Jacksonville’s only goals came via penalty kicks, both from Leonardo Santos.

Both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners will spend the weekend in Mississippi, taking on Mississippi Gulf Coast College on Saturday and Pearl River College on Sunday. The teams will resume conference play on Saturday, Oct. 6 at home against Northeast Texas Community College.

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

Día de los Muertos Fiesta – Downtown Nacogdoches

By
Ezra McMullen
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The Nacogdoches Public Library is hosting the 6th annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta in downtown Nacogdoches on Saturday, November 3rdfrom 4-8 pm. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated throughout Mexico in various forms, from family visits to cemeteries, building an altar with food and treats for the deceased, to parades, and more. The event in Nacogdoches will combine many features of this tradition. The Convention and Visitors Center will be open to display altars and memory boards. Red House Winery will also open its doors to revelers. The street festival will also feature food vendors, arts and crafts, a costume contest, and special entertainment by Chikawa Aztec Dancers, Son de México dancers, Ketzali dancers, Juan Carlos Ureña and Jeana Paul-Ureña, Starr Avenue, mariachis, and others. This year’s celebration will also includes a display of ofrendas (altars) and a concurso de calaveras (rhyming poems that mock death).

For information about vendor opportunities, submitting an altar, or submitting a calaveras poem, please call library staff at 936-559-2970.

Mushrooms, Fertilizer, Fire Ants, Lime, and Stopping Spring Weeds.

By
Cary Sims
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Fall is a unique time for lawn management. As of this writing, there are only about 60 days until the average first frost. The lawn should be winding down but we still have to mow until cooler temperatures and shorter days stop the grass from growing.

Following the recent rains, I have noticed some mushrooms growing in my lawn. The mushrooms are not really a problem but I don’t care for them in my yard. One excellent gardener that lives just south of Lufkin, told me at church last week that she counted 27 mushrooms in her yard! And she notified me that they wouldn’t last long either!

Mushrooms are kind of a compliment, albeit unwanted. To me, their presence merely implies that you have been receiving plenty of rain and that you have some nutrient content in your lawn’s soil.

And regarding your soils nutrient content, I would bet on it being too late to fertilize for the remainder of the year. The “winter-izer fertilizer” sounds like a good idea and can be, so long as it is put out well before the lawn goes dormant.

Think of it in this manner: Do you want to get supper at 11:00 pm? That would be a little late, wouldn’t it? Yep, putting out fertilizer at about the time that the lawn is transitioning to dormancy for the winter is certainly feeding it too late.

“But what about lime?” you say. Truly lime, is not a fertilizer per se but a material that you use to change the pH of the soil. We apply it in the fall months so that this ground up limestone rock will have time to react with the soil and create a more favorable growing condition for the soil come spring.

We lime soils to reduce acidity. On the pH scale you learned in high school chemistry, pH can range from 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is acidic and anything above 7 is alkaline.

We want to bring a low pH closer to the neutral value of 7 because that allows for the nutrients in the soil be more available. A value from 6.5 to 7.0 is considered ideal for most lawns and plants.

Lastly, if you want to have the most control of fire ants, over the largest area, with the most minimal input, strongly consider applying a broadcast treatment of fire ant bait in the fall. Joe Rich reminded me that I suggested that to him months ago.

Keeping with an old marketing campaign against fire ants: Tackle them in the Fall. I hope you caught the football analogy, because it works. When football season is upon us, you can “tackle” them with a broadcasted fire ant bait that they will take to their mounds as a food store for the winter. Then while winter wears on, they will feed upon it thus greatly reducing their numbers. According to some studies, if properly applied in the fall, you’ll see 90 to 95% reduction in fire ant mounds come spring. Just be sure to treat as large an area as possible.

Looking ahead, the Angelina County Master Gardeners will be holding their annual Fall Plant Sale this Saturday, September 29. It will be in the Angelina County Farmers Market with gates opening at 8 am. Natives and well adapted plants will be featured. There is a limited amount of plants so be sure to come earlier in the morning as we tend to sell out well before lunch. Email the address below or stop by our office to get a complete listing of plants that will be for sale.

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