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Extraordinary Nurse Recognized at Woodland Heights

By
Ezra McMullen
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Lufkin Texas  – Nurses at Woodland Heights Medical Center are being honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ®. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

Erin Ball

The DAISY Award recipient for the second quarter of 2018 is Erin Ball, RN in the Orthopedic Department. Erin has been nominated several times by patients who say she goes above and beyond the call of duty in her care for them.

Her patients describe her as a “joy to be around” and state “Erin shared tips with me that made getting through this ordeal easier.” Another patient describes her as “exceptional”.

“Erin is a great member of the Woodland Heights team,” states Debra Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer at Woodland Heights. “Her dedication and hard work does not go unrecognized and this is why she is chosen as a DAISY Award winner.”

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. There are nomination forms throughout the hospital and also online at WoodlandHeights.net. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Woodland Heights to receive The DAISY Award, which will be presented on a quarterly basis. Each Honoree receives a certificate, sculpture and gift bag/certificate along with banner recognition in their department.

Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Woodland Heights are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

“We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that,” said Taylor.

Safety Tips for Motorists and Students as School Begins

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Schools are preparing to begin the new school year throughout the nine-county Lufkin District and TxDOT wants to remind the public of the law regarding driving through a school zone and near school buses.

Motorists should stay alert to flashing lights in school zones and be prepared to slow down to the posted speed limit when lights are activated. Be prepared to stop during peak travel hours as traffic is directed before and after school hours.

“We encourage parents to have a conversation with their students about school zones and bus safety before school begins,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “The first day of school throughout our nine counties varies this year over about a two-week period, so we are hoping that motorists will be ready and prepared to enter a school zone or approach a school bus. We want everyone to stay alert so everyone stays safe.”

Laws and safety tips to remember for driving through school zones include:
-Cell phone use is banned in active school zones. Anyone using a cell phone could face a fine of up to $200.
-Obey school zone speed limits. Traffic fines double in school zones.
-Student delivery and pick-up should only be done in the school’s designated areas, not in or near the street.
-Be alert to students gathering at bus stops.
-Be alert for students who might dart across the street or between vehicles.
-Laws and safety tips for traveling near a school bus include:

A driver traveling in either direction must stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal. The driver may not proceed until the school bus resumes motion; the bus driver signals to proceed; or the visual signals are no longer activated.

If a road is divided only by a left-turn lane, drivers on both sides of the roadway must stop for school buses while lights are activated. If the travel lanes are separated by an intervening median or physical barrier, only motorists traveling in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.

Violators could face up to a $1,000 fine.

Parents of students who walk or bike to school should also be aware of safe practices and discuss them with their students before school begins. Safety tips for students include:
-Always cross at intersections and designated crosswalks. Look left, right, and then left again before proceeding.
-Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
-Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
-Always obey crossing guards.
-Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

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

Angelina Arts Alliance Seeking Volunteers for 2018-19 Season Sign-Up & Orientation at Temple Theater August 14

By
Ezra McMullen
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LUFKIN TX: Angelina Arts Alliance is seeking volunteers for their 18th season. To learn more about the duties, procedures and details, attend the annual EnCorps Volunteer Orientation & Open House Tuesday, August 14, at 6 pm at the Temple Theater on the Angelina College campus. New and existing volunteers are invited to fill out applications, meet staff members, preview the upcoming season, take a backstage tour, and enjoy free refreshments, thanks to the event sponsor, H.E.B. in Lufkin. Arts Alliance volunteers’ assist with general operations at the theater during productions. Duties include greeting guests, handing out playbills, ushering, collecting ticket stubs, concessions and merchandise.

“The 2018-2019 Performing Arts Series includes two touring Broadway musicals, two country music and western swing artists, one world-renowned jazz group and holiday concert, one unique and amusing dance performance, one night of Celtic delight, and one breathtaking vocalist who garnered a national spotlight from a young age”, said Executive Director Jennifer Allen. “When you include our Discovery Series, and our Schooltime Series, clearly we need a large team of volunteers to make it happen.”

Arts Alliance Volunteer Coordinator Ginger Trotter added “Our EnCorps Volunteer Team ranges in age from 18 to 80 +, students to retirees, and come from a variety of educational and employment backgrounds. Each one donating their time and talent to ensure Angelina Arts Alliance events at the Temple Theater are successful – and in return, our volunteers see our amazing shows … for free!”

Please RSVP for this event by calling Ginger Trotter at 936.633.3220, or email gtrotter@angelina.edu. Visit our website at www.angelinaarts.org to learn more. Like Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook, for news from the performing arts world, and local ticket give-a-ways.

Angelina College Kicks Off Fiftieth Year with Food Truck Fest and Community Involvement Fair

By
Ezra McMullen
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LUFKIN, TEXAS, AUG. 8, 2018 – Angelina College will kick off its fiftieth year celebration with a food truck fest and community involvement fair Aug. 30 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The event is sponsored by AC’s Student Life office and the Student Government Association. “We wanted to have an event that celebrates our fiftieth year and thanks the community for their decades of support,” said Jordan LaCaille, Student Life and Orientation coordinator. “Our goal is to host a family-friendly celebration that not only thanks everyone for their support, but also gives the community a chance to become more involved with local organizations.”

Food trucks expected to attend are Deez Wingz, Snowmies, Brendyn’s BBQ, Shali’s Indian Kitchen, Kona Ice, UR Chef, Taqueria Viejo, El Coco Loco, Say Cheese, and Lupita’s.

Community organizations planning to participate are the Family Crisis Center of East Texas, the Burke Center, Region 5 Prevention Resource Center, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Alzheimer’s Association, Angelina Child and Family Development Association, Harold’s House, The Coalition, Relay For Life, and Habitat for Humanity, The Angelina College Human Resources office will also have a table set up where community members can check out current AC job postings.

The food trucks will be parked in front of the administration building and other activities such as bounce houses, photo booth and DJ will be set up in front of the Student Center and behind the administration building.

Except for the cost of food, this is a free event and is open to the public.

For more information about this event, contact Jordan LaCaille at jlacaille@angelina.edu or (936) 633-3253.

6 Ways to Prepare for a New School Year

By
Statepoint
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Want to ensure the transition from summer to school goes smoothly for your family? Check out these six tips.

1. Make a smooth transition. Been sleeping in all summer? Now’s the time to get your body back into the routine of early mornings. Start slowly, setting the alarm earlier until you reach the time you’ll be waking up for the school year. Parents can assist younger kids with this transition.

2. Get the right education tools. From highlighters to USB drives to loose-leaf paper, be sure you have a comprehensive list of all the school supplies and education tools you’ll need for a successful year ahead. As far as tech tools like graphing calculators are concerned, opt for those that are jam packed with all the latest features. For example, the Casio fx-CG50 offers the ability to draw three dimensional graphs, such as planes, cylinders and spheres, and view them from various angles in order to better analyze their shape. It also features a cross-section option and a special zoom function for in-depth analysis.

3. Organize your agenda. Make sure everyone is ready for the busy year ahead. Plan your children’s participation in after school activities. Then, display relevant items on a calendar where the whole family can see it to ensure no one misses a club meeting, rehearsal or team practice.

4. De-stress. The hectic back-to-school season can create tension and stress. Encourage hobbies that help students unwind as the school year gets back into full swing. For beginners of music, check out new tools that can make the learning process fun and easy, such as Casio’s LK-265 keyboard, which features an LCD display that shows both music notation and correct hand positioning.

5. Get healthy. Crowded classrooms are a good place to pick up germs. Keep kids healthy with a daily multivitamin, plenty of fresh fruits and veggies and lots of sleep. Regular exercise is also an immunity booster, so encourage kids to get active.

6. Adapt to new school resources. Families aren’t the only ones getting ready for back to school. Districts are incorporating the latest tech into classroom learning. Such tools include Casio LampFree Projectors, an eco-friendly technology that gives educators the ability to control the projector from a smartphone or tablet, expanding their ability to create and deliver dynamic lesson plans.

-Statepoint

Rep. Ashby Joins Rural Colleagues in Letters to Sunset Commision

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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AUSTIN – State Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) joined dozens of legislators in two letters to the Texas Sunset Commission, expressing concern over the proposal to close 87 Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices around the state.

In the letters, lawmakers noted that the Commission staff recommendation places an unfair burden on rural communities, as the majority of office closures would occur in counties with only one office, thus leaving many rural counties without a DPS presence. The proposal is reflective of a long-standing tendency to shift resources away from rural areas in a largely unsuccessful attempt to improve efficiency in high volume offices. A recent Dallas Morning News article cites an average wait time of eight hours in the DPS Carrolton ‘mega center.’

“This proposal would drastically decrease access to DPS in my district and in many other rural areas across the state,” said Ashby. “As rural legislators, it is imperative that we voice our concerns with the closure of DPS offices that both provide service and increase safety in our communities.”

Though, procedurally, the recommendations of the Sunset staff serve as a starting point for future discussion, the Legislature will maintain the authority to amend, and ultimately approve, any proposal during the upcoming legislative session. Currently, the Sunset Commission has neither approved nor denied any staff proposal to close DPS offices.

Under the current recommendation, two DPS offices in House District 57 would be affected with one reducing staff and operations, while another would be forced to close indefinitely.

“The approach the Sunset staff has taken is penny wise and pound foolish. Reducing the services, security, and emergency response capabilities that DPS provides to the citizens of Texas just doesn’t make sense. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in expressing our overwhelming opposition to this short-sighted proposal.”

Texas Forestry Museum – Family Day

By
Ezra McMullen
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Lufkin – Come celebrate Family Day at the Texas Forestry Museum on Saturday, August 25th from 10:00 a.m. until Noon. Since it is Timber, the museum mascot’s birthday, there will be cake, games, crafts, and a bouncy house! Also Texas A&M Forest Service’s Smokey Bear, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council’s Leo the Lion, and Marco’s Pizza’s Chef Marco, will be making special appearances at the event to help Timber celebrate. The museum hopes to see your family there. This event is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by LiveWell Athletic Club. 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 5:00 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.

An Update from Trent Ashby

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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With August upon us, and the school year just around the corner, I hope you and your family are enjoying what little is left of the summer vacation. As we prepare for the school year, I wanted to remind everyone that Tax Free Weekend in Texas will be held on August 10-12th. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to save a few dollars. Tax Free Weekend is a great opportunity to get our kiddos ready for school, while also saving money on tax-exempt items such as clothing, shoes, and school supplies. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar so that you can take advantage of this awesome cost-saving opportunity!

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

House Interim Charge: County Affairs

Next up on our tour of House Committees is the Committee on County Affairs. This nine member committee has jurisdiction over the organization, creation, governance, and finances that apply to Texas counties. Additionally, the committee oversees regional councils of government and the cooperation between local units of government and their respective counties. This committee also has purview over the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and operations of our county correctional facilities.

With Hurricane Harvey dominating most of the interim committee topics, it comes as no surprise that the County Affairs Committee will spend a great deal of time examining emergency responsiveness at the county level. More specifically, the committee will identify ways that counties and other local entities can improve efficiencies, manage costs, and promote public safety in the event of a natural disaster. With respect to post-Harvey recovery, the committee’s work this interim will be particularly important to ensure that our local governments are both receiving, and properly managing additional resources that will help mitigate the destruction of future natural disasters.

Aside from Harvey related charges, County Affairs will also study how counties identify defendants’ and inmates’ behavioral health needs and deferral opportunities to assist in providing rehabilitative and transition services. This charge will help ensure that defendants and inmates with mental illness receive the appropriate care upon their release from the criminal justice system.

Reminders

The mobile office returns in the month of August and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: August 15th from 9:00-11:00am at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett, and from 1:30-3:30pm at the Trinity County Courthouse in

Groveton; or on August 22nd from 9:00-11:00am at the San Augustine County 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.

Lufkin District Updates and Plans for Coming Week

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – The nine county Lufkin District has many work zones set up through construction and maintenance projects. Motorists are asked to respect TxDOT work zones, reduce speed to the posted suggested speed limit and stay alert for moving equipment and workers. It is illegal to remove or drive around a TxDOT traffic control device, including barrels or cones. Obey all traffic control including lead cars and flaggers throughout a work zone.
“These laws are put into place to protect not only our workers but the motorists,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “There is not a county within our district that motorists won’t encounter a TxDOT work zone. We advise them to be patient and plan ahead for possible delays.”
Work schedules and project updates for the coming week of August 6-10 include:
ANGELINA
US 59 South: Crews will be repairing surface joints from FM 324 to Diboll in southbound lanes. This project  is designed to resurface the roadway from Whitehouse Drive in Lufkin to just north of Diboll. Daily lane closures expected.
US 69 South: Traffic has been switched on new road surface on the west side of the roadway just outside Huntington as work to mill up the old road and place base material begins.
US 69 South: Crews will be placing silt fence and installing temporary driveway culverts throughout the northern section of this construction project designed to widen the roadway from two to four lanes from FM 844 south of Huntington to FM 1270 in Zavalla. Crews also continue to clear right-of-way from FM 844 to Zavalla ahead of construction that will widen the roadway.
US 59/SL 287 East: Crews are scheduled to repair edges in various locations. Lane closures expected.
US 69/FM 326 South: Crews are scheduled to pour foundations and conduct underground work to prepare for signal poles at this project designed to add a traffic signal at this intersection.
FM 841: Crews continue to work to replace the bridge at Biloxi Creek. Crews are installing overhang brackets and tying steel for the bridge deck and building forms. This road is closed to traffic and detours are in place.
Various locations: Crews are scheduled to repair potholes and signs and monitor vegetation for herbicide treatment.
Various locations: Crews will be placing new street signs on the signal arms in Lufkin and Diboll.
NACOGDOCHES
FM 95: Work continues as crews form the bridge deck at the bridge replacement project at Terrapin Creek.
FM 1638: Crews are scheduled to seal the roadway and safety treat fixed objects from FM 698 to US 59/SL 224. Daily lane closures expected.
FM 226: Crews will continue to upgrade metal bean guard fence and safety treat fixed objects from SH 21 to the end of pavement. Daily lane closures expected.
FM 2112: Work is scheduled to repair road base from SH 7 to FM 2713. Lane closures expected.
POLK
US 287 West: Crews are scheduled to repair base failures in various locations.
FM 942:  Work is scheduled to repair base failures in various locations.
FM 62: Work is scheduled to repair base failures in various locations.
FM 350 North: Crews will continue to work on this project designed to upgrade guardrail to design standards and safety treat fixed objects. This project includes various locations on FM 350, FM 1725, FM 2610, FM 2665 and FM 3277. Motorists should prepare for lane closures.
Holly Grove Road: Crews will continue to place drill shafts at the bridge replacement project on Menard Creek.
Various locations: Crews will be striping and working to install profile pavement markings.
SAN JACINTO
SH 150: Work is scheduled to correct drainage and washout issues in various locations.
FM 224: Work is beginning on this project designed to improve guardrail to design standards from SH 156 North to SH 156 South.
FM 946: Crews will work to repair and replace base in various locations.
FM 3128: Crews are scheduled to level up pavement in various locations.
FM 222: Contractors are scheduled to trim limbs from trees and remove dead trees from the right of way in various locations.
Various locations: Crews will monitor vegetation for herbicide treatment.
Various locations: Crews will be striping and working to install profile pavement markings.
TRINITY
FM 2262: Work is scheduled to apply cement on sections of this project designed to reconstruct and widen pavement to 24-foot. Daily lane closures expected.
FM 1309: Crews are scheduled to seal the roadway.
FM 2912: Crews are scheduled to seal the roadway.
HOUSTON
SH 19: Work is scheduled to remove a headwall and pour concrete for a new headwall on this project that is designed to upgrade guardrail to design standards and safety treat fixed objects from 1.6 miles north of FM 231 to the Trinity County line.
SH 7: Crews continue foundation repair work at the Trinity River Bridge. The work remains off the roadway, but motorists should use caution and stay alert to moving equipment.
SH 21 West: Crews are removing old concrete, placing base and treating the subgrade on this project designed to reconstruct the pavement and add passing lanes from 2.3 miles east of FM 2967 to SH 7. Temporary traffic signals are in place that allows for one way traffic across the bridge. Motorists should expect daily lane closures and detours.
FM 232: Base repair and level up is scheduled in various locations.
FM 227: Work continues to build forms and backfill cross structures on this project designed to safety treat fixed objects from SH 21 to SH 7. Daily lane closures expected.
SL 304: Mill and inlay work is scheduled from FM 229 to SH 21 West/SH 7 West and continue from US 287 and SH 19 moving west to SH 7. Lane closures expected.
SL 304: Base repair and overlay applications are planned near the schools. Lane closures expected.
Various locations: Crews are scheduled to repair signs and patch potholes.
SHELBY
US 96: Crews will continue to apply hot mix asphalt pavement on this project designed to plane and level up the roadway and apply a permeable friction course from US 84 to SH 87. Daily lane closures expected.
CR 4789: Crews are scheduled to place drill shafts on the bridge replacement project at the tributary of Blackwater Creek.
CR 4620: Crews are completing the detour bridge and metal beam guard fence and will begin placing drill shafts on this bridge replacement project at Risinger Creek.
Various locations: Crews will be replacing street signs on the signal arms in various locations in Center.
SAN AUGUSTINE
SH 21: Crews continue roadway approach work at the bridge replacement project at Perkins Creek and are scheduled to remove the bridge at Venado Creek. Daily lane closures expected.
SH 21: Crews will be placing hot mix at this bridge replacement project over Niciper Creek. Lane closures expected.
FM 711: Crews are mixing cement and hauling flex base on this project designed to reconstruct and widen the surface from the Shelby County line to US 96.
SABINE
FM 1751: Work is planned that will remove high edges in various locations.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

Smart, Healthful Snack Tips for People on the Move

By
Statepoint
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Does your schedule, have you on-the-move? Check out these easy ways to healthfully keep hunger at bay, no matter where your busy life takes you, including at home!

Make Mini Meals

Instead of big heavy meals, think in smaller bites. Combine your favorite proteins, veggies, fruits and nuts into “snack style” meals that leave you satisfied, but not low on energy from just eating too much. Pick flavorful foods for lasting satisfaction.

Go Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet is renowned for being both delicious and healthful. So, skip the chips and take a culinary cue from this region of the world for smarter snacking.

Flavorful, low-calorie, and low-carb olives provide a great centerpiece to any snack. Look for super easy options like Pearls’ Olives to Go! Infused Olives, which come in portable cups with peel-back lids. Since there’s no liquid and no refrigeration needed, it’s an easy option to bring along to work, school, the gym or on trips. Great on their own, flavors include Sriracha, Taco and Italian Herb. For more information, visit Olives.com/pearls.

Desk Drawer Delights

Sitting for long hours takes its toll. Take a brisk walk every day for a healthier outcome. A little snack afterwards is a welcome

reward. Keep fruit, olives or a handful of nuts on-hand to avoid

that junk food vending machine down the hall!

100 Calories or Less is Best

Keep an eye on packaged food labels and be aware of the calorie count of your favorite snack items. For example, 10 large olives are only about 35 calories and a small apple is about 75 calories. A protein rich hard-boiled egg is about 80 calories and 10 almonds are 70 calories.

Having knowledge about your food gives you control and prevents later regrets. Look for products packaged in reasonable portions, such as the Pearls Olives to Go!. With several varieties weighing in at 35 calories per cup, this is a choice you can feel good about.

Boarding Passes

Air travel is now notoriously lacking in tasty onboard snacks, save for a few peanuts often drenched in sugar. Packing some satisfying snacks with good fats and proteins is the trick to battling inflight munchies. Olives, roasted seeds and nuts, crunchy carrot sticks and a few squares of cheese can be life savers.

Power to the Pantry

Being prepared applies here! Keeping your pantry and refrigerator stocked with the right foods is key to being a super-snacker, not a slacker snacker, and will help to satisfy cravings and curb weight gain. Don’t even allow the junk foods in the door!

A well-provisioned pantry should include seeds, nuts, dried fruits, olives in portioned cups and some lean jerky snacks. Stock the refrigerator with portion-controlled cheese snack squares and sticks, chilled sparkling water, fresh veggie slices, hard-boiled eggs and tofu squares.

With these tips, you’re ready to power-snack and stay fueled for whatever your day throws at you.

-Statepoint

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